JEFF CAPLAN'S MY MINUTE OF NEWS
Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: A legendary radio station signs off
Aug 14, 2024, 9:00 PM
New York City's WCBS Newsradio, where Jeff Caplan used to work, is signing off. (Canva)
(Canva)
Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.
SALT LAKE CITY — The radio station in New York where I made my bones in this business announced this week it’s shutting down. A former colleague, Michael Wallance, announced his own layoff.
It’s WCBS Newsradio 880 in New York – once the most listened-to radio station in America. It will go silent.
The station I grew up listening to and imitating. As a kid, I’d hear their jingles and want to be the guy who talks right after.
I was 12 years old, but I thought it was so cool. So I worked and I strived and at 33 they invited me to sit in that chair. It was the thrill of a lifetime. From the momentous to the ridiculous.
This week, I’ve been getting emails and Facebook messages, this outpouring of wistfulness. I’ll probably get interviewed, but I feel kind of detached — being 2000 miles away in a better place. I have some distance and perspective, and yes, I got to live my childhood fantasy. But more important now, I recognize two things.
First, that time marches on without mercy. And second, that this wistfulness back east this week speaks to the power of radio as the soundtrack of people’s lives.
I recognize a radio station back east going dark doesn’t mean a thing in Utah, but I just feel like it’s important to thank you for listening and allowing us at KSL to be a part of your life. You have no idea how much it’s appreciated.
Jeff Caplan is the host of Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News on KSL NewsRadio. Follow him on Facebook and X.
