Arthur W. Ferguson, better known as Charlie Tuna, was a radio and television performer. He was born in Kearney, Nebraska, and is best known for his time in Los Angeles.
In 1975, Charlie Tuna was with 102.7 KIIS-FM Los Angeles when it started the AM/FM simulcast and hosted the first show on the FM.
Tuna was active in syndication and had radio stops in San Diego, Boston, Wichita, and Oklahoma City.
He also appeared as an announcer on Casey Kasem’s “American Top Ten” television show. He raised nearly $2.5 million for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
A complete list of his radio, television, and film credits is far too extensive to list here.
This aircheck is from 1986 and KRLA Los Angeles.
Have you ever had someone give you this advice: Smile while you’re on the air or make the smile come through? Tuna doesn’t necessarily do that. Instead, his voice is warm and welcoming. There is no hype, just a very smooth, comfortable presentation that paces well.
He does a great job of teasing ahead with his promotion of an upcoming interview with Steve Kanaly from the TV show Dallas.
I love the custom jingles. It’s also interesting how he brings the traffic personality. Even though he violates the one thought per break philosophy in that spot.
Tuna passed away in 2016 at the age of 71.
Enjoy Charlie Tuna.
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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.
