Radio - What Happened?
42 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago -A look at the rise and fall of commercial radio, seen from the eyes of two baby boomers. Terry Bettis and Jim Christoferson both worked in local radio for years, in small to large markets. Their experience allows others to see what they see -- a virtual WKRP in every market across the country. Personalities, promotions, formats, actual air checks of the nation's top radio stations of the last 60 years -- all facets are talked about, listened to, and discussed in this weekly podcast.
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Episodes
Episode #38: Part Two of our conversaton with Peter Boyles on 710 AM, KNUS Denver - as we talk about what led to our new book: Radio What Happened>?
April 09, 2024 21:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBThis 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
Episode #37: Peter Boyles at KNUS 710 AM in Denver, and our new book!
March 26, 2024 21:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBWelcome 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
Episode #36: Ron Harrell and Dr. Don Rose / KFRC San Francisco
January 09, 2024 22:00 - 58 minutes - 40.6 MBThis 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!
Episode #35: Sean Ross and Charlie Van Dyke
December 18, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBThis 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!
Episode #34: Frozen in a block of ice?
December 01, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBThis 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.
Episode #33: One of the great DJs of all time -- tribute to Charlie Tuna!
October 26, 2022 14:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBThis 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.
Episode #32: Everybody did it. Did you?
June 07, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBEverybody 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".
Episode #31: Who Invented radio? If you said Marconi, you might not be right.
May 11, 2022 18:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBWho 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 only radio, 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.
Episode #30: Radio: What Happened
May 02, 2022 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBThis 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!
Episode #29: Old Time Radio - What Happened?
March 30, 2022 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBWe'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.
Episode #28: Our tribute to one of the best morning drive personalities ever -- Ron Chapman of KVIL, Dallas.
May 07, 2021 20:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIt'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.
Episode #27: Our year end podcast, with some of the highlights of the past year.
December 21, 2020 23:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBWe 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.
Episode #26: Remember the election of 1920? We do. In fact, it was the first time election returns were broadcast on the radio. KDKA in Pittsburgh was the station, and politics would never be the same.
December 03, 2020 23:00 - 13 minutes - 9.54 MB100 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.
Episode #25: Salute to WKRP's Thanksgiving Episode -- Turkeys Away!
November 17, 2020 20:00 - 11 minutes - 8.3 MBSurely 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...
Episode #24: Who remembers The Last Contest? This week, we listen to some promos and air checks of that famous event. Plus, more Chickenman, Gary Owens and the future of Am Radio.
November 04, 2020 22:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBThis 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.
Episode #23: More from Hollywood Hamilton! Yes, Hollywood was kind enough to send us air checks of his career! Starting in Reno Nevada in 1979, all the way through KISS FM in 1991. Since then, he's moved back to New York City to do afternoons at WKTU.
October 05, 2020 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBHow 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!
Episode #22: Finally! Our conversation with Hollywood Hamilton. He's in the National Radio Hall of Fame. He's worked with some of the all time greats in the radio industry. And he currently has two syndicated radio shows, airing nationally. You're go
September 24, 2020 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBThis 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...
Episode #21: Part 2 of our conversation with Stan Webb, one of Gordon McLendon's "Magnificent Seven", plus Music Montage #3!
September 08, 2020 14:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBLast 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.
Episode #20: A One Hit Wonder -- and an interview with one of Gordon McLendon's "Magnificent Seven".
August 31, 2020 22:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBThis 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.
Episode #19: Our talk with producer/director Roger King about his documentary "I Am What I Play". Great conversation about this incredible movie about 4 jocks who were strong enough to play what they wanted. And a replay of our Music Montage #2.
August 17, 2020 20:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBHow 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 l...
Episode #19: Our talk with producer/director Roger King about his documentary "I Am What I Play". Great conversation about this incredible movie about 4 jocks who were strong enough to play what they wanted. And a replay of our Music Montage #2.
August 17, 2020 20:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBHow 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 l...
Episode #18: Lots to talk about -- an upcoming interview with Roger King, the producer/director of the documentary about rock dj's called "I Am What I Play". Also, a listen to what Radio London sounded like in 1967, and of course, more from our commerci
August 07, 2020 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBThis 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.
