George A. Richards

Richards was born on March 9, 1889, in Crete, Illinois. At the age of fourteen he moved to Chicago and worked as an elevator operator. He held a variety of jobs until 1911, when he became a tire salesman for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. In 1912 he became the manager of the Firestone's Columbus, Ohio, branch. He was the youngest branch manager in company history.

In 1917, he joined Firestone's sales department in Detroit.{{cite news |title=Tire Trade Happenings |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LGU-AQAAMAAJ |access-date=March 3, 2023 |work=The Rubber Age |date=May 25, 1917 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313043204/https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Rubber_Age/LGU-AQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq |url-status=live }} Richards married Frances Stevenson on February 22, 1922, having met as the result of a horseback riding accident.{{Cite news |date=June 4, 1951 |title=George Arthur Richards: 1889–1951 |volume=40 |pages=25, 91 |work=Broadcasting–Telecasting |issue=23 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1951/BC-1951-06-04.pdf |access-date=August 29, 2021 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830043250/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1951/BC-1951-06-04.pdf |url-status=live }}

Image:TechTown - Detroit Michigan.jpg

Richards left Firestone in 1921 to form the Cunningham-Richards Co., which was one of the highest selling Cunningham dealerships in the country. In 1924 he became the Oakland dealer for Metro Detroit.{{cite news |title=New Firm Will Handle Oakland |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SA-2EC3pK38C |access-date=March 2, 2023 |work=The Detroiter |date=January 5, 1925 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313043205/https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Detroiter/SA-2EC3pK38C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq |url-status=live }} He sold Oaklands and Pontiacs until 1929, when he gave up his dealership to focus on radio.{{cite book |title=The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography |date=1958 |publisher=J.T. White |page=238}}

Richards first became involved in radio through advertising. His dealership was one of the first businesses in Detroit to advertise on radio. On December 25, 1926, Richards took over operations of Detroit station WJR{{Cite news |date=December 26, 1926 |title=Richards-Oakland To Show Its Broadcasts in Action |page=7, part 4 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120712815/richards-oakland-to-show-its-broadcasts/ |access-date=March 12, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313043206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120712815/richards-oakland-to-show-its-broadcasts/ |url-status=live }} (which officially operated as "WJR-WCX", a consolidated license where Richards owned "WJR" while the Detroit Free Press owned "WCX"{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=61867 |title= History Cards for WJR|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} (Guide to reading History Cards)). The takeover happened when founding owner Jewett Radio & Phonographic Co. was forced to put the station into bankruptcy; Richards was credited for helping the station successfully turn a profit.

General Order 40, a major reorganization of radio frequencies by the Federal Radio Commission (FRC) implemented later in the year, allowed WJR-WCX to be designated a clear-channel station. Richards moved "WJR" to new studios in the Fisher Building in December 1929, while WCX remained at the Free Press Building.{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1928 |title=WJR Will Open Fisher Studios: Elaborate Equipment of Richards-Oakland Company Ready Today. |page=12, part 1 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120742091/wjr-will-open-fisher-studios-elaborate/ |access-date=March 13, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313043208/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120742091/wjr-will-open-fisher-studios-elaborate/ |url-status=live }} By April 1929, Richards purchased WCX from the Free Press and WJR-WCX dropped the "WCX" call letters. WJR was upgraded to {{val|50000|fmt=commas|u=watts}} in 1935.

