Topeka Talk Show Host Jim Cates Signs Off
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On his last day on Topeka Internet radio on Friday Jim Cates (center) has a light moment with former Kansas House Speaker Doug Mays (right) and WIBW reporter Suzie Gilbert (left).
After 14 years on the air in Topeka Jim Cates retired on Friday from Topeka talk radio.
Cates has been a Topeka resident for more than 30 years. After 25 years working as an insurance consultant, Cates started his radio career in 1997 with WIBW and later was on KMAJ.
Since May 2008 Cates hosted his Internet Cates@CJOnline radio program with the Topeka Capital Journal.
Cates also served briefly in both the Kansas Senate and Kansas House about 20 years ago.
In the first hour on Friday Kim Borchers, who is working with Gov.-elect Sam Brownback’s transition team, reflected about her memories of Jim Cates on Topeka radio. Borchers discussed how Cates brought attention to local issues through his talk radio program and got people engaged that otherwise would have not been involved. According to Borchers “this community has a lot to thank you for.”
Cates emphasized the importance of a strong local paper and in particular, the Topeka Capital Journal. “A community without a strong, local paper is a community in trouble,” according to Cates. ”You’ve got to have somebody serving as a watchdog.”
Long-time guest John Arnold on the phone asked Cates to review his “Hall of Shame,” which was a list of guests who failed to appear. Cates told a humorous story about a memory expert that was to appear, but “the guy forgot” to show up.
Cates said he would “miss the interaction with so many people” while in retirement.
Cates had no specific plans for retirement, but was enthusiastic about responding to an E-mail about expanding his collection of old 45s and LP vinyl records.
Former Speaker of the Kansas House Doug Mays stopped by the studio to thank Cates:
“I just wanted to say thank you. What was it 14 years [on the air]? … You were the original Tea partier, I think. Virtually everything the Tea Party has stood for you were talking about years ago. You ruffled some feathers. You had your friends and a few detractors … “
During 2010 Cates invited me to appear on his show every third Friday to discuss the top stories of the week with John Arnold. I thank Jim for that opportunity.
Related
- JimCates@CJOnline Show Archives
- Jim’s Cates’ last day: WIBW-TV Live at Five Archive for Dec. 17, 2010. (7:33 – 7:59), Videographer Suzie Gilbert.
- Radio man signs off for retirement, WIBW, Dec. 17, 2010.
- Thanks for Everything Jim, Kevin McGinty’s CJOnline blog posting, Dec. 17, 2010.
- Cates to host final show Friday, Topeka Capital Journal, Dec. 16, 2010.
- Jim Cates to retire after 14 years on the radio, KSNT, Dec. 13, 2010.
Contact: Earl F Glynn, earl@kansaswatchdog.org, KansasWatchdog.org
Posted under City Government, Column B, General Interest, Kansas Government, Politics & Elections, Transparency.
Tags: CJOnline, Dave Jackson, Doug Mays, Jim Cates, Kim Borchers, Suzie Gilbert, Topeka Capital Journal
