Have you ever felt the power of a story well told? That was the magic that permeated the Talkers 2024 Radio and Beyond event. I felt so lucky to be there, surrounded by a community of talented creators who are all passionate about honing their craft. We were especially fortunate to experience Michael Harrison’s legendary hospitality and showmanship.
We heard from radio hosts, station owners, and other big names in the industry. It was inspiring to see familiar faces and connect with new ones. C. Crane has been a part of this event since its beginning, and it’s always a chance to reconnect with our roots in radio.
One of the highlights for me was Joe Pags‘ opening speech. He reminded us all of the importance of lifelong learning and meeting listeners where they are, even if that means venturing onto new platforms like TikTok. It struck a chord to hear him talk about how he embraces the opportunity to bring new listeners to radio.
Bill Brady‘s presentation on the future of AM radio got me thinking. He raised a great point about the battle for space on car dashboards, and how the lack of monetization for radio puts it at a disadvantage. It’s a challenge to consider as the industry moves forward.
Glenn Beck‘s keynote speech was a masterclass in storytelling and responsible broadcasting. His core message? Know yourself, care about your audience, and break the rules the right way. Words to live by, no matter what you do.
The “Beyond Politics” panel showcased the power of niche radio. These dedicated hosts, like Asa Andrew MD, Danielle Lin, and Lee Habeeb, offer unique perspectives and build loyal followings by focusing on their passions.
The “Behind the Mic” discussion brought the daily realities of radio personalities to light. Hosts like Howie Carr, Frank Morano, and Martha Zoller shared the immense dedication and constant preparation required to keep listeners engaged. Their insights into balancing work and personal life, and navigating the ever-fragmenting media landscape, were invaluable. It made me appreciate the immense dedication and hard work that goes into every radio show.
Beyond the event, we had the pleasure of engaging in deeper conversations with Rich Valdes, Frank Morano, and Kate Delaney. Sharing their insights and experiences was truly enriching.
A Fun Fact (and a Song!)
Did you know that Talkers founder Michael Harrison collaborated with a band to create a song about Artificial Intelligence? Check out “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song)” – it’s a catchy reminder of the human touch that radio brings, even in a tech-driven world.
This event was a powerful reminder of the enduring magic of radio. It’s a platform for stories, connection, and community. And C. Crane is proud to be a part of it.
Enter To Win! Tell us “who is your favorite radio host or radio show that you are currently listening to” by commenting below and be entered to win a CC Skywave 2 Radio! Drawing to be held 7/29/24. Please, only one entry per person.*
*Participants and winner(s) must be U.S. residents. Drawing will be selected at random from all eligible entries received.
I’ve always enjoyed listening to John Batchelor who I originally heard on WABC 770 AM from New York, but today his program has been moved to other stations. Today, I can hear him on WNBF 1290 AM.
Hey! I’m disappointed I can’t participate in the draw. I’m in Canada and have three Crane radios…
I adore talk radio and especially WLSAM Chicago! Loved Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity is amazing, Dan Bongino is fantastic. Started listening to AM radio as a teenager and have consistently been a fan for decades. Love my old CCrane little radio and need an upgrade! Use my CCrane SkyWave every single day. That’s why I need a new radio badly! Thanks for great products CCrane… learned about your great company from the late great Art Bell!
I do not want to miss Amy Goodman on Democracy Now on all Pacifica stations : KPFA.org Berkeley; KPFK.org L.A.; 7amCT live M-F KPFT.org Houston, Texas; 8amET live WBAI.org NYC; 8amET live WPFW.org Washington D.C. and 200 affliates.
Award winning news around the world with no commercials !
Paul Dupuis on WNSX (97.7) in Ellsworth, ME. He’s been the morning guy at the station for several years and just bought the station.
I’m really not all that enthused with talk radio like I used to be. With the passings of Rush, and the great Art Bell, radio has gotten stale.
The one breath of fresh air on the airwaves for me is Jesse Kelly. I listen to him every night.
I’ve been a WRVA AM listener since 1972, with Alden Aaroe. Also in the late 80s, I took my son to the 22nd Street station in Church Hill, for a tour. My history includes on the air live at WIRA, WOKC, WMCF, WLMC, all in Florida, and WJCW FM in Johnson City, TN.
Some Broadcasting Engineering was done beginning in 1966, with my 3rd class FCC Radio Telephone License with the Broadcast Endorsement – needed to be on the air without an engineer on site.
