I Was Just Thinking: Neagle a legend of Kentucky broadcasting

Don Neagle
WRUS – Russellville

I have been very fortunate in my career to have been taught and mentored by some of the very best people and professionals the journalism field has ever known.

These are people who are not only at the top of their game in Kentucky journalism, but are also recognized well outside our borders.

While I certainly do not consider myself in their midst when it comes to talent and experience, professionals such as Al Smith, Al Cross, Donn Wimmer, David Thompson, Mary Jane Smith and so many more, have offered their counsel and guidance through the years.

One of those heroes and mentors announced his retirement this past week. Don Neagle, the legendary broadcaster of WRUS in Russellville, has retired after more than 63 years with the station.

Don, a native of Green County, joined WRUS on Sept. 1, 1958, after brief stints at other radio stations, all east of Logan County. Don is a double Hall of Famer, inducted into the Kentucky Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame in 2006.

Don is best known as the host of “Feedback,” a morning talk show, covering topics from politics to history to agriculture and all points in between. Don has interviewed governors, senators, Congressmen, local leaders, Irish folk musicians, quilting bees, sports figures, and just about any other type of person one might find in a small Kentucky town.

Don will continue in his “Feedback” host role, but has decided to step back from the morning host duties at the station he co-owns with Chris McGinnis. Those morning duties forced the 83-year-old broadcaster to be up at 2:45 a.m., and in the station hours before most people even hit the snooze button the first time.

I started my civilian journalism career in Logan County at the News-Democrat & Leader in 1994, and Don’s morning show was a must-listen, as he was always on top of the story of the day and the people making such events happen. While we were acquainted in those days, WRUS was considered somewhat of a competitor, though there were times of cooperation for the benefit of the community.

I really got to know Don beginning in 2010 when I was named editor of The Banner Republican in Morgantown. Don often brings on journalists from other communities surrounding Logan County to discuss events and newsmakers in those communities, believing very strongly the world does not stop at the county borders. Don knew his listeners were literally everywhere following the station adopting internet streaming, along with an FM frequency.

In the decade-plus Don and I have been friends, I have been a guest on his “Feedback” program dozens of times, and going to the Nashville Road studios was always a thrill.

I have been Don’s guest speaking about Butler County, Muhlenberg County and most recently, Hancock County. Don has told me he enjoys having me on because he has no idea where the conversation might lead. It has been his easy and inquisitive manner which helps guests feel comfortable, allowing him to get into the weeds on tough, complex issues.

I have learned immensely from Don; you cannot be around someone with the experience and passion that he has and not have some of it rub off on you. Don is not only a cherished friend, but also someone I consider an example of what a journalist should be.

Even with 63 years of experience, Don has never gotten in the way of a guest, allowing the subject of an interview to speak their mind. That is not to say he does not push back or disagree with people; he just does it in a way that is respectful and informed.

A personal connection to Don is that I had his late wife, Vivian, as a typing teacher at Logan County High School. I once remarked on his program that Vivian was the only teacher I ever had who gave me an F in class. I found it ironic that I had made a career of typing thousands of words every week.

The next time I was on the air, Don imparted a message from Vivian: “Vivian told me to let you know that she did not ‘give’ you an F; you earned it. She said she happy to see that you have overcome your typing struggles for a successful life.”

Don plans to continue hosting his “Feedback” program for the foreseeable future, but COVID has changed how he will do that. With technology changes, Don will be broadcasting from home with a remote telephone hook-up with the station. He is hopeful he will now be able to stay up past sundown, enjoy good books, and maybe sleep in a little later.

While Don’s retirement is kind of the end of era, it is also indication that time goes on, people get older, and careers wind down. I do hope that Don realizes the gratitude and affection that I, and so many others, hold in our hearts for his guidance and example of professionalism.

By C. Josh Givens