“Martin Block, host of WNEW’s ‘Make Believe Ballroom’ demonstrates his secret remedy for all-night partying.” That’s the caption that accompanied this photo in the book “Airwaves of New York,” from McFarland Books in 1998.
The Airwaves of New York
Illustrated Histories of 156 AM Stations in the Metropolitan Area, 1921-1996. Bill Jaker , Frank Sulek and Peter Kanze Foreword by Joe Franklin
Print ISBN: 978-0-7864-3872-3. 68 photos, bibliography, index 215pp. softcover (8.5 x 11) 2008 [1998]
http://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-3872-3
WNEW1130.com has no affiliation with McFarland Books.
WNEW had always been part of my life, starting in high school when I awoke to the tunes and comedy of Klavan and Finch. The WNEW habit continued after college and Army service when I tuned in for each evening drive. I had always admired, during a radio career, the creativity of the news writers and anchors, and daydreamed about being part of the station’s news staff someday.
One can only imagine the thrills received when Mike Prelee hired me as a freelance anchor, the first news intro over the celebrated ‘beeldle,’ and Mike Eisgrau giving me the additional opportunity to do street reporting.
I’m still grateful to these two wonderful guys for giving me the opportunity to be a small part of this wonderful radio station. The joy of also working with other professionals on staff was a once in a lifetime experience.
Five years spent freelancing there went by too quickly.