The Norm Greenberg Show

 

A LOCAL TV Program for Metro East on CHANNEL 8 and CHANNEL 89

The Norm Greenberg Show...
featuring:
NORM GREENBERG

This was his website, created to promote his show and to reach potential advertisers. It's domain registration expired sometime after 2014 and the site disappeared from the web. For fans of The Norm Greenberg Show, this is a nostalgic look back at his insightful and engaging programming. I was a big fan and always appreciated the depth he brought to his interviews. One particularly memorable segment from 2013 covered the complexities of Google penalties and the legal questions surrounding search rankings. Norm had a unique way of cutting through the noise, offering clarity on a subject where misinformation runs rampant. Because Google has historically provided little concrete information about its ranking algorithm, many SEOs are left piecing together theories—often fueled by Google penalty myths perpetuated by other SEOs trying to make sense of an opaque system. In a world where no one is an accredited authority on Google’s algorithm, Norm’s interviews provided valuable perspectives that were both instructive and entertaining. Enjoy the archived content and YouTube videos—Norm Greenberg’s show was always ahead of its time.

After receiving Bachelor of Arts & Master of Arts degrees from St. Louis University, he worked at KSIM, Sikeston, Missouri.
He joined the U. S. Army Reserves and served at Fort Slocum, New York, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, the St. Louis and Belleville Army Reserve Centers as well as Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

Norm began his local professional career at WIBV Radio, in Belleville, Illinois.
He served as newsman, announcer, salesman, program director, president & general manager.

Some YouTube Videos of Segments of the Norm Greenberg Show



Published on Feb 7, 2013 Part of a segment on this month's Norm Greenberg Show on Channel 8 and Channel 89 of Charter Communications in the MetroEast St. Louis region.

 



Published on Dec 23, 2012 Interview with Dave Forness of Keil-Forness Comfort Systems, Belleville, Illinois, celebrating its 115th Anniversary. See more at normgreenberg.com

 



Uploaded on Jul 21, 2010 Natalie McFarland, RN, Director of the Memory Enrichment Program at Sycamore Village, appears as a guest on the Norm Greenberg Show along with the Wilbur family. The parents of Dan Wilbur both reside at Sycamore Village Assisted Living and both have Alzheimer's Disease. Dan and Debbie Wilbur share their personal story of coping with the challenges of keeping their parents safe and turning to Sycamore Village for assistance

 

In 2010 Norm did several shows in conjunction with Natalie McFarland, RN, Director of the Memory Enrichment Program at Sycamore Village, about Alzheimer, the most common form of dementia and the difference between Alzheimer's and other forms of Dementia.



Uploaded on Nov 5, 2010 Swansea, IL - Sycamore Village Assisted Living's Natalie McFarland discusses with Norm Greenberg how Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and the difference between Alzheimer's and other forms of Dementia.

 

His first cable TV program: Continental Breakfast, was created in September, 1982 and later became The Norm Greenberg Show.

In addition, over the years, Norm has produced many local cable tv programs:
Real Estate Listings:
Local Homes for ;Sale.
Carol's Kitchen:
A Local Cooking Show.
The Bob Tyler Show.
Fishing with Charlie Ragle.
Local News: A 15-min. daily newscast with
Frank Absher.
Take 5:Local TV Magazine.
High School Football.
High School Basketball.

In 2004, the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission honored Norm as the first recipient of the prestigious Bob Hardy Award. This award, named after the legendary KMOX broadcaster, is given annually to the media professional who has provided exemplary service to public safety and law enforcement.

Find out what my guests have to say on Cable Channels 8 & 89
Monday, Wednesday & Friday nights at 6:30 p.m.

For a quick look at the people and the topic, check out my Schedule Page (by clicking here). You'll find us discussing, informing, and entertaining.
All guests are "local".
By the way...if you own or operate a BUSINESS, you can reach a potentially huge audience in the Illinois Metro-East area at a surprisingly affordable price.
Pitching horse shoes is a popular sport. Norm and Donna Severit tell us all about it.
Kathy Kaiser take us to the movies with her "Movie Minute".
Jack LeChien, local history buff, details what's new in the old town of "West Belleville".
Rick Ortiz takes us "Inside the internet".
Talk about cute...talk about pets...Jim Jacquot and Tabitha Keefe show off two "real cuties" (puppies) available for adoption at St. Clair County Animal Services.

