Gig on radio brings broadcaster full circle

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Broadcaster Dan Cooke is back on Island radio (morning drive on KRTR 96.3 FM) and it's a return to his roots; it's all part of his lifestyle choice.

Some old-timers may remember his radio high-jinks two decades ago, with co-anchor Kelly Randall, when he had a frizzy 'do. More folks remember him from the KHNL and KITV news desks in recent years.

We caught up with him and posed Five Questions:

Q: Why radio, why now?

A: "It's something I've wanted to do since leaving news; I'm trying to do something to have time for my kids and my family — something working nights on TV didn't allow."

Q: What has the homecoming to the airwaves been like?

A: "The tough part is waking up at 3 a.m. ... but you're pau hana early."

Q: How has radio changed?

A: "Technology alone has been amazing; I came in looking for grease pencils and razor blades to edit reel-to-reel tape, like the old days. Now, it's non-linear, all computer. Even the music, you don't touch a record."

Q: What's constant; what's different?

A: "I've brought back some old friends; Dwayne and Gramps (on-air alter egos). The dynamics are really different; radio has changed, we share resources and personnel; still competitive, but your competitors are down the hall. It's all a different challenge, which I love."

Q: How has TV helped or hindered your return to radio?

A: "Radio is spontaneous, but I feel fortunate to have done TV; taught me to think on my feet, speak quickly; it's given me an understanding of news and the community. The best thing about radio is I don't have to wear makeup, I don't have to wear a tie, I don't even have to shave."

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.