THE FOLLOWING IS BILL PICKETT’S REFLECTION ON HIS BROADCASTING CAREER
As Vermilion County begins to celebrate its 200th birthday, a new book has been published covering some of the county’s top news stories over the past half century. Titled “Behind the Mic…For Over 50 Years”, the book’s author is local radio broadcaster Bill Pickett. He retired from the position of news director for WDNL, WDAN, and WRHK (K-Rock) Radio in 2020 but has continued to cover stories on a part time basis.
The book explains why Pickett feels he was ‘baptized by fire’ at the start of his news career which covers nearly six decades. It also tells how covering the news has changed over the years. And the book contains information and photos about many of the county’s top stories over the past half-century.
“When I retired (in 2020) there were lots of people telling me that I needed to write a book. Well, I finally started writing this over two years ago,” said Pickett. “The book covers a variety of events – such as the blizzard of 1978, Joe Tanner’s first spaceflight, and the efforts which saved the historic Fischer Theater.”
It was printed at Faulstich Printing in Danville.
Copies of the book are available locally for $20 each (preferably by cash or check). They can be purchased in the gift shop at the Vermilion County Museum, during regular hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 4PM. They are also available at studios of WDAN, WDNL, and WRHK (K-Rock) at 1501 North Washington Avenue in Danville, Illinois during regular business hours. Or you can contact Pickett at newsguy.bp@gmail.com for more information on how to purchase his book.
