I wasn’t going to post these. This site is dedicated to vintage and classic airchecks from around the nation. It’s not about me. But since I’ve mentioned in previous articles that I worked behind the mic from 1983-99, people have been e-mailing and wanting to know what I sounded like.
These shows aired during my final few months in radio. I did middays on KJLS “Mix 103FM” in Hays, Kansas. Despite being a small, unrated market, I had a great time on the air there. Lots of freedom, they paid me well, and I got to play in a brand new, top notch facility. We were one of the first stations in the world to be 100% digital from the German Klotz board to the Harris TD-25 transmitter. The combination of flat land, few stations on the dial, and 100,000 watts from a 1,000 foot tower meant we could be heard reliably for close to 100 miles in all directions. Not a bad place for my final radio gig!
The highlight of my show was the 12-1PM hour. Monday through Thursday, I hosted “The Brown Bag Special.” Each day, listeners would choose a theme via the phones and e-mail. I would then play Top 40 hits of the 1970s and 80s which fit the theme. Fridays were reserved for “Class Reunion Friday” where a class between 1970 and 1989 would be selected. The biggest hits of that year would then be aired, along with shoutouts to listeners and commentary on the various songs and artists. Live, local, interactive personality radio. The kind of radio I grew up listening to. The kind of radio that rarely exists anymore in markets the size of Hays. Or in markets of any size, for that matter.
Reception was made directly off the studio air monitor. These recordings were made using an Onkyo stereo cassette deck, using either Maxell or TDK tape. Needless to say, this plus the 100% digital chain equals excellent audio quality:
KJLS_FM_Drew_Durigan_Class_Reunion_Friday_Montage_1999
KJLS_FM_Drew_Durigan_1988_Class_Reunion_Friday_March_12_1999
Jean is Old Brown Bag Special, a Tribute to my Friend’s 40th Birthday – Monday, November 16, 1998:
KJLS_FM_Drew_Durigan_Jean_Is_Old_November_16_1998
Mucho Dinero Brown Bag Special – Tuesday, November 17, 1998:
KJLS_FM_Drew_Durigan_Mucho_Dinero_November_17_1998
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow Brown Bag Special – Tuesday, February 16, 1999:
KJLS_FM_Drew_Durigan_Hair_Today_Gone_Tomorrow_February_16_1999
Michael Jackson, a compilation of various 1998-99 shows featuring his music:
KJLS_FM_Drew_Durigan_Michael_Jackson_Montage_1998_99
I had a great time on the radio. 20 years later, I still miss it. After listening to these recordings, that should be obvious.