How these guys touched our lives. It's just amazing. I read the Dick Purtan story in the Detroit News and watched the video. Radio is a different animal these days for so many reasons, some of them understandable, some inexcusable. But it is what it is and we play the hand that's dealt us. I've enjoyed listening and talking to many of these men and women who've influenced my generation's radio and television talent. Moreover, I'm thankful for having had the opportunity to work with a few of them in Buffalo: Neaverth, Shannon, Reynolds and guys from the next wave like Benny, Roberts, Anderson, Berns, Shane.
_________________________________________________
Another Six Degrees of Separation story. It was 2007. WHTT was transitioning from Buffalo's Greatest Hits to Mix. I was doing middays. The transition was being done in phases in an attempt not to upset the apple cart. But in February, all reference (save for the Legal ID) to WHTT disappeared and the station adopted the Mix 104.1 moniker (which it ditched last August when it returned to Classic Hits.)
As is sometimes the case with format transitions and flips, listeners call to express their thoughts (an understatement.) I dutifully and respectfully listened and talked (off the air, obviously) to every listener that called me. Many were regulars (P1's) who understandably had some difficulty accepting the change. Doing a five hour show, I’d come to know many of them from their participation in station contests and some of the features on my show, such as the Select-A-Sets at noon.
One of the calls was unforgettable. I recorded all incoming calls (for requests or bits and bites) and wish I’d saved this one.
The woman was very gracious yet methodical in expressing her opinions. She complimented my work and what the station meant to her as a listener. She then transitioned to telling me why she was unhappy with the changes in format.
The line that really got my attention went something like this. “I know a little bit about radio because my brother works in it… have you ever heard of Dick Purtan?”
“There’s not a self-respecting broadcaster in Buffalo, let alone America who doesn’t know Dick Purtan, he’s a legend,” I replied, noting his induction in 2004 to the Radio Hall of Fame. “Yes, I’ve heard of Dick Purtan.”
The conversation warmed as she told me about growing up with her brother in a house in Kenmore that still stands, where she recalled young Paul Richard Purtan doing radio shtick and intros, talking into a wooden microphone in his “studio,” which was a closet. It was a fascinating, enjoyable conversation, she doing most of the talking and I content to listen.
A few years later, I met her in person and enjoyed one of the nicest conversations about everything from sending kids to college, changing careers, education, the economy and yes, broadcasting and her brother, the legendary Dick Purtan.
I’ve often said that Buffalo (Western New York) is America’s “biggest small town,” Rochester probably just the same. Incidents like talking to and meeting Dick Purtan’s sister attest to the fact.
A tip of the hat to my former station, it’s very likely Dick Purtan’s sister is listening again, this time pleased with the changes.
