Carl Vandagrift had a 40-year radio career at WOWO, a radio station in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was the general manager of WOWO as well as the general manager of KYW Radio in Cleveland, Ohio.
In 1935, Vandagrift started working at WOWO as a news rewrite editor. He was hired to be the rewrite man to the newsman, who was Bob Valentine. At the time, Valentine was the only WOWO newsman.
As well as being a news rewrite editor, Vandagrift worked as a staff announcer, newscaster and a continuity editor. From 1952-1959 and again from 1961-1975, Vandagrift was the general manager of WOWO.
WOWO radio station, licensed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, received its name after the station held a contest in 1941. The contest entailed listeners of the station using the station’s call letters to come up with a slogan. WOWO stands for “Wayne Offers Wonderful Opportunities.”
One of Vandagrift’s early assignments at WOWO was “Hey, Mr. Motorist,” which was broadcast from a downtown Fort Wayne intersection where he interviewed passing motorists from different states. The broadcast originated from the corner of Harrison and Washington Streets. In the broadcast, Vandagrift promoted safety. Accompanying Vandagrift with “Hey, Mr. Motorist” was Eldon Campbell, a program manager at WOWO.
At WOWO-WGL, Vandagrift directed publicity and worked on broadcasting assignments, as well. For three years, Vandagrift also served as the general manager of KYW Radio in Cleveland, Ohio.
Vandagrift was also involved with a game show called “Name That Tune” alongside Jeane Browne. The show aired every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Vandagrift was appointed as program manager of WOWO in 1945. He was succeeded at WOWO by KYW sales manager Edward Wallis.
Vandagrift passed away in 1991 in Louisville, Kentucky.
