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 US Radio Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
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US Radio Trivia

US Radio Trivia Quizzes

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27 US Radio quizzes and 275 US Radio trivia questions.
1.
  Radio Stations    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The history of Radio Station call letters has always fascinated me. I hope you enjoy these interesting pieces of American Radio History.
Tough, 10 Qns, pcaskie, Mar 10 13
Tough
pcaskie
241 plays
2.
  Radio Programs that Make You Smarter   best quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Here is a collection of my favorite US public radio programs of 2018-19. You may know and love these too. If not, here's a chance to get to know some delightful, informative programming available on the airwaves, on podcasts, or on your smart speaker!
Average, 10 Qns, gracious1, Jan 24 20
Average
gracious1 gold member
Jan 24 20
164 plays
3.
  You're Listening to NPR, National Public Radio editor best quiz   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
If you've ever heard this bumper on the air as you drive your car, then this is the quiz for you. If you've never heard it, this quiz is also for you. Open your mind and your ears! Timed Quiz or Untimed Quiz mode recommended.
Average, 10 Qns, gracious1, Apr 16 20
Average
gracious1 gold member
Apr 16 20
1098 plays
4.
  "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!"   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I was shocked--utterly flabbergasted--to discover (especially since it has aired since 1998) that no one had yet written a quiz on National Public Radio's uproariously funny news quiz program. Yet, I was pleased to learn that I would be the first ....
Average, 10 Qns, celicadriver, Aug 02 10
Average
celicadriver
319 plays
5.
  Casey Kasem's "American Top 40"    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
"American Top 40" is a weekly syndicated radio countdown show which reviews the top forty hit singles in the United States. This quiz is about Casey Kasem's tenure as disc jockey for the show.
Tough, 10 Qns, workisboring, Jun 17 15
Tough
workisboring gold member
385 plays
6.
  Dragnet-Joe Friday   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is about the "Dragnet" radio show-not the TV show. It refers to specific episodes and will foil all but the most hardened of Friday Fans. Various quotes are used which I believe to be public domain.
Tough, 10 Qns, 5Pen, Nov 25 07
Tough
5Pen
625 plays
7.
  Questions on Car Talk   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Welcome to "Car Talk". We're here to discuss cahs, cah repair, and the weekly puzzlah. How well do you know NPR's popular automobile show?
Tough, 10 Qns, Czolgolz, Feb 27 09
Tough
Czolgolz
372 plays
8.
  Old Radio Mysteries   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
You know "What evil lurks in the hearts of men", But how well do you know your old time radio detective mysteries?
Tough, 10 Qns, clemmydog, Mar 02 09
Tough
clemmydog
650 plays
9.
  Old Radio Westerns   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Return with me now to those thrilling days of yesteryear when, out of the past, come the thundering hoof beats of those great radio westerns.
Average, 10 Qns, clemmydog, Dec 22 08
Average
clemmydog
675 plays
10.
  "A Prairie Home Companion"   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Questions on "A Prairie Home Companion".
Average, 10 Qns, i_love_adam, Apr 26 08
Average
i_love_adam
462 plays
trivia question Quick Question
In a "contemporary" western series, who flew his airplane, Songbird, from his Arizona ranch to catch the bad guys?

From Quiz "Old Radio Westerns"




