Column for April 7, 2005

Turn up the radio I want a quick reaction. Those words come from a song from the Rockets, one of them Detroit rock and roll bands of the 1970s. Radio is always interesting and often gives quick reaction.

WDRQ changed formats from today's hits to DOUG FM? A new ipod type format that plays a wide variety of current and past hits. The danger in trying to be something for everyone is you may satisfy no one.

Right off the bat radio station channel 955 will get a lot of the former WDRQ listeners. Radio station 955 is part of the clear channel family of stations headquartered in Farmington Hills. WDFN the clear channel AM sports radio station also doing well. Home to the Pistons, Stony and Wojo and late night host JT the Brick. Always like to mention JT as I do a regular spot 1am every Wednesday night.

More Radio. Howard Stern is leaving regular broadcast radio for satellite radio and $15 million a year. Arthur Pennhollow and WRIF have a part in the new Kevin Costner movie. WJR radio host Mitch Albom is doing TV ads promoting how important newspapers are.

George Noory former Detroiter and U of D grad, who hosts the Art Bell syndicated late-night radio talk show "Coast to Coast" has released a double CD. George Noory After Dark is 2 1/2 hours of the full versions of the bumper music played on his radio show, some of his favorite conversations with callers and guests and his reading of classic scary stories. It is available exclusively at www.coasttocoastam.com. Norry is heard on CKLW weeknights from 1-5am and WXDX, another one of them clear channel stations from 1-6am.

I am always surprised to hear who listens to which stations. Every where I go someone will tell me they have heard me on JT the Brick's radio show. Seems every time the kids are in the car 955 is on the radio. The wife still likes Jim Harper but often listens to 97.1 Howard Stern's station. WJR, WRIF and 105FM are always in the top ten listened to stations.

Radio with all its changes still survives. The 8 track players, cassette decks, CDs and now ipods and satellites networks, there is www.365live.com on the computer but you can still tune in a little AM station. Hear a local person, maybe high school sports or community news. Maybe hear a DJ from the past like Lee Allen or Deno Day. Find bluegrass music, sports talk, political debate, religious, Doctors, hucksters, them how to home improvement guys. I like radio. I almost can't wait to get in the car and surf that radio dial. I wonder if I can find some Frank Sanatra or maybe some old Beatles songs being played. Maybe some far off station from Chicago or Boston or even from Farmington Hills.

To reach Ben E. Jet call (313) 730-1627 via e mail benejets@aol.com and see the web sites www.bennyandthejets.com and www.reverendguitars.com.