Posted by chicagomedia.org on August 09, 2008 at 18:37:21:
It’s safe to say that we’re pretty lucky to live where we do. When we turn on the radio, we can tune in to some of the best local radio shows in America. While nationally syndicated programming has taken over much of the country, in the tristate area we still have strong local voices from Chicago, Indiana and Michigan, informing us, entertaining us, and keeping us company in the car.
There are too many to highlight all of them, but we’ve chosen fourteen to spend a little time with; to get to know better, and to thank for all the years of listening pleasure.
Bobby Skafish // WDRV Radio, Chicago
Bobby Skafish is the afternoon drive (3-8 p.m.) personality on the classic rock station, the Drive, WDRV (97.1 FM) in Chicago. He has been a mainstay of the Chicago radio airwaves for the past thirty years, including stints at WXRT, WLUP and Q101. The Hammond, Indiana, native is known for his quick wit, his laid-back approach, and his encyclopedic knowledge and love of rock ’n’ roll music.
Radio Philosophy
You know how some food servers can bring a huge, heavy tray of food and drinks to your table perfectly, without a drop sloshing over the side or dishes set in front of the wrong people? I try to do the radio version of that. I also hear radio people work so hard to convince the audience of their own coolness that it permeates the entire presentation; I save that time by making it about the music and the listeners. The music is the art; I’m the frame.
Favorite Brush with Greatness
I emceed the Sting Live at the Blue 5 concert in Grant Park in October of 2003. I should note that when Sting was ready to go on, I introduced Gary Sinise and he actually introduced His Stingness. It was also Cubs-Marlins in the playoffs, so there were dual big events—I gave a few score updates onstage.
But as for “the brush,” standing behind the stage, Robert Downey, Jr., struck up a conversation with me. I asked him if he was in town filming and he told me no, he was here for some sort of event—he was vague, and modest, as I read later he was here to be honored at some swanky affair.
He was holding hands with the woman he later married, at Sting’s Long Island home, no less. Funny thing was, on July 4, 1997, the day I hooked up with my wife, I was substitute-hosting a morning radio show, and a guy called around 6:00 a.m. who said Robert and he were listening, and that Robert wanted to hear “Please Don’t Tell Her” by Big Head Todd and the Monsters. He offered to put Robert on, but I declined, my shyness kicking in as well as the hunch that they were seeing 6:00 a.m. from the other side of night.
Radio Influences
The usual suspects for someone my age who grew up on Chicago media—the old top 40 DJs of WLS and WCFL. I remember Larry Lujack, in his prime, saying, apropos of nothing, “Boy, this station [WLS] sounds good when I’m on it.” Only Superjock could pull that kind of thing off, but you need at least a little bit of that attitude. I also have fond memories of my introduction to FM, on the WBBM-FM dial position [96.3 FM], in the early ’70s featuring a very young Bob Sirott. I asked Bob once if he still had tapes from that era and he said he did. I realize he’s a busy guy, but I hope he has given them a listen, because it was a magical, simpler time. And let me add that I have also been inspired, and perhaps influenced, by Creem magazine, the Doors, and Quentin Crisp.
Worst Advice
“Don’t take that job offer,” from the Loop, in 1983, from the management of where I had been working. Much fear mongering and playing on would-be insecurities that I didn’t have.
Best Thing about Doing Radio Here
Doing radio here. My family and I absolutely love Chicago, and our neighborhood. I’ve lived within walking distance of Wrigley Field since I moved here from Hammond, in 1977.
Shelli Harmon // Sunny 101.5 FM, South Bend
Shelli Harmon is 1/3 of the Jack, Shelli & Bruce show at Sunny 101.5 in South Bend. The threesome with the playful camaraderie can be heard every morning from 5:30-9a.m.
Radio Philosophy
I go with the 3 Bs: Be prepared. Be yourself. Be fun!
Favorite Brush with Greatness
I would have to go with Don Henley. I was working in New York and lucky enough to go back-stage after a show. It was when he was touring for his monster album, Building the Perfect Beast. Don Henley was the kindest, most down-to-earth celebrity I’ve met. We sat and gabbed for about a half-hour. He wasn’t rushed or hurried and had the softest hint of a good ol’ boy Texas accent. He was just a lovely person. The framed picture commemorating that occasion still proudly sits on my desk.
