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** March Ratings

“The ratings explain why LA radio is such a mess. Why listen to the BS the politicians are pulling on us when you can listen to the same songs over and over again?” - Pablo Pappano, Costa Mesa

** Disagree with Phillips’ Essay

“I've just read John Phillips' essay.  While I like John's work, I have to disagree with him. 

I, too, love the work of Jean Shepherd, although having always been a Southern California boy, I only discovered him through recordings of his old WOR shows many years after they had been broadcast.  Jean usually kept his politics out of his comments and stories, although after the JFK assassination he did assert that he had been ‘a Kennedy man’ in the 1960 election. I think he would be appalled at most of talk radio today.

Certainly there is no forum today for someone as idiosyncratic as he, except perhaps on a college station. I mourn for the old KABC of the '70s and early '80s, when you actually felt smarter after having listened to it.  The chances of an intelligent generalist like Michael Jackson or Ira Fistell getting on the airwaves today would be nil. The personalities on the morning shows today are just as confrontational as they are during the other "dayparts" (to use radio jargon); there's nothing as warm, friendly and reassuring as the old Ken and Bob Company show.  (EGBOK, Mr. Minyard, and thanks.) 

Mr. Phillips - taking fairness out of broadcasting was a blessing? That type of thinking is what ruined the talk radio format, to me. Virtually the only talk radio I can listen to anymore is Overnight America with Jon Grayson on KFWB. Aside from that, most talk radio hosts are still kicking the dead horse of 'The Democrats are Evil Incarnate,' every hour of every day. For those of us who welcome varying viewpoints, this is not only irritating radio, it's extremely dull radio.

And by the way-why are there now so few callers on talk radio shows? Talk radio used to be a dialogue, not a monologue. Could it be that many of the fair-minded people no longer listen?

Thanks for all you do, Don.” - Randy Skretvedt

** Shepherd Broadcasts

"For any readers curious about the Jean Shepherd reference, I made a two-hour npr doc on the occasion of Shep's death with generous excerpts of many broadcasts.    http://hearingvoices.com/news/2010/07/hv067-jean-shepherd-1/
http://hearingvoices.com/news/2010/07/hv068-jean-shepherd-2/ ." - Harry Shearer

** Les Moonves $66.9 Million Salary

“As I am not an LARP and do not understand the media business, can someone please explain to me how the business is structured?

I believe that a few months ago I read that CBS had to cut costs so they laid off Tommy Jaxson and some others at their local outlets.

This morning over my cup of tea I read in the LA Times that Les Moonves was so successful at running CBS and made so much money for them that they paid him a paltry $67 million dollars last year.

OK. I will assume that like me he worked hard and did not take any vacation so he worked 260 days as I did. Like me he put in an average 16 hours a day running his business. 4160 hours of hard labor. 

I believe that equates to about $16,105 an hour. Please, can some LARP that knows the media business tell me what I am doing wrong and how I should structure my business? Can anyone explain to me how any one person is justified to be paid $16,105 an hour? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.” - Bill Mann, South Pasadena

** KEZY Reunion

“Just a note to thank you for the information on the KEZY Reunion. I made contact with Julie Frey (dingomommy@gmail.com) , and am now in the process of making plane reservations for the last weekend in June.

This should be fun.” - Jim Shannon 

John Phillips: "Talk radio needs to keep trying to make it fresh"

(April 14, 2014) Listeners to talk radio are accustomed to hearing loud conservative voices railing against liberal orthodoxy. Compared with the mainstream media, academia or Washington and Sacramento, talk radio is known as the dissident voice of the unrepresented middle class. But this wasn’t always the case.

Originally, talk radio was dominated by the likes of Jean Shepherd, an American radio personality best known for telling comedic semiautobiographical stories of his childhood and the minor incidents in life during his late-night show on WOR in New York City in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Outside of radio, audiences would know “Shep” from the cult classic film A Christmas Story, which he narrated and co-scripted. He was also a huge influence on everyone from comedian Jerry Seinfeld to talk radio star Tom Leykis to my colleague at Talk Radio 790 KABC, morning man Doug McIntyre. Seinfeld once quipped, “He [Shep] really formed my entire comedic sensibility – I learned how to do comedy from Jean Shepherd.” After Shepherd, talk radio was gripped by nonpartisan lifestyle talk. Locally, Southern California airwaves were dominated by my predecessors at KABC, including Ken Minyard, Michael Jackson and Dr. David Viscott. They would take the top headlines of the day and turn them into polite chit-chat with guests and callers.

The entire world changed in the late 1980s when the Federal Communications Commission decided to eliminate the Fairness Doctrine, which required the holders of broadcast licenses to provide “balanced coverage” of controversial issues. Because deciding what coverage was “balanced” was so subjective, most broadcast companies decided to shy away from controversial topics, with the hopes of staying off the FCC’s radar.

In 1987, blessedly, the handcuffs came off. Back then, the media was dominated by the big three television networks, a handful of metropolitan newspapers and a few weekly news magazines – all featuring the same left-wing political bias. If you were a Republican you could see your views expressed in a Bill Safire column in the New York Times or when Pat Buchanan made an appearance on the McLaughlin Group, but that was about it. But with the Fairness Doctrine gone, the door was open for conservative voices in exile to find a platform on radio.

This void was promptly filled by Rush Limbaugh. If it’s possible for one man to completely reinvent the AM band on the radio, Rush did it. Not only did Rush have the conservative politics that were now in demand, he had years of radio experience and showmanship qualities, akin to Shepherd, that made his humorous and fascinating stories addictive to listen to. It didn’t matter if you loved him or hated him, he was doing something different in a funny, compelling way.

If you were a program director at the time, you wanted to capitalize on Rush’s success by filling the remaining 21 hours of available airtime with similar content to your marquee syndicated show. To put it bluntly, Rush created enough success for copycats to make handsome livings imitating his program. After this success came the top-rated Fox News Channel on cable TV and conservative websites, like the supersuccessful Drudge Report. Which means talk radio isn’t as different, anymore, it’s just part of the conservative noise machine.

Radio executives across the country are currently trying to figure out how to make radio stand out again. The simple truth is that conservative media is flourishing outside the radio venue, and if talk radio delivers the same product year after year it will grow only increasingly stale. The good news is that providing opposition to the powers that be remains a vitally important – and fun – vehicle for serving the public. I can’t say I know what the future holds, but I’d bet my money that funny, compelling story-telling will never go out of style.

(John Phillips' essay appeared in the Orange County Register. Register staff opinion columnist John Phillips can be heard weekdays at noon on “Mid Day LA” on KABC/AM 790 in Los Angeles.)  

