too long news directors have operated on the theory, 'If it bleeds, it leads.' Maybe they should consider that the audience requires something more than blood and gore and sex. Can it really be that the only thing that interests us is human misbehavior? ...Emphasis put on the daily bucket of blood does nothing to answer the broad array of serious problems facing the nation, the states and the city. Final years Walt Bodine's broadcasting career was increasingly affected by poor health in the first decade of the 21st century. Retinitis pigmentosa left him blind and worn out knees confined him to a wheelchair. In his final years, he also suffered memory loss. Bodine had scaled back his radio show appearances since 2010, hosting the show only on Fridays. Finally in April, 2012 he made final radio broadcast and sign-off. His wife Bernadine died in 2003. Bodine spent his final days at an assisted living center in Prairie Village, Kansas. Walt Bodine died at the assisted living center on March 24, 2013. His body was donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center for use in scientific research. Awards Bodine has received several awards, including: Truman Community Service Award for 2005 from the city of Independence, Missouri Bishop John J. Sullivan Award for Communications from Catholic Charities of Kansas City-Saint Joseph Kansas City Spirit Award for 1987 "Outstanding Kansas Citian of the Year - 1990" from the Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City References 1920 births 2013 deaths Radio personalities from Kansas City, Missouri American radio journalists American talk radio hosts American blind people