For our first episode, we went back to Professor Rick Wright to tell the story of WJPZ.  And we put out the 38 minute "radio edit."  But we felt many of you would want to hear the entire conversation with Rick - all 98 minutes of it.   So we are releasing it here as a bonus episode.

Rick tells us about his first stint in Syracuse, and how he left and came back prior to that famous "knock on the door," and the detail of what that first WJPZ-AM studio looked like in 1975.  This, again, is the "album cut," full of details about that fateful time in the mid-1970's.

This goes in to the story behind the "Lock" scholarship, nearly being shut down by the FCC, the move to cable television, then finally over to the FM dial.  For this part of the conversation, Rick gets a little deeper into the details of how the unpopular move of WAER to National Public Radio affiliate paved the way for WJPZ-FM.  And yes John Oldfield's name comes up in this version.

Also from the 80's, you'll hear names like Sean McDonough, Mike Tirico, and a story about Larry King that many of us know from Banquets past.

Next, we talk about Pan AM 103 - and see the events of that day and week through our old Professor's eyes, including the decision to head home to North Carolina that Christmas to be with his Dad, and how he became a representative of the University back in Elizabeth City.

Next we dig into the 90's, from the flamethrower days to receivership, and the mixed emotions with which Rick looks back on the latter.

You'll be surprised by Rick's memories of the Ostrom House in 2000.  He might be the only person that liked our temporary digs.

Then, the question we had to ask - Rick Wright Radio Bingo.  What happened when he figured it out?  Be prepared for a lot of jock names and call letters.

We have a bit of an extended discussion of the power of radio, where it was, what it's become, and how it can return to it's glory days.  As Rick says, "the fire sale is coming."

Finally, Dr. Wright reflects back on his time at WJPZ, and the six decades of alumni he's gotten to know.   You'll be happy to hear he's gotten just as much - if not more - out of the station than we all have.

Join Us in Syracuse on March 4th: https://bit.ly/WJPZ50BanquetTickets

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

For our first episode, we wanted to give you a choice between our full 98 minute interview with Dr. Rick Wright or this one, the 39 minute "radio edit."

In this shortened version, we stick to (mostly) the 50 year history of the radio station, beginning with that famous "knock at the door" of Dr. Wright's office in 1975.   From there, we wind through the 80's and the story behind the move to the FM dial, Pan Am 103, and the "flamethrower" days of the early 90's, 

We also touch on the receivership era, and the infamous house on Ostrom that was the station's temporary home for a year.

Jag also asks the question all Banquet attendees want to know:  When did the old Professor figure out what was happening during "Rick Wright Radio Bingo?"

We wrap up with Dr. Wright's thoughts on the current state of the radio industry, and what could be done to save it.   And finally, we zoom out to hear his takeaways from 50 years of the World's Greatest Media Classroom.

Join Us in Syracuse on March 4th: https://bit.ly/WJPZ50BanquetTickets

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

For 50 years, WJPZ Syracuse has been the world’s greatest media classroom, preparing Syracuse University Students for whatever was to come after graduation. In the WJPZ at 50 Podcast, we’ll hear about some of the lessons learned, You'll hear how alumni from six different decades each had their own set of challenges to tackle.

And perhaps just as importantly, you’ll hear about the relationships that have formed throughout this giant WJPZ family.

The WJPZ at 50 podcast is put together exclusively by the alumni of the world’s greatest media classroom, from artwork and imaging, to production and editing.   I’m your host, Jon Gay, aka JAG, from the Class of 2002.   I hope you’ll join us as we chronicle the station’s incredible half-century history.

It’s the WJPZ at 50 Podcast – with new episodes releasing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, starting November 7th. With special guest Dr. Rick Wright.   Find us at Simplecast dot com slash WJPZ at 50.  Or follow the show on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Just search WJPZ at 50.

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/