Fans of radio history have a resource for well-written and researched articles, available at theradiohistorian.org.
I discovered the site almost by accident, through an email conversation I was having with local radio historian Jim Hilliker. In an aside, he mentioned that he was writing and submitting stories to an online page, so I asked him which one it was.
I was not expecting such a treasure trove of information!
Truth be told, it is not new … the copyright date actually dates back to 2015. But it is new to me, and the information has been expanding through submissions from people like Hilliker. There are books, photographs and early recordings dating as far back as the 1920s. There are also historical articles that focus on Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, the beginning and development of radio technology, shortwave broadcasting, and more.
It’s a fascinating trip through time, in which you can learn about the machine that played the NBC chimes for network programs, high-fidelity AM broadcasts during the 1930s, the beginning of FM, and, of course, Hilliker’s wonderful stories regarding so many early local stations.
As if I needed another online diversion!
Beautiful Memories
Online beautiful music station KJBMradio.com — the JBM representing Just Beautiful Music — has teamed up with the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) to help bring music to those suffering from dementia.
Through the new Music and Memory program, the IMNF hopes to help patients reclaim some of their memories and give them better lives. “With thousands of old standards in its collection, KJBM offers the kind of music that truly resonates with older adults – the songs that shaped their lives, carried their stories, and continue to spark recognition and joy,” the organization said in a press release.
“For individuals living with dementia, these familiar melodies are far more than entertainment. They can be a source of comfort, connection, and dignity, helping to unlock memories, lift spirits, and create moments of shared joy with family and caregivers,” the release said.
KJBM is an online service owned and operated by actor and broadcaster Rodney Allen Rippy, former Clear Channel broadcast executive Dan Pettegrew, and veteran radio broadcaster James Simon. It plays instrumental and light versions of popular songs and old classics.
Car Radio Listening
Radio still dominates in-car listening, according to Edison Research, with the share of in-car time spent listening reaching 62 percent for those in cars without Apple’s CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto interfaces. For those with CarPlay or Android Auto, the reach is 47 percent, but still more than twice the amount of time spent streaming (20%) or listening to SiriusXM (also 20%). Podcasts and “other” (I assume this includes singing show tunes on the drive or something) account for a combined 13 percent in both groups.
In my own car, traditional radio listening dominates as well, due in part to the amazing reception of the in-dash tuner. Using CarPlay still often keeps me tuned to radio, though the stations may not necessarily be local. Streaming local AM stations is perhaps the best way to listen there, but I find out-of-area stations quite interesting as well.
The fact that radio is still a draw to many younger listeners is good news, and I believe that the renewed focus on good programming is a primary reason.
Just Can’t Get Enough
So far, I’ve been a good boy (my wife is appreciative) regarding buying new radios. But it’s so much fun even just looking at what’s available, whether used items on eBay, or new ones available online.
I’m not even talking about software-defined radios, something I plan to get into later. I mean traditional portable and “transistor” radios. Radio Shack has nine models currently available, including multi-band … probably more than they had in the days when they still had local stores.
But I have to be good. I’ve always said — after going through my own parents’ things — that the best gift a parent can give a child is to get rid of our junk before we leave this earth!
Richard Wagoner is a San Pedro freelance columnist covering radio in Southern California. Email rwagoner@socalradiowaves.com