By Jon Holiday
In radio, holidays often come with a twist. While most families gather around the dinner table, many of us have spent Thanksgiving surrounded not by relatives—but by our on-air family. Two veteran broadcasters share fond memories of those special “orphan” Thanksgivings that warmed the hearts (and stomachs) of radio folks far from home.
While working at WRKO in Boston, Dennis Jon Bailey found himself among the “holiday orphans” of the programming department. With Thanksgiving falling in the heart of the Fall Book, no one was getting time off—not even morning legend Dale Dorman.
Thankfully, WRKO’s programming secretary Linda decided no one should spend the holiday alone. She hosted a “Thanksgiving for Orphans” at her home, opening her doors (and her kitchen) to the jocks who couldn’t travel. DJB joined Scott Burns, and another jock affectionately nicknamed “Gums” for a day filled with laughter, football, and for Dennis, a first taste of oyster dressing.
After dinner, as they drove back, Burns suddenly blurted out, “S#!t, we just spent Thanksgiving in Plymouth!”
The realization hit them—they had unknowingly celebrated Thanksgiving right where the Pilgrims had first done so centuries before. A fitting ending to a perfectly imperfect radio holiday.
Tom Hunter remembers those same kinds of gatherings fondly from his early radio days in the 1980s. “We called them ‘Orphan Thanksgivings,’” he says. “They were for anyone in the department who didn’t have family nearby.”
In Rochester and later Providence, the programming staff—young, energetic, and living the unpredictable life of radio—would come together for food, friendship, and a break from the grind. “We were radio gypsies,” Tom recalls, “with weird hours and far from home. It just felt natural to celebrate together.”
It wasn’t about promotions, clients, or ratings—simply tasty food and great company. Over time, as careers advanced and families grew, those gatherings evolved. “Now my kids are scattered all over,” Tom says, “but once in a while, we’ll pick a city, rent a house big enough for everyone, and have our own modern-day Orphan Thanksgiving.”
About the Storytellers
Dennis Jon Bailey
A familiar name to radio audiences across Boston, Indianapolis, Chicago, San Diego, and Cincinnati, DJB has been part of the WIKY Evansville morning team with Diane Douglas since 2004. He’s also a respected voice actor in radio and television.
Tom Hunter
Tom’s programming journey took him through Rochester, Providence, Indianapolis, Denver, and Dallas/Ft. Worth. He went on to serve as VP of Music Programming for MTV and later as President of MTV Networks Latin America. These days, he’s enjoying retired life outside the media world—but still carries the spirit of those early “Friendsgivings” wherever he goes.
A Toast to Radio “Family”
For many in broadcasting, Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pie—it’s about the people who make long hours and tight deadlines worth it. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or fellow “radio orphans,” may your holiday be filled with laughter, gratitude, and a touch of that magic that makes radio feel like home.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Radio Consulting Services!
About Radio Consulting Services
Radio Consulting Services is the multi-format consulting and programming services company advising stations on how to grow their audience. Every day, our winning Programming and Consulting team keeps radio stations on top. For more information on how Radio Consulting Services can help your company gain more listeners, achieve higher ratings and grow revenue, contact info@radioconsultingservices.com