WHK (AM)

WHK received its first broadcasting station license in February 1922. However, the station's history dates back to a series of broadcasts begun in August 1921 over an amateur radio station operated by WHK's original owner, Warren R. Cox.{{Cite news |date=August 20, 1922 |title=Station WHK One of First Ten in U. S. |page=3, Radio section |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}

Radio broadcasting in the United States started to become organized in the fall of 1919, largely due to improvements in vacuum tube design. Many of the earliest programs originated from a mixture of amateur and experimental stations. The amateurs in the Cleveland area were particularly well organized, and in early May 1921 the Cleveland Radio Association announced that its members had inaugurated a weekly Friday evening series of live concerts, transmitted on the standard amateur wavelength of {{Convert|1500|kHz|m|lk=out|abbr=out|sp=us|order=flip|comma=off}} by a rotating roster of local amateur stations.{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1921 |title=Radiograms: Last Concert is Voted a Success |page=8 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}

File:1921 broadcast by Carolina Hudson Alexander at radio station 8ACS in Cleveland, Ohio.jpg

Warren R. Cox made his first contribution to the series on August 26, 1921,{{Efn|In later years, WHK recognized July 26, 1921, as their sign-on date after then-program director Chip Binder evaluated "everything we can find".{{r|CPD19911006p24M}}}} operating amateur station 8ACS at 3138 Payne Avenue S. E.{{efn|The leading "8" in 8ACS's call sign denoted that the station was located in the eighth Radio Inspection district. The fact that the call sign's first letter, "A", was in the range A-W reflected its status as a standard amateur station. Other participating stations included Ira E. Beasley (8ACC), James Hausser (8BCA), Latimer Charnicky (8CD), Archibald G. Spiller (8ACR), H. H. Kreighbaum (8NQ), Edwin H. Poad (8UK), H. H. Hurd (8ALY), Norman M. Kraus (8AFO) and Frank M. J. Murphy (8ML).}} This was the location of the Cox Manufacturing Company, which primarily produced electrical components for automotive markets and radio receiver construction. Cox's station was described as "one of the newer and most powerful in the city".{{Cite news |date=August 25, 1921 |title=Radiograms: Minstrels to Sing for Amateurs |page=7 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}

The 8ACS programs were soon recognized as providing "exceptional wireless entertainment", and B. Dreher's Sons Company donated a Steinway grand piano for use in the station's studio.[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101080200098&view=1up&seq=931 "Steinway Tone Heard by Radio"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015703/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101080200098&view=1up&seq=931 |date=September 2, 2022 }} The Music Trades, November 26, 1921, page 19. In October the Cleveland Radio Association concerts moved to Thursday nights. Around this time Warren R. Cox added his own weekly concerts, on Sunday evenings. In December the Cleveland Radio Association ended the Thursday broadcasts, and switched to exclusively supporting the 8ACS Sunday concerts.{{Cite news |date=December 15, 1921 |title=Radio grams: Future Concerts on Sunday Nights |page=9 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}

Warren R. Cox's broadcasting activities gained special prominence during local elections held in the fall of 1921. The November 3 broadcast featured short speeches by six of the city's seven candidates for mayor.{{Cite news |date=November 3, 1921 |title=Radio Amateurs! Have Sets Ready |page=11 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}} In addition, the Cleveland Plain Dealer made arrangements to relay vote totals on election night by telephone to 8ACS for broadcasting by the station.{{Cite news |date=November 3, 1921 |title=Election Concert of Radio Association to Give Latest Returns |page=11 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}

Initially there were no specific standards in the United States for radio stations making transmissions intended for the general public, and numerous stations under various classifications made entertainment broadcasts. However, effective December 1, 1921, the Department of Commerce, regulators of radio at this time, adopted a regulation that formally created a broadcasting station category, and stations were now required to hold a Limited Commercial license authorizing operation on wavelengths of {{Convert|833|kHz|m|lk=off|abbr=out|sp=us|order=flip}} for "entertainment" broadcasts or {{Convert|619|kHz|m|lk=off|abbr=out|sp=us|order=flip|round=5}} for "market and weather reports".[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066705633&view=1up&seq=200 "Miscellaneous: Amendments to Regulations"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011110035/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066705633&view=1up&seq=200 |date=October 11, 2021 }}, Radio Service Bulletin, January 3, 1922, page 10. By the end of 1922 over 500 stations would be authorized nationwide.

At first this new policy was loosely enforced, but in early February 1922, the government's official monitor of radio in the region, S. W. Edwards,{{Efn|Edwards's formal title was Radio Inspector for the Commerce Department's Eighth Radio Inspection district, which was headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.}} contacted the local stations to reiterate that amateurs were no longer permitted to make entertainment broadcasts. Thus, on February 3, 1922, Edwin H. Poad, president of the Cleveland Radio Association, announced that his organization was ending the weekly broadcasts started nine months earlier.{{Cite news |date=February 4, 1922 |title=Radio Ban Announced |page=1 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}} This ban also ended the broadcasts over 8ACS, however it was soon reported that Warren R. Cox was making plans to apply for one of the new broadcasting station licenses in order to return to the airwaves.{{Cite news |date=February 5, 1922 |title=Amateurs Wonder at Radio Mandate |page=5A |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}

File:Radiovox advertisement (Cleveland) (1922).jpg

WHK was issued its first broadcasting station license on February 21, 1922, for operation on the 360–meter entertainment wavelength, with Warren R. Cox listed as the licensee.[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066705633&view=1up&seq=228 "New Stations"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503040646/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435066705633&view=1up&seq=228 |date=May 3, 2022 }}, Radio Service Bulletin, March 1, 1922, page 2. Limited Commercial license, serial #300, call letters WHK, issued on February 21, 1922, for a three month period to Warren R. Cox, 1965 East 66th Street, Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to April 4, 1922, the Commerce Department issued three-letter call signs to most commercial radio stations;{{cite web|last=White|first=Thomas H.|title=Mystique of the Three-Letter Callsigns|date=January 1, 2018|url=https://earlyradiohistory.us/3myst.htm|access-date=July 1, 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421041210/http://earlyradiohistory.us/3myst.htm|url-status=live}} the WHK call letters were randomly chosen and did not have any particular meaning.{{efn|Some later accounts suggest that, instead of being randomly assigned, the WHK call letters were selected because they were the initials of station manager Harry K. Carpenter. However, Carpenter did start working for WHK until July 23, 1934, and was not associated with the station at the time of its founding.{{Cite magazine |date=July 15, 1934 |title=Carpenter Goes to WHK; Howlett to Watch Tower |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1934/1934-07-15-BC.pdf#page=5 |magazine=Broadcasting-Broadcast Advertising |volume=7 |issue=2 |page=8 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015659/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1934/1934-07-15-BC.pdf#page=5 |url-status=live }}}} According to one analysis, WHK was the second broadcasting station license issued for Ohio, and the 52nd in the United States,{{cite web|last=White|first=Thomas H.|title=United States Pioneer Broadcast Service Stations: Actions Through June 1922|date=January 1, 2018|url=https://earlyradiohistory.us/pion622l.htm|access-date=July 1, 2018|archive-date=July 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717153717/http://www.earlyradiohistory.us/pion622l.htm|url-status=live}} The first Ohio broadcasting station, WDZ, was licensed on January 22, 1922, to the Marshall-Gerken Company of Toledo. It later became WBAJ and was deleted on January 26, 1923. and is Ohio's oldest surviving radio station, and 15th in the country.{{cite web|author=White, Thomas H.|title=United States Pioneer Broadcast Service Stations|date=January 1, 2018|url=https://earlyradiohistory.us/pion622.htm#oldest|access-date=June 2, 2018|archive-date=May 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515221753/http://www.earlyradiohistory.us/pion622.htm#oldest|url-status=live}}

The station began broadcasting from the Radiovox Company,[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Radio-Digest/1922/Radio-Digest-1922-04-22.pdf#page=8 "Stations Heard All Over the Country Shown"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015659/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Radio-Digest/1922/Radio-Digest-1922-04-22.pdf#page=8 |date=September 2, 2022 }}, Radio Digest, April 22, 1922, page 8. (americanradiohistory.com) which was located at the Stuyvesant Building on 5005 Euclid Avenue. WHK's debut broadcast, on Sunday night March 5, 1922, was advertised as a continuation of the suspended Cleveland Radio Association weekly concert series. Cox announced that, in addition to the Sunday schedule, he planned to broadcast Tuesday night concerts in conjunction with the Keith vaudeville organization, with additional programs on Thursday nights.{{Cite news |date=March 4, 1922 |title=Radio Concert Sunday Night |page=8 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}} In July 1922 the station's transmitting power was reported to be 200 watts.{{Cite news |date=July 16, 1922 |title=Answers to Radio Queries Appear Here: Broadcast Station |page=2, Radio section |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}} Later in the year the licensee name was changed to "Radiovox Company (Warren R. Cox)".[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=pst.000071912653&view=1up&seq=7 "Alterations and Corrections"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015702/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=pst.000071912653&view=1up&seq=7 |date=September 2, 2022 }} Radio Service Bulletin, December 1, 1922, page 7.