11.
  More Old Radio Mysteries   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A journey into the darker side of the old radio mysteries as well as some "normal" radio detectives.
Average, 10 Qns, clemmydog, Jun 28 15
Average
clemmydog
425 plays
12.
  Wisconsin, Pioneer in Radio    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Wisconsin has been on the cutting age of radio since the start of the 20th century. Here are a few questions about some Wisconsin radio landmarks.
Average, 10 Qns, parrotman2006, Jun 09 22
Average
parrotman2006 gold member
Jun 09 22
112 plays
13.
  "The First Baseball Game"    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
"The First Baseball Game" is by far one of the funniest skits ever done on the "Bob and Tom" early morning radio talk show.
Average, 10 Qns, JayInIndy, Oct 13 19
Average
JayInIndy
Oct 13 19
529 plays
14.
  "Rick and Bubba" Part 2    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This quiz will test your knowledge of the more popular stories told by members and friends of the "Rick and Bubba" show.
Average, 15 Qns, steventhomas42, Feb 25 06
Average
steventhomas42
447 plays
15.
  On The Monitor Beacon    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
From 1955 to 1975 NBC Radio aired the "Monitor" program on weekends. A magazine format of news, interviews, comedy, and music hosted by NBC celebrities, "Monitor" was designed to make radio lively and interesting in the television era.
Tough, 10 Qns, wilbill, Aug 29 21
Tough
wilbill
Aug 29 21
90 plays
16.
  "Rick and Bubba" Part 1    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This quiz is based on the cast and characters of the "Rick and Bubba" show. This funny morning talk show is syndicated on radio in over 20 cities and is aired for two hours on weekdays on Turner South television.
Average, 15 Qns, steventhomas42, Feb 25 06
Average
steventhomas42
500 plays
17.
  Harlow Doyle, "Private Eye"    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is an "Adventures in Odyssey" quiz on my favorite character, Harlow Doyle. The quiz will cover several different episodes. Have fun and good luck!
Tough, 10 Qns, jddrsi_raven, Oct 23 08
Tough
jddrsi_raven gold member
187 plays
18.
  Were You Listening?    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
How much do you recall about these popular Public Radio programs?
Tough, 10 Qns, peachy_1, Jan 13 08
Tough
peachy_1
352 plays
19.
  "Free Beer and Hot Wings" in the Morning!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The Free Beer and Hot Wings Show is my absolute favorite thing to listen to on the radio in the morning! On the air since 1997, I've been tuning in since 2003! With several affiliates in the Eastern half of the U.S., take this quiz if you love them, too!
Average, 10 Qns, Mishi S., Aug 07 09
Average
Mishi S.
161 plays
20.
  Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion"    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
"A Prairie Home Companion," on NPR, is one of the funniest and most entertaining shows on radio.
Tough, 10 Qns, lordbehemoth, Jul 31 14
Tough
lordbehemoth
453 plays
21.
  "The Howard Stern Show", Last 5 Years    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is a selection of trivia from "The Howard Stern Show" over approximately the last five years. Hope you enjoy. BA-BA-BOOEY!
Tough, 10 Qns, pezcollectortx, Oct 19 08
Tough
pezcollectortx
516 plays
22.
  The Fan    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
WFAN- A pack of amplitude modulation radio sized waves on a frequency 660 kHz can change the life of a previously decent human being...I am living proof. This quiz is for all listeners to the best sports radio around, the Fan.
Average, 10 Qns, niffweed17, Jun 30 06
Average
niffweed17
344 plays
23.
  Lake Wobegon    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Regular listeners to Garrison Keillor's 'A Prairie Home Companion' should have no trouble with this one.
Tough, 10 Qns, TheBottleImp, Sep 07 10
Tough
TheBottleImp
699 plays
24.
  Radio Talk Shows    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Do you need radio talk shows to entertain your brain? Think you've heard it all? Take this quiz to find out!
Tough, 10 Qns, mojomonkey, Feb 25 10
Tough
mojomonkey
736 plays
25.
  KTCK The Ticket    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here's a quiz for all you P1's, P2's, and P3's on Dallas's sports radio station. If you have the internet you can also listen online. This quiz is current as of Thanksgiving 2001.
Average, 10 Qns, aekindred, Jun 12 09
Average
aekindred
332 plays
26.
  Car Talk Quiz Challenge    
Multiple Choice
 5 Qns
Here's a quiz for fans of 'Car Talk,' the NPR radio show featuring brothers and car experts Tom and Ray a.k.a Click and Clack, who dispense advice to people with car troubles.
Average, 5 Qns, JsusFreak, Mar 06 05
Average
JsusFreak
960 plays
27.
  Mark and Brian Radio Program    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Mark and Brian, hosts of the syndicated show of the same name, have been together for years and years, entertaining people in morning drive time. Here are some questions about the boys and their show.
Average, 10 Qns, lutefan, Jul 31 14
Average
lutefan
292 plays

