West Coast Radio Composite/KCBQ, 1971 (0:24:20)

… . . . it’s clear that radio must re-direct itself, or ultimately a Buzz Bennett will arrive and re-direct it . . . …

This somewhat verbose (but enjoyable) presentation was obviously created to showcase the success of Buzz Bennett and KCBQ, San Diego. It could rightfully be considered a “mini-history of popular music radio” as it attempts to define the “secrets” and formatics of “Drake” and “Progressive” Radio.In 1971, it was easy to disparage the original production elements of Top 40, and the narrators bash many of them, and then proceed to provide a short-form bio of Bill Drake, and his “well-oiled machine”.

Beginning with a decade of Los Angeles radio including KFWB, Bill Ballance, KRLA, Dave Hull, KHJ, Robert W. Morgan, Frank Terry, and Mike Turner on “underground” KMET, it concludes with Rich Brother Robbin and Shotgun Tom Kelly on KCBQ, San Diego.

The authors of this exhibit were identified within minutes of the opening! Ken Levine and Billy Pearl are responsible, and the initial report of authorship is available via COMMENT. (Thanks, Ken!)

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!

Carl Davis
Trustee
North Carolina Broadcast History Museum