Jeff Pigeon aka “Ol Pidge” did middays on KSTP-AM during the final days of “The Music Station” in the Twin Cities. In 1973, “15/KSTP” made local radio ratings history by zooming from near last place to #2 in just 60 days! They did it by adopting a Top 40 format, then hiring great programmers and jocks who executed an aggressive on-air presentation. Back in those days, about HALF the radios were still tuned to WCCO-AM. Being #2 and the #1 music station (as KSTP promoted themselves) was a major achievement in this market.
By 1978, FM radio had begun to dominate the Twin Cities. Doubleday’s KDWB added their 101.3FM signal (the former U-100) two years earlier. They were now #2 in the market. WDGY was the first casualty, flipping to Country the previous year. KSTP-AM was now feeling the heat. The Hubbards would soon implement a gradual transformation to News/Talk.
This is “Pidge” at his best. In just one break, he manages to make fun of President Carter, Betty Ford, and the PSA for a smoking cessation program! Yes, cigarettes were still socially acceptable in 1978. After leaving KSTP, Jeff went on to WIBC/Indianapolis, hosting mornings for nearly 20 years.
I was only 14 when I recorded this aircheck, so the caliber of my equipment left something to be desired. I used a cheap “bag cassette” which explains the occasional dropouts in the left channel. My trusty Sears mono AM/FM/cassette unit was used to make the recording.
KSTP_AM_Jeff_Pigeon_August_1978