Jim Bohannon Steps Down From ''The Jim Bohannon Show''

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Jim Bohannon

Westwood One has announced that legendary broadcaster Jim Bohannon will retire as host of "The Jim Bohannon Show" for health reasons on October 14, after having helmed the show for more than 30 years. Bohannon's final show will include special guests and the opportunity for listeners to call in and offer their thanks and best wishes. New York-area talk show host and Westwood One producer Rich Valdes will guest host "The Jim Bohannon Show" beginning Monday, October 17 each weeknight from 10pm-1am ET.

"It's been a great 40 years with Westwood One, with the last 30 as host of the 'Jim Bohannon Show.' I've enjoyed every minute of our daily nighttime town hall with my guests, callers, and all of America," said Bohannon.

"We celebrate Jim's long radio history and all his achievements, including his induction into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame, the First Amendment Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Talkers Magazine, and his inductions into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. Jim has been an invaluable member of our Westwood One family over these many years. He is truly an industry legend," said Suzanne Grimes, Executive Vice President Corporate Marketing, Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One.

A 50-year-plus broadcasting veteran, Bohannon began his career in 1960 at his hometown station KLWT-AM/Lebanon, MO. After college at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield and service in the U.S. Army, he moved to Washington where he worked at Easy Listening WGAY-FM and News/Talkers WTOP-AM and WWRC-AM. He later moved to Chicago in 1980, where he worked as a morning anchor at WCFL-FM Radio and as a freelance reporter for Cable News Network.

Bohannon hosted his own Saturday night phone-in program and served as the principal back-up for Larry King on "The Larry King Show." In February of 1993, Bohannon took over the nighttime talk show slot formerly held by King. Bohannon joined Westwood One in 1983 and has anchored newscasts, political conventions and election night coverage in addition to his weekday programs.