Randy Michaels
Broadcaster, entrepreneur and Ohio native Randy Michaels (Benjamin Homel) started his radio career as an engineer and assumed the name “Randy Michaels” when he began doing on-air work at Buffalo’s WGR. He moved from engineering to programming and eventually landed in Tampa Bay as program director for WDAE during its years as a Taft station in the late 70’s. In 1989, he became the mastermind who turned WFLZ from a middling oldies station to a CHR powerhouse.
In 1983, Michaels and partner Robert Lawrence formed Seven Hills Broadcasting and purchased WSKS and WLW in Cincinnati, and stations in Knoxville and Nashville. When Seven Hills merged with Jacor in 1986, he became EVP/programming and co-COO until named president/COO in 1993 and then CEO of Jacor in 1996.
In addition to being instrumental in WFLA-AM’s switch to news/talk and Jacor’s merger with Clear Channel in the late 90’s, Randy was also the mastermind behind CC becoming the country’s largest radio chain. However, that association ended in 2002 when he left the company to start several other private broadcast firms.
Michaels joined the Tribune Company (owner of Chicago’s WGN) as executive vice president and CEO of its interactive and broadcast divisions in December 2007 and was named COO in May 2008.
Station History
1978 - 2002 Other Tampa Bay Area Stations (Management)
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