Now Hear This: Don Imus, Johnny Dark, Frank Reed @ 66 WNBC (1982)

Don Imus began his morning show at WNBC in New York City in late 1971. His initial run was notable for introducing the shock jock style to a broader audience, blending music, humor, and controversial commentary.
Initially, “Imus in the Morning” included a mix of rock and roll music, comedy bits, listener banter, and parodies. Imus was famous for his character voices like “The Reverend Billy Sol Hargis,” which added a satirical edge to his broadcasts. His show was part of a broader Top 40 format that WNBC adopted, focusing on current hits and popular music.
Imus’s first tenure at WNBC ended in 1977 due to his struggles with substance abuse and the station’s decision to revamp its lineup to boost sagging ratings. He returned to Cleveland for a year before being rehired by WNBC in 1979, where he continued his morning show with renewed vigor.
By 1988, when WNBC was sold to Emmis Communications and became WFAN, Imus had shifted his show’s focus from music to more talk-oriented content, discussing current events, political satire, and humor. This transition was partly due to the station’s new sports-talk format, but Imus’s show remained a morning staple.
Imus’s style at WNBC helped pave the way for future shock jocks. His humor, while often controversial, attracted a loyal audience, setting a template for morning radio shows that mixed entertainment with news and commentary.
Imus in the Morning became a cultural touchstone in New York, known for its sharp wit, celebrity interviews, and the way it engaged with the day’s news. His show was a platform for politicians, journalists, and entertainers, making it a significant venue for public discourse.
WNBC’s sale and transformation into WFAN in 1988 marked the end of MusicRadio WNBC’s traditional format. However, Imus’s program continued on WFAN, adapting to the new all-talk and sports format but maintaining its core identity.

Don Imus-Johnny Dark-Frank Reed, WNBC New York, NY January 4-9, 1982 (2:01:14)

Johnny Dark’s career in radio began in various markets. Before his time at WNBC, he was known for his work at WRKO in Boston, where he was part of the station’s top 40 format in the mid-1970s.
Johnny Dark joined WNBC in 1977 as part of a significant overhaul of the station’s on-air talent. This move was orchestrated by Bob Pittman, the new Program Director, who aimed to rejuvenate the station’s listenership by introducing a new, younger-sounding lineup.
WNBC shifted from an adult top 40 or hot AC format to a more aggressive, current-based top 40 format under Pittman’s leadership. Dark was part of this new wave of DJs, contributing to the station’s attempt to capture a younger audience with more contemporary music selections.
At WNBC, Johnny Dark was one of the DJs who found success, continuing into the early 1980s. His style was described as high energy, fitting well with the station’s new direction. He hosted various shifts, with a particular focus on afternoon drive time.
Despite the overall decline in listenership during this period, Dark, alongside DJs like Frank Reed and Allen Beebe, managed to carve out a niche. His voice and presence on WNBC contributed to the station’s character during a time when AM radio was facing increasing competition from FM stations.
Following his time at WNBC, Johnny Dark continued his radio career in various locations, including WKIS-FM in Miami.

At WNBC, Frank Reed initially held down the midday slot but was later moved to the afternoon drive, a timeslot known for higher listenership. His show was sandwiched between two of the biggest names in radio at the time, Don Imus in the morning and Howard Stern in the afternoon drive, making Reed’s position quite unique.
Known for his engaging personality, Reed was dubbed “Captain” Frank by Don Imus. His style was warm, personable, and contrasted with the more provocative approaches of Imus and Stern. Reed was also recognized for his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
During his time at WNBC, Reed faced personal struggles, particularly with alcohol, which he later addressed by turning to Alcoholics Anonymous and eventually finding solace in faith, leading him to transition into Christian radio.