Our Story Fort Dodge Radio
Fort Dodge Radio is a commercial internet radio station broadcasting from Fort Dodge, Iowa. The station features an all-music format that blends the vibrant sounds of the rockin' MTV '80s era with the finest classic rock from the '70s.
One of the highlights of Fort Dodge Radio is it's locally produced show, the Indie Music Room Podcast hosted by Heather Kelly. This program showcases interviews with independent artists, allowing them to discuss their experiences in writing, recording, and performing their original music.
Fort Dodge Radio was founded by Fort Dodge native Bill Grady, who has an impressive and extensive history in radio broadcasting. Throughout his career, he has managed several Iowa radio stations, including KRIT-FM, KVFD-AM, and KUEL-FM.
Bill's leadership extended beyond his local stations, with significant contributions to state and national broadcasting organizations. Notably, he served as President of the Iowa Broadcasters Association in 2001, demonstrating his commitment to the broadcasting industry and his community.
With it's engaging content and dedication to promoting independent artists, Fort Dodge Radio is a valuable addition to the media landscape in Iowa.
Fort Dodge Radio proves that local stations can innovate, inspire, and thrive, turning the challenges of modern broadcasting into opportunities for growth and connection. As Internet radio continues to expand, Fort Dodge Radio serves as an exemplary model of how local stations can thrive in this evolving digital landscape while fostering community involvement.
More About Bill Grady
Bill Grady began his radio career in 1979 at the age of 18, working as an announcer at stations in Fort Dodge and Clarion, Iowa. His talent and dedication allowed him to advance rapidly in the industry. By the age of 23, he had attained the position of General Manager at KRIT-FM.
In 1991, Bill Grady was recruited by Dean Sorenson as the General Manager of KVFD-AM and KUEL-FM, two financially struggling radio stations based in Fort Dodge, Iowa. This decision marked a pivotal moment for both the stations and the local community. Grady's leadership not only returned each station to profitability and prominent visibility, but also had a profound impact on local broadcasting in Iowa and it's role in community involvement.
In 1998, Grady took on the role of Regional Manager for Sorenson Broadcasting. Two years later, in 2000, he became Regional Manager for Waitt Radio. In this role, he oversaw several stations, including KVFD-AM and KUEL-FM in Fort Dodge, Iowa; KQWC AM/FM in Webster City, Iowa; KHBT-FM in Humboldt, Iowa; and KCUE-AM and KWNG-FM in Red Wing, Minnesota. His extensive experience and leadership skills set the foundation for his next venture. In 2002, he launched his own media company, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Throughout his journey, Grady demonstrated a commitment to excellence in broadcasting. He built a reputation for innovation and strategic thinking, which contributed to his success in various managerial roles. His career trajectory reflects not only his passion for radio but also his ability to adapt to the evolving media landscape.
Grady's entrepreneurial spirit drove him to create a media company that would allow him to implement his vision for the industry. Under his leadership, Star Communications became focused on delivering high-quality digital content that was accessible to listeners around the world, further enhancing his impact on the radio community.
As Bill Grady continues to navigate the ever-changing world of media, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring broadcasters and entrepreneurs alike. His journey highlights the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the ability to seize opportunities in a competitive field.
Bill's Leadership Legacy: State and National Recognition
National Organizations:
State Organizations:
Bill and his associates have earned many awards and recognitions:
Local and State Awards:
Professional Awards:
6 consecutive National Association of Broadcasters Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting:
In 1997, Bill was elected Chairman of the Sorenson Broadcasting Employee Stock Ownership Plan by the trustees. He represented the financial interests of more than 150 employees.
The vision of Star Communications
Bill Grady founded Star Communications in the summer of 2002. Since then, he has shared his expertise in advertising and marketing with thousands of small business owners across Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
His journey began with a passion for helping local businesses thrive. By leveraging innovative marketing strategies, Bill has empowered entrepreneurs to enhance their brand visibility and improve their customer engagement. His commitment to the success of small businesses has become the cornerstone of Star Communications.
Star Communications stands out as one of Iowa's pioneering companies in the realm of audio on-demand services and programming. In 2005, Bill Grady made history by producing the first podcast series to originate from Iowa, titled "You Are The Guest".
