Categories: History

In The Mailbox: Derek Shannon

From reader Carl Watkins: What ever happened to Derek Shannon. I almost went to work for him in late 1975. I courted him for long time, got as close as KPOK/KUPL in Portland, Oregon, but then took a job in Salt Lake City instead. I talked to him numerous times on the phone and sent him airchecks. I wish I had taken the opportunity to meet him in person. So where is he now? Just reaching out – Carl Watkins

Our original post on Derek: April 1971 – If you have a first class ticket, a mature voice, are good at production, and have a few years in the biz, then read on. KTAC, Tacoma is looking for a man like you. We do prefer Northwest or West Coast men. KTAC is a 10,000 watt rocker at 85; and we’re number one. Rush resume, tape, and pic to: Derek Shannon, KTAC, Box 11335, Tacoma, Wash. 98411.

Carl: Jason mentioned to me that he thinks Derek worked with long-time reader Bill Ogden & would forward your comment to him. From Jason:

A former coworker of Derek’s says “Derek, I believe is still the principal owner of the at least two stations, 1 in Chehalis, the other an FM located near Winlock. 
His son Matt may be actually running the stations but I think Derek is sill alive and well and involved in the business.   His former wife married Dick Curtis.

Readers?

Mike Cherry

retired broadcaster: on-air, MD, PD, asst PD, Prod Mgr, IT, station technician/engineer, pioneer Internet webcaster, station installation/maintenance; 12 years in commercial radio, 17 years volunteer in campus/community radio in B.C., Alberta & Wash. Amateur radio operator & "DXer" specializing in AM night-time DX, short-wave DX/listening & remote SDR DXing/listening

Next The Television Code »

Previous « AM Radio Today: the FCC - the good, the bad & the ugly

View Comments

August 28, 2023 at QZVX

Double A Alan Archer says:

It’s August 2023 and Derek Shannon is still alive and a great guy who owns a couple of stations in Centralia WA, Live 95 (95.1 FM) and KITI (100.5 FM and 1420AM). You can stream both from Live95.com. Matt Shannon, his son, is the station manager of both. I’m Alan Archer and I’ve been in the biz since the 70’s and five years ago started working part time at the stations after I retired and moved to Chehalis WA.

Reply
- August 28, 2023 at QZVX
  
  Jason Remington says:
  
  Check our TALENT page for more bios of air talent past and present…https://qzvx.com/broadcasters/
  
  Reply