Wireless: 100 Years of WGY

Joe never worked for WGY, but he has more than enough cred to deserve his own podcast.Joe was named the first full time Executive Director of the New York State Broadcasters Association in 1980, becoming President in 1986.Joe is very passionate about the business, and he does have a connection with a former WGY/WRGB staffer by way of family.Among the many stories he shares includes his first encounters with a guy named Limbaugh.

Doug Goudie started at WGY following the retirement of Chuck Custer after 36 years in the building.He initially was paired with Kelly Lynch in what could be called a transitional period, before Kelly moved on.Here, he talks about his reflections on the legacy of WGY at 100 years and going strong, his broadcasting background, not only radio but television, and why people call him "VB" (Hint, it doesn't stand for "Very Best.")

Many people consider WGY a part of their family.In this case, a real life family really became part of our family.We speak with Claudia Verruto to discuss her family and the connection to WGY.It starts with her dad who sang on WGY in the 1940's, her aunt, who appeared on Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour, and was a regular with Earl Pudney, and then there's her brother, who did Radio Sales for WGY, eventually he became Sales Manager, and was once named Broadcaster of The Year!

Joe never worked for WGY, but he has more than enough cred to deserve his own podcast.Joe was named the first full time Executive Director of the New York State Broadcasters Association in 1980, becoming President in 1986.Joe is very passionate about the business, and he does have a connection with a former WGY/WRGB staffer by way of family.Among the many stories he shares includes his first encounters with a guy named Limbaugh.

Dave has been Chief Engineer for our stations since 2003.He's the guy who fixes stuff when it breaks.If he's not here, we're all out of work.Dave did not start as a guy with a screwdriver, his broadcasting career started as a Rock and Roll Disc Jockey!He talks about the early days and how he transitioned to become (in our opinion) the most important person in a broadcast facility.A word of warning, there's tech talk in this podcast, pocket protectors not required but suggested.

A Hall of Famer, a Rock & Roller, and a legend in Capital Region Radio.Dr. John has been broadcasting in New York State since 1973, in the Capital Region since 1977, and on PYX 106 since 1987.John shares his first memories of radio as a child in Schenectady, of being involved with WGY, and of some amazing stories on the events and people who have been a part of this station. John also discusses his love of being a part of Honor Flights, bringing Vets to Washington, DC.

Larry Mossey worked for WGY for five years in the 1980's, and essentially did it all. He was a copywriter, a voice talent, we think he did some news, and he was a movie reviewer for Don Weeks. Larry shares some amazing stories of his time here, and of his first radio station, whose format was "Beautiful Music," and is now known as sister station PYX 106.AND, Larry has an amazing new book we suggest you check out! "Dead Air: A Highly Unauthorized History of Background Music on the Radio and Elsewhere," available exclusively through Amazon, is (in Larry's words) a history of background music, easy listening, elevator music, mood music, shopping music, beautiful music, muzak, exotica, and other kinds of music that was never meant to be noticed—and how it made us smarter, sexier and healthier. Today it's called ambient music, techno and trance, and we still don't notice it, because we aren't really listening.Mary Rozak currently works for Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, prior to that, she was involved with News, both on television and radio, including her time on WGY. Mary learned how to "tell a story" and not just read a news story. Speaking of stories, she shares a very touching story about the events of 9/11.Dan Miller has seven years of experience in the WGY News Room, starting part time, and becoming our first Overnight News Anchor. Dan talks about Hudson and his friendship with Ed Kostek, and the many co-workers during his time with WGY.

Wendy Voelker (formerly known as Wendy Glasser but we don't talk about that anymore) worked for WGY from 1999-2004 and worked with many Air Personalities during her time. She shares great stories of being Producer for Don Weeks, and discusses the many celebrities she encountered, including a woman who went on to become a major celebrity on her own named Rachael Ray.Justin Fiet logged in nearly 15 years at WGY, and has lots of experiences to share. His first Producer gig was with J.R. Gach, but he also steered the ship for people like Scotto, Andrew Wilkow, Don Weeks, Chuck Custer and Kelly Lynch.

Ali Skinner spent time in television before working for WGY, and the News Junkie in her admits she preferred Radio News to TV. Here, she shares the story of how she got her job, including the time when she found out she was expecting a child, and at times needing to bring the baby to work with her, making "non children" co-workers like Read Shepherd. slightly...uncomfortable.Ed Kostek, during the course of this podcast, revealed a personal connection with Mike Patrick involving the City of Hudson, and Mike reveals something he has never shared on the air. Ed also talks about some of the stories he was involved with on WGY, and also discussed the legacy of Broadcast Legend Paul Cassidy.

