By 1993, WRKO had been a talk station for over 10 years. It’s prior longtime owner, RKO General, had been forced to sell the station amidst legal troubles arising from billing irregularities at its General Tire & Rubber division and it’s now well-known “lack of candor” in its dealings with the FCC. In 1993, Atlantic Ventures was the owner of WRKO and had invested heavily in the staff and programming, turning WRKO into a major information station in a heated competition with crosstown Westinghouse powerhouse WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
For much of the 1990s, WRKO’s morning show was held by the team of Claprood & Whitley.
What you’re about to hear is WRKO in the 6am hour. Besides Claprood & Whitley, there are two full newscasts anchored by Pat Carrol (now on WCBS 880 New York), Traffic by longtime reporter Malcom Alter and weather by well known New England radio Meteorologist Joe Zona.
The main topic for discussion this particular day is the issue of then possibly outlawing the practice of demonstrators blocking the entrances to abortion clinics. As often occurred on this show, Marjorie Claprood is at odds with her partner on this issue and makes some compelling arguments in favor of criminalizing such behavior. Callers into the program have varied opinions on the matter and most are quite passionate in defense of the protestors and those who wish to have them outlawed. It makes for a stimulating discussion and for those in our audience so inclined, this is an entertaining historical broadcast from the prime era of Talk Radio.
Click the player below to listen. Audio only, commercials, news and programming elements included. Total time 46:40
