KBAB Radio, Indianola, Iowa Tribute

This is a brief tribute to the first radio station to hire me in 1977, KBAB, Indianola, Iowa. In my first 15 minutes on the air, all my radio dreams disintegrated into a pool of flop sweat. But, by the end of my shift, I had learned how to backtime into at least two network segments, and found the importance of focusing on what element is coming up next. I was only there a little over a year, but KBAB prepared me for the big time at Great Country KSO. Thank you Shari Milner, Brian Thomas, and, yes, it is his real name, Jim Beam, for your patience and guidance. I will never talk over the entire intro of Thelma Houston's "Don't Leave Me This Way" again, except in my 1970's memories.

[@PeabodyPotts]

Steve... I remember you building that studio.... and fixing the old one...and doing mornings...you're a man of many talents! And thanks Cal for posting.

[@nanbrown5627]

Thanks for the tour with the jingle package, Cal. I had seen the still shots on the Des Moines Broacasting website, but the jingles make it great! The was the first set of studios I ever built (in 1976?). Jim Beam called me from out of the blue tonight-- it was a cool surprise to hear from him in over 30 years, and he told me about this youtube site. Steve Brown

[@garybartlett8161]

I did the evening shift to sign off my senior year in high school 1978. Hired under Ron Jameson.
Jim Simpson and Ron Howard were the morning and afternoon drive guys.
I loved helping with Friday night football and basketball games with Bob Sandy doing the play by play and listening for commercial breaks for station ID and sportman club member commercial. Went by Gary Scott. (My first and middle name)

[@donvandiepen1810]

The building and tower are still in place but look unused. Anyone know the status or future? What's left of the studio equipment and transmitter? Sure love to see it back on the air.

[@jeanneedson5307]

Hi! Did you ever work at KBAB? I just showed this to my mom who worked there 1983-84.