iHeartMedia New York’s Q104.3, New York’s Rock, has announced a five-year broadcast agreement extension for legendary on-air personality Jim Kerr.
A Radio Hall of Famer, Kerr began his tenure at Q104.3 in January 2002. Over the course of more than 50 years on air in New York, he has made radio history with his enduring presence, distinctive voice, and deep connection to listeners including acting as host for the long running iHeartRadio Icon series where he sits down with living legends for in-depth conversations that bring their stories to life.
“Jim Kerr and I were young radio guys together in the 1970s, and we’ve been friends ever since; today, Jim is legendary as the longest-running morning radio personality in New York City history. We’re pleased and proud that he is staying with us at Q104.3, extending his deep bond with his audience as an iconic voice of New York City,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. “Jim has made an indelible impact on this city, on our industry, and in the lives of Q104.3 listeners as a trusted voice and friend to millions of New Yorkers for almost 52 years, and we’re delighted that he’ll continue to call iHeart and Q104.3 home.”
“Jim Kerr is synonymous with New York radio. His passion, his connection with listeners, and his unwavering commitment to excellence make him a true icon,” said Thea Mitchem, EVP of Programming for iHeartMedia. “We’re proud to continue this incredible partnership and excited for what the next five years will bring to Q104.3 and to New Yorkers who wake up with Jim every morning.”
As New York City’s longest-running morning radio personality, Kerr has been the morning show host on six New York City stations, most notably 23 years at Q104.3 and 15 years at WPLJ-FM, where he became New York’s youngest morning show host at 21 years old. His career has also included on-air personality at WDAI-FM and WLS-AM in Chicago, WKNR-AM in Detroit, Michigan, and WORJ-FM in Orlando, Florida. Kerr’s connection to radio started on a second-grade field trip to WWJ-AM in Detroit. He began his career at age 14 in Ypsilanti, Michigan and has been on the air ever since.
“I’m so very lucky, my entire adult life, I’ve been able to do what I dreamt about doing as a little kid listening to the radio on top of the refrigerator before school. I decided then that I wanted to be that man on the radio in the morning. So every day, I get up, I come to work, and I spend time with my friends but also, most importantly, I spend time with my friends who are in their cars, or their trucks, or an Uber, or a taxi, or at the gym, or at their workplace, or at home in the kitchen, like I was,” said Kerr. “In 1975, in Newsday, I said, “People think I’m crazy, but I really believe I have half a million friends.” I still believe that! Every morning, I feel fortunate to do something that I love, with all of my friends.”
Active for decades in civic and charitable affairs, Kerr is a 40-year board member of HeartShare Human Services of New York and a member of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation board. He’s also a Vice President of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
