Rochester Radio's Golden Age: A DJ's Story

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 15:19 GMT by WROC Rochester
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

Rochester Radio's Golden Age: A Deep Dive into the Swinging Sixties with Ronn Spencer

Rochester, New York, in the 1960s wasn't just a city experiencing the broader societal shifts of the decade; it was a vibrant microcosm of the revolution happening on the radio. A recent conversation with Ronn Spencer, a veteran DJ who spent five formative years at WBBF and WROC, offers a captivating glimpse into this golden age of broadcasting - a time of immense change, fierce competition, and the birth of a new sonic landscape.

Spencer's recollections paint a picture of an AM-dominated early '60s. Top 40 reigned supreme, with stations like WBBF and WROC battling for ratings supremacy by relentlessly churning out the latest chart-toppers. The focus was tight, curated playlists designed for mass appeal. However, a silent revolution was brewing: the rise of FM radio. Spencer was among the pioneers who transitioned to this new format, experiencing firsthand the shift in both technology and audience. "FM was different," he explains. "The sound quality was better, and we had more freedom to experiment with music. It wasn't just about playing the hits; it was about creating an experience."

This experimentation wasn't without its challenges. The jump to FM wasn't seamless. The audience was smaller initially, and stations had to actively cultivate a listener base. Competition was brutal. Rochester boasted a crowded dial, with numerous stations all vying for the attention of the same listeners. Spencer describes the atmosphere as "tough," requiring DJs to be exceptionally skilled, relentlessly entertaining, and willing to take risks to stand out. It was a far cry from the more structured and often corporately-controlled radio of today. DJs weren't simply announcers; they were personalities, tasked with building a loyal following through wit, charisma, and a genuine connection with their audience.

The mid-to-late '60s witnessed the seismic impact of the British Invasion, and Rochester was no exception. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who weren't merely adding songs to the playlist; they were fundamentally altering the sound of American radio. Spencer vividly remembers the frenzy surrounding these groups. "The kids went crazy for it," he says. "It wasn't just the music; it was a cultural phenomenon. We were playing these songs constantly, and it felt like the whole city was buzzing." He notes that the British Invasion pushed radio stations to be more adventurous, showcasing new artists and sounds that hadn't been prominent before. The previously rigid Top 40 format began to loosen, making room for a wider variety of genres and styles.

Beyond the music, Spencer highlights the intensely personal connection DJs had with their listeners in that era. Before the rise of social media and on-demand streaming, local radio was a primary source of information, entertainment, and community. DJs weren't just voices on the airwaves; they were often seen as friends and confidantes. "It was a different kind of relationship," Spencer explains. "We'd get calls from listeners sharing their stories, asking for dedications, and just chatting. We were part of their lives, and they were part of ours." This intimate connection fostered a sense of local pride and loyalty that's difficult to replicate in today's fragmented media landscape.

Spencer's career coincided with significant changes in radio regulation and ownership, though he doesn't dwell on the business side. His focus remains on the creative energy and the sheer joy of connecting with an audience through music. Looking back, he emphasizes the importance of passion and dedication. "You had to love what you did," he says. "It wasn't just a job; it was a calling." He expresses a deep sense of pride in having helped shape the sound of Rochester and introducing a generation to the music that defined their lives. And when asked if he would trade his time in '60s radio for anything, his answer is resolute: "Not for anything." His story serves as a valuable reminder of a bygone era when radio wasn't just about playing songs--it was about building community and creating memories.