Imus praised WABC’s Reverend Mason calling him one of the best radio sales managers he ever worked with.  Quoting Mason, Imus said “If you advertise, you will sell more products.” Don then cited the MyPillow people. “The former crack addict at MyPillow has sold pillows to over one million people just as a result of this program.”

The WABC morning man added that radio stations don’t advertise their own product because “it costs a lot of money to advertise.”  

In signing his last contract, he said. “I was forced to sign it.” He then went on to praise the owners. “I actually do like the Dickey Brothers. Smart guys.” 

Don seemingly directed this to anyone in management, “Never email me about anything ever again. If you don’t like anything I’m doing, call your lawyers who will call my lawyers and they’ll work it out. Don’t bother me with this. I know what I’m doing. Don’t ask me anything about anything.” 

He concluded: “I’m just trying to make you money.” 

Hear Ache. Bob Scott has rejoined sales at Clear Channel/LA after a stint on the East coast working for ESPN Radio … Former KABC sports guy Al Michaels was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving over the weekend. Best known for his years calling Monday Night Football, and now NBC’s Sunday Night Football, Michaels was recently inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. He has a court appearance scheduled for June 26 … Former Mega morning man George Lopez is getting ready to start a new sitcom, in which he will star and be co-creator. It’ll be on FX … Want a good reason why young broadcasters need to work in smaller markets before they get to Los Angeles. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr405jKqFlY. Salty language ... Thanks to the hundreds of well wishers on news that I would be the new radio columnist at the OC Register. I am really excited about this new journey.

It’s in the Blood. Mike Lundy noticed Katy Tur doing lots of work for NBC/MSNBC from Boston last week. “She is an NBC News correspondent. Of note to those of us in Los Angeles media – she is the daughter of iconic LA helicopter reporter Bob Tur. Also is/was Keith Olbermann's live-in. No wonder he didn't want to leave the house and show up at Current!”

Pet This. Warren Eckstein hosts a tasty Pet Show on 870/KRLA every Saturday. He had a terrific call this weekend from someone who decided to adopt a dog from a shelter. “That’s the good news,” said Warren. “When she brought the dog home, she became aware of many medical issues, she called the shelter and they suggested she return the dog and take a new one. Of course she told the shelter ‘never mind’ and took on all the expenses of getting the dog healthy again, which were quite high. The dog is now doing much better. I love my listeners.” 

Funnie. A blind man and his seeing-eye dog come to a busy intersection. Ignoring the high volume of traffic zooming by, the dog leads the man right into the thick of it. Horns blare as panicked drivers try desperately not to hit the pair. They reach the other side of the street, and the man pulls out a cookie and offers it to the dog. A passerby says, “Why are you rewarding your dog? He nearly got you killed.”   The blind man says, “To find out where his head is, so I can kick his ass.” (Funnie joke from a beautiful woman series in Esquire – Lara Haddock in in Da Vinci’s Demons on Starz.)

Email Monday

We GET Email … 

** Slow Return

“I knew you couldn't stay retired, Don. First you kept the paid column going until the last pre-paid subscription lapsed.  Then you started sending occasional emails. Then the emails became more frequent, as you approached the level you had previously with the paid subscribers. Then the site started carrying a short article every few days. Then every other day. Then every day. 

Now you'll have the honor of filling the late Gary Lycan's shoes at the Register. And you know? They couldn't have made a better decision.” - K.M. Richards 

** Hartfelt Thanks

“What a wonderful surprise and a smart move for the Register to name you to succeed Gary Lycan. There is no one who is more capable and deserving to continue on with the legacy that Gary built for so many years. 

It is still hard to believe that Gary is gone. Last year, he participating in my family's Thanksgiving celebration but could not make it in December. I knew he has struggling and kept his movements outside of his apartment to a minimum. 

When I was teaching at Fullerton College back in the 80's, Gary came to visit in a radio class one evening and arranged to have both Engineer Bill and Gale Storm available on the phone for a conversation in class. As I think back on that night, it was more of a treat for Gary and myself than the class, although they enjoyed hearing the stories from the phone guests about earlier television moments. 

Another time at Cal State Fullerton, Gary was gracious enough to come and speak to my Mass Communications class one morning. He was such a radio enthusiast encouraging students to be more versatile in listening habits and exploring new stations and formats. 

Always the optimist and radio ambassador as many have already stated, Gary would be pleased to know that you have been selected to carry on his tradition of reporting and presenting factual, unbiased information on the radio community.” - John Hart 

** New to OC Register

“Excellent news, Don, that you are bringing your strengths, inclusively, into the Southern California-as-portal-to-Known World sphere of consciousness! 

Your ability to put not only faces but also their timeline on events is not only a fine bragging point for the OC Register and a certainly warmly appreciated facet of your relationship to your readers, Don, but a great way to pass the baton. Your knowledge base and experience of all things regarding online publishing continues to be respected, referred to and revered, [also a great place to keep on learning] and vastly helpful for up-and-coming writers, broadcasters, all those befuddled yet trying to keep up and who knows what professions lie waiting to bloom? 

This is one of those announcements that leaves me ‘folding the paper’ with a sense of contentment. Great news beats gloom and doom any day.” – Bobby Ocean

** Good Day LA

“I can't think of anything more appropriate. I know you will carry Gary Lycan's torch and do a great job!” – Steve Edwards 

** Gary’s Excellent Coverage of Radio

“CONGRATULATIONS DON!!  There is no better choice to replace a legend who had an amazing love of our business.  The same passion we all know you share. 