File:Warren R. Cox (1923).jpg

In May 1923 the U.S. government made additional broadcasting station transmitting frequencies available.[https://archive.org/stream/radioage12unse#page/n362/mode/1up/ "Radio Conference Recommendations: New Wave Lengths"], Radio Age, May 1923, page 11. Beginning with these assignments radio stations ended the practice of broadcasting their market reports and weather forecasts on the separate 485 meter wavelength. In late 1923 WHK was reassigned to {{Frequency|1060|kHz}}, which was followed by moves to {{Frequency|1100|kHz}} in early 1925 and {{Frequency|1130|kHz}} in 1927.{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=60406 |title= History Cards for WHK|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} (Guide to reading History Cards)

WHK was sold to the Radio Air Service Corporation in October 1925.{{Cite news |date=October 24, 1925 |title=Radio Stations Change Ownership |page=34 |work=Washington Star |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045462/1925-10-24/ed-1/seq-34/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023230503/https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045462/1925-10-24/ed-1/seq-34/ |archive-date=October 23, 2020}} In the following years, the station facilities underwent a series of moves, including 5105 Euclid Avenue, the Hotel Winton at 1010 Prospect Avenue (later the Hotel Carter), the Standard Building at St. Clair and Ontario, the top floor of the Higbee Company on Public Square, and Carnegie Hall at 1220 Huron Road. By 1928, the station was located in the Engineers' Building at 1370 Ontario Street.{{cite web|title=WHK History|url=http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WHK-AM|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201081329/http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WHK-AM|archive-date=February 1, 2003|access-date=January 1, 2007|work=Cleveland Broadcast Radio Archives Project}}

On November 11, 1928, under the provisions of a major reallocation resulting from the Federal Radio Commission's (FRC) General Order 40, WHK was reassigned to {{Frequency|1390|kHz}}.[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221814&view=1up&seq=247 "Broadcasting Stations, by Wave Lengths, Effective November 11, 1928"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015703/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221814&view=1up&seq=247 |date=September 2, 2022 }}, Commercial and Government Radio Stations of the U.S. (Edition June 30, 1928), page 175. WHK became a CBS affiliate in 1930,{{r|CPD19911006p24M}} operating with 1,000 watts full-time.{{r|hc}} When George A. Richards established WGAR on December 15, 1930, the new station had to sign on using WHK's backup transmitter at the Standard Building.{{Cite news |date=December 14, 1930 |title=WHK to Send Out Premier of WGAR |page=11 |newspaper=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}} On March 9, 1931, the station moved to the Terminal Tower, and celebrated with the live broadcast of Faust from its auditorium.

As of January 1, 1934, WHK was broadcasting with a daytime power of 2,500 watts and a nighttime power of 1,000 watts.[http://jeff560.tripod.com/1934am.html "U.S. Radio Stations as of January 1, 1934"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707173349/http://jeff560.tripod.com/1934am.html |date=July 7, 2018 }} (Federal Radio Commission) The station broadcast a full season of Cleveland Indians baseball games in 1936, with announcers Jack Graney and Pinky Hunter.

In 1939 the Radio Air Service Corporation sold WHK to the United Broadcasting Company, which also purchased WCLE, a station that had been broadcasting in Cleveland since January 5, 1927, and was currently transmitting on {{Frequency|610|kHz}}.[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.c2558358&view=1up&seq=715 "Report of Applications Received for Broadcast Services"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015703/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.c2558358&view=1up&seq=715 |date=September 2, 2022 }} (Report #840), Federal Communications Commission, August 30, 1939, page 1. WCLE's studios were relocated to the Terminal Tower to join WHK, and the two stations were placed under common management.{{cite web|title=WCLE History|publisher=Cleveland Broadcast Radio Archives Project|url=http://www.cle-radio.com/index2.htm|access-date=January 1, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041204212120/http://www.cle-radio.com/index2.htm#WCLE-AM|archive-date=December 4, 2004}} WHK switched its network affiliation in 1937 from CBS to the NBC Blue Network plus the Mutual Broadcasting System, which had started three years earlier. In the 1940s WHK, like most Mutual affiliates, became a participant in network programming. Rhythm and Rhyme Time was a Saturday night band concert on Mutual that originated from the Terrace Room of the Statler Hotel through the WHK's facilities. In 1943, when the NBC Blue Network was sold to Edward Noble to eventually become ABC, the Blue Network switched its Cleveland affiliate from WHK to WJW, leaving WHK with just Mutual. The Mutual network brought its popular Queen for a Day program to Cleveland Music Hall on April 5, 1946, for a two days of broadcast with local contestants chosen by WHK.

On March 29, 1941, WHK, along with all the other stations on {{Frequency|1390|kHz}}, moved to {{Frequency|1420|kHz}}{{r|hc}} as part of the implementation of the North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement.[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015080119129&view=1up&seq=66 Radio Broadcast Stations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015703/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015080119129&view=1up&seq=66 |date=September 2, 2022 }}, Federal Communications Commission (March 29, 1941, edition), page 66. In 1945 as the FCC began enforcing a rule limiting owners to a single AM station in a market, United Broadcasting moved WCLE out of Cleveland to Akron and changed its call sign to WHKK and its frequency to {{Frequency|640|kHz}}. (WHKK became WHLO in 1962.) This in turn meant United could now use the vacated 610 frequency in Columbus, where it was assigned to WHKC, which had been broadcasting daytime-only on 640.{{cite web|last=Fybush|first=Scott|title=More Columbus|work=Tower Site of the Week|date=February 26, 2004|url=https://www.fybush.com/sites/2004/site-040226.html|access-date=July 6, 2018|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630110209/https://www.fybush.com/sites/2004/site-040226.html|url-status=live}} (WHKC became WTVN in the 1950s).

In August 1946 WHK received an experimental FM license, W8XUB, transmitting at {{Frequency|107.1|MHz}}; this station became WHK-FM at {{Frequency|100.7|MHz}} upon receipt of a commercial license.

WHK also obtained a construction permit for television station WHK-TV on Channel 19,{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Vance A.|title=North American Radio-TV Station Listings|work=U.S. and Canadian Television Stations as of 1958|url=http://jeff560.tripod.com/1958tv.html|access-date=July 7, 2018|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413051237/https://jeff560.tripod.com/1958tv.html|url-status=live}} but this never made it on the air, due to the financial challenge of the time of launching a UHF station in a VHF market such as Cleveland.