US Radio Trivia Questions

1. The oldest continuous radio station in the United States, 9XM (later WHA) got its start at which university campus?

From Quiz
Wisconsin, Pioneer in Radio

Answer: University of Wisconsin - Madison

Members of the University of Wisconsin Physics Department were experimenting with radio waves in the first decade of the 20th century. By 1915, they had helped create 9XM, the first radio station in Wisconsin - 9 was the north central region, X was for experimental and M was Madison. The station remained operational during World War I, when most other stations were off the air. The station acquired the call sign WHA in 1922 and remains broadcasting after a century. It broadcasts on 970 AM from a radio tower at the UW arboretum.

2. When was the first weekly Casey Kasem's "American Top 40" radio show broadcast in the United States?

From Quiz Casey Kasem's "American Top 40"

Answer: July 4, 1970

The Casey Kasem's "American Top 40" radio show debuted nationally on the weekend of July 4, 1970. The first single played on the show was "The End of Our Road" by Marvin Gaye. The number one single on the episode was "Mama Told Me Not to Come" by Three Dog Night. It was also the last episode to feature the Beatles and Elvis Presley simultaneously having singles in the top ten.

3. What did the call letters WLS stand for when the ratio station was started?

From Quiz Radio Stations

Answer: World's Largest Store

The Radio Station's original license was filed by Sears and Roebuck who used the call letters as a bit of self-promotion. In those days, they really were the World's Largest Store.

4. What is National Public Radio (NPR)?

From Quiz You're Listening to NPR, National Public Radio

Answer: a producer and content-provider or distributor for public radio stations

Note that 'National Public Radio' is a proper noun, the name of an organization that often goes by its initials NPR. Some people use NPR to mean public radio in the USA as whole, but this is incorrect. Unlike commercial network affiliates who are provided content in exchange for giving up commercial airtime at particular times of day, public radio stations purchase or subscribe to programs from NPR. Other content-providers for US public radio include American Public Media, Pacifica Radio, and Public Radio International. Radio stations are free to mix and match programs from various providers. NPR also manages (but does not own) the Public Radio Satellite System, the hardware which allows radio stations to receive programming from NPR and all the other content-providers.

5. "Wait Wait" occasionally travels to other cities, but what city is the program's regular home base?

From Quiz "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!"

Answer: Chicago, Illinois

"... at the Chase Bank Auditorium in downtown Chicago, here is your host ..." are among Carl Kasell's usual opening words. When "Wait Wait" came to my hometown of Salt Lake City, they entertained the locals at the University of Utah's Kingsbury Hall. Overall, it was an exhilarating, hysterically funny, and memorable experience. For anyone who enjoys the program and has the chance, I highly recommend going to a performance.

6. We'll start with an easy one for any dedicated listener: Who are the other three regular members of the show whose names do NOT appear in the title?

From Quiz "Free Beer and Hot Wings" in the Morning!

Answer: Producer Steve, Eric Zane, and Producer Joe

Although it it often suggested he should be called 'bleu cheese' or 'ranch dressing', Eric Zane joined the show after they say the 'dumb food names had been given out'. Producer Joe began as an intern, proving himself worthy to be Producer. Steve joined as an assistant to Joe in early 2009.

7. When "Raymond" opened the creaking door, you were about to enter_________________.

From Quiz More Old Radio Mysteries

Answer: "The Inner Sanctum."

"Inner sanctum Mysteries" was broadcast from January, 1941 to October, 1952 and produced over five hundred programs. The radio series spawned both a syndicated television series in 1954 and a series of "B" films in the 1940's.

8. "Car Talk" is hosted by two brothers, who broadcast under the monikers of 'Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers.' What are their real names?