WATCH THE NORM GREENBERG SHOW
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY &FRIDAY NIGHT AT 6:30 P.M. on

Charter Communications
Cable TV
Channel 191

Norm Greenberg Show Channel 191
of Charter Communications
Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Friday at 6:30 p.m.

***

PROGAM LISTINGS


FRI. May 2, 2008 at 7:00 PM
DAVE SHEPPARD sings.
BILL LUCAS shows off Signature Kitchen & Bath ON LOCATION.
DAVE FORNESS gives us a history lesson.

SUN. May 4, 2008 at 6:30 PM
BILL LUCAS shows off Signature Kitchen & Bath ON LOCATION.
DAVE FORNESS gives us a history lesson.
JULIA HUELSMANN, KIMBERLY PATTERSON;& DEBRA BLANQUART:
a committee of "Leadership Belleville".

MON. May 5, 2008 at 5:30 PM
MARK KERN and his guest, CHARLES KOFRON, discuss land issues at MidAmerica Airport
CHARLES KIESKALT, Mr. Movie, reviews three new films: "Nim's Island", "Leatherheads" & "21".
DAVE SHEPPARD sings.

TUE. May 6, 2008 at 6:30 PM
CHARLES KIESKALT, Mr. Movie, reviews three new films: "Nim's Island", "Leatherheads" & "21".
DAVE SHEPPARD sings.
BILL LUCAS shows off Signature Kitchen & Bath ON LOCATION.

WED. May 7, 2008 at 12:00 Noon
JULIA HUELSMANN, KIMBERLY PATTERSON & DEBRA BLANQUART:
a committeeof "Leadership Belleville".
MARK KERN and his guest, CHARLES KOFRON, discuss land issues at MidAmerica Airport
CHARLES KIESKALT, Mr. Movie, reviews three new films: "Nim's Island", "Leatherheads" & "21".

THU. May 8, 2008 at 5:00 PM
DAVE SHEPPARD sings.
BILL LUCAS shows off Signature Kitchen & Bath ON LOCATION.
DAVE FORNESS gives us a history lesson.

***

The Norm Greenberg Show
on CHANNEL 8
Charter Communications

Viewing Days and times
MONDAY: 5:30 pm
TUESDAY: 6:30 pm
WEDNESDAY:12:00 noon
THURSDAY: 5:00 pm
FRIDAY: 7:00 pm
SUNDAY: 6:30 pm

+++

A GREAT WAY TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS ON TV

Your ad can be seen in 110,000 homes, All in the Metro East.
Therefore, your television commercial will reach real potential customers...
people who live where your business is.

And what's even better...
Television has never been
so affordable!

Current Rates
:30 (thirty seconds):
A minimum of 10 times per month...
$20.00 each
Total monthly cost =$200.00
If you don't have a TV commercial, we can produce one for you.
The cost of a Basic Commercial is $700.00

Also Available: COMMERCIAL INTERVIEWS.

The Norm Greenberg Show:
Copper Bend Pharmacy
Keil-Forness Comfort Systems
Mark Kern, St. Clair County Board Chairman
Wayne Hummer Wealth Management

Here are some of the businesses which have advertised:
Don's Hardware
Copper Bend Pharmacy
Dan Weis Comfort Systems
Wayne Hummer Investments
Mark Kern, St. Clair County Board Chairman Gerold Moving
Mel Hutnick, Attorney at Law

 

More Background On NormGreenberg.com

 

NormGreenberg.com was once the online home of The Norm Greenberg Show, a beloved community-focused television program serving the Metro East region of Illinois—the eastern side of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Although the site has since gone offline, the information preserved through archives and surviving records paints a striking portrait of a longstanding local media institution rooted in public service, hyperlocal storytelling, small-business support, and decades of hands-on broadcasting experience.

The website functioned not only as a digital destination for viewers but also as a promotional platform to help local businesses reach a regional audience through affordable advertising. Norm Greenberg, the show’s creator and host, built a career in broadcasting that spanned radio, cable television, public-facing community programming, and local journalism. His website captured this legacy, promoted his programming schedule, shared background on his guests, listed his advertising options, and reflected his commitment to civic engagement.