WHK moved its studios in 1951 to 5000 Euclid Avenue, across the street from its first studio location, which it would occupy for 26 years. (This is presently the site of the Agora Theatre and Ballroom and Lava Room Recording.) In 1955, ownership was transferred to the Forest City Publishing Company, the parent company of The Plain Dealer. In May 1957, as part of the station's 35th anniversary celebration, WHK honored founder Warren R. Cox with "a small transistor radio and a plaque".{{Cite news |date=May 7, 1957 |title=WHK Honors Founder Cox |page=29 |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}

The February 10, 1958, issue of Broadcasting magazine reported that WHK AM/FM, along with the construction permit for channel 19, were "on verge of being sold", with the DuMont Broadcasting Corporation as the likely buyer.{{Cite magazine |date=February 10, 1958 |title=Closed circuit |volume=54 |page=5 |magazine=Broadcasting |issue=6 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-02-10-BC.pdf |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127033325/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-02-10-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} The $700,000 deal for all three stations (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|700000|1958}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) was approved by the FCC by April,{{Cite magazine |date=April 21, 1958 |title=Changing Hands |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-04-21-BC.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |volume=54 |issue=16 |page=58 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108155436/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-04-21-BC.pdf |url-status=live }} with the company renaming itself as Metropolitan Broadcasting by July and again to Metromedia in 1961.{{r|hc}}{{efn|Later in the year, John Kluge withdrew his planned purchase of WSRS/WSRS-FM in Cleveland Heights after he purchased a controlling interest in Metropolitan.{{Cite news |date=December 22, 1958 |title=Changing Hands: Announced |page=56 |work=Broadcasting |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-12-22-BC.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203856/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-12-22-BC.pdf |archive-date=January 21, 2022}}}} The new owners soon adopted a rock and roll Top 40 format. Morning man Ernie Anderson was let go because he did not fit into the new format. Ironically, Anderson would later find local fame with his Ghoulardi character that would have been ideally suited as an early rock disk jockey. Pete "Mad Daddy" Myers, another early iconic rock DJ, was lured away from rival WJW for a successful stint in WHK's early rock-and-roll years, before he left for New York.

File:WHK-1963-NASA.jpg

By the early 1960s WHK was Top 40 powerhouse, adopting the slogan "Color Radio" and "Color Channel 14." The station soared with fast-talking deejays like Johnny Holliday, who broadcast from "the glass cage" at 5000 Euclid, and dubbed the station's echo-chamber reverberation its "stratophonic sound." The "Action Central" newsroom included young reporters Tim Taylor and Dave Buckel. When The Beatles made one of their North American tours in 1964, WHK outmaneuvered rival KYW to sponsor the Beatles appearance at Cleveland Public Auditorium on September 15, 1964. The station offered free tickets to listeners with an on-air promotion; the winners were selected in what is believed to be the first automated audience selection. Those receiving tickets were selected by an IBM computer.{{Cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U0UEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA19|title=Computer Picks Beatle Audience|date=June 27, 1964|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 5, 2018|archive-date=September 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015701/https://books.google.com/books?id=U0UEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA19|url-status=live}} In the mid-1960s, the WHK DJs adopted the name the "Good Guys" and included Joe Mayer. On the cover of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper album, a doll wears a sweater emblazoned with "Welcome The Rolling Stones" and "Good Guys", a possible reference to the WHK DJs.

Late in 1967, WHK stopped rocking to become "The Good Life Station," with easy-listening music and phone-in shows aimed at older listeners.{{Cite news |date=November 19, 1967 |title=Action Line Bonus: It Staggers Their Imagination |page=D15 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109054128/action-line-bonus-it-staggers-their/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906164340/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109054128/action-line-bonus-it-staggers-their/ |url-status=live }} Possibly the biggest reason for the format change at WHK, was the pressure put on the station by newcomer WIXY, an AM station at 1260 which started playing top 40 music in 1966.

In 1968 the FCC mandated that FM sister stations could no longer duplicate their AM sister's programming, and WHK-FM adopted a new progressive rock sound, one of a handful of commercial stations in the country to try that format. The callsign of WHK-FM was changed to WMMS on September 28, 1968.

From 1968 through 1984, WHK was the flagship station of the Cleveland Browns radio network. Gib Shanley provided play-by-play commentary for the majority of the Browns' run at WHK; he was succeeded by Nev Chandler. Color commentary duties were first held by Jim Graner, then Jim Mueller, and finally Doug Dieken, who continues in that position to this day.{{cite news|date=November 10, 2002|title=The voices of Browns games past|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|publisher=The Plain Dealer Publishing Co.|page=J6 – Sunday Arts}}

Metromedia sold WHK and WMMS in November 1971 to Detroit–based Malrite Broadcasting for $3.5 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|3500000|1971}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}); co-founder Milton Maltz had applied for a job at WHK in 1958 while awaiting approval to build WTTF in Tiffin, Ohio.{{Sfn|Olszewski|2003|pp=61–62}} When the sale closed, Malrite moved its corporate headquarters to Cleveland.{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|p=3}} WHK dropped the beautiful music in 1973 for "Cover Hits", a modified Top 40 format developed by Mike Joseph featuring hit songs recorded by different artists instead of the more well-known versions.{{Sfn|Olszewski|2003|p=96}} Despite a visible marketing and promotional effort, "Cover Hits" failed to catch on in the Arbitron ratings in the Fall 1973 book, while ratings for WMMS doubled.{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|pp=38–39}}

Maltz originally intended to flip WMMS to country music{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|p=42}} but rescinded those plans after the station's air talent, listeners, community activist Henry Speeth and Cleveland councilman Dennis Kucinich lobbied in support of the progressive rock format.{{Sfn|Olszewski|2003|pp=83–86}}{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|p=3}} Ultimately, it was WHK that flipped to country on March 16, 1974,{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|pp=41–43}} within two weeks of WNCR's format switch to country from Top 40.{{Cite magazine |date=February 15, 1974 |title=Stereo Rocker WNCR/Cleveland Goes Country |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1970s/1974/RR-1974-02-15.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Radio & Records |volume=2 |issue=6 |page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825113336/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1970s/1974/RR-1974-02-15.pdf |archive-date=August 25, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |via=World Radio History}}{{sfn|Olszewski|2003|p=101}} Veteran personality Joe Finan was originally placed in morning drive with the switch{{Sfn|Olszewski|Berg|Wolff|2011|p=110}} but former WERE host Gary Dee (Gary D. Gilbert) took over the slot in July 1975{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|p=128}} after WERE switched to an all-news format.{{cite news |last=Vishnevsky |first=Zina |date=November 12, 1995 |title=Shock radio pioneer Gary Dee dies at 60 |page=1A |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%252F0F8087271CB35348 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 6, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906164344/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8087271CB35348&f=basic |url-status=live }} Dee's addition moved Finan to middays, turning WHK into a combination country and talk format{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|p=55}} and the lone country outlet in the market as WNCR flipped to beautiful music as WKSW.{{Cite magazine |last=Collie |first=Biff |date=May 16, 1975 |title=Inside Nashville |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1970s/1975/RR-1975-05-16.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Radio & Records |volume=3 |issue=19 |page=30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825113336/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1970s/1975/RR-1975-05-16.pdf |archive-date=August 25, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |via=World Radio History}} After being fired from New York City's WNBC for excessive drinking and absenteeism in 1977,{{cite magazine |last=Smith |first=Dinitia |date=June 24, 1991 |title=Morning Mouth: The rise, fall, and rise of Don Imus, New York's funniest radio maniac |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D-kCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA29 |url-status=live |magazine=New York Magazine |volume=24 |issue=25 |pages=29–35 |issn=0028-7369 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329233121/https://books.google.com/books?id=D-kCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA29 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=March 19, 2019}} WHK hired Don Imus—who briefly hosted mornings on WGAR in 1971—for afternoon drive until WNBC rehired him a year later.{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|p=128}}

The majority of attention and media coverage for the station, however, focused on the mercurial shock jock Dee. In one particular incident, Dee claimed "40 percent" of money raised during the annual MDA Labor Day Telethon went to Jerry Lewis with the MDA keeping the other 60 percent; after finding out WHK took out newspaper advertisements apologizing for his claim, Dee resigned on-air but management refused to accept it.{{Cite news |date=November 9, 1977 |title=Gary Dee quits WHK |page=A8 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109046678/gary-dee-quits-whk/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906164341/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109046678/gary-dee-quits-whk/ |url-status=live }} Dee's volatile and public marriage with WEWS-TV anchor Liz Richards, which had the couple repeatedly trading insults on his show, ended after Dee's 1980 arrest on domestic violence charges. WMMS program director John Gorman later recalled how Dee would typically conclude his show at 10 a.m., leave the studio, quietly stand against a wall and take deep breaths for a few minutes and eventually come out of character.{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|p=128}}