From Quiz Car Talk

Answer: Tom and Ray

Tom and Ray Magliozzi are the mechanics responsible for the weekly radio show and newspaper column. They are both graduates of MIT and former teachers.

9. What two staff members were seen faking a make-out session in the background of a news report on the collapse of the Lehman Brother's business?

From Quiz "The Howard Stern Show", Last 5 Years

Answer: Richard & Sal

Great, hilarious clip of the two fake making-out, and lifting each other's shirts. Even the reporters gave it a laugh. All this while the poor employees left the building in shame.

10. What was the name of horse of The Lone Ranger's nephew (Dan Reid)?

From Quiz Old Radio Westerns

Answer: Victor

"The Lone Ranger" aired for over almost 3000 radio episodes beginning in January, 1933 and ending, on radio, in September, 1954. Dan Reid appeared in several later episodes of the series. His horse, Victor, was said to be a colt from the Lone Ranger's horse, Silver. There is some debate among "Ranger" fans about the name "Dan Reid." Some feel that this was the Lone Ranger's real name rather than his nephew's.

11. What was name of the Green Hornet's car?

From Quiz Old Radio Mysteries

Answer: The Black Beauty.

"The Green Hornet" originated as a radio drama in the 1930, and subsequently expanded to movie serials, comic books, and a television series in the 1960s. Britt Reid, aka the Green Hornet, was the grand-nephew of the Lone Ranger. Both programs were created and developed by Fran Striker and George W. Trendle. Originally to be called just "The Hornet", "Green" was added because green colored hornets were considered to be the angriest.

12. What song can be heard at the beginning of each broadcast?

From Quiz "A Prairie Home Companion"

Answer: Tishmingo Blues

"Tishomingo Blues" was written in 1917, with a story of Mississippi life. However, when it is heard on "A Prairie Home Companion", the lyrics are different, as the show is based in Minnesota.

13. Who was Joe Friday's first partner?

From Quiz Dragnet-Joe Friday

Answer: Ben Romero

Ben Romero, played by Burton Yarborough, was Joe's partner for around a hundred shows, until Yarborough died suddenly of a heart attack. The next show was dedicated to Burton, and his character, Ben, died of a heart attack in that show, rather than be replaced by another actor. Joe was with Ed for a few shows, then put in a request for a new partner; Ben's nephew. His nephew didn't stay for very many shows and Frank was introduced, and became Joe's longest-running partner.

14. What mnemonic can help you remember the phone number to call to play Michael Feldman's "Whad'Ya Know" quiz?

From Quiz Were You Listening?

Answer: WHAK NOW

Michael Feldman's weekly show, "Whad'Ya Know" is produced in Madison, Wisconsin, at the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Monona Terrace. Michael also takes his show on the road throughout the country, so if he comes to a town near you, don't miss the opportunity to be part of a public radio classic.

15. Who is the Mad Dog?

From Quiz The Fan

Answer: Chris Russo

"Mike and the Mad Dog," is a terrific show which is broadcast from 1 to 6:30 PM.

16. Which radio talk show host wrote a book called "Shut Up and Sing"?

From Quiz Radio Talk Shows

Answer: Laura Ingraham

The book, published in 2003, is Laura Ingraham's take on the "elite" in America.

17. Garrison Keillor claims to be from what small Minnesota town?

From Quiz Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion"

Answer: Lake Wobegon

This is a small fictitious town of mostly Lutherans. He brings the news from Lake Wobegon every week in his monologue, usually near the end of the show.

18. In the story of "Willie and Wanda," it is explained that Willie is excited about going on the trip with Rick and Bubba. Why was Willie excited about the trip?

From Quiz "Rick and Bubba" Part 2

Answer: "He ain't never been nowhere!"

Actually, it's Wanda's husband who is in the pen. That's why her boyfriend Willie is going on the trip with her.

19. The "Rick and Bubba" show is based in which southern city?

From Quiz "Rick and Bubba" Part 1

Answer: Birmingham, Alabama

The show is broadcast from studios high atop Red Mountain in Birmingham.

