I was an odd kid. In more ways than one, I’m sure. When I was 12, 13 years old I’d listen to KDKA a lot, mainly because they were the flagship station for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Penguins. In time, I’d leave the station on after the games and post game shows to listen to the talk shows they broadcasted. They were nothing like all of these pervasive conservative right wing shows that flood our airwaves these days. They were shows that discussed pressing problems of the city, the area and the world. If they had any agenda it wasn’t apparent to me.

Now, before I returned to this area about 2 years ago, I’d been away for over 30 years, with the exception of visits. I understand that during my absence KDKA played around with their talk format and even carried the biggest racist on the airwaves, Rush Limbaugh, for awhile. I guess just about every company will do anything for money.

Well, I’ll still have those memories of the days when that station was an important beacon for the people of the area. All these asshole nut jobs on the radio today can’t take those memories away from me.