"This is the FUN part of my day" That's how Tom describes the morning news and talk show he has hosted on KAST for over 20 years.
"When Linda and I first moved here in 1981 I had been hired by Bob Chopping to come on-board to do the typical morning DJ show and help program. In the afternoon I would be knocking on doors selling advertising. Bob was great to work for and my GM at the time was Chuck Walters who taught me a great deal about the business of selling radio."
"Bob sold the stations and I stayed on with Young's Bay Broadcasters until they sold the stations to New Northwest Broadcasters. It's been quite a ride from working for a "Mom and Pop" operation to working for one of the top ten radio corporations in the country. The best part is that we never had to move from Astoria to get all this experience!"
Freel started his broadcasting career working in Portland, Oregon for McCoy Broadcasting at KYXI AM 1520 just as the station had switched from beautiful music to a full-time news operation. While there he worked on the air as a street reporter, he produced news specials which resulted in winning coverage awards from Associated press when Mt. St. Helens blew in 1980. By the time 1981 rolled around Freel had worked in Morning Drive, Middays and, Afternoon drive in just about every capacity from reporter to anchor to hosting talk shows.
"It had been our intention to take the programming job in Astoria and stay a couple of years but my wife and I fell in love with the area and the people here. We stayed. It was a good move!"
Tom Freel is a recipient of the Oregon Association Of Broadcasters Heritage Broadcaster Award given to one broadcaster in the state who has worked on the air or in management for the same station or station group for a minimum of 20 years. Tom is celebrating his 27th year as the voice of KAST News and Talk.
More About Me:
Marital Status: Linda and I are heading for our 35th anniversary. Yes we married young!
Favorite Things: Grandson Ian, Anything Disney (I probably spend too much time on message boards!), Love cruising!
People I Admire: Many, for different reasons. Stand-outs though would be people who work hard, stay informed, raise families the best they can and remain calm under pressure. (I'm not very good at the last part. I tend to get irritated with people who just can't tell the truth..... and then LOOK OUT!)
