Longtime 760 WJR morning man Paul W. Smith is moving to a newly created timeslot on the venerable Detroit news/talk station.
Beginning Tuesday, June 20th, Smith will be heard in the Noon-2:00 PM timeslot previously occupied by The Dan Bongino Show. Focus with Paul W. Smith will “expand the community’s access to Mihcigan’s most influential political, civic, and business newsmakers”, according to a press release.
Guy Gordon will move mornings from his current early afternoon window, hosting a newly branded JR Morning show from 6:00-9:00 AM. All Talk with Tom Jordan and Kevin Dietz remains in the 9:00 AM-Noon timeslot. The station will also launch a new afternoon show, JR Afternoon, hosted by Chris Renwick from 2:00-4:00 PM. The Mitch Albom Show will continue to be heard from 4:00-6:00 PM.
“What a lineup! Each of our talent is a brand unto themself and have a unique vision and take on the events that shape the news,” said 760 WJR Program Director Mike Wheeler. “We are absolutely living up to our claim that WJR is where Michigan comes to talk.”
Smith has been the host of the station’s morning show since 1996, after stepping in for predecessor and radio legend JP McCarthy. The change allows both he and the station more flexibility.
“Launching the Focus show will give Paul W. Smith the opportunity to expand, on and off the air, his unmatched relationships with Michigan’s most influential newsmakers, for the benefit of our audience and our advertising partners,” Cumulus Detroit Vice President and Market Manager Steve Finateri said. “WJR is The Great Voice of the Great Lakes and going 100% local is a big win for all Michiganders who count on WJR to inform and educate us about everything happening here in our state!”