After U.S. Navy Radioman Class A School, I obtained my FCC Second Class License. I assisted with upgrades and verifying AM, FM, and TV stations– Also in Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. I remember adding a Marty system antenna to WJCM in Sebring, Florida. We worked on the AM station during the midnight to six am test hours. The new installation allowed thee removal of a power hogging antenna matching circuit and produced a good 50 ohm match.
Unfortunately, when NASCAR finished that season, that race was dropped. The station continued to have many remotes for the coverage area. WJCM still covers International Motor Sports Association
racing and sports for ESPN.
In 1975, I earned my FCC First Class License. I primarily maintained the paging system for a hospital in Richmond, VA. Some FM station support was done for WKEY, also near Richmond.
I hold an Extra Class Amateur License. My Novice was obtained in 1963.
Dan Bongino is my favorite talk radio host. He is a cross between Rush Limbaugh and Michael Savage.
George Noory. Especially when a featured guest on his show talks on space, space science, space technologies, and the like. Makes me feel as if I’m mentally taken towards a galaxy or planetary system light-years away.
I am a coast to coast listener and my C Crain pocket radio goes with me everywhere
I like listening george Noory..his radio shows are always interesting
I am new to radio world and am looking to discover my favorite radio host. The only radio station(s) that I actively listen to is 92.7 and 105.1 which are Christian music stations air one and k-love. They are our go to stations and our children loved them. We recently purchased two cc radio solars for our children to listen to, as they sleep at night. Would love to win a skywave!
Sean Welsh, host of Canadian Content Radio on WMRI 9395, Thursdays at 2000 ET. Great storytelling, music and fun. Engages listeners really well!
Thom Hartmann on Progressive Voices.
I love listening to the overnight show on Radio New Zealand international on shortwave.
As a millennial, I grew up in the ’90s listening to talk radio while riding around in the back of my Mom’s Buick LeSabre. I heard all the greats – Rush Limbaugh, Paul Harvey, Dr. Laura, Clark Howard, Sean Hannity, Neal Boortz, Michael Savage, Mark Levin, Dave Ramsey, and some wonderful local hosts on KRMG out of Tulsa, Oklahoma (740 on the dial). Today, that interest hasn’t faded. I still enjoy the likes of Clay & Buck, Mark Levin, Clyde Lewis, Alex Jones, Bill O’Reilly and some others. However, I will always have a soft spot for Coast to Coast AM. It was George Noory who I first heard advertise C Crane products. I purchased a radio for my dad, which he absolutely loved. Thanks Art and George for the great recommendation of C Crane!
My favorites of all time Rush and Art Bell. Currently favor Dan Bongino.
Howard Stern
I listen to Sean Hannity daily, as well as several Christian stations along with PBS. I could use a new CCrane radio !
I listen to zoomer 740 toronto
There is nobody like Rush. But, I have to say that I do still find myself listening to Beck, Clay & Buck, Ben Shapiro and Jessie later in the evening.
If you loved Rush, find a way to listen (iheart: wisn milwaukee) to Mark Belling’s show @3pmC. He was one of Rush’s primary fill-ins. His commentary is insightful and will teach you to think for yourself in this crazy modern America.
Currently don’t have one but excited about winning one and find out awesome this radio can be
I listen to SO many different radio shows, most on the libertarian / patriot / conservative spectrum. As far as a hard-hitting holistic talk show goes, my favorite is Healthmasters with Ted and Austin Broer. It comes on at 9 am weekdays (Rense Radio too) and is like an evangelistic nutritional pep rally — always energizes me and gives news and perspectives you don’t hear anywhere else!
ka.reed@yahoo.com
Kenna Reed
I enjoy KINS 106.3 on Saturday (9:00 PM) and Sunday (10:00 PM “RADIO THAT WAS..” My only disappointment is that I fall asleep and have never listened to the entire broadcast. My favorites are the old comedies: Red Skelton, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Lum and Abner, Our Miss Brooks, and more like this.
I’ve enjoyed listening to Dennis Prager
My first memory of radio is the RCA on our kitchen table listening as I ate my breakfast in the 1950s. We listened to Ed “Weatherman” Bowman on KOA in Denver. My dad gave me a crystal radio that was shaped like a rocket and made of red plastic. Later he gave me a seven-transistor radio that had AM and shortwave. I now have four C. Crane radios and an Icom R71A, a Roberts from England and a little Chinese $10 AM/FM radio. I love DXing AM at night.
Listened to daytime “serials” 1938 forward!! I’m 87 nos!!