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"Spook" On Film

I've seen this before, but it's a great share. And a classic piece of Columbus broadcast history.

I was just thinking last night I wish someone had airchecks of Spook. Yes it was corny. But Spook knew how to attract, entertain and most importantly keep an audience loyal. And the same for his hip pocket advertisers.
 
Spook Beckman was, without question, one of the greatest radio broadcasters in this city's history. Although his television career never reached the heights, for many reasons, he is assured a prominant place in the Columbus Broadcasting Hall of Fame. When I worked with him, in the late 1970's I would marvel at his rap, his flow of words and phrases, his memory, and, most of all, his ability to sell through a microphone. Out of a folder in front of him he would have the barest of fact sheets for dozens of sponsors, all getting a live spot in that day's program. All the ads would be different, punctuated with names and price points and endorsement. The sponsors, which he religiously visited, all loved the guy. Be invited for a round of sponsor drop-ins or just to hang out with him in his "Jungle Room" home bar...a joy. He was all pro, a man's man, and my friend.
BTW...loved the video!
 
As a youngster, around 12-13 years old and knowing full well I wanted to be on the air one day, I would take the bus down to Broad and Young and watch Spook in the "Bumper Room". One day he was doing a live read and he looked down at me with a big grin when he said "Poochie Gravy"...priceless memory.
 
Spook Beckman was a very kind man and generous with his time. One year in the 80's (early 90's?) when he was working at WMNI. he was asking for toys for a Christmas chatity campaign. You could bring them down to the WMNI studios. I brought a few stuffed animals, nothing much. When I presented the bag to the receptionist, and I said these were for Spook's toy drive, she said "I'm sure he wants to thank you himself." She called him and he came right out. He welcomed me with enthusiasm and a bounce in his step.

He looked in the bag and made a big deal about how nice the toys were and how he was sure kids would like these. He asked my name and shook my hand. He invited me over to the Christmas tree they had up and said to take some candy canes off the tree for later.

He was very nice to come out of his office and meet me. He made feel special.
 
WCOL had in its possession at one time about 2 hours of Spook on reel to reel tape. It's probably gone by now, but I know it existed, because those tapes were in my desk there with a number of other recordings of the station from days gone by...
 
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