Dreams Of Radio Past

Long ago and far away as broadcasting goes some things were not only simpler but they were more fun. I can remember the time when I could listen in on the two way radio that linked radio station KMPC to its fleet of mobile units and two aircraft that were covering the traffic in Los Angeles. If you have any knowledge of broadcast history you will already know some facts about this historic station. It was owned by Gene Autry. It was the source of the term “SIG ALERT” that is the key to all traffic coverage in Los Angeles thanks to Lloyd Sigmon who developed the first system for reporting traffic congestion directly from the police department to the radio station. It was the radio home to such nationally known as Gary Owens, Robert W. Morgan, and Roger Carroll. Many of the voices that were the staples of Armed Forces Radio around the world including most of the broadcast schedule on Armed Forces Viet Nam – AFVN (home of that dumb movie) and my favorite Armed Forces Korea – AFK. I found that really comforting but I did miss lessening to the weather forecast early when it was recorded for the evening news by Herb Green or Big John McElhinney. I felt more on the inside and did hear some things before they were made available for air. The day that Herb Green passed away I was listening to the on air personality talking to John McElhinney when they discussed a hospital visit that was very sad and indicated that no good end was insight. But as usual I have rambled and were is this headed? It is not just that radio has changed it is that the personalities on radio do not seem to have that larger then reality voice. If you take the time to visit the KMPC site that I have included you can hear some of the classic moments. These were the voices that not only made radio what it should be but they were the voices of television. Gary Owens was a key to the success of Laugh - In and how many times did you hear the infamous sign off: “Roger Carroll speaking”. So all that I have left in radio may seem to be out of left field but it is classical radio station KUSC but they actually have a station with personality including “my friend” Rich Capparela who is not afraid to make a bad pun to introduce a very good piece of music or to tell what it was like to work on one of the classic programs of classic music on both radio or television. So remember that old may be better but that is only because it was from a time when people actually were given the time to show their talent.