RI Radio To Make History

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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Jeff Derderian, Media Critic

Radio in Rhode Island began in 1922 when WEAN signed on the air as the first station. That's 88 years ago if you can believe it. A lot has changed since then and now a local effort is underway to capture the people and stories who helped shaped the airwaves around here. Arcadia Publishing has now signed on to publish a book on the history of Rhode Island radio. Think of it as a trip down memory lane on the FM and AM side of the dial. Personalities are plentiful in these parts - from talk show legend Sherm Strickhouser and Jack Comley to Salty Brine. But the author of the book is hoping to also have stories about other people who helped contribute to Rhode Island radio.

RI Radio Hall of Fame

The idea for the project comes from John Rooke who started in the media business here in 1988 as Sports Director and weeknight ancor at WPRI Channel 12. Rooke who will write the book, also worked in Boston and began in radio in 1989 as the "voice of the Providence Friars". Rooke was also the key person to help get the RI Radio Hall of Fame off the ground and he thought it was a shame there were no printed words taking people through the history of radio. "We're long past due in recognizing the "greats" who have called RI their "radio" home through the years. This is a chance to immortalize some of the names, people and voices people around here grew up with, and introduce these people to the rest of the country" said Rooke.

Helping Charity

The book will also provide a percentage of proceeds to the local "A Wish Come True" organization which grants wishes to children as they battle life threatening illnesses. Rooke says that's also making this project extra special for him as hopefully the sale of the book will help as many children as possible. Rooke says so far the response has been a little slow but he's hoping that changes as word gets out about this first ever publication. Rooke is looking for pictures of personalities and stories to go with them from all the radio stations will be included. "This book will literally provide snapshots of radio history in Rhode Island, through the eyes of the cameras that took those photos. Anyone who has pictures of radio personalities, promotions, stations, etc. will be included in the book".

A Sneak Peak

Rooke says he is hoping he has some much material that he has to decide what gets left on the editing floor. He promises an inside look at the people and voices going back nearly 9-decades so there should be room for everyone. Rooke says there will also be a look at some Rhode Islanders who made it big in media after getting their start here. "The Today's Show's Meredith Vieira began her career as a news reporter/anchor at the former WJAR-AM 920. One of the most recognizable voices on American television over the past 3-4 decades is that of the late Ernie Anderson, as the "voice" of ABC Television. He began his career in RI. There's more, but I need to save some surprises for the book!" Rooke added.

The book is scheduled to be ready by early 2012.

Jeff Derderian is a former television news reporter and anchor both in Providence and Boston. He is one of the founders of the Station Education Fund. He can be reached at [email protected]





 

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