Chapin on the record
Radio is in Chapin's blood.
Dick Chapin has witnessed much in the radio industry during his 50 years.
As chair of national radio boards, he rubbed shoulders with several big-name TV and radio executives as well as several U.S. presidents.
He met Ronald Reagan when he was a radio announcer at a station in Des Moines, Iowa, and he is a close, personal friend of the legendary Paul Harvey.
"I had my moments when I thought, 'What's a little kid from Nebraska doing playing with these big boys?'" he said.
Needless to say, radio is in his blood, and he has some strong opinions about the industry.
Just ask him.
The following are his thoughts on various subjects concerning the industry:
- On public radio, which he has been and still is against, (though he's softened some):
"I felt if you put it on the radio, and it was funded by advertising, then I wouldn't have a problem with it. But to have people pay taxes and have part of their tax dollars go to funding a station, I thought that was wrong. And I still do."
- On so-called shock jocks, such as Bob and Tom: "They are entertainment, and when they are on, they are good. When they get raunchy, I don't like it. They push the envelope pretty hard.
"But hasn't our society come to this? Last night, I watched the next-to-last episode of `NYPD Blue' (which included a graphic bedroom scene). There wasn't much left to chance there, was there?"
- On the federal government banning cigarette advertising on radio and television: "That was a huge hit. I remember going down to testify before the committee. They all had made up their minds before we got there."
- On the proliferation of nationally syndicated radio shows on local stations: "Tell me that's in the best interest of the town. I've always believed radio is local, local, local. I think that's how it's survived."
- On morning show hosts at his old station, KFOR: "I think Cathy Blythe is a real find. Every market should and could have a Cathy Blythe. Ward Jacobson is a well-informed young man, which you don't find today with young radio people. They are not creating radio people like they used to because (the industry) has eliminated a lot of jobs."
- On talk radio: "I think there is a place for it. More and more people are listening to it. More than I suspected would."
-On satellite radio: "I'm not smart enough to have an opinion. If you're really into music, then a person should do it. I want to know what the temperature is, and if I'm driving in a storm I want the road conditions. Local stations can do that for me."
