Biography

Paul Harvey has said that he was “raised in radio newsrooms.” During his time in those newsrooms, he has broadcast the news to millions, built an active professional life and created an awesome reputation. Havery was considered as the number one broadcaster and news prersonality in network radio, and the most listened to radio personality in America. His program was first rank among all radio network programs.

His daily broadcasts emphasize the viewpoints of “the heart of America” those who still cherish the personal qualities that have made this country great. From that point of view, Mr. Harvey frequently makes emphatic comments on events at home and abroad.Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mr. Harvey began his radio career in 1933 at KVOO-AM, Tulsa, while still in high school. When he attended the University of Tulsa, he continued working at KVOO as an announcer, then program director.After graduation, Mr. Harvey spent three years as a station manager for a local station in Salina, Kansas. From there, he took a newscasting job at KOMA-AM in Oklahoma City, then moved on to KXOK-AM, St. Louis, where he was Director of Special Events and roving reporter.

Mr. Harvey moved to Hawaii in 1940 to cover the U.S. Navy as it began to concentrate its fleet in the Pacific.

He was returning to the United States from that assignment, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Paul Harvey enlisted in the Army Air corps, where he served until 1944.

After leaving the corps, Mr. Harvey moved to Chicago where, in June of 1944, he began broadcasting from then-ABC affiliate WENR-AM. He quickly became the most listened-to newscaster in Chicago.

Harvey reached audiences beyond the Windy City in 1951 when he began his coast-to-coast News and Commentary on the ABC Radio Networks. On May 10, 1976, Mr. Harvey began another series of programs on the ABC Radio Networks entitled “The Rest of the Story,” which delve into the forgotten, or little known facts, behind stories of people and events.

“Paul Harvey News and Comment” program broadcasted Monday through Saturday, and “The Rest of the Story” Monday through Friday. Paul Harvey News was the world’s largest one-man network, consisting of 1300 radio stations, 400 Armed Forces Network stations that broadcast around the world and 300 newspapers.

Mr. Harvey’s nationally syndicated column ran three times a week, and he has written numerous books, articles and inspirational records. His broadcasts and newspaper columns have been reprinted in the Congressional Record more than those of any other commentator. Off the air, Mr. Harvey is in constant demand as a lecturer at conventions and organization meetings over the country. Among his incredible list of honors he is the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honor, bestowed upon him in 2005 by President George W. Bush.Paul Harvey’s wife “Angel,” the former Lynne Cooper of St. Louis, passed away on May 3, 2008. Their son, Paul Jr., is often heard filling in for Paul, especially on “The Rest of the Story” broadcasts.

WGN Radio – Farewell, Paul Harvey