Jepko and The Nitecaps
"Nitecaps" was more than just a radio show. It was a club — the Nitecaps International Association. Local members formed chapters, called "Nitestands." Members took Jepko's message about good will to heart, and volunteered their time to the elderly, ill, service men and women and shut-ins; Nitestands were not only for socializing with other fans of the show, but they were an opportunity to do charitable work in each local community. And sometimes, Jepko would come to town and do a live broadcast. Additionally, Herb and Patsy sponsored an annual convention for members, giving them an opportunity to meet each other. That sense of community was especially important, and Jepko promoted it whenever possible. The Nitecaps show had its own magazine, called "The Wick," and its own theme song — written by listener Della Dame, and performed by local musician Don Ray; it can be heard here. . (The song was chosen by listeners from another on-air contest of listener created songs). Jepko also created a Nitecaps travel agency, and an insurance company, as well as compiling recipe books from recipes sent in by listeners. In fact, any Nitecaps listener could find a variety of merchandise that was available for purchase, often marketed in the pages of the Wick. (4)
The show had many regular callers, some of whom became celebrities of sorts among the listeners. They included "Maggie," an organist from California who often played songs for the listeners, a retired beekeeper named Leon, and a young caller from the East Coast known by the pseudonym "The Slasher." At a Nitecaps convention in Hunt Valley, MD, "The Slasher" delighted many (including Mr. Jepko himself) by making a personal appearance.
Although his fans adored him and loved the show, Jepko was dropped by MBS from syndication in late May 1977. His fans were very upset and insisted that he somehow stay on the air, so Jepko cobbled together fourteen stations, including the powerful KSL, which became the new "Nitecap Radio Network." Unfortunately by this time (unlike the early 1960s), Herb had plenty of late-night competition including 24-hour television, cable TV, 24-hour radio stations, and Larry King. When KSL dropped the show in late 1978, Herb continued the show on a handful of stations, eventually bankrupting his personal assets in an effort to keep going. Several attempts were made to resurrect the program, including one with clear-channel WOAI in the early 1980s, but none proved successful or long-lasting.
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