On February 14, 1977, WHK and WMMS moved their studios from 5000 Euclid Avenue to the Statler Office Tower near Playhouse Square, which originally housed WGAR and their FM adjunct WNCR from 1930 through the early 1970s.{{Sfn|Olszewski|2003|pp=132–133}}{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|pp=124–126}}

WHK's monopoly on country music ended when WKSW flipped back to country in April 1980{{Cite news |date=April 8, 1980 |title=WKSW goes country |page=6B |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}} and WWWE also switching to country in December 1981.{{Cite magazine |last=Mehno |first=John |date=February 13, 1982 |title=WWWE-AM Keys On Country Competition |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1982/BB-1982-02-13.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |volume=94 |issue=6 |page=27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804180545/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1982/BB-1982-02-13.pdf |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |access-date=December 22, 2019 |via=World Radio History}} All three stations struggled in the Arbitron ratings, with WHK and WKSW seeing slight declines and WWWE losing listeners.{{Cite magazine |last=Hall |first=Douglas E. |date=July 24, 1982 |title=Arbitrons Put Spotlight On AM Ratings Decline |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1982/BB-1982-07-24.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |volume=94 |issue=28 |pages=1, 18–19, 27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208151317/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1982/BB-1982-07-24.pdf |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |via=World Radio History}} The three-way battle also affected Dee's ratings, falling from first place to fifth.{{Cite news |date=October 6, 1983 |title=Dee controversy |page=B10 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871382/dee-controversy/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225221/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871382/dee-controversy/ |url-status=live }} Following a nearly month-long absence, WHK fired Dee on September 27, 1983, after a survey commissioned by Malrite showed that Dee's largely negative approach no longer appealed to listeners who felt more positive about Cleveland.{{Cite news |last=Bianculli |first=David |date=September 30, 1983 |title=Enjoy 'Yellow Rose;' forget other 3 premiering series |page=C4 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871531/enjoy-yellow-rose-forget-other-3/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225221/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871531/enjoy-yellow-rose-forget-other-3/ |url-status=live }} Prior to his firing, Dee only referred to himself by his birth name as a contract negotiation ploy, claiming that Gary Dee is "dead";{{Cite news |last=Bianculli |first=David |date=March 2, 1983 |title='High Performance' is a low point in TV viewing |page=B5 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871951/high-performance-is-a-low-point-in-tv/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225221/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871951/high-performance-is-a-low-point-in-tv/ |url-status=live }} WHK was ultimately compelled to take out advertisements in The Plain Dealer stating, "Gary Dee is gone for good."{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=April 1, 1984 |title=Gary Dee in D.C. |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108870972/gary-dee-in-dc/ 4], 5, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871012/gary-dee-in-dc-p3/ 6], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871038/gary-dee-in-dc-p4/ 7], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871081/gary-dee-in-dc-p5/ 8], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871157/gary-dee-in-dc-p6/ 20] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108870996/gary-dee-in-dc-p2/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225222/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108870996/gary-dee-in-dc-p2/ |url-status=live }}File:14K WHK CLE.png

Dee's departure caused WHK's ratings to decline substantially against WKSW, while WWWE reverted to MOR in August 1983.{{Cite news |date=August 26, 1983 |title=WWWE Converts From Country To MOR |pages=3, 30 |work=Radio & Records |issue=498 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1980s/1983/RR-1983-08-26.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=December 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804180545/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1980s/1983/RR-1983-08-26.pdf |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |via=World Radio History}} Conceding the country battle outright to WKSW,{{Cite news |date=July 6, 1984 |title=WGAR Switches From A/C To Country |pages=1, 25 |work=Radio & Records |issue=541 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1984/RR-1984-07-06.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001080609/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1984/RR-1984-07-06.pdf |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |via=World Radio History}} WHK flipped to oldies on April 24, 1984, as "14K Solid Gold" intended as complementary to WMMS and utilizing that station's existing record library, with WMMS calling it a "transistor sister".{{Sfn|Gorman|Feran|2007|pp=225–226}} Gorman, who helped oversee the launch of "14K", boasted that the station would play "full-service rock 'n' roll, and no wimpy stuff either, no Barry Manilow or Bobby Sherman."{{Cite news |last=Faris |first=Mark |date=May 3, 1984 |title='The King' is gone, but he's far from forgotten |page=D3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871655/the-king-is-gone-but-hes-far-from/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225222/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108871655/the-king-is-gone-but-hes-far-from/ |url-status=live }} The station also carried Dr. Demento's syndicated show on weekends.{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=March 16, 1986 |title=Former Akron DJ making waves in Chicago |page=H2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36215291/wfyr/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36215291/wfyr/ |url-status=live }} WHK's relationship with the Browns ended after the 1984 season when team owner Art Modell attempted to move the radio rights to his own station, WKNR{{Cite news |last=Phelps |first=Peter |date=February 11, 1984 |title=WHK keeps Browns' games |page=B2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86711128/whk-keeps-browns-games/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029172730/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86711128/whk-keeps-browns-games/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} and later sold WJW to purchase WWWE and WDOK.{{Cite news |last=Gottlieb |first=Ken |date=May 25, 1985 |title=Modell group about to take over WWWE and WDOK |page=A8 |work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram |location=Elyria, Ohio |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-may-25-1985-2748433/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181526/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-may-25-1985-2748433/ |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |via=NewspaperArchive}}

Following program director Bernie Kimble's departure for WNCX in 1986 (along with Gorman),{{Cite news |date=October 17, 1986 |title=CHR ENDS WGCL CALLS: Gorman WNCX VP, Sanders PD |pages=1, 4 |work=Radio & Records |issue=657 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1980s/1986/RR-1986-10-17.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322181113/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1986/RR-1986-10-17.pdf |archive-date=March 22, 2022 |via=World Radio History}} the station fired the majority of local air talent as February 1987 began, opting to use Transtar Radio Networks' "The Oldies Channel."{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=February 15, 1987 |title=Package deals rate big on stations' playlists |page=H2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44379153/package-deals-rate-big-on-stations/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921114325/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44379153/package-deals-rate-big-on-stations/ |url-status=live }} WHK fell to 19th place in the Cleveland Fall 1988 Arbitron ratings and 23rd place in Akron, symptomatic of music-oriented AM stations.{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=November 6, 1988 |title=Two AM stations to change formats |page=B2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45089832/two-am-stations-to-change-formats/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45089832/two-am-stations-to-change-formats/ |url-status=live }} In a time-brokered arrangement with Belkin Productions, the station began breaking format on Saturday nights to air heavy metal.{{Sfn|Olszewski|2003|pp=324–325}} On November 14, 1988, WHK switched to a business-themed format with Business Radio Network and NBC Talknet programming along with local news updates.{{Cite magazine |date=November 28, 1988 |title=Riding Gain: Changing formats |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1988/BC-1988-11-28.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |volume=115 |issue=22 |page=124 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151241/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1988/BC-1988-11-28.pdf |url-status=live }} General manager Chuck Bortnick defined the format as "the Wall Street Journal, Business Week magazine and the USA Today money section all rolled into one"{{r|AkronB19881106p 18}} while Akron Beacon Journal radio critic Bob Dyer regarded WHK as "... (epitomizing) the longtime radio trend of 'narrowcasting'".{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=June 17, 1990 |title=Clevelanders' anti-drug simulcast earns award |page=F2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108873753/clevelanders-anti-drug-simulcast-earns/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108873753/clevelanders-anti-drug-simulcast-earns/ |url-status=live }} WHK started simulcasting the audio of WJW-TV's 6 p.m. newscasts in mid-1990,{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=June 24, 1990 |title=Upcoming WWWE purge not a well-kept secret |page=G2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44358742/upcoming-wwwe-purge-not-a-well-kept/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213132/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44358742/upcoming-wwwe-purge-not-a-well-kept/ |url-status=live }} and along with WMMS, regained the Browns rights in 1991 in what was termed an "expensive" deal.{{cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=October 6, 1991 |title=Radio's history marked by turbulence, growth and WHK-AM |page=24 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine |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%252F0F80340FDAB53767 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905183253/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80340FDAB53767&f=basic |url-status=live }}

WHK's format transitioned again to talk radio on August 10, 1992, when veteran local hosts Merle Pollis and Joel Rose joined the station in late-morning and afternoon drive.{{cite news |last=Santiago |first=Roberto |date=July 21, 1992 |title=Talkers Pollis, Rose move shows to WHK |page=12D |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%252F0F803BEB2817ACF7 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905183238/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F803BEB2817ACF7&f=basic |url-status=live }} In 1992, studios were moved again to the Skylight Office Tower as part of the Tower City Center complex.{{Sfn|Olszewski|2003|pp=382–383}}

File:Skylight Office Tower - Cleveland, OH.jpg complex housed WHK's studios from 1992 through 1996.]]