KNX Series Close to Home. KNX won’t have to go far this month with their series, KNX on Your Corner. Every month they take an in-depth look at communities all over the Southland and invite listeners to come and watch the broadcast. On April 25, the daytime anchors will be broadcasting from Canter’s Deli on Fairfax as the all-News station salutes LA’s historic Fairfax District and its surrounding neighborhoods, including the Farmer’s Market, the Grove and CBS Television City. The actual KNX studios are in the Miracle Mile, just down the street from Canter’s. The 10-hour live broadcast Dick Helton and Vicky Moore kicking off the day anchoring the news from 5 – 9 a.m., Frank Mottek will host the KNX Business Hour from 1 – 2 p.m. and Diane Thompson and Chris Sedens will be on hand from 2 – 7 p.m. This is a great time to meet your favorite news anchors.

Overheard.

• “Top signs your neighbor is a cannibal. He has a walk-in microwave.” (Frank Kramer, KLOS)

• “The two remaining guys from Nirvana were inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. I understand Courtney Love hugged them. Hopefully whatever they got, I hope they got shots for it.” (Peter Tilden, KABC)

• “Big pothole on the 5, south at Glendale Boulevard. CalTrans is going to fill it up as quickly as they can, which means it’ll probably be there for a while.” (Ed McKay, KRLA)

• “Boobs. You've seen one, you've seen them both.” (Raymundo Banister, former morning man at KROQ)

• "Rodeo porn only lasts 8 seconds." (Rob Bartlett, Don Imus funnyman, KCAA)

• "They're throwing Cialis at Benghazi now. They think, 'We can make it rise again.'" (Stephanie Miller)

• “The heart bleed bug is the big security flaw. I cannot think of anything bigger. This is probably the largest flaw in digital security in modern computing history.” (Christian Wheel, KFWB, Let’s Talk Tech)

Chuey to TV. KIIS’ Chuey Martinez is set to host a new late-night experience called M@shup With Chuey Martinez. The plan is for Chuey to invite an eclectic mix of social media stars, established celebs and other faces from popular culture who are making, spinning and spreading news to join him. The show is described as "one part talk, two parts performance and a spicy splash of sketch comedy." Details on distribution to come soon.

Hear Ache. Like to know how much money your favorite dj makes? Dan O’Day has a salary calculator at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD1GLV1axqk&feature=youtu.be.

Bill Stewart – the man I inherited the national program director position from at the McLendon Corporation – gave me some advice on his way out the door. When I go to hire someone and ask what they are making, he said to cut it in half and add $10 and I would be pretty close. 

Funnie.  

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** Brian Beirne with a Person of Color “Korla Pandit passed away in 1998. In the late 40’s he most often performed at Tom Breneman’s Restaurant in Hollywood. For a while he appeared at The Swanee Inn on N. La Brea [now Amalfi] I would often eat there with my grandparents as my grandfather was a friend of Bob Lewis the owner. Bob had started Nat King Cole there at the Inn in 1937. As a child of 5 or 6 I was fascinated with Korla and he would often let me sit with him at the organ and play. Korla was actually an African-American. His wife recreated him as a man born in New Deli, India. Had anyone known that then, I’m sure I would never have been allowed to sit with him. I did sit with Nat King Cole one night at the Swanee Inn. Nat made a special appearance there for a private group and my grandfather and my parents were invited. I however was removed from the piano bench when some of the guests objected to a child sitting with a person of color. At the age of 10 I was found playing piano on stage with Fats Domino in an all adult club. The police were called and my mother and I were thrown out and nearly arrested. I’m sure glad times have changed.” – Brian Beirne, Mr. Rock n' Roll

** Korla’s Piano and Organ

“There's a name I haven’t heard it awhile! As a preteen, I was fascinated by the piano and organ. My parents provided weekly lessons for many years.

Once, as extra motivation, my mother had me join her at the largest local music store in San Bernardino. The nighttime concert featured none other than Korla Pandit. I had no idea who this guy was, but I left the sold out concert determined to play just like Korla.

Hopefully, your readers will find updated information on his whereabouts.” – Ted Ziegenbusch, KOST

** Steve Allen Connection to Korla Pandit

“The item about Korla Pandit was interesting. I recall when Steve Allen was one of the hosts for KTLA’s 40th anniversary show in 1987, he introduced some old clips of Pandit’s show on KTLA. Then, Steve talked about an old joke he told around 1949 or so, and it went like this ... ‘There was a tv program that was so bad, that even Korla panned it’" – Jim Hilliker

** News Kudos

“Kudos to KNX news director Julie Chin and her staff for their day long in depth coverage of the tragic accident in Northern California.  

It seemed like the whole staff was there pitching in with special reports.  As so often happens in events like this, the spectacular and speculation that the public craves and the media is so willing to provide was missing from the coverage.  Information, compassion and reassurance was what I heard.  

It was surprising to hear Bob Brill put in such a long day knowing full well that he would have to be back a little before 5 a.m. on Saturday to wake me up.