Rachel Davis has been with WGY since 2015. She started as a Producer for The Joe Gallagher Weekend Show, moving on to being Producer for WGY Mornings With Chuck Custer and Kelly Lynch, moving on to being Producer for WGY Mornings With Doug Goudie and Kelly Lynch, moving on to being Producer for WGY Mornings With Doug Goudie.Additionally, Rachel is Co Host (at the same time) with Randy McCarten on the 99.5 The River Morning Show. She's the proud mother of two great kids, well three if you include Gallagher.

1. Jason Romano worked for WGY for three years starting right after college in 1997. During that time, he became a Producer for (among others) Mark Williams and Don Weeks. Prior to that, his first paid job here (he actually said he would work here for nothing) was as the Station Mascot for sister station 99.5 The River. After he left WGY, Jason enjoyed a long career with ESPN.2. John Diblasi got his foot in the door at WGY from his time as a student at the then New School of Radio and Television. He worked here from 1993-1998. He shares some very personal memories of producing for Paul Cassidy, as well as his time together as the Producer for Don Weeks.

1. Denise DeCarlo had a long run in the Capital Region as both an Anchor and Field Reporter. She shares great memories of her WGY co-workers, among them Paul Cassidy and Jim Gagliardi.2, Don Fields is one of those guys with one of those voices! Don is well known for his time in radio and television. He's long associated with being the "News Guy" for local radio legend Ric Mitchell. Don talks about the time (and at another radio station) where he tried to get Diane Donato to join him in his News Room, while it didn't work out he still shows his pride in all she has accomplished at WGY.3. Matt Delsignore had a short run at WGY but his broadcast journey took him to a number of major market radio stations. He talks about making it to the West Coast, and his love at being a Stay at Home Dad.

1. Al Roney had a well rounded career at WGY. He actually began in broadcasting overseeing local traffic reports. His time with WGY started in the News Room, and in time he was given a chance to host his own daytime show in the 9AM to Noon slot currently occupied by Glen Beck.2. Scott Alan Miller, or Scotto, had a run with an Afternoon Show on WGY, following the departure of J R Gach. That was a tough act to follow, which (naturally) included a show that entertaining but "less controversial" than the last one.3. Ed Martin had a very long run on WGY, most of that time hosting a Saturday show following Joe Gallagher. Ed opens up on many topics, for one a scare during the Anthrax threats after 9/11, and his favorite and most touching time was during WGY's yearly radiothons.

Diane Donato has been a member of the WGY News Team since 2011, but was well known to Capital Region listeners well before that. Diane hosted a popular Morning Show with Chuck Taylor (himself a WGY alum), and did a series of commercials with Legendary News Anchor (for both WGY and WRGB-TV) Ernie Tetrault. In addition to working in the News Room, Diane from time to time has co hosted the WGY Morning Show, and continues to host our weekly Public Affairs programs

Ron "Buzz" Brindle was Program Director of WGY starting in the late 1980's, after a long career that included stops at MTV in the early days (where he helped Albany resident Martha Quinn get a job as one of the original VJ's). Buzz was part of the team at WGY as the station started to transition to a News/Talk format, in fact it was Buzz who lobbied to bring a new Talk Show Host to the Capital Region, by the name of Rush Limbaugh.Tom Mailey has had a long career in broadcasting, and not just at WGY. His start here was in the mid 1980's when he auditioned for (and became the host of) "The Big Money Movie" on WRGB, which gave him the chance to do a number of fill in shifts on WGY, including for Don Weeks on the WGY Morning Show, and also on Joe Gallagher's show. Tom later used his time as an Air Personality and News Anchor to become the face and voice of Stewart's.Tred Hulse has frankly done it all. The Capital Region first met him from his ten years of the Morning Show on sister station 99.5 The River in the 1990's. From there he would fill in on WGY for J.R. Gach, Don Weeks, Chuck Custer and Joe Gallagher. Eventually he hosted his own Sports Talk Show on Fox Sports 980.

Dick Beach spent 27 years in the WGY Newsroom, 13 of those years as Morning News Anchor for Don Weeks (his replacement upon his retirement was Chuck Custer, who himself had a long run with Uncle Don). During research for this series, several cassette tapes were found that just were labeled "DICK BEACH DAY," which was Dick's last appearance on WGY, and as Don's guest. We're including that entire show in this podcast, but first we speak with his son, Richard Beach (Dick passed away shortly after retirement), who talks about Dick Beach the broadcaster and Dick Beach the dad.