I never had a chance to respond to Gary's passing. He was a great man who, like you, kept us informed. I emailed him last June after you broke the news of his illness. I told him he'd be in my thoughts and prayers.  He emailed back a thanks and a request.  He told me he had been a fan of mine during the 30 years in LA radio on country radio [KFOX, KLAC, KHJ, KZLA & GO Country], but loved me the best on The Fabulous 

570/690/1150, when we were doing a modern take on the standards. His request was for a copy of the song Walkin' by Nat King Cole. I tracked down a copy and got it to him later that same day.  He was so happy to have it because it was his favorite. Here's a link to the song:  

May he Rest in Peace and have a chance to do some Walkin' in heaven.” - Jim Duncan, Director of Production, Clear Channel Media + Entertainment 

** Reaction to Boston Media Mistakes

“The old saying ‘consider the source,’ is all too true for Reuters and the Washington Post if they simply hold to the official story. I am not a person who sees a conspiracy everywhere but I am seeing a very disturbing trend surrounding these tragic events. In too many cases, Homeland Security or other government ‘drills’ were happening just prior to the bombings or the shootings.   

These drills raise questions that give me a sick feeling in my gut. Drills preceded 9/11, Sandy Hook and Boston. A total of six bombs are now being reported at Boston. How did the others get placed?  What was the nonsense about a ‘controlled’ demolition?  A controlled demolition at national event where thousands were in attendance? This stinks! There is evidence that another person was arrested and released. It's possible that the media got it right. The reasons for his release are not publicly known, yet.   

There may have been a ‘drill’ in West, Texas too. I have seen a video of a Homeland security group with all types of support vehicles moving into an extended stay hotel prior to the fire.   

I have seen a slowed version of the video taken at the instant of the West explosion. The explosion that ignited the anhydrous tank appears to have originated far to the left [hundreds of feet] from the fire and not down wind.   

There may be logical explanations but our job is not to tow the ‘company’ line.   

I am going to West and talk to these people myself regarding that horrible event.   

There is always internal fighting going on in every administration and it can spill over into the military, the FBI, and the CIA. Now, we can add more power centers from within Homeland Security to the group.   

The word ‘police’ has become a self-identifying verb by law enforcement at all levels and that should be very unsettling to those of us who guard the rights of others through the use of the 1st amendment.” - Fred Lundgren, ceo/owner of KCAA

Don Barrett Named New Radio Columnist for OC Register  

(April 19, 2013)For the past 2,000 weeks, the radio news has been dispensed to Orange County Register readers by Gary Lycan. Week in and week out, the Register has been the only consistent publication to cover news of the radio world. Earlier this month, radio’s biggest ambassador passed away. Today there is a new byline. The Register reached out to me to take over the radio column. I am humbled to be Gary’s successor.  For years Gary and I shared stories and resources, so it feels natural to expand my own efforts to Gary’s home base, where it will be my honor to continue the work he began at the Register.  "Through his tremendous work with his weekly radio column over the past 45 years, Gary established the Register as a credible and comprehensive source for radio news," said Jeffrey Miller, the Register's arts and entertainment editor. "Our hope is to continue to provide readers with the thorough coverage of radio that they have to come to expect from the Register as the result of Gary's efforts." I am no stranger to Orange County. I graduated from Chapman College (now University) and lived for a time on Balboa Island and in Laguna Beach. The coverage will have an Orange County flavor. My first OC Register column will be published this weekend.

Look-a-Likes?  

Mike Callaghan wonders if Tony Novia and Mort Sahl were separated at birth 

45 Years of All-News. KNX and KFWB began their all-News operations in the spring of 1968. It was a new concept then. Only one station is still standing.   On April 15, CBS-owned KNX celebrated 45 years of providing round the clock news. (Over the years, some block programming, e.g., Food News and the Drama Hour interrupted the 24/7 news concept.) Eleven days after the launch of the all-News format, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated and an insatiable thirst for continuous coverage of a story was born.   Less than two months after the King shooting in Memphis, KNX would be covering another national tragedy, this one with indelible ties to Los Angeles, when Senator Robert F. Kennedy was killed at the Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard.    Before the 60s drew to a close, KNX would cover a moon landing and a Manson massacre, symbolic of the mix of prominent national and local events that were to become the fabric of KNX’s dedication to reporting major news stories. (Frank Mottek cuts the celebration cake for the staff)

“Since 1968 we’ve seen eight U.S. presidents, six California governors and five L.A. mayors,” said pd Andy Ludlum. “We’ve had riots, fires, earthquakes, mudslides, hosted the Olympics, lost a couple of football teams, rooted the Lakers to 11 titles, watched OJ run wild on the freeways and recently endured a nightmarish hunt for a fugitive cop-killer. And through it all, KNX has embodied trust, integrity and credibility.”  

“We all feel a sense of responsibility to follow in the footsteps of so many great KNX news people like Bill Keene, Alex Sullivan, Jon Goodman, Barry Rohde, Beach Rogers, Dave Zorn and Harry Birrell, to name just a few. You hear the pride in the great heritage of KNX in the work of today’s anchors like Dick Helton, Vicky Moore, Tom Haule, Linda Nunez, Diane Thompson, Jim Thornton and Chris Sedens.”   

According to broadcasting historian Jim Hilliker, the station began broadcasting in 1920 and was originally granted its license in 1921, making it the oldest radio station in Los Angeles. Historical documents trace the birth of KNX’s call letters to May 1922.  

Use YouTube to Build Your Career 

(April 18, 2013) A full-page story in the current issue of Variety provides a fool-proof scenario to use YouTube as a career–builder. The essay, written by Bob Lefsetz, says to forget radio if you are a singer. “You can’t get on it, not unless you’re signed to a major label and make Top 40 music. So forget radio.” Lefsetz continued: “YouTube is your radio. As it is for the younger generation. Did you see the NPD report? I don’t trust research, it’s inherently flawed, but if you’re the kind of person who needs numbers to confirm what’s right in front of your fact, I hope you saw the NPD report that said Internet radio accounted for 23% of 13-to-35-year-olds’ listening time, up from 17% last year, and AM/FM dropped two points to 24%. The Internet already won. The only people who don’t know it are the old farts, who listen to the Internet 13% of the time and AM/FM 41%. It couldn’t be written any clearer. Until record labels are run by 20-year-olds, they will continue to tumble into darkness; they’ll get the message last.”  In conclusion, Lefsetz wrote: “Phony is history, like the deejays on terrestrial radio. If you’re playing to everybody, afraid to offend anyone, you’re playing to nobody. You want viewers, you want fans, make it easy, and don’t put up barriers.”

