Detroit Rock Radio Legend Retiring After 50 Years

DETROIT — Detroit rock radio legend Doug "Doc of Rock" Podell is retiring after 50 years behind the mic, according to iHeartMedia.

Podell, who currently hosts the 2-7 p.m. show on 106.7 WLLZ Detroit Wheels, will sign off for the last time on Friday, Dec 5.

"It’s been an incredible ride," said Doug Podell. "From my earliest days at WABX to returning to WLLZ, where I first took on a leadership role, it feels like the perfect place to sign off. I’ve been lucky to spend 50 years doing what I love, in the city I love, surrounded by listeners who made it all worth it."

Podell began his radio career at 99.5 WABX in 1975. He then worked at 106.7 WWWW (W4), and later moved to 92.5 KQRS in Minneapolis before joining 98.7 WLLZ in the 1980s. He also served as program director and on-air talent for 98.7 WLLZ.

Podell then went on to become the operations manager and host at Cleveland’s 98.5 WNCX before returning to Detroit rock radio at 101.1 WRIF in 1995. After that stint, he moved to 94.7 WCSX from 2009 to 2017. He eventually landed at 106.7 WLLZ Detroit Wheels at its launch in March 2019.

Podell earned multiple awards and industry honors over his 50 years on air. He won Program Director of the Year from Billboard and the Distinguished Career Award from the Detroit Music Awards.

"Doug Podell is a Detroit original," said Casey Krukowski, Program Director for iHeartMedia Detroit’s 106.7 WLLZ. "His passion for music, deep connection with listeners, and commitment to radio excellence have left a lasting mark—not only on this station, but on generations of Detroit rock fans."