Bill's innovative approach to audio content has not only captured local interest but has also resonated with a worldwide audience. Continuing to leverage the power of digital audio with the global reach of podcasting, his audio seminars on advertising and marketing, including "How You Can Create Advertising That Really Works" have been downloaded by listeners in over 40 countries, showcasing the widespread appeal and relevance of his insights.
The Impact of You Are The Guest Podcast
"You Are The Guest" marked a significant milestone in Iowa's podcasting landscape. As the first podcast from the state, it paved the way for future content creators by demonstrating the potential of audio formats to engage and inform audiences. Bill's unique interviewing style and ability to connect with guests have contributed to the show's enduring popularity.
Bill created MyFortDodge.com in 2007 and expanded with Fort Dodge Radio in 2019.
Bill Grady's Ancestry A Walk Through American History
Bill Grady of Fort Dodge Radio boasts an extraordinarily deep and wide-ranging ancestry, connecting him to pivotal figures throughout history who shaped nations, innovated technology, and influenced culture. His lineage is a vivid tapestry of American and global heritage.
Grady's family roots stretch back to the very beginnings of European settlement in America. His 12th great-grandfather, Alexander White, and his daughter, Katherine White Carver, were intimately connected to the Mayflower Pilgrims. Katherine herself was a Mayflower passenger and the wife of John Carver, the first governor of Plymouth Colony and a signer of the Mayflower Compact. Other Mayflower descendants in his family include William White, a Compact signer, and Peregrine White, the first English child born in the New World.
Further establishing early American ties are his 9th great-grandparents, Richard E. Stout, Sr., and Penelope Kent (also known as Penelope Stout). Penelope's legendary survival story after a shipwreck and Native American attack in colonial New Jersey, leading to her being known as the "Mother of Middletown," highlights the resilience of his pioneering ancestors.
Architects of The New Republic
As the colonies developed, Grady's family played a crucial role in forging the United States. His 7th great-grandfathers, Joshua Fry and Dr. Thomas Walker IV, were instrumental. Fry, a surveyor and cartographer, famously co-created the "Fry-Jefferson Map" of Virginia in 1751 with Peter Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson's father), which was vital for westward expansion. Dr. Walker, a physician and explorer, pioneered expeditions into what is now Kentucky, discovering and naming the Cumberland Gap in 1750. Walker was also a close friend and mentor to Thomas Jefferson, serving as his guardian after Peter Jefferson's death. Both Fry and Walker were key figures in the Loyal Company of Virginia, a land speculation venture that aimed to open the western territories.
The family's political connections extend to numerous U.S. Presidents, highlighting a consistent presence in the nation's leadership. For instance, George Washington (4th cousin) is in Grady's lineage, underscoring Bill Grady's strong family ties to the Washington Family. Not only did Grady's 2nd cousin, Major George Augustine Washington, serve as Washington's aide-de-camp, but Grady's 7th great-grandfather, Joshua Fry, was George Washington's commanding officer and close associate, with Washington himself eulogizing Fry upon his death in 1754 while on an expedition. Furthermore, Colonel William Crawford, a trusted friend, fellow officer, and land agent for George Washington in the Ohio Valley, also belongs to Grady's lineage, showcasing the deep and multifaceted connections his ancestors had within Washington's inner circle.
The lineage also connects to Thomas Jefferson (6th cousin), a pivotal Founding Father. Beyond the direct mentorship from Grady's 7th great-grandfather, Dr. Thomas Walker IV, who served as Jefferson's guardian after his father's passing, Jefferson spent formative time as a boy at Walker's estate, Castle Hill. This close relationship allowed Dr. Walker to deeply mentor and help shape Jefferson's intellectual development and emergent leadership. Furthermore, Jefferson was profoundly connected to the powerful Randolph family of Virginia, also within Grady's lineage, a family that intermarried extensively with other prominent Virginia gentry.
These interwoven ancestral lines, including the Walker's, Jefferson's, and Randolph's, traveled in the same influential social and political circles as the Washington's, further cementing the extensive reach of Grady's family into the very fabric of America's founding elite.
Adding to this remarkable presidential heritage is James Madison (3rd cousin), famously known as the "Father of the Constitution." Madison maintained a lifelong collaboration and deep friendship with Thomas Jefferson, sharing intellectual pursuits and jointly founding the University of Virginia. This extensive network of presidential ties further includes John Adams (6th cousin), Andrew Jackson (6th cousin), John Quincy Adams (6th cousin), Martin Van Buren (4th cousin), and Zachary Taylor (4th cousin), illustrating a continuous and profound ancestral connection to the highest office in the land.