 Markets of Interest in March '13 Arbitron PPm 6+

Hear Ache. Tom Cruise appeared on KIIS yesterday with Ryan Seacrest. Cruise’s daughter turns 7-years-old today. Tom revealed he’s finished his shopping and prepping. “Done already. All done. I take care of the kids early. You’ll know, you have to plan ahead for these things. It’s all done and all celebrated.” Ryan asked if Tom indulges in a cupcake or two. “Oh yeah,” he admitted. “I’ll eat cake, cupcakes. I eat all that stuff.” … Adam Carolla is in development for a pilot titled, To Catch a Contractor. In the series, Adam and contractor Skip Bedell confront builders who left a project unfinished or poorly done and make them fix the problem or finish the job … Jim Bohannon, heard on two L.A. stations over the years, started filling in for Larry King 30 years ago and then hosted his own program. Starting with Mutual Radio Network, which was acquired by Westwood One, recently re-signed with Dial Global (which acquired Westwood One). Bohannon will be honored with the Lifetime achievement Award from TALKERS magazine at the TALKERS convention on June 6.

Morning Stars

(April 17, 2013) The 12+ demographic rankings of morning drive in the March ’13 Arbitron shows diversity across the board.

Hear Ache. Ryan Fox, former morning man at KKGO, has some good news to announce shortly. He’s got a new gig … Happy 8th anniversary to KROQ's  Ralph Garman (photo) and his wife, Kari Watson! “She’s so much better than I deserve,” said Ralph on his Facebook page … Jeff Biggs, KSPN sports guy, took the train to work yesterday, but, “Some nut job said there was a bomb! I'm stuck in police quarantine in Burbank! Unbelievable!”

Lycan Memorial. There will be a Gary Lycan Memorial Celebration this Friday morning from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Hoiles Hall at the OC Register, 625 N. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA  92701 

Le Show Ending. KCRW is juggling its programming and the enormously talented Harry Shearer finds himself without a home. “It’s not of my volition,” wrote Harry on his website.   Harry reached an early apex during the heady days of 1110/KRLA and the daily Credibility Gap, an irreverent look at the news in the late 1960s. His diversity of accomplishments is staggering. He started out as a child actor in Abbott and Costello Go to Mars. He played the bass player Derek Smalls in This Is Spinal Tap. Harry played the role of Eddie Haskell in the pilot episode of Leave It to Beaver. He quit the cast of Saturday Night Live twice and had a role in The Right Stuff. Since 1989, he has provided numerous voices for The Simpsons.

Harry’s message:

“On Monday, April 15, I had an Income Tax Day to remember. I was invited to hear a ‘proposal’ from the general manager of KCRW. The proposal was, in fact, a notice of a fait accompli. Le Show was being cancelled from the airwaves–something I had suspected might be the nature of the proposal, but the surprise was the timing: ‘effective immediately.’ Thus does public radio, in one more small way, come to resemble ever more closely commercial radio’s way of doing business.

In fairness, KCRW gave me a weekly hour for nearly 30 years, and our deal was simple: they got my program for free, and they left me completely alone. That deal is over.

Le Show will continue to air on the many wonderful affiliated radio stations around the country, and on our outlets overseas.  It will continue as a podcast, as well.  And I’m in the process of seeking an alternative broadcast outlet in Los Angeles.

I’m not saying I haven’t thought about ending the series. I think about it every week as I contemplate another Saturday with no idea yet of what I’ll do on Sunday. But, nearly halfway through the 30th year of the broadcast, I know there’s much more to say, and, sadly, much more information that isn’t being shared with the audience anywhere else on the dial.

Thanks for listening to Le Show." - Harry 

Overheard. 

• “I thought the President’s speech was terrific.” (Don Imus)

• “I’ve been to the Boston Marathon. It is a regional holiday called Patriot’s Day, which is the anniversary of the shot heard around the world – the beginning of the American Revolution at Concord.” (Doug McIntyre, KABC)

• "You don't want to see a woman who looks like she's slept on the funnies." (Tim Conway, Jr., KFI)

Signing Off. Clear Channel and CBS digital billboards went dark yesterday, according to a story in the Daily News. The move was done in compliance with the Los Angeles Superior Court order that was issued Friday after the permits for the signs were deemed invalid by the courts last year.  “Clear Channel and CBS Outdoors originally put up 100 signs around Los Angeles as part of a 2006 backroom deal with the city,” revealed the Daily News. "A competitor, Summit Media, sued arguing the two companies were given special treatment. Summit won its case and the judgment was upheld in appeals, with the California Supreme Court declining to hear the case. The remaining signs of the original 100 will be discussed in an additional court hearing today.   Clear Channel has threatened to sue the city for $100 million if a deal is not crafted that allows it to restore the signs.

Funnie. Actual courtroom questioning: 

ATTORNEY:   Do you recall the time that you examined the body?

WITNESS:     The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.

ATTORNEY:   And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?

WITNESS:     If not, he was by the time I finished. 

Email Wednesday 

We GET Email …

** Christian Note “What a very sweet article this was [Broadcaster's Trove Is Calling All Ears, NY Times, 4.16]. Thanks for sharing it with us, Don.   I was hoping to attend the memorial gathering for Gary Lycan, but I'm traveling that day to The Outer Banks, North Carolina [not too far from Kitty Hawk, I believe]. I'm attending a week-long wellness retreat and I am a guest speaker on the benefits of juicing in optimizing health and wellness.  I wanted to see if you're accepting subscriptions or perhaps membership fees. There are now ‘membership sites’ rather than ‘subscription fees.’ People pay a monthly fee, e.g., $9.95 or whatever you choose. There can be different membership tiers for continued access, in this case, to the LA Radio community, and it's auto-billed.   Sending you much love, my friend! I'm so glad you're sharing these stories with me and the others in the community. Love seeing the photos, too. That one of you and me and MG Kelly was fun. I've lost touch with MG over the years. Hope he's thriving.” – Kaci Christian

** Early Coverage from Gary Lycan

“I had the privilege of chatting with Gary Lycan the first time when I was at KOCEAN-Newport Beach.  The Register ran an old story from the 60's about yours truly when I was 6 and was a preacher. I would preach the Word to my friends and family. The article asked where he is now. 