KNX at its best.” – Bill Mann, South Pasadena

Sunday Funnies

LARadio Archives from October 2006 

Mentor Mike Phillips Memorialized (October 31, 2006) KRTH production director Keith Smith (photo) held a memorial service for former K-EARTH pd Mike Phillips on Sunday. The service was conducted in the backyard of his trendy West LA home. “I thought there should be a gathering to hear and share stories about Mike,” said Keith. “I thought it would be helpful for us to move on.” He said he was honored to host the gathering because of what Mike meant to him. Keith met Mike in 1983 during a radio internship at K101-San Francisco where Mike was program director. “Mike was always there for people who wanted to know about radio. He was very open to sharing. He had a big impact on my professional life.” Keith moved cross-town to KMEL for five years, then eventually found himself unemployed. It was Mike who brought Keith to KRTH as production director and worked with him for 10 years before Mike’s retirement.   “My relationship started as a business relationship with a little bit of friend aspect but by the time he retired the business aspect was very small in comparison to our friendship,” said Keith. On Saturday there was a memorial service in Mike’s hometown of Portland, which Keith was able to listen in. “People shared about the impact that he had on their radio careers but that was dwarfed by how much impact Mike had on their life. Three things come out of the stories: fun, friend and faith.”  Keith’s wife Collette (right) worked as Phillips’ assistant. “Mike was so secure with his ability and his skills, all he wanted to do was teach people,” said Collette, who was visibly emotional when talking about him. “Mike continued to teach me every day. I’ll never forget the opportunity I had with him. I got to meet The Real Don Steele and Robert W. Morgan. Mike was always there for you whether you were asking for it or not. He would always be there to support you and encourage you in hard times and good times. I feel so privileged to know Mike and to work for him directly.” Shaune McNamara Steele remembered when she met Mike. She was the music director at KLSX when Mike was looking for a music director when he got to K-EARTH. She was apprehensive because she didn’t know if she wanted to make a change to work for a new pd. “I went to lunch with Mike and it was unbelievable. He didn’t talk down to me. He was mellow but forceful. He knew what he wanted and he knew how to fix K-EARTH. He was very secure in that. I had the most wonderful interview. It didn’t feel like an interview and I went to work with him.”  Shaune talked about the time when her husband, The Real Don Steele, was sick. “It was just Don and I and I never left the house because I didn’t want to leave him alone for a minute. Mike would call and say he was going to Costco and asked what did we need? He lived far away from us but it didn’t matter, Mike was there for Don 1000%.”  During the time that Shaune worked with Mike, she recalled a very tense time while promoting a contest, ‘Where on EARTH is it?’ with a $25,000 payoff. “ I goofed up so big time, it was frightening. It was a huge promotion and Mike wrote the clues,” Shaune recalled. “One destination was Odessa, Russia. He was running out of clues as he was trying to narrow it down. I suggested – ‘not in the Western Hemisphere.’ He said, ‘are you sure?’ I said that the Western Hemisphere was North and South American and the rest is the Eastern Hemisphere. That’s the way I learned it and it’s not the truth.” (Photo: Shaune, Mary Griswold, Ken Levine) When the incorrect clue aired, people were furious. They had been eliminated because of the clue. “Reactions were ‘over the top’ from the disgruntled. I could have committed Harry Carey, but Mike was calm. He said that we must find a dictionary that gives the definition of Eastern and Western hemisphere the way we want it to. We spent a weekend going through dictionaries and finally found one and used that source when people complained. He knew what I felt like and he never said a word. That took a strong person not to flip out over that one – worth $25,000.”  K-EARTH all-nighter Dave Randall was hired by Mike in July 1994. “I went on the first night without mishap and so it began.” Dave had warm memories of his time with Mike and how they still resonate today. “Every time I go to the job, and every minute I’m on the air, I use something that I learned working for him,” said Dave, certainly the best-dressed of everyone in attendance. “I knew that he was a modest man who didn’t have much to say whenever I said something laudatory about the work that he did or something extraordinarily thankful for the opportunity he gave me.”  Ken Levine represented all the listening fans of K-EARTH. “I was like a radio geek in L.A. growing up hearing the people on KHJ and hearing Mike Phillips on KFRC-San Francisco. Mike would refer to me as a peer. He would solicit my advice. He even took my advice when I said stupid things like, ‘hire Shotgun Tom Kelly.’ He was always willing to listen to ideas from other people. I wished I had worked with him.” (Ken Levine and Dave Randall) Brandon Castillo, now morning show producer at KFRG (the FROG) in the Inland Empire, got to KRTH in 1994. “The first guy I see in the halls is a very grumpy old man named Robert W. Morgan and he yelled at me. The second older person I saw was Mike and he tells me, ‘don’t worry, whatever he tells you, I’m the boss. He can’t fire you, I can.’”   Brandon said that the years he worked with Mike were wonderful. “Coming in from college, Mike taught me everything. I thought all bosses were like Mike and they’re not! The minute he walked out of the building, it was a whole different radio station. I realized that he was just one of a kind.”  (Pictured: Mr. & Mrs. Brandon Castillo; and KRTH nighttimer Christina Kelley) Mary Griswold knew Mike as a really great research person. “He was someone who really got it,” revealed Mary. “I met Mike when I started my consultancy business in 1999 and K-EARTH was one of my clients. I took over the account from Alan Klein, who had been the consultant for the station. Mike was in my first meeting and most programmers don’t sit in on sales research meetings so that was a good sign right away to have a meaningful dialogue going. It turned out to be so much more than that. He quietly asked me after that first meeting if I needed some backup data. Turned out he gave me a disc with six years of marketing data to load on to my computer so I could do historicals. It would have taken me days and he just gave me the disc. We started a great rapport that we held on to for the entire time he was working there.”  After Mike left, Mary said that the station wanted information on how to position the station versus all the other Oldies stations in the country. “Mike called one morning and said that he would be more than happy to come out of retirement to do some freelance work and help with the project. I was so happy but knew that I couldn’t afford Mike Phillips. I left him a voicemail saying that I couldn’t afford him. I got home that night and there was an email with the message all in CAPS. It said, WILL WORK FOR FOOD. He said it wasn’t about the money but he just wanted to work on this project. He said it sounded very interesting. During this research period it was such a privilege and a blessing to be with someone who was so special. I will miss him.”

Rick Deesney Counts Down Top 30

(April 11, 2014) The Radio Disney Top 30 weekly countdown show is entering syndication via Dees Entertainment. The goal is to develop more family-oriented programming, expand the Radio Disney brand and drive advertising growth. The three hour program, with Ernie D. Martinez as host, will be sold to Hot AC and Top 40 formats. Radio Disney intends to expand local cross-promotional opportunities and events in markets where the Top 30 show is broadcast. Dees Entertainment's Joe Kieley and Bob Catania will oversee affiliate relations for the Radio Disney Top 30. Dees Entertainment, owned by radio on-air host Rick Dees, syndicates more than 50 hours of content each week including five editions of Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 countdown show to more than 1,000 affiliates. Radio Disney Top 30 focuses on music, new and events that are relevant to children, tweens and families.

"Disney is synonymous with world-class family programming, and Ernie Martinez brings likeability and broad appeal as well as relevant music for kids and families, a reason why this show has such terrific potential for stations who are looking for family-friendly music programming," Dees said in a statement.

Korla Magic. Korla Pandit was most famous for a 50s KTLA/Channel 5 show, where he stared into the camera but never spoke, while playing the organ. Korla was known as the “Godfather of Exotica.” Earlier he was known as Juan Rolando, he played the organ on KMPC during the mid 1940s. In 1948 he created music for the revival of radio’s occult series, Chandu the Magician. In 1949, he was heard on Hollywood Holiday, broadcast from a local L.A. restaurant. Throughout his career, Korla surrounded himself with interesting characters. As a result, Tim Burton cast him in the biographical film, Ed Wood (1994), where Korla played himself. His cameo in Ed Wood was his last known public appearance. Producer Jason Insalaco would like an update on his whereabouts. If anyone has any photos, film, or research material on Korla, please reach out to him at: JasonInsalaco@hotmail.com.

Overheard.

• “If you can hear the sound of my voice, you are doing it correctly.” (KFI liner)

• “Is Stephen Colbert going to do the Letterman show in character? If he’s being hired based on the show he’s doing and now you’re going to put out a whole different product? I don’t know.” (Jillian Barberie, KABC)

• “You can play this treasure hunt trying to figure out what the motive is behind these guys. In a way, I don’t really care because it is more of a question of those of us who have kids in school and those of us who have to participate in society.” (Mark Thompson, KFI, on the motive of the Pittsburgh knife slasher)

• “We’re happy to report that the Mickey Rooney family and its various offshoots, with their various attorneys, have finally agreed to, if not bury the hatchet, at least bury Mickey.” (Doug McIntyre, KABC)

715. KLOS afternooners Gary Moore was touched by the accomplishment of Hank Aaron hitting 715 homeruns forty years ago. “A salute to the true, PED-free home run king who broke baseball’s most sacred record with immeasurable grace, dignity and class. Am most thankful to have met Mr. Aaron during his book tour 20+ years ago. Playing right field in Murray Little League, he was my hero then and even more so today. Long live The King.”