20. "The First Baseball Game" was performed by which comic?

From Quiz "The First Baseball Game"

Answer: Dan St. Paul

Paul Gilmartin performed the skit known as "Sister Joan", Joel Lindley performed "Trucker Clock", and "Wild Bill" Bauer performs "Uncle Arnie Plays Russian Roulette".

21. Mark Thompson and Brian Phelps first worked together as a team in what city?

From Quiz Mark and Brian Radio Program

Answer: Birmingham

They hadn't met before they were teamed by the Program Director there. They left Birmingham in September 1987.

22. What kind of music plays during the beginning and the end of the radio show?

From Quiz Car Talk

Answer: Banjo country bluegrass music

I don't know why they have banjo music for their theme song.

23. Which team does George Dunham not work for?

From Quiz KTCK The Ticket

Answer: SMU Mustangs

Jub Jub does play by play for the Arena League Desperados and the Eagles. He is also the voice of Texas Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys.

24. What is Lake Wobegon's slogan?

From Quiz Lake Wobegon

Answer: Gateway to Central Minnesota

Lake Wobegon is located 'on the edge of the prairie'.

25. What community in Wisconsin has been holding a 54-hour trivia contest annually since 1974 on the college radio station? Hint: Its call sign is WWSP.

From Quiz Wisconsin, Pioneer in Radio

Answer: Stevens Point

WWSP in Stevens Point hosts what it bills as "The World's Largest Trivia Contest" every April. It attracts dozens of teams with hundreds of people for the 54 hour spectacle. The event has even inspired a film, "Triviatown" (2006). Appleton is also host to a major trivia event at Lawrence University, the Great Midwest Trivia Contest, which is held annually in January. The Lawrence competition actually began before Stevens Point, in 1966. The contest was held on WLFM radio until 2006.

26. One of radio's most memorable audio signatures was "You're on the Monitor Beacon". It was the transition between program segments and led into station breaks. What was "The Monitor Beacon" actually?

From Quiz On The Monitor Beacon

Answer: A mixture of telephone switching tones

AT&T provided NBC with recordings of the tones sent by the phone company's equipment to complete long distance calls. The network's engineers filtered the tones and added the sound of an audio oscillator sounding the Morse Code "M" (for "Monitor"). The sound was immediately identifiable and unforgettable. It remained the program's signature for its entire twenty year run.

27. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Casey Kasem's "American Top 40" radio show used which music magazine as a source for the countdown?

From Quiz Casey Kasem's "American Top 40"

Answer: Billboard

The Casey Kasem's "American Top 40" radio show counted down the top forty songs from the "Billboard" magazine's United States Hot 100 singles chart. These songs were considered the forty most popular songs by radio airplay and record sales.

28. Located in the heart of Cattle Country, KCOW is a radio station in what community?

From Quiz Radio Stations

Answer: Alliance, NE

KCOW is the AM Station of Alliance, NE.

29. How did National Public Radio (NPR) begin in the USA?

From Quiz You're Listening to NPR, National Public Radio

Answer: Congress passed a law

NPR owes its existence to the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, which declares: "it is in the public interest to encourage the growth and development of public radio and television broadcasting, including the use of such media for instructional, educational, and cultural purposes". The Act advocates programming "responsive to the interests of people both in particular localities and throughout the United States" and "that involves creative risks and that addresses the needs of unserved and underserved audiences, particularly children and minorities". NPR began in 1970 primarily as a national news service, and then in the 1980s expanded to public affairs, talk, and entertainment.

30. Longtime radio newsman Carl Kasell is the program's judge and scorekeeper. Do you know the host's name?

From Quiz "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!"

Answer: Peter Sagal

"Wait Wait" listeners will instantly recognize Peter's voice. As a good host should, Peter skillfully and humorously interacts with callers, referees the sometimes rowdy panel, and of course, reads and comments on the program's questions and answers. The other names given as possible answers are all prominent people in the arena of public radio.

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Last Updated Mar 23 2024 5:46 AM
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