I had to call Gary and tell him. He got a big kick out of it.  Gary's column was something I looked forward too.” - Dale Berg (former Boy Billy Sunday-Like Preacher) - www.969theoasis.com

** Insurance Issue

"It both angers and depresses me to have read that Gary Lycan's cancer went untreated for so long because he couldn't get health insurance. Isn't that what Medi-Cal in this state is supposed to be for? It's supposed to be for people exactly like Gary who really needed care, not the able body drug addicts, illegal aliens and other abusers that I see whip out their Medi-Cal card whenever I'm at the pharmacy or at the doctor's office.  

California and this country needs to get its act together and start realizing that people like Gary should not have to suffer and fall through the cracks when they most need the help. We pay the most for health coverage in this country than any other nation on the earth. It’s about time people like Gary should also get the help when they need it. 

God bless you, Gary.” - Steven Chang

Roundup: LA Coverage of Boston Marathon Explosions  

(April 16, 2013) Once again, breaking news is what distinguishes the immediacy of radio.  Live, on-the-scene reports as well as local perspectives were offered by stations across the dial as the Boston Marathon tragedy unfolded.    L.A.'s news and information outlets quickly interrupted their normal programming for breaking news.  KFI's Bill Carroll wore the news anchor hat as details emerged from various sources, including their Fox News resources.  The station also carried live the press conferences held by Boston's Mayor and Police Chief.  The coverage continued with John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou, mixing breaking news with interviews as well as their opinion and commentary.  KFI’s coverage was commercial-free.  KNX relied on their anchors Tom Haule and Linda Nunez, who coordinated their CBS network resources as well as their team of reporters to provide information about precautions being taken locally, including stepped-up security at Monday night's Dodgers versus Padres game at Dodger Stadium.  The coverage continued with Frank Mottek, who maneuvered between updates about the bombing and what would otherwise have been the big story of the day, a 157-point drop of the Dow Jones Industrial averages. Strong local coverage was also offered on KSPN, as they used their ESPN links to provide updates of the story as well as provide takes about the marathon itself.  Steve Mason and John Ireland, followed by Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley, talked with sportswriters and reporters who provided an insiders view about the marathon.  Said one reporter, had the bombing occurred on the other side of the street, where the VIP viewing area was located, an even greater tragedy would have ensued.  KABC utilized the ongoing coverage from the ABC Radio network. John Phillips went live and local pre-empting syndicated Mark Levin.

Talk shows airing Monday afternoon all acknowledged the bombing, including KRLA's Michael Medved and Hugh Hewitt, and KTLK's David Cruz.  NPR affiliates KPCC provided updates throughout AirTalk with Larry Mantle, while coverage continued throughout The World with Marco Werman and Warren Olney's To the Point program on KCRW. (Story written by Alan Oda, LARadio senior correspondent) 

KCRW Struggles With Line-Up. Harry Shearer’s Le Show will no longer be heard on KCRW, 89.9/fm. The station plans to continue to distribute the show for podcast and national syndication, and will continue to support the show on its digital platforms. KCRW will add the program to its 24-hour news stream on Sundays. A mix of political satire and music, Le Show first aired on KCRW in 1983 and is now carried on more than 80 public radio stations across the U.S., the Pacific Islands, and on Satellite radio, and has seen significant growth as a podcast in recent years. 

“Harry Shearer and Le Show have been a part of KCRW since its inception, providing a voice of satire and comic relief while challenging the political establishment. KCRW pledges to support Harry and his incredible national and digital audience,” said KCRW gm  Jennifer Ferro. 

Station added Travis Holcombe’s new show Saturdays and Sundays from 3-6 p.m. Additionally, Anne Litt moves to the new time of noon to 3 p.m. both days. Chris Douridas moves his two-hour show to 6 p.m. on

Saturday, followed by Liza Richardson and Metropolis, hosted by KCRW music director Jason Bentley.  

On Sundays, Gary Calamar stays at 6 p.m. Henry Rollins moves to Sundays at 8pm and Dan Wilcox moves to 10 p.m. Eric J Lawrence returns to Sunday nights from midnight to 3 a.m. and Jason Kramer moves to Tuesday nights from midnight to 3 a.m.  

"Travis started as a volunteer at the station, just like I did, and it became immediately obvious that he had something special to offer. His depth of music draws out gems from all decades, plus he’s been an early supporter of a few artists who have become station favorites. I’m excited Travis is bringing his diverse and progressive playlists to the weekend, and am confident the audience will love what he has to offer," said KCRW music director Jason Bentley.   

Imus Sells Connecticut Home For $14.4 Million. Originally on the market in 2005 for $30 million, Don Imus unloaded his Connecticut for half that amount - $14.4 million. It is a 10,000 square foot home located on 120 feet of private waterfront property. The price was dropped several times over the years until being sold for $14.4 million.   Imus paid under $5 million for it in 1997. He still has an apartment in New York and the Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer in Ribera, New Mexico.