Rooney Experience. Lee Barry, longtime traffic reporter at KRLA/KTIE, shares an experience he had when he was between radio gigs:

About 15 years ago I was working for American Airlines at Terminal Four, LAX, one of the best places in the world to spot celebrities. I walked to the curb for a break and saw Mickey Rooney, alone, just standing there. No handlers. No ‘meet and greet’ people. I approached him and asked if he needed anything? ‘No, thanks.’ He said his ride was late, so he thought he’d wait outside after his flight in from New York.

He seemed friendly and in no rush, so I took advantage of the moment to chat with him. I remember him being very approachable, easy going. I was surprised to find him there alone. Tons of celebrities flew on AA and it was rare to see them without an escort or entourage. I felt pretty good about having some one-on-one time with a true Hollywood great, away from the ticket counters and gates.

As we were talking, a couple of women walked past. Their eyes lit up and smiles came out when they recognized him. They walked up to us and one asked, ‘Aren't you Mickey Rooney?!’ He threw his head back, laughed out loud, ‘No, but I get that all the time! Thanks for asking.’ The women apologized and quickly left. He turned back to me, winked and said ‘Works every time.’

It was sad to hear of his passing. I spent a lot of time at LAX dealing with celebrities, but very few were as easy going as he was. I’ll remember him for that, and his sense of humor.”

Letterman Fall-Out. Craig Ferguson was passed over as the successor to David Letterman, but apparently a smart lawyer has assuaged his disappointment. Ferguson's people reportedly put a clause in his contract stipulating that if someone other than Ferguson takes over the Late Show, he would get a consolation payout from CBS. The figures vary: the New York Post is reporting the payout as $5 million, while the New York Daily News puts it closer to $8 million or even $12 million. 

Radio consultant Valerie Geller sent a photo of some of the folks who stopped by the Focal press Beyond Powerful Radio NAB bookstore booksigning
LA based author and talkshow host Julie Spira, (The Perils of Cyber-Dating), German broadcaster Thomas Roth, Las Vegas pd Andy Vierra, Valerie Geller, BBC's Caroline Feraday, and Las Vegas talk host Heidi Harris

No Feud With Harvey. Steve Harvey was inducted into the NAB Hall of Fame earlier this week. Those who were in attendance for the ceremony said it truly felt like being in a black church, for much of his acceptance speech.

Tom Taylor, publisher of Now, said that Harvey halted his delivery several times, overcome by emotion, eyes closed and on the verge of tears. “Harvey doesn’t do show-prep for things like this – heck, he’s a comedian – and he thanked God several times [giving credit to his Sunday school teacher mom] and recommended prayer as a way to get in touch with what’s important in life,” wrote Taylor. “Harvey says he could never in his wildest dreams have imagined his career, which includes the daily Premiere-syndicated morning radio show, a daytime tv talk show, and hosting tv’s Family Feud. Harvey was greeted with a standing ovation when he came onto the stage – and earned another one when he left.

Hear Ache. Ira Lawson saw the photo of Leyla Gulen (l) yesterday. “For the last couple years, Leyla has been doing morning traffic up here in the Bay Area, on the KGO-TV morning newscasts,” emailed Ira … Shotgun Tom Kelly returned to his afternoon drive gig at K-EARTH following quadruple heart bypass surgery recently. He kicked off the show with the Heart of Rock and Roll by Huey Lewis and the News. Nice to have him back in his familiar slot … Didja know that longtime evening host Keri Tombazian was the first female sub for Casey Kasem on American Top 40?

Rhiannon Wins. Fleetwood Mac is due at the Forum later this year. Their two shows were sold out immediately and a third show was just added. The Sound’s Rita Wilde invited her listeners to vote on their favorite Fleetwood Mac songs:

1. Rhiannon – 1016 Votes

2. Landslide – 971 Votes

3. Go Your Own way – 865 Votes

4. Gypsy – 852 Votes

5. Gold Dust Woman – 782 Votes

6. The Chain – 762 Votes

7. Dreams – 748 Votes

8. You Make Loving Fun – 680 Votes

9. Tusk – 603 Votes

10. Don’t Stop – 590 Votes

Funnie.

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** Mickey Rooney Connection

“Not sure how you found out that gem about Frosty Stilwell but that is soo interesting. Love to hear an interview with Frosty about that, bet there is some funny stories in there. 

Frosty talked about his house on the hill overlooking Universal many times. I almost know what it looks like without ever being there. Imagine a phone call ‘Mickey Rooney wants to rent your house.’ Wow, ha ha.” – JP Myers 

** Toilet Humor “Last night Shotgun Tom Kelly, his wife Linda, me and my wife Judy met at KFI.  Tommy wanted to pass out some Hollywood Walk of Fame pins to Tim Conway Jr, Aron Bender and the rest of the Conway team.  We took lots of pictures and I’ll send them along in the next few days. As you know today is Tommy’s first day back on K-EARTH, after the quadruple by-pass surgery.  First song?  My wife figured it out over dinner:  Huey Lewis & The News:  The Heart of Rock and Roll.  Our dinner plans took us to the world famous Smokehouse in ‘Beautiful Downtown Burbank.’ The reason we selected that restaurant, besides the great food and decor, was to take a picture of their two bathroom urinals. One of our heroes, Gary Owens, was actually hired by Laugh-In show producer George Schlatter while standing at those two urinals.

Now the kicker:  We waited to make sure the gentlemen we saw walk in left before Tommy and I walked in with Gary’s picture from the show and Tom’s wife to take the photo.  We were in there for 5 or so minutes having Linda take several angles.  All of a sudden a toilet flushed. Linda screamed, Tommy and I both said in unison, no pun intended, ‘No shit!’ and we ran out laughing our heads off not knowing someone was in one of the toilet stalls the whole time.

An amazing night hanging with my ‘brother from another mother.’  We told stories for the next couple of hours than made us laugh and cry. 

But the best moment for me was when I drove Shotgun and Linda back to the Clear Channel parking garage and I got out to kiss and hug them goodbye and set up plans for our next visit to San Diego. After a gentle hug and kiss, Tommy and I just looked at each other for at least two minutes and said nothing.  We both held back tears of joy and a bit of fear knowing just a month ago the world might have lost one of the greatest radio stars and, more importantly, human beings.  We hugged one more time and again in unison said:  ‘I Love You.’

 Life is short. So, anyone reading this PLEASE take a moment to call someone you love and tell them you do.  Then get your annual checkup and keep breathing!

L 'Chaim:  TO LIFE!” – Jim Duncan, Director of Production, Clear Channel

** Smoking Gun

“Jim Hilliker wrote about CBS Chairman William S. Paley canceling Gilligan's Island so he could put his favorite program, Gunsmoke, back on the air. Jim couldn’t remember what followed Gilligan.

