The front-page of Sunday’s New York Times carried a major investigative piece: The fate of regular WFAN caller “Short Al” Kaufman, who disappeared from the airwaves last year.  The reporter had to do some digging, but he found 81-year-old Al alive and well, living with his daughter. 

It’s a great human interest story.  But it’s also a testament to the power of locally-produced radio’s still potent ability to build community, and make stars of regular folks — long before the Internet offered that opportunity.  Read the story here.