Community Wishes Tad Happy Retirement After 43 Years in Radio
It's the end of an era. After 43 years in the radio business, 15 in Utica, New York on Big Frog 104, Bill McAdams aka Tadpole, is hanging up his headphones. The community and those he's touched along the way share memories and well wishes on his retirement.
Where it All Began
Bill's radio career began in Paris, Illinois in 1978 where he was a sports director. 65 basketballs games later he decided it wasn't for him and moved to Indiana to become an overnight jock on a pop station. Since then Tad has become a little bit of a nomad. Working in Watertown, New York, where we met Stacey aka Polly, then moving to Ohio, Kentucky, and Arizona before finding roots at Big Frog in Utica.
Along the way, Bill has touched more lives than he realizes, turning starry-eyed kids into successful men and women who work in the radio business all over the country. Using his even-keeled personality and ability to fix any problem, personal and professional.
Utica Mayor Recognition
Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri presented Tad with a Certificate of Recognition for his "dedication and service to our community."
Shane Media
Pam Shane, a former consultant from Shane Media, looks back at the time she worked with Bill who "always kept the listener at the forefront of his ideas," and reminded him of the number of lives he's touched along the way.
Farewell For Now
Friends, listeners, and co-workers, past and present, wish Tad a fond farewell on his last full day. You can hear some of the messages in the video above from past employees or in the video from listeners below.
Not Gone Forever
Don't worry, he won't be gone forever though. Tad will be in the kitchen, joining Cooking With Polly and he'll still be featured from time to time on the morning show with Polly and Carl.
Tad's final words....
To steal a portion of Lou Gehrig’s famous speech, “I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” I‘ve traveled a great part of this country doing what I love, radio. For more than half of those 43 years, I even got to do it with my wife, Polly. Many in our family have referred to us as nomads because we kept moving around. Central New York has been home for the past 15 years, the longest of any of our stops, and for good reason. There have been other offers and opportunities, but we love it here. The scenery is breathtaking and the talent level of local musicians and entertainers is beyond any we’ve seen. But it’s the people who make CNY. Whether it’s supporting St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or purchasing gifts during Santa For Seniors, everyone always pitches in to help others. Thank you for letting us into your lives and mornings. And as I have been saying for the past few days, I’ll miss doing the morning show, but not that 2 a.m. alarm.
Take a look back at Tad's impressive 43-year career.