At the beginning of the 1966-67 season, it was Run Buddy Run, a sitcom about a man fleeing from gangsters who he thinks are out to get him. On January 9, 1967, Buddy was replaced by Mr. Terrific, a comedy about a gas station attendant who becomes a caped crime fighter after taking ‘power pills.’ The series ran until August 28. Gunsmoke replaced Gilligan and Mr. Terrific in September.” – Steve Thompson 

Not Just Another Joe

(April 10, 2014) When I embarked on writing the first Los Angeles Radio People book in the early 1990s (published in 1994), I wasn’t so much interested in how many Golden Mikes one won, but rather, I wanted to discover something about each personality that nobody knew about. We all knew, or thought we knew someone by listening to them on the radio. But what were the hidden treasures of information, those little nuggets that create “aha” moments? In 1961, Joe Smith was a Top 40 jock at KFWB. I was in college at the time and studying overseas that year. I never heard him, but while researching the LARP book, Joe's name popped up on the station’s Top 40 surveys.  Chuck Blore, KFWB’s charismatic and creative program director hired Joe.  “Yes sir, Joe worked at KFWB when he moved to L.A. from Boston,” emailed Chuck. “Joe fit in with our Color Radio format beautifully. When he started to revolutionize the recording industry we had to part ways professionally, but we continued to have lunch for many years. I love Joe, he's a really good guy.” Recording industry? Oh, that Joe Smith, the major music industry veteran who retired as president and chief executive of the Capitol-EMI record label. Joe had left KFWB in August 1961, refusing to cross the picket line. Only Joe and Ted Quillin did not return to KFWB after the strike. He commented on leaving his on-air career: "I felt insecurity in the talent end of the business. The emphasis had shifted from individual personalities to a station’s sound."

Born in 1928, Joe rose through the ranks of Warner Bros. Music, beginning in 1961 when he was national promotion manager. He was responsible for signing and developing the careers of such artists as the Grateful Dead, James Taylor and Jimi Hendrix.

By 1966, he was gm of the label. At Capitol he helped revive the career of Bonnie Raitt. He also served as president and ceo of Warner/AMEX Cable’s sports entertainment division. In 1975, Joe was made Chairman of the Board for Elektra/Asylum Records. In 1993, he became executive producer of entertainment activities for World Cup USA 1994 – the world’s soccer championship.

Yes, that Joe Smith, the one who spent months as a weekend jock at KFWB playing rock ‘n roll music.

Well, the same Joe Smith made the front page of the Sports section of the LA Times this week. Bet you didn’t know that Joe has had four season seats on the baseline next to the Lakers bench. For 54 years he has endured mostly a great run by the Lakers. Joe bought the four season tickets when the Lakers arrived in Los Angeles.

The reason for the front-page story written by Bill Plaschke is that Joe may give up his tickets, not only because of the rudderless and ridiculous season, but because the Lakers are asking him to renew his season tickets two months earlier than in previous seasons. The timing is not good to make a decision because it is long before anyone will have any idea about the makeup of the future roster. His season ticket package costs north of $400,000. Joe Smith is considering dumping his tickets, wrote Plaschke.

“The organization has become toxic from top to bottom,” said Smith. “It’s become a pathetic operation.” The renewal date ends up being the day before the draft, what could be a coaching search and a couple of months before the team can start signing free agents.

Smith concluded: “I really hate to say this, but right now, you want good and entertaining basketball in this town, you go to the Clippers,” he said quietly, almost in a whisper.

Now you know more about Joe Smith, that Top 40 dj who briefly hosted weekends at KFWB when it was a rock ‘n‘roll station. Oh, one more thing. Joe is an accomplished piano player. Earl McDaniel and Joe were in Japan in 1947 at an event where Earl introduced Joe to an audience.

Hear Ache. Bill Taylor interviewed Mickey Rooney at WOKY-Milwaukee. “Mickey tells an interesting story about Henry Ford giving him the first ever Lincoln Continental car produced, and what happened when he gets the car,” emailed Bill. Taylor’s willing to share the interview if you contact him at: billtaylordj@sbcglobal.net ... Todd Leitz is one of the Top 10 finalists for the San Diego Padres PA announcer position. Good luck!

Laker Lady. Patt Morrison, longtime KPCC host, writes a great weekly Q&A column in the LA Times featuring a very diverse array of subjects. Yesterday, the column was about an interview with the president of the Purple and Gold. Jeanie Buss, who sat with Patt. One of the questions was if she listened to sports talk radio? Her answer: “Any executive who doesn’t read the beat writers, listen to what the fans have to say, is missing an incredible opportunity to help do their job. Some fans think every player on the Western all-star team should be a Laker, they want to go 82 and 0. I love that, but we have to operate within the economics, the collective bargaining agreement, and the salary cap.”

Overheard.

• “Top signs your neighbor is a cannibal. The number of stickers on his car showing family members keeps getting smaller and smaller.” (Frank Kramer, KLOS)

• “Why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?” (Raymondo Banister)

• “Loan mod schemes are still out there, even though values are up dramatically. A lot of people still need modifications.” (Bob McCormick, KFWB, Money 101)

• “I bought a $400 pair of biking shoes to ride my stationary bike. I ride for as long as ten songs play.” (Don Imus, KCAA)

• "Non-stop stimulation. Not even for a bathroom break." (KFI liner)

Funnie. A leopard goes to the doctor and tells him ‘Doc, there’s something wrong. All I do is see spots. In the morning I see spots, in the afternoon I see spots, in the evening I see spots! I look at my wife, I see spots.’ The doctor, a little confused, replies, ‘What’s the problem? You’re a leopard.’ The leopard responds, ‘But Doc, my wife is a zebra!’ Anna Chlumsky, regular on Veep, provides Esquire’s “Funny Jokes from a Beautiful Woman”

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** Wonderful KYNO

“As a KYNO-Fresno alum [and 96/fm, the sister station from the 1980’s] I always found it amazing to feel the history there. There were a lot of super people who went through there.

Paul Lowe [KFWB] and I were 2/3 of the news team there under Mark Howell until I took over for Howell. John Lee Walker, who made his mark in LA for a while, Ted Brown, several people who went on to do their stints in tv and so on.

It was a good place to work back in the Barton Street days and I will always treasure my time as part of the news team and the KYNO and 96/fm basketball team. Led by point guard Danny Romero [LA tv weatherman now and former PM drive jock], we played high school faculties around the Central Valley. I remember the night we sold out the Parlier High School gym as a fundraiser. A fan came up and asked me where I got my lovely red NBA basketball shoes. I told her ‘Kinney's of Three Mile Island.’ I don’t think she got the joke but I signed her program anyway.” – Bob Brill

** Dodgers Radio

“Time Warner continues to lose revenue because of this Dodgers tv package. This is a reminder to all Dodger fans who are being blacked out.

