Are any “WKRP” episodes based on things that really happened in the radio industry?
A. Some “WKRP” episodes, especially the early ones, are based on stories or “legends” that had become famous within the radio industry. The Turkey Drop, the announcement of a $5000 prize when it’s supposed to be $50, and Mr. Carlson’s phone call to the little girl during a tornado are all based on stories of this kind. Where or when these things happened is impossible to know for sure, since the stories circulate in many different versions. One “WKRP” bit is, however, based on something that happened at a specific station: Herb’s “dancing ducks promotion,” with ducks dancing on hot plates, was actually done by Gerry Blum at WQXI (and got the station in a lot of real-life trouble).
