The Industry Celebrates National Radio Day

Radio allows audiences worldwide to access music, talk shows and information, but it also provides a human connection, reports The Orlando Sentinel.

“When we put a caller on the air, and someone else hears the experiences … or difficulties that they’re facing, they realize that they’re not alone,” said Johnny Magic (real name John Hill), host of Johnny’s House on iHeartMedia's 106.7 FM.

And that connection is something Hill feels many people need amid the coronavirus pandemic, which is limiting travel and keeping many close to home. Luckily, most places are within reach of a radio signal, according to Kayonne Riley, director of WUCF 89.9 FM.

“Even in the middle of the ocean, you can pick up a radio signal,” she said. “Radio is free. It’s easily accessible.”

Johnny Magic

Hill and Riley shared their thoughts about radio, their shows/stations and why people should listen in honor of National Radio Day today.

Johnny Magic has been reaching Central Floridians from XL106.7 for 30 years — first with Doc and Jonny, followed by Johnny and Jade and now with Johnny’s House, which he describes as a fun, entertaining show.

“A lot of stuff is going on in the world today. We just try to keep it light and just have fun in the morning,” he said.

Hill hosts his morning show — which airs 6-10 a.m. weekdays — with Brian Grimes, Sondra Rae, Selena and Detroit. The group discusses entertainment, local happenings and more. They also take listeners’ calls and engage audiences in competitions.

Johnny Magic believes listening to local radio is important because it’s tailored to communities.

Kayonne Riley

“We research what you want to hear right here,” he said. “If you’re listening to the national show, the syndicated show, they may never come to town. We’re your neighbors, we’re your friends and we’re here to get up every morning to entertain you.”

Riley not only works for WUCF, but she also teaches radio programming and production for the Nicholson School of Communication and Media at University of Central Florida. She can trace her love of the medium back to her childhood when she listened to the radio during car rides or picked up faraway stations from her attic bedroom in Texas.

At Texas A&M University, she worked at the student radio station KANM before landing her first job at KAMU. In 1994, she accepted a position at WUCF, where she continues her 34-year radio career today.

“In Orlando, we’re very fortunate,” she said. “We’ve got oodles of formats to serve our diverse populations.”