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Monitor Guestbook Comments? Questions? Your personal memories about Monitor? E-mail me, and I will add your entry to the Guestbook or to the Monitor Memories Page! Latest Entries Comments: Dennis: As you know, many well-known names who have never done radio before and think they can don't really manage to successfully pull it off when they go on the air. We have seen this happen over the years. I think Frank Sinatra Jr. did a very good job hosting Monitor in 1972.
He sounded comfortable and able to do the format. He was very conversational when
he talked live with guests or commented on up coming segments.
Thanks for another very enjoyable hour of Monitor.
Larry Stoler November 5, 2006 Comments: I have certainly enjoyed reliving some of the great programming moments of broadcasting with these NBC Monitor recordings. In 1969 and 1970, I worked at WROD in Daytona Beach and did our local
Monitor inserts of local news, sports, weather and features. It
was good radio and I agree with comments from others that
the next best thing to Monitor's informative and entertaining
programming is NPR's Morning Edition and All Things Considered , or tuning
into CBC radio on the Internet.
Chuck Johnson
Atlanta, GA October 25, 2006 Comments: I only briefly was aware of Monitor in 1973, but have discovered your website, and heard your interview on WGN with Tom Petersen.
October 23, 2006 Editor's note: John is referring to our live interview about Monitor on the "Tom Petersen Show" on WGN Radio in Chicago on Sunday night, October 22. Many thanks to Tom for his interest in Monitor. Comments: Dennis: Thanks for the birthday tribute to Groucho Marx. As a fan of both Monitor and the Marx Brothers, it was a double treat for me. It was interesting to hear the voices of Zeppo and Allan Jones, so many years after they appeared in the movies. It was especially interesting to hear Margaret Dumont, Groucho's foil in so many Marx Bros. films, since this program was aired only a year or two before she died. I had never heard Margaret Dumont speaking out of character before, although I have to admit she sounded pretty much the same way as she did when she was speaking IN character. Jim Dexter Atlanta October 19, 2006 Comments: I am a middle-aged, totally blind woman and have only had my computer for less than a year. I first want to thank you for making your fantastic site accessible to people like me who use screen readers and must use arrow keys to enter your links!! I was born in 1949 and as a child I often listened to Monnitor on KFAB in Omaha, Nebraska. In fact, Monitor was my weekend companion for a LONG time. I thought the program declined significantly in the '70's but was just outstanding before that time!! I greatly missed it and never thought I would hear any of Monitor again until I found your site and am SO grateful for it!! I didn't have a tape recorder back when Monitor was such a significant part of my life nor did I know the value of preserving such things on tape as I do now. I hope you will be able to find more of Monitor from the '50's and '60's and I look forward each month to seeing what you have on the site for that month. I just wanted to thank you very much for making excerpts from Monitor
available to those of us who treasured that program so much!!
Sincerely, Rose from North Platte, Nebraska
October 2, 2006 Comments:
Dennis:
August 19, 2006 Comments: Nice Sounds of Monitor this month from Feb. 26, 1967. It is of particular interest as KFI, Los Angeles, was menitoned at the break. It would be just a little over a year later that KFI would be the first major market station to drop Monitor. Don Spuhler Fontana, California August 18, 2006 Editor's note: Don was the first person to write to this website when it premiered in October 2000. He was, and is, a big fan of Monitor -- and has kindly kept in touch with us over the years. Comments: Hi. I just came across your website accidentally while Googling Charlie Garment's name. I was a production assistant with Monitor during the last year. I had worked in Spot Sales at NBC on the third floor when I read the in-house employment listings and applied for the job to Steve White, up on the eighth floor. By some great stroke of luck I got the job. I worked for Pauline Barfield. I just saw her photos at your sight. She and I were good friends at the time, but as she learned the show was moving on, she did too and we subsequently lost track of each other.
I worked on
the Saturday shows, coordinating the music intros, outros the movie critic
spots with Shalit, the interviews and the news. It was a blast.
I was in my early twenties back then and I learned so much. Even
the perfume I use to this day, was influenced by Cappy who gave me her
secret address to a small perfumerie in Paris on Rue de la Paix. (Which
I've since visited several times.) Christian Dior Diorella became my favorite
scent.... she was my role model for women in broadcasting. Comments: I have only recently learned of the Monitor website through my membership in Sperdvac and, have just paid my first visit which included Bill Cullen's interview of Sterling Holloway. I particularly enjoyed the 1936-46 decade of NBC's first 50 years as hosted by Bob Hope and have passed on the site to friends who I think will also enjoy it. I have marked it under my favorite sites and will continue to listen
in the future, especially on those cold, snowy days we can look forward
to in the Chicago area this coming winter.
Nice job!
Chuck Rohde
Lombard, IL
July 31, 2006 Comments: What a delightful site! MONITOR was every bit as fascinating to me as early radio serials during WWII. The interesting thing was that it was the first piece of "mass media" which was tailored to rapidly evolving short-attention-span of the American radio listener. The "magazine concept" teased the listener with short, varied pieces of program material. And it was presented in an immediate way, from the fast pace of the material, to the signature electronic beeps ... speeding the program on to the listener. It really was
the Great Radio Program in so many ways. It cemented my love of broadcasting
and was responsible for a lifetime in and around media. Thanks for the
great look back. July 31, 2006 Comments: I've enjoyed the Monitor web site for several months now. It's especially interesting to hear the monthly program excerpts, which really show how the presentation evolved and became more informal over the years. My early exposure to Monitor was rather limited, mainly hearing the beacon and short bits on the car radio on WMAQ, when I was growing up in Chicago. I got more interested in the program in the early 1970's, when NBC had already bumped Monitor from WMAQ-AM to WMAQ-FM. I recall one afternoon when the host – it may have been Ted Brown – stopped a group going through Rockefeller Center , and had them sing (hum?) the NBC chimes. I hold an annual
trivia contest for friends – usually, about 20-25 people show up,
generally ranging in age from the 30’s to the 50’s. For the
purposes of the contest, we divide them into teams of four to five persons
each. This year, one of the questions I asked was about Monitor. Anyway, keep up the great work. It's sad that there's no program like Monitor around anymore. It's uplifting, inclusive tone was a far cry from today's AM radio, which seems designed to promote anger and divisiveness. Jim Dexter Atlanta July 26, 2006 Comments: Hi, Wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed the Monitor web site. I remember a car trip with my dad in the mid 60s from Milwaukee up to Oshkosh Wisc. & back. I remember Ed McMahon & Monitor & not being bored even at that young age. Think they were on WTMJ. the 50,000 watt Milwaukee flame thrower, as the signal was strong & clear the whole way. We listened to Monitor quite a bit on weekends as I recall. I always wondered why such a wonderful program went away & now I know, thanks to you. I'm looking forward to listening to the Bill Cullen half hour & any future clips you post. Thanks again for the wonderful web site. Steve Atkinson Eagle, Wisconsin July 15, 2006 Comments: Dennis, I just finished listening to Monitor '73 with Bill Cullen. What
a pleasure it was to hear him.
