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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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
“The Last Contest” at KCBQ: From Concept to Cultural Phenomenon The magic of The Last Contest at KCBQ was more than a sweepstakes—it was a masterclass in showmanship and creativity, driven by program director Jack McCoy and his talented team. From conception to execution, every detail was designed to captivate the audience’s imagination, immersing them in a thrilling audio experience that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Jack McCoy: The Visionary Behind The Last Contest KCBQ’s brilliant program director, Jack McCoy, was already […]
WEFM 99.5 FM: The Underdog That Took on Chicago Radio in the Late 1970s "Radio is the theater of the mind; television is the theater of the mindless." — Steve Allen A Station in Transition: From Classical to Contemporary For decades, Chicago’s FM dial was home to WEFM 99.5, a station steeped in tradition. Founded in 1940 by Zenith Radio Corporation, WEFM was among the pioneers of FM radio, broadcasting a steady diet of classical music that catered to Chicago’s […]
