November 2, 2020, marked the 100th anniversary of the first commercial radio broadcast. Radio broadcasts have delivered lifesaving information during emergencies, entertained us with music and stories, provided us with broadcast sports, and made us feel connected to our communities, listeners have always counted on the radio to be there for them. FDR’s Radio ‘Fireside Chats’ kept Americans informed and connected.
Huntley Community Radio (HCR) is celebrating its own anniversary this year. James Eggers, Executive Direct of HCR, said, “We are rolling out an entirely new music format. We have changed our music library to specifically cater to the 45-year-old and up demographic. Basically, we are playing all the songs most people will actually recognize.”
HCR is an all-volunteer-run radio station that broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days per week, 365 days per year with a variety of programs. Huntley Community Radio is now broadcasting as WHRU-LP on 101.5 FM. Also, all HCR programs are simulcast over the internet, so listeners who have internet access anywhere in the world will be able to listen to HCR.
How does HCR get its volunteers? Lori Lindahl answered that question.
Lindahl said, “I went in for a quick tour of the studio and came out with a job.”
Eggers said, “She hosts the ‘Country Classics’ country music show.”
Kevin Fenner hosts the After-Hours Show. Fenner said, “It’s so unusual to have a community radio station in a town the size of Huntley. It is an opportunity for community members to participate in broadcasting. Since I had enjoyed doing a radio show in college, some 50 years ago, I was able to fulfill a dream of doing it again. Not only do I get the thrill of being on the air again, but I’m told that people in the audience are enjoying it. What a wonderful thing to do.”
Mike Ptak hosts Blues Is My Business. Ptak said, “I have listeners from Canada to Texas, even as far as the Netherlands. All made possible by streaming.”
How did the radio station get its start?
Eggers said, “Things just fell into place. Allan Pollack, the executive director at the start, put the pieces together. He was able to secure a building previously used for office space for the Huntley Park District. Jim Carollo, also one of the founding fathers worked as the Chief Engineer for WGN radio. WGN was moving their office in the Tribune Tower from the 1st to the seventh floor. They were not moving their equipment. WGN donated all the equipment that is being used for the radio station. At the same time FCC, which has a special class of radio licenses called Low Power FM Radio to create opportunities for more voices to be heard on the radio. We were able to get apply and get a license.”
How many volunteers work at the station?
Eggers said, “We have five board members. We have 24 volunteers. We all do it because it’s fun. It’s the love of the work and we are proud of our product. We have had interns who we have to do actual radio work. They get a lot of experience with us and they have gone on to get jobs at radio stations.”
What other changes are they planning?
Eggers said, “We have a jingle for the station and that will be rolling out soon. Our motto is “Playing the greatest music of ALL time”.
Guests also frequent the station.
Eggers said, “We have had many guests, including local officials, and musicians. Ivy Ford, an up-and-coming artist of the Chicago blues, Recent interviews on our station have been Mitch Michaels of Chicago Radio fame, Jimy Sohns – lead singer of the Shadows of Knight (G.L.O.R.I.A), and Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers and even Steven Adler of Guns ‘n Roses.”
Eggers himself is no stranger to music.
Eggers answered, “I was in a band named, “The Town Cryers.’ We had a couple of 45 singles made. I have them displayed in my office, one titled ‘Flying on the Ground.’”
HCR can be found on your dial at 101.5 FM. You can listen to programs by visiting huntleyradio.com/hcr/ or downloading the app RadioMax.
Eggers said, “Don’t forget to sign up for our Facebook page. Jeff James a retired DJ takes requests for songs on his show SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE @ THE 70’S. You can listen to Jeff live every Saturday Night from 6 p.m. till midnight. You can request songs on the HCR’s Facebook page, or by calling in on 224-650-7620.”
