The J.R. Russ Collection

J.R. Russ Programming and Research

 

J.R. Russ, today
J.R. Russ, 2004.

J.R. Russ with XM Indy Trophy
J.R. Russ goofing around with XM Indy Trophy

J.R. Russ of J.R. Russ Programming & Research has over thirty years experience as an air talent, Production Director, Program and Operations Director for radio stations in Indiana, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Buffalo N.Y. and Michigan.

J.R. was heard on a number of Top 40 and CHR-formatted stations in the '70's and '80's, including WPGC and WAVA in Washington D.C. In later years, J.R. was a news editor and reporter for the TSM (now CN8) TV news network in New Castle Delaware. He also hosted a four hour segment on The Shoppers Club of Northern Virginia, a pioneer home shopping channel serving 50,000 homes in 1989.

From 1989-1991, J.R. fed up to 30 one and two minute live ski reports to radio and TV stations throughout the east and Midwest, including WGYKDKA, & WRVA. And, J.R. owned an independent auto dealership from 1998-2001.

Today, J.R. is a freelance Voiceover talent for a dozen TV stations and agencies. He continues his avid funding of OPEC by driving between Philadelphia and XM Radio in Washington, D.C., on a regular basis, where he works in the "Live Games" sports area. J.R. also supports the Radio and TV Museum in Bowie, MD., and is a member of the BPOE (Elks).

The Repository thanks J.R. Russ for sharing!

… what’s all that echo there, you guys sound like you’re at 98 …
In 1983, Following “terminal success” and his departure from WECK, Buffalo, J.R. landed in a top five market. Brought to the City of Brotherly Love by veteran programmer Bobby Rich, the station was poised to do battle with perennial A/C WSNI and Hot Hits powerhouse WCAU-FM. Inspired early on by John Records Landecker of WLS and former WCFL jock Big Ron O’Brien, “J.R. Innanittime” continued to improve on a night jock act that started in Buffalo.
… Real good, Feel good feeling …
The “Real good, Feel good feeling” of The Top FM-106 was short lived. Impatience of ownership and P.D. Bobby Rich’s desire to return to the western U.S. lead to the announcement of his departure on April 4, 1984.

The following Friday, Bobby did his last show, echoing the words engraved on a trophy from a sponsor who supplied small trophies for the morning show: “Philly ain’t L.A.” and advising incoming P.D. Steve Davis that he “had a tough act to follow”. And night jock J.R. Russ agrees: “He was right…I had to follow him every night at seven.”
There are things in this aircheck that only a PD with Bobby’s talent and resume can do on a last day show. Listen as he plays “Beginnings” one more time, and lists the stations where he’s used the song to say “goodbye”. And, there are a couple of sentimental sets from contributor J.R. Russ in the last minute.

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