What was then WFWQ (95.1fm, Fort Wayne).
What was then WNAP (93.1fm, Indianapolis).
He also worked in Dayton, Ohio for what was then WDJX (103.9fm).
Remebrances
John Dille, Federated Media:
All FedMed, we’re going to miss him.
Charly is Fort Wayne. Yeah, is. Just not ready to say otherwise.
I can’t think about Charly without smiling. For years when I’d visit the stations he’d be in the studio or down the hall and I’d see his face. I couldn’t help thinking he was up to something, some mischief. It’s a face that all but shouted fun.
Of course, he did look good as a prospective bride. Just ask the good folks at the J-G. That’s my recollection anyway.
Fact is when he and Tony Richards took over mornings on MEE in ‘83, they were a force. “Those two guys in the Morning” were mornings in FW. They were good and excelled in their demo, but they had one special goal; beat WOWO, then leader in the market. Ultimately, they did. I’ve always thought Charly felt guilty about that and it explains why he went back to save it.
And save it he did! He did so with his tireless commitment to his community, to his craft and his FedMed family. He did dedication to professionalism and love for Radio shown through every morning.
Our sympathies to the Fort Wayne staff. South and North, who worked so closely with him and in support.
While we remember his love of the business we must also remember he was a father, husband. and now a grandfather. We hold Sarah, Kasey, Josh and Marissa, along with Megan and new grandchild in our prayers.
In our quiet moments, we reflect on our great good fortune to have had him in our midst.
Thanks, Amigo. Rest in peace.
John
P.S. I still can’t believe I’m writing this.
Mark Goff, Eagle Communications, Hays, Kansas: "How sad! Charly Butcher was a class act. I was an engineer at FedMed during the "Those Two Guys" era. Spent many early mornings with them. He will be missed. My condolences to the family and all the fine folks on Maples Rd."
Jeff Weber, GSM "105.5 The Bridge" and "98 Rock"/Charleston, South Carolina: "Remembering Charly Butcher, a former employee of mine, who has passed away at the age of 61. Charly was a very talented air personality and one of those DJ’s you didn’t have to give a lot of direction to. He was a natural. His career included Z96 (WAZY-FM where he worked for me with the air name Bobby Day), WMEE-FM and his last gig, at the legendary WOWO."
David Wood, Director of Programming, Emmis/Indianapolis and WIBC-FM PD: "Growing up in Marion, I listened to Charly as a teen on WMEE. He was one of my early radio idols. As I got to know him later, he was so gracious. Such a talent. What a difficult loss for his family and friends, WOWO and Ft Wayne."
Dean Jackson, one of Charly's former WOWO coworkers: "Charly loved mischief and when he was engaged in it always hit the bullseye. He didn't give you a full smile often, more of a smirk or a crooked snarl. I think he was plotting his next act at your expense...we all have plenty of those type tales to tell. On-air or in-person he had a unique ability to command the moment. But if you're not careful, you might overlook his genius. His morning show dethroned WOWO from the top of the ratings in the 1980s and he reinvented himself and made WOWO the big dog again 20 years later. He was passionate about excellence and hard work. He expected it from others and got it. I value his unselfish willingness to share his experiences and wisdom. I cherish my time around him and I'm grateful for his influence personally and on the community. He was unafraid to take risks and go against the grain...and thats what made him a legend."
Tom Schoeller, retired from WHJE: "Charlie was a classmate of mine. He also met his wife Sarah through my radio class at Carmel high school when I was a teacher. For his biography he was also a DJ at WDJX in Dayton Ohio. He was also a disc jockey at WNAP in Indianapolis during its heyday."
Mark Elliott: "I worked with Charly at WDJX in Dayton and when Geoff Vargo and I went to Fort Wayne in 1981, we hired Charly to handle nights at the new WFWQ - 95QFM - I think you would have called it “Hot AC” at the time. Charly’s first night on the air he talked about how happy he was to find Mr. Goodbar candy bars in the station candy machine. “Mr. Goodbar is my favorite candy… tastes just like Diane Keaton!” He was a great talent."
That's all for this issue. Thank you for your support!
Blaine Thompson
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