Radio - What Happened?

This week, in our first podcast without Jim -- we trudge forward with some airchecks.  Jim always loved it when we played airchecks, so that's what we're going to do.  This week, we listen to some Los Angeles stations back in the late 60s and 70s.  We hear Dr. Don Rose, the real Don Steele, and Charlie Tuna -- 3 icons of the radio industry.  Thanks for listening.

Today, we give you the sad news that my podcast partner, friend and business associate - Jim Christoferson - has passed away.  Jim suffered from pulminary fibrosis, and it had gotten progressively worse over the past 6 months.  We all thought he would beat it.  In fact, that was his mantra -- "I'm gonna beat it."  But, unfortunately, we got the call on Tuesday, April 30th that the disease had won.  I'm not sure what the future holds for this podcast - if we continue, it will certainly be different.  But, we had lots of plans for the future, things we wanted to discuss, guests we wanted to have on, etc.  We'll see. It'll be hard to do it without Jim.  Rest in peace, my friend.

This is hour two of our conversation on 710 AM, KNUS Denver on the Peter Boyles Show.  He was a gracious host, as we discussed the radio business, and all the changes we've seen in the last 50 years -- and we talk about our new book - "Radio: What Happened?", available now on amazon.com

Welcome back -- to us!  Sorry for the delay in getting a new episode out, but we're excited to get back in the saddle.  Today, we talk about our recent interview with Peter Boyles at KNUS 710 AM in Denver.  He's actually interviewing us -- about our new book that has the same title as our podcast.  We also hear from Gary Owens, and hear an aircheck of when KNUS was in Dallas playing their own version of top 40 music

This week, our guest is Ron Harrell. as we follow his journey from his Dad's pulpit where he performed his first 5 minutes - to working at some of the most high profile stations in the country, including KIMN Denver and KVIL Dallas.  We talk about the current state of affairs, and why he's "bullish" on the future of radio.  We also have an air check of Dr. Don Rose of KFRC San Francisco!

This week, we talk again with Sean Ross, editor of RossOnRadio - a great newsletter about the current events of the radio industry.  Topics include Christmas music and the songs that made a difference in 2023.  We also have a snippet of Charlie Van Dyke at CKLW in 1969!

This week's guest is Hall of Fame announcer, Rudy "Fearless" Fernandez from Abilene, Texas.  He's been on the same station for 45 years, and continues to entertain his audience daily.  And he's done some crazy stunts to raise money for local charities - like staying in a block of ice for 48 hours - or riding a Ferris wheel for 5 days!!!!  Plus, we've got an aircheck of the great Fred Winston of WLS, Chicago.

This episode will start a series where we highlight some of the all time great disc jockeys of our time (if you're as old as we are!).  We start off with Charlie Tuna, a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame, and maybe best known for his time at KCBQ where they premiered "The Last Contest", one of the greatest promotions ever!  Enjoy Charlie on air at KCBQ, KHJ and KTNQ.

Everybody did it -- but unfortunately most of us can't find them.  We're talking "airchecks".  And this week's guest knows all about them.  He was one of the first (if not THE first) to offer a website to house airchecks.  He has literally thousands of them, all for your listening pleasure. And he's always looking for more.  Take a listen to our guest, Dale Patterson of "Rock Radio Scrapbook".

Who invented the radio?  Raise your hand if you said Marconi.  Most people would.  But, you need to hear the story of Nikola Tesla, and his history with both the invention of not onlyradio, but robots, cell phones and the light bulb (that's right, it might not have been Thomas Edison).  It's a fascinating story told by our guest this week:  Richard Munson.

This week, we talk to Aurora Cantu, about her time in the San Antonio, Tx market, her struggles as a woman in the industry, and her experience working with Ascap.    Aurora is a member of the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame, and has a unique perspective on this crazy industry we call "radio".  We also hear from our studio announcer, Gary Owens!

We're back!  Yes, after a break dealing with the pandemic, we're back with new episodes about an "old" topic - old time radio shows!  This week, we talk to Gary Doty about his brother Ralph, and his program back in the 60's called "Radio Memories" which included shows like The Shadow, The Inner Sanctum, Ozzie & Harriet, The Fred Allen Show, Gunsmoke and many more.  But be careful, you might have to use your imagination.

It's good to be back -- and we promise to do better!  This week, we give our tribute to Ron Chapman, one of the best morning drive personalities ever.  For over 50 years, Ron worked in the Dallas/Ft Worth market as a morning show staple.  His highlight was his time at KVIL, when it became one of the most valuable radio stations in the country.  We have some great audio, including his last day before retirement, at KLUV.

We take a look back at our first 26 episodes from 2020, with some highlights you may enjoy.  Chickenman, Hollywood Hamilton, George Carlin, WKRP "Turkeys Away", and others.  We hope you enjoy our retrospective look at the past year, and hope you'll share our podcast with others who might enjoy.  Thanks for listening.