The article below reconstructs and expands the story behind NormGreenberg.com, exploring its origins, purpose, reach, content, audience, history, community impact, cultural significance, and lasting legacy.

The Origins of Norm Greenberg and His Media Career

Norm Greenberg’s career began not on television but on the radio waves of the Midwest. After earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree from St. Louis University, Greenberg embarked on early professional work at KSIM in Sikeston, Missouri. His early years in broadcasting were marked by versatility—serving as a newsman, announcer, salesperson, program director, and eventually rising to president and general manager of WIBV Radio in Belleville, Illinois.

Greenberg also served in the U.S. Army Reserves, stationed at Fort Slocum, Fort Leonard Wood, the St. Louis and Belleville Army Reserve Centers, and Camp McCoy in Wisconsin. His military service overlapped with a developing communication career, giving him discipline, structure, and a community-oriented perspective that ultimately informed his television work.

In September 1982, Norm launched his first cable television program, Continental Breakfast, a show designed to spotlight local stories. This early project eventually evolved into the program that would define his legacy: The Norm Greenberg Show.

The Evolution and Purpose of NormGreenberg.com

When NormGreenberg.com was active, its purpose was crystal clear:

  • Promote The Norm Greenberg Show

  • Provide viewers with schedules, episode listings, and summaries

  • Highlight upcoming guests and featured topics

  • Offer affordable advertising packages for small and medium-sized regional businesses

  • Serve as a digital extension of Norm’s decades-long presence in local cable media

The show aired on Charter Communications cable channels serving Metro East. At different points in its history, listings reference Channel 8, Channel 89, and later Channel 191. These shifts reflected system changes on the cable provider’s end rather than content changes. For viewers, however, the show remained a constant presence—episodes regularly airing Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and other days depending on the broadcast schedule of the period.

The website clearly positioned the show as a resource for local residents and as an advertising platform targeted to the 110,000 homes within the Metro East cable footprint.

Programming Content and Signature Segments

Interviews and Community Features

The heart of The Norm Greenberg Show was its interviews with local residents, experts, business owners, nonprofit directors, historians, coaches, musicians, and community leaders. Guests were exclusively local, reinforcing the program’s dedication to neighborhood storytelling.

Examples of notable segments still referenced today include:

  • A conversation with Dave Forness of Keil-Forness Comfort Systems, celebrating the company’s 115th anniversary

  • Health-focused interviews with Natalie McFarland, RN, and the Wilbur family about Alzheimer’s disease and the challenges of caring for aging parents

  • Human-interest profiles of residents involved in cultural, business, and civic initiatives

Local Health and Social Issues

A particularly memorable series of episodes in 2010 focused on Alzheimer's disease. Greenberg worked with Sycamore Village Assisted Living and medical professionals to help the community understand dementia, caregiving, and long-term support needs. These episodes represent some of his most socially impactful programming, tackling medical and emotional issues often ignored by commercial broadcasters.

Business Spotlights

Norm frequently featured local business owners, from hardware store operators to home-service companies, showcasing their services and contributions to the community. These segments functioned as a blend of documentary, interview, and local advertising—creating a win-win format that informed audiences while supporting small business visibility.

Lifestyle Content

Greenberg’s creative reach extended well beyond interviews. Over the years, he produced:

  • Carol’s Kitchen – a local cooking show

  • Fishing with Charlie Ragle

  • The Bob Tyler Show

  • Real estate listings for local homes

  • Daily local newscasts

  • Local sports coverage (high school football & basketball)

  • Take 5, a regional TV magazine show

This versatility made Norm not just a talk-show host but a multifaceted content creator deeply embedded in the life of Metro East.

Advertising Opportunities and Local Business Engagement

One of the most prominent features of NormGreenberg.com was its advertising pitch. The website showcased highly accessible local TV advertising options aimed at business owners who wanted exposure without the financial burden of mainstream TV rates.

Advertising Model

Sample pricing:

  • $20 per airing for a 30-second commercial

  • Minimum of 10 airings per month

  • A basic commercial production service available for $700

  • Commercial interviews offered as enhanced content

The website positioned these options as ideal for Metro East entrepreneurs seeking to reach real customers—people who lived in the same local communities where these businesses operated.

