Jim Krenn (born October 13, 1959) is an American comedian and radio personality, best known for his work on The DVE Morning Show on WDVE in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1988-December 6, 2011.[3] Krenn and former partner Scott Paulsen provided most of the voices for the Nickelodeon Stop Motion animation series, Action League NOW!.
| Jim Krenn | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1959 (age 64–65)[1] Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Medium | Standup, radio, podcast |
| Nationality | American |
| Years active | 1988-present |
| Spouse | Hedy Polifroni (m. 1993)[2] |
| Notable works and roles | Host of The DVE Morning Show Host of Jim Krenn: No Restrictions |
| Website | www |
History
editJim Krenn began on WDVE Radio in 1988. He worked with Scott Paulsen until 1999. Paulsen and Krenn dominated the ratings, holding the #1 spot in the advertising-coveted 25 to 54 demographic for the last ten years of their 12-year partnership. Krenn then partnered with Randy Baumann of Erie, PA in 2000 and continued dominating the ratings in the 25 to 54 demographic, beating every local and national competitor until his surprising dismissal from the WDVE Morning Show in December 2011, in spite of the ratings dominance. Krenn was quoted in several Pittsburgh publications as saying "I must be the only radio personality that has ever won a readers poll award, got his bonus check for being number one in the ratings and then fired all in the same week!" Read Jim Krenn's Press Conference Press Release.[4] Following his departure from WDVE, he began a successful comedy podcast called No Restrictions..[5]
In 2008, he mobilized a large portion of his listening audience to successfully locate his lost dog, Gizmo.[6] He and his wife are well-known animal lovers and devote volunteer efforts to helping animals.[7]
Awards
editThe Mayor of Pittsburgh proclaimed February 22, 2008 "Jim Krenn Day" in the city, in honor of his twenty years as the King of Morning Radio, his charity work and contributions as a citizen of Pittsburgh.
In May 2010, Jim Krenn was given the prestigious Animal Friends Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to the shelter and his tireless work of helping abused animals over the years. Animal Friends of Pittsburgh has only given the award to eight individuals in their 75-year history.
In 2011 Pittsburgh City Council honored Krenn [8]
In March 2012, Jim Krenn was given the Directors Community Service Award from the FBI, a national award given to a select few in honor of their leadership in the areas of community, charity and good citizenship.[9]
In May 2012, the City Council of Pittsburgh officially proclaimed Jim Krenn the Honorary Ambassador of Pittsburgh.[10]
Krenn has won numerous Readers Poll awards from several Pittsburgh publications in his radio career. An indication of his popularity in the Pittsburgh market: he won the City Paper's 2012 Readers Poll as "Pittsburgh's Favorite Radio Personality of the Year" even though he wasn't on the air as he was honoring a non-compete after his release from WDVE after 24 years.[11]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ McCoy, Adrian (December 17, 1999). "The Mourning Show: Scott Paulsen signing off from WDVE". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ^ Kirkland, Kevin (July 13, 2011). "Comedian Jim Krenn and wife Hedy's lives have gone to the cats and dogs". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
- ^ McCoy, Adrian (April 15, 2001). "Jim Krenn's new co-host, Randy Baumann, clicks with listeners and helps WDVE stay in charge". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ^ http://www.jimkrenn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Jim-Krenn-Press-Conference-%E2%80%93-Press-Release-%E2%80%93-March-7-20121.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ Machosky, Michael (April 4, 2013). "Podcasts help comedians spread the laughter". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
- ^ "WDVE's Jim Krenn's Missing Dog, Gizmo, Found". WTAE-TV. Dec 17, 2008. Archived from the original on August 20, 2012. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
- ^ "Comedian Jim Krenn and wife Hedy's lives have gone to the cats and dogs". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. July 13, 2011.
- ^ http://www.wtae.com/news/local/allegheny/Jim-Krenn-recognized-by-Pittsburgh-City-Council/-/10927008/13614160/-/lsj7fd/-/index.html[permanent dead link]
- ^ "2011 Director's Community Leadership Awards - Pittsburgh - James Krenn". FBI.gov. May 2011.
- ^ "Jim Krenn named honorary ambassador". WTAE Pittsburgh. May 23, 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ talent network, inc. (October 18, 2012). "Jim Krenn Is Still Pittsburgh's Best DJ". Jim Krenn.