100 years ago,  KDKA in Pittsburgh became the first commercial station in the US.  They also were the first station to broadcast presidential election returns.  We actually have audio from that broadcast.  You might be surprised as to how many listeners they had.  We also have some sound from the Presidential debate in 1960 between John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon.  And, as usual, our sponsor announcer Gary Owens, drops in and gives us some audio brilliance.

Surely you remember the most famous of all the WKRP episodes. Newsman Les Nesman reports from the Pinedale Mall with the stations latest promotion, which goes horribly wrong.His reporting is classic in so many ways, especially when he yells, "Oh, the humanity!"  And of course, Johnny Fever's classic response.......well, you just have to listen to it.  Enjoy our Thanksgiving episode, and from Jim and I -- we sincerely hope your families Thanksgiving is the best one ever.  Despite the current conditions.

This week, we remember one of the greatest radio promotions of all time -- The Last Contest, from 1972 on KCBQ, San Diego.  Also, Jim discusses the digital future of AM radio, as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of AM.  Plus, we have another episode of "Chickenman", a great radio series from the genius of Dick Orkin and the Radio Ranch (thank you Lisa Orkin), and finally, our booth announcer Gary Owens brings us this weeks podcast sponsor.

How many of us can say that we were hired away from a "pirate radio station"?  Especially from the station that turned us in to the FCC?!?  Well, Hollywood Hamilton can.  His fabulous career started in Reno, Nevada back in '79, with stops in Las Vegas, Monterrey, Tampa, New York City, Los Angeles, then back to New York City.  Wow, what a ride?!?  Sit back and enjoy this National Radio Hall of Fame announcer.  We're proud to present - Hollywood Hamilton!

This week, we proudly present our conversation with Hollywood Hamilton, a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame.  He's worked with some of the all time greats in this business, and is currently doing afternoon drive at WKTU FM in New York City, as well as 2 different syndicated radio shows, airing nationally.  We also have an air check sent in by Rod Tanner, a listener of the podcast.  It's from 1974, and wow, it is high energy.  We loved it, and hope that it spurs more listeners to send in their own air checks. 

Last week's episode is already one of our most downloaded episodes, so we're excited about Part 2 of our conversation with Stan Webb, who beat out about 5,000 other applicants for one of the 7 coveted positions with Gordon McLendon's "Magnificent Seven"!    This week, we get a behind the scenes look at the beginning of Clear Channel, one of radio's biggest companies.  We also have Music Montage #3, so we'll see how many of you know your 70's music.   

This episode is part 1 of our interview with Stan Webb, one of Gordon McLendon's "Magnificent Seven".  Hear how history was made with this tremendous organization, at the beginning of what some call the true "golden" age of radio.  Born in Cisco, Texas, Stan is probably the only person ever, to be named a National Sales Manager before he ever made a single sales call.  And, after being chosen from over 5,000 resumes, he says he's a "lucky, lucky guy."  Hope you enjoy his story.

How many of you ever worked somewhere where you could play the songs you wanted to play?  I'm guessing not many.  But, back in the 60's/70's, there were a few who had a strong enough following, that management had no choice but to let them play what they wanted.  "I Am What I Play" is a documentary about those 4 individuals, produced and directed by Roger King, our guest this week on "Radio: What Happened".  Also, a replay of our Music Montage #2 -- I guess it was a little tougher than the last one - no winner yet. Come on people, you can do it!  Hope you enjoy this week's episode and as always, share with your friends.

This week, we preview our upcoming conversation with Roger King, the producer / director of "I Am What I Play", a documentary about rock djs.  You're going to love it.  Also, we listen to an air check recorded on the last day of broadcasting for Radio London back in 1967.  Plus, we talk a little bit about some trends in ratings across the country, and what's hot and what's not.  Join us, and hopefully share with your friends.

No interview this week, but some great audio!  Lisa Orkin was kind enough to share an episode of The Tooth Fairy!  She says she likes it better than Chickenman.  We also have our second music montage contest.  10 songs from the 70's, see if you can name them all.  No Shazaam please!  And finally, we pay a small tribute to Casey Kasem, with audio from one of his shows in the 70's, and his final sign off.  Truly one of the greats of the radio industry.  Next week, an interview with Stan Webb, one of the main cogs in the beginning of Clear Channel.

This week, we talk to Chuck Ingersoll, veteran radio broadcaster, copy writer, slogan writer (is that a job?), branding expert and winner of several Addy Awards, Aurora Awards as well as a Gold 2009 Marcom award for production of a brilliant series of health care radio commercials. Plus, he's very entertaining as well.  We're sure you'll enjoy the interview! And an air check of one of the fastest talkers on radio, Jack Armstrong -- see if you don't agree.

