Longtime “Problem Corner” host Larry Snider signs off from KIFW, after a decades long career in commercial radio. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)
Larry Snider taped his final hour of “Problem Corner” today, closing out a 50-year career in commercial radio to enjoy retirement in Washington.
Since 2008, Snider has been a mainstay at the Sitka Radio Center, home of both KIFW 1230 and The Rock 103.7. He’s currently their General Manager, infusing the airwaves with his passion for sports and music. As the host of the popular weekday program “Problem Corner,” Snider conveyed endless birthday wishes, garage sale notices, and community news.
During his last show, he reflected on the early days when he first arrived and KIFW was on a satellite format. “I remember hearing Donny Osmond from a studio somewhere in Colorado in midday. I thought, ‘This can’t work here. C’mon. Let’s make this a live, local radio station. Let’s cover the parades. Let’s do food drives, toy drives. Let’s cover high school baseball, basketball – extensively.’ We took the station off satellite, added a live morning show, and other programming. Live and local. That’s what it’s been all about and that’s what’s made it such a joy.”
Snider is retiring to a “little hideaway near Aberdeen, Washington.” He’ll be hosting two music shows before he leaves, from 5 to 10 p.m. tonight and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow.
Bob Barger will join the Sitka Radio Center as the General Manager in August. Until that time, “Problem Corner” will be hosted by Mike Clasby of the Juneau-based Alaska Broadcast Communications.