Radio Influences
I grew up listening to WLS out of Chicago. I listened religiously to Larry Lujack and Little Snot Nose Tommy Edwards. Also, Yvonne Daniels was amazing. She broke ground for women in broadcasting in so many ways. However, I decided radio was my calling after I went to Marriott’s Great America and had a visor signed by John Records Landecker. I thought that was sooo cool. I later told that story to Mr. Landecker when I met him at a radio conference. I was in awe, he just chuckled.
Something Listeners Don’t Know about You
I grew up near Lake Michigan, and I still don’t know how to swim. I love being on the beach, wading in a bit, and hearing the waves. I didn’t want my son, Lucas, to have the same phobia, so I insisted he take swim lessons. He loves to swim and tries to get me to learn. It’s one of my goals along with remembering where I put my car keys. Although I swear my husband, Karl, hides them from me . . . exactly where I left them.
Best Thing about Doing Radio Here
The best thing about being in radio here? It’s home! I grew up in Southwest Michigan. I was born in Benton Harbor, raised in Coloma. I still have tons of relatives and friends here. I feel connected to the beaches, orchards, festivals and everything in between. After working in places like New York, Charlotte and too many other cities to mention, I missed the Midwest feeling you can’t get anywhere but here.
Ric Federighi // WIMS, Michigan City
Ric Federighi had a long successful radio career in Chicago, primarily as an award-winning traffic reporter, before coming to Indiana. He is the general manager (and owner) of WIMS-Radio, a talk radio station in Michigan City (1420 AM). He also hosts the morning show every weekday from 6-9 a.m.
Radio Philosophy
Know your audience. Be worldly and local as well. Being prepared is the key to success, but also letting the show flow is even more important. There are days when you have a ton of info and subjects from world and local news, to music and sports, and it is all out the window due to the audience participation. Let the audience speak in an “open forum.” To be a moderator can really help to be fair and let out both sides.
Favorite Brush with Greatness
Meeting Dick Clark at a convention in the ’80s and having an in-depth conversation with him was incredible. He actually gave me advice that I always remembered and told myself in challenging times in my career. He told me to follow my dream (he asked me what my goal was and I told him to own a station or two) and he was impressed at how young I was to be attending the National Association of Broadcasters convention.
Radio Influences
Aside from Dick Clark, Greg Solk was someone I watched as a young talent work his way up the ladder and show it can be done on the management side of radio. (He was the program director of the Loop in the ’80s, and is now the VP of Programming for Bonneville, which owns the Mix, the Drive, and many other stations around the country.) I also enjoyed Patti Haze, John Fisher, and Steve Dahl (on the Loop), and enjoyed speaking with Norm Winer (the program director of WXRT) at an early age while attending a radio conference as a college student.
Best Advice
“Follow your dreams—When one door closes another one opens.” It came from my father right before he passed away. I was working for WLS radio and for Shadow Traffic at the time, and I had the opportunity to work for Greg Solk and the Loop, which was one of my goals and dreams. I followed my heart and accepted the gig at the Loop, and I am so glad I did that. I would not have gotten to where I am today . . . Thanks, Dad.
Best Perks
Meeting new people all the time. You meet a number of different people on a number of levels. I love what I do. I wake up every day and know I am doing exactly what I set out to do as young boy . . . now how many people can say they love their gigs?
Leslie Keiling // WGN Radio, Chicago
Leslie Keiling is one of the most respected traffic reporters in Chicago. In her twenty-plus-year career she has provided traffic reports and witty rejoinders to the likes of Steve and Garry, Larry Lujack, John Records Landecker and more. She currently reports for the John Williams and Steve Cochran shows on WGN Radio every weekday afternoon.
Least Favorite Song
It would have to be “Daydream Believer” by the Monkees. One host I worked with previously was enamored with the piece’s songwriter, John Stewart. So every time the song came up or the writer came to town, I had to hear the story about how the original lyric was “now you know how funky I can be,” as opposed to the Monkees’ “happy.” It was an interesting story the first ten times or so, but after that it got very funky. Then I got the job at an oldies station. That song played every week for the rest of my employment. Talk about funky.
Favorite Brush with Greatness
Johnny Carson, backstage at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago. Oh wait, that was a dream I had when I fell asleep with the radio on.
Worst Advice
I was at a private party; 20 years old, and hanging with several of the coolest people in Rock Radio at the time, including one of the hottest jocks in Chicago who was, without question, the object of many a young girls’ fantasies. Among those in attendance was a local sportscaster who kept blocking my move, and kept telling me over and over that I needed to leave Chicago to make any headway in this business. “Head to some place like Omaha,” he said. “Get the heck out of my way,” I thought. I knew I didn’t really stand a chance with the rock jock, but I sure as heck was not about to head off to Omaha when I was that close to perfection right where I was.
