Exposé #1 - In The Beginning
The beginnings of Exposé date back to 1992 and founder/publisher John
Szpara's dreams of hosting a syndicated progressive rock radio show.
At that time the "Exposure" radio show was still a demo tape and a dream,
but a syndicator who was working with John suggested that a simple newsletter
supporting the show would greatly help its chances of getting on the air.
The original concept was for Exposé to be a monthly newsletter of
12-16 pages, with one feature article, some album reviews, and an
editorial, paid for by advertising. It was intended only to be a support
vehicle for the radio show, which at the time was being considered by a few
stations across the country, but none had agreed to carry it yet.
John enlisted the help of Peter Thelen, a knowledgeable music friend
who was also helping with development of the radio show,
and two friends, Mike McLatchey and Mike Borella. McLatchey had previously
written for Audion Magazine (UK), Borella had written for Panorama
Magazine, and Thelen had written for I/E. In addition, all three were
active contributors to the weekly Gibraltar music digest and the
Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progressive Rock.
The first issue had few ads, and no graphics or images - just all text.
Very simple; a very humble beginning. One guy with an idea and three friends
helping out. Most of the articles herein had previously appeared in the
Gibraltar digest, but Mike Borella's review of the very first Progfest
had not. 1000 copies of this issue were produced and sent free of charge
to attendees of the first Progfest in '93,
and given away to hundreds od radio program directors around the country.
The idea was: give the first one away for free and hopefully enough readers
would be interested and subsequently subscribe.