[by Uncle Ricky]
This exhibit is from Buddy Blake and his Programmer’s Digest, “Broadcasting’s First Audio Publication”. It was featured on Issue 1, Volume 1, July 10, 1972  a FREE introductory issue, which was widely distributed. I heard it the first time in the production room at “The Great 98″ (WYCL, York, S.C.) and remember feeling overwhelmed. How could any radio station do something this incredible? I paid for PD on 12” vinyl, once a month, for several years, just because of this aircheck.
The Last Contest was the creation of KCBQ’s Jack McCoy, who also credited a “Milwaukee newscaster named Doug Harmon” with helping him develop this biggest of all big radio contests. Listeners were presented with a mind-boggling number of “prize packages” from which to choose – and all they had to do was call the “secret phone number” to win. When the “secret phone number” was finally announced, a third of the San Diego telephone system was out of order for a half-hour. Parts of San Diego county along the coast were without phone service for 90 minutes.
McCoy revealed later that only one prize was awarded, and there was very little cash investment by the radio station. The “prize packages” were all contracted as “trade” (merchandise for advertising). The practical realities of “The Last Contest” didn’t tarnish the magic, nor the great Charlie Tuna, who is showcased in this clip.