Jaime Roberts has been in broadcasting since the mid 1980s, mostly as a Disc Jockey (she currently hosts the Morning Show on 98.3 WTRY) but has been part of WGY's history. On WGY she has filled in for talk hosts such as J.R. Gach and she also hosted her own weekend talk show.Jaime always lends a hand during the WGY Cares for Kids Radiothon as well. Her highlight on WGY was September 11th, 2001 when she and WTRY Co-host Ric Mitchell hosted a broadcast simulcast on all of our radio stations to bring Capital Region listeners up to date on the events of that tragic day.

John Thomas was WGY Sports Director from 1983-1990. For most of his broadcast career he covered sports, but he was also a Reporter and Disc Jockey. He got his job at WGY thanks to his friendship with WGY's Harry Downie. In 1990, his position at WGY was eliminated, and he became the play-by-play announcer for the Albany-Colonie Yankees, who played locally at Heritage Park, where he met and saw future baseball hall-of-famers like Derek Jeter.

Jim Knapp spent time in the WGY Newsroom from 2003-2011. During that time, he anchored all shifts, but his strength was as a Street Reporter. Jim's biggest story he covered was the Christopher Porco murder trial, from the discovery of the crime scene to the final verdict in the trial. Jim also brought a lot of humor to the newsroom; he shares stories on how to ease the stress and tension of covering hard news stories.

Steve Fitz, Sr. started in Capital Region Radio in 1948, where he created one of the first talk shows in the area, "Party Line." He is most well-known on WGY for the show "Contact." While Steve has passed away, WGY's Mike Patrick spoke with his son, Steve Fitz, Jr. to talk about his dad's broadcasting career. If you're familiar with Steve Fitz you'll be amazed at how much the son sounds like the father.

Tom Leykis started working in talk radio in the Capital Region in 1980, and his national show aired on WGY in the '90s. Tom discusses the many popular remote broadcasts he did when he would visit WGY and he explains how his trademark phrase, "Blow Me Up, Tom," had its origins on local radio.

Kelly Lynch spent 10 years as cohost of the WGY morning show (2011-2021) most of that time with Chuck Custer, followed by Doug Goudie.

Tom Parker started as Program Director for WGFM (now 99.5 The River) in 1980, before adding Program Director duties at WGY. Tom talks about his memories of WGY icons Don Weeks and Bill Edwardson and how he helped bring Tom Leykis to WGY. He also discussed "Radio Wars" of the past when he and WGY's Mike Patrick were direct competitors.

Jeff Bellinger never technically worked for WGY, but you can hear him each morning with his live Bloomberg Business Reports. Jeff grew up in the Capital Region and spent about 10 years on local radio as a news anchor. Jeff shares his childhood memories of WGY and more.

Alysha Daniels began her broadcast career right out of high school, training at the then New School of Contemporary Radio, coincidentally she was taught by WGY's Mike Patrick. She did time as a traffic reporter, including doing reports from an airplane for WGY. After a few years out of the business, she took a refresher course at the New School and got a job at WGY as a news anchor.Tracy Villaume also got into radio courtesy of the New School. Tracy covered stories for WGY including Donald Trump's 2016 rally in Albany. Along with a part time television job, Tracy eventually went on to cohost at our sister station, 99.5 The River.George Morris put ten years in on WGY shortly after graduating from Marist College, and he did pretty much everything at WGY. George initially did weekends and fill ins (gaining what we call the Joe Gallagher experience), was a Producer for Chuck and Kelly, and fill in for Chuck and Kelly, a street reporter, and ended up as anchor on the WGY Morning Show.

It's safe to say, one of the most controversial personalities in WGY's history was afternoon host J.R. Gach. While many people loved him, he was considered a "loose cannon." According to his wife at the time Suzie, J.R. suffered from multiple demons in his life, some he was born with, some he created. Suzie rips off the bandage to explain who J.R. was. We also include a sample of one of J.R.'s shows at WGY to give a sample of what his show was all about from 1999-2002 at the 45-minute mark of this episode. J.R. Gach passed away in 2015.

Bob Cudmore has been featured in an earlier, "Wireless" podcast, but this time it's Bob who is producing his own podcast. "The Historians" features the many sounds and voices from WGY's 100 years of broadcasting, including Bob's interviews with people like Martha Brooks and Kolin Hager.

