Lee Ranson, WIRL Peoria IL., November 27, 1964 11P-12M (scoped) (0:27:41)

Scoped
The Larry Ware Collection
… “A very good time frantic Friday evening to you my friendly. Leapin’ Lee on all Request Nest ’till Midnight tonight” …
[Description by Larry Ware]WIRL Splash Party, 1963, (L-R) Ron Thorne, Bruce Chamberlain, Lee Ranson

Lee Ranson, a Peoria native, began working for WIRL in 1960 fresh from communications studies at the University of Denver. He ran a top-rated airshift from 8:00 PM to Midnight called the “Go Show.” WIRL had a strong presence in Peoria in the 60’s and was number one in this market at that time. Lee’s show ran higher in audience shares in the Peoria market than the highly popular Dick Biondi (WLS) for the PM time slot. Lee told me that he once met Dick Biondi through a former WIRL DJ that went to work for WLS. Mr. Biondi told Lee that he wanted to meet the only man that beat him in the ratings in the state of Illinois!

Lee Ranson, 1963

Lee Ranson recorded this resume tape to send to WIBG/Philadelphia, PA. Their overnight man later filled the opening so Lee remained in Peoria. The original 4″ Scotch tape, loaned to me by Lee Ranson, represents the oldest known WIRL aircheck. This aircheck was recorded and scoped at the studios by the WIRL engineer at 7.5 ips.

Thanks to Lee Ranson for providing this aircheck!

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Welcome to the new ReelRadio!

This site is now operated by the North Carolina Broadcast History Museum. 

We want to thank the board of ReelRadio, Inc. for their stewardship since the passing of the founder Richard Irwin in 2018.  It has not been easy and they have maintained the exhibits for future generations to enjoy.

I met Richard Irwin, aka Uncle Ricky, when we were freshmen at East Carolina University.  We both had worked at local stations in our hometowns.  No one was more passionate about radio, especially Top 40 radio, than my friend Richard. 

Our goals with this site are to preserve the exhibits and make them available free of charge for people to enjoy.  Over time, we hope to add some airchecks to the site.  This will not happen immediately.  Time and resources will determine the future of new exhibits. 

Many thanks to the web folks at the Beasley Media Group for countless hours of work.  Again thanks to the board members of ReelRadio, Inc. for their faith in us. 

Richard Irwin’s hope was that his site would live on long after his passing. He said, “I hope REELRADIO will survive as my contribution to the ‘radio business’. The business is allowed to forget me, but the business should never forget the great era of radio that we celebrate here”.

We remember Richard and we thank him. If you enjoy this new site, we would appreciate a contribution. We hope you enjoy the new ReelRadio!

Board of NCBHP
North Carolina Broadcast History Project