Today (8/20) is National Radio Day, a day that recognizes Guglielmo Marconi’s invention, which has had practical uses ranging from military to distress signals.
For most of us, though, it has meant music, news, entertainment, and careers.
I look forward to seeing friends and industry people post their call letters and photos each year.
I asked some programmers what the day means to them and how they reflect on it.
100.7 The Tiger/Baton Rouge PD Jimmy Brooks said, “National Radio Day is a great reminder of the power and reach of radio, especially for us at 100.7 The Tiger…in 2024. Radio isn’t just a medium—it’s a community connector, a source of local pride, and a place where our people turn for the best country music and local news, and of course, we have a beat on the latest entertainment news. Today, we’re celebrating not just the technology but the listeners and the voices that make radio so special. It’s a day to acknowledge the past while looking forward to the future of radio, which, in my opinion, is brighter than ever.”
96.3 JACK-FM and 106.7 Y’all/Nashville Brand Manager Ron Allen said, “I normally post the first photo I have of me at a radio station. It’s from a newspaper clipping. The station bought an ad to promote my Sunday show. I was a sophomore in High School (1980) in Jackson, WY. Boy, how times have changed.”
David Moore, Brand and Content Director/Operations Manager for KSLX/KDKB/KAZG Hubbard Radio/Phoenix, said, “I regularly reflect on the fact that I get to do what I love. We are truly luckier than most.”
Audacy’s Country VP/Format Captain, Programming Tim Roberts, added, “We love it! I think everyone is proud of the work they do today and love showing pictures, especially from their younger days, for a laugh.”
Scott Roddy, Regional VP Audacy Country West Coast, sent a photo.
Today we will feature the best of the photos and memories from social media. Let me know what you are posting here.
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
