Happy TGIF,
A Wilmington landmark came down this week.
The ramshackle building housed WILM in its glory days at 12thand French and more than a few people shed a tear with its passing.
WILM was the little radio station that could, employing an army of reporters in its heyday under the ownership of the Hawkins family.
I only stopped by only a few times at the creaky structure but felt a connection with the place. I was recruited by longtime news poohbah Allan Loudell to do a one-minute business report each day with no compensation, of course.
I did not mind. The Business Ledger came out once a month and we needed constant reminders of our existence on the other 30 days. It also sharpened my focus on breaking business news. Images below from former WILMer Mark Fowser.
Calling in the report was often an interesting experience, with the news staff “punking me” like a fraternity pledge. More than once, I was razzed for breaking one of the ancient cart recorders.
Sometimes my sense of humor wore thin, but I knew radio was a crazy business filled with people, like myself, who were not doing it for the money.
Meanwhile, the Ledger report managed to build an audience and name recognition for what one critic called “Doug Rainey’s Rag.”
More than one person told me that they knew they were late for work if they did not hear the report at a certain intersection.
The end of the report came when the station was bought for an impressive $4 million by Clear Channel (iHeart) and the format changed to talk. My prediction about being one conservative talk show host away from going off the air came true.
The good news is that WDEL has kept the news flame burning as Loudell and others moved over to the news and talk station. And in a development that will help ensure a longer future, WDEL added an FM signal.
Still, I will miss seeing the building that housed a remarkable news operation and a more remarkable group of people.
Have a great weekend. This humble newsletter returns on Monday. – Doug Rainey, Editor