Many people remember Bill Cullen from his days doing TV game shows,
but this half hour reminds so many of us about Bill's contributions to
Monitor and the history of radio.
It is always a pleasure to visit your site and go back to a time when
radio truly was a great medium. This, of course, is due to shows
such as Monitor.
Thanks again for this enjoyable half hour.
Larry Stoler
Stamford, Connecticut July 9, 2006 Comments: Dennis: Thanks for this month's "Sounds of Monitor" Bill Cullen segment.
The date of that long-ago broadcast happened to be my twentieth birthday!
And, I'm sorry to report that I was not listening to that particular
Monitor broadcast.
How can I be sure I wasn't listening, you ask? Because I was heading
to Atlanta Stadium to watch the Braves play the Phillies in an afternoon
game. And I remember the game to this day, thirty three years later, because
Hank Aaron hit his 700th home run in that game.
We were sitting in the bleachers and the ball almost hit me--the guy
sitting behind me caught it.
That was quite a birthday. I only wish I had listened to Monitor that
day as well. I'm guessing I had fallen out of the habit of listening by then,
assuming that it would be around forever and I'd tune in again at some
later point.
How wrong that twenty year old was!
Hope you're having a great summer!
Thomas J. Frieling
July 5, 2006 Comments: Dennis: To hear new audio of Bill Cullen on Monitor, I will endure sitting in a house with an air conditioner on the fritz on a hundred-degree day. Even with the dicey audio quality, it's worth it. And to get revealing personal gems, such as Bill's bouts with worry and self-confidence (something he once admitted on "To Tell the Truth"), it's priceless. Besides, to my knowledge, that barely more than doubles the total of Cullen-Monitor audio that exists, right?? Oh, for more great finds!! Thanks again.
Kenneth Johannessen
That's all from East Wenatchee at this time.
G-E-C July 2, 2006 Comments: A good friend tipped me off to Monitor and I have enjoyed the links you provide to check out. I often wondered why Monitor's competition didn't respond with a similar program called "Merrimac." Now that would have been a battle! Having spent over 40 years in Wilmington, DE radio, you know I appreciate this web site. Dick Holmes (A deejay from the 50's and 60's - who spent every day on "spins and needles.") June 21, 2006 Comments: Hey, Dennis, I definitely enjoy your website. Monitor, for sure, had an all-star lineup over the years. The audio clips were a blast! If I only knew then, what I know now. I'm 48 years old but even so, I did not listen to Monitor that much. In listening to the clips, I like how the producers ran the programming like a Rolex (the real one). Of course, there was the occasional goof, but heck that's live radio. I like the goof-ups. That makes it fun. Monitor worked because it brought a slice of American life into our radios. Thanks for this contribution you've made to us on how radio should sound. Mike Fitzgerald
WAVA-FM Washington, DC
WEBR Fairfax (my show) June 15, 2006 Comments:
Dennis, Tom Frieling Athens, Georgia June 12, 2006 Comments: Hello,
Thanks for the trip down memory lane with Monitor. I remember it well since my dad wouldn't let us listen to rock and roll in the car. Best Wishes, May 23, 2006 Comments: Dennis: Once again, a fascinating hour on the website - downloaded it yesterday,
and just finished listening to it.
I think it underscores two things: 1) what a great host Gene Rayburn
was; and 2) how "Monitor" reflected the national mood.
One can tell (and maybe only people in our business can truly
appreciate) - Rayburn's dilemma that morning, i.e. to keep the show - while
interrupted, fragmented and obviously flying by the seat of their pants
- still moving and recognizable as "Monitor"; and also, while appreciative
of the sadness much of his audience feels, to play the role of the bright
"Monitor" host - er, communicator . You could tell he was gauging
very carefully when to let go, even slightly - he seemed to kind of "tiptoe"
through that hour-plus. How apologetic he was when he had to do
the Oak Flooring commercial.
One has to know when to play it straight, and that hour is a textbook
example.
Of course, they chose the music very carefully, as well - it seemed
(wisely, of course) much more subdued than normal, with a couple of exceptions
- which were, conspicuously placed well apart from anything related to
the news of the day.
It also seemed as though there were fewer commercials than normal for that
hour - I wonder if some advertisers pulled their spots at the last minute?
A couple of other interesting things caught my attention, too:
1) Through more than an hour of prime Saturday morning time, WNBC was
only able to sell ONE local commercial; the rest were PSA's and promos?
2) The amount of national and international news in WNBC's local
news break.
All in all, great listening once again. I can't wait to
find out what you'll have for us next month!
Kenneth
That's all from East Wenatchee at this time.
G-E-C April 17, 2006 Comments: Dennis, You really outdid yourself with this month's audio clip
of Gene Rayburn hosting Monitor the weekend that President Eisenhower
died.
While I can not say with certainty that I remember that particular
broadcast, I well remember when Ike died. And that was definitely the
time period when I was a most faithful Monitor listener. That spring 1969
weekend was almost certainly spent cruising around with my high school
friends, hanging out at the Eastwood Mall, bowling a few games at the
Mall's bowling alley, and, of course, listening to Monitor.
Gene does indeed do a masterful job of hitting the right tone
and the whole segment strikes a perfect balance between covering this
solemn national event and, at the same time, carrying on with the show.
In short, Monitor at its best. Thomas J. Frieling
Athens, Georgia April 3, 2006 Comments: Thank-you for this great website dedicated to one of the best radio shows in my lifetime. Growing up in Pittsburgh in the 1960's, I used to listen to Monitor with my Dad on the Saturday trip to see my Grandad. I remember autumn rains, a 1963 Buick and wonderful times with my Dad as we listened to Bill Cullen, Gene Rayburn, Mike Nichols and Elaine May,and the whole cast, particularly Bob and Ray. Monitor was a unique, informative, educational and entertaining program for years. Now in my 50's, I have never bought a television, I am a radio person and would love to have a Saturday or Sunday afternoon of Monitor to play back. Thanks again, wonderful job. Frank Smith Cheyenne, Wyoming March 20, 2006 Comments: Thanks for all of your work on the Monitor Tribute site. I grew up listening to Monitor in the 60's, a lot of while riding in the car with my folks, and really enjoy all the information and audio that's on the site! Best wishes and thanks again. John Aughey March 19, 2006 Comments: Hi, Dennis, Just want to again take time to congratulate you on your great website. You, as of this writing have over 110,000 hits. It shows that there are others that are still interested in NBC Radio and more specifically Monitor. Keep up the great work! Don Spuhler Fontana, CA March 1, 2006 Editor's note: Don Spuhler was the very first person to write to this website when it debuted in October 2000. He grew up listening to Monitor on KFI Radio in Los Angeles -- and other Southern California stations. Comments: Hi, Dennis, Thanks for the two hours of Gene Rayburn included in the sound clips
this month. Gene was one of the best communicators on Monitor.