Something Listeners Don’t Know about You
I think I’ve shared just about every element of my life with listeners—births, deaths, weddings, OCD proclivities, underwear choices, family foibles, odd interests, favorite whatevers, least-favorite whatevers, and everything else in between. I think, on some level, that’s what makes people willing to invite me into their cars and homes on a regular basis.
Best thing about doing radio here
It’s my town. I grew up on the North Side. My husband came from the South Side. We got engaged at Navy Pier when it was still a warehouse. I went to school in Lincoln Square. I got married there, too. I love Lower Wacker Drive like a clubhouse. I worked for a decade at the top of the Hancock Building. I’ve watched sunrises at Montrose Harbor. I got my car stuck in the sand at Whiting Beach. My daughter swam at Oak Street Beach with Ron Howard’s kids when he was in town filming Backdraft. I tobogganed at the forest preserves until they ripped out the runs. I nearly got killed leaving a stop along the Brown Line. I now spend part of every day in WGN’s Showcase Studio on Pioneer Court. My life is so intrinsically tied to this town that I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.
Seth “Tower” Hurd // Shine-FM, Kankakee
He goes by the name Tower on the Christian station Shine-FM (89.7 FM) every afternoon (2-6 p.m.) in Kankakee, undoubtedly due to his immense height—he is 6’6”. Tower is a farm kid from the small Illinois town of Fishhook, population 37.
Radio Philosophy
My radio philosophy is this: work hard, be yourself, and deeply know the person listening. It’s very tough to be funny, to be compelling, to be relevant on the air 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. It’s tough to stay yourself in your early days of broadcasting when everyone from your college buddies to the secretary at work, to your own ego, has an idea of “who you should be” on the air.
Finally, you’ve got to find out who the person listening is, and align what you’re doing with their life as much as possible. When radio becomes about the person behind the mic, and not about connecting media to life, then that on-air host or station has failed (even if the audience is still large). If you can do those three things well: work hard, be your true self, and deeply know the person listening . . . then the reward will come.
Favorite Brush with Greatness
This may come as a surprise, but Dwayne “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman greatly affected me. I recently did an interview with him where we discussed his life, and his faith, in light of what happened with his phone-call controversy. This man has been humiliated, mocked and outright hated for his mistake. But rather than becoming a bitter person who turned away from the world, he stepped back into the spotlight, apologized, and asked for forgiveness. When Dog was 19, he was in prison for accessory to murder, when he began following Jesus. Ever since then, even in the middle of going to jail in Mexico, having his show canceled, and having to live with the fact that many people believe he is a racist, he still tries to use his life for good. If I stay in the public eye long enough, I will mess up in some way, and the audience will find out about it. Dog taught me that one mistake doesn’t have to mean the end of your career.
Radio influences
Mancow Muller is still the best, hands down. But most of my influences come from outside my field. They are the people who taught me to tell compelling stories, and gave me a yardstick to measure art by: Jack Kerouac, Charles Dickens, Dylan, Springsteen, Cash, filmmaker Cameron Crowe, Blue Like Jazz author Don Miller. Also, Jay-Z once told a crowd, “You could have been anywhere in the world, but you’re here with me. I appreciate that.” That sentence forever altered the way I saw my listening audience.
Something listeners don’t know about you
I have been legally banned from all Wal-Marts in the country for a stupid prank I pulled at the age of 19 that involved a shopping cart, the intercom system, and a song from the 1990’s cartoon Animaniacs. I am probably the only Christian radio DJ in the country with a police record. And I can say no more . . .
Lin Brehmer // WXRT Radio, Chicago
Lin Brehmer has been hosting the morning show at rock station WXRT (93.1) in Chicago for nearly two decades. He is known for his irreverent wit and deep love of rock and roll. His motto, according to his official station bio, is borrowed from the writings of Gerard Manley Hopkins: “Flesh fade and mortal trash fall to the residuary worm’, you and I might as well Rock and Roll.”
Radio Philosophy
To borrow a phrase from John Huston in Chinatown: “Under the right circumstances, a man is capable of just about anything.”