In September 1930, Richards, along with WJR associates Leo J. Fitzpatrick and P. M. Thomas,{{Cite news |date=September 26, 1930 |title=WJR Back of New Radio Studio Here |page=11 |newspaper=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}} purchased the assets of two stations—WCSO in Springfield, Ohio,{{Cite news |date=October 31, 1930 |title=Radio Station WCSO Stops Broadcasting |page=25 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83342185/radio-station-wcso-stops-broadcasting/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83342185/radio-station-wcso-stops-broadcasting/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} and WFJC in Akron, Ohio,{{Cite news |date=September 26, 1930 |title=Sale Of WFJC Confirmed, U.S. Commission Approves |page=1 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83345445/sale-of-wfjc-confirmed-us-commission/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83345445/sale-of-wfjc-confirmed-us-commission/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} both operating on the same frequency under a time-share agreement{{Cite news |date=June 29, 1929 |title=Alterations and Corrections |page=17 |work=Radio Service Bulletin |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce |issue=147 |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221818&view=1up&seq=955 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804190754/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221818&view=1up&seq=955 |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |via=HathiTrust}}—and consolidated them to form WGAR in Cleveland, Ohio, bearing his initials.{{Cite news |date=December 7, 1931 |title=Radio broadcasting stations consolidated during the fiscal year 1931 |page=13 |work=Fifth Annual Report of the Federal Radio Commission |publisher=Federal Radio Commission |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015011384305&view=1up&seq=545 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716115538/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015011384305&view=1up&seq=545 |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=HathiTrust}}{{Cite news |date=September 20, 1930 |title=See Sale Of WFJC As Network Move |page=3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83347009/see-sale-of-wfjc-as-network-move/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053226/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83347009/see-sale-of-wfjc-as-network-move/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} WGAR signed on as the first NBC Blue affiliate in Cleveland.{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1930 |title=WGAR Goes On the Air Without a Hitch |page=8 |newspaper=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}{{Cite book |ref={{harvid|In re Applications of G.A. Richards, Vol. 1|1948}} |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-File-Cabinet/WGAR-1948-License-Renwal-1.pdf |title=In re Applications of G.A. Richards, transferor, and Harry J. Klinger, Lawrence P. Fisher and John H. Hannah, transferees, for consent to the transfer of control of KMPC, the Station of the Stars, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., Docket No. 9402, WJR, the Goodwill Station, Inc., Detroit, Michigan, Docket No. 9403 [and] WGAR Broadcasting Company, Cleveland, Ohio, Docket No. 9404. For renewal of license of Radio Stations KMPC, the Station of the Stars, Inc. ... Docket No. 9468, File No. BR-18, WJR, the Goodwill Station, Inc. ... Docket No. 9469, File No. BR-331 [and] WGAR Broadcasting Company ... Docket No. 9405, File No. BR-283: Exhibits of the WGAR Broadcasting Company |publisher=Fulton, Walter & Halley |year=1948 |volume=1 |location=Washington, D.C. |access-date=August 25, 2021 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929015111/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-File-Cabinet/WGAR-1948-License-Renwal-1.pdf |url-status=live}} By September 1937, WGAR switched from NBC Blue to CBS.{{Cite news |date=September 15, 1937 |title=Cleveland Switch to Occur Sept. 26 |volume=13 |page=15 |work=Broadcasting-Broadcast Advertising |issue=6 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1937/1937-09-15-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=December 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151225/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1937/1937-09-15-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} It was as a CBS affiliate that WGAR began producing multiple influential programs, including Wings Over Jordan{{Cite news |last=Barnett |first=David C. |date=March 3, 2008 |title=Radio Show Chronicled Blacks' Harsh Realities |language=en |website=NPR.org |publisher=NPR Music |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87780799 |url-status=live |access-date=September 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902231253/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87780799 |archive-date=September 2, 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Hill |first=Edward |date=April 1, 1990 |title=Heyday of Negro spirituals highlighted singer's mission |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EFEED4641C2C8 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804190755/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EFEED4641C2C8&f=basic |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |via=NewsBank}} and Cleveland Orchestra broadcasts{{Cite news |date=September 14, 1942 |title=WGAR to resume Symphony Series |volume=24 |page=55 |work=Broadcasting-Broadcast Advertising |issue=11 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1942/1942-09-14-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151338/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1942/1942-09-14-BC.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} over the network, and became a starting point for comedian Jack Paar's career.{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=May 6, 1997 |title=Master of Monologue: Jack Paar |page=9E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C5A5B32F3AE5 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804190754/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C5A5B32F3AE5&f=basic |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}

Originally operating under facilities much weaker than WJR by comparison,{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1930 |title=High Power Stations Are Urged In Report |page=26 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83347369/high-power-stations-are-urged-in-report/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83347369/high-power-stations-are-urged-in-report/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} a series of upgrades followed, including a frequency switch to {{frequency|1220|kHz}} in June 1944{{Cite news |date=June 5, 1944 |title=WGAR Makes a Move |volume=26 |page=20 |work=Broadcasting and Broadcast Advertising |issue=23 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1944/1944-06-05-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925212403/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1944/1944-06-05-BC.pdf |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} and a power increase to {{val|50000|fmt=commas|u=watts}} in July 1947.{{cite news |date=July 7, 1947 |title=WGAR's Power Output Is Boosted to 50 KW |volume=33 |page=17 |work=Broadcasting–Telecasting |agency=Broadcasting |issue=1 |url=http://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1947/1947-07-07-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925215013/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1947/1947-07-07-BC.pdf |archive-date=September 25, 2021}} In both cases, WGAR fought extensively in court with Akron CBS affiliate WADC, which twice petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take over WGAR's facilities.{{Cite news |last=Doran |first=Dorothy |date=February 11, 1942 |title=WADC Petitions FCC For Fifty Kilowatt Power |page=20 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84157457/wadc-petitions-fcc-for-fifty-kilowatt/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826050716/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84157457/wadc-petitions-fcc-for-fifty-kilowatt/ |archive-date=August 26, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=October 14, 1946 |title=WGAR Given Proposed 50-kw Grant: FCC Bolts Precedent; Would Deny Two At Biloxi |volume=31 |page=88 |work=Broadcasting–Telecasting |issue=15 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1946/1946-10-14-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925214340/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1946/1946-10-14-BC.pdf |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}