I’m getting very used too reminiscing about when I was 11 years old and sneaking my transistor radio into bed with me and having Vinnie and Jerry Doggett calling the games. It was great going to bed last night with my transistor radio, my wife, Marge, Vinnie, Rick and Charlie. Great call of the winning run across the plate. Try the radio. Maybe  boycott tv this year. If a deal is made, it’s payback time.  Go Blue.” – Alan L. Gottfried

** Malaysian Air Ad

“Maybe it's because I’m getting older or that I lost my daughter. But trying to find humor in death whether natural or accidental is inexcusable and disrespectful. Almost 250 people lost their lives. Their families are going through HELL now trying to live with the grief of their loss. There’s nothing funny or remotely amusing about that or anything connected to it. Let’s try to be a little sensitive and understanding about others.” – Brian Roberts 

"Kimmel is the Jimmy!"

(April 9, 2014) I am a big fan of Jimmy Kimmel going back to his days at KROQ. In 2003, he took ABC’s offer to host a late-night offering and carved out the youth market that aging Jay Leno and David Letterman were missing. He’s now the last man standing as Jimmy Fallon begins his legacy at NBC and CBS struggles with who will replace Letterman. The April issue of Esquire has profiled Kimmel with a 7-page cover story. The sub headline: “He is the Jimmy who makes kids cry. Who still cracks up at the thought of a crank call. Enjoys pissing off his own writers. Loves hoaxes and pranks and pushes them further than most people do. But no, seriously he is a supernice guy. Not as nice as that other nice Jimmy, but nice.”

Some highlights from the Tom Chiarella authored story:

“Jimmy Kimmel started by getting the hind end of the hour following the late local news. Kimmel got the second half of that, which followed the often craterously depressing news fixture Nightline, remembered by an entire generation mostly for its reliable updates on the Iran hostage crisis. There is nothing good that starts at 12:05. No job, no work, no business, no career for which they blow the whistle at 12:05.”

“A former radio personality, former smart-ass sports guy, former host of two comedy shows, cocreator of two, winner of a daytime Emmy, Kimmel still had to take what he could get when it came to late night.”

“On television, Jimmy Kimmel seems to be just a happy guy. He is the genuine article. Happy. He has his reasons. ‘This is the only job for me. I like to draw. I’m really good at it. I’m a good artist, and I think that’s what I would have done had radio not worked out for me. But here I am. You won’t see me doing anything else in the next twenty-five years.’”

“Kimmel’s tradition of asking parents to videotape themselves telling their kids they ate all their Halloween candy borders on cruelty. Some of these bits fail, but not until everyone has watched them or related them to others. Kimmel doesn’t care. He doesn’t back down.”

“’I’m willing to let myself be the one complicating the lives of others, asking something impossible, being obtuse, demanding, obnoxious, whatever. But I always found that it’s not entirely bad, because the victims always tend to come through. I’m the asshole, yes, but they generally reaffirm their humanity. I always end up recognizing the fact that people are basically good.’”

“Jimmy Kimmel is a trustworthy, hardworking career guy sitting, beloved, in the lap of the job of his life. Jimmy Kimmel: bringer of chaos and comfort, making him precisely what’s needed in the latest hours.”

Hear Ache. K-EARTH’s Charlie Tuna continues to grow his legions of listeners beyond L.A., with additions and changes taking place in several markets. His syndicated show is now heard in Syracuse, Knoxville, Erie, and Spokane. In Palm Springs, KDES has moved Charlie’s show to mornings … Congratulations to KRLA’s Bill Bennett. His syndicator, Salem Radio Network, celebrates his 10th year with the network … Frosty Stilwell was part of the successful KLSX Frosty/Heidi & Frank. A couple of years he broke away from his colleagues and went solo in San Francisco. When he moved north, Frosty rented out his Studio City home. The renter for the last two years? Mickey Rooney. “Mickey is mourned today by millions of people around the world, and I add my sincere condolences to his family and friends who feel this great loss,” wrote Frosty.

Overheard.

• “I like to look at the ocean. I don’t like so much to be in the ocean.” (Stephanie Miller)

• “The reason that Republicans get held to a different standard is because Republicans actually have standards.” (Ben Shapiro, KRLA)

• “By the way folks, not one of the global warming predictions has come true yet. If they had, they would really have something to talk about.” (Rush Limbaugh, KEIB)

• “For 17 years now, the Earth’s temperature has not warmed.” (John Kobylt, KFI)

• “I like Bill Clinton. I know I am alone here.” (Jillian Barberie, KABC)

• “Can you name one individual who has benefitted from Al Sharpton’s activities other than Al Sharpton?” (Michael Savage)

• “Just saw Aerosmith at The Whisky. They still rock your shank and butt portions real good.” (Gary Moore, KLOS)

• “We’re #1 ... at calling people out on their #2.” (KFI liner)

Wonderful KYNO. John Ostlund owns KYNO in Fresno. Recently, he’s picking through some of the station archives. “It struck me recently that many of us would not have a job in the industry we love had it not been for Bill Drake. In fact, you could argue that if it weren't for Gene Chenault, the industry may not have had Bill Drake – at least as we knew him,” emailed Ostlund. “While digging through the archives, I've come across an amazing collection of KYNO in the earliest days under Bill Drake’s leadership, including the attached memo from Gene Chenault announcing Bill’s appointment as the new program director of KYNO. I thought you might get a kick out of it.” John concludes: “If you're wondering whatever happened to KYNO, you can find out at KYNOFresno.com and ‘like’ us at KYNO 1430.”

Mic is Always Open. Ed Schultz was heard for three years on LA Radio, first at Progressive 1150 AM KTLK from 2005-08, then on KGIL when Saul Levine briefly went all-Talk with his AM station. The trade newspapers have been buzzing about some colorful language on his syndicated Progressive show. A week ago he tore into a caller, telling him to “get the fuck out of here” before fretting over whether the radio producers had managed to hit the delay censor button. And somehow, audio of the incident flew under-the-radar for a whole week, according to a story at Radiate.

But now the rant is out for all to hear.

Laura Ingraham played the tape on her syndicated show Monday afternoon, revealing Schultz’s uncensored rant against a caller from last Tuesday afternoon’s show.

The caller had been irate, shouting at Schultz about “fascism” when the host interrupted to mock that he hopes the unidentified man does not have a stroke on-the-air. As the conversation descends, Schultz eventually ends the discussion altogether: “Is that what you want to reduce this conversation to? Well you’re a frickin’ asshole. Get the fuck out of here.”

“I’m sure they hit the seven-second delay on that one,” he said. “I just lost it on that guy.” He later pressed his producers for clarity on whether they “caught” that big ol’ F-bomb. No, they did not.

Opie On the Road. Ron Howard, Opie on the Andy Griffith Show and Richie on Happy Days, went on to a very successful career as a producer and director. He won an Academy Award for directing A Beautiful Life in 2002. Last night Ron was speaking at “The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California” series in Thousand Oaks. Tonight he will be speaking in Pasadena. “Howard is one of the most interesting and humble people I have ever met,” emailed Bill Dudley, longtime personality at KTWV. “He was in Manhattan Beach the night before,” continued Bill. “Doug McIntyre did a great job of interviewing him. He could have talked all night, just about Happy Days and & Andy Griffith, let alone his dozens of successful films.”

