Airwaves of New York - Illustrated Histories of 156 Am Stations In The Metropolitan Area, 1921 - 1996

by Bill Jaker, Frank Sulek & Peter Kanze

McFarland & Company (series)

Here is a book that goes beyond nostalgia and sheer entertainment by taking on the simultaneous status of reference work. Too little has been written in hardcover format about the illustrious history of NY AM Radio, and too much has been forgotten over the years. New York radio parallels the development and history of radio in the world at large -- formats that came and went, shows that were loved and reviled, people that made a bundle as well as guys that lost their shirts (and more). This book is clearly a labour of love by its authors, Frank (Wallace) Sulek, Bill Jaker and Peter Kanze. It makes a wonderful read as well as a trivia-buster for old timers that THINK they remember NY area personalities on the radio, call letters and stations that came and went. It is the quality of book that every recognised radio market in the nation wishes had accompanying and narrating its formative years. In my position as President of the New Jersey Radio Museum, Airwaves has been a reference life-saver for individuals approaching me on the web for answers regarding stations off the air and out of existence for over 70 years as well as the ontogeny of new "upstart" operations that would try and convince you that they're "all-new" (not).
Thanks, Frank; thanks, Bill; and, thanks, Peter for a wonderful work that has ennobled the often maligned reality that is greater New York market Radio. It's a great read and you done really good work, too!
-- Rich Phoenix, President, NJ Radio Museum