After acquiring an option to purchase Los Angeles station KNX, only to relinquish it to CBS, Richards purchased crosstown KMPC on May 5, 1937.{{Cite news |last=Harper |first=James |date=May 5, 1937 |title=FCC Okays KMPC Sale To Richards |page=35 |newspaper=Daily News |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107296161/fcc-okays-kmpc-sale-to-richards/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810000407/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107296161/fcc-okays-kmpc-sale-to-richards/ |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} The purchase came as Richards began suffering varied health ailments, including a coronary thrombosis in 1938 that left him unable to do much heavy exercise, and necessitated his taking up a second residence in Beverly Hills.{{Cite news |date=July 12, 1950 |title=Richards' Health Issue Up Again in FCC Case |page=2-II |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84490525/richards-health-issue-up-again-in-fcc/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214151/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84490525/richards-health-issue-up-again-in-fcc/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}

{{Main|Charles Coughlin}}

When Richards acquired WJR in Detroit in 1929, he encouraged Father Charles Coughlin to continue his weekly broadcasts and to focus on politics instead of religious topics.{{cite magazine |last=Schneider |first=John |date=September 1, 2018 |title=The Rabble-Rousers of Early Radio Broadcasting |url=https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/the-rabble-rousers-of-early-radio-broadcasting |magazine=Radio World |publisher=Future US |volume=42 |pages=16–18 |number=22 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812211922/https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/the-rabble-rousers-of-early-radio-broadcasting |url-status=live }} He became the chief financial backer and confidant for many years.Donald Warren, Radio Priest: Charles Coughlin, the Father of Hate Radio (1996) pp. 21–22, 311 In 1931, with backing by Richards, Coughlin established his own independently financed radio network for the Golden Hour of the Shrine of the Little Flower, with flagship WJR and WGAR in Cleveland, Ohio as core stations. Coughlin was reaching a weekly audience between 16 million and 30 million listeners, and every day he received 10,000 letters.{{r|RWCoughlin}}

Throughout the 1930s, Coughlin's views changed as his audience grew. Eventually he was "openly antidemocratic", according to Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, "calling for the abolition of political parties and questioning the value of elections".{{cite book|last1=Levitsky|first1=Steven|last2=Ziblatt|first2=Daniel|title=How Democracies Die|url=https://archive.org/details/howdemocraciesdi0000levi|url-access=limited|date=January 16, 2018|publisher=Crown Publishing|isbn=978-1524762957|page=[https://archive.org/details/howdemocraciesdi0000levi/page/31 31]|edition=First edition, ebook}} His views were seen as mirroring those of Richards himself, who had held reactionary conservative beliefs.{{r|RWCoughlin}} Leo Fitzpatrick, who had given Coughlin his initial airtime over WJR in 1926 and was retained as a part-owner when Richards purchased the station,{{Cite news |date=September 17, 1971 |title=Leo J. Fitzpatrick Is Dead at 77; Served on Forerunner of F. C. C. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |location=New York, New York |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/09/17/archives/leo-j-fitzpatrick-is-dead-at-77-served-on-forerunner-of-fcc.html |access-date=August 15, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}} continued to serve as a confidant and advisor to Coughlin.{{Cite magazine |date=March 21, 1938 |title=Music: Musical Mayhem |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,788253,00.html |magazine=Time |language=en-US |volume=XXXI |issue=13 |issn=0040-781X |access-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812211930/https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,788253,00.html |url-status=live }}

In 1934, Richards purchased the Portsmouth Spartans for approximately $15,000 and moved the team to Detroit. He used his connections to have NBC broadcast Lions Thanksgiving Day games on its Blue Network. The game set a team attendance record and gave the fledgling league vital national exposure.{{cite news |last1=Reineking |first1=Jim |title=Why Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving |work=USA Today |date=November 24, 2022}} In 1940, Richards, then living in Beverly Hills and in poor health, sold the team to Fred L. Mandel Jr. on the advice of his physician.{{cite news |title=Detroit Lions Sold in a $200,000 Deal |work=The New York Times |date=January 17, 1940}}