Top 40 KIIS On Top of March '13 Ratings 

(April 15, 2013) The March '13 Monthly PPM Arbitron for 6+ Mon-Sun, 6a-12m has been released: 

1. KIIS (Top 40/M) 5.4 - 5.8

2. KBIG (MY/fm) 5.4 - 5.5

3. KOST (AC) 4.8 - 4.6

4. KAMP (Top 40/M) 4.1 - 4.3

5. KFI (Talk) 4.6 - 4.2

6. KPWR (Top 40/R) 3.6 - 4.0

7. KRTH (Classic Hits) 3.8 - 3.6

8. KHHT (HOT 92.3) 3.2 - 3.3

     KROQ (Alternative) 3.1 - 3.3

     KSCA (Regional Mexican) 3.1 - 3.3 

11. KBUE (Regional Mexican) 2.9 - 3.0

      KLVE (Spanish Contemporary) 3.2 - 3.0

      KRCD (Spanish Adult Hits) 3.1 - 3.0

      KTWV (Smooth Jazz) 2.9 - 3.0

15. KNX (News) 3.1 - 2.9

16. KLAX (Regional) 2.8 - 2.6

17. KSWD (The Sound) 2.2 - 2.5

18. KYSR (Alternative) 2.4 - 2.4

19. KCBS (JACK/fm) 2.5 - 2.3

      KKGO (Country) 2.5 - 2.3

21. KLOS (Classic Rock) 2.1 - 2.1

22. KLYY (Spanish Adult Hits) 1.7 - 1.7

      KSPN (Sports) 1.8 - 1.7

      KXOL (Latin Urban) 1.8 - 1.7 

25. KFSH (Christian Contemporary) 1.3 - 1.6

      KPCC (News/Talk) 2.1 - 1.6

27. KDAY (Rhythmic AC) 1.1 - 1.3

      KHJ (Regional Mexican) 1.1 - 1.3

29. KDLD (Regional Mexican) 1.0 - 1.2

30. KCRW (Variety) 1.0 - 1.1

      KUSC (Classical) 1.1 - 1.1

32. KWIZ (Spanish Variety) 1.2 - 1.0

33. KABC (Talk) 0.8 - 0.9

      KJLH (Urban AC) 1.1 - 0.9

35. KSSE (Spanish Contemporary) 0.8 - 0.8

     KXOS (Spanish AC) 0.6 - 0.8

37. KFWB (News/Talk) 0.6 - 0.5

       KKJZ (Jazz) 0.6 - 0.5

      KLAC (Sports) 0.4 - 0.5

40. KRLA (Talk) 0.5 - 0.4

     KTNQ (Spanish Talk) 0.4 - 0.4 

(April 12, 2013) You would know her voice. For over two decades Andi Marshall has been a news anchor at KFWB. She’s given us the scoop on the news and guided us through the day on what to wear and where to drive. Now she needs your help. Andi has been seriously ill for months and could use some cheering up. She's at home and doesn't do email but DOES get texts. A quick text message to her at: 949.291.0448 with some well wishes would be appreciated. If texting is a problem, you can email her brother, Steve at:  spmcpa@cox.net and he will get it to her.  Andi was born in Pennsylvania and she moved to the Southland when she was three and grew up in Tujunga and Orange County. She was a radio/tv major at Saddleback College. "I transferred to Cal State Fresno along with three friends who also wanted to get into radio," said Andi. She originally wanted to go into tv production, "but I got caught up in radio and it never let me go." She started her pro radio career as a part-time disc jockey at 'K-IO4' and 'K-FIG' in Fresno in 1978. A year later, Andi moved to KGGI in the Inland Empire. In the early 1980s, she worked middays and she was assistant pd at KLRZ-Salt Lake City. In 1985 she returned to KFIG and then a year later back to Salt Lake City to pd KEYY. In 1987 Andi was back at KGGI for weekends and became news director. "I consider Fresno-Inland Empire-Utah to be my Bermuda Triangle of Radio!" said Andi. Time to reconnect with Andi or if you don’t know her personally, certainly a happy face would be welcomed.

Karmazin Flush. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mel Karmazin received the majority of the $11 million ($9.5 million) in bonus money for increasing subscribers and for a 71 percent increase in free cash flow. Sirius/XM subscriptions were up two million in 2012 and free cash flow increased to $709 million. Karmazin earned $10.7 million in 2011. 

In 2012, KIIS' Ryan Seacrest purchased the 2.87acre Beverly Hills multiresidence estate from
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who cobbled it together from four houses. 

Dimples Rescued. Have you seen the cable show, Bar Rescue? One of the establishments that was refurbished this season was Dimples, karaoke bar/restaurant across the street from Clear Channel's Pinnacle headquarters in Burbank. Dimples was also the home to the LARP Triangle when 150 readers watched Saul Levine, Commander Chuck Street and Michael Jackson talk about their careers.

Curious. Have you been to Dimples since the Bar Rescue re-do? How does the place look and does it seem to be doing better business? 

Lucky 13 for Carson. When Carson Daly heard that NBC is keeping his show, Last Call with Carson Daly, in its late-night lineup for a 13th season, he wrote on Facebook, “Over 10 years now in NBC Latenight. Not one single day goes by I'm not incredibly grateful. Excited for another season!” NBC praised Carson for creating what the network called "a unique late-night format."   He also hosts the NBC hit singing contest The Voice.

Email Friday 

We GET Email …

** Sad For What No Longer Is 

“Sad to hear of Gary Lycan's passing. He truly was radio's biggest cheerleader, as well as a true class act; and he will be missed. I also know he was a personal friend of yours, and my thoughts are with you.

His passing, the closing of DG Valencia, and articles on 'is radio doomed,' all seem to point to the same conclusion.  To borrow a phrase, 'things ain't what they used to be.' 

