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TheRKO Radio Network was a commercialradio network that operated in the USA from 1979 to 1985. The network was a subsidiary of theRKO General broadcasting company.[1] It becameRKO Radio Networks when a second network was added in 1981. After subsequent mergers, its parent company rendered it defunct in 1994.
When it began operations on October 1, 1979, it was the first new full-service American radio network to be launched in 40 years. It was also the firstcommercial radio network to distribute programming entirely by satellite. RKO was popular from the start, signing up hundreds ofnetwork affiliate radio stations from coast to coast. Its base was the RKO General-owned radio stations in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other large markets. RKO initially purchased downlink satellite dishes for its affiliates, creating the nation's first satellite-delivered commercial radio network. Satellite distribution allowed high-fidelity (15 kHz) stereo programming to its affiliates.[clarification needed]
RKO 2 debuted on September 1, 1981, at which point the original network became known asRKO 1 and the two collectively becameRKO Radio Networks.
In 1985, the RKO Radio Networks were sold to theUnited Stations Radio Network after advertising billing scandals involving RKO came to light. United Stations was merged withTranstar Radio Networks to form Unistar Radio Networks in 1988.[2] Finally, in 1994, Unistar was absorbed byWestwood One, which switched its affiliates to theMutual Broadcasting System.
The newscasts, aimed at a young adult audience, had a conversational, high-energy style developed by co-founders Dave Cooke (Vice President and News Director) and Jo Interrante (Vice President of Programming). The original network fed newscasts at :50 repeated at :00.RKO 2 was aimed at an older audience, and fed newscasts at :20 repeated at :30. Both networks offered sportscasts, music, public affairs programming and closed-circuit affiliate feeds of news and sports correspondent reports.
The networks were home to three groundbreaking long-form programs.
The network aired the last interview withJohn Lennon, recorded atThe Dakota just hours beforehis death on December 8, 1980, by Dave Sholin, a San Francisco DJ, and scriptwriter/newscaster Laurie Kaye, with radio producer Ron Hummel, who put together many music specials for RKO.
The RKO Radio Networks were headquartered at 1440 Broadway in New York City, also the home of co-ownedWOR (AM). The offices were the former headquarters of theMutual Broadcasting System whenRKO General owned Mutual. RKO also staffed news bureaus inWashington, D.C., andLondon.
Among RKO Radio Network alumni are
