Sunday, December 16, 2012

Detroit Radio: Joe Donovan Gone From WWJ-AM

Joe Donovan
WWJ-AM Detroit morning host Joe Donovan has left the building. A 37-year veteran of the station, Donovan left at the end of 6a01a broadcast simply with, "Good-bye Detroit. Thank you for listening all these years."

He has not commented publicly about what led to his resignation. And it's not clear if leaving was Joe's decision.

Donovan's resonant baritone was first heard on Detroit radio in 1970, when he came to Detroit from his native Wheeling, W.Va., to take a job on CKLW's notorious "Big 8" 20/20 news team headed by Byron MacGregor.

In almost four decades at all-news WWJ, Donovan was known for his deep love of history, evinced in the "Joe Donovan's Detroit History" series, as well as for his effortless alliteration, a gift that also made him a natural for CKLW's breathless, melodramatic news style. 

He began his career with WWJ in 1976.



Rita Donovan, Donovan’s wife of 42 years, told the FreePress that her husband officially started his retirement today.

"It's tough getting up at 2:22 a.m. every day," she says. "I am glad to have him home full-time."

It was unclear Friday how Donovan’s departure will affect co-host Roberta Jasina’s role.

Rob Davidek, program and news director of WWJ, confirmed that both Donovan and reporter Florence Walton were no longer with the station.

Donovan was perennially among Detroit radio’s Top 10-rated morning programs.

Donovan described his career in radio on the Detroit.cbslocal website:
There is nothing like being on the air when a major story begins to break. After more than three decades at WWJ, I feel the same excitement as the first day we began broadcasting the latest news the minute you want it. The change in the tools to do that has been incredible, from old time clunking teletype machines to high-speed internet and worldwide digital communications. Still, my favorite technology is old fashioned book. Reading is my favorite pastime, especially non-fiction and biography. The most fun part of my day is researching and assembling my daily on-air and web “Joe Donovan’s Detroit History".

2 comments:

  1. Joe Donovan is still missed dearly by our entire household! We always counted on listening to his fabulous broadcasts & looked forward to his clever & "effortless alliterations"! We're grateful for the many years of hearing his awesome voice. We wish Joe & his family good health & many blessings as he enjoys his retirement years!

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  2. I met joe donovan at the CKLW , RISE AND FALL OF THE BIG 8 preview presentation at the CABOTO CLUB in windsor ontario. WHAT A GENTLEMAN. after i approached him to talk he was so easy going. i always wanted to work at the BIG 8. we ended up talking for almost an hour and a half. it was a THRILL for me to be talking with a CKLW 20/20 news newsman. i will always cherish the time he gave to me at that meeting. he even wanted to buy me a drink but i declined. ALL THE BEST to you JOE DONOVAN in your retirement. the pictures you took with me will always be cherished and treasured. you are the standard for newsmen. and i always loved your voice. JOE DONOVAN is a very kind amiable human being and im grateful for the time spent with him. EDWARD BUSKO WINDSOR, ONTARIO

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