Advertisers Featured on the Show

The website listed several businesses and organizations that participated, including:

  • Copper Bend Pharmacy

  • Don’s Hardware

  • Keil-Forness Comfort Systems

  • Wayne Hummer Wealth Management

  • Mark Kern (St. Clair County Board Chairman)

  • Mel Hutnick, Attorney at Law

  • Gerold Moving

  • Dan Weis Comfort Systems

In an era when digital advertising was just emerging, Norm offered a cost-effective way for businesses to speak directly to households in Belleville, Swansea, Fairview Heights, O’Fallon, Shiloh, and the broader Metro East area.

Awards, Recognition, and Professional Reputation

In 2004, Norm Greenberg was honored by the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission as the first ever recipient of the Bob Hardy Award. Named after the legendary KMOX broadcaster, this award was given to a media professional who provided exemplary service in promoting public safety and supporting law enforcement communication.

Receiving an award named after Bob Hardy—a St. Louis broadcasting icon—reflects Greenberg’s standing among his peers and his long-term influence in regional media circles.

Audience and Popularity

Though NormGreenberg.com never operated at a national scale, its influence in the Metro East region was undeniable.

Audience Characteristics

  • Residents of St. Clair County and surrounding areas

  • Small business owners

  • Local families

  • Seniors and caregivers

  • High school sports enthusiasts

  • Community historians and local organizations

Popularity and Community Role

Because the show aired multiple times per week and included a wide array of topics, it became a fixture in many households. Local viewers appreciated the consistent, friendly presence and the wide range of local interest segments.

Norm’s on-air personality was approachable, calm, inquisitive, and respectful—traits that resonated with the audience and contributed to his longevity.

Geographic Context and Cultural Environment

Metro East, the eastern portion of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, includes a mix of industrial towns, suburban communities, rural areas, and historic city centers. Norm’s programming tapped into this diversity:

  • Highlighting Belleville’s historic districts

  • Discussing regional development issues such as MidAmerica Airport

  • Featuring local sports and clubs

  • Sharing movie reviews and cultural commentary

  • Promoting community events

His show served as a cultural thread connecting these communities.

Historical Significance and Media Evolution

NormGreenberg.com operated during a transitional era in American media—from the dominance of cable television to the rise of online video and social platforms. As large digital platforms grew, many local cable shows struggled to maintain visibility. Norm’s website represented an attempt to adapt to the digital shift by preserving archives, providing schedules, linking to video clips, and maintaining a public presence online.

Although the domain eventually expired after 2014, the site remains important as a reflection of:

  • Early local TV-to-web transitions

  • Community-oriented broadcasting models

  • Regional small-business advertising practices

  • The role of local media before social media saturation

Why NormGreenberg.com Disappeared

Several factors likely contributed to its decline:

  • The aging of the host and possible retirement

  • Shifts in local cable-TV viewership

  • Increased competition from digital platforms

  • Economic changes affecting small-business advertising budgets

  • Decreased demand for public-access style programming

Without active renewal or digital preservation initiatives, the domain lapsed and the site disappeared from the live web.

Cultural and Social Legacy

Despite being a regional program, The Norm Greenberg Show left a lasting impact.

Support for Local Families

Segments about caregiving, aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and local healthcare resources provided essential information during a time when such topics received little mainstream attention.

Promotion of Local Businesses

Many small businesses gained customers and credibility through their interviews or commercials aired on the show.

Community Identity

By elevating everyday stories—local cooks, coaches, musicians, caregivers, public officials—Norm helped residents feel seen and valued.

Historical Documentation

Even though much of the footage is no longer accessible, what remains represents a cultural archive of early-21st-century regional life.

 

NormGreenberg.com may no longer exist online, but the story preserved through history and surviving records paints a vivid portrait of a cable television host who dedicated decades to informing, entertaining, and connecting his community. Through interviews, local features, health discussions, and affordable advertising services, Norm Greenberg’s work provided a valuable service to Metro East residents.

His legacy endures not only through memories and archived content but also through the many businesses, families, and community organizations whose stories he brought to local screens.

NormGreenberg.com stands as a reminder of the importance of community media, the unique role of local storytelling, and the powerful connections forged between broadcasters and the communities they serve.

NormGreenberg.com