WKIS-AM 740 Orlando

WKIS took to the air as WORZ on Feb. 8, 1947, with 1,000 watts of power as another NBC affiliate at 740 on the AM dial. WORZ was the third Orlando radio station to take to the air. Offices and studios were located at 790 N. Orange Ave., and the station's transmitter was on Old Winter Garden Road. In those days, NBC had two radio networks, called the red and the blue networks. In 1949, you could listen to the Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis show on Friday evenings on WORZ.
Martin & Lewis Show opening

WKIS Personalities

Bob Andrews-1959-Program Director-Central Florida Broadcasting Co. Biography In Memory

Happy Ison-1959-News Director/Special Events Director-Central Florida Broadcasting Co. In Memory

Ray Olech-1959-Farm Director-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

Edith Entee-1959-Women's Director-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

Glenn Smith-1963-Program Director-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

Don McWhorter-1963-News Director-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

Joe Francis-1965-News Director/1966-Program Director-KIS, Inc. Biography

Russ Wheeler (Russ Blood)-1966-1969-KIS, Inc./1972-1975-Mornings Biography

Roy Scott-1966-News Director-KIS, Inc.

Tony Chastain-1958-1965 -"Tony Chastain Show"-10:30PM-12:30AM-KIS, Inc. In Memory

Steve Thompson-1968-10:30PM-12:30AM/News Director-KIS, Inc.

Bob Arel-1968-Sports Director-KIS, Inc.

Alan Spector-1970-News-KIS, Inc. Biography

Pat Flynn-1970-1975-News-KIS, Inc.
In an email from Pat he tells us about his time at WKIS. "...I did news at WKIS around 1970-1975 during the Gene Burns era. When I was in college at UCF, 69-73, I worked at WWQS (FM 105.1) doing classical music during the week, then news on weekends at "KIS". After a couple of years of that, I left QS" and worked fulltime at "KIS". I continued at "KIS", after college, until January 1975 at which time I moved" to Houston and went to law school. I have been practicing labor & employment law here in Houston since 1977

Doris Ashwell-1970-1976-Talk show host-KIS, Inc. *Biography* *In Memory* Doris with Larry Shannon (Roberts) and Larry King (Bessler) on the WKIS mid-day show.
Buddy Pittman-1971-Weekends-Susquehanna Radio Biography
Jim Boynton-1971-Program Director-KIS, Inc. Jim in the production room (courtesy of Pete Simonson)
Gene Burns-1971-1985-News Director-1971/1975-Assistant Manager-Susquehanna Broadcasting/ Guy Gannett Broadcasting Biography In Memory Interview with Radio Phenomenon Gene Burns Gene's last program in Orlando 2-22-85
1971 ad	Orlando Sentinel 1982
Jack Murphy-1971-Program Director/10AM-Noon-Susquehanna Broadcasting
Larry Shannon (Larry Roberts)-1971-1974-Afternoons/1973-Program Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting Biography
Cal Rains-1971-News Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting
Jim Philips-1972-1986-Susquehanna Broadcasting/Guy Gannett Broadcasting/Paxson Broadcasting *Biography*