Funnie. A little boy goes to his father and asks 'Daddy, how was I born?'   
 
The father answers, 'Well, son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway!  Your mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date via email with your mom and we met at a cyber-cafe. We sneaked into a secluded room, and Googled each other. There your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive. As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little Pop-Up appeared that said: 'You got Male! (sent by Jerry Barber) 

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 ** Gunsmoke History

“I'm not sure what Tim Ross’ story about Gunsmoke has to do with radio, except maybe that Gunsmoke started on CBS radio, before it was made into a television program in the fall of 1955.

However, there is a bit more to the story of CBS founder and President William S. Paley getting his favorite tv show back on the CBS schedule in September of 1967. Gunsmoke had been seen on Saturday nights, first as a 30-minute program and then as a 60-minute show, between 1955 and the 1966-'67 season. When Paley learned that Gunsmoke had been cancelled because of poor ratings, he did a bit of his own research. Paley discovered that the sitcom Gilligan's Island on Monday nights from 7:30 to 8 p.m. had not made the Top 30 shows in the ratings for the 1966-'67 season. So, Paley pulled rank on his programmers. He immediately cancelled Gilligan's Island after 3 seasons on the air, even though the cast and crew was told the show had been renewed for the 1967-68 season. Paley then put Gunsmoke  back on the CBS schedule for that season, placing the western drama on Monday nights in an earlier time slot from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. [after 1971 from 8-9 p.m. Mondays]. 

This move improved Gunsmoke’s ratings and put the show back in the top 10 most popular tv programs, until the 1973-74 season. When Gunsmoke was finally cancelled by CBS after the 1974-'75 season after 20 years on the air, the cast and crew did not find out about it until they read the news in the trade papers.” - Jim Hilliker, Monterey

** Airline Ad “Yesterday's Funnie shows an Airbus A380, not a Boeing 777.” – Dennis Gibson ** Up Up and Away “The aircraft depicted in the Funnie is an Airbus A380, not a Boeing 777. Re: Bill Paley and Gunsmoke—there is one more piece of that history. In order to open up an hour on the CBS fall schedule to reinstate Gunsmoke, something had to go. I don’t recall reading about how they carved out the second half hour, but the ‘late scratch’ that’s always mentioned is a season four of Gilligan’s Island.” – John Adkins, Phoenix

** Dodger Black Out

“I hope the Dodgers don't get blacked out on Wednesday. The Tigers will be in town, with new manager Brad Ausmus [the ladies love him!], and ace pitchers Max Scherzer and Anibal Sanchez. Should be good game.” – Jerry Downey, Detroit 

Only Kennedy with an Elephant Tattooed on Her Hip

(April 8, 2014) Anyone known as Virgin can’t be all bad, but Kennedy has carved out a unique history in Los Angeles radio and in pop culture. Born Kennedy Montgomery in 1972, she once confessed to Howard Stern in an interview with the "King of All Media" that he influenced her decision to get into radio. She joined KROQ as an intern and then was hired as the all-night jock in the early 90s as “Virgin Kennedy.” When she left KROQ, Kennedy became a veejay on MTV and was at the music channel for six years. In an US magazine interview, she described the KROQ people listening to her overnight show as "insomniacs, students, people from Kinko's and 24-hour supermarkets. And Satanic 14-year-old boys who would send me magic powder, lace and sexual faxes. I probably still have them. I saved everything from KROQ." In 1993 she was voted MTV's most unpopular veejay. In People's 1994 year-end review of Fresh Faces, Kennedy said, "One reason they hired me was because I say - and do - whatever's on my mind." The story said that she is probably the only Kennedy with a GOP elephant tattooed on her hip. In 1995, Spy magazine listed Kennedy 19th in their list of "100 Most Annoying, Alarming, And Appalling People, Places, And Things." She briefly joined Bryan Suits for evenings at KFI.

Since 2009, Kennedy has been doing mornings at KYSR (Alt-98-7).  She recently left the station. Kennedy posted a farewell on the Alt website: :

Oh my sweet, lovely lamb chops, I cannot believe our time has come to an end. Since my baby was 4 months old I have talked to you every morning, interspersed between songs from bands and artists on the verge of greatness, updating you, and hopefully making you smile. That baby turned 5 a few days ago, I can't believe how long we've been together!, but now that time comes to a close.

I have loved waking up with you, making fun of silly politicians, talking up the songs I love, getting to know you, guiding you through 5 years of mornings and music. I have looked forward to every day. Whether it's hearing something new and special at the Penthouse, laughing with bands at Coachella and Lollapalooza, strolling arm-in-arm down Sunset with Kade, singing at the top of our lungs at the Sunset Strip Music Festival, I have loved it all.

I am so lucky to work in radio, the very medium which gave wings to my career in 1991, and talk to eager music lovers in LA, the best town in the world. I am so lucky to work with people who live for music, who cheer me on, who love to laugh and snowboard and live the lives we can only do in Southern California.

I went to UCLA, had my babies in Santa Monica, my husband has a thriving snowboard factory in Huntington Beach, and through it all ALT 987 has been the soundtrack to our lives. Thank you for taking me on your drive to work, thank you for tweeting your requests, thank you for the hugs at shows and the words of encouragement, I have loved every moment.

Your mornings may sound different, but you are in good hands and the message remains the same: music is the greatest unifying force on the planet!  

I'm on a new show on Fox Business Network called "The Independents", and if you've known me for a long time you know politics and music are my driving passions. Stay with me at FBN weeknights at 6pm as I help you make sense of your day, and keep the music going as it gives your dreams flight as well.

Stay in touch, and I will do the same. This is an incredible time to be alive, so let the bands who are writing this new soundtrack document it all for you in song, and thanks again for all you have given me. You'll never know how much this time has meant to me!

                                                                 Love, love, love...Kennedy

Overheard.

• “Mickey Rooney was one of the few actors who helped K-EARTH 101 raised over $700,000 in 3 years for the Bob Hope/Hollywood USO. We really enjoyed our time with him during the RadioThon. A true legend who never forgot his loyalty to our troops! God Bless Mickey.” (Jay Coffey)

• “One of the greatest interviews of my life was movie director Francis Ford Coppola. He makes me a cappuccino. A very nice guy.” (Ralph Garman, KROQ)

• “Jamba Juice recently held a job fair. In the old days, all you needed was juice to get a job.” (Ira David Sternberg)

• "Be a risk taker - listen to JACK/fm." (JACK/fm liner)

 Funnie.