He was a terrific entertainer on radio and, of course, on television.
He was a fine actor, too. Years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing
him on the stage when he starred in a touring production of the Neil Simon
hit, "Come Blow Your Horn," in Washington, DC.
I'm sure you've heard about the death of legendary sportscaster Curt
Gowdy. Quite a versatile broadcaster, covering many great sports
events. Among his assignments for NBC was Monitor. I remember
hearing him host the program in the 1960s. I don't know how long
he did the show, but he performed his duties very well. The man
could certainly "do it all." He'll be missed terribly.
Love the Monitor Web site!
Sincerely,
Mike Holston
February 21, 2006 Editor's note: We have been saddened to hear of Curt Gowdy's passing. Many of us grew up and older, watching and listening to him announce the great sports events of the '60s and '70s. Next month (March 2006), this website will feature audio from Curt, both hosting Monitor and doing his "Monitor Outdoors" feature. Comments: Dear Dennis: Yesterday, Saturday morning, I listened to the two hours of Gene Rayburn hosting Monitor that you have on the Sounds of Monitor section of the site. It was all too easy to think myself back thirty seven years and imagine I was back in high school listening to Monitor once again on that little RCA transistor radio I had back then. If only I could have turned on the radio afterwards and tuned in to Monitor 2006. Let's keep hoping! Tom Frieling Athens, Georgia February 12, 2006 Comments: Dennis: You do a terrific job. I wish I had known this site existed before. It was a pleasure hearing the beacon again. I think I caught Monitor from the second show on and listened Saturday mornings and studied to it on Sunday evenings. That could account for my problems with algebra. I'm retired now, and my interest is in the 1930s and 1940s. My project is to recreate events from those days as if Monitor had been there. I've been researching for 7 years now, and decided I will arbitrarily to cut off the research and start producing something by next January so I can listen to real radio again. Keith Jones February 10, 2006 Comments: I am a new convert to Monitor. I was too young to hear the original show. I heard a tribute Jim Lowe did on his show that airs on the station I work at KTXR-FM in Springfield MO. Jim is featured in Wayne Glenn's The Ozark's Greatest Hits book. You can order this book through the website, www.radiospringfield.com . I also am a big fan of Bob and Ray, Don Imus, the Wolfman, Al Capp, Gene Rayburn and the original James Bond, Barry Nelson. Jeff Boggs
KTXR-FM January 25, 2006 Comments: In 1956-66 while stationed at Fort Gordon, CA doing my two years in the Army, Weekend Monitor broadcasts were my best link to civilization. I particularly remember Al Capp, the "talking cartoonist." The identifying sound of the Monitor "beacon," still haunts me. I use the term that announcers used, "You're on the Monitor Beacon," to this day. As a teacher, when my students were close or had the answer to questions, I would say, "You're on the Monitor Beacon." They instinctively seemed to know what I meant, although none of them could have possibly ever heard it, being too young. Wyatt Newman Bend, Oregon January 21, 2006 Comments: Hi, Dennis. I can't believe that on the 26th of this month, it will be 31 years since Monitor left the air. It does not seem that long ago. So many of us who visit this site remember where we were during that
weekend. It means even more now hearing the final three hours in
2,006.
I'm sure everyone that was involved in putting Monitor together on
the air and behind the scenes did not realize the impact Monitor
would have on so many but it did and remains that way today.
Thank you for this website and giving us a place on the internet to
remember a great radio program.
Larry Stoler January 21, 2006 Comments: Hi! You've made me a hero to one of my friends – Bill Bales, who's contacted you. His dad worked for Monitor for many years, and when Bill and his wife were here for dinner one night and he mentioned Monitor, I said, “Boy, have I got a book for you,” and went and got my copy of “Monitor Take 2,” which Bill took with him that very night. Don Brockway January 19, 2006 Comments: Thank you for this page. Marty January 19, 2006 Comments: Hi, Dennis! On this date (Jan. 14th) in 1957, NBC inaugurated hourly TOH newscasts, the first national network to do so. The casts also used live on the spot reporting. Maybe NBC will return to that news programming in 2008 to replace the current part time joint venture with WW1. All the best! Terry Morgan (GEC) January 14, 2006 Editor's note: Monitor was doing news on the hour from the program's debut in June 1955 -- though it was introduced as "Five minutes of Monitor news, brought to you by...." So what NBC did in '57 was add news on the hour to its weekday schedule. By the '60s, Monitor's top-of-the-hour newscasts would be introduced as "NBC Monitor News on the Hour." Comments:
Hello, January 14, 2006 Comments: Wow, thanks loads for this great website! Those famous Monitor beeps brought back memories of Saturday mornings as a kid. That famous bumper music (I can't name it, you know that dah did a dah, dah dah dah. fast tempo one) Is imprinted in my brain to this day. Bill Cullen, Henry Morgan, really literate stuff. It's a shame the state of radio today being what it is, couldn't accept a great show like Monitor. Jeri Pinsker January 14, 2006 Comments: Dennis: Greetings to you and best wishes for 2006.
I'm listening to the Parade of Bands broadcast I recorded off the website
today. Real nice to hear it, as well as that wonderful network
line noise in the background. One minor thing: I wanted
to hear the news, which I'm guessing was fed at 12:30 a.m. EST., but oh,
well.
(It takes me back to when I was a teen, and alone on New Year's
Eve listening to the radio - I think it was '76, but I seem to remember
hearing Mutual doing a similar type of broadcast, at least that one
year.)
Also nice to hear Bill Hanrahan's voice - I always considered
him "the voice" of NBC, since I always heard him do the TV network
IDs when I was a kid. You know, someone should make up a tribute
page to those great NBC staff announcers - Pardo, Wendell, Hanrahan, Howell
and Tuttle; it seems they were better known to the public than the announcers
at the other networks, their names got out more.
I don't think I gave you the proper kudos for the website redesign a
while back, but it looks really nice, and much easier to navigate.
I'm guessing by the credits that the kudos should actually go to your
son, but nicely done - whoever did it.
Looking forward to more great stuff on the site in the next twelve
months!
Kenneth
That's all from East Wenatchee at this time.
G-E-C January 2, 2006 Comments: Hi, Dennis! I wish you and all Monitorphiles a happy, healthy and peaceful 2006! BTW, with Microsoft exiting MSNBC cable, maybe NBC will re-name its cable news service "NBC Monitor." "NBC News Channel" is already being used by NBC for a newsfeed service to affiliates. All the best! Terry Morgan (GEC) NBC News... monitoring the world on cable 24/7 December 31, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis, I just finished
listening to Monitor from Christmas, 1969. It was great to hear
all those voices. I remember when Charlie Brown
did afternoons on WNBC in 1968. I know Murray the K is more associated with the Beatles and stations
like 1010 WINS when they were a music station in the early 60s but I enjoy
hearing him on Monitor too thanks to your site.