Favorite Brush with Greatness
Mick Jagger in a one-on-one interview at the Ritz Carlton Beverly Hills. It was for a radio special for his solo album, Goddess in the Doorway. He was affable and expansive and thoroughly charming.
Least Favorite Brush with Greatness
Norah Jones throwing a fit when I was told to introduce her at Ravinia. Not sure she was expecting an emcee. Her road manager had me ejected for saying on stage, “Ladies and Gentleman, Norah Jones.”
Best Advice and Worst Advice
You should really be a morning guy.
Best Perks
I’ve really had an amazing opportunity to see every major band of the last thirty years when no one knew who they were. It gives you some perspective. U2, R.E.M., Nirvana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, you name it. I saw them all in small clubs. In the late ’70s and throughout the ’80s, I went to well over 150 concerts a year. Also, we aren’t really conscious of what people are doing while they listen to our shows, but now and then, a couple will come up and say, “We were listening to your show when our first child was born.” To be touched like that is the best perk of the job.
Something listeners don’t know about you
I get stage fright. Since I’m on stage all the time, I’m pretty good at pretending I don’t. I never eat dinner if I know I’m emceeing any event where I will be addressing a large number of people. And when I’m waiting to go on stage, I pace or pantomime pitching wind-ups.
Bionce Foxx // WGCI Chicago
Bionce Foxx hosts the midday show at WGCI (107.5 FM) in Chicago. She calls her program Foxx on the Box, and it airs each weekday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Favorite brush with greatness
My favorite “brush with greatness” actually came before my radio career started. I had the opportunity to meet Princess Diana when she visited Chicago. I was actually in awe that she took a few moments to speak with me. Although she was a royal, her demeanor was so down to earth and friendly, which impressed me the most. I admire her work as a philanthropist and for helping so many people. I have always been intrigued with the Royal Family, and to have actually met the Princess was quite an honor. When I bowed to greet her, she told me that that was not necessary but she appreciated the gesture. I was truly inspired.
Best Advice
The best advice that I received in my radio career was to “be myself” on the air. The reason that is the best advice is because that is so easy to do . . . it is not necessary to be pretentious or try to be something or someone you are not, and besides, that would be too much work. Of course in life not everyone is going to like you, and you certainly cannot please everyone, but being myself is what I do best and I can only be me!
Best Perks
The best perks of having a career in radio is not the free tickets to concerts or meeting and hanging out with celebrities or going to the hottest events. It is when a listener calls or emails me and tells me that I said something to make them happy or I inspired them or I blessed them. That is what really counts to me, having a positive influence on people, uplifting and enlightening people. There is no better perk than helping others.
Something listeners don’t know about you
There are lots of things that listeners may not know about me, because I am constantly doing something to better myself and I enjoy life and like to live life to the fullest. But one thing that they may not expect is that I am learning to ride a motorcycle, and by the time they read this story, I hope to have my motorcycle license and own a Harley! Sorry, mom and dad, but a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do!
Best thing about doing radio here
The best thing about doing radio in Chicago is that Chicago has such a rich history of legendary broadcasters. Chicago is truly a radio town, because there is a connection between radio personalities and their listeners. I feel as though listeners are like my extended family. They invite me into their lives on a daily basis, whether it’s in their cars, homes or their workplace, etc. I visit listeners, I talk to them outside of my air shift, I reply to emails, I sometimes find myself counseling and just being a listening ear to my listeners. I truly love what I do and I appreciate the love and support that I receive from everyone who listens to the Foxx on the Box show.
Len O’Kelly // WFGR Radio, Grand Rapids
Len O’Kelly grew up in Tinley Park, Illinois, before embarking on a long and successful radio career. After working in Chicago radio for many years, he recently made the move to oldies station WFGR (98.7 FM) in Grand Rapids. He is the program director, and the host of the morning show every weekday.
Radio Philosophy
My first rule for putting a radio show together is simple: no matter what happens in my life, the listener is here to have a good time. Put them first. Talk about things that they are interested in, rather than sticking to things that I am interested in. If there is overlap, great: it’s easier to be relatable. Which leads to my second rule: be real. I’m a real guy. I mow my own lawn. I wait in the line at the checkout. Everyday things happen to me, and I talk about that stuff. I don’t put on any airs of celebrity at all. I’m a guy with a job and a boss, just like my listener. I just happen to have a job I may like more than they do, and I am lucky to get paid for what I do. I bring my private life into the show to a point. My listeners know the names of my wife and some of my nieces and nephews.
