Karl F. Osborne *

     Karl Osborne was born in 1919. He began his radio career at WJW in Akron in 1938 as an announcer doing record programs, live talent programs, remotes and interviews. Karl was the first announcer hired at WAKR and was introduced on the air by Milton Cross of ABC. He was also WAKR’s music librarian. After returning from World War II, he was employed by WADC as an announcer, and soon became the assistant to “Red” Hageman, as a newscaster and news reporter. Karl had a talent for chasing down the “hot” news stories when covering the police department, the detective bureau and the Akron FBI office. As a rapid typist, Karl would pound out the local and national happenings quickly. As a gifted pianist, he often accompanied vocalists. He remained at WADC until 1954. Karl lived with his wife in Albany, New York, until his death on November 8 of 2004.