A radio pioneer and the founder of Specs Howard School of Media Arts passed away Saturday morning at the age of 96.

Specs Howard School of Media Arts is set to become part of Lawrence Tech, officials announced.

DETROIT – Dick Kernen, an influential voice in Metro Detroit media, died Friday at the age of 82. Kernen, a Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee, helped shape broadcast through his work with CBS Sports Radio 1270 when it was known as WXYZ-AM, WRIF 101.1 and his work with the Specs Howard School of Media Arts. Kernen is estimated to have helped shape the lives of thousands of broadcast workers across the state, including many at WDIV, Local 4. ”I couldn’t have invented a better job.”At the time of his death, Kernen was the Vice President of Industry Relations at Specs Howard School. Specs Howard, the founder of the Specs Howard School of Media Arts, released the following statement: