WHO IS MIKE SHANNON
AND WHAT THE %&*!# DOES HE KNOW
ABOUT DFW RADIO AND TV?

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As co-host of weekly radio show "The Hi-Fi Club," 2006
(and still going with nearly 1,000 shows as of 2024!)

Let's just say I probably missed my calling...I should have stayed in school longer and pursued that degree in Radio/TV/Film!  I'm just a guy who probably listened to the radio a little too much in my life, expecially in the 1970s and 80s.  I was very lucky to be at the receiving (or receiver) end of the last great era in broadcasting...courtesy of Gordon McLendon and KLIF/KNUS.  Maybe things have changed for the worse over the last few years, but there should always be a repository or a place to learn about the history and see that, yes, things were once very different than today!  I hope this site accomplishes that, and gives some long-overdue recognition to those who made radio great in North Texas.

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Before the internet, here's what the "site" looked like!
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I started logging stations, dates and formats as a hobby during a boring semester at Texas A&M University in 1984.  A&M's library has a vast collection of Broadcasting Yearbooks, which were instrumental for finding dates and call letters.  I revisited their library in May, 2002, as a HISTORIAN instead of a HOBBYIST(!) and was able to do some intensive researching that I should have done more thoroughly eighteen years earlier!
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I can't brag on any illustrious or consistent personal history in the radio/TV industry; I began my 'career' with three years as DJ and newscaster at my high school radio station ("KRNL") in Garland, TX.  Next, I worked as a photographer/cameraman at CBS affiliate KBTX-TV in Bryan-College Station TX in 1984-85 (where, nearly 40 years later, my cousin, Mia Montgomery, worked as a meteorologist before heading to San Antonio TV!)  Then, it was on to a very short stay with KLUV-FM in DFW in '85.  Next, I was a newscaster and news writer at the University of North Texas's KNTU-FM/Denton during 1987-88, and concurrently a board operator and newscaster at nearby KDNT-AM/KZRK-FM...where I got turned off of working on the air by an impatient, overbearing PD!  After a 15-year break that took me into the wonderful world of auto parts sales, delivery driving and creating trade show displays, plus two layoffs...I applied at the (ill-fated) KCAF-AM "Cafe 990" in DFW, and was picked over literally 800 other applicants to fill a sales administrator position...then the station went belly-up a mere THREE days after signing on!  Undaunted, I did promotions duties temporarily for Infinity's KOAI/KVIL/KLUV (my second tour at KLUV) before landing my favorite gig ever:  Traffic reporter and morning-drive traffic anchor and producer for top rated news/talk WBAP-AM in DFW, while I also handled afternoon and weekend traffic duties for ABC affiliate WFAA-TV in DFW, from 2003-2009.  Concurrently, I processed commercial clearances for the late Bob Kingsley's "American Country Countdown" program while working for Dallas-based ABC Radio Networks (2003-04,) and was a producer for the BizRadio Network (2005-07; carried locally on KMNY-1360 AM [the former KXOL.])  Part of that affiliation with KMNY created an opportunity to develop and host my own radio show, "The Hi-Fi Club," an oldies and nostalgia program, starting in 2006 and broadcasting terrestrially across Texas and around the world via internet streaming.  When a two-month gap in programming after BizRadio's contract with KMNY expired in mid-2008, I asked for a chance to try my hand at creating a format, and "Retro Radio" was born!  Modern Classic Rock was the format on weekdays (the 1976-85 rock era, untried in the DFW market) and I used my connections and friendships to enlist known talent to create and host their own weekend shows, all on a volunteer basis!  Noted musicologist Bud Buschardt was one of the first to sign up, and it ended up being the on-air finale of his very successful broadcasting and programming career (WFAA-TV/AM, KVIL, and the ABC Radio Networks.)  Others like Jay Weaver (Joe Fuchs) of KBUY, KDNT, KBOC; the wildly-successful Josh Holstead ("Rowdy Yates") of Houston and DFW radio; along with Jim Thomas (AFRS; DFW's KFJZ-AM, WFAA-AM and KAAM; numerous Texoma-area stations; and longtime host of "70s Saturday Night;") John Lewis (John Puff) of KXOL-AM in Fort Worth and KPAR in Granbury TX; and several other notables graciously participated.  We also honored the untimely passings of DFW radio standouts George Carlin and John McCarty, who both died during the course of the Retro Radio project...McCarty (longtime local traffic reporter and manager, plus on-air stints with KRSR-"Star 105," KFJZ-AM and the ABC Radio Networks) with a roundtable of Who's Who in local and national radio; and Carlin (who worked for local KXOL before landing in Hollywood) with a live interview of his former comedy partner, Jack Burns.  "The Hi-Fi Club" continued thereafter, and still thrives today after 18 years and nearly 1,000 shows!  When my traffic-reporting gig ended in 2009, I carried my experience to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT,) where I spent nearly 12 years in traffic management (though, behind the scenes, I was scripting most of the morning traffic reports for WFAA, KXAS, KTVT, and sometimes KDFW!)  Concurrently, I was appointed to the board of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2011, continuing my association with close pals and fellow board members Bud Buschardt and Josh "Rowdy Yates" Holstead, before Bud and I stepped down in 2019.  In 2012, I was inducted to the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, mainly for my efforts with this website and for years of being a consultant and 'chief photographer' for the annual event.  I took early retirement from TXDOT in 2022.

I even have some VERY minor acting credits!  Besides portraying a football fan in the 1977 movie "Semi-Tough" (good luck finding me in the crowd scenes!) I was interviewed on camera for the PBS documentary, "The Electronic Babysitter," in 2009.  I was an extra in FOX-TV's "The Good Guys" in 2010.  Between 2010-2012, I appeared as a background actor in four episodes of the reboot of "Dallas."  While doing traffic at WFAA-TV (an off-camera role,) I could still be spotted sometimes on "News 8 Daybreak" and "Good Morning Texas."

I'm also proud and humbled to appear as fictional character "Mike Shannon" in two of actor-turned-author James MacKrell's books!  His Glass of Lies from 2022 has "Mike" initially portraying a Paris TX newspaper reporter, who later becomes an investigative reporter in Shreveport LA television.  Jim's latest book, 2024's Run Maggie, Run puts "Mike" in the role of a reporter for WFAA-TV in DFW!  What an awesome 'tip-of-the-hat' from a dear friend.

Occasionally, I get recognition for this website and for my little contribution to a big industry...I've been referenced to, or interviewed for, "The Mark Davis Show," the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Observer, Radio Daily News, Radio-Info.com, the "Vince Rowe Radio Showe," the Lake Highlands Advocate Magazine, KFXR-1190, the Garland News, "Jim Rose Remembers Radio," the Internet Movie Database, Wikipedia, "The Richard Hunter Show," "The Jack E. Jett Show," Claude Hall Online, the Dallas Historical Society, "Mick Williams' Cyber-Line," and "The Russ Martin Show;" and provided historical information or recorded material for KLUV-FM and WBAP-AM (for their Hubcap Carter death tributes,) KMNY-AM (DFW) and sister station KXYZ-AM (Houston) (JFK assassination coverage recordings,) WFAA-TV (for "News 8 Daybreak,") CNN (JFK assassination videotapes,) Apatow Productions (news anchor research and props for the 2004 movie "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,") KDFW-TV (for "CT 25:  Clarice Tinsley's 25th Anniversary") XM Satellite Radio (KFJZ-AM airchecks, jingles and bits for their "60s on 6" tribute,) Fybush.com, WakeAtlanta.com, the Texas State Historical Association, FadedSignals.com, 440.com, DallasDigest.com, FlashbackDallas.com, The Dallas Historical Society, the Denton (TX) Public Library (where I presented a "History of KDNT" symposium in 2011,) Kids Inc (for info on, and photos of, Texas sportscaster Dick Risenhoover,) FortWorthArchitecture.com, ArcaneRadioTrivia.com, WorldRadioMap.com, Blogger.com, Stephen F Austin State University (excavation research related to antenna placement,) RadioDigest.com and Gerard Productions (JFK assassination information.)  Also, this website was noted in the "Handbook of Texas Music."

Fortunately, this website has put me in contact with many radio and TV notables: Russ Bloxom, Steve Eberhart, John Puff, Ray Whitworth, Chris Huff, Bob Schieffer, Suzie Humphreys, George Gimarc, and fallen friends Larry Shannon, Bud Buschardt, Ron Chapman, Sam Pate, Bill Bragg, Clarence Bruyere and Murphy Martin, who have/had been instrumental in the continuing success of the site and in expanding my knowledge of the medium.  I've also made countless friends and email contacts over the years who have graciously shared their recollections and broadcasting resumes.  A big "thank you" goes out to each one of them for their friendship and contributions to the site, and another big "thanks" to you, the radio/TV enthusiast, for checking out the website!


CELEBRITY ENCOUNTERS

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(L) with Patrick Duffy at the "Dallas" 30th anniversary party in 2008; (C) with the late Larry Hagman in 2001;
(R) with Sheree J Wilson of "Dallas" and "Walker Texas Ranger"

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(L) with 1984 Olympics gymnast champ Mary Lou Retton in 2006; (C) "Book 'em Dano!"--it's the late James MacArthur of the original "Hawaii Five-O," 2007;
(R) with the late singer and star of "Touched By an Angel" and "Chico and the Man," Della Reese, in 2005

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(L) with actor Ben Murphy, 2007; (C) with the lovely Rene Syler of CBS News, 2019; (R) with the late "Odd Couple" and "Quincy" star Jack Klugman in 2005

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(L) with Burton Gilliam, actor, "Blazing Saddles" star and memorable commercial spokesman, in 2023;
(C) with ABC News' Charlie Gibson and (R) with George Stephanopoulos, 2008

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(L) with Chuck Norris in 2004; (C) with the late Dick Clark in 1999; (R) with late actor Bo Hopkins in 2003
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 (L) with CBS News and "Face the Nation"'s Bob Schieffer in 2002; (C) with Erik "Ponch" Estrada in 2005; (R) with actor, author, game show host and friend Jim MacKrell, 2018

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(L) with the late country star and friend "England Dan" Seals in 1992, and (R) with his former singing partner, John Ford Coley, in 2023

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(L) with late family friend and wrestling legend General Skandar Akbar in 2001 (Akbar is cousin to longtime OKC radio great Dale Wehba;)
(R) with actor David Selby ("Dark Shadows," "Falcon Crest") in 2000

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(L) with the late character actor and former KXOL announcer Norm Alden, 2001; (R) with actor Tom Wilson, 2006
(Alden and Wilson, of course, played Lou the diner owner and Biff the bully on "Back to the Future")

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(L) with Mike Love of The Beach Boys, 2003; (C) with Danica "Winnie" McKellar of "The Wonder Years;" (R) with Peter Yarrow of "Peter Paul and Mary"

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(L) L-R:  with THE Wayne Newton, friend Kaiyan, me; (R) with friend and THE best voice in television, radio and commercials...Charlie Van Dyke!  2022

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(L) with the late Ross Perot in 2006; (C) with my cousin, actor Roger Davis ("Dark Shadows," "Alias Smith and Jones,") in 2007;
(R) with friend Kyle Morris, leader of the brilliant alt-rock group The Unlikely Candidates ("Novocaine,") 2023
 

NORTH TEXAS MEDIA AND SPORTS NOTABLES

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(L) with friend and late radio legend Ron Chapman (KVIL, KLUV, KLIF and "Paul Harvey News & Comment;" and National Radio Hall of Fame inductee) in 2002;
(C) with friend, the popular, longtime news anchor Gloria Campos (WFAA-TV) and friend David Faulkner (KTNS) in 2016;
(R) with late legendary radio personality Jimmy Rabbit (KLIF) in 2002

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(L) with friend and late North Texas radio legend Sam Pate in 2009 (for one, he handled live, on-the-scene coverage for KBOX-AM from the site of JFK's 1963 assassination;
his was the voice that announced, "It...it appears that something has happened in the motorcade route...") (C) getting attacked by WFAA-TV anchors
Jeff Brady and Macie Jepson! 2009; (R) with WBAP traffic anchor and KAND morning show host Alan Barnes, 2009

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(L) L-R: Denise Welch/"Necie Marie" of KPMZ-Platinum 96.7 and WFAA-TV traffic, me, and Debbie Douglas/Alcocer of KOAI-"The Oasis" and KZPS, 2009;
(C) A KNTU reunion!  L-R: Ray Whitworth, Paula Walker, Andy Waldrop and me, 2008; (R) with friend and coworker Laura Houston (WBAP traffic,) 2003

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(L) L-R: In 2011 with great friends:  The late Clarence Bruyere of WFAA-AM/TV, Jo Interrante (AKA Darcy Kane) of KNUS, KFRC (San Francisco)
plus the RKO and ABC radio networks; me; and Clarence's wife Margaret (Brown) Bruyere of KWBC-AM and WFAA-TV;
(R) with friend and former KXAS-TV anchor Russ Bloxom in 2002

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(L) with friends, the late Ben Laurie and Jay Weaver, both longtime DFW radio personalities, in 2006;
(R) L-R: with Josh "Rowdy Yates" Holstead, KBOX's Jay Ward and me, 2015

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(L) with the late Charlie Payne, author, station owner, former KIXL jock and later Gordon McLendon's right-hand man, 2006; (C) with the late Ben Laurie
and with Suzie Humphreys, friends, DFW radio legends and former personalities at KVIL, in 2006; (R) with friend, late Texas radio news anchor Bob Crowley, 2018

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(L) with WBAP morning show host Hal Jay in 2006; (C) with former KXAS-TV sports director Scott Murray in 2005;
(R) L-R: Noted radio programmer George Gimarc, me, author and radio personality Eric Grubbs

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(C) with Cowboys great Mel Renfro in 2004; (R) with the late WBAP/KXAS-TV legend Bobbie Wygant in 2011;
(R) with the late longtime DFW newsman Dick Wheeler in 2011

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(L) with the late DFW news anchor Chip Moody in 1982; (R) with Chip's late wife Vikki, along with their daughter Tiffin, in 2009

3.
(L) L-R: with the KDFW-Channel 4 weather team...Evan Andrews, the late Ron Jackson, and with Dan Henry in 2003;
(R) with longtime Dallas Morning News entertainment reporter/columnist Ed Bark, 2016

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(L) with the late Dallas Cowboys' assistant coach Joe Avezzano, 2003; (C) with Bret Michael and
Tempie Lindsey, 2003; (R) with good friend Mary "Girl Named Sam" Nash-Stoddard (KVIL, plus commercials and voiceovers,) 2021

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(L) with friend and ormer WFAA-TV news anchor Debbie Denmon (now features on the Home Shopping Network;
(C) with KXAS-TV meteorologist David Finfrock; (R) with friend Paul Camfield, son of KTVT's "Icky Twerp" (Bill Camfield)

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(L) with Cowboys great Drew Pearson, 2003; (C) with noted national voiceover artist and radio show host John B. Wells, 2019;
(R) with KVIL's unforgettable, longtime evening-shift personality, Cat Simon, in 2022

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(L) with the late Eddie Barker and my dear friend Murphy Martin in 2003; (R) with Bob Davis, the late Bob Huffaker, Wes Wise and the late Alex Burton, 2003
 

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(L) with radio pro and longtime friend Ray Whitworth, and the late musicologist and dear friend Bud Buschardt, 2007;
(R) with KRLD-TV's Bill Bragg, a good friend who was also known as the longtime voice of "Big Tex" at the annual Texas State Fair in Dallas!

...
(L) with Mike Selden, son of late Texas radio legend Michael Selden (KLIF, KNUS, KXOL,) 2006; (C) with noted radio personality (KLIF)
and national radio programmer Ken Dowe ("Ken Dowe and Granny Emma") in 2022; (R) with legendary KLIF-1190 jock Michael O'Shea in 2008


It's a KDNT (Denton) mini-reunion!  L-R: Me, George Gimarc, Doyle King,
Jay Weaver (Joe Fuchs,) Ray Whitworth and Andy Waldrop, 2008


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