Radio Influences
I was very lucky to grow up in Chicago listening to some of the greatest disk jockeys ever to take a hold of the mike. I was one of the stereotypical “radio under the pillow” kids in the ’70s, listening to John Records Landecker, Larry Lujack, Tommy Edwards, Fred Winston, Bob Sirott, etc. A lot of that rubbed off on me in that it made me want to do radio. I have been very fortunate to work with many of the names I heard as a kid. I have learned much from each of them. My hope is that some of the younger jocks in the building—we have five stations in my cluster, and the youngest was born the year I started in the business!—may be able to learn something from me.
Favorite Brush with Greatness
Most of my time in radio I’ve been on Oldies stations, so those are the acts that I have met. Guys like Freddy Cannon, Peter Noone and Bobby Vee are among the nicest guys you’d ever meet—it’s as if they actually appreciate still having the ability to play after all this time. Frankie Avalon and Dick Clark were very nice, as well. The Monkees were nice if you kept them separate.
Worst Advice
The suggestions to smoke and drink more cheap whiskey to “roughen” my voice may have been the worst. Glad I didn’t follow through on them!
The Manno Brothers, Ryan and Kevin // Q101, Chicago
Older brother Ryan and younger brother Kevin cohost the Manno Program every weeknight on Q101 FM. They grew up in Highland, Indiana, listening to Q101, and were both thrilled when they got jobs at their favorite station. They were eventually teamed up to host the 7 p.m. to midnight show together. Their show is a mixture of alternative music and talk, and showcases their mischievous senses of humor.
Radio Philosophy
Ryan: I think, for me, it’s simplified down to creating radio that I would want to hear. If I were stuck on the Skyway for an hour after work, what would truly engage me? What would distract me from the elements? I listen to talk radio all day long, studying the subtlety of engagement. Making a listener feel like more than a listener is key.
Kevin: I have a short attention span. When I’m in my car, I’m constantly reaching for the radio dial. Our goal every night is to prevent people from changing stations. Every single aspect of our radio show is centered around that thought. We aim to constantly give people what they want. That should be the goal in any sort of entertainment medium. It certainly is for us.
Radio Influences
Ryan: Mine was Mancow. Growing up, delivering The Times in Highland, I’d have his show in the headphones every morning. Oddly enough, I went on to be a full-time cast member on his show for three years, which was a surreal experience. Our parting was less than amicable, but I’ll always give the devil his due. I learned a lot from Mancow.
Kevin: I’d say I have three. My uncle, Mancow and a guy named “Sludge.” As a kid we would go see our Uncle Tony while he was working, and that was probably the first time I felt passion toward a career. The other two guys were Q101 DJs that I would listen to religiously while growing up. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was constantly learning from them. I listened for the music and the entertainment, but every once in a while I’ll remember something I heard when I was 16, and it will influence my performance.
Best Advice
Ryan: I’m not sure I’ve ever received any real philosophical advice. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? It’s a strange business, because everyone wants to be on top, so it’s rare to find a true mentor. We get critiqued by program directors all day, but that’s mainly on form and execution.
My previous boss told me that a great jock can be a great jock regardless of the circumstances. I believe in that until I think of myself on a country station!
Kevin: Work hard! I think I received that advice from my brother. We both started as interns at Q101 while in college. He was two years ahead of me and he worked himself crazy. He actually won Intern of the Year. Had he not set that example, I probably wouldn’t be here.
Best Thing about Doing Radio Here
Ryan: The history of Chicago radio is so rich. We’ve had outstanding personalities in this city for so long that people forget how bad radio is outside of here. It’s brutal. To me, being written into that history (even as a footnote) is the best thing.
Kevin: From my point of view, it’s the music. Chicago has so many amazing bands. I don’t think I would love music as much as I do if I wasn’t from here. Aside from the local musicians, every touring band passes through this town. It makes our jobs easier when there are always great bands playing down the street.
Wendy Snyder // WLS Radio, Chicago
Wendy Snyder started her radio career as a rock jock at the Loop in Chicago during the ’80s, and has since cohosted radio shows with the likes of Tony Fitzpatrick, Bill Leff, Buzz Kilman and Steve Dahl. She is now the traffic reporter on the Don & Roma show every weekday morning on WLS (AM 890), and the cohost of Women of Mass Discussion every Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.
