Kasem to Retire From ''American Top 40'' Spin-Offs

RADIO ONLINE | , ,

Legendary AT40 host Casey Kasem, 77, is retiring from the spin-off programs, "American Top 20" and "American Top 10," on July 4 -- the date he created the franchise in 1970. Kasem hosted "American Top 40" until 1988 when ABC Watermark acquired AT40. He returned in 1998 to host a revived version.

He stepped down as host in 2003 when Premiere Radio Networks named KYSR-FM/Los Angeles afternooner Ryan Seacrest as the new host. Kasem continued as host of "American Top 20," a Hot AC/AC countdown. Shortly after, Kasem was awarded with the Clear Channel Radio Lifetime Achievement Award.

"Hosting various versions of my countdown program has kept me extremely busy, and I loved every minute of it," said Kasem in a statement. "However, this decision will free up time I need to focus on myriad other projects."