News Talk 760 WJR News Director Dick Haefner is calling it a career after 51 years in the news media industry. Haefner’s start came in 1969 where he eventually became one of the more recognizable news voices in his hometown of Detroit, MI.
Haefner has been with WJR News Director since 1989, where he’s won the Peabody Award, Associated Press national award for the Best Broadcast Reporting, Edward R. Murrow Awards, and numerous state news awards. The most recent awards for Haefner were for “Best Newscast” and “Best Feature” in 2019 from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB).
This Friday will be Haefner’s last day on the air, but he reflected on his 51-year career before that.
“Anything I may have accomplished is because of other people, my wife Judy and my family who allowed me to pursue adventures in broadcast news, and especially my co-workers. My most important job was to put them in position to do their best work. What they accomplished every day is my greatest reward. I have had the best job in Detroit radio news for almost 32 years. I’m the luckiest person I know.”
Steve Finateri, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Detroit, offered his thoughts on Haefner’s career. “Dick Haefner can be considered one of the all-time brand ambassadors for News/Talk 760 WJR Radio and Cumulus Detroit. He is one of the most talented in our industry and has upheld the highest standards of integrity and professionalism each and every day he has graced our airwaves.”
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
