Ken Keller began his career in radio
broadcasting in the 1950's. And he doesn't regret a moment of it.
Ok, maybe a few moments
Born in Toledo, he came to Columbus to attend Ohio State, and on nice days, when nothing else was happening, he did.
Ken soon discovered he was perfectly suited for work in broadcasting: willing to take abuse from listeners and station managers alike, while working impossible split shifts for the minimum wage of a dollar an hour.
As a broadcaster, Ken had the unique experience of watching one era end as two others began.
Nighttime network radio, with its galaxy of stars that included Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Amos 'n Andy, and so many more, was coming to a close.
Local radio, stripped of its network support, was struggling to arrive at the "music, news, and weather" format that was to see it through until the birth of talk radio.
At the same time, the emergence of network TV was pulling advertising dollars away from private radio and setting the stage for conglomerate station ownership.
At precisely this juncture, Ken arrived at his first station, armed with an audition tape and a passion for broadcasting.
Through this rollicking, coming-of-age story, find out how a young college boy turns into a man amidst the chaos and comedy of local radio.
From building "stacks of wax," to reading live commercials, to color-casting Ohio State football games, there was little in the world of broadcast that couldn't be bungled.
And though the times of independent radio are all but fond memories, Monkey on a Turntable is a tribute to the past and a great reference for broadcasters of the future..
Price: $8.50
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