Richards would be ensnared in 1948 by allegations of news policies instituted at KMPC under his name that encouraged manipulation and bias. The March 6, 1948, issue of Billboard{{Cite magazine |last=Zhito |first=Lee |date=March 6, 1948 |title=Ex-KMPC'ers Blow Whistle: Charge Richards Ordered News Slanted To Promote Own Political Beliefs, Also Claim Smear Orders on Roosevelts, Hughes, Jews, Etc. |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-06.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |volume=60 |issue=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924040857/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-06.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} contained memos attributed to Richards heavily implying antisemitism and anti-communism, repeatedly insisting that Jews were "all Communists" and insisted news personnel "keep hammering away at the Jews".{{Cite news |last=Crosby |first=John |author-link=John Crosby (media critic) |date=March 9, 1948 |title=Radio In Review: Freedom Of Speech On The Air |page=16 |work=The Evening Review |agency=New York Herald Tribune |location=East Liverpool, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84336684/radio-in-review-freedom-of-speech-on/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829064120/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84336684/radio-in-review-freedom-of-speech-on/ |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Former KMPC newscaster Clete Roberts, accused Richards of firing him on insubordination grounds after refusing to omit unflattering details on a profile of Gen. Douglas MacArthur.{{Cite magazine |date=March 20, 1948 |title=Roberts Hits KMPC Defense; Insists News Slant Fight, Not Economy, Forced Exit, Ex-News Chief Adds To Richards Charges |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-20.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |volume=60 |issue=12 |pages=3–4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924041010/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-20.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}

Roberts also stated Richards encouraged favorable reports on MacArthur and unfavorable coverage towards members of the Roosevelt family, Henry A. Wallace, the Truman administration and the New Deal, along with any stories on Palestine to be spiked so as not to "give aid and comfort to Jews and Communists".{{r|Billboard19480306}} Maurie Starrels, another former KMPC staffer, charged that Richards demanded multiple news figures, including Bugsy Siegel, have their Jewish backgrounds heavily emphasized, and ordered the fabrication of a story regarding Edwin W. Pauley pursuing a Truman cabinet post.{{Cite magazine |date=March 13, 1948 |title=Starrels Adds New Statement Against KMPC: 'Bugsy Was a Jew' |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-13.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |volume=60 |issue=11 |pages=3, 8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924040939/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-13.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}

Multiple members of Congress,{{Cite magazine |date=March 13, 1948 |title=Charges Against KMPC Stir FCC & Congressional Reaction |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-13.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |volume=60 |issue=11 |pages=3, 8, 14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924040939/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-13.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=August 29, 2021}} the American Jewish Congress (AJC), the Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) and the Radio News Club of Hollywood (RNC), along with James Roosevelt, all called on the FCC to investigate.{{Cite magazine |date=March 20, 1948 |title=Richards Tiff Joined by AJC And Politicos, James Roosevelt Involved |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-20.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |volume=60 |issue=12 |pages=3, 8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924041010/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-20.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} The AJC's petition stated that Richards "fomented hate among minorities" by blatantly flouting the Mayflower doctrine.{{Cite magazine |last=Carson |first=Saul |date=December 6, 1948 |title=RADIO: Freedom and License |magazine=The New Republic |volume=119 |issue=23 |pages=34–36 |id={{EBSCOhost|14781459}} |via=EBSCOHost}}{{Cite magazine |date=March 20, 1948 |title=FCC Studies KMPC Fuss; Delays Decish on Hearing |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-20.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |volume=60 |issue=12 |pages=3–4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924041010/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/40s/1948/Billboard%201948-03-20.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} The RNC's petition, based on the Billboard evidence, was taken up by the FCC, which ordered an initial examination of all three stations on March 25, 1948.{{Cite news |date=March 29, 1948 |title=KMPC Probe: FCC Takes Formal Action |volume=34 |work=Broadcasting-Telecasting |issue=13 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1948/1948-03-29-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925215715/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1948/1948-03-29-BC.pdf |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} The commission then ordered a public investigation for the stations{{Cite news |last=Offineer |first=Bee |date=February 24, 1949 |title=Cartoon Suggests TV Idea |page=10 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84346586/cartoon-suggests-tv-idea/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829152146/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84346586/cartoon-suggests-tv-idea/ |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} on November 16, amid questions over Richards's qualifications as a license holder.{{Cite news |date=November 16, 1948 |title=Public Hearing Called On KMPC Newscasting |page=9 |work=Los Angeles Evening Citizen News |location=Hollywood, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84346120/public-hearing-called-on-kmpc/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829152149/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84346120/public-hearing-called-on-kmpc/ |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}