Jack Riccardi did three years as the Afternoon Host on WGY in the early '90s. He can be considered the last "Music" host, as the station was already starting to transition to a news/talk format. By the time he left, any music aired on WGY was contained to Don Weeks' Morning Show. Today Jack is on the air at KTSA in San Antonio, Texas.

Chloe Brothers wore many hats, a Business Manager, Station Manager and General Manager. She started when the "Classic" WGY line up was Don Weeks, Harry Downie, Ellie Pankin, Bob Cudmore and Dave Greene.Dennis Lamme was in charge on September 11, 2001. He shares the stories of how WGY handled that tragic day and the weeks afterwards. Dennis also shares a very personal incident that happened in late 2021 in Atlanta, which almost took his life.Kristen Delaney is our most recent former Market Manager. She talks of her time with WGY, how she got her start inspired by her father who also was in sales and how the ability to get the message of a client out has vastly changed and improved in her 30+ years in the business.Alan Green has 30+ years in the business as an Account Executive. He talks about his first big promotion involving Don Weeks, the days of the "Rush Room" where listeners gathered to hear El Rushbo," and the selling ability or JR Gach.Chris Goutis, or "Gouty," has over 25 years at WGY, he always wanted to work here due to his love of Rush Limbaugh. Jill Manti played an important role as Promotions Director, organizing things like Don Weeks Grotto of Love, Christmas Wish, Days at the Track and many others. She shared the fact that as an intern, she became "Stunt Jill" to Don. She also admits Don is the only person she would do wacky stunts for.

Maria Leaf spent about two years in the WGY newsroom in the early 2000s. Coming in from Syracuse, her initial interview with Chuck Custer was on a snowy Saturday; the day space shuttle Columbia disintegrated in the atmosphere upon re-entry. Despite the confusion of the day, she got the job, which eventually sent her on to many major markets, including Washington D.C. where she still works as a News Anchor. Maria says she wishes she didn't have stars in her eyes and could have stayed at WGY longer.

Though he worked at other radio stations before WGY, this was where Mike Gallagher got his big break. Mike spent two years at WGY as an afternoon talk host and during that time, he made a life long friendship with WGY News Anchor Peter Rief. Mike eventually took his show to New York City and then became nationally syndicated.

Mark Williams did an afternoon talk show on WGY in the 1990s. His biggest claim to fame at WGY was a controversial story regarding strip club zoning in Schenectady, which led to Jerry Springer doing his TV show from the very same strip club. By coincidence, WGY's Mike Patrick was in the audience and even made a couple appearances on the broadcast.

Ellie Pankin was a major influence and role model for nearly a decade and a half on WGY in the 1970s and 1980s. A pioneer woman in broadcasting, Ellie developed a serious health issue that ultimately removed her from the airwaves. She was able to make one more on air appearance before passing away two years later. In this episode you'll hear what is believed to be Ellie's final appearance on WGY, with nighttime host Jim Bleikamp, former General Manager Chloe Brothers, and lots of calls from Ellie's listeners. We also speak with Ellie's son, Jordan, on Ellie the broadcaster and Ellie the mom. We miss you, Ellie!

Read Shepherd worked for nearly two decades in the WGY Newsroom and did it all, from midday and afternoon Anchor, to reporting live from the scenes of major local stories. Read also anchored the WGY Morning News with Chuck Custer and Kelly Lynch and he also filled in to co-host with Kelly as well. As we say, Read was the glue in the newsroom; our rudder.

Mike Augustyniak started at WGY as a high school intern, eventually becoming a producer for WGY talker Jack Riccardi. He then went to college and got a job as a local meteorologist, today he works at WCCO in Minnesota.

For 17 years, Horace "Doc" Perryman hosted a Saturday night into Sunday morning (10:00pm-7:00am) music show featuring the best of Jazz and Soul. The show was very unique for the time, in that Doc was able to program the music and content entirely on his own. His show had listeners from 38 states and half of Canada due to WGY's strong nighttime signal. In this episode, Doc talks about his time at WGY and the difficulties he faced in the 1960s and 1970s as a man of color.

During Don Week's career at WGY, two compact discs were released featuring bits, interviews and outtakes from his morning show. This episode contains material from both, the first, "The Best of Don Weeks...so far Tales From The Fun Zone" and to mark his 30 years at WGY, "Celebrating 30 Years of Don Weeks," which includes tributes from local political figures, national talk show celebrities, and Don's co-workers at the time. It also included Don's induction into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.

