‘Halftime Howie’ radio show a hit in Long Beach

"We want to capture what people are passionate about in Long Beach,” said Howie Appel, host of the radio show “Broadcasting on the Beach with Halftime Howie.”

“We try to get involved in every big event in Long Beach. We always keep the show positive.”

The “Halftime Howie” radio show, broadcast from 1005 West Beech St., is held every Tuesday night from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on channel 1240 AM WGBB. Since the show launched in July, Appel said, the program has promoted “all things” Long Beach, from nightlife to restaurants, to sports and surfing, to music and festivals, to school and charity events.

Though Appel is a resident of Merrick, he said he chose to host the show in Long Beach for a myriad of reasons, citing Long Beach’s boardwalk, beach, and the passionate people of the community. “It’s a unique town,” said Appel. “There’s no other place like it.”

To date, a number of guests have appeared on the show. In December, Appel hosted a “Christmas show,” which united members of several organizations in Long Beach who attended to promote events and fundraisers associated with their respective organizations.

Recent guests included Robin Lynch of the Waterfront Warriors, Johanna Sofield, president of the Long Beach Christmas Angel, Gloria Febrizio from Toys for Tots, and Allen Schwartz and Larry Benowitz of the Long Beach Lions Club. It was clear that Appel and every community member clearly enjoyed their time — on and off the air — which was evident through their laughs and banter, and warm goodbyes when the hour-long show concluded.

“It was fun,” Sofield said after the show, where she had promoted her Christmas Angel fundraiser, which assists local families in financial crisis during the holidays. “It was a good time. I thought it was wonderful that Howie reached out to local organizations in the community.”

Past guest Dave Roochvarg of the Long Beach Historical and Preservation Society, who co-authored the book “Long Beach,” shared the same sentiment.

“It was fantastic,” said Roochvarg, who said he was willing to make another appearance. “I really enjoyed the show.”