Photo by Mark Peterman Beth McDonald

radio personality

Beth McDonald was destined to be in broadcasting. She grew up listening to the radio at the breakfast table in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at the age of 4 started interviewing her grandparents when they came through the front door for a visit. The Scottsdale resident started her radio career as a reporter for KTAR AM in 1980. She later moved to KEZ FM, where producers paired her with Bill Austin in 1990.  
    
The popular radio personalities spent the next 20 years yakking over the airways about everything from fashion to flatulence, and millions tuned in to their continuous conversation. That all ended on June 2, when Austin, who had retired in February, succumbed to a brief battle with bladder cancer. McDonald, 52, recently talked about losing her friend and facing the future – riding the radio airwaves solo for the first time in two decades.

What was your first reaction to the news of Austin’s illness?
I originally found out in April (2009). In January, it was clear that the cancer had spread. Bill initially thought he would have surgery. Later, he called to say, ‘I have good news and bad news. The good news is I’m not having surgery. The bad news is I can’t because the cancer has spread and I need to get treatment.’ I thought, ‘This can’t be happening. This can’t be true.’

How has Austin’s death changed you?
I realize now that the 20 years we had were very special…. Now I realize that what we created was very important to a lot of people. I have also realized that I need to treasure the time I have and not get so upset about things that don’t really matter.

Death can remind us of our need to live. What things do you still want to accomplish?
Bill didn’t get to travel like he wanted, and I realize I need to get out and explore the world. Sometimes you have to just do it and not be afraid to leave the comfort of your home. Bill really loved Vancouver, so I would like to go there and see what he loved about that city and sprinkle some of his ashes there. I’d like to go to Italy too and splash his ashes there. He always wanted to visit Italy. Now he will finally get to go.

What has the transition to ‘Beth & Friends’ been like?
It’s obviously left a void. But one thing Bill said before he left was, ‘Beth, you can do this on your own.’ That was an important thing to hear from Bill. It helped me believe in myself. All of our listeners have been very supportive. We miss Bill and he can never be replaced, but we will move forward and honor him every Friday with The Austin Comedy Classic, featuring very funny moments with Bill. The show still has value to people, and I still enjoy doing radio, but it’s in transition. But we’ll figure it out.

After all these years, what is it about radio that you still love?
The mystery of it. I am talking and people are listening but they can’t see me. They can only imagine what I’m doing. No one really knows what is going on in the studio. I could be sitting there in my pajamas and no one would know. I also love the spontaneity of it – it changes every single day. There is always a new day, a new topic and a new thing going on and it’s my invention. I can do whatever I want to do that day.