As this crazy year winds down, and our holiday plans are almost sure to be disrupted, there is one activity most of us will be engaged in over the next 10 days:
Watching holiday movies.
There are scores of great films, old and new, that remind us of the season. And in the middle of the pandemic and these precarious times, there is great comfort for many of us in enjoying these classic films.
And as we all enjoy doing at this time of year, we love to rank things. We love lists. So, what is the greatest holiday movie of all time? Opinions and traditions will vary, of course, but my Google search reveals a consensus winner, whether you check diverse sources like Esquire, EW or Thrillist:
It’s A Wonderful Life
The film is nearly 75 years-old, but resonates today. It’s the story of an ordinary guy, George Bailey, who spends his life helping and supporting others. And as director Frank Capra confirms for us throughout this iconic film, “All that you take with you is that which you’ve given away.”
I couldn’t help but be reminded of that universal message when I got the word that my friend, Dick Kernen, passed away last week. For those of you in the Midwest – especially here in Michigan – Dick was perhaps the most well-known figure in the world of Michigan radio. And across the country, Dick’s indelible impact affected thousands of careers – and the sound of hundreds of radio stations.
While most of us fixate on the trajectories of our own careers, Dick made his living and his reputation not on furthering his own standing, but being concerned about how all the rest of us were doing.
When I first was hired by WRIF in the mid-1970’s, PD Tom Bender was in charge of my Detroit radio “education.” Even though I’m a Motor City native and grew up listening to WRIF, there was so much I did not know. One of the first things Tom said to me was, “You’ve got to meet and spend some time with Kernen.”
Dick Kernen was WRIF’s first ever program director. He’s the one who discovered the talent of a young Arthur Penhallow, hiring him from a small station in Ann Arbor where he was working under the pseudonym, Cicero Grimes. It is not known whose idea it was for Art to go on the air at WRIF with his given name. It worked out pretty well. Arthur held court in afternoon drive at WRIF for more than four decades.
Last week, Art left this remembrance of Dick Kernen on his Facebook page:
“Without Dick, I might have never had the career I was so fortunate to have had! He is missed and nothing but fond memories remain!”
Despite his great instincts, Dick realized as a young thirtysomething program director the precariousness of the job, the highly competitive nature of the industry, and the ratings weren’t worth the stress and aggravation. And he got out.
His next move was joining former DJ Specs Howard (aka Jerry Liebman) who had launched his radio broadcasting school in Detroit. And the school began training fledgling DJs, salespeople, engineers, and managers. Dick spent more than a half century as the “other face of the school” as it moved from radio to TV to digital. The resume he submitted in 1972 was the last one he would ever write.
Back then, radio was the business everybody wanted to go into. But simply graduating from a radio trade school didn’t mean doodly-squat if you can’t find a job. That’s where Dick fit into the operation. He rapidly became Specs Howard’s head of placement. It was his job to open doors, connect students with radio station managers, and owners, and create win/win situations.
And he was great at it.
Dick was LinkedIn before there was LinkedIn.
To broadcasters all over the Midwest, he was a great resource – a talent discovery machine, someone who knew up and coming diamonds in the rough, as well as “pros on the loose.” To his adoring students, he was “Uncle Kernen” or “Uncle Dick” – the face of the school, and a supportive, affable guy who always had that encouraging word you needed to hear.
Screamin’ Scott Randall was another Specs-trained air talent who forged a lifelong relationship with Dick.
“Dick helped thousands of careers of graduates at Specs Howard, but always took interest in mine. From my first gig in Ohio in 1982 to many years in Ft Wayne, Indiana, Dick always made a visit to see how I was doing. After 28 years in Detroit radio with Z rock and WRIF, we would have lunches, phone chats, and stories that will stick with me forever. The big story is there are so many other Specs Howard grads he did this with. His sense of humor was the best: ‘Get a clue on the short bus.'”
Dick knew everybody in Michigan, and he made it his business to meet newcomers to the market. If a new PD or manager took over a station in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, or Muskegon, Dick made it a point to introduce himself – and the school. And important connections were made.