I'm going to listen to the rest of the offerings for December.
Happy holidays to you and everyone that enjoys the Monitor tribute
site.
Larry Stoler December 23, 2005 Comments: Add me to the list of people influenced by "Monitor." I've been in
radio over 25 years -- and during those Grade School and High School years
in Chicago, I would even tape the show on WMAQ....who in the world would
tape a radio show in 1969? When WMAQ started running less of the show -- I wrote and complained -- the PD said they wanted to be more "local." I had to turn to WTMJ/Milwaukee, who didn't drop the Saturday night feed. They changed their pattern at night, so I had to deal with a static-filled signal. This site is wonderful.
Mark Zegan/Smooth Jazz 98.1
KIFM/San Diego
December 17, 2005 Comments: My father was a watchmaker. I would spend hours with him while he worked on watches in his shop at home on the week ends, listening to Monitor. Your web site brought back many memories like the Monitor girl and the Monitor signal. I worked for the phone company and I never made the connection (pardon the pun) between it and what you used to hear when a long-distance call was routing. Monitor came from the center of the world -- New York. I first heard
about this guy Elvis. My dad loved Bob and Ray and Nichols and May. "My
son the nurse" was a favorite.
We had maps of the world and would check out where a country was when
we heard a news report. Thanks for the web site.
Carl Fischer November 28, 2005 Comments: Congrats, Dennis, for hitting the 100K mark! Terry Morgan (GEC) November 28, 2005 Comments: Dear Dennis: It has been a year since I first discovered your wonderful
web site. This morning is probably the first time in six months since
I have taken a look, and I love the additions!
The darn Monitor Beacon has a way of hanging on, doesn't it? It was
about a week or so before I found your web site that I could hear the
"Beacon" broadcasting in my head. It was as clear as it was in 1955 when
I heard it for the first time.
Ah, the magic of radio really does live in our heads.
Thanks so much for developing and maintaining this glorious web site!
Happy Holidays.
Big Fan, I am,
Michael B. Wright Seattle, WA November 25, 2005 Comments: Hey, Dennis, I just wanted to recognize you and your website for reaching 100,000 hits. Actually, as I write this it is 100,033. This is really great. It truly shows there is still an interest in NBC Monitor. Please pat yourself on the back and keep up the great work! Don Spuhler Fontana, California November 19, 2005 Editor's note: Don Spuhler was the very first person to write to this website when it premiered in October 2000. We are so very grateful to everyone who has written or simply visited us since then. You are keeping alive the memory of network radio's greatest program -- thank you so very much! Comments: Dennis, how about that! Can you believe 100,000 hits in just over five years? Congratulations. The magic moment occurred at 2:59 PM EST, November 19, 2005. Louis Castaing November 19, 2005 Comments: Hi, I just wanted to write and thank you for the site. My dad, Marx Loeb, was an executive producer of the show between (I think) 1957-1961. He was always very proud of the work he did there. I remember him being called by telephone for an interview--again, I think--in 1975, during the Monitor retrospective. In any case, thanks for a great site. Marx Loeb November 2, 2005 Comments: From those early days as a child when I got a brown bakelite Admiral clock radio for Christmas in 1955, I loved Monitor! Would this 4-part series you are running be available
to hear for those of us who missed the earlier segments?
Evan J. Chase
Toledo, Ohio October 27, 2005 Editor's note: To Evan and Bill (just below) and anyone else interested in obtaining copies of all five parts of NBC Radio's "First Fabulous Fifty" anniversary celebration -- we will provide a link to all five parts during the month of December 2005. Be sure to check this website for that link. Comments: Thanks for putting together the Monitor Beacon page. It is a tribute to the last great radio program ever, and it brings back such wonderful memories.
Best regards,
Bill Fike October 26, 2005 Comments: I was a young boy in the 70's but I remember my folks listening to our local NBC station in Chicago -- WMAQ -- on Saturdays in the summer and Monitor would be on. I never paid much attention because it was all talk radio and I liked rock and roll, but your website and the audio clips have made me realize that Monitor was more then just talk, it was entertainment.
October 25, 2005 Comments: I learned about this site on Saturday, October 1, on Chuck Schaden's show "Those Were The Days" (WDCB-FM, Chicago). Monitor was and really still is my favorite radio show. For some reason my strongest memories are of Barry Nelson telling us he was our host and Gene Rayburn giving the college football scores, especially Slippery Rock, on Saturday nights. I'm really happy to have learned about your site. Mike Walters October 3, 2005 Comments:
Hi. I heard this site mentioned today on the Chuck Schaden radio
show. I'm interested in finding out how I can hear the previous
three episodes of the Ann Jones October 1, 2005 Editor's note: Ann refers to the four-hour "Salute to Monitor" that aired on WDCB-FM in Chicago on Saturday, Oct. 1, on Chuck Schaden's "Those Were the Days" program. In December on this website, we will post a link allowing everyone to access all five parts of NBC Radio's "First Fabulous Fifty" anniversary celebration. Comments:
I enjoyed the "Monitor This Week" listings on an hour-by-hour
basis of what would be on "Monitor" the weekend of October 1st-2nd,
1955.
September 26, 2005 Comments: Dennis, This is my first visit to the Beacon since its "makeover", and I like it. Naturally, this is also the first I've heard about Doug's planned documentary on "Monitor". I've dropped him a line expressing an interest in being interviewed. Don't know what I can bring to the table, but of course I always like talking about "Monitor". Kudos, also, for the NPR piece in June. I was on my way to church that morning and heard it with another radio geek who also remembers "Monitor" fondly.
August 17, 2005 Comments: Loved the show ever since I was a kid. Even wrote a fan letter to Ted Brown and got a signed photo with his "green piercing eyes". I've notified the "WSB Oldtimers", an e-mail list of hundreds of former employees to the site and the download... Richard Warner President, What's Up Interactive President, Daybook, Inc. August 7, 2005 Comments: Dennis, What a great site! One of my great childhood memories was finding Monitor on our car radio when we took our Sunday drives in rural Indiana in the late 50's. It always made the trip for me, and I was all of 8 years old at the time. Ted Vodde July 31, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis,
Fontana, CA July 24, 2005 Comments:
Hi, Dennis, CBS Radio News July 18, 2005 Comments: Dennis, Thanks for the great site. My relative, Burroughs "Buck" Prince, was associated with Monitor for a few years. What, if anything, can you tell me about him? Thanks,
Coastal Carolina University Conway, South Carolina
July 15, 2005 Comments: Dennis. I recently bought a VTECH landline phone for my home. It has a downloadable ringer… you guessed it…I downloaded the Beacon from your website as my phone’s ringer! Now, every time
my home phone “rings,” I’m on the Monitor Beacon!!!! July 15, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis, It's been a while since I've checked in. I was watching an old "Match Game" episode on Game Show Network and seeing host Gene Rayburn and guest panel member Bill Cullen reminded me that I was way past due for a visit to the Monitor Website. So, here I am. The website looks great and I wanted to also say how much I enjoyed NBC Radio's First Fabulous 50 - Part 1! Great memories, stirred by so many wonderful voices! I'm looking forward to hearing the other segments in the months to come. Scott Marinoff Imperial Beach, CA July 6, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis, I just played
the first part of NBC Radio's 50th Anniversary retrospective. It's a terrific
program, extremely well-produced. A real pleasure to hear the great Ben
Grauer, hosting the history of the network for the years 1926 to 1936.