Radio Philosophy
I just want the show to be entertaining. I love to tap into stuff that everyone else can relate to, and talking to the listeners is the best part. I love it when they get involved in the show and play along. I also think it’s really important to be yourself. In the old days of radio, you really felt like you knew the person on the air. We seem to have gotten away from that. Many people on the air are trying to be something they’re not. No one seems to be true to themselves anymore. What you see is what you get with me. I can hang with the boys and swear like a sailor, but when the situation presents itself, I can really act like a lady, and a professional one at that.
Best Advice
My radio pal, Buzz Kilman, always says, “Never miss your company holiday party.” And, I have to tell you, I never have.
Best Perks
Perks? There used to be plenty. You could get any and all the CDs you wanted, and concert tickets aplenty, but not anymore. Nowadays it’s even tough to get a free T-shirt. The times they are a-changin’.
Something Listeners Don’t Know about You
I like to do little projects around the house, many involving a drill. I grow tomatoes and cucumbers every year. I know my way around a Weber Grill—gas, of course. And believe it or not, I like the girly stuff, too. I am obsessed with shoes and purses. I am a total makeup freak. I am also way into cooking. I have really fancy Wusthof Trident knives, and I know how to use them. I also spent about 50 bucks on a black Peugeot pepper mill. I like to pretend I’m hosting a show on the Food Network when I’m in my kitchen.
Best Thing about Doing Radio Here
I have lived in the Chicago area my whole life, and the people in this city are completely accepting. When they like you, they really like you. It’s a total feel-good.
Steve Zana and Laura Waluszko // Indiana 105, Valparaiso
Steve is the host of the Dawn Patrol show every weekday morning on country station Indiana 105, and Laura is the cohost/newscaster. They have been doing the show together for nearly twelve years on Northwest Indiana’s highest-rated station. Laura is a local girl, originally from Hobart, Indiana.
Radio Philosophy
Steve: Talk about the community and what is going on. And have fun. People remember you had a good time this morning.
Laura: Entertain, inform and be yourself
Radio Influences
Steve: Wolfman Jack. “Oh my baby, I’m always on vacation!” Bigger than life. Great energy. Up-tempo. He is the very reason I do this.
Laura: My family and the people I work with every day, on the air and off.
Best Perks
Steve: I play music and talk for a living. The whole job is a perk. I have a mobile DJ service that I run, too. I do weddings and parties. The perk to that is people know me from the Dawn Patrol and will hire me to bring that fun to them . . . again, playing music and talking and making money. What’s not to like?
Laura: Being able to work in the early morning—really!
Something listeners don’t know about you
Steve: I am very self-conscious. I worry more than I should.
Laura: That I was on a game show several years ago (Sale of the Century) . . . wait, maybe they do know!
Best thing about doing radio here
Steve: The best part is I feel at home. I could never go to New York or Los Angeles. Just don’t see me fitting in there at all. And for what? Most of the people who get those big-time gigs are out of work in a year or two. Laura and I are going on our twelfth year. I have set my retirement date at January 20, 2027. That will be our thirtieth year. As long as they will have me till then.
Laura: One of the best things about doing radio in this town is . . . that we’re doing a radio show for so many cities and towns around Northwest Indiana—it’s great to be able to do a show for the region known as the Region.
Dave Knoebber // WRHC Radio Harbor Country, Three Oaks
Dave is the host of Harbor Country Art Scene on Radio Harbor Country (106.7 FM) in Three Oaks. The show airs Sunday mornings (8:30-9 a.m.), Saturday mornings (9-10 a.m.), and Friday mornings (11 a.m.-noon). In addition to hosting the show, Dave was an art educator for 40 years, and still teaches part time at Columbia College in Chicago.
Radio Philosophy
The key to our station is variety, style and, as Don Lockwood said in Singing in the Rain, “It’s in the dignity.”
Radio Influences
Being around a long time and listening to radio longer, I have many radio announcers, hosts and reporters who have influenced me. One in particular was Franklyn MacCormack, host and companion of the All Night Showcase on WGN (720 AM) radio in Chicago. This show was sponsored by Meister Brau and aired from 11:05 p.m.-5:30 a.m., six nights a week. It was great late night radio. He interspersed moody, contemplative music with poetry. When I first came to Chicago, I often listened to his show late at night while grading student papers. That was a time when the largest building in Chicago was the Prudential building just north of the Art Institute.
Best Advice
I am getting close to my 100th show, and the best advice I have received here at WRHC is, “. . . don’t touch any dials or switches in the studio you don’t understand—or we could be off the air!” So I keep my hands on the mic. I enjoy recording the Harbor Country Art Scene either very early in the morning or very late at night.