Early in 1992, Malrite found itself unable to service its growing debt, with Standard & Poor's putting $115 million of junk bonds held by the company for downgrading.{{cite news |last=Yerak |first=Rebecca |date=January 22, 1992 |title=Malrite group modifying bank agreements |page=1H |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%252F0F8038461B2F3D03 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905183239/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8038461B2F3D03&f=basic |url-status=live }} By December of that year, trade publications began reporting on a possible merger between Malrite's radio group and Shamrock Broadcasting—controlled by Roy E. Disney—and a potential re-sale of WHK and WMMS to former Malrite executive and WMJI owner Carl Hirsch.{{cite news |last=Santiago |first=Roberto |date=March 4, 1993 |title=Watch for Tiburski as airwaves' whiz |page=13C |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%252F0F807148AEA6CEED |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905183239/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807148AEA6CEED&f=basic |url-status=live }} WMJI had already formed a joint operating venture with WHK/WMMS that merged the station's marketing and sales staffs, but continued to be run autonomously.{{cite news |last=Santiago |first=Roberto |date=November 4, 1993 |title=WMJI owner cracks world of duopoly radio ownership |page=20D |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%252F0F807877A3CF7C4A |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905183240/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807877A3CF7C4A&f=basic |url-status=live }} The $300 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|300000000|1993}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) Shamrock-Malrite merger, including the assumption of $165.5 million in Malrite debt, was announced in March 1993.{{cite news |last=Santiago |first=Roberto |date=March 4, 1993 |title=WMJI's Gorman reveals magic ratings formula |page=12E |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%252F0F80735D833BF98B |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905183240/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80735D833BF98B&f=basic |url-status=live }} Pollis and Rose both left on October 1, 1993, after the Shamrock merger cleared, with WHK airing an all-syndicated lineup of Doug Stephan, G. Gordon Liddy{{cite news |last=Santiago |first=Roberto |date=May 20, 1993 |title=Liddy brings fascination, not charisma, to talk-radio fans |page=12E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=favorite%3APDBCPDWE%21Plain%20Dealer%20Collection&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld--0=YMD_date&val--0=1992%20-%201994&prm--0=date%3AB%2CE&maxresults=20&docref=news%2F0F807415A790F5C6&f=advanced |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905183254/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DNewsBank%26t%3Dfavorite%253APDBCPDWE%2521Plain%2520Dealer%2520Collection%26sort%3DYMD_date%253AA%26fld--0%3DYMD_date%26val--0%3D1992%2520-%25201994%26prm--0%3Ddate%253AB%252CE%26maxresults%3D20%26docref%3Dnews/0F807415A790F5C6%26f%3Dadvanced |url-status=live }} and Charles Adler.{{cite news |last=Santiago |first=Roberto |date=September 23, 1993 |title=Pollis and Rose are cut from WHK talk shows |page=12E |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%252F0F80777DD6DEB6F9 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905183240/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80777DD6DEB6F9&f=basic |url-status=live }}

The rumors of Shamrock spinning off WHK/WMMS to Hirsch came to pass on November 2, 1993, in a $12 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|12000000|1993}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}) deal.{{r|CPD19931104p20D}}{{cite news|title=Shamrock to sell radio stations|work=Wall Street Journal|location=New York, New York|page=C22|date=November 4, 1993|id={{ProQuest|398380030}}|via=ProQuest}} As part of the deal, Hirsch transferred WMJI, which he had owned under the "Legacy Broadcasting" name, to OmniAmerica.{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tim |date=April 23, 1994 |title=Mitchell ends 3-year stint at WCEZ |page=4H |work=The Columbus Dispatch |location=Columbus, 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%252F10E0815ACBEE88F0 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 4, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225226/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/10E0815ACBEE88F0&f=basic |url-status=live }} In announcing the deal, Hirsch spoke of restoring WHK by possibly installing an aggressive locally oriented news and talk format, stating, "what you have now on AM radio doesn't work".{{r|CPD19931104p20D}} Prior to the takeover, WHK/WMMS lost the Browns radio rights to both WKNR and WDOK,{{cite news |last=Santiago |first=Roberto |date=April 23, 1996 |title=Browns end use of flagship radio station |page=7E |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%252F0F807C74AF25D64C |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225227/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807C74AF25D64C&f=basic |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=March 23, 1994 |title=2 radio stations outbid others for rights to carry Browns |page=3C |newspaper=Mansfield News Journal |agency=Thomson News Service |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83563796/2-radio-stations-outbid-others-for/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816200416/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83563796/2-radio-stations-outbid-others-for/ |archive-date=August 16, 2021}} while Hirsch also openly floated the idea of flipping WHK back to country.{{cite news |last=Santiago |first=Roberto |date=January 13, 1994 |title=Stern can't out-mouth Lanigan here |page=15E |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%252F0F807C3C94BBDFEF |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225226/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807C3C94BBDFEF&f=basic |url-status=live }}

None of WHK's employees were retained when the deal closed on April 15,{{cite news |last=Sandstrom |first=Karen |date=April 15, 1994 |title=It's farewell today to the Zoo: Zany WMMS team bowing out as station's ownership changes |page=1A |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%252F0F807CC0786B9E34 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225226/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807CC0786B9E34&f=basic |url-status=live }} with the station continuing to run the all-syndicated talk lineup on a temporary basis. WHK flipped to sports radio on May 16, 1994, featuring Tom Bush, Les Levine, Rick Bay and WMJI sportscaster Tony Rizzo.{{cite news |last=Dolgan |first=Bob |date=May 17, 1994 |title=WHK has a mixed first day in sports |pages=5D |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACPDB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=0F807CEDA2DF4716&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated4&req_dat=0D1C2ED46ABD2E15 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804183037/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/0F807CEDA2DF4716&f=basic |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |via=NewsBank}} WHK's approach to the format was regarded as more loose and "fan-friendly" as opposed to WKNR, which WHK hosts openly criticized for being tightly programmed, rigid and sober.{{Cite news |last=Ocker |first=Sheldon |author-link=Sheldon Ocker |date=October 10, 1994 |title=And now, a word from... |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45067991/and-now-a-word-from-pt-2/ B5] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45067729/and-now-a-word-from/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817035043/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45067729/and-now-a-word-from/ |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Bush and Bay were reassigned to other roles by early July due to personal schedule conflicts{{cite news |date=July 1, 1994 |title=WHK format reassigns Bush, Bay |page=10D |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%252F0F807D28F14BFF9A |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225227/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807D28F14BFF9A&f=basic |url-status=live }} with Pat McCabe, Dan McDowell and Ken Jurek being added to the lineup;{{cite news |last=Dolgan |first=Bob |date=October 13, 1994 |title=WHK losing sports-talk battle: Only one host earns more than a 1 share in Arbitron rating |page=1D |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%252F0F807DB8F4AE025B |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225228/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807DB8F4AE025B&f=basic |url-status=live }} Jurek was eventually replaced by producer Ron Brines.{{cite news |last=Dolgan |first=Bob |date=January 19, 1995 |title=WHK struggles in ratings battle |page=11D |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%252F0F8083F617E987CF |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225227/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8083F617E987CF&f=basic |url-status=live }} The station also signed up as an affiliate of the Ohio State Sports Network.{{cite news |last=Dolgan |first=Bob |date=May 6, 1994 |title=WHK gets OSU games |page=3D |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%252F0F807CDF69CBF5CF |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225228/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807CDF69CBF5CF&f=basic |url-status=live }}

