Category Archives: Radio News & Commentary

Today is National Radio Day!

By | April 9, 2020

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 »

Prince Rogers Nelson, 1958-2016

By | April 9, 2020

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 »

Mike Kronforst Passes Away at Age 71

By | April 9, 2020

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 »

Charlie Tuna, Boss Jock Extraordinaire

By | April 9, 2020

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 »

Brown Institute College Closing After 69 Years

By | April 9, 2020

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 »

Is AM Radio Dead in 2014?

By | April 9, 2020

That was the question posed to the “I Love AM Radio” Facebook group yesterday. A lively discussion ensued, eliciting over 100 responses before the end of the day. Many seem to feel that AM radio is doomed. Headed towards the ash heap of history, alongside spark gap transmitters and teletype machines. Others feel AM radio… Read More »