Looking to match success on airwaves

The "Tribute to the Troops" radio show has been the talk of the town ever since it aired on Veterans Day.

WRMN-1410 AM radio officials said they've heard nothing but positive feedback about the show that ran for five hours, featured politicians and special guests and allowed listener call-ins.

"It's just the sort of thing that I think touches the nerve of the community in the right time and the right way," said Rick Jakle, the station's president and CEO.

Moreover, the phone lines were jammed with callers throughout the show's run -- a rarity on a Sunday.

"And you know, Sunday afternoon is not prime listening time," quipped Jack Davis, the station's operations manager.

Building on the buzz that surrounded the show, its organizer, local publisher George Rawlinson, plans to create a regular presence on the local airwaves.

Station officials Tuesday agreed to let Rawlinson buy time for four shows he'll produce next year that focus on different topics.

And if they get the same enthusiastic response that greeted "Tribute to the Troops," officials are sure Rawlinson's future installments will be a smashing success.

"George is a bright guy and he's persistent and determined to put something together to make something viable," Davis said. "We'll see how this next one goes and I anticipate that it will do well."

Rawlinson will bring back author/auctioneer John Prigge and Elgin radio personality Jeff Myers to co-host the new shows -- men he called "great radio professionals."

Myers' and Prigge's voices should sound familiar because not only did the duo team up to salute veterans on "Tribute to the Troops," but for six years they also jointly anchored "Remembering Elgin," until the station canceled it three years ago.

"It's unfortunate that sometimes there is some programs we have to sacrifice when we take a look at the bottom line, but the fact of the matter is it's a commercial radio station," Davis said.

Rawlinson's next show will focus on and promote the fine arts scene and organizations in Elgin and the Fox Valley. He will buy the airtime and solicit advertising for each of them.

The idea with this show and the others he'll arrange is to serve all listeners within the station's range, not just those in Elgin.

"Whatever we do, the focus will be more than just Elgin," Rawlinson said. "We've got a big picture kind of concept."

That show, called "Spotlight on the Arts," airs March 30 and offers the same format as "Tribute to the Troops."

It, too, like the rest of his shows, will run five hours, feature special guests and allow listeners to phone in with their thoughts.

"We'll have everyone, from performers to producers, on there and maybe even a big name surprise guest or two," Rawlinson said. "That much I can guarantee you."