This investigation was delayed throughout 1949 as Richards proposed transferring all three stations to three trustees,{{Cite news |date=April 25, 1949 |title=Richards' Plan: Trusteeship Outlined |volume=36 |pages=30, 40 |work=Broadcasting-Telecasting |issue=17 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1949/1949-04-25-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829152149/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1949/1949-04-25-BC.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} and advised for a personal appearance before the FCC given his health condition; his physicians insisted any hearing could potentially kill Richards given his heart condition.{{Cite news |date=March 21, 1949 |title=Richards: Health, Trusteeship Win FCC Delay |volume=36 |pages=26, 63 |work=Broadcasting-Telecasting |issue=12 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1949/1949-03-21-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829152146/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1949/1949-03-21-BC.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}{{Cite news |date=August 1, 1949 |title=Richards: Hearing Planned on Trusteeship, Renewal |volume=37 |pages=27, 42 |work=Broadcasting-Telecasting |issue=5 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1949/1949-08-01-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830043247/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1949/1949-08-01-BC.pdf |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} The proposal was criticized by the National Community Relations Advisory Council (NCRAC) as neither of the three trustees were residents of Cleveland, Detroit or Los Angeles, while two of the trustees were known to espouse deeply conservative viewpoints.{{Cite web |date=April 25, 1949 |title=Minutes of meeting of Committee on Overt Anti-Semitism held at the office of the NCRAC Monday, April 25, 1949 at 12:30. |url=http://www.ajcarchives.org/AJC_DATA/Files/TV4.PDF |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714010113/http://www.ajcarchives.org/AJC_DATA/Files/TV4.PDF |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |website=American Jewish Committee Archives}}

Hearings commenced in Los Angeles on March 13, 1950, with FCC chief counsel Frederick W. Ford's opening statement accusing Richards of "slanting" and distorting news on his stations to "substantiate his personal dislikes".{{Cite news |date=March 14, 1950 |title=Radio License Renewal Fight Goes Into FCC Hearing Here |pages=1-II, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84491385/radio-license-renewal-fight-goes-into/ 2-II] |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84491277/radio-license-renewal-fight-goes-into/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214151/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84491277/radio-license-renewal-fight-goes-into/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |title=F.C.C. Charges Bias in News Inflection |work=The New York Times |date=March 14, 1950}} Clete Roberts testified Richards asked him to minimize coverage of President Harry S. Truman's speeches and present Republicans editorials during newscasts without labeling them as editorials, and link prominent Democrats to Communism.{{cite news |date=March 15, 1950 |title=Newscaster Tells of Order to 'Slant' |work=The New York Times}} Roberts stated Richards insisted at a KMPC news staff meeting that there was "a plot afoot, a Jewish plot" involving CBS's William S. Paley, NBC's David Sarnoff and ABC's Robert E. Kintner, with Richards firing him after his news story about Gen. MacArthur denoted graying hair and a quivering hand.{{Cite news |date=March 15, 1950 |title=Anti-Semitism Charge Made at FCC Hearing |page=26 |work=The Bakersfield Californian |agency=Associated Press |location=Bakersfield, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1683530/1950-antisemitism-and-sarnoff-nbc/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214153/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1683530/1950-antisemitism-and-sarnoff-nbc/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021}}

A third former KMPC newscaster claimed Richards insisted "the CIO, Negroes, Jews, the Roosevelt family, and the New Deal never be presented in a favorable light".{{cite news |date=March 24, 1950 |title=Mrs. F.D.R. Broadcast Cited at Richards Quiz |page=24 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11994888/mrs_fdr_broadcast_cited_at_richards/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313043235/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11994888/mrs-fdr-broadcast-cited-at-richards/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} Another announcer testified Richards ordered the removal of be-bop recordings, viewing them as having "communistic influence".{{Cite news |date=March 29, 1950 |title='Be-bop' Ban At KMPC, Witness Says |page=1 |work=Hollywood Citizen-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84487419/be-bop-ban-at-kmpc-witness-says/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214156/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84487419/be-bop-ban-at-kmpc-witness-says/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021}} Jack Paar later corroborated a ban on "swing music" by Richards existed in his memoir, detailing a directive for WGAR to temporarily drop out of CBS programming whenever they played any selections.{{Cite book |last=Paar |first=Jack |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/BOOKSHELF-ARH/Biography/PS-Jack-Parr-Parr-1983.pdf |title=P.S. Jack Paar |publisher=Doubleday & Company, Inc. |year=1983 |isbn=0-385-18743-2 |edition=1st |location=Garden City, New York |page=49 |lccn=82-45938 |author-link=Jack Paar |access-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825205236/https://worldradiohistory.com/BOOKSHELF-ARH/Biography/PS-Jack-Parr-Parr-1983.pdf |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |url-status=live |via=World Radio History}} Sen. Styles Bridges demanded on the Senate floor for the FCC to be investigated over their FCC's investigation into Richards, considering it a punishment exerted by the agency for his political views.{{Cite news |date=March 25, 1950 |title=Ex-KMPC Employee Says He Ignored Richards |page=8 |work=Los Angeles Evening Citizen News |location=Hollywood, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84488533/ex-kmpc-employee-says-he-ignored/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214155/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84488533/ex-kmpc-employee-says-he-ignored/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Representatives Anthony F. Tauriello and Harry J. Davenport denounced Roberts on the House floor based on prior comments made by Roberts about southern Italians,{{Cite news |date=May 5, 1950 |title=Rap Roberts, FCC Witness In Congress |page=1-Section 2 |work=Pasadena Independent |agency=International News Service |location=Pasadena, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84488022/rap-roberts-fcc-witness-in-congress/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214148/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84488022/rap-roberts-fcc-witness-in-congress/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} while Rep. Stephen M. Young considered the hearings an overreach of the commission's authority.{{Cite news |date=June 12, 1950 |title=Laud Richards: 'Hill' Defenders Rally |volume=38 |page=89 |work=Broadcasting-Telecasting |issue=24 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1950/BC-1950-06-12.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214149/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1950/BC-1950-06-12.pdf |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} Richards' attorney Hugh Fulton accused the FCC of attempting to censor Richards because he did not support the Truman administration.{{cite news |title=Radio Owner Says F.C.C. is Capricious |work=The New York Times |date=June 9, 1950}}

