Thursday, August 27, 2015

Atlanta City Radio: Pinky Kravitz Retires

Pinky Kravitz
Pinky Kravitz, the 88-year-old host of the longest-running daily radio talk show in America, is retiring from his nearly 60-year broadcasting career, Longport Media announced today.

Kravitz has continuously hosted “Pinky’s Corner” on WOND 1400 AM in various day and evening time slots since 1958. He made history with the New Jersey Broadcasters Association, becoming the organization's first Hall of Fame inductee, as well as the first recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Press of Atlantic City reports Jeff Kravitz, one of Pinky Kravitz’s sons, posted on Facebook Wednesday morning that, “All good things must come to an end.”

“It's with mixed feelings that Pinky has announced his retirement,” Jeff Kravitz continued in the post.

“He has been a rock the past 56 years on the air. Enjoy your time Dad. You are one of a kind and we all love you!”

His decision to retire came after consultation with his family following a prolonged recuperation from heart surgery in May at the Heart Institute at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. His final live broadcast was May 14, and his unexpected absence from the airwaves the day after made national headlines.

“Generations grew up with him on the radio. Mothers who listened to him became grandmothers; the kids became mothers and had kids. Everyone went to sleep with Pinky,” said Greg Kravitz, referring to the years when “Pinky’s Corner” broadcasted from 9 p.m. to midnight.

WOND has not decided on a replacement program for Kravitz’s time slot but is expected to announce schedule changes in the coming weeks.

“We’re obviously sorry to see Pinky leaving our air,” said Longport Media President Dave Coskey.

“But we support him in this decision. Pinky has always been instantly identified with Atlantic City, South Jersey and WOND. Pinky may be leaving our air physically, but he will always possess a special place here at WOND and in the hearts of his many listeners throughout South Jersey.”

Kravitz started his South Jersey radio and television career in 1956, as the host of a live call-in program on WLDB-AM, now known as 1490 WBSS. Two years later, he found a new home at WOND and remained with the station through 2015.

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