Through conflict and modern leadership
Grady's ancestry reflects the profound divisions of the American Civil War and continues into the 20th century, encompassing presidents and influential figures who guided the nation through significant challenges.
During the Civil War, his family was on both sides, with relatives including Abraham Lincoln (7th cousin) and Mary Todd Lincoln (6th cousin). Also in his lineage are Union General Ulysses S. Grant (6th cousin) and Confederate General Robert E. Lee (4th cousin).
Bill Grady's lineage also extends to a remarkable array of influential 20th-century presidential figures. This includes Theodore Roosevelt (7th cousin), the dynamic 26th U.S. President, and his distant cousins Franklin D. Roosevelt (9th cousin) and Eleanor Roosevelt (8th cousin). The Roosevelt's were pivotal in guiding the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, with Eleanor notably serving as a formidable diplomat and human rights advocate.
The lineage further connects to Harry S. Truman (8th cousin), who navigated the nation through the immediate post-war era, and Dwight D. Eisenhower (10th cousin), the Supreme Commander who became a two-term president. Lastly, John F. Kennedy (9th cousin), the charismatic 35th President, whose son John F. Kennedy Jr. (10th cousin) also captured public attention, illustrating the continued presence of Grady's ancestral lines in shaping modern American leadership.
Beyond American leadership, Grady's lineage also extends globally to European royalty and statesmanship. This includes Marie Antoinette (8th cousin), the last Queen of France before the revolution; Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (10th cousin), under whose reign the British Empire reached its zenith; the indomitable British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (8th cousin), a pivotal World War II leader; and the revered Diana, Princess of Wales (11th cousin), known globally for her extensive humanitarian work and modern approach to royalty.
visionaries and Innovators
A remarkable aspect of Grady's lineage is the concentration of inventors and technological pioneers whose work fundamentally altered the course of modern life, laying groundwork for the very technologies we use today.
Robert B. Ingebretsen (8th cousin) was a pivotal digital audio pioneer. His groundbreaking work on the "first practical digital audio editing system" and his contributions to analog-to-digital conversion are foundational to the digital operations common in modern broadcasting, including those at Fort Dodge Radio. His innovations underpin technologies like HD Radio, digital signal processing (DSP), digital audio workstations (DAWs), and internet streaming, revolutionizing how audio is produced and distributed.
Other notable innovators include:
cultural icons and trailblazers
The family's influence also extends into the realms of culture and entertainment, showcasing a remarkably diverse array of figures who left indelible marks. In literature, Bill Grady's lineage includes celebrated authors like Jane Austen (8th cousin), Edgar Allan Poe (9th cousin), and Mark Twain (6th cousin), whose timeless works continue to shape literary landscapes.
The world of entertainment further boasts a remarkable array of iconic personalities: actresses such as Katharine Hepburn (7th cousin) and Lucille Ball (8th cousin); legendary screen presences like John Wayne (9th cousin) and Marilyn Monroe (8th cousin); and visionary animator Walt Disney (9th cousin). Even musical legends John Lennon (12th cousin) and George Harrison (13th cousin) appear in this rich and diverse family tree.
Beyond arts and entertainment, Grady's ancestors were groundbreaking trailblazers in exploration and humanitarianism. This distinguished group includes his 7th great-grandfather, Dr. Thomas Walker IV, an influential early American explorer who charted significant territories in what is now Kentucky. Other explorers in the lineage include Meriwether Lewis (2nd cousin) of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, and arctic explorer Robert Peary (10th cousin). The lineage also connects to extraordinary humanitarians and pioneers such as Helen Keller (8th cousin), the renowned author and activist; and aviation trailblazers Amelia Earhart (9th cousin) and Charles Lindbergh (12th cousin), who achieved monumental feats in flight.
Most notably, Neil Armstrong (7th cousin), the first human to walk on the Moon, stands as a profound testament to the family's ties to humanity's greatest exploratory achievements.
Bill Grady's ancestry is a compelling narrative of human endeavor, marked by consistent leadership, instrumental contributions to the creation and development of the United States, and a relentless drive for innovation and exploration that has left an enduring impact on global history.
The extensive research for this article, drawing from a wide array of historical records and genealogical resources, can be explored further on our dedicated Sources page.