Presiding examiner J. Frederick Johnson Jr. died after recessing the hearings, which were restarted by James D. Cunningham on June 15.{{Cite news |date=June 1, 1950 |title=Richards Granted New Hearing in KMPC Radio Case |page=5-Section 3 |work=The Pomona Progress Bulletin |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84487754/richards-granted-new-hearing-in-kmpc/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214150/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84487754/richards-granted-new-hearing-in-kmpc/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021}} The FCC requested 7,000 news scripts from KMPC, and indicated the same request would be made for WJR and WGAR.{{Cite news |date=June 7, 1950 |title=FCC to Get 7000 KMPC News Scripts |page=19 |work=Hollywood Citizen-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84491643/fcc-to-get-7000-kmpc-news-scripts/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214148/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84491643/fcc-to-get-7000-kmpc-news-scripts/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021}} A subpoena for Richards was issued at the insistence of Benedict Cottone{{r|RichardsNewHearing}} but his health again became an issue when he did not obey the order.{{Cite news |date=June 30, 1950 |title=One Phase of Hearing In KMPC Case Near End |page=3 |work=Hollywood Citizen-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84492048/one-phase-of-hearing-in-kmpc-case-near/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214151/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84492048/one-phase-of-hearing-in-kmpc-case-near/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021}} KMPC manager Robert O. Reynolds—who was on the witness stand for over a month—stated Richards' prior thrombosis left him physically unable to walk or climb steps, which was countered by an x-ray specialist who saw little evidence existed of an abnormal enlargement on his heart.{{Cite news |date=July 28, 1950 |title=FCC Makes New Demand for Richards' Testimony |page=10-I |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84492239/fcc-makes-new-demand-for-richards/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214152/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84492239/fcc-makes-new-demand-for-richards/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}

The FCC completed their prosecution at the end of August 1950, which saw 34 witnesses give 2,000,000 words on 8,000 pages of transcript during the course of 13 weeks.{{Cite news |date=August 31, 1950 |title=KMPC Hearing Recesses; Defense to Call Bowron |page=2 |work=Hollywood Citizen-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84493005/kmpc-hearing-recesses-defense-to-call/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831214153/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84493005/kmpc-hearing-recesses-defense-to-call/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021}} Richards' defense included Los Angeles mayor Fletcher Bowron praising Richards for KMPC's wartime public service record{{Cite news |date=September 6, 1950 |title=Bowron Snaps at FCC Man in KMPC Hearing |page=7-II |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84499245/bowron-snaps-at-fcc-man-in-kmpc-hearing/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831231712/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84499245/bowron-snaps-at-fcc-man-in-kmpc-hearing/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} while his legal counsel cited coverage in People's World and The Nation{{Cite magazine |last=Morse |first=Arthur D. |date=February 12, 1949 |title=Poison on the Air? |magazine=The Nation |volume=168 |issue=7 |pages=182–185 |id={{EBSCOhost|13463926}} |via=EBSCOhost}} as evidence that the hearings were inspired by the Communist Party.{{Cite news |date=October 17, 1950 |title=Red Influence in KMPC License Dispute Charged |page=27-I |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84499131/red-influence-in-kmpc-license-dispute/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831231712/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84499131/red-influence-in-kmpc-license-dispute/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) condemned the investigation as an invasion of Richards' free speech right and privacy, prompting NCRAC to issue a reply criticizing the NAB's "misunderstanding of the necessary and natural functions" of the FCC.{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1950 |title=NCRAC Defends FCC's Investigation of Richards |page=18 |work=The Jewish News |url=https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/djnews/djn.1950.11.24.001/18 |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831231714/https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/djnews/djn.1950.11.24.001/18 |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |via=University of Michigan}} The hearings ended in mid-December 1950 with Richards' legal team withdrawing the trusteeship proposal and propose advisory councils for all three stations; Examiner Cunningham deemed the hearings for WGAR as unnecessary.{{Cite news |date=December 25, 1950 |title=Richards Probe: To Drop Trustee Plan |volume=39 |page=34 |work=Broadcasting-Telecasting |issue=26 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1950/BC-1950-12-25.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901051316/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1950/BC-1950-12-25.pdf |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |via=World Radio History}}