Episode #17: Listen to an epsidode of The Tooth Fairy, another music montage contest, and audio of Casey Kasem.
July 24, 2020 18:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBNo 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, ...
Episode #16: Interview with Chuck Ingersoll -- with airchecks of Jack Armstrong, Ron Britain, Don Rose, Big Ron O'Brien -- and audio clips of Chuck himself, at WCMF and WSAY.
July 13, 2020 21:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBThis 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.
Episode #15: Interview with Lisa Orkin, daughter of the great Dick Orkin -- with samples of radio spots and an episode of Chickenman!
June 22, 2020 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBThis 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!
Episode #14: Interview with Sean Ross of Rossonradio.com - and Lost Songs of the 70's and 80's! Plus, our first contest -- see if you can name all these songs!
June 08, 2020 16:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBThis week, we talk to Sean Ross of Rossontheradio.com. 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!
Episode #14: Interview with Sean Ross, editor of the Ross On Radio Newsletter - and Lost Songs of the 70's and 80's! Plus, our first contest -- see if you can name all these songs!
June 08, 2020 16:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBThis 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!
Episode #13: Who came up with "Top 40"? Todd Storz or Gordon Mclendon? Find our in this week's episode. Plus a fantastic "Top 40" aircheck from KTLK in Denver.
May 22, 2020 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBTwo 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.
Episode #12: Interview with Dan O'Day, of O'Bits and O'Liners fame. Plus a recording of John Records Landecker's first words on radio, back in 1963. And finally, air checks of Rick Dees and Jay Thomas back in the early 70's.
May 07, 2020 21:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBThis 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 Jay Thomas on The Ape, WAPE. Hope you enjoy -- and plea...
Episode #12: Interview with Dan O'Day, of O'Bits and O'Liners fame. Plus a recording of John Records Landecker's first words on radio, back in 1963. And finally, air checks of Rick Dees and Jay Thomas back in the early 70's.
May 07, 2020 21:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBThis 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 Jay Thomas on The Ape, WAPE. Hope you enjoy -- and plea...
Episode #11: Part 2 of our interview with the Great Bobby Ocean -- An air check from the first week of BOSS RADIO at KHJ in '65 -- and more talk about the Brinkley Act and how it's come back into the news.
April 29, 2020 22:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBThis 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 medi...
Episode #10 -- Conversation with Kris Abrams - Operations Manager for Cumulus/Albuquerque
April 22, 2020 19:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBThis 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: [email protected]
Episode #10 -- Conversation with Kris Abrams - Operations Manager for Cumulus/Albuquerque
April 22, 2020 19:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBThis 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: [email protected]
Episode #9 -- Our interview with the great Bobby Ocean -- and air checks from two stations he worked at, KFRC in San Franciso and KHJ in Los Angeles!
April 14, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBThis 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.
Episode #8: Tribute to New York City -- Wolfman Jack, Howard Stern, Cousin Brucie and more!
April 10, 2020 15:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBThis 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
Episode #7: Stories of call letters, Sound from Mexico radio stations, and talk about the effect of the Coronavirus on the radio industry.
April 01, 2020 01:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBThis 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!
Episode #6: Aircheck from WQXI in Atlanta, KNOW in Austin, and from our own Jim Christoferson in LA back in the 70's!
March 24, 2020 15:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBThis 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.
Episode #5: Great Conversation with John Fletcher, a quick story about George Carlin and an air check from KLIF, Dallas!
March 16, 2020 22:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBIn 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!
Episode #4: Unbelievable ratings for a morning show, Gary Owen, and air check from WLS!
March 09, 2020 22:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBOur 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!
Episode #3: Gary Owens, WCFL & Dick Biondi and more conversation with Jim & Terry
March 03, 2020 00:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBThis week, we talk about call letters, the FCC (!) and heart some 1971 radio with Dick Biondi of WCFL.
Episode #2: Gary Owens, Chickenman and WRKO/Boston
February 24, 2020 20:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MBThis 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!
Episode #1: What Happened to Radio?
February 17, 2020 15:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBWelcome 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.