A Familiar Voice Returns to Omaha Radio

More than three decades ago, Dave Wingert could be heard spinning the hits on Omaha radio stations like WOW, KEFM and KGOR.

Now he finds himself playing some of the same songs, only now they're considered "oldies."

The irony of the scenario makes Wingert chuckle. The story of how he landed his new gig as morning host on KGOR (99.9 FM) is about as extensive as his resume, which includes work at a half dozen radio stations in Omaha and stops in Des Moines, Kansas City and Seattle.

"It's so thrilling to come back," Wingert said Tuesday as a news release was being prepared to officially announce his return. Since last week, he has been filling in on KGOR with program director Drew Bentley after the show's former host, TJ, was let go around the first of the year.

It was only a month ago that Wingert was starting a new job as a salesperson for Clear Channel Omaha, KGOR's parent company. He had been invited back to Omaha by a colleague at Clear Channel who had heard Wingert was passed over for a morning radio job in Los Angeles.

"There's a certain harmony to it," Wingert said. "You talk about the 'Circle of Life.' I thought it would make a lot of sense to come back here."

Only this time, Wingert wouldn't be behind a microphone. He'd be pounding the pavement and knocking on doors selling advertising. The work was satisfying, he said, but the itch to be on the air was still strong.

A window of opportunity opened when KFAB (1110 AM) program director Gary Sadlemyer invited him to fill in on a Saturday air shift. The response from listeners was positive and exposed his personable style to Clear Channel Omaha General Manager Mitch Baker.

"So when they announced that they laid off some staff and the morning job was open, I went to Mitch and said 'I'm not going to sit here (and not apply for the job),'" Wingert said.

Already In The Hall of Fame
Wingert's return to Omaha is the latest stop in an impressive career that's already landed him a spot in the Nebraska Radio Personalities Hall of Fame. Before leaving Omaha in 1989, he worked at WOW, KQKQ, KEFM, KGOR and KEDS. He also had stints at WHO in Des Moines and at KLSY in Seattle, hosting a nationally-syndicated show, "Dave 'Till Dawn," on 98 stations.

Omaha TV stations might want to take notice of his previous experience in that medium. Wingert hosted the magazine-format show "Good Day" with Joni Ballion on KMTV (Cox Channel 5) and also produced and hosted a children's television program on KETV (Cox Channel 9). Wingert said he still acts and recently landed a spot in an upcoming production at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

"Whatever I'm doing, I'm really drawn to material and content," Wingert said.

Without mentioning any names, Wingert said the competitive landscape of morning radio in Omaha is open for a more creative program.

"I want to do the kind of radio show I would enjoy listening to," Wingert said. "If there is one word used to describe my approach it is authenticity. Since 9/11, people have been looking for more authentic ways to connect with one another and find more meaning in their lives."

Wingert said his show will be a mix of newsy information and celebrity interviews, but not what listeners are hearing on other stations.

"I half kiddingly issued a moratorium on Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan news earlier this week," Wingert said. "Does it really matter to you what Paris did last night? What is her claim to fame other than having a famous name?"

In addition to his program on KGOR, Wingert will also produce a twice-weekly segment for KFAB called, "According to Dave." It will be his observations of how Omaha has changed after being away for more than 15 years.

"To see all of the energy down in the Old Market where they used to roll up the sidewalks at eight o'clock is pretty exciting," he said.