R.I.P.: Former Rochester NY Radio Owner Robert Dodenhoff

Robert Dodenhoff

M-C is sad to learn that radio broadcaster, author and entrepeneur Robert Dodenhoff has died from cancer.

Dodenhoff, a New York native, made Charleston, SC his home for more than 20 years.

As an accomplished entrepreneur, Dodenhoff spent many years buying, operating and selling radio stations throughout the east, including former WKLX (now WBZA 98.9 FM) in Rochester, NY.  At one time, he also co-owned WOMP AM/FM in Wheeling, WV.

He also co-founded, and later sold, CharlestonSeafood.com, a web-based company specializing in delivering fresh seafood overnight throughout the United States. In addition, he waa the founder and president a non-profit education company offering web-based advice to youths on life-critical issues.

CBS Radio News correspondent Peter King worked for Dodenhoff at WKLX and recalls a demanding owner who set the high standards and goals he and business partner Daniel Wachs set for themselves.

According to King,  "WKLX was a fantastic station and Bob and Dan did their best to make it work. We had fun promotions and while I often rolled my eyes at some of their ideas-Bob's 'Lets Get on TV' meetings were interminable- more often than not, his ideas worked!

"Fort WKLX" helped Rochester area military families during the first Gulf War and was so worthwhile. It was also the first time I'd heard of the new next big thing, called the "internet." This was 1991. And Dog-O-Ween....the costume contest...frankly I thought it was a dog...it wasn't the first time I have been dead wrong about something! And then 4/1/93...when the station became "Electric 99" for a day...April Fools Day! That was really fun!!!!

King also said after Bob and Dan were forced to sell,  he and others at WKLX were surprised to learn that in the final months, they went without paychecks so employees wouldn't have to.