I don’t want to throw the phrase “broadcasting legend” around willy-nilly. Paul Sidney was a legend. Was he a classically good broadcaster? Hell no. He was a terrible broadcaster by every standard other than WLNG’s–the station he ran.
Paul Sidney who kept Sag Harbor’s WLNG firmly in 1963 for 40+ years passed away late last week. His obit was published in Newsday. I think you’ll learn more in my WLNG and Paul Sidney by reading my 2008 profile.
Paul Sidney is another anachronism of WLNG. He is totally unflappable when on-the-air, usually broadcasting on-location, because he’s already experienced every on-air screw-up and failure possible. There is nothing smooth or polished about Paul. As you listen, you might think he’s on-the-air for the first time. Surprise, he’s been on WLNG 45 years!
He was a nice man with a sweet heart and true love for this one, little, singular radio station and the people who listened. There will never be another Paul nor can WLNG be the same without him.
Geoff,
A nice video tribute to Paul can be seen here.
He will be missed.
http://www.27east.com/video.cfm?video=112
No go win some money!
The live remotes that Paul did were unbelievable. The first time I heard one I was stunned. Did the station get taken over by a maniac? – Yes, thank god it did. He not only was able to talk the talk… he picked the best music for the moment.
I hope they have recordings of his remotes. They should be used as educational material in broadcasting school.