AFRTS Archive: Roger Carroll – 1979

Roger Carroll and Los Angeles radio were the same thing. From 1948-58 at KABC and 1959-79 at Gene Autry’s KMPC.

“KMPC was one of the most successful radio stations in the country, and had the lineup — the most envied talent in the radio business,” said Roger Carroll, who played records on KMPC. The key to their success, he said, was a rapport with the audience. “Everybody who listened to the station thought we were their friends.”

Roger brought that sound to McCadden Av. and AFTRS. Part of the reason he related so well was that he was one of the few network personalities that were a veteran.

“I served two years active duty 1953-55 then 26 years doing my AFRTS show every Tuesday for five hours….my William Morris agents knew and told clients who wanted me to do their voice overs he is not available Tues 8a-1p doing his AFTRS shows many client who served in the military we will wait for him…”

Roger said it was very special “when parents of our guys in Viet Nam and around the world would call me at KMPC or write a letter, telling me their son wanted to thank me for doing the show that they hear on AFVN, FEN, AFN and all around the world.”

Mr. Carroll’s company was responsible for the recruiting shows done by Gene Price, Roland Bynum and himself heard every Sunday morning on hundreds of radio stations in the 70s and 80s

The theme was an edit of one of the KMPC jingles . Harry Zimmerman Orchestra.

Reproduced with permission from the AFRTS Archive Blog.

The American Forces Radio and Television service touched a lot of people. Whether talent, support or listeners it touched a lot of us in ways that stateside media could only dream of. This website is unofficial and does not imply any endorsement from AFRTS, the Department of Defense or the United States government.

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