I'm looking forward to the other four parts of the series in the months
to come. Thanks so much for including this NBC Radio special in the Sounds
of Monitor section. July 3, 2005 Comments: We just had a chance to explore your Monitor webpage. Congratulations to you and Bradley on such a tremendous compilation of news and information about a legendary radio program. Please keep up the great work and all good wishes for a wonderful July 4 holiday weekend. Phil Tavlian Fresno, CA
July 2, 2005 Comments: I really like the look of your revamped site! I also heard your interview on NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday. Very good.
Best wishes, Bob Stolz Xenia , OH June 24, 2005 Dear Dennis: June 19, 2005 Comments: Dennis, I was thrilled to hear your voice on my favorite public radio station this past Sunday. What a fascinating topic, and what a treat it was to know that your curiosity and enthusiasm are as infectious as ever. I just wanted to drop a quick line to say hello, to congratulate you on the recent national exposure of your Monitor project.
Park City, Utah June
15, 2005 Comments:
Hi, Dennis, Fresno, California June 14, 2005 Comments: Dennis, I loved the NPR piece on Monitor (although it could have been longer.) Also, the new look on the website is terrific! Congrats on both accounts. And to all who have been associated with NBC Monitor, thank you! Terry Morgan (GEC) June 14, 2005 Comments: I set the alarm so that I could hear the 6:50 AM broadcast today (although I think they started a little earlier than that, but I caught it all). You did a very nice job, and I'm sure Jack Thayer would appreciate your carefully structured responses to some of the questions. They also did a nice job of packaging it. I'm sure all who were involved with Monitor over the years (from Morgan Beatty to JB Tucker) would be very happy with it. Congratulations. Jim Wilson June 13, 2005 Comments: Just a note to let you know that you did a great job on NPR. As one Monitor fan to another: Thanks! Don Spuhler June 13, 2005 Comments: I remember Monitor well. In the late 1960s I worked for an NBC radio station which carried Monitor, although not the full schedule, and sometimes "tape delayed" to the wee hours. This morning I heard and enjoyed the piece about Monitor's 50th which ran on NPR's Weekend edition (Sunday 6/12). It was great to hear the Monitor Beacon again. Yes, the sound was unlike anything else on radio and so was an appropriate symbol for the program.... but it served another purpose as well that you may have missed. Because the Beacon had no apparent beginning or end ... no "tune" ...a local station could fade into or out of it at any time without appearing to "upcut" the music. This allowed for several seconds of play when joining or leaving the network for local programming, something that was important at a time when many stations had clocks which were not accurate to the second. Best wishes keeping the Monitor legacy alive. Kevin McCullough June 13, 2005 Comments: Hi, I enjoyed the NPR segment on Monitor this morning. NPR is certainly the heir-apparent to Monitor--the closest thing we have now. NPR would certainly do well to add some humor a la Bob and Ray and Nichols and May. I think I could keep tuned to the constant insurgent reports if we had some humor in between. Go for it NPR! We listened to Monitor constantly. In college, people would ask me how I knew so much (which was amazing since I skipped class a lot). The answer, though I seldom gave it, was easy. I listened to Monitor. In the late 50's, one afternoon washing the car with my Dad. Gen. Douglas MacArthur was being interviewed on Monitor. He said, "There will not be another world war, the next war will be with an enemy from another world." He then asserted that he had said too much and the interview was over quickly. Dad never quite got over that one. Thanks for you great web site. Rodney J. Ross Jr. Payson AZ June 13, 2005 Comments: Yes, I did, indeed, hear most of the first feed of NPR's Weekend Edition tribute to Monitor, on its golden anniversary. Who have thunk fifty years later THAT program would be remembered in any way, shape or form?!?!?!? A fella NY broadcaster and former colleague at ABC News dropped me a note saying he heard it and enjoyed it but wished they had used more sound from the nearly 20 years of broadcasts. Don't know how much they had to play with, but they obviously had a limited amount of air time in their own budget. I sort of suspected that you'd be in the mix somewhere and it did not take me long to realize, I WAS RIGHT!!! So congratulations to you, who always gives us the kudos, for getting the word out to National Public Radio!!! Best wishes, Bob June 13, 2005 Comments: I was exposed to your Monitor Memories via NPR the morning and I thought I would like to share a few memories. I listened to Monitor on WLW "The Nation's Station" in Cincinnati and I remember hearing that first broadcast as a result of Jim Fleming's promoting it on the "Today" show. In those days I listened to WLW a lot since they would simulcast many of their live daily local WLW-T TV shows on radio. The most famous of these was Ruth Lyon's Fifty-Fifty club which was a 5 day a week pioneer talk TV and entertainment show with live music done in a radio studio with an audience and it fit nicely into their news and variety format which they kept for many years with some MOR or highly "clean" music at other times. Weekend Monitor fit in perfect. One other memory which I captured on tape and which partly fell into the Monitor Format by happenstance was the Assassination and funeral of JFK. Of course, this included the shooting of Oswald. This tape along with the rest of my collection will be stored at a radio archive library located in the former Voice of America Transmitter Building in Bethany Ohio, run by Media Heritage Inc. I once took the NBC tour after Monitor was established and I recall seeing Radio Central which was built in front of their main switching board. I saw that in 1953 on a previous tour. Jim Sicking Cincinnati, Ohio June 13, 2005 Comments: Dennis: I heard and recorded Sunday's NPR show. You did a tremendous job - congratulations! Jack Shelley Ames, Iowa June 12, 2005 Comments: I was interested to hear an NPR interview today with Dennis Hart on "Monitor." My father, Everard W. Meade, was a close friend and colleague of Pat Weaver's and helped him launch the program. Elizabeth (Meade) Howard Charlottesville, Virginia June 12, 2005 Comments: Here it is: Monitor's 50th anniversary. Trouble is: it's being celebrated on NPR and not on NBC, and, of course, not on Monitor. Well, we can celebrate it. Of the communicators and personalities on the very first program that Sunday, June 12, 1955, I think only Don Russell survives. And of the communicators on Monitor's first Saturday, June 18, 1955, probably only Hugh Downs is still alive. I don't want to forget the people behind the scenes, especially Monitor's guiding spirits: Pat Weaver and it first executive producer Jim Fleming (the man who gave Monitor its name). They had great ambitions for Monitor. I don't think anything has ever equaled its ambitions. No program on radio or television has ever had the scope of Monitor. Not just news, but music, comedy, philosophy, from all over the world, all in one program that took over an entire weekend, each and every weekend (at least in the beginning). See what desperation can breed. I'm not certain Monitor would have ever happened if network radio's situation wasn't so dire in 1955. Weaver didn't just throw away the radio clock, he threw away all the constrains of discrete programs that radio had developed. As Fleming suggested in an early memo, Monitor was not really a radio program, it was more of an information service. It really wasn't a bad idea. Maybe its time will come again. Louis Castaing Metaire, Louisiana June 12, 2005
