Last week, Greta Van Susteren suddenly departed FOX News after more than 14 years. I didn’t see that one coming. Speculation is all over the board as to why she chose to take advantage of an exit clause in her contract. This morning, Greta posted on her Facebook page that she hopes FOX will give… Read More »
Much thanks to Travis Goraczkowski for posting this virtual photo tour of KSUM-AM 1370 and KFMC-FM 106.5 in Fairmont, Minnesota. These stations have a rich and extensive history: KSUM signed on in 1948 while KFMC came alive in 1978. Travis has worked at the stations for the past 3 and 1/2 years. KSUM has aired… Read More »
I was talking to a long time radio buddy yesterday. As it often does, the conversation turned to owners, program directors, and general managers whom we had worked for back in the day. There was a small station in our area who had a notorious GM. This guy really loved the bottle. His drinking escapades… Read More »
If you haven’t yet seen this, Scott Childers gives us an excellent timeline of Chicago’s WMAQ. Scott starts at the beginning: 1922, when it first signed on as WGU. The big 670’s days as a legendary country outlet and flagship station of the Chicago White Sox are covered. “WMAQ’s gonna make me rich!” The short-lived… Read More »
Wow! I guess I’m not the only one who loves vintage radio clock signs! Since posting the rare KYNT memorabilia yesterday, I have already received several e-mails. Want to see another? Of course you do! This clock sign is for KCON-AM 1230, a now defunct station in Conway, Arkansas. Conway is unique in that it… Read More »
Check out this beauty! My good friend Wayne came across this while visiting Kilroys, a slot machine, jukebox, and antique store in downtown Minneapolis. This clock sign was custom manufactured for KYNT-AM 1450 in Yankton, South Dakota. Yes, Yankton actually had TWO radio stations in the old days. Most people are familiar with the mighty… Read More »
What in all of Radio Geekdom is THIS? If you are a child of the 1970s, you may remember the Action Jackson Walkie Talkie Helmet. These were manufactured by the Mego Corporation and sold at Radio Shack stores during 1973-74. This is a rare instance of Radio Shack selling an item produced by another manufacturer.… Read More »
Happy National Radio Day, fellow Radio Geeks! How do we celebrate National Radio Day? Turn off the HDTV, get away from the Xbox, put your iPhone down, and listen to good ‘ol AM and FM terrestrial radio! For some of us, it’s been awhile since we’ve scanned the dial. You might be surprised what’s out… Read More »
Just wanted to give a quick shout-out to Ali and Joe Sugg who made their dream come true earlier this week. After months (years?) of hard work, Arkansas’ newest radio station became a reality on Monday, May 9, 2016. KSUG-FM, better known as “The Lake 101.9” serves the Heber Springs and Greers Ferry Lake area… Read More »
Like most of you, I was first surprised and then horrified yesterday morning when I learned of the passing of Prince. He was only 57. Nobody expected or predicted this. “Little Red Corvette” came out a few months before I began my first radio job. On the day I started my first CHR gig, “Purple… Read More »
Cue the intro to Elton John’s “Funeral for a Friend.” Recently, a great broadcaster passed away. Michael Kronforst passed away at the age of 71. Mike was my Placement Director at Brown Institute in Minneapolis. 33 years ago, it was he who found my first radio job at KNAB AM/FM. During his 41.5 year tenure… Read More »
Time again for Drew to put on his “Old Radio Guy” hat and wax nostalgically about something we all knew and loved back in the day. The “Opportunities” section of Radio & Records magazine was where all the job openings were posted. As my friend Rob Walker said, “it was always the first page you… Read More »
It’s not very often that I personally endorse a radio station on this website. But I’ll make an exception for Gainesville’s 104.9 WOW FM. This is one of those rare projects that put all the elements together and got it right. To the FCC, this station is known as WYGC-FM 104.9 in High Springs, Florida.… Read More »
As most of you know by now, legendary DJ Charlie Tuna passed away on Monday, February 19, 2016. He was 71. Charlie’s resume reads like a “who’s who” of legendary southern California radio stations: KHJ, KROQ, KIIS, and finally, KRTH. He also hosted shows for several other stations across the region. Growing up in Minnesota,… Read More »
How about a MW DX test to kick off the new year? WBOB-AM 600 in Jacksonville will be testing their new 35kW daytime pattern this weekend. This test will be conducted on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 12:00AM (midnight) until 3:00AM Eastern Standard Time. Program material will consist of Morse code, sweep tones, plus big… Read More »
I learned yesterday that my alma mater is closing. Brown College in Mendota Heights, Minnesota (formerly Brown Institute of Minneapolis) will discontinue operations following a teach-out of existing classes. The roots of this heritage institution go back to 1946 when it was founded as American Institute of the Air. In 1954, the name was changed… Read More »
I’ve been a fan of Dan O’Day’s columns for many years. Dan tells it like it is. Recently, he wrote a column regarding the use of copyrighted music aka “popular songs” in commercials. Anyone who has worked in radio has a story to tell about the insistent salesperson who demands that a client’s favorite song… Read More »
Yes, I’m on a Radio Shack writing binge this week. Radio Shack’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy and subsequent closing of nearly 1,800 stores is a big deal. We’re talking about a company that has been around for more than 80 years. The silver lining in this cloud for us radio geeks of course are those glorious… Read More »
We all knew it was coming. We just didn’t know when it would become official. Radio Shack has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after suffering through 11 straight quarterly losses. Much has been made about the causes of Radio Shack’s demise. This has been covered extensively in other forums. Here, I’d like to focus… Read More »
It’s a lazy Sunday and I am feeling nostalgic. For those of you who were around back in the CB craze, what was your first antenna? Do you remember? Many of us radio geeks can remember our first citizens band radio. But remembering the first antenna is a bit more difficult. My first CB antenna… Read More »