And while there may be great opportunities in the changing landscape ahead of us, today at least, I am sad for what is no longer.” – Bill A Jones 

** Former SCBA Prexy Mourns 

“Gary Lycan was always thorough, always fair, and always knowledgeable in his coverage of radio. His writing was passionate, his prose exceptional. I already miss him very much.” – Mary Beth Garber 

** In Common with Lycan 

“Thank you for your thoughts about Gary Lycan.  Gary is the second friend to die of prostate cancer since I was diagnosed.  I sometimes feel very guilty about how relatively easy I've had it.” – Jack Hayes 

** Top Gun Will Miss Lycan 

“I was deeply saddened when I heard about Gary Lycan passing. He was a true giant in the SoCal radio community. I couldn’t wait to read his weekly columns in the Orange County Register. Often times, I first learned things from his column about the comings and goings on local radio stations, many of which I advertised and still advertise on. He always seemed to have such deep knowledge about radio all the time. Gary will be truly missed.” - Myles L. Berman

** Lycan Big Supporter of Radio Aahs 

“On Gary Lycan's passing, I'm offering my feelings of loss along with the many others who've already written.  What a stand-up guy.  I remember Gary rooting for us over at Radio Aahs in the 1990's, even though the heartbreaking legal issues surrounding our network vs. the then-fledgling Radio Disney.  Certainly some of his enthusiasm stemmed from the fact that we were a home-team Orange County station during a period when local radio had already started to crumble, but his reporter's instincts were also able to bypass the PR hype and press releases, and get to the heart of the story. 

I also noted with sadness Doug Cramer's passing.  Doug and I often chatted outside our respective studio doors at Salem/Los Angeles in the early 2000's. He had a heart of gold and I'll never forget his ever-positive attitude.  Or the manual typewriter he kept nearby. It had to be the last one in regular use in the entire city of Glendale. An old-school, genuinely nice guy in a business that could use a few more fellas just like him.” - Bruce Barker 

** Radio’s Biggest Friend 

“A beautiful piece on Gary Lycan ... truly moving.  I visited him at his apartment in Santa Ana a couple of years ago and glad I did. Really glad. In 2011 he said that he was SO happy to be invited to our Radio Dream Lunch at the Smoke House in Burbank. I hoped he'd reprise that appearance this past December 2012 and I even offered to get him a ride. He said he just wasn't up to it. That's when I knew the cancer must have gotten much worse. 

When I heard that Gary had died, it made me cry really hard, as if a family member just died, probably because he did. His last name was Lycan and he was liked by just about everybody and will be missed by all of us. “ – Art Vuolo 

** Times of Lycan 

“I was saddened to hear about the passing of Gary Lycan. I was really interested to learn how long and varied his career had been. Though we both wrote about radio, I never considered us competitors - I couldn't keep up with the length and breadth of his coverage. I was a fan. 

Thank you for your coverage of this.” – Steve Carney, LA Times 

** Met Lycan at KLON 

“I first met Gary Lycan around 1974.  KKJZ, at that time, KLON, was among the first public radio stations.  Gary gave the station, and me, generous space in the Register.  He remains everything you said he was. For the lovely tribute to Gary, thank you.” – Mark Sudock

** Lycan’s Celebration 

"Gary Lycan requested no services or ‘Celebration of Life.’ His entire live was a celebration of the human spirit.” – Chris Carmichael  

Radio's Biggest Cheerleader Silenced (April 11, 2013) When Gary Lycan left his full time job at the Orange County Register in 2002 as IT director, he lost more than his job. He lost his insurance. By the time Medicare kicked in and he had insurance to see a doctor, he was already riddled with prostate cancer and other complications.   Gary suffered a lot in recent years but his indomitable spirit kept him going. During the last year I offered to write his OC Register column, or at least help him and he refused. He would have none of it. He wanted to meet deadline every week, just like he had for 2,000 weeks. I believe having the weekly deadline gave him an extra year of life. In recent months he typed his column and used his phone sparingly while in bed. He had double vision and his editors had challenges sorting through the copy. But there he was in the Register, week after week. When we talked, it was rarely about his illness and challenges. He wanted the latest scoop about radio. He loved sharing his love for the medium with his readers. (Thanks to Sandi Taylor for providing the artwork)

The last couple of years have been tough on Gary. He kept me posted with frequent and quite detailed health updates.  

I met Gary in the early 1990s on the occasion of the publication of Los Angeles Radio People. He was kind enough to feature my just-published book in his Sunday Register column. For the second edition of the book he wrote the Foreword and back page. He was the biggest cheerleader for radio. He was clearly the dean of radio writers of our generation. 

We both searched for ways to establish a Southern California Radio Hall of Fame. If one is ever formed, Gary should be the first to be inducted.

He was the consummate radio columnist for almost 40 years. He had a unique perch to hear the changing landscape of radio and with each twist of the dial, the dean of radio columnists was there to chronicle the changes.  

He will be missed, I will miss him, and radio will miss this wonderful ambassador. 

Knowing he was in failing health and not knowing how long he would live with this cancer, he thought like a newspaperman and sent me his obituary last May 13, 2012 so no one would have to scramble when the day came.

Gary Lycan had been in the communications industry nearly 50 years. In 1969 he received his B.A. in communications / telecommunications from Cal State Fullerton. He worked at The Orange County Register 1962-2002, starting as copy boy and moving quickly into editing positions: Sunday Editor, Entertainment Editor, Asst. Managing Editor/Features, Systems Editor, Assistant Managing Editor / Operations within the newsroom. When Information Services was created in late 1987, he moved to that division as the primary newsroom specialist and continued his newsroom duties along with IT responsibilities, including project manager, and team leader, supervising work requests. He continued to write the weekly radio column, which began in 1968 until a week ago. He was profiled in Harry L. Graham’s book about the OC Register early days, Stop the Damned Presses! 

Writing about radio had been his passion since the late ‘60s. Growing up in Southern California, he quickly became a local historian on early tv and radio. He believed people had a huge appetite for broadcasting news, and he strived to produce as much news in each column as possible. He developed a reliable Rolodex of contacts – people who followed, respected and appreciated the accuracy of his coverage. 

He retired from the Register in 2002, but immediately signed on as a freelancer to continue writing stories for the Orange County Register. He also stepped up his role in media projects. He was senior producer on The Pet Place TV adoption show on KDOC, from 1991 to 2009.  He was a substitute host and stepped in as fulltime host in 2007 when the original host and creator of the show Fred Bergendorff passed away.  He also did weekly on-air appearances in 2008 on KDOC’s Daybreak OC with the Friday “Pet of the Week” segment for several months.