As former Greater Media market manager, Steve Chessare, recalled;
“Dick was one of the first people to welcome me to Detroit in 2012. He was always willing to help with open and honest insight into the Detroit radio market. A true gentleman.”
One of the most heartfelt memories of Dick was from former student and friend, Jane Asher Reaney. She recorded a series of podcasts with Dick, “Fun With Dick & Jane.” Here are her thoughts on Facebook:
In time, Dick became the media’s go-to guy for all-things radio. He was a wizened Yoda, always providing perspective whenever a major talent went across the street, a station was purchased, or some other big event in radio needed a great sound bite.
It turns out, Dick might have been ahead of his time. A lover of cars (and someone who came to despise air travel), Dick spent a lot of time driving all over the state, introducing himself and the school. Whether it was the guy who bought a station in Ishpeming, the hot shot taking over a Grand Rapids radio cluster, or that Traverse City PD, Dick got to know them all. And he won them over.
As we saw on Facebook over the weekend, Dick didn’t touch hundreds of lives and careers in broadcasting. He personally impacted thousands of them – not just in opening that first door to a radio job, but in his positive, inspirational words that people remembered like quotes on etched tablets. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run across a successful radio pro only to find he or she was a Specs grad. And of course, there was always a Kernen story to tell. Chances are, he got them their first job.
Dick had great wisdom, he loved to share it, and you reveled in hearing it when you joined him for a cup of coffee, a lunch, or a phone call.
We’re sad to hear about the passing of WRIF’s very first program director, Dick Kernen. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and everyone at Specs Howard. <3 pic.twitter.com/QNMaCRmjWo
— 101 WRIF Detroit (@101wrif) December 18, 2020
Dick knew what he didn’t know. He asked lots of questions, and he was a great listener. I was lucky enough to share so many memorable lunches with Dick, in recent years at a little joint called Stackerz, located near the school. (Yes, they named a sandwich after him.) Dick pelted broadcast veterans with questions – he wanted to understand the changing nature of the business, and how it would impact his beloved school.
The “analog” bonds Dick built and nurtured over the decades are what we will remember, so much more meaningful than the superficial “friendships” we collect on Facebook and other social sites that come and go.
Among other things Dick taught me – and so many other radio vets – what it means to give back. He teamed up with the head of radio and TV at nearby Central Michigan University, Dr. Joe Misiewicz to produce the Great Lakes Radio Conference, an annual event that attracted huge crowds of radio wannabes to a day of panels, sessions, workshops, and hanging out. They came from all over Michigan – college and high school students looking to learn and network. And radio pros who got to hang out with their peers, and share their knowledge.
At my first GLRC, I began to understand the method to Dick and Dr. Joe’s collective madness. And I was honored to be invited back every year. Dick never had to strong-arm us into going. Dick reminded us we had something to offer, and without saying so, gave us the sense it was our responsibility to look out for the next generation of radio pros.
The GLRC was fun, it was collegial, and we learned the importance of helping young radio pros learn their craft and make connections that might lead to jobs. Dick attracted everyone who was anyone to these events, from Lee Abrams to Ed Christian to the biggest stars in Michigan radio.
Nowadays, many people in radio are growing concerned about the lack of Gen Z’s interest in working in radio, much less listening to it. Dick Kernen may not have been especially tech-savvy, but he emphatically understood the importance of the medium continuing to be relevant to “the next generation.”
An analog guy at heart, Dick’s intuitive knowledge went well beyond many of those we consider to be industry leaders. He knew the folly that is young people’s disinterest at best, and alienation at worst, in radio. And his life’s work is working with young people, reinforcing and nurturing their interest in broadcast radio.
Paul and I are fortunate to not just call Dick Kernen an industry colleague, but a true friend. Dick has quietly cheered me on throughout my career, shooting me emails when one of these blog posts resonated with him. It meant a lot to me.
Condolences to Dick’s wife, Char, his kids, Bob, Patty, Chris, and David, his posse of grandkids, and his legions of unabashed fans scattered all over the country and the world.
