Hellenic Radio (formerly known as Hellenic Communications/WHCI) was founded in Chicago, Illinois in October 1970 by one of America's most respected Hellenes, Pete Koutsopanagos, and his beloved wife, Despina Koutsopanagos.

The leading-edge broadcasting company was highly innovative for its time. Hellenic Radio was the first Greek radio station outside of Greece and a pioneer of sub-carrier radio services in the United States in the 1970s. Ultimately, however, the Koutsopnagos' were driven by a simple, yet vital mission, namely connecting the Hellenic community in Chicago and the Midwest with the people, events, and culture back in the homeland. To this end, the station offered its listeners a wide variety of programming consisting of music, live concerts, news, politics, finance, education, health, literature, and art. On Sundays, Hellenic Radio featured live soccer games from Greece and liturgy services from local churches.

The rapid success of Hellenic Radio was not unusual for Pete Koutsopanagos. As a passionate, serial entrepreneur, he founded numerous successful ventures, including several media companies across broadcast television, radio, print and cinema. In the 1970s, he also co-founded with his brothers the Olympic Flame nightclub in Chicago (on Western and Leland), one of the most popular live entertainment venues in Chicago.

Koutsopanagos' business success allowed him to give back to the community that he so proudly served. Philanthropy was a core value, although not a widely publicized aspect of Koutsopanagos' life. He routinely privately donated to charitable causes, provided assistance and employment to those in need, and provided critical financial support to new members of the Hellenic community, enabling them to establish successful businesses of their own. Sadly, Koutsopanagos passed away in New York on October 24, 1986, while en route to Greece. He was scheduled to meet with leading political figures and discuss his continued efforts to unite Greece with the Diaspora. His funeral was attended by thousands in the community.

Following his passing, Koutsopanagos' mission was nurtured by his two children. His daughter, Athanasia Koutsopanagos Drakoulis, would serve as President and Chief Programming Officer of Hellenic Radio for the next 24 years. His son, Jimmy Koutsopanagos, who had lead the technical divisions of his father's companies, supported his sister's efforts, while successfully fulfilling his dream of founding one of the largest corporate aviation companies in the world.

During her tenure as President, Athanasia was instrumental in solidifying Hellenic Radio's position as a leading, trusted source of news, information, and entertainment for millions in the Hellenic community. She expanded and evolved Hellenic Radio's business strategy, programming, and worldwide distribution to reach larger audiences. In 1995, hellenicradio.com became one of the first digital broadcasters on the Internet, offering its programming to new listeners around the world.

Following in her father's footsteps, Athanasia has been recognized on numerous occasions for her outstanding contributions, political commentary, and service to community and Hellenism in general. Her leadership, passion and commitment for developing the highest-quality programming remain unmatched in the Philhellene society. In recognition of her accomplishments, Athanasia received the Order of Ahepa's "Hellenic Media Award" for exemplary media services since 1970; the Greek-American Community Services' "Heritage Award" for her outstanding contribution to Greek-American heritage; the "Enosis Award" in appreciation for her community services; the Pan-Arcadian Federation of America's "Dignitary Award," for her role in the organization's annual conventions; the University of the Aegean's honorary award for "Outstanding Citizen,"; and in March 2002, an award from Mayor Daley and the City of Chicago for "Outstanding Citizen who has brought pride to Hellenism in Chicago," among numerous other awards.

Today, with the advent of the Internet, Facebook, and satellite TV, the ability for people to stay connected around the world has become easier than ever. In a sense, Pete Koutsopanagos' original mission for the radio station has been successfully fulfilled. After 40 years of proudly serving its listenership, Hellenic Radio celebrated its final broadcast in November 2010.

On behalf of Athanasia Koutsopanagos Drakoulis, we wish to thank all of our listeners around the world for your support over the years. We wish you peace, health, and prosperity throughout your journey in life!