Remembering Election Coverage When Radio Ruled

[DubbaDon]

I'm sitting at work, scanning the Internet via Twitter, Websites, RSS, etc....

Then it hits me, a few years ago, I'd be listening to the radio for all this information. Local TV was using film and was just getting into microwave remotes. They could go live from campaign headquarters only after planning months in advance - ordering expensive Video Circuits.

It was actually cool, we'd go to the Courthouse and watch the returns get entered on several chalkboards. Local newspaper reporters and radio reporters wandered around talking with everybody and anybody. Occasionally, we'd hear that the TV guys dropped by to get some film.

It's nearly the end of the workday. According to reports, I should have no problems voting, even at 6 PM. I'll be home before 7 PM, when according to the web, the networks will call the Presidential race based only on Georgia, whose polls close at 7 PM.

I miss the old days.

 

[Sniffthamic]

A to the MEN! I used to love to listen to the local elections on AM radio. You could often hear the two guys running for Judge/Mayor/Governor whatever...going at it, right up to the last minute, live on the radio. TV couldn't touch it! The paper ran a picture of the old boys behind OUR mics! The next day...

When I see Lil' Katie on CBS doing election coverage from 7p til 2a on network TV, it's clear. TV is the new radio. We had it.

 

[BIG APE]

;D Man, you are right..Election Coverage used to be prime duty..Lo of fun and ya got to stay out all night due to the paper ballots, no machines, the big chalkboards and plenty of likker!!!!

Did anyone know that Walmart will not sell Beer or wine of election dAY! kinda behind the times aren't they..Hell, the LIKKER Stores are open!!!!

 

[surfdude]

There were thirty people working at WPTF yesterday and last night reporting
on local, state, and national elections.
I know, I stopped by for free sandwiches!

Back in the days when there were three viable radio stations in a market,
everyone did election coverage. Now, there's usually one station that does it -
and WPTF did an excellent job. And, they stream for you AM phobes.

 

[Hourly]

I heard bits and pieces and was amazed. I didn't know anybody had that kind of staffing anymore. Kudos to Curtis for making an effort. It sounded like it was networked or something to their other stations but I can't be sure.

 

[radiochickgso]

Back when I was a TV Chick ... we called election night ... having a Poll-gasm .... gosh it was fun .... we had a crossed trained staff that worked all day and night. BTW - bad weather was just as much fun (snowgasm).

I will say this however ... we are having major electrical work done at our house and we are with out TV and computer at home (until this afternoon) ... the radio did a fine job of keeping us up to date on the election .... when I got to the station this AM, I knew as much as everyone else who had watched TV or been on-line. I was proud for our medium.

 

[EncSpy]

There were thirty people working at WPTF yesterday and last night reporting
on local, state, and national elections.
I know, I stopped by for free sandwiches!

Back in the days when there were three viable radio stations in a market,
everyone did election coverage. Now, there's usually one station that does it -
and WPTF did an excellent job. And, they stream for you AM phobes.

.

they simulcasted on WSJS/WSML WMFR and WZTK..who needs streaming..lol