This weekend’s Seattle Times Pacific NW Magazine has an in-depth article on well-known local & syndicated radio personality Delilah Rene written by Julia Duin well worth reading. Delilah’s life story including her recent tragic loss of son Zack to suicide reveal the struggles she continues to face while giving advice, sympathy, empathy, song requests, dedications & a listening ear to over 55,000 listeners each day. Over 8.3 million listeners across America tune in to her shows each week. Enjoying the rural life of her Port Orchard farm, we learn of her devotion to her children, those overseas less fortunate, her foster children & the deep religious beliefs that keep her going in face of much personal adversity. That faith is the drive within her, yet she never allows it as a component of her programs. Writer Duin gives us a historical timeline of Delilah’s life & career and allows Delilah a chance to express her opinions and reveal her innermost thoughts. Delilah admits to being “the queen of sappy love songs”. Returning to the air after her sons passing, she noted a change in listeners’ questions and calls. She reveals: “There’s a quiet desperation and loneliness,” she says. “I’m picking up on it more than before. The fact I’m going through grief right now [permits] more people to talk about that.” Delilah gives readers an in-depth look at her son Zack’s life & struggles on a very personal level.
Her program may not be to all tastes, but even critics must admit she provides a needed connection to the lonely, the suffering & troubled people of America. Her syndicated show is heard weekends 7- midnight & she can be heard daily (pre-recorded) on 94.1 KSWD “The Sound” 10am-3pm weekdays. PD Dave Richards was delighted to add her to the on-air team but needed to make accommodations for her busy life & activities. Delilah records her show at her home studio in Port Orchard. Julia Duin’s expose is well worth the read & reminds us what an important part of Northwest radio Delilah is. While much of our focus is on the negatives that today’s radio has become (rightly deserved!) this article reminds us that radio still has the power to be a positive influence in our lives & that when personal troubles occur, there IS a voice out there that will listen to us & respond from the heart.
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