Comments: I left the radio tuned to NPR (which I usually listen to on Saturday nights, anyway) so I could catch the segment (about Monitor's 50th anniversary on this date). I heard it at 6:50 a.m., and again at 8:50. It was nicely done, albeit too brief (of course). Anyway, the 50th anniversary is duly noted with both smiles and tears here, and lots of places; that NPR piece, I'm sure, helped see to that. Kenneth Johannessen June 12, 2005 Comments: Truly outstanding (the NPR story about Monitor's annniversary that aired on this date). George Mason Fresno, California June 12, 2005 Comments: Dennis, Great job on the NPR story! I heard the plug Saturday morning, and then heard the whole thing this morning before 7. Pat Dodds Fresno, California June 12, 2005 Comments: Hi, Just a short not to compliment you on the new look for the Monitor Tribute Pages. It's a much cleaner design, no that the former look was bad. The new look is just easier to read. I'm one of the lucky people who called Brad Crandall a friend. I was writing and producing for CBS TV promotion when I met Brad and he continued to be the primary voice for all of my spots until his death. We spent a lot of time at Marina del Rey in Southern California watching the sailing boats and recalling the great days of Monitor. Thanks to you, I get a chance to hear Brad's work every so often. Thanks for a wonderful site. Kind regards, Bob Curtis Malibu, California June 12, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis, I just finished listening to the piece about Monitor on its 50th anniversary on NPR's Weekend Edition. I thought it was very well-produced. This is quite a day for those of us who care about radio including its history. It is hard to believe that it is 50 years later. Despite that fact, Monitor means as much to so many of us as it did when we first heard it. It's websites like yours that keep the memory of great radio alive -- especially at a time when this is needed. Happy anniversary and keep up a great website for a program that deserves it. Larry Stoler June 12, 2005 Comments: Congratulations, Dennis! I just heard your interview on NPR this morning. You sounded great and they did a great job with the piece. I loved hearing it. Hope all is well and thanks for the memories! Joe Ram June 12, 2005 Comments: Dennis: One word to describe the new look to the "Monitor Tribute Pages": Fantastic! The new look is much, much better than the original design and layout. It was great to see the blending of red and blue, in honor of NBC's "Red" (WEAF/WRCA/WNBC, 660 on your dial) and "Blue" (WJZ, 770 on your dial) radio networks. With both the anniversary and the NPR "Weekend Edition" feature on "Monitor", I suspect there will be a big spike in the number of visitors to your website. In an ideal world, this afternoon (June 12th), after the 4 P.M. (EDT) NBC/MSNBC radio news headlines, listeners to dozens of radio stations coast-to-coast would have heard an electronic sounder full of blips and beeps, and NBC president Jeff Zucker would have intoned: "Sunday, June 12th, 4 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time". Katie Couric would then have added "Fifty years ago, June 12th, 1955, at this very hour, radio's greatest program premiered". Lester Holt would have then stated "Today, June 12th, 2005, at this hour, radio's greatest program returns". Then Brian Williams would have continued "Ladies and Gentlemen, 'Monitor' Is Back! Going places and doing things, this is 'Monitor 2005'!". Sadly, such a broadcast will not occur today. Best Wishes, Joseph Gallant June 12, 2005 Comments: I have just tuned into Monitor-mania, and am very excited. This show was an integral part of my youth, from the time when I dreamed of going places and doing things until the days when, in fact, I did. I am reading Dennis Hart's excellent book right now. It came at a perfect time because I am in bed recovering from leg surgery. I listen to the excerpts and read along. Sincerely, Keith Runyon in Louisville. Still going places and doing things. June 11, 2005 Comments: Hi, I'm 53 years old and as a kid I spent many, many happy hours on "the Monitor beacon". I am going to eat this site up. I sat here and almost cried listening to the beacon again. I played it over and over about three times, and I think I'll play it a few more. Thanks for putting this site up. Doug Coyle June 1, 2005 Comments: Dear Dennis, It was one of those 4 AM moments: The face (and certainly the voice) of a former beau named Brad Crandall suddenly filled my consciousness. I haven't thought of "my old flame" for a great many years. Out of bed, into the den, fire up the PC and Google Brad Crandall. Your site appears, and within minutes, I am listening to Brad's voice from his June 16, 1968 MONITOR broadcast. The miracle of technology. Of course, your site is extremely interesting and I have forwarded the URL to several friends who will agree. I wonder if it's at all possible to gather additional information about Brad. When he left NYC, I believe he worked in Los Angeles, possibly at the NBC affiliate there. I lost track of him, but heard he'd married. Then a casual mention somewhere that he'd passed away. Do you have any idea how I may verify any of this? I am saving my Dave Garroway story for another time. With kindest regards, Carol Sloane May 31, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis. What a fascinating exhibit for the month of May (the audio of the Monitor "practice" show that was sent closed-circuit to NBC Radio affiliates in May '55). A very interesting preview of what Monitor might sound like before it hit the air in June of 1955. I thought Bob and Ray's takeoff on shortwave radio was very funny and was a sign of things to come for them. I was wondering if Monitor ever did the contest after the program began on the NBC Radio Network? Thanks again for a rare audio treat. Larry Stoler May 13, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis! What a GREAT piece of radio history. Thanks for sharing that closed circuit "practice." Terry Morgan (GEC) May 6, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis! Another fantastic piece of vintage audio that had not been available to the public until now! It's interesting to note the differences between this practice hour and an actual hour of "Monitor" as we remember it. The beginning of the hour, with the mix of the "Monitor" beacon and the Naval Observatory time signals, and the somewhat pompous introduction are something I'm glad was changed in the actual program. The top-of-the-hour news was also shorter than it would be once "Monitor" went on the air. The Bob and Ray bit spoofing overseas shortwave remotes was hilarious (as was everything else they ever did)! I would think that once "Monitor" went on the air, they did this routine for real on the show. Also, NBC got lucky when they featured a young John Chancellor reporting from Chicago in this dry-run, considering his later success as a correspondent and anchorman for the network. I suspect that Art Van Damme's quintet was actually in NBC's old Chicago studios at the Merchandise Mart for the dry run, pretending to be performing at a Chicago nightclub. Although there would be format changes by the time "Monitor" premiered, even in this 'dry run", much of the show's format that millions would listen to every weekend was already there. I wonder what audio you'll be featuring in June?? Best Wishes, Joseph Gallant May 3, 2005 Editor's note: Joseph is referring to the May 2005 audio offering on the Sounds of Monitor page -- of an NBC Radio closed-circuit "practice" Monitor show -- produced, but not aired, one month before Monitor's debut in June 1955. Comments: Good morning, Dennis: I finally got the chance last