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.
Between 1998 and 2000, under Bill Grady's leadership, KVFD-AM and KUEL-FM achieved an unprecedented six consecutive National Association of Broadcasters awards - three Crystals and three Marconis - an accomplishment unmatched by any broadcaster in NAB history.
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.
Young Guns, Big Wins The KVFD/KUEL Broadcast Legacy
This is a rare chapter in American radio: a small-town station, led by a young, innovative leader and an energetic youthful staff, that turned their pride of living in Fort Dodge, Iowa into a string of national NAB Awards.
Read on to see how an unlikely team made history, why those years still matter, and what small stations, and even small towns, can learn from a moment when everything clicked.
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 Podcast struck a chord both at home and abroad. In France, Le Monde, one of the country's most respected national dailies, with a circulation in the hundreds of thousands, chose the show for its December 30, 2005 "Podcasting (10/10)" column, applauding a format that "elevates one of its listeners to the rank of Guest of the Week." That nod from such a prestigious paper underscored the podcasts' creative vision and growing European resonance.
Stateside, USA Weekend spotlighted You Are The Guest, and veteran broadcaster Alan Colmes praised Bill Grady's podcasting talent. He recognized that Grady had found the "perfect form for the medium," but he particularly highlighted two key aspects of his interviewing style: his ability to make anyone sound interesting, and his willingness to let the guest shine.
Here is a more detailed look at Alan Colmes' specific comments:
"Can Make Anyone Sound Interesting": This aspect of the quote suggests that Grady possesses a unique set of skills that go beyond simple questioning. Colmes' observation implies that Grady has Empathetic Listening; he isn't just hearing the words a guest says but is listening for the deeper human story, the motivation, or the personal anecdotes that lie beneath the surface.
A Talent for Drawing Out Stories: Instead of sticking to a list of dry, pre-written questions, Grady's skill lies in knowing how to ask the right follow-up questions that prompt guests to open up and share compelling details.
An Eye for the Human Element: In podcasting, listeners often connect with vulnerability and authenticity. Grady's interviewing style is seemingly adept at finding and highlighting the human side of his guests, even when the topic might seem mundane.
"Not Afraid to Let the Guest Shine": This part of the quote contrasts sharply with the "host-centric" style that often defines national media, including much of talk radio. Colmes, who worked in a media environment often driven by debate and on-air conflict, recognized that Grady had a different, more collaborative approach.
Humility as a Strength: Grady's humility as a host is a powerful strength. He understood that his role was to facilitate the conversation, not dominate it. This approach makes guests feel comfortable and valued, which, in turn, leads to more candid and insightful interviews.
Focus on the Guest, not the Host: The very name of the podcast, You Are The Guest Podcast, reinforces this philosophy. It's a promise that the spotlight will be on the person being interviewed, not the host. Colmes recognized that this was a refreshing and effective approach, especially for the intimate medium of podcasting.
A "Perfect Form for the Medium": By focusing on the guest, Grady tapped into what makes podcasts unique. Podcasts often succeed when they create a feeling of being a personal, intimate conversation. Grady's style is uniquely suited for this, as it prioritizes deep conversation over performance.
Colmes' Unique Perspective: As a veteran of adversarial talk radio, Colmes was perhaps in the best position to recognize the value of Grady's collaborative style. His own media world was often about confrontation and verbal sparring. By praising Grady, Colmes was essentially validating a different, and perhaps more authentic, form of media - one based on listening, empathy, and genuine curiosity rather than conflict and debate.
"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.