Fans of real radio lost a friend yesterday when Dark Star took a buy-out and left WCCO 830.
The Pioneer Press headlined the news this way: Dark Star, WCCO-AM’s late-night, homespun gambler’s friend, cashes out
He was that and more. For those of us that love horseracing he was the only radio voice that treated it like the sport that it is. He gave our game the reverence it deserves. When Dark conversed with regular guests Ed Bowen and Steve Davidowitz they were able to draw on years of knowledge, putting racing in perspective.
Radio is changing and it ain’t for the better, folks. There is little room anymore for brilliance and entertainment. I stood outside WCCO’s studio yesterday morning with Dark as we discussed his career and radio in general. He always referred to it as “the theater of the mind.” Reference the greats like Cannon, Yates, Mischke, and Dark. Real radio.
It used to be that. Now it has been taken over by the masters of the obvious. I don’t get it. “With all due respect,” Dark said to me, “You’re too old. They don’t want you. They want the 29 year-old in Crystal.”
The ‘CCO we grew up with is changing. N0 longer live and local 24/7. WCCO is a legacy. It should be treated that way. That Dark lasted as long as he did in corporate America is a tribute to his ability.
Dark will still be at Canterbury and his TV show still airs weekly on 23.
