Listeners, it is with very mixed feelings that I am announcing my retirement, effective Friday, March 30, from KIOS-FM. After 44-and-a-half years at the station, 41 as Program Director, I have decided that the time is right for me to make a "graceful exit".
It is unusual to have a career that you absolutely love, but that is certainly the case with me. Radio is something I wanted to do ever since I was a small child - even playing "DJ" in my bedroom with a portable phonograph and a bunch of 45s.
I have also been blessed to work with some of the most wonderful people ever over the years, but there isn't enough space here to mention them all. I do though have to mention Jim Price, the man who, with Dr. Craig Fullerton, started KIOS in September, 1969.
Jim hired me in September, 1973 knowing that I had absolutely no experience in radio, but he must have seen something that made him take a chance and he gave me a part-time job. Jim died of cancer only 5 months after he hired me, so I've always thought I was led here for a reason. I became a full-time announcer in April, 1974, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Someone asked me to mention a high point in my long radio career. I would have to say that having the privilege and honor of recording and hosting the Omaha Symphony Orchestra for 29 years would be right up there on top. Like the fantastic people I have worked with, there are just too many high points to list them all.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has been so supportive over the years, especially my wife, Linda, who has put up so remarkably with my crazy schedule and crazy hours.
It's been a wonderful experience!