And in a classic “It’s A Wonderful Life Moment,” I’m reminded of that famous Clarence the Angel quote to the distraught George Bailey:
“One man’s life touches so many others. When he’s not there, it leaves an awfully big hole.”
True that.
R.I.P. Dick Kernen
In celebration of WRIF’s 50th anniversary next year, Mike Staff and Steve Black have produced a podcast, The History of WRIF. As you might expect, Dick Kernen gets his own chapter. You can listen to it here.
Jane Asher’s Fun With Dick & Jane podcast is available here.
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Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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Predictably, Dick was one of the first industry folks I met upon moving to Michigan 30 years ago. He took a drive “all the way” to lil’ Adrian to meet me. And we hired many a Specs grad over the years. In my 15 years in the radio biz prior to Michigan, I didn’t have a particular fondness for “broadcasting schools,” frequently encouraging those who wanted to establish their career in radio to get a liberal arts degree so they could be more “well-rounded.” Specs Howard was the first school that changed my mind – they were that good. And a great deal of that reputation was due to Dick Kernen. Excellent tribute to a wonderful proponent of radio. Thanks Fred.
Bruce, first of all, obviously the meds are working! I hope you are recovering well.
Totally agree with your observation about Dick – he was a marvelous combination of passion and empathy, and touched so many lives in many different ways.
Like the movie Fred references, Dick leaves the world a much better place – radio would not be the same if not for him.
Bruce, thanks for reminding me. Because when I was at Michigan State, my first impression of Specs was that it was “a trade school.” It was Dick who showed me that value of that education, and the dedication he, Specs, and the staff had for education radio wannabes. Appreciate you writing, and hope you’re on the mend.
What an amazing article…thank you for writing and sharing…I am one of the thousands Dick helped over the years…he always set me up to succeed…He will be sorely missed
Indeed, Ron, he will. Thanks!
Well written, Fred. I am also one of the thousands Dick touched professionally and personally. It’s the fondness for, and the appreciation of, the very rare people like Dick who make this a better world. You will be sorely missed, brother.
Thanks for those words, Doug. Appreciated.
I started at the school before Specs took over and it was Ron Rose who helped me get my first job at WMBN in Petosky but Specs and Dick took over shortly after and I came to understand how committed they were to making great broadcasters.
I became friends with both Specs and Dick but left Michigan early in my career. Still I felt connected to them all these years.
I am fortunate enough to be associated with them through their Hall of Fame which I am honored to be included. The MVP of that association is Dick.
The industry doesn’t know yet how much he’ll be missed.
Charlie Cook. But Bob Catalano in real life.
Charlie, so nice to hear from you. What a great tribute from a Detroit native. Dick & Specs truly helped make radio great here in the Motor City.
The past couple of years I missed seeing Dick at the Great Lakes Media Show. You know a person has made an impact on you and you think of them, and expect them, at events as a permanent attendee. He was, and will, be missed by thousands as you point out so well in your blog!
Thanks for this, Dave. Dick truly made Michigan a better radio environment for all of us.
Very well done Fred. Dick Kernen is one of the most unique people that I have ever known. If it were not for Dick, I would not have had the 42 year career that I have been fortunate to enjoy. Dick was a leader, a mentor, a friend and a gentleman … That is “Uncle Dick.” A visit home to Detroit, almost always, included a trip to the school to visit my friend and mentor. There are parts of our conversations about the business and what we do that I still find myself still using today. He will me missed. R.I.P Uncle Dick. Peace my friend.
Chuck, so many people read your comment and nodded in agreement. Even for those who left the Motor City, Dick left an indelible impression with his words and deeds. Thanks!
When I came to Detroit to program WLTI for Viacom in 1995, one of the first people I heard from was Dick. I was not familiar with Specs Howard prior to my arrival. I soon overcame that! Virtually everyone I met at the station, or in the business, talked about Dick, and Specs Howard. Dick elevated the business of radio, and the people who work in it.
