POP/ROCK - March 23, 1989

“American Bandstand,” TV’s longest-running variety show, is getting a new front man. Having hosted the popular music series for more than three decades, Dick Clark, 59, is turning the job over to David Hirsh, 26. “After 33 years, I finally decided it was time to give someone else a chance,” said Clark, who like Hirsh was 26 when he started on the show. Hirsh, a Detroit native, has been a segment producer for “Camp Midnight,” a late-night talk show on USA cable network, which as it happens is also going to start airing “Bandstand” come April 8. Clark is not retiring. He continues as host of the “$25,000 Pyramid” and “$100,000 Pyramid,” and has many other TV projects.