Brad Fuhr, Media Entrepreneur | Local Radio, Community Advocacy, and Nostalgia Power a Resilient Desert
From the corner booth at Skip’s Little Bar, this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar explores modern radio, community impact, and the power of local voices. Our guest Brad Fuhr charts a path from teenage on-air shifts to rebuilding KGAY 106.5 as a public-benefit station, acquiring MeTV 103.1, and keeping nostalgia fresh with today’s tools. Patrick Evans and Randy Florence unpack voice tracking and AI, the ethics of synthetic newscasts, and why investing in real personalities still matters. There’s candid talk about safety, Pride season, FCC worries around call letters, and the economics of tourism advertising across the Coachella Valley. We also spotlight Gay Desert Guide’s event hub, visitor map, and business directory that connect residents and travelers to LGBTQ-owned, welcoming places. Plus: producer health miracles, bourbon jokes, and plenty of great music. A lively, thoughtful look at resilience, advocacy, and joy in a very special desert community.
Takeaways:
- Producer John McMullen shares a same-day heart-stent success at Eisenhower.
- Guest began radio at 15; lifelong passion led to leadership.
- KGAY 106.5 revived with a mission as a public-benefit corporation.
- MeTV 103.1 brings a nostalgia-driven, locally tuned music format.
- Technology enables remote shows; AI raises ethical news questions.
- Station spotlights advocacy amid safety concerns, FCC scrutiny, and Pride.
- Gay Desert Guide connects audiences to events and LGBTQ-owned businesses.
- Tourism headwinds challenge ad dollars, but community support remains strong.
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