Daniel M. Lerner, of Merion, a retired radio broadcasting pioneer, innovative programmer, and longtime philanthropist, died on February 21 aged 91, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Lerner, who also worked as an advertising account executive and consultant, was an early proponent of what is today known as the adult contemporary radio format.

In 1981, he was awarded the broadcasting license for WKSZ-FM in Media. He dubbed the station Kiss 100 and introduced long sections of soft rock and love songs to draw in the coveted demographic of 25- to 49-year-olds. This approach catapulted him to the top of the local ratings chart in under five years.

“We knew within days that we had a winner,” said Lerner in a 1983 interview.

“We started receiving calls and letters from listeners telling us how wonderful we were. And, more importantly, we got unsolicited calls from businesses that wanted to advertise with us.”

As musical trends evolved over the years, he pivoted to alternative rock to attract younger listeners. Throughout his entire career, he championed women’s roles in media. He sold the station in 2000.

Read more about Daniel M. Lerner and his pioneering work in radio broadcasting in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

_______________