Jack Daniel to Retire After 54 Years in Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 10:57am CT

Jack Daniel

Beasley Media Group says longtime Charlotte radio programmer and personality Jack Daniel will retire September 18, bringing an end to a 54-year broadcasting career that has included more than five decades on the air and in management. Daniel currently serves as PD and midday personality at AC WKQC-FM (K 104.7) in Charlotte. He joined Beasley in April 2018 as afternoon host on WKQC and Southern Rock W234BY (94.7 Smoke).

Later that year, Daniel was named Program Director of Country WSOC-FM (Country 103.7) and W234BY while continuing his WKQC airshift. He assumed programming leadership of K104.7 in 2021.

Daniel's radio career began September 18, 1972, at East Carolina University's campus station, WECU. He arrived on the Charlotte airwaves in 1975 and went on to become one of the market's most familiar radio figures.

Over the years, Daniel has served as a Program Director, Operations Manager, Vice President/General Manager, Music Director and air personality. His Charlotte resume includes stops at WROQ, WBCY, WRFX, WEND and WPEG-FM. At WPEG, Daniel helped launch what became Urban POWER 98 in 1979. The station is now a sister outlet to WKQC in Beasley's Charlotte cluster.

Daniel also hosted morning shows during his career in Charlotte, Greenville and Rocky Mount, NC, and York, SC.

"Retirements like this give us the opportunity to reflect on careers that truly make a difference, and Jack Daniel has certainly done that," said Beasley Chief Content Officer Justin Chase. He praised Daniel's professionalism, leadership, commitment to local radio and efforts to mentor younger broadcasters.

"What is it they say, if you love what you do, it's not work?" Daniel said. "I've had a great ride and can't think of a better place to wrap it all up than Beasley Media Group in Charlotte, a company that was born in North Carolina. I've met so many great friends in this business."

Daniel's retirement date falls exactly 54 years after he began his broadcasting career.