Two long-time KC Chiefs’ Radio Network producers came to the Rotary Club’s weekly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12. The meeting was well attended and the speakers did a good job entertaining and answering questions. A Clintonian and a friend of many, Eric Townsend, has worked for the Chiefs’ Radio Network for 18 years as a broadcast producer. Eric, as you may know, is the “Voice of the Cardinals” at most of the local football and basketball games. Eric and his wife, Shauna, have two sons. Their oldest, Keaton, graduated last year and Kaiden is a freshman at CHS. Eric was joined by Executive Producer Dan Israel that has been with the Chiefs’ Radio Network for over 33 years. Can you imagine the changes that Dan and Eric have seen over the years? The Chiefs’ Radio Network has 100 affiliates, including KDKD 95.3, and broadcast in 13 States. Eric and Dan told interesting and often funny stories about their experience with the Chiefs, including their time with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
The “radio guys” on a typical game day start at 7 a.m. to set up the booth with five large trunks of equipment and are on the air at 9 a.m. They start their Pre-game show at 9 a.m. for a 12-noon kickoff. Equipment also has to be ready for on-the-field interviews, etc. After the game, they also have equipment set up in the locker room for interviews. A large amount of equipment has to be quickly packed up, and on the away games, a flight has to be caught. Eric emphasized, “It is a long day.” Dan does other broadcasts, including the Chiefs Kingdom with Coach Reid on Monday nights. Someone asked about their Super Bowl rings. Dan first commented that it was very gracious for the Chiefs to give rings to the radio guys. Dan went through the symbolism of the ring including the number of diamonds (60) at the top symbolizing the 60 years the Chiefs have been in KC. The two large diamonds represent the Chiefs’ two Super Bowl wins, etc. One of Dan’s main points during their talk was the ‘Pursuit of Excellence’ the Chiefs have established. This includes Coach Reid all the way down. Dan said this is true in the business world also. Dan said, “It is hard work and dedication that is needed in the long-term ‘Pursuit of Excellence’.” Dan talked about how impressive it has been watching both Mahomes and Kelce become leaders on the field, in the locker room, and in the community. Dan talked about how the growing popularity of the NFL has changed and expanded the Radio Network. Thanks to Mike Keith and the Rotary Club for providing such a variety of interesting speakers. The President of the Club is Donni Kuck, Kyle Johnson will become the 2023 President on July 1.