Frank Reed-1972-Air Personality/1973-Music Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting *Biography*
Jerry Gordon-1972-1978-Middays/Afternoon Drive-Susquehanna Broadcasting Jerry was also the voice of Disney for ten years.
Dave Arlington (David Swerdloff)-1972-1973-"KIS All Night Show"-Susquehanna Broadcasting
Richard King-1973-News Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting
Wayne Deschambeau-1972-1976-Midnight-6AM-Saturdays/producer/engineer for "Sports Wrap740"/1973-High school football/ 1974-Traveling producer with Stan Savran and Mick Andrews for the Blazers network
Stan Savran (Stan Savransky)-1973-1976-Sports Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting Stan did a Sports talk show on Sunday nights from 6PM-9PM/Sports and news on the morning show with Russ Wheeler. Stan also did play by play for the Florida Blazers of the World Football League the one season they were in existence in 1974.
Pete Forgione-1973-Mid-days/1977-Program Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting *Biography* *In Memory*
Mark McKibben-1974-1977-Susquehanna Broadcasting *Biography*
Steve Mitchell-1974-1975-Weekends/Fill-in-Susquehanna Broadcasting Steve Mitchell with Guests Shari Lewis and Kirby "Sky King" Grant-1974 Courtesy of Steve Schiffman
Buzz Lawrence-1974-Program Director. From Steve (Mitchell) Schiffman; "...His sign off was: "Buzz Off, Kiss On". I heard that Buzz died sometime after leaving WKIS-radio ("Open the door, to '74, Orlando) From Wayne Deschambeau "...Buzz left WKIS and passed away within a year after leaving the station, from melanoma. He had developed a small growth on his face that appeared shortly before he left Orlando."
Rod Hemphill-1974-1979-News Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting
David Carter-1974-1976-Susquehanna Broadcasting
Steve Kane-1977-Susquehanna Broadcasting Steve was a theater arts professor at Rollins College when he began as a fill-in host at WKIS in 1977. He eventually took over late nights. His program called "Talk About Life Klub" (T.A.L.K.) card carrying members would meet at the Golden Corral restaurant. He would leave WKIS and take his program to WLOF-AM 950. Today Steve Kane is heard on South Florida radio.
Barbara Waters-1975-11PM-1AM-M-F/daytime weekends-Susquehanna Broadcasting-first woman to do a WKIS talk show
Pancho O'Hara-(Chico Ramos)-1977-1978/1979-1984-Sat-7PM-Mdnight-Susquehanna Broadcasting Pancho was a regular caller to local talk shows in Orlando. He was a gardener and painter by trade. WKIS found him so entertaining (or obnoxious) they offered him a job. Part of an email from Pancho. "...I was hired by Gene Burns (one of the greatest talk hosts in the biz) in February of 1977. In July of 1978 I was fired for being " irresponsible" saying things that offended "minority groups." All I said, was "some minority folks are too pushy" and I meant it. Then in Jan 1979, I was rehired. I lasted until 1984 or so, before Jim Philips was hired to replace Dick Norman a helluva nice guy who died while trying to leave a convenience store in Tampa..."
Darrel Douglas-1977-Susquehanna Broadcasting
Clay Daniels-1977-9AM-Noon In Memory
Roger Stallard-1978-1981-Midnight-6AM/Program Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting *Biography*
Don Gould-1979-Afternoon Drive News Anchor-Susquehanna Broadcasting Biography
Shelton Adams-1980-Sunday-8PM-MidnightSusquehanna Broadcasting Adams was an Orlando city councilman, who lost the 1980 Mayoral election to then Mayor, Bill Frederick (Frederick was Orlando's Mayor from 1980 to 1992)
Clive Thomas (Clive Thomas Cuthbertson)-1980-1993-Susquehanna Broadcasting/Guy Gannett Broadcasting *Biography*
Pat Flannagan-1977-Midnight-6AM-Pioneer female talk host-Susquehanna Broadcasting
Bob James -1982-"The Real Bob James"--Susquehanna Broadcasting Bob came to Orlando from WGAR in Cleveland (where he left in 1979). Prior to his stop at WKIS he was involved in production work and wrote for TV's "Entertainment Tonight". He also did some acting with small roles in "The Deer Hunter" and "Those Lips, Those Eyes". Bob replaced Steve Cannon. Bob is currently a professor of broadcast journalism at Middle Tennessee State University.
Harry Cup (Michael Christian)-1982-7PM-11PM-Susquehanna Broadcasting *Biography* In Memory Harry's program would go statewide in 1983 on the Florida Radio Network. FRN was owned by WKIS' parent company. Cup was heard from 7-11PM on; WKIS, WIPC-AM 1280, Winter Haven, WEZY-AM 1350, Lakeland, WNDB-AM 1150, Daytona Beach, and WWFL-AM 1340, Clermont
Jeff Allen (Cassell)-1982-1987 *Biography*
Wayne Trout-1983-1990-News Director/Morning Anchor-Susquehanna Broadcasting *Biography In Memory* Wayne on George W. Bush

Gene Witt-1983-1986-Skywatch 1 traffic pilot-Susquehanna Broadcasting Biography

Dick Norman-1984-9AM-Noon/3PM-6PM /Operations Manager-Susquehanna Broadcasting Biography InMemory

Dr. Marilyn Mason-1984-1985-"Practical Psychology"-Noon-2PM--Susquehanna Broadcasting
Dr. Mason began a similar radio-psychology in 1980 at KSTP-AM in Minneapolis. Her commitment to psychology stemmed from a tragedy. Mason's husband, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, was killed in 1966 by Charles Whitman, the student who climbed into the University of Texas tower and began a shooting rampage that killed 15 and wounded 31.