This week, we have the pleasure of talking with Lisa Orkin, the daughter of one of radio's greatest creative minds ever!  Plus, she's shared a couple of great radio commercials that her current company produced, as well as a full episode of Chickenman!  Plus, we have a winner!  Yes, Stephen Bailey correctly guessed all 10 songs in our montage.  Congratulations!

This week, we talk to Sean Ross, the editor of the Ross On Radio Newsletter. Sean worked with R&R from '83 to '87, then was the radio editor for Billboard from '88 to '93.  For the last 15 years, he's been the VP of music and programming for Edison Research, as well as the author of the Ross on Radio Newsletter.  He's come up with a list of "LOST SONGS" from the late 70's to late 80's -- plus we have a little contest to see if you can recognize all 10 songs in this week's "Name 'Em" game!

Two men are basically credited with the beginning of "Top 40" radio.  One came up with the format, and the other branded it.  Find out who did what, in Episode #13.  And we have a great aircheck from 1974 -- KTLK in Denver.  Wow, this guy "Big Ron O'Brien" is fantastic.  Lots of energy -- typical of top 40 stations.  

This week, we talk to Dan O'Day!  Lots of dj's will remember O'Bits and O'Liners that he started back in the mid 70's in Radio & Records Magazine.  His website is chock full of airchecks, sound bits, books and more -- all about radio, voice work, being a personality and more.  Plus, we hear John "Records" Landecker and his first words on radio back in 1965, along with air checks of both Rick Dees (when he was a senior in college) and JayThomas on The Ape, WAPE.  Hope you enjoy -- and please share.

This week, we finish our talk with Bobby Ocean, one of the great announcers of our time.  We also have an air check of the first week of BOSS RADIO, at KHJ, Los Angeles in 1965. And we resume a conversation about the Brinkley Act, first enacted by the US Government back in 1934 -- and how it's back in the news, thanks to Ted Cruz, Senator from Texas.  Thanks for all the listeners, and as usual, we ask that you share with anyone you think might be interested.  Still looking for small and medium market air checks.  Email to RadioWhatHappened@gmail.com

This week we talk to Kris Abrams about how radio stations are changing the way they communicate to their audience during the CoVid pandemic.  Hope you enjoy this conversation, and please share with anyone who might be interested.  We continue to look for air checks of radio stations from any market in the country.  Please email them to: radiowhathappened@gmail.com

This week, we air Part 1 of our incredible interview with Bobby Ocean.  He discusses his first jobs in radio (and why he was fired!), his introduction to"Boss Radio" as well as what he used to make sure he "hit the post".  Enjoy Part 1 -- and please continue to share.  People all over the country would like to hear this guy's stories.

This week, we pay tribute to the city hit hardest by CoVid-19, New York City.  Airchecks of 5 of the greatest dj's of all time:  Dan Ingram, Cousin Brucie, Don Imus, Wolfman Jack (yes he worked in New York City) and the incredible Howard Stern.  And, as always....Gary Owens brings us our sponsors for the week and a couple of vintage radio commercials to sweeten the pot.  Hope you enjoy -- and please share.  Thanks

This week we travel south of the border to listen to some power house radio stations in Mexico, including some Wolfman Jack.  Some were broadcasting with 250,000 watts!  We also talk about the coronavirus effect on radio listening.  Is it up or down?  Enjoy!

This week, we have three air checks for you.  WQXI in Atlanta (did you know that WKRP was inspired by this radio station?!?), KNOW in Austin, Texas and a clip from LA back in the late 70's with our own Jim Christoferson.  Enjoy, and thanks again for sharing.

In this episode we talk with John Fletcher, veteran radio broadcaster from Texas, whose father hired George Carlin to work the night shift -- but there's more to the story!  Plus, another fabulous air check, this time from KLIF in Dallas, a station that at one time had over a 50 share of the market!  What a great station!

Our first interview is with three guys who achieved unbelievable ratings for their Morning Show back in the '80's in Abilene, Texas.  While other stations were fighting for 8's, 9's, 10's, etc -- these guys pulled a 44 Share in a market of about a dozen signals!  Plus, our usual sponsor mentions brought to you by Gary Owens, and an air check from one of the greatest radio stations in the country -- WLS, Chicago!

This week, we talk about call letters, the FCC (!) and heart some 1971 radio with Dick Biondi of WCFL.

This week, we have a little bit more from Gary Owens, and his time with the Armed Forces Radio Network.  Plus, a listen to the beginning of a great comedy series from Dick Orkin, "Chickenman!"  And, lastly, an air check of the great WRKO in Boston.  Enjoy!

Welcome to Episode #1 of "Radio: What Happened?"  Terry Bettis and Jim Christoferson discuss all the changes in radio over the past 60 years, including ownership, music formats, personalities, promotions, and more.  We'll also highlight one radio station from the past each week with a air check from the 60's or 70's. This week --  KOMA in Oklahoma City.