night to listen to Pat Weaver's closed-circuit preview of Monitor fifty years ago this month (April 2005). Why did it seem to me that we could--should--be listening in on something very similar today? Everything he said about the Monitor "service" --what it will sound like, what it will do for the network's revenues--are things you can imagine hearing a current-day network exec pitching to his affiliates. If only someone out there today had Mr. Weaver's vision, that is. Thomas J. Frieling Bainbridge College April 22, 2005 Editor's note: You got it, Tom. Mr. Weaver was so far ahead of everyone else in his vision of a network radio service -- that, indeed, his ideas would work TODAY -- as they did so well, 50 years ago, with Monitor -- the program that literally saved the NBC Radio Network for the following 20 years. Compare his vision with the state of radio today, and you'll understand how far ahead of the curve he was. Comments: Hi, Dennis, I returned to the website after some time away, and as usual greatly enjoyed all the new "stuff." It never ceases to amaze me what people remember, and are willing to share. I listened to the Brad Crandall excerpt again tonight. He was one of my all-time favorites while at WNBC so many years ago. His show was usually on Monday-Friday evenings, 8-11 or 9-12 if memory serves. I loved his voice, the way he conversed with callers, how he reacted when he got angry with a caller, how he related so incredibly well to his audience. But the best moment of a Brad Crandall show was his sign off- I don't remember exactly, but the imagery was, to me, nothing less than profound. I think it went something like this: "...until next time, when we sit down by the tracks, open up a can of beans, watch the trains go by, and talk about this crazy world in which we live... this be Brad Crandall saying, 'good night...my friend.'" I am amazed that, after all these years, I still remember the gist of that, and when I close my eyes, hear his voice saying it. I don't recall if he ever used that to close a Monitor show. But if anyone of our fellow Monitor fans can quote the exact sign-off... or better, if anyone might have it on audio... I'd be so appreciative if you would share it with me. Best Regards, Randy Allan Krakower Lumberton, NJ April 9, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis, The April entry on the Sounds of Monitor page is fascinating to say the least. Obviously Mr. Weaver understood the potential of radio. He also knew what needed to be done to save the NBC radio network. In other words he was willing to take a risk. He did and it worked. Thank you for bringing us the beginning of what would be a 20-year run of wonderful radio. Larry Stoler April 1, 2005 Comments: Dennis: The closed-circuit "Monitor" audio presentation by Sylvester "Pat" Weaver and Jim Fleming was well worth the wait! Anyone who doubts that Pat Weaver was the most innovative executive in broadcasting history needs to listen to this recording. And I can't wait for May, when you'll be posting audio of a "sample" hour of "Monitor" recorded a month before the program (or "service", as Pat Weaver called it) officially premiered. It will be interesting to hear how this "sample" hour was similar to and different from the "Monitor" that millions of Americans listened to every weekend for two decades. Best Wishes, Joseph Gallant April 1, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis! The closed circuit announcement that was fed to NBC stations by Pat Weaver is a piece of broadcasting history. Thank you for allowing us to "re-live" something most of us never before heard! Terry Morgan (GEC) April 1, 2005 Editor's note: Terry is referring to the April 2005 featured audio on the "Sounds of Monitor" page (audio from April 1955). Comments: Dear Dennis: Thanks for Monitor Memories. I am a 66 year old lifelong radio fan remembering the Golden Age of Radio, and being interested in all the changes since then. I am still interested in old radio programs and also radio gear. Last year, I acquired an excellent-looking 1924 RCA made by Monitor's parent company, and I worked in RCA's radio and TV production facilities in Indianapolis, IN for 9 years until 1975. Being a small-town lad in South Dakota which had not one TV station as of when I graduated from high school there, radio was a huge window to the world for me, and Monitor was very exciting to me when it began, and still is. I listened to it on KELO, Sioux Falls, days and a number of stations from Texas to Illinois booming across the wide-open prairies at night. Moving to Grand Rapids, MI in 1956 to attend college, I listened to it on WOOD of that city and WMAQ (may those call letters RIP) Chicago, IL. I could go on but so can all of you reading this. Thanks again for the site, and of course I could listen to Monitor-type programming, whether weekends or weekdays, days or nights. Regards, Andy Ooms Pine, AZ March 30, 2005 Comments: Dear Dennis, He was one of the "originals"! Never forgot Ted Brown in afternoon drive on WNEW-AM, then Edward Brown with the news....what a team! Those were "the days that were"! Doug Spero March 21, 2005 Comments: I found your website through a Google search. This morning, my local radio station mentioned the passing of Ted Brown. I wanted to confirm that sad event and so used Google. And here in your Guest Book, several guests are noting Ted’s passing over the weekend. Speaking as an avid radio listener, I will always remember Ted Brown very fondly. He never failed to make me laugh and feel better. He had a wonderful sense of humor that came through no matter the radio station and its format. In particular, I vividly recall his signature piece during his heyday – that is, the playing of David Rose’s recording of The Stripper while Ted exhorted the women in his listening audience to get up and dance. He always found a way to make it fresh, especially for his famous “size 8” gal. Far from being sexist, Ted’s Stripper was meant to make us feel free and better. From time to time, he would even try to get his male listeners into the groove. Obviously, no matter how many times I heard this routine, Ted always brought a smile to my lips, whether or not I was up and dancing about. It’s sad to learn of yet another wonderful radio personality leaving us. We will never see his kind again. Farewell, Ted. Wherever you go, the good times and the laughs will always follow. Lucille Mathers New York City metro area March 21, 2005 Comments: My name is Bobby Lowich and I rode Captain Teddy in my cab for close to three years. I once came up with a pun that Terrible Teddy liked so much he had me do it on the air via a phone call --it went like this, and it was all mine. Bobby: Ted, what is the definition of a sun worshiper? Ted Brown: I give up--- what is a sun worshiper? Bobby: A JEWISH MOTHER! Ted Brown was a super talent, and I know lots of us will always remember him, Laura the Moose and the Stripper! Bobby Lowich March 21, 2005 Comments: Ted Brown was truly one of a kind and head and shoulders above just about everyone else in the business. Suzanne Lavalle Bothamley March 21, 2005 Editor's note: Ms. Bothamley was a key member of the Sunday afternoon Monitor crew during the time Ted Brown hosted that segment. Comments: I'm saddened to learn of Ted Brown's passing. He is an icon of NYC (and national) radio. Like Larry, I fondly remember Ted on one of the WCBS-FM DJ greats specials. I believe Ted disliked rock and roll; but he did a great version of a shouting Top 40 jock while on WCBS-FM that day. I thought it was hilarious! He also did his regular, great communicating that day. Terry Morgan (GEC) March 21, 2005 Comments: I am truly sorry to hear this sad news, Dennis (about Ted Brown's death). There are not many Monitor hosts still with us, are there? Tom Frieling