He was president of Elevad, Inc., the non-profit that oversaw both Pet Place TV and Pet Place Radio, a weekly show on 1260-AM with Marie Hulett. He continued to stay active in the pet adoption movement and represented Pet Place at animal events.    

Beginning in 2010, Gary taught broadcasting classes at The Academy of Television & Radio in Huntington Beach. His class subjects included News Development, Interviewing and Talk Radio, Introduction to TV, and News Journalism. 

Gary always believed in encouraging young people that broadcasting was a worthy profession to pursue. He had been an occasional lecturer at local colleges Saddleback and Cal State Fullerton.  His message to broadcasting students: they must have the three P’s – passion, persistence and patience – if they want to have a successful career. He also served on the Titan Advisory Board overseeing the content of the Titan Magazine at Cal State Fullerton. 

He was born in Santa Ana on November 18, 1944, and lived his entire life in Orange County. He was married briefly in the 1980s and they had no children.  

On his passing, arrangements will be handled by The Neptune Society with burial at sea.  Gary requested no services or “Celebration of Life.”  

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Irma Blanco Lands in the Inland Empire  (April 10, 2013) Irma Blanco has joined Jesse Duran for morning drive at KOLA 99.9/fm in the Inland Empire. She recently left MY/fm where she partnered with Valentine. “I'm beyond thrilled to be back on the air in the IE," said Irma in a prepared statement. "I’ve really missed connecting with listeners every morning. The best part will be working side by side with the talented Jesse Duran on the legendary KOLA. Talk about a dream gig!”     “Getting the chance to add an incredible talent like Irma Blanco to the KOLA morning show brand is just something we couldn’t pass up,” said KOLA pd Gary Springfield. “With Irma’s ties to the Inland Empire and her loyal fan base, we’re extremely excited!” She begins Monday.

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KFWB Adding Sports Programming to Evenings   (April 10, 2013) Amani Toomer, who spent 13 years as a wide receiver for the New York Giants, retiring as the team’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards and winning a title in 2008, along with co-host Eytan Shander, join KFWB, from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., replacing Michael Smerconish. Jason Page will air in the time slot on Saturdays. The station will add commentaries by Jim Rome and KFWB’s Sports Knight with Michael Knight. The announcement was made today by KFWB general manager Valerie K. Blackburn.  Rome will air Sports Minutes on KFWB Monday through Friday afternoons at 12:03, 1:03 and 2:03.  Award-winning columnist and prolific sports author John Feinstein will contribute additional commentaries.  “As the flagship station of the Los Angeles Clippers, we want to give our sports fans more of an opportunity to be part of the sports conversation,” said Blackburn.  “We continue to look for ways to give our listeners and clients the best possible programming options available.”  Blackburn also announced the addition of two other programs.  During the Clippers playoff run, veteran sports and news host Michael Knight, already an anchor on KFWB, will host a new, locally produced call-in show called Sports Knight, airing weeknights 10 p.m. to midnight. The station is also adding high-energy sports personality Erik Kuselias to its lineup where he will hold court weekdays 3 a.m. - 5 a.m.

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Gary Lycan Dies (April 10) Gary Lycan, the absolute dean of radio writers, died yesterday, following a long illness. He was 68. Gary was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the summer of 2010. He covered Southland radio for the Orange County Register like no other for almost 40 years.

** "Gary Lycan had the job I wish I had. I remember stopping by a newsstand several miles away just to read his weekly column. Godspeed to Gary, my best to his family and friends." - Alan Oda 

** "I know, like me, you've lost a great friend. I always enjoyed my time with Gary, in person or on the phone. He will be dearly missed." - Ted Ziegenbusch 

** "Gary Lycan was so good to me, especially when times were tough, but, then again, he was good to everyone. What a giving spirit. And great compassion for animals, too. I will miss him." - Mike Sakellarides 

** "We would like to offer our condolences. Last time we saw Gary Lycan was at a Pioneer Broadcast luncheon. As a writer for the Orange County Register, Gary and I had many a chat about the paper, and shared what we were doing there." - Eva and Lyle Kilgore  

** "It was always a highlight for me when Gary Lycan came to any of the remotes that Bill Handel did in Orange County. He was always such a caring pro at covering radio. I loved his passion for what he did, as a writer and a broadcaster. Wishing you God Speed Gary!" - Mike Nolan  

** "Sad day in radio with the deaths of Gary Lycan and George Wilson!" - Bob Koontz  

** So sad to hear about the passing of Gary Lycan. He was a true gentleman. I was so happy to have Gary on our stations the last two years as a contributor to Manny Pacheco’s 'Forgotten Hollywood.' Gary would always arrive early and we would talk radio. He was a diverse and educated man on a wealth of subjects. However, his love of radio shined above them all. He loved the medium and the people who made it thrive. He was not only a journalist on the business of radio,  he was also a fan. I will treasure the many discussions we had about long lost djs, classic tv game shows, and the personalities we’ve worked with over the years. Play a request for us in heaven Gary!  You were a man among men. P.S.- We will be running a special edition of Forgotten Hollywood this Saturday at 3 p.m.  It features an interview with Gary about his life and career. The program airs on KSPA 1510am, and KFSD am 1450. It’s also available on the web at www.financialnewsandtalk.com" -  Jeff Gehringer, KSPA / KFSD.

