WJR Mid-Morning On-Air Host Frank Beckmann Retires After 48 Years

Rochester Hills resident and veteran on-air host, Frank Beckmann, announces his retirement after a 48-year radio career with News Talk 760 WJR.

Frank Beckmann, a news talk and sports broadcasting legend, has hosted “The Frank Beckmann Show” on WJR weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon for the last 18 years. His last show will air on Friday, March 26, 2021. Named “Best Midday Personality” by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Beckmann has been cited as Michigan’s top sportscaster for his work as the only person to broadcast games for all four of Detroit’s major sports teams and his creation of Detroit’s first Sports Talk show, “Sportswrap,” in 1981. He was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and has also been inducted into the Michigan Associations of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and the VIP Mentoring Coaches Challenge Hall of Fame.

Beckmann first signed on to News Talk 760 WJR in 1972. In 1981, he succeeded Bob Ufer as the University of Michigan football play-by-play announcer, a job he did for 33 seasons. He was honored as “Top Michigan Sportscaster” numerous times, and in 2014, he received the Chris Schenkel Award by the National Football Foundation, making Beckmann a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Over the course of his storied career, Beckmann has helped raise 10’s of millions of dollars for Detroit area charities, including The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund; Dutton Farm in Oakland Township, which serves those with Down Syndrome; the Autism Alliance of Michigan; and numerous other nonprofit organizations. Beckmann is also a longtime major supporter of the March of Dimes, and has hosted an annual golf tournament fundraiser for the charity for 37 years.

“Frank Beckmann is a radio legend who became a legend because he does everything full throttle,” said Steve Finateri, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Detroit. “As a play-by-play announcer, Frank electrified audiences with his memorable style of calling all the action. As a midday talk personality, he prides himself on having the ‘best informed audience’ and always delivers on that promise to them. As a philanthropist, his overwhelming generosity has fortified countless worthy causes. As a spokesperson, his integrity and personal endorsements have fueled so many businesses. As an indispensable member of our team, he has helped WJR become a mega-brand in Michigan, the Midwest and throughout the country.”

“Frank’s career over the past 48 years has made him one of the most elite members of the media, and deservedly so,” Finateri continues. “Most importantly, Frank Beckmann is one of the kindest, most honorable and passionate individuals to those who know him. He will be sorely missed, but we wish him all the best as he enjoys his next chapter as full-time family member and avid golfer.”

Rochester Media asked WJR about the undertaking of filling Beckmann’s air time after he rides off into the sunset. “As one might imagine, replacing a legend is no easy task, especially with the bar that was set by Frank. Thankfully, Frank gave us some advance notice (a rarity in our business) so we can have time to make sure we get it right,” said Finateri. “The audience reaction has already been overwhelming and while we begin our search, we really want to focus on allowing Frank’s loyal audience time to savor his remaining broadcasts and celebrate his brilliant career through his final broadcast on March 26.”

The three sit on a bench at the ceremony
National Anthem singer, Brandy Hewines, Karen Beckmann, and Guest Speaker Frank Beckmann at the Veterans Tribute of Oakland Township Dedication Ceremony in 2018 – Photo by Michael Dwyer

“I will be forever grateful to WJR for helping all of my boyhood dreams to come true,” said Frank Beckman. “As a youngster growing up on the east side of Detroit, I always imagined sitting behind a microphone, announcing Lions and Tigers games. It was surreal for me to actually have been able to do that, along with experiencing the other great opportunities this radio giant, known as WJR, provided me. I only hope I’ve met some of the expectations of me, and I thank every person I’ve worked for, or with, at WJR …”

“It’s been an amazing ride and while I look forward to all the upcoming additional golf time, I also know I will deeply miss the incredible, best in the business professionals I’ve worked for and with these past 48+ years,” Beckmann continues. “My co-workers and our clients are not only my friends; they are my family. I’d like to thank them, along with our loyal audience. Without their support, I would not have had this run. Finally, I’d like to give thanks to my family: my wife, Karen, son Jon, and daughter Tori, for the selfless sacrifices they’ve made through the years. And now that my professional sunset beckons, and while I say so long to my job, I say thanks to all of you for making my career and life more complete. My best wishes to my WJR colleagues and listeners.”

Editor’s Note

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Frank and his wife Karen at local events and businesses, as they both support local companies and nonprofits in our readership area. They are as kind as everyone remarks. In addition, I’ve been a guest on Frank’s radio program to talk about the Rochester Writers’ Conference held at Oakland University – it was wonderful to highlight the area, the event, and the authors. Many local leaders, residents, and area nonprofits have been heard as guests or callers to Frank’s program. And while the station’s signal covers a large area, it’s the local connections and voices that remind listeners that we have friend on the air. Best wishes to Frank Beckmann as he prepares to retire. I’m sure his post-retirement schedule will fill up so quickly, he’ll wonder how he ever had time to go work.

~Michael Dwyer
About Rochester Media

Rochester Media publishes The Community Edge digital newsletter of recently posted articles from Rochester Media, a hyper-local news outlet covering all things in and around Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township. Send us you press releases and news happenings to editor@rochestermedia.com.

Comments

  1. Pat Palmer says

    I have been away from Detroit for a year and 1/2 because of Covid, just returned last week. I turned on WJR, which I have done for the last 50 years and no Frank … needless to say I was very disappointed. I will miss him dearly, but I hope he has a wonderful retirement and gets to play a lot of golf.

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