On May 15, 1951, FCC chief counsel Benedict Cottone recommended the agency shut down Richards' stations as they had been put to partisan use,{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1951 |title=Plea to Silence Radio KMPC Filed With FCC |page=1 |work=Hollywood Citizen-News |agency=United Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84393227/plea-to-silence-radio-kmpc-filed-with/ |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830043300/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84393227/plea-to-silence-radio-kmpc-filed-with/ |url-status=live }} repeatedly violated FCC policy and failed to serve the public interest.{{Cite news |last=Francis |first=Warren B. |date=May 16, 1951 |title=Ban Urged on Richards Radio Chain |page=I-17 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84393193/ban-urged-on-richards-radio-chain/ |access-date=August 29, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830043251/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84393193/ban-urged-on-richards-radio-chain/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=May 20, 1951 |title=FCC Has Not Taken Any Action on KMPC, Manager Emphasizes |page=II-7 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84394471/fcc-has-not-taken-any-action-on-kmpc/ |access-date=August 29, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830043253/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84394471/fcc-has-not-taken-any-action-on-kmpc/ |url-status=live }} Cottone also assailed the "contempt" Richards held for the agency.{{r|RevokeWGARLicense}} {{age in years and days|1951|05|15|1951|05|28}} after the ruling, and before en banc oral arguments could take place,{{Cite news |date=June 18, 1951 |title=Richards Case: Examiner Proposes Dismissal |volume=40 |page=26 |work=Broadcasting–Telecasting |issue=25 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1951/BC-1951-06-18.pdf |access-date=August 30, 2021 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830201103/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1951/BC-1951-06-18.pdf |url-status=live }} Richards died of an abdominal aortic aneurysm at age 62.{{cite news |title=G.A. Richards, Owner of 3 Radio Stations |work=The New York Times |date=May 28, 1951}}{{Cite news |date=May 28, 1951 |title=Owner Of Radio Stations Dies |page=25 |newspaper=Dayton Daily News |agency=United Press |location=Dayton, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84394336/owner-of-radio-stations-dies/ |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830043250/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84394336/owner-of-radio-stations-dies/ |url-status=live }}

Fr. Coughlin was among the attendees at his funeral. Rev. James W. Fifield Jr.—who delivered the eulogy—condemned the FCC investigation, saying Richards had been "murdered ... by those who sought to destroy freedom".{{Cite news |date=May 31, 1951 |title=Pastor Calls G. A. Richards Death 'Murder' |page=I-9 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |agency=United Press |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84395421/pastor-calls-g-a-richards-death/ |access-date=August 30, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830043249/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84395421/pastor-calls-g-a-richards-death/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Services Wednesday for George A. Richards |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23502645/george-a-richards/ |access-date=March 2, 2023 |work=Detroit Free Press |date=May 29, 1951 |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302234648/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23502645/george-a-richards/ |url-status=live }} All proceedings were dismissed as moot on June 14, 1951;{{r|RichardsDeathDismissal}} the legal fight ultimately cost Richards $2 million.{{r|GoodwillRenewals}}

Widow Frances S. Richards was bequeathed all three stations{{Cite news |date=July 2, 1951 |title=Goodwill Stations: Ask Immediate Renewal |volume=41 |pages=29, 38 |work=Broadcasting–Telecasting |issue=1 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1951/BC-1951-07-02.pdf |access-date=August 30, 2021 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830201106/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1951/BC-1951-07-02.pdf |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=June 11, 1951 |title=Trust Fund Created In G. A. Richards Will |volume=40 |work=Broadcasting–Telecasting |issue=24 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1951/BC-1951-06-11.pdf |access-date=August 30, 2021 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830201102/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1951/BC-1951-06-11.pdf |url-status=live }} and assured the FCC that they would adhere to a code eschewing bias in news reporting.{{Cite news |date=December 3, 1951 |title=Richards's Renewals: FCC Ends Lang Case |volume=41 |pages=23, 104 |work=Broadcasting–Telecasting |issue=23 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1951/BC-1951-12-03.pdf |access-date=August 30, 2021 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826215545/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1951/BC-1951-12-03.pdf |url-status=live }} The FCC renewed all three licenses and approved the ownership transfers to her name on November 28, 1951.{{Cite news |last=Francis |first=Lorania K. |date=November 29, 1951 |title=Licenses Given Three Richards Radio Stations |page=I-25 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84425840/licenses-given-three-richards-radio/ |access-date=August 30, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830201103/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84425840/licenses-given-three-richards-radio/ |url-status=live }}

