After a radio career spanning almost five decades, Detroit radio veteran Frank Beckmann has announced his retirement.
Beckmann has served as a mid-morning host at News Talk 760 WJR, hosting “The Frank Beckmann Show” from 9 a.m.-noon the last 18 years. His last show will air on Friday, March 26, 2021.
“I will be forever grateful to WJR for helping all of my boyhood dreams to come true,” Beckmann said in a statement. “As a youngster growing up on the east side of Detroit, I always imagined sitting behind a microphone, announcing Lions and Tigers games. It was surreal for me to actually have been able to do that, along with experiencing the other great opportunities this radio giant known as WJR provided me. I only hope I’ve met some of the expectations of me, and I thank every person I’ve worked for, or with, at WJR.”
Beckmann joined WJR in 1972. He became the station’s lead play-by-play announcer in 1981 and stayed in that role until 2014. That same year, he received the Chris Schenkel Award by the National Football Foundation, making Beckmann a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Beckmann has also been actively engaged in community fundraising efforts throughout his tenure. He’s helped raise millions of dollars for The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund; Dutton Farm, which serves those with Down Syndrome; the Autism Alliance of Michigan; and numerous other nonprofit organizations. Beckmann is also a longtime major supporter of the March of Dimes, and has hosted an annual golf tournament fundraiser for the charity for 37 years.
“Frank’s career over the past 48 years has made him one of the most elite members of the media, and deservedly so,” said Steve Finateri, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Detroit. “Most importantly, Frank Beckmann is one of the kindest, most honorable and passionate individuals to those who know him. He will be sorely missed, but we wish him all the best as he enjoys his next chapter as full-time family member and avid golfer!”
