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| Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk presents "Radio Silence" Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University presents "Radio Silence" Charles Laquidara [live via Skype], Billy Costa, Julie Kramer, and Henry Santoro; moderated by John Laurenti. Thursday, September 13, 6:30-8 pm. C. Walsh Theatre at Suffolk University, 55 Temple Street, Boston, MA. WBCN was the original, superstar-establishing, DJ-controlled rock station that showed how excellent rock radio could be when you let the DJs curate the offerings. As independent radio station WFNX is sold to Clear Channel this year, Bostonians wonder how rock radio has become a corporation-controlled industry and whether internet and digital radio can avoid the same fate. DJs Charles Laquidara (WBCN), Billy Costa (KISS 108), Julie Kramer (WFNX, Radio BDC), and Henry Santoro (WFNX, Radio BDC) tell moderator John Laurenti, a New England radio mainstay for over 25 years, about the changes they are adapting to in the new world of music business. We'll hear how WBCN's rise and fall foretold industry changes, the story behind the end of WFNX, and what the rebirth of independent rock radio might look like. Further background information on participants: Billy Costa Raised in Cambridge, Costa began DJing at a local nightclub before joining the Emerson College radio station. In 1980, Costa approached KISS 108 with the idea of reporting on lifestyle and entertainment news. Having proven the audience appeal for Hollywood information, Costa has been at KISS ever since. Costa hosts the daily Entertainment Updates, provides live broadcasts from major events like the Grammys, and hosts the "KISS Top 30 Countdown." He also hosts TV Diner, a restaurant review program on NECN. Costa secured an Emmy nomination for an Evening Magazine Special on WBZ-TV and won a Children's Television Award for Rap Around. Julie Kramer Julie Kramer had been a part of the WFNX team for over a decade. The highlight of the Karma Queen's morning show was the "Leftover Lunch" with music from the1980s and 1990s. Kramer is now a DJ on Boston.com's new Radio BDC blog. Charles Laquidara Charles Laquidara began his DJing career in the 1960s as a classical music announcer at KPPC-FM in California. During that time, a columnist for the local newspaper called attention to Laquidara's unusual "freeform" style, including his dramatic pauses and repetition of music he liked. In 1969, he was offered a shift at WBCN, and in 1972, Laquidara took over the morning shift, which he dubbed "The Big Mattress." He was there for almost 25 years and pioneered a new kind of FM broadcasting: a shifting cast of on-air personnel that created a show of music, news, discussion, and humor. From 1996 to 2000, Laquidara hosted The Charles Laquidara Radio Hour on WFNX. He retired to Hawaii and continues the legacy of "The Big Mattress" through blogging. Laquidara is a member of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. John Laurenti Born in Dorchester, John Laurenti has been part of the New England radio scene for 25 years. In the mid 1980s, John attended radio school and worked as an announcer at an AM station in Framingham. He later moved to the FM dial, spending much of his career on air in Providence and in Boston as the Afternoon Drive Host. Laurenti joined WUMB as the Music Director in June 2008. Henry Santoro Award-winning radio presenter Henry Santoro was News Director and Morning Show co-host for WFNX from 1983 to earlier this year. Santoro has reported breaking news stories ranging from the AIDS crisis to the tragedy of 9/11 to the election of America's first African-American president. Santoro also hosted regular features on everything from cooking (Henry's Hotplate) to community events (Henry in the Hub). Santoro is now a DJ on Boston.com's new Radio BDC blog. write your comments about the article :: © 2012 Jazz News :: home page |