Early in 1952, Goodwill filed applications for multiple TV stations, including UHF signals in Cleveland and Detroit and VHF signals in Toledo, Ohio, Bay City, Michigan, and Flint, in hopes of establishing a regional television network.{{cite news |date=May 5, 1952 |title=Goodwill Plans |volume=42 |page=66 |work=Broadcasting–Telecasting |issue=18 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1952/BC-1952-05-05.pdf |access-date=March 16, 2020 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308033054/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1952/BC-1952-05-05.pdf |url-status=live }} The June 30, 1952, issue of Broadcasting, however, reported NBC had been "negotiating intermittently" with Richards and his estate "for years" on a purchase of KMPC, with NBC recently selling off their Denver radio station to make it possible.{{Cite magazine |date=June 30, 1952 |title=NBC's KOA Sale; Now Seeks L.A. Outlet |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1952/BC-1952-06-30.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Broadcasting–Telecasting |volume=42 |issue=26 |page=27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131025927/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1952/BC-1952-06-30.pdf |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |access-date=February 22, 2023 |via=World Radio History}}

KMPC was sold that November, to a group headed by Gene Autry for $800,000 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|800000|1952}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).{{Cite news |date=January 5, 1953 |title=KMPC Sale Okayed: FCC Also Grants KSWB |volume=44 |pages=25, 32 |work=Broadcasting–Telecasting |issue=1 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1953/BC-1953-01-05.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830201105/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1953/BC-1953-01-05.pdf |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} WGAR and WGAR-FM were purchased by Peoples Broadcasting Corp. (a subsidiary of Farm Bureau Mutual, forerunner to Nationwide Insurance) on December 4, 1953, for $1.75 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|1750000|1953}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}),{{Cite news |date=December 6, 1953 |title=Insurance Firm Buys Station |page=SECOND-18 |newspaper=Dayton Daily News |agency=Associated Press |location=Dayton, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84423568/insurance-firm-buys-station/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830201102/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84423568/insurance-firm-buys-station/ |archive-date=August 30, 2021}} the largest purchase price for a radio station at that time.{{Cite news |date=December 7, 1953 |title=Radio Stations Are Sold In Cleveland, Spokane |page=21 |newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer |agency=International News Service |location=Cincinnati, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84425698/radio-stations-are-sold-in-cleveland/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830201103/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84425698/radio-stations-are-sold-in-cleveland/ |archive-date=August 30, 2021}}

WJR continued to operate under the Richards estate and "Goodwill" name, signing on Flint station WJRT-TV in 1958{{cite news |last1=Flinn |first1=Gary |date=October 4, 2008 |title=Local, live programs once filled the airwaves |work=The Flint Journal |publisher=Mlive Media Group |url=http://www.mlive.com/opinion/flint/index.ssf/2008/10/local_live_programs_once_lled.html |access-date=November 26, 2014 |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205003631/http://www.mlive.com/opinion/flint/index.ssf/2008/10/local_live_programs_once_lled.html |url-status=live }} and purchasing WSAZ-AM-TV in 1961.{{Cite magazine |date=February 6, 1961 |title=WJR officials sign to purchase WSAZ-AM-TV |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1961/1961-02-06-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=60 |issue=6 |page=51 |access-date=August 9, 2018 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308025217/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1961/1961-02-06-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} The Goodwill Stations were sold to Capital Cities Broadcasting in 1964 in a $21 million group deal.{{Cite news |date=March 2, 1964 |title=Another group gets bigger: Five Goodwill stations to be sold to Capital Cities for $21 million; buyer will have to sell one of TV outlets to keep within FCC regulations |volume=66 |page=64 |work=Broadcasting |issue=9 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-03-02-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830201104/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-03-02-BC.pdf |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} Richards's son-in-law, F. Sibley Moore, became a WJR executive in the early 1950s and became vice president of Capital Cities, a role he held until his death in June 1967.{{Cite news |date=June 16, 1967 |title=F. S. Moore Dies; Radio Executive, Philanthropist |page=11C |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |location=Detroit, Michigan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120741799/f-s-moore-dies-radio-executive/ |access-date=March 13, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313043209/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120741799/f-s-moore-dies-radio-executive/ |url-status=live }}

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