From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1968

Progressive Rock Is Bowed by WKNR-FM

DETROIT — WKNR-FM has marched into the fray against WABX-FM with a progressive rock format. Frank Maruca, operations manager of WKNR and WKNR-FM, said the 50,000-watt horizontal and 50,000-watt vertical monaural FM operation is simulcasting the the Hot 100 format of the AM station 6 a.m. – 3 p.m., then splitting from 3 p.m. – 2 a.m. daily.

The new format run was slated to begin Sunday, May 26.

There is a possibility of going 24-hour with progressive rock if the station’s format is acquired in rank with the current FM radio surge in popularity. WABX-FM has been programming progressive rock in Detroit since last year.

Among the air-personalities on WKNR-FM are Russ Gibb, owner and operator of the Grande Ballroom in Detroit, who does 6 hours on Saturday and six hours on Sunday; Jerry Taylor mans the evening hours from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., and is followed by Ed Busch, from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Paul Cannon, program director of the AM operation, will be selecting the music for the FM band as well. In the few days the station has been on the air, there has already been “excellent reaction,” Maruca said. END

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(Information and news source: Billboard; June 1, 1968)