R.I.P.: Gary Stevens, WMCA Personality and Broadcast Executive

Gary Stevens ('41-'25)

Gary Stevens, a celebrated 1960s Top 40 radio DJ and broadcasting executive, passed away on Monday, February 17, at the age of 84.

Early Beginnings: Stevens kicked off his radio career at WWOW in Conneaut, Ohio, during a college vacation. His education continued at the University of Miami, where he worked at stations like WCKR, WAME, and WFUN, laying the groundwork for his broadcasting career.

• WIL St. Louis (1961): At WIL, Stevens worked alongside future radio legends, hosting the evening show that built him a loyal listener base. His time here was crucial for his development as a Top 40 DJ.
• WKNR Keener 13, Dearborn, MI (1963): Joining WKNR was a pivotal move for Stevens. Known for its dynamic music format, his show contributed to the station's rapid rise in popularity, making it a dominant force in Detroit's radio market.
• WMCA New York City (1965): Moving to WMCA, Stevens became part of the "Good Guys," enhancing his reputation in one of the world's biggest media markets. His engaging style resonated with the city's youth, playing hits during his prime-time evening slot.

Later Career and Executive Roles: After his on-air success, Stevens transitioned into management, becoming President of Doubleday Broadcasting. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, overseeing stations like KRIZ Phoenix and KDWB Minneapolis, where he was instrumental in transitioning the station to FM

During his tenure at Doubleday Broadcasting, Gary managed stations across major markets, including WLLZ (“Wheels”) in Detroit, KWK in St. Louis, KPKE (“The Peak”) in Denver, WAVA in Washington D.C., as well as WAPP (“The Apple”) and WHN in New York City. He made waves in the industry when WAPP launched its groundbreaking “Commercial Free Summer” promotion—a bold move that shook up traditional advertising models and garnered national attention.

When Doubleday decided to sell its broadcasting assets in 1986, Gary transitioned into media investment banking as Associate Managing Director at Wertheim Schroeder & Co., Inc., where he brokered major radio transactions. Later striking out on his own, he became President & CEO of Gary Stevens & Co., specializing in radio station investments. He also served on several boards, including the National Association of Broadcasters, the Radio Advertising Bureau, the Electronic Media Ratings Council and several public companies, including Saga Communications, where he served as Lead Director, leaving an indelible mark on the industry he loved so much.

Final Role: His last significant position was as interim Chairman of Saga Communications in 2022, marking the end of a long and influential career in broadcasting.