I Hope Radio Never Leaves

While recently reading up on the demise of RadioShack, I was reminded about how this outlet for batteries, robotics, fuses and everything in between originated: as a source for equipment to the budding radio industry and hobbyists back in 1921. This realization sent me down a rabbit trail of memories about how radio has impacted my life.

My grandfather operated an appliance store that sold and serviced radios back during a time when families gathered around large radio cabinets in their living rooms for their evening entertainment. My father took over the store as more and more families transitioned to televisions and VCRs. But like his father, Dad isn't fond of throwing things away. Many of my grandfather's replacement tubes and other radio parts remain in storage. I invite any radio enthusiasts that happen to be reading to contact me for some great deals!

Early my career, my duties allowed me to become very familiar with radio advertising. I made a lot of contacts at stations in small markets and I'm still appreciative of their guidance. One particular gentleman that I worked with arranged for me to be a frequent studio guest at his station and the play-by-play announcer for the local high school's football games that they covered. Thankfully, no copies of those broadcasts exist … but it would be fun to listen to them again in all their cringe-worthiness.

These days, I work with Birmingham radio stations when the budget allows. I’m very excited about what will be a new venture for me: internet radio. I just kicked off a campaign with Pandora that incorporates audio and visual ads. The incredible targeting provided by this service estimates a huge amount of impressions and I'm anxious to dive into the wealth of analytics as the campaign proceeds.

Radio has a lot competition in today's world but I think it will fare better than RadioShack. Satellite radio is great but these days I find myself tuning my car's radio to local stations more than ever. The devices we enjoy today are used on such a personal, isolated level that I don't think we'll ever go back to gathering around a radio cabinet in groups. Radio has actually had a big impact on me. I hope it never leaves.