WHK struggled in the Arbitron ratings, with Levine as the highest-rated show but heavily outranked by both WKNR's Geoff Sindelar and WWWE's Mike Trivisonno.{{r|CPD19941013p1D}}{{r|CPD19950119p11D}} WKNR had a stronger signal along with the Browns and Indians radio rights; by contrast, WHK held play-by-play rights to Ohio State, Cleveland State Vikings men's basketball, the Cleveland Crunch and Lumberjacks IHL hockey.{{r|AndNowAWordFrom}} The Fall 1995 Arbitron ratings, influenced by the 1995 World Series and the Browns relocation controversy, showed WHK continuing to trail WKNR by substantial margins.{{cite news |last=Dolgan |first=Bob |date=January 30, 1996 |title=Big news leads to ratings for WKNR |page=13D |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%252F0F808C65C3B9B7A0 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225228/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808C65C3B9B7A0&f=basic |url-status=live }} By February 4, 1996, WHK began simulcasting WMJI's morning show with John Lanigan, John Webster and Jimmy Malone (whom Rizzo did sports reports for){{r|AndNowAWordFrom}} as part of a wide-ranging schedule realignment that also saw executives Phil Levine and Art Greenberg dismissed.{{cite news |last1=Drexler |first1=Michael |last2=Brown |first2=Roger |date=February 4, 1996 |title=WHK shuffles sports-talk lineup |page=13D |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%252F0F808C6ADB209361 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225228/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808C6ADB209361&f=basic |url-status=live }} The station continued to air brokered programming throughout the weekend, a practice WERE also embraced throughout the week.{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=January 14, 1996 |title=Brave voices of brokered radio paying to hear themselves talk |page=1J |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%252F0F808C5068430A7B |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225251/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808C5068430A7B&f=basic |url-status=live }}

File:98.1 WHK-FM.png simulcast logo, 1997–2001.|left]]

Following an attempted merger with Citicasters announced on August 28, 1995,{{cite news |last=Sabath |first=Donald |date=August 29, 1995 |title=Cleveland and Cincinnati radio station owners merge |page=1C |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%252F0F8085332E4CCD41 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225251/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8085332E4CCD41&f=basic |url-status=live }} and called off by November 17,{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Stephen |date=November 18, 1995 |title=Media firms' merger plan is called off: Citicasters-OmniAmerica deal was valued at $197 million |page=1C |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%252F0F8087448F95175C |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225254/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8087448F95175C&f=basic |url-status=live }} rumors soon emerged of OmniAmerica divesting their Cleveland radio properties, potentially to Clear Channel Communications.{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=February 14, 1996 |title='What 'Ya Know' about Feldman? |page=5E |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%252F0F808C73ED468825 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225254/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808C73ED468825&f=basic |url-status=live }} On April 23, 1996, WMJI and WMMS were sold to WGAR-FM owner Nationwide Communications for $43.5 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|43500000|1996}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}){{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=April 23, 1996 |title=Nationwide 'to own' Cleveland radio: Insurer to be largest owner of stations with WGAR, WMMS, WMJI |page=1A |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%252F0F808CB5C2759DE5 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225249/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808CB5C2759DE5&f=basic |url-status=live }} and WOMX-FM in Orlando, Florida.{{Cite magazine |last=Rathburn |first=Elizabeth A. |date=April 29, 1996 |title=OmniAmerica shutters in Cleveland: Company couldn't refuse swap deal with Nationwide, chairman Carl Hirsch says |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-04-29.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |volume=126 |issue=19 |page=36 |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151245/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-04-29.pdf |url-status=live }} Two days later, WHK was sold to Camarillo, California–based Salem Communications for $6.5 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|6500000|1996}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=April 26, 1996 |title=WHK sold to West Coast firm |pages=6E |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACPDB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=0F808CB81021E3FD&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated4&req_dat=0D1C2ED46ABD2E15 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804183038/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/0F808CB81021E3FD&f=basic |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |via=NewsBank}} Hirsch's divestments limited OmniAmerica's holdings to Florida along with the possibility of selling those stations and going into retirement, while Hirsch acknowledged that he had tried unsuccessfully to purchase other stations in Cleveland.{{r|Hirsch96Sale}}

Les Levine left radio to host a call-in show on SportsChannel Ohio, remarking that WHK's pending format change made the last few months at the station "just horrible".{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=August 19, 1996 |title=Conversion near at WHK: Religion talk format and improved signal in new owner's plans |page=7D |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%252F0F808D2793FB57B8 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225256/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D2793FB57B8&f=basic |url-status=live }} All local programming was eliminated on June 28, 1996,{{Cite news |last=Lebovitz |first=Hal |author-link=Hal Lebovitz |date=July 2, 1996 |title=Sports talk shows more than 'good radio' |page=4C |newspaper=Mansfield News Journal |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83450560/sports-talk-shows-more-than-good-radio/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814222853/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83450560/sports-talk-shows-more-than-good-radio/ |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} with Pat McCabe's final day documented by Plain Dealer staffers in a photo essay commemorating Cleveland's bicentennial year.{{cite news |author=The Staff of the Plain Dealer |date=April 23, 1996 |title=Making History |page=8 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine |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%252F0F808D09B2AD0BF7 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903225250/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D09B2AD0BF7&f=basic |url-status=live }} Syndicated sports talk aired as filler until the sale closed on September 2, 1996, when Salem instituted a Christian radio format; the new ownership also announced plans to upgrade WHK's Seven Hills transmitter site.{{r|CPD19960919p7D}} Salem purchased WHLO and Canton-based WTOF-FM from Mortenson Broadcasting that October,{{Cite magazine |date=October 14, 1996 |editor-last=Rathbun |editor-first=Elizabeth |title=Changing Hands |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-10-14.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |volume=126 |issue=43 |pages=43–44 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108151211/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-10-14.pdf |url-status=live }} with WTOF-FM becoming WHK-FM (98.1), a full-time WHK simulcast. Parma-licensed daytimer WCCD was purchased by Salem in March 1997.{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Roger |date=March 17, 1997 |title=WHK parent shopping for more stations |page=7D |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%252F0F80C53B9CA37CA6 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903191301/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C53B9CA37CA6&f=basic |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |via=NewsBank}} Salem later purchased WKNR and WKNR on May 6, 2000, as part of a court-ordered divestiture to complete Clear Channel's merger into AMFM, Inc.{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=George |date=May 7, 2000 |title=Firm sells five radio stations in region |pages=D7, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83449737/firm-sells-five-radio-stations-in/ D12] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |agency=Associated Press |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83449705/firm-sells-five-radio-stations-in-region/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815003137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83449705/firm-sells-five-radio-stations-in-region/ |archive-date=August 15, 2021}}

In addition to the station's regular lineup of taped sermons and Christian music, nationally syndicated area pastor Alistair Begg{{Cite news |last=Jenkins |first=Colette M. |date=February 21, 2009 |title=New start for congregation as Parkside Church in Green |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83469488/new-start-for-congregation-as-parkside/ B2] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83469436/new-start-for-congregation-as-parkside/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815042907/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83469436/new-start-for-congregation-as-parkside/ |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} aired daily on both WHK and WHK-FM.{{cite news |author=Long |first=Karen R. |date=October 11, 1997 |title=Pastor won't tread lightly |page=4E |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%252F0F80CCB578384929 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 5, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905183240/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CCB578384929&f=basic |url-status=live }} In October 1997, both stations broadcast live from the "Stand in the Gap" rally held by Promise Keepers.{{cite news |author=Carney |first=Jim |date=September 29, 1997 |title=Area Radio Stations to Broadcast Rally |page=A10 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108989877/area-radio-stations-to-broadcast-rally/ |access-date=September 5, 2002 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905183253/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108989877/area-radio-stations-to-broadcast-rally/ |url-status=live }}

