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  Michael Henderson

  President and Station Manager

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  Kellen ‘Rocco’ Parisi

  Technical Assistant

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  Greer McCarthy

  Program Director

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  Keenan ‘Cheeky’ Barnes

  Production Assistant

If you came of age within the inner city of most major metropolitan areas during the 1970s, 80s or 90s, the impact of urban FM radio was likely both profound and enduring. The ascendancy of ‘frequency modulation’ began in the early 1970s, as the Top-40 music format of AM stations gradually gave way to the expanded playlists and high-fidelity stereo sound introduced with FM radio. And by the early 1980s, FM stations reigned supreme…placing the community broadcast at the center of everyday life.

By this point, most urban radio stations engendered a certain swagger unlike any other demographic. They seemed to wield an extraordinary influence that would not only inform and unite, but would also enthrall the entire listening audience. Station managers and program directors were committed to presenting music and information that was unapologetically dedicated to the community they served. And as the exposure to urban music broadened, an appreciation for this intensely melodic genre began to crossover into other communities as well.

The founder of KIUR-DB, Michael Henderson, was first introduced to radio broadcasting in the late 1970s when he both created and hosted a nightly ballad-centric program branded ‘The Romantic Experience‘ at Lincoln University radio station WLIU-FM. Voted the most popular on-air personality in his very first semester, Michael was designated ‘Master of Ceremonies’ for that year’s homecoming concert featuring legendary R&B bands, Brainstorm, Enchantment and Sweet Thunder.

Entering year-two, Michael was tapped for double-duty after being appointed the station’s program director. It was during this period that he began to develop an acumen for the various aspects of radio broadcast administration. By the end of year-two, Michael was considered a top candidate to replace the departing station manager for the upcoming semester. Unfortunately, financial circumstances forced an untimely withdrawal from Lincoln to continue studies at the Community College of Philadelphia where he immediately joined the newspaper staff as both a features and sports columnist. Within a few months, Michael’s journalistic talent and managerial skills were recognized as he was swiftly elevated to the position of sports editor on the publication’s masthead.

And so, after a decades-long detour away from radio broadcasting – which also included stints in hotel management and in retail as a small business owner/operator – Michael’s profound passion for the classic urban ballad brings him full-circle to where it all began: Introducing…his consequential broadcast creation, Slow Spin KIUR-DB 🙂