Perry Finelli has decided to retire after a half century of working in broadcasting, with the past 39 years behind the mic at Minnesota Public Radio. Finelli signed off his final newscast last night, as he has chosen to retire, wrapping up a respected career informing the people of Minnesota of everything they need to know.
Earlier this week, Finelli joined Cathy Wurzer of Morning Edition on Minnesota Public Radio for an interview about his career, which began as a part-time disc jockey and newsman at a local radio station where his father was sports director.
“I did all that back when I was still in high school until I went off to college. And it was a great way to start because it felt like when I got to St. Cloud State University I was ahead of the game, because I had actually done real-life reporting, and newscasting and disc jockeying,” said Finelli. “You learn a lot of theory in college, but I felt like I already knew most of it. So I thought, hey, this is great. It’s been just about 50 years of doing this and it’s been wonderful.”
After beginning his broadcast career in television, Finelli later saw an ad in the St. Cloud Times for a reporter position at MPR. As a result, 39 years later, Finelli found his calling in broadcasting on public radio.
“With TV, you work with a lot of other people to put on a show, whereas in radio a lot of the time you’re individual,” said Finelli. “They’re very similar. Broadcasting is broadcasting. Writing is writing. The talent it takes to do that is pretty much the same. I don’t think there was one I preferred over the other. They both just fit.”
When reflecting on his career, Finelli spoke about being on the air during the September 11 attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C., describing the day as chaotic and one he’ll never forget being a part of. In addition, he reflected on how he enjoyed being a destination for listeners to find out what’s going on in real time.
“I’ve always been most comfortable in the studio being the person that collates all the news. I like to take kind of a big picture on what’s happening. I’m a news junkie, so I like to know a little bit of things about a lot,” said Finelli. “Fast-breaking news, thinking on your feet, I think people who are working hard news, fast news, it’s part of the game.”
Ultimately, Finelli said his career was very rewarding and he is looking forward to retirement, while still keeping up with the news and scrolling around to see what’s out there.
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