<p>Here's a special episode for all the radio nerds. Inside the world's oldest rock station, KSHE St Louis with Marty Linck, Brand &amp; Content Director.</p><p>About the Guest(s):</p><p><strong>Marty Linck</strong> is a seasoned radio professional currently serving as the Program Director at KSHE 95 a longstanding rock radio station in St. Louis, Missouri. Marty has been an integral part of the station since the 1990s, beginning as an intern before progressing to Assistant Program Director and eventually taking on the Program Director role in 2019. His deep-rooted connection to St. Louis and KSHE provides him with unique insights into the station's storied history and enduring legacy in the world of classic rock. Marty’s passion for radio is complemented by his keen sense of humour and dedication to maintaining the station's legacy while adapting to modern challenges.</p><p>Episode Summary:</p><p>This episode of "The Quarter Hour" explores the historical legacy and cultural impact of one of the longest-running rock radio stations, captivating listeners since 1967. With Marty Linck at the helm, KSHE 95 has managed to honour its storied past while staying relevant to contemporary audiences. Listeners will be taken on a nostalgic journey, reflecting on how KSHE evolved from its humble beginnings with a "female friendly" format to becoming an iconic rock institution.</p><p>Explore the intricacies of maintaining a classic rock format that spans from 1967 to 2000, with insights into KSHE's branding strategy, its distinct "real rock radio" identity, and the quirky, cherished mascot Sweet Meat. Marty Linck talks about the challenges and responsibilities of keeping a legacy station fresh while preserving the elements that listeners have cherished for decades. From engaging production techniques to a thriving merchandise business, this episode highlights how KSHE has remained a beloved haven for rock enthusiasts. Throughout the conversation, Marty underscores the passion of the KSHE community and explains how listener feedback informs programming decisions.</p><p>Key Takeaways:</p><ul><li><strong>Historical Legacy:</strong> KSHE 95 began in 1961 and shifted to a rock format in 1967, becoming the longest-running rock station in the U.S.</li><li><strong>Dual Focus:</strong> Balance between honouring KSHE's rich history and meeting contemporary listener expectations through dynamic programming.</li><li><strong>Brand Identity:</strong> Emphasising "real rock radio" as KSHE's unique attribute, akin to being the "Coke" of rock radio.</li><li><strong>Community Engagement:</strong> Strong listener passion evident in feedback, impacting programming decisions and maintaining a robust relationship with the audience.</li><li><strong>Merchandising Success:</strong> KSHE's mascot "Sweet Meat" plays a pivotal role in merchandising, demonstrating a successful brand extension.</li></ul><p>Notable Quotes:</p><ul><li>"Your job, basically, let's say it how it is, is to not f*** it up." - Wade Kingsley</li><li>"Eventually, they started hiring younger DJs and people just kind of started… experimenting and throwing in a rock record here and there." - Marty Linck</li><li>"But if you screw something up in their mind, like… there's a woman who called me and left voicemails 30, 30 plus times last year because we don't play enough Journey." - Marty Linck</li><li>"Working here is a blessing and a curse." - Marty Linck</li><li></li></ul><p>Resources:</p><ul><li><strong>KSHE 95 Website:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.kshe95.com/">kshe95.com</a></li><li><strong>KSHE Merchandising:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ksheschtuff.com/">KSHE Store</a></li></ul>