{{For|more information on the July 3, 2001, exchange involving seven Northeast Ohio radio stations|2001 in radio}}

WHK was one of seven Northeast Ohio radio stations involved in a complex exchange on July 3, 2001, between three radio companies.{{cite news |author=Quinn |first=Jim |date=June 29, 2001 |title=It's time to reset your radio dial: Seven stations will get new frequencies Tuesday |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83461026/its-time-to-reset-your-radio-dial/ B3] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83461004/its-time-to-reset-your-radio-dial/ |access-date=August 14, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815042910/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83461004/its-time-to-reset-your-radio-dial/ |url-status=live }}{{efn|Although generally reported as a "frequency swap", these stations mostly traded call signs, formats and staffers in order to facilitate ownership transfers for four of the seven stations. See {{section link|WCPN|2001 "frequency swap"}}.}} Announced on November 1, 2000, WKLV-FM parent Radio Seaway reached an agreement to donate the assets of WCLV to a nonprofit foundation; in order to finance the deal, Radio Seaway sold the station's {{Frequency|95.5|FM}} license to Salem and purchased the licenses for Lorain's WCPN from Clear Channel and {{Frequency|1420|AM}} from Salem, while Salem sold WHK-FM's license to Clear Channel.{{Cite news |last1=Rosenberg |first1=Donald |last2=Feran |first2=Tom |date=November 2, 2000 |title=Arts group will take ownership of WCLV |page=1A |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%252F0F80DC0BD2279590 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 22, 2021 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329015049/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0F80DC0BD2279590&f=basic |url-status=live }} Negotiations between Salem, Clear Channel and Radio Seaway had been ongoing for nearly two years.{{Cite news |last=Feran |first=Tom |date=November 8, 2000 |title=Completing the score on WCLV deal |page=1E |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%252F0F80DC11DDD0C4CD |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 22, 2021 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329015052/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0F80DC11DDD0C4CD&f=basic |url-status=live }} Radio Seaway's original plan for {{Frequency|1420|AM}} was to simulcast the classical programming originated from {{Frequency|104.9|FM}}, which was weaker than the original {{Frequency|95.5|FM}} signal and centered primarily around Cleveland's western suburbs.{{Cite news |last=Quinn |first=Jim |date=June 18, 2001 |title=Seven area radio stations will play musical chairs |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55334350/the-akron-beacon-journal/ A5] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83461437/seven-area-radio-stations-will-play/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815042905/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83461437/seven-area-radio-stations-will-play/ |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Salem retained WHK's format and call letters and announced plans on May 17, 2001, to transfer them to {{Frequency|1220|AM}} in place of WKNR, simultaneously transferring WKNR's call sign and sports format from {{Frequency|1220|AM}} to {{Frequency|850|AM}}, displacing WRMR's adult standards format entirely.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=May 18, 2001 |title=WKNR's move to 850 will bump WRMR off the air |page=7D |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%252F12FC86CD5D3157C8 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 22, 2021 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329015050/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F12FC86CD5D3157C8&f=basic |url-status=live }} Despite WRMR still having respectable ratings in the 12+ demographic, the format struggled throughout the 1990s in the 25–54 demographic—seen by agencies as the most lucrative{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=May 25, 2001 |title=Senior listeners are the losers in radio game |page=1E |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%252F12FC86D709CB81E0 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 22, 2021 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329015050/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F12FC86D709CB81E0&f=basic |url-status=live }}—and had a core demographic of 65 and older.{{r|WRMRBumpedOffAir}} Ultimately, Radio Seaway agreed to purchase the intellectual property of WRMR, including the station's music library and some equipment, for an undisclosed fee on May 31, 2001, and announced that {{Frequency|1420|AM}} would adopt the format but with the WCLV call sign.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=June 1, 2001 |title=Classic pop radio will stay alive here: Actually will expand on WCLV AM |page=1A |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%252F12FC86E015792970 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 22, 2021 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329015050/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F12FC86E015792970&f=basic |url-status=live }} Acknowledging the signal weaknesses of {{Frequency|104.9|FM}} to the east of Cleveland, Radio Seaway arranged a partial simulcast for WCLV-FM programming with Painesville station WBKC.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=July 2, 2001 |title=DO touch that dial: Six radio stations switch frequencies |page=1C |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%252F0F2D641287984683 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 22, 2021 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329015050/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F0F2D641287984683&f=basic |url-status=live }}

{{For|other stations that have used the WCLV call sign|WCLV (disambiguation)}}File:WCLV-FM, WCLV (AM) logo.png

In announcing the format change—reported on as "a new version of WRMR"—Radio Seaway billed WCLV's format as "classic pop".{{r|ClassicPopStays}} The station placed an emphasis on older standards from the 1930s and 1940s, along with assorted show tunes, in an attempt to make the format hold a more sophisticated sound along the lines of WCLV-FM's classical format.{{Cite press release |date=May 31, 2001 |last=Goforth |first=Jerry R. |title=What's new at WCLV: WRMR Format Moves! WRMR format moves to WCLV 1420 AM in July |url=http://www.wclv.com/new_detail.jsp?id=59 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 3, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010803152113/http://www.wclv.com/new_detail.jsp?id=59 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |website=WCLV}} In response to WRMR's format attracting older demos, Robert Conrad, WCLV's co-founder and president, said, "the people who grew up with Bach aren't around anymore either."{{r|ClassicPopStays}} The entirety of WRMR's air talent was retained for WCLV except for Bill Randle and Rob Schuler; Randle joined WCLV in 2002,{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=August 2, 2002 |title=Indian games bat WTAM AM/1100 into first place |page=E5 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-nav-0=YMD_date&val-nav-0=2002%20-%202002&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Bill%20Randle%22&docref=news%2F0F52F9A3E202CA2E |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 22, 2021 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015718/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DNewsBank%26t%3D%26sort%3DYMD_date%253AA%26fld-nav-0%3DYMD_date%26val-nav-0%3D2002%2520-%25202002%26fld-base-0%3Dalltext%26maxresults%3D20%26val-base-0%3D%2522Bill%2520Randle%2522%26docref%3Dnews/0F52F9A3E202CA2E |url-status=live }} while Schuler stayed with Salem as WFHM-FM's midday host.{{r|DOTouchThatDial}} Jim Davis, WRMR's operations manager since 2000,{{r|WRMRBumpedOffAir}} again both programmed and assumed on-air duties.[https://web.archive.org/web/20020203173644/http://www.wclv.com/program_guide_am_grid.html "WCLV-AM Program Guide"] Web.archive.org (February 3, 2002).

The long-running Irish Hour with Gerry Quinn, a WRMR staple, also made the move to WCLV on Sunday mornings. WCLV-FM news director Hugh Danaceau also did live drive-time newscasts on the AM station until his death in 2003.{{Cite news |last=Baranick |first=Alana |date=October 27, 2003 |title=Hugh Danaceau, longtime WCLV-FM news director |page=B5 |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%252F0FE77EA3ECF54481 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015705/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0FE77EA3ECF54481&f=basic |url-status=live }} Many of WCLV-FM's long-running specialty shows, including Weekend Radio, the City Club of Cleveland's weekly forum, and Footlight Parade were also aired;{{r|WCLV1420guide}} Footlight Parade host Bill Rudman also hosted a Saturday afternoon program for the AM station.{{Cite news |last=Crump |first=Sarah |date=May 16, 2003 |title=Musical Man: Show tunes are the lyric of life for radio host Bill Rudman |page=E1 |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%252F0FB16D85D745AF65 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015705/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0FB16D85D745AF65&f=basic |url-status=live }}

On January 1, 2003, WCLV's call sign was changed to WRMR, reinforcing the station's link to the former WRMR at {{Frequency|850|AM}} and to resolve confusion between it and WCLV-FM.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=December 18, 2002 |title=Calling all WRMR fans: Its call letters are back |page=E11 |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%252F0F806FD9A3E4D986 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015705/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F806FD9A3E4D986&f=basic |url-status=live }}

