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Runaway Radio

Play trailer 1:56 Poster for Runaway Radio 2023 1h 23m Documentary Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 3 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
In the pre-digital age, radio entertained, informed and dictated what was cool through theater of the mind. Acclaimed musicians such as Lyle Lovett, ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill, Melissa Etheridge and Sammy Hagar along with top radio DJs from across the US reflect on how the medium changed their lives and the lives of devoted listeners. "Runaway Radio" focuses on Houston's 101 KLOL -- starting in 1970 as a progressive radio station, where DJs played whatever they wanted, to how it evolved into one of several wild Album Oriented Rock (AOR) stations across the country, where on-air personalities were sometimes bigger than the music itself! But in the end, changes and pressures from Washington, the music industry and Silicon Valley led to the station's, and much of the format's, demise in the 2000s.

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Runaway Radio

Critics Reviews

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Michelle Swope Elements of Madness 04/03/2024
3.5/5
Runaway Radio is a highly enjoyable, nostalgic look back at the history of the wildly popular radio station KLOL, as well as the metamorphosis of the radio industry and rock and roll music. Go to Full Review Bradley Gibson Film Threat 03/20/2024
8/10
If you remember AOR from the 1970s, Runaway Radio will fill your heart with bittersweet memories of the wild, hairy days of rock radio. Go to Full Review Joe Friar Fort Worth Report 02/28/2024
3/4
If you grew up listening to KLOL, the documentary will surely bring back some cherished memories. But if you’re not familiar with the station, you’ll still get valuable insight into the inner workings of radio broadcasting. A must-see for rock fans. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Brent H @BrentMHinson Oct 29 As someone who has worked in the radio industry for over 25 years, this movie resonated with me on several levels. “Runaway Radio” walks a delicate line of duality by conveying just how great it is to be a part of the radio industry while also portraying how difficult it is to work in an environment where you’re suddenly expendable. The Telecommunications Act ruined everything. Thankfully, this film doesn’t shy away from that. They talk candidly about how corporate entities with no connection to the audience have corrupted a thriving industry. All the jocks, along with the Program Directors and Music Directors, reminisce about the golden age of KLOL and talk about the highs and lows they’ve encountered. While KLOL is the focus of this film, it’s a story that many of us old radio jocks can relate to all too well. An excellent documentary for those who have worked in the business, as well as a chance for music lovers to get a peek behind the curtain of all the different aspects of local radio. See more Read all reviews
Runaway Radio

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Cast & Crew

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Mike McGuff

Director

Lyle Lovett

Self

Sammy Hagar

Self

Mike McGuff

Producer

Jeffrey Brown

Producer

Michael Repsch

Executive Producer
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Runaway Radio

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Runaway Radio

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the pre-digital age, radio entertained, informed and dictated what was cool through theater of the mind. Acclaimed musicians such as Lyle Lovett, ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill, Melissa Etheridge and Sammy Hagar along with top radio DJs from across the US reflect on how the medium changed their lives and the lives of devoted listeners. "Runaway Radio" focuses on Houston's 101 KLOL -- starting in 1970 as a progressive radio station, where DJs played whatever they wanted, to how it evolved into one of several wild Album Oriented Rock (AOR) stations across the country, where on-air personalities were sometimes bigger than the music itself! But in the end, changes and pressures from Washington, the music industry and Silicon Valley led to the station's, and much of the format's, demise in the 2000s.
Director
Mike McGuff
Producer
Mike McGuff, Jeffrey Brown
Distributor
Dark Star Pictures
Production Co
Big Day Pictures, Silver Head Films
Genre
Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 11, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 27, 2024
Runtime
1h 23m