Brad, this is typical of how Dick operated. The moments a PD or GM came to town, he immediately I went into “I got meet this person” mode. He truly helped make Detroit radio a special place.
Fred,
I appreciate this mornings’ post. I met Dick in my first year (1994) of programming in Michigan at WBXX and made the trip to the conference at CMU later that same year.
The morning panel featured you, Lee, Steve Goldstein, and my boss at the time, Jim Jensen.
Being a Brown institute grad, I was recruited to help host the afternoon air check and resume session with the students. Part of the pitch to recruit me was that I would be “giving back” to our industry.
The last time I saw Dick was in Toledo right before I transferred to KC. He was meeting up with the most recent GM there.
I feel everybody in radio should follow Dick’s advice and give back from time to time. We would all be in a better place.
Have a good holiday and be safe,
Thank you, Dan. And not surprisingly, you remember that panel better than me. The GLRC was an amazing event for fledgling radio broadcasters, and Dick & Dr. Joe put a lot into it. And as you point out, we all learned how to give back from Dick. Thanks for writing.
Thanks for writing this wonderful tribute — It is one of your best blog posts. I guess it shows the Beatles were right when they sang “And in the end, the love you take is equal to love you make.”
No doubt, Ken, that is in fact the equation that matters. Appreciate it.
Wonderful tribute. His was a call I always returned and an invitation I always accepted. Dick was a strong ambassador for radio, and he always made you feel needed and important.
And the great memories of Dick just keep on comin’. Thanks, Ron.
Dick was my first phone call when I arrived in Lansing at WVIC. One short month later he arrived at my doorstep on Mt. Hope. Instant friends over bread at The Harrison Roadhouse. Great man and a lover of our industry. Thanks for the history lesson, Fred!
So many Kernen stories I never knew about. Thanks fir sharing yours, Kevin.
I met Dick a little after I met you, Fred. He was equal parts of questions and answers, and was highly supportive and motivating. My mentor, Rick D’Amico, always said, “Listen to Dick, he’s always got your back.” Even when my living went from full-time on air to voiceover, he’d be there to listen. And, yes, even today with talent trying to break into voiceover, I take Dick’s example to heart to help, lend an ear, and suggest a solution for those changing over careers. Thanks for having my back, Mr. Kernen. And thanks to those others who have been Dick’s support crew, whether they’re aware of it or not.
Bryan, your story echoes mine. Dick taught so many of us vets not to just do well but to give back. Thanks for adding your comment to a growing list.
What a beautiful tribute. I didn’t know Dick by name, but I feel like I know him now–and I’m certain that regardless of whether I knew the name, he was without doubt an influence on the people and stations that were an influence on me. And for that, I thank him. And you, too, Fred.
Dick supplied a lot of talent for us at Metro Traffic, and that proved to be a launchpad for more than a few people who were first heard (and seen!) in Detroit talking about the morning slowdown at the I-75 Nine Mile curve.
He collected not only friends but also the endless supply of stories that our business generates. It’s for that that I will remember Dick most. A tireless champion for his graduates? Absolutely. But one of the most entertaining lunch companions I’ve had the good fortune to meet.
No doubt about it, Doug – Dick gave great lunch. He kept current and always had as many questions for you as he had answers. Thanks for chiming in on the life of this remarkable guy.
There are simply NO words to explain this loss to anyone who never met or knew Dick Kernen. He WAS the Gold Standard. If I get remembered with one-tenth of the justifiable adoration that is being heaped upon him, I’ll be very content when my tape reaches the end of the reel. The year 2020 sucked and the huge number of radio people who we lost just before it ended gave us all even more reasons to want to see it go away!
You’re right about 2020, Art. A tough year of loss, and Dick’s passing sadly fits right in. Appreciate you chiming in.
Always engaging ! During my studies at SPECS, “Mr. Kernen, SIR!” or “Colonel”, would invariably smile, chuckle and chat upon my greetings ! When he learned Verna Green was a close family relative, he remembered our prior exchanges. SALUTE…..
Rico, everyone had a story about this guy. And that’s part of what made him so endearing to so many. Thanks for the comment.