Jim Hawthorne, born in Victor, Colorado, was the first voice heard on KMYR when it went on the air on April 21, 1941, and went on to become one of radio’s great comic innovators.
Career
In the 1940s Hawthorne moved to Los Angeles, where his “nutty” radio shows aired on ABC, NBC, CBS and Mutual. Steve Allen wrote about his on-air inventions in three books. He worked in Los Angeles television in the 1960s and, starting in 1965, spent four years in Hawaii, where he created the children’s show Checkers and Pogo.
He came home to Colorado in 1974 at KOA, becoming promotion manager and program director. He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado Hall of Fame in 2001.
Sources
Stations They Worked At
FROM THE TIMELINE
Career Moments
April 21, 1941: Jim Hawthorne is the first voice on KMYR
April 21, 1941 — Victor, Colorado, native Jim Hawthorne was the first voice heard on KMYR. The station held its formal dedication a few days later. Hawthorne went on to national fame with his “nutty” network shows from Los Angeles.
1974: Jim Hawthorne returns to Colorado at KOA
1974 — After network radio in Los Angeles and TV in Hawaii, Jim Hawthorne came home to KOA, where he became promotion manager and program director.
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