Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants: Remembering Dwight Case
By Radio Ink
Dwight Case was born in Modesto June 29, 1929. His career began at KFIV, Modesto and from there he was destined to change the landscape of the broadcasting industry in America.
Among his many accomplishments Dwight was the President of RKO Radio, was Publisher and Editor of Radio & Records magazine, and was the founder of TRANSTAR, the first 24-hour satellite entertainment provider. It was Dwight who was the first in the industry to put women in major positions.
“Dwight Case was a true leader and visionary of the radio industry. He had a profound impact on my career and on my love of radio. He opened up many doors for me both professionally and personally for which I will always be grateful. He supported me as a female in the industry when it was not fashionable or commonplace and helped me to find my voice. I look back on the many spirited conversations we have had over the years and can only hope we provided him as much inspiration and thought as he provided us.”– Erica Farber, CEO RAB, The Radio Advertising Bureau. (Courtesy Radio Ink)
At that same meeting, Dwight had a funny story. Right after leaving KROY, and before he went to RKO Radio, he owned a tiny radio station with many small-market problems. One day, while at lunch, his sales manager called with an urgent question. He said the station’s biggest client, a furniture store, was ready to sign an annual contract. “The owner wants to buy a thousand commercials, but refuses to pay the $2.25 per commercial rate. He won’t go any higher than two dollars a spot. What should I do?” Dwight told him to take the two-dollar rate. Dwight then hung up and called his radio broker, and ordered the broker to find a buyer and sell the station. Dwight said he told the broker, “I just can’t make any more twenty-five cent decisions.”