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 there!
Because it always falls on August 20th, National Radio Day has special significance for me. It was on August 20, 1983 that I left home and began my multi-decade radio adventure. Packed up the U-Haul and headed west, young man, to KNAB AM/FM in Burlington, Colorado. For the princely sum of $750 per month, I worked 6 days a week doing a DJ show, news, sports, and production. I also shoveled snow, burned the trash, and occasionally washed the boss lady’s Lincoln Town Car. By the way, that $750/month was BEFORE taxes. I received a paycheck twice a month for $306. Would I do it again? Absolutely! The thrill of accomplishing my lifelong dream and getting on-the-air was worth 10 times my meager salary. Truth be told, I would have done it for free. Besides, when you’re 19 years old, all you need is enough money for a flophouse apartment, fast food, gas, and cheap beer. Mission accomplished!
National Radio Day only comes once a year, each August 20th. If you’d like some more ideas on how to get involved, check out the official website at NationalRadioDay.com.