In 1932, Ronald “Dutch” Reagan walked into WOC Radio in Davenport, Iowa, looking for a job as a sports announcer. He was given an audition at the conclusion of which he was told, “you get five dollars and bus fare to Iowa City. You’re doing the Iowa-Minnesota game.” (Minnesota won 21-6.)
WOC was co-channel with WHO in Des Moines, and the two stations were under the same ownership. When attempts at synchronous broadcasting proved unfruitful, WHO’s power was increased to 50,000 watts and operations took place from Des Moines. Reagan was transferred there in 1933, and worked for the station until 1937, eventually becoming sports director.
Here, Reagan’s photo and brief biography are as they appeared in the April 1934 issue of Radio Stars magazine.
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