KDHX Donor Spotlight: Wayne Schell

KDHX Donor Spotlight

Wayne Schell has been supporting KDHX for over two decades. Wayne has lent his support financially with single gifts, monthly gifts, a vehicle donation and is a terrific KDHX ambassador. He has recorded a donor testimonial and is always recruiting new listeners to tune in to the station. We thank Wayne for being a great KDHX ambassador and for the many ways he contributes to keep the joy of discovery and the power of music thriving at KDHX.  

Tell us about yourself: 

I have been a musician since I picked up guitar at age 13. I have had many kinds of employment, but I have always performed music beginning in 1963. That was the year I entered a Catholic seminary in Columbus, OH. My classmates got me started playing guitar. I left the seminary in 1970 and I finished college in 1971. I married Bonnie in Chicago in 1974. We have 5 children. We are both retired from our careers in education. I still play music with a band called "The Wild Geese".

How long have you been listening to KDHX?

I began listening in the first year the station began to broadcast. I was hooked from day one. I have recordings of many early programmers, including Larry Weir, in my personal collection.

Do you remember when you first discovered KDHX? Do you have a KDHX "origin story?"

A friend told me about "a new radio station", and I began to listen. I was amazed by the diversity and the entire concept of content programming by the local music aficionados. I am very interested in current events, and I loved to hear "Democracy Now".

Why is KDHX important?

KDHX builds community awareness. It offers people music at no charge. I think music is tremendously important to individual health and wholeness. KDHX does even more than that, providing information for people who live in the St. Louis area about art, history, and all kinds of cultural and political events. It connects those who are active artistically and socially in this broader community. It provides volunteer opportunities for people to serve their community.

Do you have any favorite KDHX programs?

I listen during almost all times of day. I have many friends among the programmers, and I try to listen to their programs. I also like to hear the new programmers who come on board. The diversity is absolutely incredible, and I like it all. I loved the Irish program, and I hope a programmer will be able to bring it back sometime.

How do you listen to KDHX? Live radio? Via the stream? Through the recorded archives?

I listen via live radio and online at KDHX.org.

Is there anything else you would like to share about how KDHX has impacted your life?

I am personally alarmed by the negative intrusive corporate influence in media. I think that air waves are like air; we all need the services provided by the media, in the same way that we all need important infrastructure. I know that broadcasting is expensive, but using a public utility, such as radio, primarily for amassing profit does not properly serve us equally. KDHX helps us all, not just a privileged few investors.