Favorite Brush with Greatness
While hosting this show I have met some of the most interesting people involved with the arts. Their backgrounds are as varied as the colors on an artist’s palette. They all bring a gift to my program and it is my job as host to help them share that gift with the listening audience.
Best Perks
I have to be honest in sharing with you, one of the best perks of the job is being able to tell friends, “I host a radio show on FM and it can also be heard all over the world.” Once in a while, someone will recognize my voice at a party or at an art exhibit. That’s a nice perk, and it reassures me that there is someone listening beyond the microphone.
Of all my assignments in retirement of teaching at Columbia college, painting watercolors, running a small art gallery and hosting the radio show, the program Harbor Country Art Scene brings to me a great deal of satisfaction and pride. I truly thank the Vickers and the rest of the executive board of WRHC for allowing me to participate.
Ivan John Jurkovic // ESPN Radio, Chicago
Jurko, as he’s known to his radio fans, is the cohost of the #1 rated afternoon show in Chicago, the Mac, Jurko & Harry show on sports-talk radio ESPN (AM 1000). Before beginning his radio career, he was a professional football player in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cleveland Browns. He grew up in Calumet City, and currently lives in Northwest Indiana.
Radio Philosophy
To inform and entertain. If you keep those two things in mind, you can never go wrong.
Favorite Brush with Greatness
I’ve met just about everyone in the world of sports without really being affected by it, but the day we had Dale Earnhardt, Jr., on the show at McCormick Place before the 2003 All-Star Game at Comiskey Park had to be the biggest moment for me. I’m a huge NASCAR fan, and that was unbelievable. I was so nervous, I was shaking . . . I had to settle myself down. For me, that was the cat’s meow.
Least Favorite Brush with Greatness
Some of the bad ones are with young college kids that are about to turn pro, like Julius Peppers. I don’t want to pick on him; I’m just using him as an example. We interviewed him down at the Super Bowl a few years ago, and it was amazing to me to see how little he had to say and how unaware he was of what he was getting into. His lack of preparedness was stunning. He’s not alone in that regard. These guys really need some coaching before they deal with the media. The first guy that sat me down was Dick Blasczyk. He was a coach when I was with the Green Bay Packers. He sat me down and said, “Do you know how often you say ‘you know’? Slow down and think. It’s better to have silence than to fill the silence with ‘you know.’”
Better Perks: Radio or NFL
The NFL has better perks because they treat you like a king, but I get to do more interesting stuff in radio. Now I get to go to the Super Bowl, and All-Star games, and the World Series, and the draft. I never got to do any of that stuff when I was player.
Something Listeners Don’t Know about You
I really think I’ve shared it all. How about this: I have a mole on my left butt cheek. It’s true.
Best thing about doing radio here
I’ve always had opinions and thoughts about Chicago sports growing up, and now having an outlet to share that with people more than just the corner bar is fun and interesting. I love to hear the views coming in from everywhere. It’s like hanging out at the world’s biggest tavern.
Melissa McGurren // WTMX Radio, Chicago
Melissa is the traffic anchor on one of the top-rated morning shows in Chicago, the Eric and Kathy show on the Mix, WTMX (101.9). Melissa grew up in Portage, Indiana, and got her start in radio working in Hammond and Merrillville before scoring the gig as the “sexy” traffic reporter on the Mix. She has won several awards for her work on the Eric and Kathy show.
Radio Philosophy
Know a little about a lot. Be genuine.
Least Favorite Song
I do not, I repeat, do not like the song “Beautiful Girls,” by Sean Kingston.
Favorite Brush with Greatness
Suze Orman. Not that I think she has all the answers to managing money properly, but she sure made me rethink how I deal with my own money managing!!
Best Advice
Appreciate every moment of a successful show . . . it won’t last forever! Believe me . . . I do!
Best Thing about Doing Radio Here
The Chicagoland area, which includes Northwest Indiana, has the most dedicated listening audience, which keeps me employed. Thank you, everyone!! I grew up in the Portage and Valparaiso area. Now I get to come to work and embarrass my friends and family from these cities by talking about them on the air. That means many people in the region walk around knowing I’ve shared some of their private moments. Okay, okay, so I haven’t been that bad. I at least ask before I tell! I’ve found everyone has a funny story.
(Rick Kaempfer)