Meet the Host
Bob LongRadio and automobiles have been lifelong passions of Bob Long, the host of Hagerty's Inside Classic Cars. He is a broadcast veteran of 25-plus-years and is considered the most-listened-to automotive personality on commercial radio in America as the host of AutoWorld Radio and The Long Drive feature.
Bob started his radio career at age 17 and has worked at many different radio stations, from 1,000 to 50,000 watts. His love of sports got him interested in a broadcasting career at an elementary school age, but during his college years Bob expanded his interests into news, auto journalism and music radio.
In 1992 Long, along with four other broadcasters, formed the Talk America Radio Networks. From its humble beginnings to its expansion to more than 500 markets, two talk networks, Spanish music network and news service, Long has served as VP Programming and Affiliate Relations, as well as a producer and host for sports and current affairs shows, and of course, AutoWorld, until the company was sold in 2002.
In 1995, Long created a radio trade publication, "The Guide To Talk Radio Programming," and served as its editor in chief and publisher through 1999. From 1996 to 1998, he co-hosted the national sports program "Grandestand," with veteran broadcasters Carl and George Grande, the radio voice of the Cincinnati Reds. From 2000 to 2002, Long was the co-host and producer of the radio version of the Speed Channel Television series, “Car Crazy.”
After serving as news anchor and sub-host for Motor Trend Radio for two years, Bob became host and producer of Motor Trend Radio Magazine and Motor Trend Weekend in late 2002, a position he held until October 2010. Motor Trend Radio's format brought the pages of the world’s most respected auto authority to life, and was syndicated through the Talk Radio Network on more than 145 radio stations as well as the Sirius XM Stars Too satellite radio channel. During Long's tenure the show doubled it affiliate count and was heard in NYC, Chicago and Atlanta, to name just a few new major markets.
Long's passion for cars stretches from the broadcast booth to his own garage. He is the proud owner of several Mustangs and Corvettes and other collectible vehicles. His automotive passion runs deep for many other makes: Jaguar, Aston Martin Porsche and all things Italian, especially Ferrari. Other areas of automotive interest include Cords, Packards, Duesenbergs, American muscle cars and Super Cars.
Long has received 32 international automotive media awards for broadcast excellence, including IAMA’s highest honor, “Best of Radio,” in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 for his work.
“Radio on the Road," a book by William Hutchings, listed AutoWorld and Bob Long as a “must-hear.” Hutchings writes: "If you're traveling on a Sunday or at home where you can hear one of his broadcasts, tune Bob in – he's a listening pleasure and a real pro."
Sundays 4-5 p.m.
(EST) on the American Talk Radio Network and rebroadcast at 8 p.m. (PT)/
11 p.m. (EST) on Radio America.
The show is streamed at www.americantalkradionetwork.com
and www.radioamerica.org.
A free podcast is available on iTunes.
