KOPN History: 1982

1982: KOPN inaugurates Midwest Radio Theatre, an offshoot of the Midwest Radio Theatre Conference it also helped to organize. The Conference attracts the participation of famous radio comedy veterans from the Firesign Theater and "Fibber McGee and Molly." KOPN's Midwest Radio Theatre becomes the first live radio theatre transmitted nationally over the public radio satellite system, and plans are made to produce two plays monthly.

KOPN's First MRTW Live Broadcast October, 1982
MRTW Live Performance

Letter to KOPN November, 1982

Dear KOPN:

I guess I believe in superlatives. I just wanted to say that in seven years of public broadcasting, MRTW was far and away the most exciting and beneficial learning experience I have had. The format, content, the dedication and discipline (and of course, the party) were PRIMO.

You all should feel very proud and satisfied with yourselves for this job well done. Naturally, Susan and Julie deserve a special credit for keeping things rolling as smoothly as they did.

Most importantly, however, was the spirit of MRTW. Of course, people like Peter Bergman, David Ossman, Tom Lopez, John Carrillo, Doris and Lee from Children's Theatre, etc., made for a wonderful learning experience. You can't find finer, warmer teachers. Now, Hi Brown-- that's another story. No, he was great, too. But let me get back to what I wanted to say. You, the people of KOPN, are some of the finest people I've ever met. I didn't know what to expect. The Midwest to me is the unknown entity. Not any more. Your hospitality rivals ours. Your sense of purpose and dedication to this most worthy endeavor is abundantly clear.

Really, I could go on and on. This is an experience that will remain close to my heart for the rest of my life, and I mean it. Congratulations on a job well done. Hope to see you next year with more folks from the Southwest.

Pa'lante
Eduardo Diaz

Here are scans of some of the many adds placed in KOPN's 10th Anniversary paper written by John Poses. Enjoy the congratulations given to KOPN for 10 years of great public radio broadcasting.