** "Just a thought on Gary. He was simply a good dude. Covered all the Mark & Brian events with a smile. Always positive, never had a negative word to say. He proudly promoted my new podcast with great interest. I stayed in touch with him concerning his health and was in great hopes that he could pull through. He did what he loved to the end, and to the end he was my friend." - Mark Thompson

** "I am so sorry to hear Gary Lycan lost his fight. Gary was passionate about radio and always interested in what we were doing at the stations. We considered him as more than a radio columnist – we saw him as friend and supporter of not only our stations but of us as individuals. We’re feeling sad at the Wilshire Broadcast Center and our hearts go out to his family and friends." - Andy Ludlum   

** "Oh my. We lost a true personal and radio friend." - Chris Carmichael

** "So sad." - Jennifer Horn  

** "He was covering radio even in the last days of his life. A nice guy for sure." - Geoff Edwards 

** "I have known Gary for many years and worked with him at The Register when OCN was on the air. If everyone in radio had the same passion for radio that Gary had our industry would be much better off. He will be missed!!!!" - Dave Armstrong 

"This makes me so sad. My only solace is knowing he isn't in pain anymore." - Rita Wilde 

** So sorry to hear this news. He was a terrific person and had a great passion for this 'magical' thing we call radio. He was a great voice and supporter of our local radio landscape. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all those he touched, even briefly." - Bob Goodman, KSBR/fm  

** "May God bless his soul. He sure was one of the good ones, supporting/reporting all things radio and such an advocate for our furry friends. His work and especially his heart will be sorely missed." - Gary Moore 

** "This is truly sad news. It was one of Gary's columns in The Orange County Register back in 1998 or '99 that informed me of the LARadio.com website. I only spoke with Gary on one occasion: the tribute to George Nicholaw at Vitello's. I sat across the table from him, and when he introduced himself, I immediately recognized his name. I told him that it was his column that led me to LARadio.com, and he was very appreciative of that. His coverage and dedication will definitely be missed." - Robert O'Brien, Huntington Beach 

** "I'm so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was a fantastic writer and truly a friend to radio. I know the two of you were close - my thoughts are with you." - Damien Lewis

** "God rest his soul. I hope he wasn't in pain at the end." - Anita Garner 

Broadcast Exec George Wilson Dies (April 10, 2013) George Wilson, general manager at KIQQ from 1980 to 1985, died this morning of complications from a heart attack two weeks ago Born George Wilson Crowell on July 18, 1929, in Katonah, New York, he made his marketing presence felt with the Bartell chain. George, starting out as a professional baseball player, became a sports announcer and then a disc jockey in the 1950’s.  George was pd of WOKY-Milwaukee. In the early 1970s he was gm of WDRQ-Detroit. In a multi-part interview in Billboard in 1975, George, as the executive vp of Bartell Media's radio division commented: "Chuck Blore was always kind of like my hero. He used to have phenomenally great ideas and I would just find out what he was going to do next week, then I'd do it."  George moved to Albuquerque in recent years.  As a broadcast executive with Bartell Broadcasting and the Starr group of stations he was twice honored as National Program Director and named by his peers as Radio Executive of the Year. George served as station manager, President and board member of major radio broadcast groups. He served on the Nominating Committee of the "Hit Parade" Hall of Fame and operated "George Wilson's Memory Tunes" website.

KFI Veteran for 23 Years Dies  (April 10, 2013) Doug Cramer, veteran of KGIL, KFI (23 years, 1953-76), KHOF, and KKLA, died on February 14, of respiratory problems, according to his colleague, Greg Crawford. “Doug had Alzheimer's. He spent the last two years of his life in Hemet,” wrote Crawford. “Doug was one of my dearest and oldest friends, helping me get into the radio business back in the 60's. Most of his career, at least as long as I had known him, he worked two jobs having very view days off.” Doug started his radio career in 1949, just three months out of high school, joining KGIL as a record librarian. He also hosted a show called “Teen Time,” which featured early 50s hits. Doug joined the Air Force during the Korean conflict only to return to KGIL two years later. In 1953, he moved to KFI. It was here that Doug discovered that he worked best when he was doing two jobs at the same time.   “KCKC-San Bernardino had a Sunday evening show called ‘The Wax Museum.’ It was a horror show; rather it was a nostalgia epic that spotlighted records of the 20s through the 40s with artist interviews. This show lasted 5 years,’” said Doug when he was interviewed for Los Angeles Radio People.  In 1961 he joined Faith Center at KHOF, which was eventually led by Dr. Gene Scott when he became pastor in 1975. For years, Doug was the announcer heard on Dr. Scott’s worldwide broadcasts. In 1976, Doug was part of Harry O’Connor Creative Programs to sell talk radio features. In 1994, he became a weekend announcer at KKLA. Doug was active in the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters.

Hear Ache. Geno Michellini, former KLOSer, is still feisty about the state of radio. “I called KLOS and the Sound and requested the new song by the Artic Monkeys,” wrote Geno on his Facebook page. “Neither station had ever heard of these guys. They're only one of the biggest bands in Europe RIGHT NOW. Well done LA radio, well done.” … Gil Gross, KKSF-San Francisco afternooner and former morning man at KLAC, has a GREAT photo of Margaret Thatcher that he will make available soon. “Sadly the photo is in storage but I will get to it,” said Gil. “She did my show the same night as Wolfman Jack. I have a picture of the two of them on either side of me. Neither Bob nor Dame Thatcher had a clue who the other one was, but both smiled puzzled at the camera while I stood between them with a grin that would have made the Cheshire Cat seem dour.” … Don Martin, svp/sports programming at Premiere Networks is set to participate in Radio Ink’s inaugural Sports Radio Conference, coming up next month in Miami … Condolences to Dale Berg on the passing of his mom.

KFWB's Bill Seward on the set of ABC's Revenge as a business anchor.
"Yes, the guy who can't make change for a dollar will be happy to give you money advice. Acting!" boasted Bill.

New Day for KDAY. Magic Broadcasting has agreed to sell Classic Hip-Hop “93.5 KDAY” KDAY Redondo Beach/Los Angeles and KDEY Ontario/Riverside to RBC Communications for $19.5 million. Former owner Don McCoy commented: "I don't understand someone that would buy a station with a stockholder lawsuit filed against it. It will be interesting to see what happens."  Look for a flip to a Chinese format to accompany the sale, according to Radio Insight. Phoenix Satellite Television, a British Virgin Islands based company which operates 6 cable networks in China owns a 20% stake in RBC. Anthony Yuen holds the other 80% through his RBC Investments LLC.

This is the second attempt made to sell the KDAY/KDEY combo. A 2010 sale of the stations to SoCal935, Inc for $35 million never closed.