Bob Rivers Passes Away at 68

Bob Rivers Passes Away at 68

Bob Rivers, born on July 7, 1956, in Branford, Connecticut, was a multifaceted individual whose influence spanned radio broadcasting, music, aviation, and community service. His journey from a passionate young broadcaster to a beloved Seattle radio personality is a testament to his versatility and dedication. Early Life and Introduction to Radio Rivers' fascination with radio began in his youth. At 14, he launched a high school radio station, demonstrating an early passion for broadcasting. By 16, he secured his first […]

March 11, 2025 5

Radio Legends

Paul Freeman

Paul Freeman: A Voice That Shaped Los Angeles Radio Paul Freeman’s journey through the world of broadcasting epitomizes what it means to thrive as a radio personality. From his humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington, to his celebrated career that spanned four decades on Los Angeles airwaves, Freeman mastered the art of connection. He wasn’t just a DJ. He was a storyteller, a sound architect, and a voice that became inseparable from the rhythms of the city he served. His career, […]

March 10, 2025 7

Radio News

AM Radio’s Quiet Fade

AM Radio’s Quiet Fade: Local Stations Fall Silent Across America By Boris McClendon, Staff Writer Late one October morning in San Francisco, a familiar voice on KGO 810 AM was suddenly replaced by the R&B hit “For the Love of Money.” Soon another cash-themed song followed, then another. Listeners were puzzled – was this a prank or a technical glitch? It wasn’t. It was a requiem. After 80 years on the air, the Bay Area’s iconic news-talk station had […]

March 6, 2025 10

Radio Legends

Skip Essick: A Life on the Airwaves

Skip Essick: A Life on the Airwaves – From WGRD to Radio Leadership "Radio is the most intimate and socially personal medium in the world." — Harry von Zell For decades, Skip Essick was a familiar voice and a guiding hand behind the scenes in radio. Whether he was on-air, programming a station’s format, or leading an entire operation, his influence helped shape the way radio sounded in multiple markets. From his early days spinning records at WGRD in Grand […]

March 4, 2025 6

Radio Legends

The Maverick Who Revolutionized Radio

Gordon McLendon’s Lasting Legacy In the pantheon of radio pioneers, Gordon McLendon stands tall as a true innovator whose influence continues to shape broadcasting decades after his heyday. Known as “the Maverick of Radio,” McLendon’s career spanned the 1950s through the 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on the industry that resonates even in today’s digital age. Born in 1921 in Paris, Texas, McLendon’s journey in radio began modestly with the purchase of KNET in Palestine, Texas in 1946. However, it […]

February 25, 2025 9

Radio Legends

John David Spangler

JD Spangler: A Trailblazer in Radio Broadcasting The story of John David Spangler—known to listeners and colleagues alike simply as “JD”—is a compelling one, marked by versatility, innovation, and a deep passion for connecting with audiences. Over the course of nearly three decades, Spangler carved a name for himself as a DJ, program director, and industry leader, leaving his imprint on radio stations spanning Illinois, Indiana, and the Mid-South. From his early days in Fort Wayne’s WMEE to his high-profile […]

August 10, 2024 2

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Radio Eras

Pittsburgh’s Iconic 13Q Radio

13Q, the beloved former Pittsburgh radio station WKTQ 1320 AM, left an indelible mark on the city’s airwaves from 1973 to 1980. A new podcast revisits the legacy of this iconic station, featuring four former WKTQ personalities sharing their memories and experiences from their time at 13Q. Influence on 13Q’s Success Several key factors contributed to 13Q’s remarkable success and influence during its short but impactful run in the 1970s: Owner Cecil Heftel played a pivotal role by setting the […]

April 25, 2023 669 18 13

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Radio Eras

The Big 8 CKLW

Inside the Powerhouse That Rocked the Radio World In the annals of radio history, few stations have left as indelible a mark as CKLW, “The Big 8.” Broadcasting from Windsor, Ontario, but capturing the hearts of listeners across the Detroit River and beyond, CKLW was a powerhouse that defined an era of radio excellence. As we reflect on this legendary station in 2025, its impact continues to resonate with broadcasters and music lovers alike. The Birth of a Radio […]

March 3, 2023 85 7 5

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Listener Submissions

Aircheck Radio Welcomes the Dave Freeman Collection!

Aircheck Radio is excited to welcome a significant new addition to our ever-expanding archive—the Dave Freeman Collection. This special collection features a series of unscoped airchecks from 66 WNBC New York, including legendary broadcasters Al Brady and Bruce Morrow from the year 1974. A passionate fan of Aircheck Radio, Dave Freeman brings with him these historical airchecks and a lifelong love for radio. Dave’s journey into the world of radio began in 1969 when he was just eleven years old. […]

February 4, 2023 99 22 13

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