Road in Northeast Ohio Regularly Earns Its Reputation
A Look Back at the Snowville Road Broadcasting Era
In the heart of Snowville Road, known for its harsh winters resembling a "snow belt," stood a building that was once home to the bustling operations of Gore-Overgaard Broadcasting. This building, clad in Copper, housed several radio stations, one of which was WRDZ(AM) 1260.
During the 1988-1989 season, Carl Smith, a respected figure in the industry, was associated with WRDZ(AM) at this Snowville Road location. He led a team based in the same building, making him a key figure or manager at the station. The building on 8200 Snowville Road was famously known as the Smith Building, and the operation on the first floor was referred to as the Smith operation, emphasizing Smith's significant presence and influence.
Jonathon R. Yinger, then vice president of operations for Gore Broadcasting, worked on the second floor above Smith’s operation during this time. Yinger had nothing but fond memories of his experiences with Carl Smith, describing the opportunity as a learning experience and praising the engineering resources available. He states that these memories are ones he will never forget.
The building also hosted 1100 WWWE(AM), now known as WTAM. Despite the Copper cladding, the audio of this station could still be heard, creating an eerie atmosphere on Saturdays for those working at WRDZ(AM).
Yinger recalls that Carl Smith lived next door to the Gore-Overgaard Broadcasting building for years. The author of this piece had the privilege of working alongside Smith and his team. Visiting Smith was a pleasant experience, and friendships were formed during this time.
As we reminisce about this era, it's clear that the Snowville Road broadcasting scene was a hub of activity and camaraderie. The memories of Carl Smith and his team will undoubtedly continue to be cherished by those who were a part of it.
In the Snowville Road broadcasting era, audio from 1100 WWWE(AM), now known as WTAM, could be heard, creating an eerie atmosphere for workers at WRDZ(AM). Carl Smith, a key figure at WRDZ(AM), lived next door to the Gore-Overgaard Broadcasting building, a location that also housed studio operations for lifestyle, home-and-garden, and other radio broadcasts. Jonathon R. Yinger, who worked on the second floor during this time, described it as a learning experience, praising the engineering resources available and the camaraderie within the broadcasting scene.
