RICK STEPHENSON

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Rick Stephenson has lived the life radio has to offer, working in many different cities like Minneapolis, Albuquerque, Shreveport, and Phoenix, Arizona. Rick now makes his home in Peoria, Illinois and is the morning personality at 97.3 River Country. Although he's a "60's child" and grew up with the Beatles, Beach Boys, and the rock revolution, his choice of country radio has spanned over three decades.

Rick's resume is impressive to say the least, having worked at KNEW in Oakland, where he performed every job from morning jock to production director. Ten years later, his company moved him to the Twin Cities where Rick became the morning air personality at WDGY, Minneapolis. He was a top five finalist for Billboard Magazine's "Radio Personality Of The Year" in 1989, and in the same year, he and his partner were voted by readers of a local paper, one of the top three morning teams in the city. He was also a panelist for USA Today for 18 months, picking top albums along with four other program directors from across the country.

From there, Rick programmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Phoenix, Arizona, and enjoyed his most rewarding accomplishments in Shreveport, Louisiana where he programmed at KRMD for nearly five years. He led his staff to three consecutive LAB Station of the Year awards, two CMA and an NAB nominations. He also programmed at Clear Channel's KITT and KWKH, Shreveport, the home of the legendary Louisiana Hayride.

But after being a program director for fourteen years, Rick moved to Illinois to become "Just a radio personality." And his experience continues to pay off! In June 2004, the Illinois Broadcasters Association awarded Rick a Silver Dome Award for "Best Local Morning Show of the Year In A Medium Market" for the 2nd year in a row. Rick's "Pledge of Allegiance" also won the Silver Dome Award for "Best Radio Self Promotion!" The accolades continued in June 2005 as the IBA awarded Rick a Silver Dome Award for "Best Community Service Activity" for "Do Me A Favor Friday." Rick has also won ADDY Awards from the Peoria Ad Club for his "Pledge of Allegiance" feature as well as "Ronald Reagan Remembered," vignettes memorializing the former Illinois resident and President. In June 2006, Rick, and partner Lisa Franks, were awarded The Silver Dome Award for "Best Local Morning Show" at the IBA Convention in Springfield, Illinois. Most recently, Rick was one of the five finalists for the Academy of Country Music's Personality Of The Year.

The love of his life is his daughter, Megan. "God has blessed me with the most beautiful young lady you can imagine, and I am very proud of her in so many ways!" She married her long-time boyfriend Andy on February 28th. They currently reside in Ruston, LA.

RICK'S FAVORITES

Favorite Entree: Non-poisonous!

Favorite Dessert: Ice Cream

Favorite Drink: Diet Dr. Pepper

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Book: Chronicle of the 20th Century

Favorite Movie: Anything with James Bond

Favorite Actor: Harrison Ford & Tom Hanks

Favorite Actress: Meg Ryan & Michelle Pfeiffer

Favorite Music Performers: Steve Wariner, Beatles, George Strait, Keith Urban, Moody Blues, and Carrie Underwood.

Favorite TV Show: CSI: NY, American Idol, & Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii & Disney

Favorite Sport: All, but I'm partial to Hockey & Football

Favorite Memory: The day my daughter Megan was born.

Favorite Quotes:
"God gave us memories so we'd have roses in December."

"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."

"The best things in life...aren't things."

"To the world you may be one person...but to one person you may be the world."

Favorite Way To Relax: Watching movies and working on computer

If I Wasn't in Radio, I Would: Travel (Avoiding bill collectors)

If I Could Spend The Day With One Famous Person Dead or Alive, Who Would It Be: Abraham Lincoln

Hobbies: Computers, music, movies, traveling, wine, cigars, & photography.