Mike Tussey discusses his experiences with working split shifts, stating they were far from enjoyable.

Radio Legend Mike Tussey's Remarkable Journey

Mike Tussey, a radio broadcasting icon from Eastern Kentucky, has had an extraordinary career that spans over six decades. His journey began in Ashland, where he started working as a Teller at the 2nd National Bank in 1960, enjoying weekends and holidays off.

In 1961, an unexpected opportunity presented itself when he was offered a part-time job as a DJ at WIRO, a radio station over in Ironton, Ohio. This marked the beginning of Tussey's broadcasting career, which would later lead him to become a Program Director.

His routine was demanding, with a 5 a.m. drive from Ashland to Ironton, crossing the bridge over to Ironton, and paying a 25 cent bridge toll. His days at WIRO consisted of 8 hours on Saturday and 8 more on Sunday, including sign-on. A 25-minute drive home for lunch and a nap, another drive back to the station at 2 p.m., and a drive home again at 6 p.m. made up the rest of his day.

Tussey had no experience as a broadcaster, but the owner of WIRO, the late Ken Auble, saw potential in him. After nearly three years of the "Split Shift," Tussey was offered a lucrative mid-day shift at WTCR and accepted.

In 1964, Tussey was assigned to co-host WIRO's Morning broadcast - "The Coffee Grounds Show" with HAL MURPHY. His shift was from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and he also joined MURPHY for the afternoon drive time show - "The Town Clowns" from 4 p.m.-6 p.m., with his shift starting at 3 p.m. daily.

Tussey's salary increased from $90 weekly to $110 with the new shifts. His pay at the 2nd National Bank was $1.71 per hour or net $49 weekly. His daily bridge toll expense was $1 a day Monday through Friday, $2 a month on Saturdays, and a total of $22 a month.

Tussey's career in broadcasting was not limited to WIRO. He worked at Radio Hilversum in the early 1960s as a record player operator and later as a DJ. His career in broadcasting also included a stint in law enforcement, teaching, coaching, writing books, and announcing over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+.

In 1964, Tussey was offered and accepted a full-time position at WIRO to work 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. This dream job, as Tussey described it, offered Monday through Friday hours from 9-5, weekends, holidays, and summer vacation off, and a birthday off with full pay.

Tussey's career advancement continued when he was promoted to Program Director at WTCR. This marked a significant milestone in his broadcasting career.

After a 60-plus-year career, Tussey has "retired" and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune. He currently resides in Florence with his wife, Jo. Tussey's inspiring journey serves as a testament to hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams.

Mike Tussey discusses his experiences with working split shifts, stating they were far from enjoyable.