File:1420 WRMR.png

Rebranded as "The Songs You Love", WRMR's music programming reverted to the adult standards format, again placing an emphasis on pop music and contemporary ballads from the 1950s and 1960s.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=July 18, 2004 |title=WRMR listeners mourning the day their music died |page=J8 |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%252F103F266051B74BB9 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015719/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/103F266051B74BB9&f=basic |url-status=live }} In November 2003, WRMR's lineup significantly changed: Ted Alexander replaced Ted Hallaman in the morning slot,{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=December 4, 2003 |title=Wonder where 'Tall' Ted Hallaman went? We found him |page=F4 |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%252F0FF404AECA03AB7B |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015706/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0FF404AECA03AB7B&f=basic |url-status=live }} WCLV staffer John Simna assumed the mid-morning slot and Jim Davis and Carl Reese were moved to the afternoon and evening slots, respectively.{{r|CPD20040707pE1}}

Despite these changes, Radio Seaway sold the station back to Salem on July 6, 2004, for $10 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|10000000|2004}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}).{{Cite press release |url=https://investor.salemmedia.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/561/salem-communications-to-acquire-wrmr-am-cleveland-station |title=Salem Communications to Acquire WRMR-AM, Cleveland; Station Will Broadcast as WHK-AM in News/Talk Format |last=Davis |first=Denise |date=July 7, 2004 |website=Salem Media Group |access-date=November 29, 2019 |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027131305/https://investor.salemmedia.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/561/salem-communications-to-acquire-wrmr-am-cleveland-station |url-status=live}} WRMR had experienced an overall loss in listenership and advertising revenue so significant that Robert Conrad said, "we gave (the standards format) three years, but unfortunately it's dying all across the country", conceding WRMR had become a financial liability for WCLV.{{Cite news|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%252F103B7B110AB769D6|title=Sale Tunes Out Big-Band Sound|last=Washington|first=Julie E.|date=July 7, 2004|page=E1|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=September 1, 2022|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|archive-date=September 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015705/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/103B7B110AB769D6&f=basic|url-status=live}} The sale was indicative of the adult standards format fading from terrestrial radio, having fallen from a peak of 595 stations nationwide in 1999 to 457 stations in 2004.{{r|CPD20040718pJ8}} WRMR's sale and pending format change was made more poignant as Bill Randle died five days later, on July 11, 2004, at the age of 81.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=July 10, 2004 |title=1923-2004: DJ legend Bill Randle dead at 81 |page=A1 |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%252F103C2FAFDDE77EAE |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 21, 2021 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015705/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/103C2FAFDDE77EAE&f=basic |url-status=live }}

File:Bob Frantz (converted).jpg

Salem took over WRMR via local marketing agreement on July 13, 2004, changing the station's format to conservative talk,{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=July 8, 2004 |title=Station sale moves WHK back to former spot on the dial |page=F4 |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%252F103B8680753D932D |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329015051/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F103B8680753D932D&f=basic |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |via=NewsBank}} assuming a format WCCD had adopted in early 2003.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=February 14, 2003 |title=WCCD lineup offers conservative Voice |page=E5 |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%252F0F9373A8B96A28DF |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015705/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F9373A8B96A28DF&f=basic |url-status=live }} While branded as "WHK"{{r|SalemWHK072004PR}} and reported on as "WHK moving back to 1420 on the dial",{{r|CPD20040708pF4}} the WRMR call sign stayed until April 5, 2005, when the sale was consummated;{{r|CPD20040707pE1}} WHK then changed their calls to WHKW, allowing the WHK calls to be restored on {{Frequency|1420|AM}}.{{Cite web |title=Call Sign History: WHKW |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=14772&Callsign=WHKW14772 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815042906/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=14772&Callsign=WHKW14772 |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |access-date=August 14, 2021 |website=licensing.fcc.gov}} While WHK's conservative talk format was at launch entirely syndicated via the Salem Radio Network,{{r|CPD20040708pF4}} a local program hosted by area personality Bob Frantz was added in 2015.{{Cite news |last=Heaton |first=Michael |date=January 29, 2015 |title=WHK-1420 AM to host screening of 'American Sniper' and panel discussion with vets |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%252F1532CDF5795546D0 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015725/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/1532CDF5795546D0&f=basic |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Heisig |first=Eric |date=April 17, 2015 |title=Maple Heights mayor accuses councilman foe of defamation in a lawsuit |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%252F154C826712A78340 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902015706/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/154C826712A78340&f=basic |url-status=live }} WHK was rebranded as "The Answer" on April 15, 2013, a slogan used by many Salem-owned conservative talk stations.{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2013 |title=WHK Now 'The Answer' |url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/117384/whk-now-the-answer |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=All Access |language=en |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906000810/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/117384/whk-now-the-answer |url-status=live }}

Aside from Frantz's local late morning show, the bulk of the weekday lineup features Salem Radio Network conservative talk programming, Bloomberg Radio in early mornings and daily commentaries from Bill O'Reilly.{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/186079/over-100-affiliates-air-the-o-reilly-update-debut|title=Over 100 Affiliates Air 'The O'Reilly Update' Debut|website=All Access}} Brokered programming makes up the majority of the station's weekend lineup,[http://whkradio.com/programguidedaily?dayOfWeek=Sunday&timeFilter=0 "Program Guide: Sunday"] (whkradio.com) and WHK serves as the Cleveland affiliate for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football.

WHK is additionally relayed over the following low-power FM translator:

{{RadioTranslators

| callsign = WHK

| call1 = W275DF

| freq1 = 102.9

| city1 = Cleveland

| fid1 = 143930

| watts1 = 50

| class1 = D

| coord1 = {{coord|41|23|36.8|N|81|39|15.7|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark_source:FCC|name=W275DF}}

| haat1 = 9

}}

• List of initial AM-band station grants in the United States

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Refbegin|indent=yes}}

• {{cite book|author=Gorman|first1=John|title=The Buzzard: Inside the Glory Days of WMMS and Cleveland Rock Radio|last2=Feran|first2=Tom|publisher=Gray & Co|year=2007|isbn=9781886228474|location=Cleveland|author-link1=John Gorman (radio executive)}}
• {{Cite book |via=Google Books |last=Olszewski |first=Mike |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jlozhlCZFGIC |title=Radio Daze: Stories from the Front in Cleveland's FM Air Wars |publisher=Kent State University Press |year=2003 |isbn=9780873387736 |location=Kent, Ohio |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-date=December 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209111044/https://books.google.com/books?id=jlozhlCZFGIC |url-status=live}}
• {{Cite book|last1=Olszewski|first1=Mike|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/BOOKSHELF-ARH/Station-Books/WIXY-1260-Olszewski-Berk-2011.pdf|title=WIXY 1260: Pixies, Six-Packs, and Supermen|last2=Berg|first2=Richard|last3=Wolff|first3=Carlo|publisher=Black Squirrel Books|year=2011|isbn=978-1-60635-099-7|location=Kent, Ohio|pages=88|access-date=August 4, 2022|archive-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926105224/https://worldradiohistory.com/BOOKSHELF-ARH/Station-Books/WIXY-1260-Olszewski-Berk-2011.pdf|url-status=live}}

{{Refend}}

• {{Official website|http://www.whkradio.com/}}

{{AM station data|72299|WHK}}

• {{Commons category-inline|WHK}}
• {{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=60406 |title= History Cards for WHK|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} (Guide to reading History Cards)
• {{FCC-LMS-Facility|143930|W275DF}}
• {{FXL|W275DF}}
• [https://case.edu/ech/articles/w/whk WHK] at Case Western Reserve University's Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

{{Cleveland Radio}}

{{News/Talk Radio Stations in Ohio}}

{{Salem Communications}}

Category:1922 establishments in Ohio

Category:Metromedia

Category:Talk radio stations in the United States

Category:Radio stations established in 1922

HK

Category:Salem Media Group radio stations

Category:Conservative talk radio