You Light Up My Life

The New York City blackout that happened during the Summer of 1977 made big news. But for everyone in San Antonio, the Great Blackout on October 16, 1977 was even bigger news.

I was on my way home after my Sunday afternoon air shift. All of the KONO weekday air staff had to pull at least a couple of weekend air shifts per month. Suddenly all the lights went out and I heard KONO go silent. I decided to head back to KONO.

Shortly after I got back to the station, Chef Engineer Bill Kiley, Francine Maness (the first female broadcast engineer at KONO/KITY) along with the engineer on duty got the power generator going. KONO was back on the air!

Our brand new weekend news anchor Bruce Baker helped me with what I recall was a time of intensive and informative local news about the Blackout. San Antonio Residents’ response to our broadcasting efforts that evening was great.

A few days later, San Antonio Mayor Lila Cockrell sent a nice letter and a proclamation from the City to KONO Program Director Bill Dante commending our efforts and coverage.

Providing essential broadcasting services in time of need Makes Great Radio!

Michael Black

Michael Black Note: The Number 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week ending October 15, 1977 was You Light Up My Life by Debby Boone.

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