RKO Radio Network

The RKO Radio Network, a subsidiary of RKO General, was the first radio network to begin its operations entirely on satellite (on October 1, 1979). Satellite distribution allowed high-fidelity (15 KHz) stereo programming to its affiliates.

The newscasts, aimed at a young adult audience, had a conversational, high-energy format developed by News Director Dave Cook and Program Director Jo Inerrante.

It initially fed newscasts at :50 and :00, and offered sportscasts, music, and public affairs programming. RKO was very popular from the start, signing up hundreds of affiliates coast to coast.

The original network became known as RKO 1 when RKO 2 debuted on September 1, 1981. RKO 2 fed newscasts at :20 and :30 and was aimed at an older audience.

The network was also home to two groundbreaking music programs. "NightTime America with Bob Dearborn" was the first live, daily, satellite-delivered music show in radio history. Dearborn produced and hosted the show from early January, 1981 until 1984. Dick Bartley created, produced and hosted the first live national oldies radio show, “Solid Gold Saturday Night.”

The network was sold after an advertising billing scandal involving RKO's television stations came to light. It was acquired by the United Stations Radio Network, and was later renamed as the Unistar Radio Network, which was absorbed by Westwood One in 1994.

See also