Jim Kerr will continue as the longest-running morning radio personality in New York City history as he has signed a five-year extension to remain in mornings at iHeartMedia Classic Rock “Q104.3” WAXQ.
Kerr began his run in mornings in New York in 1974 when he joined then-Rock 95.5 WPLJ at the age of 21. He would remain at WPLJ through its move to Top 40 in the 1980s until 1989. After stints in mornings at Hot AC “Mix 105” WMXV, Smooth Jazz “CD 101.9” WQCD, Country 103.5 WYNY and the “Y107” quadcast, Kerr joined WAXQ in January 2002. Prior to coming to New York, the Michigan native also worked at WDAI-FM and WLS-FM Chicago, WKNR-FM Detroit, and WORJ-FM Orlando starting his radio career at the age of 14.
Kerr stated, “I’m so very lucky, my entire adult life, I’ve been able to do what I dreamt about doing as a little kid listening to the radio on top of the refrigerator before school. I decided then that I wanted to be that man on the radio in the morning. So every day, I get up, I come to work, and I spend time with my friends but also, most importantly, I spend time with my friends who are in their cars, or their trucks, or an Uber, or a taxi, or at the gym, or at their workplace, or at home in the kitchen, like I was. In 1975, in Newsday, I said, ‘People think I’m crazy, but I really believe I have half a million friends.’ I still believe that! Every morning, I feel fortunate to do something that I love, with all of my friends.”
iHeartMedia Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman commented, “Jim Kerr and I were young radio guys together in the 1970s, and we’ve been friends ever since; today, Jim is legendary as the longest-running morning radio personality in New York City history. We’re pleased and proud that he is staying with us at Q104.3, extending his deep bond with his audience as an iconic voice of New York City. Jim has made an indelible impact on this city, on our industry, and in the lives of Q104.3 listeners as a trusted voice and friend to millions of New Yorkers for almost 52 years, and we’re delighted that he’ll continue to call iHeart and Q104.3 home.”
iHeart EVP/Programming Thea Mitchum added, “Jim Kerr is synonymous with New York radio. His passion, his connection with listeners, and his unwavering commitment to excellence make him a true icon. We’re proud to continue this incredible partnership and excited for what the next five years will bring to Q104.3 and to New Yorkers who wake up with Jim every morning.”
Shelli Sonstein, Kerr’s longtime co-host since 1977, stepped down last month after being off-the-air since the death of her daughter last fall.