March 21, 2005 Editor's note: As of this writing, we are still blessed with the presence of former Monitor hosts John Bartholomew Tucker, Jim Lowe, Ed McMahon, Joe Garagiola, Hugh Downs, Monty Hall, Don Russell, Barry Nelson, Cindy Adams, Dan Daniel, Dick Shepard and Don Imus (and perhaps others as well.) Comments: Hi, Dennis, I was very sorry to learn of the death of Ted Brown. I first heard Ted on the former WMGM when he did mornings. The station would change to WHN and the format from rock and roll to middle-of-the-road in 1962. As you know, he spent many years at the former WNEW-AM. In addition, there were all the times he appeared on Monitor as you have showcased on your website. The last time he was on the air was during a couple of the Rock and Roll Radio Greats Reunion weekends on WCBS-FM. These were held every few years beginning in 1984 while Joe McCoy was program director of the station. On a specific weekend, the great jocks of New York radio especially from the '60s would appear on the air and do a few hours where they would play music and talk about some of their favorite memories and stories from that time period. Ted as I said did appear on a couple of them. Although his history was not necessarily about rock and roll, he sounded great there too. People like Ted Brown who showed us how to communicate and talk to the audience and not at them are needed more than ever on the radio. At least he died peacefully and he will not suffer any longer and we can always have memories of a great talent who cared about people and did good things for radio. Larry Stoler March 20, 2005 Comments: Ted Brown has a special place in my heart. He was terrific to me when I was 15 and visited NBC...and really, one of the best 'personalities" ever. Am very sad to hear this. Peter King March 20, 2005 Comments: I was saddened to hear about Ted Brown (who passed away today). I always enjoyed his Sunday afternoon segments even though by the early 70s it wasn’t really Monitor anymore. But it was radio with a fantastic New York radio personality. That blooper clip on the site with Ted coming out of the news shows how imperturbable and quick he was, and at ease with the audience. And here in New Orleans where those big-time New York radio signals have a tough time being heard, it was something to treasure. I checked around the Web and found out that, after WNBC, he worked for WNEW again up until 1989 and then for a station in New Jersey, WVNJ, until 1996 when he suffered a stroke and was incapacitated. His stint on Monitor was brief but everyone who was listening between 1970 and 1972 remembers it. When they said on WNEW, “Blessed with America’s Best,” they might have been speaking of the music, but I include Ted Brown. One of the truly great radio personalities. Louis Castaing Metairie, Louisiana March 20, 2005 Comments: My name is Duncan Holmes, and I'm a Monitor fan from way back. I reside in Fredericksburg, Texas, am a professional musician and just happen to be totally blind, but that doesn't stop me in my work nor as a family man. I was a kid in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Hyattsville, Maryland, when I first heard Monitor. At the time, I was only eight, and what did I know anyway? But in 1962, I was really lamenting the demise of network radio programming; only news, sports, "The Breakfast Club", Arthur Godfrey, Art Linkletter and Gary Moore were on, besides Monitor. So, I'd listen, mainly on Saturdays and sometimes on Sundays, to the program on Washington's WRC Radio. I kept hearing the show till I got into college, and since I attended music conservatory in a small town with lousy stations and bad quality hookups, I didn't hear the show as much. But I would hear it upon my return home. Unfortunately, my interest in the show waned a bit more as I graduated and moved away. But I did hear about the last show and again, was saddened that an era had come to an end. Thanks for this site. Regards, Duncan Holmes March 12, 2005 Comments: Hi there, This is a very impressive website. I'm only in my early 40's but can remember Gene Rayburn, Bill Cullen and Joe Garagiola Saturday mornings. The sound of the Beacon reminded me of being with my father on the way for a haircut or some other errand. It was heard on 850 WJAC radio in Johnstown, PA. It's one of Pat Weaver's creations that seems to have been overlooked. Until now! Keep up the good work. Brian Wolfe WKYE Johnstown, PA March 12, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis! As excited as I am about hearing the full hour of Henry Morgan from a 1969 Sunday-afternoon "Monitor" broadcast, (the March audio offering on the "Sounds of Monitor" page) I can't wait for April, when you'll be featuring the actual closed-circuit address made by Sylvester "Pat" Weaver announcing the premiere of "Monitor." As far as I know, this will be the first time ever that a recording of that announcement will be available to the general public! Best Wishes, Joseph Gallant February 28, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis, I wrote to you sometime back about my memories of Monitor during the late 60's and early 70's. I just wanted to compliment you on the Gene Rayburn hour being featured this month. The quality is fantastic...just like listening to it live. I dubbed it from my computer to minidisk for future listening enjoyment. It would be great if Monitor could make a comeback. In my opinion, it would work best on stations that have a news-talk format. The programming on these stations, for the most part, tend to differ on weekends and are quite dependent on satellite fed programming. There are some newstalk stations that have an entirely different format on weekends. One example is a FM station in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina that recently switched from country to newstalk. On the weekends, the station airs smooth jazz music all day, both Saturday and Sunday. What do you think of a revamped Monitor that features smooth jazz along with the interviews, features, and news? It seems to me it would work on newstalk stations wanting to do something different on weekends and still keep with their main format. I would be very interested in reading what my fellow Monitor fans thought about this idea. Thanks and keep up the great work on the website. Lew Bode February 24, 2005 Comments: Hi, Dennis, As always, a great example of Monitor is displayed this month with Gene Rayburn. One of the most interesting parts of this aircheck in my opinion is the newscast by Russ Ward. It brings back many memories of what was going on in the world at that time and shows how much the NBC Radio Network is missed today. Keep up the tribute site to a program and a time in radio that deserves it. So many of us appreciate and enjoy it. Larry Stoler February 24, 2005 Comments: Hello, As a kid growing up in the '60s, I heard MONITOR every Saturday night for several years on the way to our Grandmother's house. I ended up in radio myself, although I'm not currently really working in it much. There really isn't anything like MONITOR today on the radio. What I always wanted to know ever since I heard the program for the first time was how and where did the actual "beacon sound" cue originate? Was it artificially produced? Was it the actual sound of transmitter equipment? I guess the "beacon cue" on MONITOR is what I remember most about the program. If you would let me know, you would solve a mystery for me that's some 40 years old. Jeff Z of Dayton, Ohio February 23, 2005 Editor's note: You can discover the "secret" of the Beacon on this website. Just click on the "Monitor's History" link and scroll down the page. Comments: Hi, Dennis, It is nice to see that Monitor is still remembered by so many people. This, of course, is proven by your 80,000+ hits on the website.&nbs |