5 Great Radio Moments in Central New York

Each year on August 20, National Radio Day celebrates the great invention of the radio, a time to reflect on how radio has been with us in just about every aspect of our lives.

Dick Clark Launched a Hall of Fame Broadcasting Career Here

Dick Clark was born and raised in Mount Vernon as Richard Augustus Wagstaff "Dick" Clark Jr. He knew he wanted a career in radio at age 10. Went on to Syracuse University and graduated in 1951. His first paying job in radio was for his uncle's radio station in Rome, WRUN. He was hired to work in the mail room but was on the air almost immediately. His next job was at WKTV. According to Wikipedia, his hosting job was on Cactus Dick and the Santa Fe Riders, a country music program.

Bill Keeler Sets a Guinness Book World Record

This guy has been around. Ask anyone in Central New York, they know his name. Keeler started in radio back in 1981 playing country and rock. During his time on the radio, he's accomplished a few things others only dream about. In 1993, Bill, along with two local bakeries, landed in the Guinness Book of World Records for crafting the Worlds Largest Jelly Doughnut.

New York's Z 98.7 Becomes Lite 98.7 WLZW

It's hard to remember Lite 98.7 as New York's Z. No, it wasn't the choice of offices across Central New York like it is today. Back then, Z 98.7 was a rock based music station. Here's a sample of what it sounded like during the mid-80s.

Big Frog 104 Started as an April Fool's Day Joke

Big Frog 104[/caption]For Central New Yorkers, country music is synonymous with Big Frog 104 WFRG. But the original WFRG was actually at 96.1. How did 96 Frog before Big Frog 104? Radio historians recall that it started out as an April Fool's joke. According to Wikipedia,

 The country music format now heard on WFRG actually began on 95.9 FM then 96.1 (now WODZ) as 96 Frog. As part of an "April Fool's Day" gimmick, 96 Frog swapped frequencies with then-WKFM that day. The improved signal strength was so popular that, following the bankruptcy and shutdown of WKFM, the station applied for a frequency reassignment. When it was granted by the FCC, WFRG began calling itself Big Frog 104.

 

96.1 Takes Flight as The Eagle

96.1 The Eagle[/caption]96.1 the Eagle first took flight on January 2, 2015, playing the Greatest Hits of the 80s, 90s and more. The 96.1 channel used to carry the Frog country format. Before that, the station, which has been licensed to serve Rome since 1968, played beautiful music, country and oldies before becoming 96.1 The Eagle.

What are some of your favorite radio memories from growing up in Central New York?