The Radio DJ Dream and the Evolution of Broadcasting: A Personal Journey
In the days of spinning vinyl records as a radio DJ, “dead air” was the ultimate nightmare. DJs lived under constant pressure to keep the music, jingles, and commercials flowing seamlessly, and any silence was considered a major failure. From 1972 to 1975, I experienced that pressure firsthand as a nighttime DJ. Even today, like many former DJs, I have a recurring dream where I’m desperately searching for the next record as the current one plays out. We affectionately call it “The Dream.”
For years, I thought I was the only one haunted by this recurring dream. It wasn’t until I joined a Facebook group for DJs from the vinyl era that I discovered how common it was. Post after post, fellow DJs shared their experiences of “The Dream,” describing the same anxiety, the same frantic search for the next record, and the fear of dead air. It was both a revelation and a relief to know that so many of us carried this shared memory. Fred Jacobs, a media consultant, highlighted this in his article titled “Every Radio Broadcaster Has the Same ‘Dead Air’ Dream” (JacobsMedia.com), explaining how it symbolizes the anxiety and pressure that defined our work. The shared experience of “The Dream” resonates with countless radio professionals, serving as a reminder of the relentless drive and focus we had during every broadcast.
High School and the Early Days
I began my radio career while still in high school. As the nighttime DJ, I balanced schoolwork with my on-air duties. During network news breaks, I’d squeeze in homework time, and if I wasn’t finished, I stayed late after my shift. Fortunately, as a senior, I had enough credits to graduate early, giving me more flexibility. It was a demanding schedule, and I was often tired, but I loved every moment. Radio was my first love, and it shaped me in countless ways.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Being a DJ wasn’t just about playing music—it was about timing, precision, and quick thinking. One of our rare breaks came with the top-of-the-hour newscasts. Back-timing records to end just as the news feed began was a skill we all developed. But when new station owners decided that DJs should read the news, we were thrown into a different kind of challenge. We relied on the Associated Press (AP) machine, which printed the latest news continuously. The process, known as “rip and read,” involved dashing to grab fresh news off the wire while a record played, then reading it live on air. It was nerve-wracking, especially when unfamiliar names—like those from Russia—popped up. Mispronunciations were inevitable, and for me, reading the news was my least favorite task.
It wasn’t long before that station changed its music format to country, and I made the move to a nearby Top 40 music station. Years later, the owner of that station would laugh, remembering the kid (me) who said, “You can’t change my show to country music,” to which he replied, “It’s my station.” Oh well.
Strategic Song Choices (and Bathroom Breaks)
With most songs running only two to three minutes, every moment mattered. Our only hope for a quick bathroom break came with longer songs like “Layla” or “American Pie.” These strategic choices bought us a few extra minutes and were a lighthearted part of the job that still brings a smile today.
Transforming a Struggling Station
Several years later, a close friend and I, both former DJs, saw an opportunity to purchase a struggling radio station in our market. It wasn’t a start-up, but it had potential we believed could be realized through hard work and strategic planning. While I didn’t work directly at the station, I played a key role as co-owner alongside my partner. Together, we crafted and implemented strategies to elevate the station’s standing and success. Our dedication paid off, and with time, we turned it into one of the top stations in our market.
I later sold my interest in the station after moving to North Carolina. But I often reflect back on those days with a joyful heart. Now, at 71 years of age, those days offer a unique perspective on my life and career.
Conclusion
Reflecting on those days, I’m reminded of the dedication, passion, and creativity that defined radio in that era. From late nights balancing school and work to transforming a struggling station into a success, radio was more than a job—it was a journey that shaped my life and career. To all my fellow DJs who still have “The Dream” and to everyone who has ever tuned in to hear the magic of live radio—thank you for being part of the ride.
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