Each new morning, the same familiar voices we hear on our radio, for some, are part of a routine that begins our work day. On this morning, we were curious about those familiar voices and dropped in on Lakeland’s very own WPCV 97 Country. What we’d seen, that’s not usually seen, was a routine of work day fun-with sing-alongs.
As soon as we walked into the studio the nostalgic “ON AIR” bright light was flashing, indicating the DJ’s were live. As we opened the door we were immediately besieged by organized chaos. Laughter filled the room mixing with sounds of beeping lines as viewers called in. Each DJ seemed very busy, focusing on one task then the next.
It was evident that being a DJ was not a facile job. Instead, it was a job that involved multi-tasking and a quick wit.
It was amusing to watch the DJ’s take live phone calls, as this was the least scripted part of the broadcast. This was also the time when the DJ’s had to be the wittiest.
Fun Fact: The “live” phone calls are actually pre-recorded, for the times when even a witty DJ can’t salvage a call.
Amongst all the commotion in the studio were a DJ’s most important tools, computers and switchboards. It was mind-boggling looking at all the technology available today to put a live broadcast together.
Reminiscent of years gone by, Roger Todd shared his own experience of working as a DJ before technology. He spoke of the ancient eight track tapes and record players, and how he had to switch out music after each song. Present day technology allows DJ’s to easily schedule endless loops of playlists from a computer. However this requires a lot of editing, adding task to a DJ’s job description that didn’t exist 20 years ago.
DJ Trucker and Roger Todd were a lot of fun to hang out with and get to know. They really taught us a lot about radio and live broadcast. It was obvious after spending the day with them tha
t they both have a passion for what they do.
97.5 WPVC is owned by Hall Communications, also known as “Central Florida’s Big 4”, representing the four stations, WONN, WPCV, WLKF, and WWRZ. The founder of Hall Communications, Robert M. Hall, purchased his first station in 1964. Hall Communications has since expanded into 17 stations.
You can visit the WPCV gang anytime! Just tune into 97.5 FM
rnational, Inc.) goes above and beyond to help the people of Haiti.
rd was more than honored to be a part of helping this organization. “Steve Hendrix and I were extremely honored to have the opportunity to sell them a vehicle that met their specific needs. The work that CPI Haiti does is essential in the rebuilding of Haiti. We appreciate Kenny Ellis allowing Bartow Ford to be a part of their project.”
struction. Involving the Lakeland community in many of the reconstruction projects, CPI has helped start a local church and a free school which provides education for over 125 children.
Every child remembers their family vacations: the beach, the mountains, lake resorts or even the “Wild West”. For the Butterfield family vacations might have included all the above destinations, in the same trip. Traveling in Fords for over a decade, Dave, Karen, and their two children take a two-week trip across the Midwest almost every year.
Bloomington is a small town with a population of about 120 people, and it is nearly invisible on a map. However, it holds a long family history for the Butterfields and their relatives who meet annually for Memorial Day weekend.
for a “People’s Choice” award and the rare, restored P-51 fighters perform live aerial demonstrations.
