Rockline
 | |
| Genre | Call-in interview, Active rock, Classic rock |
|---|---|
| Running time | 90 minutes (including commercials) |
| Country |
 United States |
| Language(s) | English |
| Host(s) | Bob Coburn |
| Recording studio |
Sunset Sound Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Air dates | since May 4, 1981[1] |
| No. of episodes | ≈1,650[2] |
| Audio format | Stereophonic sound |
| Website | www.rocklineradio.com |
Rockline is a nationally syndicated radio interview program hosted by Bob Coburn that broadcasts live via satellite every Monday and Wednesday night from 8:30pm-10pm PT to radio stations in the United States. Founded in 1981, it is considered to be the longest running, uninterrupted program in rock history. The main guests interviewed on the program are various musical artists of the rock genre, including both active rock artists (on Mondays) and classic rock artists (on Wednesdays). The primary feature of the program is the ability for listeners to call live and ask questions to the guests. Several of the shows are also live performances.
History
Owners, syndicators, and show format
Rockline started in 1981 with a weekly format on Monday nights, Monday being chosen because at the time most bands did not play on Mondays.[2] The first guests on the show were Joe Walsh of the Eagles and Tom Johnston of The Doobie Brothers, on May 4, 1981. The show generally originated in Los Angeles, occasionally from the ABC Studios in New York City. Jimmy Fink was the local producer when Rockline originated in NY. In June 1998, AMFM Radio Networks purchased Rockline, among other programs, from the Global Satellite Network.[3] Under the ownership of AMFM, the show expanded to two nights a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, on January 1, 1999.[2] In August 2000, AMFM was merged into Premiere Radio Networks, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications.[4] Two years later, in November 2002, Premiere announced that 15 programs were being cut from their roster, including Rockline.[5] Shortly thereafter, in January 2003, host Bob Coburn purchased the show from Premiere.[6][7] Later that same year, in November, Crystal Media Networks began syndicating the show.[8] November 2008 saw a change in syndicator when Dial Global picked up Rockline, while Bob Coburn continued to be the host.[9]
Hosts
The original host for six months was B. Mitchel Reed. Following that, Coburn was the lone host until the early 1990s. Following his departure, there were three full-time hosts, Steve Downes, Beau Rials and Riki Rachtman, until March 10, 1997 when Coburn returned.[2]
Guests
Two major "hold-out" guests who have yet to appear on the show are Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton. The two guests who have been on the most are Ozzy Osbourne (19 times) and Rush (18 times).[2]
Notable non-musical guests include then Governor of Arkansas Bill Clinton with running mate, then-United States Senator from Tennessee Al Gore during their presidential campaign in 1992; and on December 16, 1993 radio superstar Howard Stern, the latter of whom was promoting his New Year's Eve Pay-per-view special.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Rockline Archive History". Retrieved August 11, 2009.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Rockline Frequently Asked Questions". Retrieved August 11, 2009.
- ↑ Taylor, Chuck (August 8, 1998). "AMFM Takes Bigger Piece Of Rock". Billboard (June 27, 1998). Retrieved August 11, 2009.
- ↑ "Premiere Radio Networks Milestones". Retrieved August 12, 2009.
- ↑ "Breaking News". FMQB. November 5, 2002. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
- ↑ "Breaking News". FMQB. January 7, 2003. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
- ↑ "Breaking News". FMQB. January 14, 2003. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
- ↑ "Breaking News". FMQB. November 4, 2003. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
- ↑ "In Brief". FMQB. November 11, 2008. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
External links
- Official Rockline website — includes current station list
- Rockline page at the Dial Global website
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