When Radio Was

Classics from the
Golden Age of Radio

KIXI Radio is proud to bring the best of the Golden Age of Radio to Seattle!

When Radio Was" airs Saturday and Sunday nights from 10pm to 12 midnight, and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights from 8pm to 9pm  on AM 880 KIXI, and online at www.kixi.com.  A Seattle favorite for years, "When Radio Was" showcases radio's Golden Age, with classic shows such as "The Shadow", "Father Knows Best", "Fibber McGee and Molly", "Gunsmoke", and "Dragnet", and unforgettable stars like Jack Benny, George Burns and Gracie Allen, bob Hope, Milton Berle, Orson Welles, and many others. 

Meet Greg Bell, the host of KIXI's "When Radio Was"
 
"I was born just after the 'Golden Age' of radio, so my discovery of 'The Shadow', 'Gunsmoke', 'Fibber McGee and Molly', 'Dragnet', Jack Benny, 'Suspense' and so many others came gradually, and usually late at night," says Greg. "Like all kids my age, I was spoiled by TV, but the power of the storytelling drew me in and I marveled at radio's ability to fully paint a picture with only audio as a brush."

Growing up in Central Illinois, nearly smack dab between St. Louis and Chicago, allowed Greg to enjoy both rich and rewarding radio markets. As a matter of fact, in one of those quirky coincidences, he developed his appreciation for old-time radio and historical trivia by listening to shows hosted by two of his professional predecessors -- the original "When Radio Was" host, Art Fleming, and the gentleman he now takes over the reins from on that show, Chuck Schaden.
 
Having graduated from the University of Illinois, where he studied theater and film, Greg Bell's broadcasting career began in his home state's capital, Springfield, Illinois.  Over the next twenty years (almost), he learned the radio business thoroughly through stints as a music DJ, news director, national talk show producer and program director in locations all around the country, including Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Boise, Idaho; and Washington, D.C.
 
Since 2002, Greg has served as program director and host of XM Radio's very popular old-time radio channel, "Radio Classics".

"Over the past few years, I have heard from many folks well under Jack Benny's age (39), who tell me how surprised and thrilled they are to discover how cool these shows are at 50, 60 even 70 years after they originally aired," says Greg.  "As the new host of 'When Radio Was', I hope I can continue to bring these wonderful nuggets from the past to a whole new audience, while also entertaining the long-term old-time radio fans as well."