By David Hormell
After a 54-year career spent shaping Charlotte’s broadcast landscape, WKQC “K104.7” Program Director and midday personality Jack Daniel will retire from the Beasley Media Group station on September 18.
That final date isn’t accidental: it is exactly 54 years to the day he started his career.
Daniel’s five-decade radio run can be traced back to East Carolina University’s campus radio station, WECU, where he first stepped behind the mic on September 18, 1972. Daniel went on to hold programming and leadership roles across the Carolinas, including positions at Charlotte-based WROQ, WBCY, WRFX and WEND. At WPEG, in 1979, he notably launched a current sibling radio station in “Power 98.” Daniel also served on the Professional Advisory Board at Appalachian State University and has been a mentor for the National Radio Talent Institute.
Beasley Chief Content Officer Justin Chase said, “Retirements like this give us the opportunity to reflect on careers that truly make a difference, and Jack Daniel has certainly done that. Since joining Beasley Media Group in 2018, he has demonstrated unwavering professionalism, outstanding leadership, and a genuine passion for local radio. Beyond his professional achievements, he has represented our company with integrity throughout the Charlotte community and has generously invested his time in mentoring the next generation of broadcasters. We thank him for everything he has done for our listeners, our team, and our company.”
Beasley Charlotte VP and Market Manager Mac Edwards added, “After an extraordinary run, Jack Daniel leaves behind a lasting imprint on Charlotte radio. Words like ‘legend’, ‘icon’, and ‘trailblazer’ jump to mind when describing his remarkable journey as Air Talent, PD, and GM…We wish Jack and family all the happiness they so richly deserve as they celebrate this well-earned retirement.”
Daniel reflected, “What is it they say, if you love what you do, it’s not work? I’ve had a great ride and can’t think of a better place to wrap it all up than Beasley Media Group in Charlotte, a company that was born in North Carolina. I’ve met so many great friends in this business.”
