Pete Bowers and Scott Meach
Recorded
August 12, 2023
Archived
August 12, 2023
41:01 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
atl004831
Description
Scott Meach (54) has a conversation with his mentor and former high school teacher, Pete Bowers (70), about the history of Andover High's radio station WBFH-FM, aka The Biff.Subject Log / Time Code
Scott begins talking about WBFH-FM (The Biff), which began operating out of Andover High School (now Bloomfield Hills High School), in Bloomfield Michigan, in 1976. Scott says Pete was his teacher from 1984-1986.
Scott lists some of Pete's accomplishments from his 41 year career as a high school broadcasting educator.
Scott says Pete is first and foremost a family man.
Scott talks about Pete's athleticism. He remembers playing against Pete in intramural basketball.
Scott tells the story of his on air personality name.
Pete talks about attending Central Michigan University. He remembers listening to WCHP-AM 650 and says he changed his major to broadcasting.
Pete talks about his dad's role in getting a radio program into the local high school in Bloomfield Hills. Pete says he applied for the job of radio manager and was hired.
Pete talks about how he became certified to teach.
Pete says he was 23 when he was handed his own FM radio station.
Scott asks how the curriculum for Pete's classes was developed. Pete says the students in his advanced class were running the radio station.
Pete says he almost resigned from teaching in 1981.
Pete talks about having to keep the attention of teenagers. Scott asks about the WBFH call letters.
Pete remembers preparing students to test for their 3rd class operating license.
Scott asks about changes in technology over the years. Pete remembers playing records from his personal collection in 1976.
Pete talks about students having fun.
Scott asks if the station ever faced cancellation. Pete says he had great support from the school. He remembers when the station went from 10 watts to 360 watts.
Pete talks about teaching 11 years beyond the 30 year mark.
Pete remembers when the radio station first got involved with charity events.
Scott asks Pete about the Syracuse University connection.
Pete talks about what it means for some students to consider him their radio dad.
Scott and Pete talk about The John Drury Awards. Pete talks about being inducted into the Michigan Broadcast Hall of Fame.
Pete talks about his retirement luncheon. He remembers the high school studio being named after him.
Scott remembers being in high school and throwing Pete and his wife, Claudia, a surprise baby shower.
Scott asks Pete to name his favorite student operations manager. He asks Pete what his bathroom song was. He asks if the Night Hawk will ever reveal his true identity.
Scott thanks Pete on behalf of all of his former students.
Participants
- Pete Bowers
- Scott Meach