Walt Fritz started at WGY in the late 1960s as both Production Director (the person who puts the commercials together), but also as a music show host. He's most well-known for hosting the "WGY Music Machine," interviewing a diverse group of arts like Gordon Lightfoot, Dick Clark, Chuck Berry and Steppenwolf.

Tom Rigatti joined the WGY Newsroom in the late 2000s after a run "across town." Tom Anchored the WGY Morning News during the Chuck & Kelly morning show, he also co-hosted with Kelly on occasion. Tom left WGY for an opportunity with FOX News Radio where he still serves as a reporter and anchor. In fact on occasion, you can still here his stories on WGY.

Paul Cassidy was an iconic weekend host on WGY. In the middle of a routine operation in 1996, he died. His death was sudden and unexpected.On November 2nd of that year, the staff of WGY gathered on a Saturday morning during Paul's normal air shift to pay tribute to the popular personality. WGY's Mike Patrick was able to salvage this tribute show. In it you'll hear people like Chuck Custer, Bob Cudmore, Joe Gallagher, Peter Rief, Don Weeks and many others as they share their memories of Paul, including many recordings of his time on WGY.

Jack Arnecke's professional radio career started in Schenectady in 1965, shortly after leaving Siena College. After working at various local stations, Jack joined WGY (and WRGB-TV) in 1972. He retired after a 42-year career in broadcasting. Jack talks about the many stories he covered, how he covered them, and shares stories of the many co-workers both on radio and television.

Jackie Donovan has been a long-time broadcaster in the Capital Region, including three years at WGY. Jackie started at WGY as the Director of Operations for the Total Traffic Network, overseeing a staff who gave listeners a heads up to problems on the roads. Keep in mind, this was before we all could use a smartphone app for traffic. The staff had to actually call police, sheriff's and state police to verify traffic issues. Jackie also hosted a weekend talk show on WGY. She tells of that first day when host Joe Pags couldn't make it in, and Program Director Greg Foster asked her on short notice to go in and "wing it."

Chuck Custer played a major role at WGY for over 36 years, starting in the newsroom as an anchor/reporter then becoming News Director and anchoring the WGY Morning News with the legendary Don Weeks. For ten years he was the co-host of WGY's morning show "Chuck and Kelly" with Kelly Lynch. Chuck discusses the big news stories he covered at WGY and his special relationships with Don Weeks, Joe Gallagher and many in the WGY newsroom.

WGY goes live to the Kenmore Ballroom in Albany as the WGY Players, the Schenectady Light Opera Company and the Musicians Ma'alwyck perform a comedic adaptation of the first radio drama in history (which WGY pioneered) of Eugene Walter's “The Wolf.”

Former WGY Host Joe Gallagher is joined by many of his former weekend companions and plays a little WGY trivia for the station's 100th anniversary. Plus some classic comedy bits, including one by WGY's Don Weeks. Retired WGY morning man Chuck Custer also calls in to reminisce.

WGY Morning Host Doug Goudie showcases WGY's news coverage, the music era, and rarely told stories with local historian Chris Hunter. iHeartMedia's CEO Bob Pittman, has a special message for WGY and the Mayor of Schenectady, Gary McCarthy, gives WGY a special gift.

WGY Morning host Doug Goudie explores the very beginning of WGY and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and State Senator Jim Tedisco bestow two special honors on WGY.

Joe Pags is well known to Capital Region listeners and viewers from his time as a local TV News Anchor and as a Talk Show Host on WGY, a position he still holds every Saturday 1pm-4pm as he hosts his national radio show. Joe talks about how his time at WGY made it possible for him to get nationally syndicated.

Bob Cudmore worked at WGY from 1980-1993, and is best known as one of the many hosts of the night time Talk Show "Contact," a show that also included previous hosts such as Bill Miller and Steve Fitz. The Amsterdam native is also a history buff, and during his time at WGY he interviewed past WGY talent such as Martha Brooks and Kolin Hagar.

Diane Ward put in 10 years in the WGY News Room starting in 1985, plus an additional five years in TV. Diane's main focus was as a street reporter and her favorite duty at WGY was producing detailed feature stories.

Tom McCarthy was one of the last music disc jockeys on WGY, serving for seven years starting in the mid 1970s. Tom has put in 50 years in the broadcasting business; an amazing feat!