Chris Russo-1984-1987-"Sports Talk"-6PM-8PM-Susquehanna Broadcasting
Chris graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park in 1982. Before Orlando he worked at WEXI and WOKV in Jacksonville. Chris would move to WMCA-AM 570 in New York in 1987. Now known as the "Mad Dog" on WFAN-AM 640 in New York City. Biography

8-14-08-After 19 years at WFAN-AM 660, New York, Chris leaves and joins Sirius/XM Satellite radio

George Hampton-1985-1986-8PM-10PM following Chris Russo-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Lynne Levine-1986 (Moira of the "Philips Phile" on WTKS-FM 104.1) News anchor and host of “At Your Service” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Lynn also co-hosted the Morning News on WWNZ-AM 740 with Wayne Trout in 1988.

Program Director Kaye Barone made Lynn the host of "At Your Service". Lynn had been a "street reporter".

Leslie Brewington-1986-Producer for Clive Thomas-Susquehanna Broadcasting Biography

Other Names in WKIS History

Mrs. Naomi Murell-1959-President/General Manager-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

William O. Murell, Jr.-1959-Secretary-Treasurer/Assistant Manager/1960-Station Manager-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

William Forsythe, Jr.-1959-Commercial Manager-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

Stephen Wesley-1959-Promotions Director-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

W.R. Miller-1959-Chief Engineer-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

Ray Olech, Jr.-1960-Program Director-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

Jack Collingsworth-1960-Chief Engineer-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

Lou Bennett-1963-Promotions Manager-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

Ernie Legge-1963-Central Florida Broadcasting Co. In Memory

Jim Long-1965-Program Director-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.

T.K. "Tom" Cassel-1966-President-KIS, Inc. In Memory

R.B. Smith-1966-General Manager-KIS, Inc.

Sam Booth-1966-KIS, Inc.

Bob Keith-1966-Sales Manager-KIS, Inc. Biography In Memory

John Loving-1966-Chief Engineer-KIS, Inc./1971-Chief Engineer-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Bo Mitchell-1968-Executive Vice President-KIS, Inc./1969-Partner in Susquehanna Broadcasting

Tom Marshall-1968 In Memory

R. Brockway "Bocky" Smith-1969-General Manager-KIS, Inc.

Tom Cassell-1969-Partner in Susquehanna Broadcasting

A. W. Carlson-1971-1981-Vice President-Susquehanna Broadcasting

H. M. Levin-1971-1981-Executive Vice President-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Phil Eberly-1971-Interim General Manager-Susquehanna Broadcasting (Author of "Susquehanna Radio: The First 50 years.") In Memory

Jack Murphy-1971-Program Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Paul Knepper-1971-Commercial Manager-KIS, Inc.

Bill Kirk-1971-Sales Manager-Susquehanna Broadcasting

H.M. (Herb) Levin-1972-Executive Vice President-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Dale Moudy-1973-General Manager/1975-Vice President/General Manager-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Bob Nocero-1973-1980-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Jim Tillery-1975-Sales Manager-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Bob Dempsey-1975-1979-General Manager-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Steve Wein-1976-Board operator for Gene Burns-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Lynne Breidenbach-1977-1978-Producer for Gene Burns-Susquehanna Broadcasting In Memory

Dan Robertson-1978-1980-"...was Gene Burns engineer for a while at WKIS, along with Clay (Daniels) and Al (Dunaway)

