KRCU’s Dan Woods reflects on his 23 years with the station

In an Arrow exclusive, KRCU Public Radio’s general manager Dan Woods discussed his tenure and love for the radio industry.

When asked what inspired him to break into the industry, Woods, without hesitation, recalled his desire to someday “take over for Dan Rather” on the CBS Evening News. He went on to say that when the news came on at 5:30 p.m. he wanted “complete silence in the house ... you didn’t talk during the news.”

Throughout the interview, Woods highlighted the ups and downs of working in the industry, as well as the importance of having a willingness to learn and the ability to adapt to different situations.

When asked where he saw the radio industry going in the future, he said that while many people say this industry's days are numbered, he doesn’t believe that to be true.

He went on to discuss that since the advent of podcasting and live streaming, listeners can get content anytime they want and anywhere they want it.

“Radio has to adapt and become hyperlocal ... so that if there are things happening in your community it gives you a place to go,” Woods said.

Woods went on to highlight the importance of timeliness and proximity when trying to find success in radio programming.

Woods said even though he is now general manager of the station, he still in his heart loves to be on the air and loves to do radio.

“You gotta have a passion for it ... I love to come to the station, and I always have,” Woods said.

Woods can still be heard daily on KRCU public radio as well as seen on Southeast Missouri State University’s television program, “Focus on Southeast,” with President Carlos Vargas.

To hear more about KRCU, tune in at 90.9 FM or online at krcu.org.