Murrysville native joins 1020 team

A Westmoreland County native has been tapped to take over the lead news anchor position on KDKA (1020) when Bob Kopler retires.

Bill Rehkopf (right), currently morning news anchor and news director at WPOC-FM (93.1) in Baltimore, starts at KDKA in January.

The appointment was announced this morning by Marshall Adams, KDKA program director.

Kopler, a 19-year veteran of KDKA, is retiring effective Dec. 28. His 41 years in Pittsburgh broadcasting have included stints at KQV (1410), WWSW-AM/FM, and the former WTAE (1250), along with work at KDKA-TV (2).

Adams called Kopler a “legend in this market” who “cannot be replaced.”

“Bill has a deep appreciation and understanding for the power and responsibility of delivering morning news on KDKA,” Adams said in a press release. “Having grown up in Murrysville, he knows what our audience has come to expect.”

Rehkopf has been at WPOC, a country music station owned by Clear Channel, since 1999. A graduate of Franklin Regional High School, Rehkopf attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania and filed freelance reports for KDKA during his college years.

In addition to stints at WARM in Scranton and WHP in Harrisburg, Rehkopf has also worked for several stations in northwestern Pennsylvania, including WWCH (1300) and WCCR-FM (92.7) in Clarion, WECZ (1540) and WPXZ-FM (104.1) in Punxsutawney, and WMKX-FM (105.5).

“When I was young, I’d listen to the likes of Uncle Ed [Schaughency] and Bill Steinbach and always dreamed I would one day work here,” Rehkopf said. “I’m very mindful of the history that goes before me, and it’s a privilege to join those who call KDKA ‘home.'”

Rehkopf and his wife, Carol, have four children. He has also served as a volunteer fire fighter, emergency medical technician and spokesman for the Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department in Carroll County, Md.