Mike Murphy (KSUM/KFMC, Fairmont, MN) offers his reflections about a 50-year career in broadcasting. “My first day on the radio, New Year’s Day 1964, found me trying my best to stay composed, push all the right buttons, and say all the right things at the appropriate time.” His first day evolved into many days, now numbering 50 years full of “seat-of-the-pants decisions,” “rip and read” and “play the songs.” Even though each day was more of the same, Mike described his radio experience as “never dull” and “never boring.” Seeing it as fun, he observed, “Can’t believe I get paid to do this!”
By 1984, Mike had gotten away from the daily air shift and was doing farm and market reports. “Management decided that we needed to join the NAFB.” When he first arrived at the Kansas City Weston Crown Center, he was relieved that he had found his way but said he was “nervous.” He explained, “I was a non-voting Probationary member with 20 years in radio but, barely dry behind the ears when it came to farm reporting, compared to the voices I was hearing and the name badges I was so busy staring at.” Finding himself observing “So that’s what he looks like,” Mike said, “that first of many NAFB conventions found me sitting in on every minute of professional improvement and the membership meeting where it seemed everyone in the room had something to say about what was being talked about.” He was taking it all in…meetings…banquets “that sometimes went too long…farm broadcasters like to talk even when they’re not being paid for it.” He found himself wondering how he was going to “get all this stuff home…my suitcase wasn’t big enough!” “With each convention, you find yourself surrounded by friends you haven’t seen, in many cases, since the last convention, and you are anxious to spend some time and catch up.” He adds, “I will miss that come this November when it again is convention time because, as of this past June 1, of another management decision. I am no longer a farm broadcaster. I am now a salesman.” Mike concludes, “Good luck, Susan Littlefield, with your convention. I know it’ll be one of the best. And, to all of you in the NAFB, you will always be family to me.”
