Aircheck: Radio Stories
AIRCHECK is a podcast about radio's personality from radio personalities. Whether you’re in the radio industry yourself, or have just have a love for the medium, each episode will take you backstage, in the studio and on the air at some of biggest radio stations in the country. You’ll live vicariously through radio stories and celebrity interviews shared by those who were privileged to have these opportunities. Some have also shared the actual audio from those moments frozen in time.
For those who find themselves the result of “reduction in force” you’ll appreciate the words of wisdom and advice from some of the radio industries best; Program Directors, General Managers, Consultants, Owners, Trade Journalists and the Air Personalities themselves who have successfully applied their skillset elsewhere.
Season 1- Season 4
Host: Rich DeSisto
WAXQ/New York, WMGK/Philadelphia, WBEN/Philadelphia, WYSP/Philadelphia, WPST/Trenton, WJBR/Wilmington, WDHA/Dover. WCHR/Toms River, WMGM/Atlantic City, WAMX/Huntington, WZXL/Atlantic City.
Co-Host: Paul Kelly
WMGK/Philadelphia, WEZX/Scranton, WPDH/Poughkeepsie, and WZXL/Atlantic City.
Season 5
Host: Rich DeSisto
Co-Host: Steve Raymond
Starview92/Lehigh Valley, WSBG Stroudsburg, WINK 106.3/Rhode Island, and WZXL/Atlantic City.
AIRCHECK is accepting guests for future sessions/seasons. If there’s a story to be told….and hopefully audio to complement it, from College Radio to AM/FM, Satellite, AIRCHECK will give it a listen. If you are in or out of radio and want to tell your stories, email: AirCheckMe@gmail.com.
Aircheck: Radio Stories
Street Beat to Spotlight: How Cyndy Drue Moved a Generation
We’re celebrating one of Philadelphia’s most beloved radio icons and "The Queen of the Philly local music scene, Cyndy Drue. From spinning tunes during her early college days to making a name for herself on legendary Philly stations like WMMR, WYSP, and WMGK, Cyndy’s story is woven into the fabric of the city’s sound. She didn’t just play the hits; she helped shape them, especially with her groundbreaking local music show, Street Beat, which gave countless Philly bands their first shot at the spotlight.
Join hosts Rich DeSisto, and Steve Raymond as they trace Cyndy’s journey from her first radio gigs to her role in breaking iconic acts like LIVE, her adventures in TV, and even modest moments in movies as a SAG-AFTRA member. Along the way, you’ll hear about the Philly radio wars, the magic of hearing your song on the air for the first time, and how Cyndy is turning her remarkable story into a documentary...fifty years in the making.
(00:00) Pierre Robert Introduction
(5:49) Origin of "Street Beat" Radio Show
(7:14) "Queen of Local Music Scene"
(12:48) "Street Beat's Biggest Success"
(14:50) "Melody Matters Most"
(18:15) "One More Song Created"
(21:32) "Discovering Radio as a Career"
(23:21) "Choosing a Women's College"
(28:17) The Power of 1970s DJs
(31:10) "Philadelphia DJs and Music Showcases"
(33:19) "John Lennon’s Death Reported"
(37:21) "Pre-SNL News Broadcast Insight"
(40:02) Union Strike Over AI Impact
(44:20) "Getting Fired from Street Beat"
(47:33) "Brother's Business and Career Shift"
(51:06) "College Film Reunion Screening"
(52:02) "Rock and Roll Connection"
You can download or stream every episode of AIRCHECK from Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also listen on YouTube. Ask your Smart Speaker to “Play Aircheck Podcast”.
If you're a radio vet with a story to tell we want to hear from you.
Email us at Aircheckme@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/aircheckme
Tell us what you think and your favorite episode!
