A.C. McCullough dies
February 13, 2023
His career spanned several decades at one radio station. That is a feat few people relatively few people in radio and television have achieved. And to do it all in their home town is even more rare. But A.C. McCullough spent 52 years at WHOT-FM (101.1 Youngstown) right up to his death over the weekend at age 76.
In an article in the Youngstown Vindicator, Cumulus Media Market Vice President and Market Manager Bill Kelly said of McCullough, “He was a great talent who loved Youngstown and Youngstown loved him back. The Valley has lost a friend and a legend.” Kelly said anywhere he mentioned “HOT 101” people asked about A.C.
John Batcho, who has been both a rival and colleague to McCullough, pointed out with Top-40 being an ever-changing format – disco, new wave, etc. – you have to constantly keep up with the changes. “You have to remain hip to your audience, and he stayed hip for 50 years,” he said adding today’s generation of “kids” liked him – another feat unusual for most in the business – and he remained passionate about music.
Mr. McCullough had been off the air for the last month, seemingly due to unknown health issues, but his death was not expected. What is expected, however, is nobody else will ever achieve a legacy like his.
Funeral plans are not yet complete, but the radio station has a place where listeners can leave tributes.
