On October 1, 1999, Jonathan Zarov, then-host of the Friday 8 O’Clock Buzz on community radio WORT 89.9 FM, set the radio station’s record for the most number of people interviewed in one hour. On May 5, 2023, current Friday Buzz host Andy Moore will attempt to break Zarov’s record.
Back in ‘99, artists, musicians, and community members lined up outside the WORT studios on 118 S Bedford Street for the “14 Seconds of Fame Guest-a-thon.”
The show featured fast talking, improvised music, and dozens upon dozens of community members, from cartoonist Tom Tomorrow to Tammy Baldwin – then a U.S. Representative. In all, Zarov interviewed seventy-one guests, surpassing his previous 1997 “Guest-a-thon” record of 59 guests.
That has remained WORT’s record for the most guests interviewed in one hour. Now, on his one-year anniversary of hosting the show, current Friday 8 O’Clock Buzz host Andy Moore will host another “Guest-a-thon.” The goal? Interview at least 72 people in one hour, and break Zarov’s 24-year record.
Members of the public are invited – join us! Simply show up at 118 S Bedford Street, just outside the WORT studios, by 7:45 a.m, on Friday, May 5, 2023.
This isn’t Moore’s first brush with the “Guest-a-thon.” In the October 1999 broadcast, Moore was one interviewee, and even brought his own guitar. He performed what he called “the world’s shortest bluegrass song” about Madison’s favorite radio station:
“You can hear the Democrats on public radio /
You can hear Republicans on the Sly show /
You can get your sports and weather from your home TV /
But the only place you can hear Communists is on W-O-R-T.”
Take a listen to the 1999 broadcast for more of what to expect this Friday.
FAQ
Who: Andy Moore, Friday 8 O’Clock Buzz host, plus dozens of guests.
What: WORT’s 2023 Guest-a-thon!
Where: Outside the WORT studios, at 118 S Bedford Street
When: Friday, May 5, from 8am to 9am. Community members wishing to be interviewed should arrive no later than 7:45 a.m.
Why: To beat Jonathan Zarov’s 1999 record of most guests interviewed in one hour on WORT 89.9 FM.
Questions: Can be directed to News Director Chali Pittman at chali@wortfm.org / 608-321-9586, or host Andy Moore at andy.moore@wortfm.org
About the show: The 8 O’Clock Buzz is WORT’s upbeat morning talk show. It airs each weekday from 8-9am, with different hosts on each day of the week. Veteran broadcaster Andy Moore is the current Friday host of the 8 O’Clock Buzz. He succeeded former Friday Buzz host Jonathan Zarov, who stepped down in 2021 after 28 years on the air.
About WORT: WORT 89.9 FM is a nonprofit, non-commercial, listener-sponsored community radio station based in Madison, Wisconsin. WORT has been on the air since 1975, and is committed to providing an alternative to commercial radio by offering diverse and independent voices that reflect our listening community. Stream us online, via our app, or elsewhere.
