Four years later, Darrell’s career path expanded as he graduated into full-fledged engineering work, program development and operation management at local Southern California rock station, KROQ. Darrell’s dream of becoming an on air persona blossomed and lasted for 5 years at KROQ where he was known as “The Insane Darrell Wayne”–a typical title for the station’s DJs. KROQ reflected a free form broadcast style without limitations. The party-rock atmosphere that listeners experienced while listening in their cars or offices was just that in studio. Slews of musicians and guests swarmed the station along with family and friends. The result–a giant hangout crammed with unhampered personalities and no rules–24/7.
When it was time to leave the KROQ party, Darrell stayed in the industry and continued searching for more on-air opportunities. While vacationing in Lake Tahoe, California three years ago, he was unexpectedly approached by personnel at K-TAHO radio with a purchasing opportunity he couldn’t decline. His dream of having his own station stood before him, so despite the risk, he reached out and grabbed it. It wasn’t long until Darrell began outlining and organizing his upcoming plans for KTHO, Lake Tahoe. KTHO-Local Talk and Classic Rock currently features not only classic rock, but also new music from classic artists like Elton John and Duran Duran, a genre other stations don’t incorporate.
KTHO gives classic artists with new music a voice and a place back out on the radio waves. The station also focuses on the listeners as a part of the show. Without a 30-second time limit on caller commentary,, the station welcomes all opinions openly and encourages its listeners to participate and become part of the broadcast. In a resort area like Lake Tahoe where listeners come and go, Darrell plans to reach out to surrounding areas while expanding KTHO’s footprint, incorporating AM, FM and Internet options.
Darrell has taken some of his experiences from KROQ and applied them to KTHO. With new broadcast regulations the flexibility is much less, but Darrell works to give his listeners a wild, edgy atmosphere similar to that of KROQ in the 70s and 80s. The station also integrates artist interviews and has delegated a daily afternoon show that caters to personality freedom and listener experiences. Shows like “Nights with Alice Cooper” on Sunday nights and “House of Hair” with Dee Snider on Saturday nights offer relaxed, interactive talk shows for listeners that strive to put personality back into the broadcast.
Darrell is now taking his classic rock approach on the road. He’s created a new syndicated show called “The Latest From the Greatest”. “Classic Rock and New Wave artists need an outlet for airplay,” he explains. “That’s why we created ‘The Latest From the Greatest'”. We present a weekly syndicated feature that includes artist interviews, a weekly countdown, and a “Where Are They Now” feature where we uncover the current whereabouts of your favorite artists from the past. Other fun facts are revealed such as “How did the group get its name?” and “Where are they buried?”. According to Darrell, faithful listeners to the program will soon land the equivalent of a PhD in classic rock.
“In all my years in radio, very rarely has there come a time when new music by established artists has no place to go for airplay. I am hell-bent on correcting that void. Classic Rock and New Wave artists need an outlet for airplay. That’s why we have created The Latest From the Greatest,” he states.
KTHO currently streams online at www.kthoradio.com and is looking to be available on a national level.