Chuck Agostinelli-1978-1980-Producer for Gene Burns-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Robert Dempsey-1979-Vice President/General Manager-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Larry Kindel-1979-Sales Manager/1983-Station Manager-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Dorothy Kuhlman-1979-Promotions Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Mike Cooper-1980-Producer for Gene Burns-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Steve Fluker-1983-Assistant Engineer-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Steve Johnston-1984-1985-Assistant Chief Engineer-WKIS/Florida Network-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Bob Poe-1985-Producer of "Gene Burns Program"/1986-General Manager-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Kay Barone (Stelling)-1986-1988-Program Director/News Director-Susquehanna Broadcasting

Jack Nelson-1986-"Dollars and Sense" -Susquehanna Broadcasting In Memory

Tom Olson-1988-"Olson on the Law" -Susquehanna Broadcasting

John Long-Sales Manger/Account Executive for The Florida Radio Network.

Pete Simonson

George Crossley Biography In Memory

Larry Freeman-Program Director In Memory

Steve Craig (Steve Biddle)

Mike Gaier-General manager

Sandie Biddle-Copywriter/Production Director. Was the voice behind "Mrs. Roger Holler" spots for Holler Chevrolet. In Memory

Scott Santos-Producer

Jim Casey-Program Director

Steve Kane

Randy Molnar-Production Director

Doug Freeman

Don Grider

Tranny Jackson

Lawrence Kahn-Producer for Gene Burns

Bob Christoper

Bob Bierkentoll-Fill-in Producer

Pete Raymondetta-Engineer for Steve Kane

Robin Reiger-Producer for Steve Kane

Network Affiliation(s):	NBC
	Associated Press
	Mutual Broadcasting System
	Keystone Broadcasting

Owner(s):	1947-Central Florida Broadcasting Co.
	1966-KIS, Inc.
	1971-Susquehanna Broadcasting Co.
	1988-Guy Gannett Broadcasting
	1994-Paxson Broadcasting
	1997-Clear Channel Communications
	2007-Aloha Station Trust, LLC, as Trustee
	2008-Clear Channel Communications

History Of Call Letters and Formats:	WORZ-1947-Full Service (Variety)
	WKIS-1958-Adult Contemporary
	WKIS-1971-MOR/Contemporary
	WKIS-1973-MOR
	WKIS-1975-MOR
	WKIS-1979-News/Talk "NewsTalk 74"
	WWNZ-1988-News/Talk
	WQTM-2001-Sports Talk formerly on 540
	WQTM-2007-Mexican Oldies "La Preciosa" ("The Precious One")
	WQTM-2008-Modern Spanish Pop
	WYGM-2009-Sports


Orlando Sentinel Dec. 4, 1983
Bud Brewer Biography
Don Smith *Biography*
Carole Nelson Biography
Bob Christopher-News--Susquehanna Broadcasting Co.
Hal Murray
Tony Gerard
Sandy Bernard-8PM-Midnight-Susquehanna Broadcasting
Tom Conlee-10PM-Midnight
Frank Vaught-Sports *In Memory*
Lon Wagner
Peter Rocchio-Peter is an attorney and gourmet chef
Larry (Bessler) King-Production *In Memory*
Ken Presti-Reporter late 90's
Winifred King-News
Kathy Putnam
John Anthony-Morning sports
Barbara McClure-Overnight News late 90s
Harvey Doyle-Production
Dave Lawrence-Overnights
Dan Tressler-News
Mike Schiano *Biography*

Patricia Madden
Linda Coleman
Adrian Charles
Jay Jeffries (Jeff D'Aurora)-4PM-7PM
Tom Haley-Noon-4PM *Biography*
Sam Gilkey
Jim Boynton-Mid-days/Program Director
Dave Elliott
Bev Smith
Al Dunaway-6AM-10AM © Al Dunaway
Tom McCloud (Tom Locke)-Pilot "Sky One" traffic plane
L-R; Al Dunaway, Clay Daniels; "Eye in the Sky" Traffic Reporter Tom Mc Cloud; General Manger of WKIS Bob Dempsey and Orange County Sheriff Mel Coleman.
Bill Bauman Biography
Alan Spector Biography		70's Bumper sticker Courtesy of Pete Simonson
Terry Deck-News
Michael Cooper-Sports
Rita Reutter
Joe Finger-News