Radio personality and 1963 Marquette alumnus Bob Reitman reminisced about music from his generation and shared his thoughts about the future of radio in "Rock 'n' Roll 'n' Radio," the Raynor Memorial Libraries' fall colloquium.

Reitman, who spoke Wednesday in the John P. Raynor, S.J. Library, focused on highlights in the world of rock 'n' roll and radio's impact on the genre.

"The history of music took a quantum leap with radio," said Reitman, who co-hosts the morning show at 94.5 WKTI-FM. "It's one of the interesting things that I have discovered — that the technology creates the artist."

Reitman cited some of the most influential figures in rock 'n' roll as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Bob Dylan.

"I kept asking myself, 'How can it really get better than this,'" he said.

Reitman began working in radio in the 1960s with a show called "It's Alright Ma, It's Only Music," where the music selection was wide open.

"We came into the world of radio in the 1960s that had nothing going for it in terms of programming," he said. "People started using FM to play rock 'n' roll. At its inception, it was free form."

This freedom of radio stations to select many artists has succumbed to competition among corporations in today's world, Reitman said.

"It's focus groups and research," he said. "In Milwaukee, a song only gets played once it's a hit in L.A. and New York and that's really humiliating. It's a really confusing time for radio."

Reitman said he would like to see more local and undiscovered bands played on the radio, but acknowledged it would be unlikely.

"It's hard for bands to get their music out there — radio isn't serving that purpose anymore," he said. "The way to find new music today isn't necessarily radio. It's the Internet and word of mouth."

Though Reitman shared his disappointment with the current role of radio, he said he tries to listen to new music that his kids are listening to, including rap music.

"I never want to be close-minded to any type of music," he said.

Students were interested in Reitman's insights into the relationship between music and radio through the years.

"I'm really into rock 'n' roll, so it was cool to hear what he thought were the major turning points because obviously I don't really know," said Caroline McCarthy, a sophomore in the College of Communication.

Jamie Vrba, a junior in the College of Communication, also enjoyed Reitman's presentation.

"For me it was interesting because I'm interested in radio and don't know much about the history of it," she said. "It was a good learning experience."

Vrba said she has also listened to Reitman's program.

"Coming from this area, it was kind of neat because I've listened to him for a long time," she said. "I got to meet the voice."