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CKLW

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 […]

todayMarch 3, 2023 123 7 5

Freeman Collection WNBC

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 […]

todayFebruary 4, 2023 110 22 13

kcbq-logo

Radio Eras

The Last Contest” at KCBQ

“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 […]

todayJanuary 2, 2023 76 3 10

Don Cox Former WEFM Chicago talent

Radio History

WEFM 99.5 FM Chicago

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 […]

todayJanuary 2, 2023 46 3

Larry Lujack

Radio Legends

The Original Superjock

Larry Lujack SuperJock  The Original Superjock Larry Lujack In American radio, few personalities have left as indelible a mark as Larry Lujack. With his sardonic wit, distinctive voice, and groundbreaking segments, Lujack redefined the role of the disc jockey, transforming the airwaves into a platform for both entertainment and authenticity. His journey from a small-town boy in Iowa to the revered “Superjock” of Chicago’s radio scene is a testament to […]

todayJanuary 1, 2023 39 4 3

Radio Legends

China Smith… Wow!

China Smith: The Voice That Defined an Era in Radio China Smith, born Wayne Thomas Rorabacher in 1943 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a radio personality whose voice and style left an indelible mark on the broadcasting industry. With a career spanning over three decades and multiple major markets, Smith's journey from the Midwest to the bright lights of Los Angeles is a story of reinvention, innovation, and enduring connection […]

todayAugust 11, 2022 10

allison steele wnew fm

Radio Legends

Alison Steele

The Nightbird Who Gave New York a Midnight Soul "The flutter of wings, the shadow across the moon, the sounds of the night… as the Nightbird spreads her wings and soars." If you ever tuned into the FM dial late at night in New York City during the late ‘60s and ‘70s, you know exactly who that was. Alison Steele, "The Nightbird," was more than a radio DJ—she was a […]

todayMarch 27, 2020 71 6 8

Radio Legends

Kid Leo

The Voice That Made Cleveland Rock "Cleveland, it’s time to rock and roll!" If you grew up in Cleveland during the 1970s and 1980s and had WMMS on your radio dial, chances are you remember Kid Leo. More than just a DJ, he was the gatekeeper of rock ‘n’ roll in the Midwest—the guy who made sure the next big band got its shot, the guy who had the pulse […]

todayMarch 26, 2020 20 3

1080WKLO Exterior

Radio Eras

WKLO 1080

The Louisville Top 40 Giant That Refused to Go Down Without a Fight "You could hear it before you even turned the radio on. That reverb. That jingle. That voice. WKLO wasn’t just a station—it was a lifestyle." There was a time when WKLO 1080 was the only station that mattered in Louisville. If you were cruising down Bardstown Road, hanging out at Fountain Ferry Park, or trying to sneak […]

todayMarch 24, 2020 44

bill-tanner-1990

Radio Eras

Miami-Fort Lauderdale

Miami-Fort Lauderdale: A Radio Battleground Like No Other (1960s-1980s) "Radio wasn’t just background noise in South Florida—it was a way of life. The jocks were our rockstars, the stations our best friends, and the competition? Cutthroat." Miami and Fort Lauderdale have always been hot markets—not just for tourists and nightlife, but for radio. From the 1960s through the 1980s, South Florida’s airwaves were some of the most competitive in the […]

todayMarch 22, 2020 41 1 2