The list of call letters attached to The Real Bob James is as legendary as his career. Including WABC, WNBC New York, WKIS Orlando, WGAR Cleveland, WWDC Washington, DC, and one to which I will attach some specific color later, WOLX Madison, WI.
James, Andy Goodman, Dale Reeves and Michelle George created the American Comedy Network.
He took “The Real” moniker when someone told him Bob James was too plain.
In this 1988 aircheck, James was at 66 WNBC New York. Seeing him using a reel-to-reel for listener phone calls and taking transmitter readings is nostalgic.
He coaches the callers to get what he wants from them and integrates it seamlessly with the show. Also, notice how the callers have picked up the well-known strong N in WNBC.
Later in his life, James taught at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. I was PD at 94.9 WOLX, and James was one of my part-timers. While I wanted to discuss his career, ACN, and everything else, he sincerely sought thoughts and critiques on his weekend shows.
I found him to be extremely kind, maybe a little shy, and humble. He was a nice guy who just enjoyed being on the radio.
Here’s The Real Bob James 1988 66 WNBC.
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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.