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** Denny Adkins MIA

“Not sure if you’ll be able to help me or not, but I thought I’d ask since you’re the keeper of the LARP!  :)

I’m trying to track down Denny Adkins, who was a big deal at Drake-Chenault starting in the mid-‘70s. He used to program the station I’m programming now [in fact, he went straight from here to D-C], and I had a few questions I was hoping to ask him about his time here. I’ve tried going through the drake-chenault.org website and they don’t have a contact for him – would you have any idea how to track him down?” - Brian Davis, Program Director WBNQ, brian.davis@cumulus.com 

** Early Rams Broadcasts Needed

“I am an associate producer with Ross Greenburg Productions in New York. I am currently working on a documentary that tells the story of Kenny Washington and Woody Strode and how they broke the NFL color barrier in 1946 with the Los Angeles Rams. I am wondering if you happen to have any radio broadcasts from their time on the 1946 Rams team or from the 47' or 48' campaigns. Would you also happen to have any broadcasts from 1939 UCLA Bruins football season, as both of them were an integral part of that team as well? Please let me know if you do. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you very much.” - Ben Warhit, Associate Producer, Ross Greenburg Productions, email:  bmw1591@gmail.com

** Traveling Through Santa  Barbara

“Don, you are going to have to monetize that website if you are going to continue living in Santa Barbara. I drove through there today and gas is $5.00 a gallon. Luckily I had enough to get back to L.A.” – Bill Mann 

KFWB Trust Getting Ready to Find New General Manager

(April 7, 2014) When CBS purchased KCAL/tv in 2002, the company found itself over the eight station limit in the L.A. market. The FCC allowed CBS to place then all-News KFWB in a Trust until the station was sold. Since 2011, Valerie Blackburn added KFWB general manager duties to her title as Market Controller for the CBS / L.A. radio group. On February 27, in a surprise announcement, Valerie announced she was stepping down from her duties. “She’s not going to be leaving for a few weeks,” said Diane Sutter, head of the KFWB Trust, in a weekend phone call from Las Vegas where she was attending the NAB. “Valerie is going to stay until CBS finds her replacement, and that gives me a little leeway.”

When Diane begins the search for a general manager at KFWB, what kind of an executive is she looking for? “It’s a job that requires somebody that can understand the Trust and how it has to operate and operating within those parameters,” responded Diane. She’s already heard from candidates who are interested in the job.

“I haven’t really had a chance to spend time interviewing because we were getting ready to come to the NAB and always doing things to make the station as good as it can be. And, of course, the Clippers are in the playoffs and we are the Clippers station. That keeps us busy in a good way.”

A year ago there was a loud rumor that Cumulus was looking to buy KFWB and turn the station into a CBS Sports station. The rumor has surfaced once again, so Diane addressed the issue. With a laugh, she said, “There is no reason to believe that. It is not true. As far as I know it is not accurate and I think I would know since I am the one to speak.”

Diane said that she is actively looking for people to buy KFWB because that is her job. “We have hired one of the best brokers, so we are always looking for people who are interested.”

MVP (Media Venture Partners) out of San Francisco is the broker for the station. “They are one of the top three or four brokers in the business, so I am pleased they are working with us. We are actively marketing the station but I think some people misunderstand that this is a fire sale and that’s not the case. This is not a typical Trust situation where a bank is trying to get them out from under a bad deal. That’s not the course.”

Overheard.

“As of Tuesday, you’re going to get the last ever update for Windows XP. This is important because Microsoft is always fixing things in Windows. The bad guys find security holes in pieces of Windows that allow them to get into your computer.” (Christian Wheel, KFWB, Let’s Talk Tech) “Congress can’t handle our money. They have the lowest approval rating and now House of Representative James Moran of Virginia says it is too tough to live on his $174,000.” (Peter Tilden, KABC) “Joe McCarthy chased Communists for years and never caught one.” (Frank Sinatra, Jr., guesting with Dennis Miller, KRLA) “What do you get when cross the Godfather with an attorney? An offer you can’t understand.” (Dude, character on Gary Bryan morning show, KRTH) “I do remember that my dad would take us out of school for the Dodger opener every year. I was at Dodger Stadium, I think in 1981, when Fernando Valenzuela was the first pitcher for the Dodger opener.” (Tim Conway, Jr., KFI) “Listen very closely if you are buying a used car. I don’t care if it is your best friend or your father-in-law, have that vehicle checked over by a professional before you buy it.” (Leon Kaplan, Motorman, KABC) “I’ll watch Jimmy Kimmel all the way. I’ll watch Jimmy Fallon all the way. I like the late night stuff for some reason, but Letterman does seem old to me.” (Mark Thompson, KFI)

AllAccess Awards. Many LARP and Los Angeles radio entities were winners in the AllAccess Worldwide Radio Summit 2014. KABC’s Jillian Barberie participated with Joel Denver, president of the All Access Music Group, in presenting the awards.

Clear Channel – Radio Company of the Year

Dan Mason, CBS – Radio Company Exec of the Year

Tony Coles, former KBIG pd – Radio Company Senior Programmer of the Year

KROQ – Station of the Year

Greg Ashlock – Station Exec of the Year

Lisa Worden, KROQ – Station MD/APD of the Year

KIIS – Online Presence Station/Site of the Year

Replacing Letterman. It sure didn’t take long for a long list of possible replacements for David Letterman to surface. Ryan Seacrest is on several lists. Howard Stern has also been mentioned, but at age 60, he’s probably way too old considering what the competition has done with hiring young men.  “I’m actually really affected by it,” said Howard when talking with EXTRA. “It feels like wow we’re all getting older. I watched him retire. It seems unthinkable to me because he’s always been there.”   Stern gives credit to Letterman for helping him with his career. “When I was a young guy, I was new to NBC radio. NBC did not like me. I get a call from Letterman, saying, ‘Hey, I want to see you on my national show.’ Dave really enjoyed me and had me back. That was something that helped me, Dave giving me access to an audience with his show. It was very meaningful and having his endorsement is very meaningful and I’m actually sad to see him go.”  As for whether Howard could take Letterman’s place, Stern said, “I’m pretty busy between [America’s Got Talent] and my radio show, and I’ve got a bunch of other things I’ve committed to do in 2014, so who knows who will replace Dave? I’d like to see them do something innovative.”

KCAA CEO Featured. Radio Station KCAA in San Bernardino will be featured in tonight’s episode of Sundance TV's new reality series, Loredana Esq.

The show stars Loredana Nesci, a former L.A. cop turned criminal defense attorney who serves as legal counsel for KCAA. Tonight’s episode reenacts events leading up to a trial in Los Angeles Superior Court where KCAA's ceo Fred Lundgren faces receivership after being sued by a broadcaster for $800,000. Lundgren terminated the broadcaster's contract due to repeated on air obscenities. 

Fred Lundgren plays himself, offering a unique glimpse behind the scenes of a radio station licensee who gets caught between our First Amendment rights and the First Amendment restrictions placed on radio stations by the FCC. Lundgren often refers to KCAA as the closest thing in radio to a real-life WKRP.

And There Will Always Be Termites. Melody Rogers and Pat "Parquat" Kelley have written a compelling book, And There Will Always Be Termites, about their challenges since Paraquat was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). If you haven't read the book, you should. If you haven't seen them interviewed, you should. Click the artwork and be touched.

KEZY Reunion. The summer KEZY Reunions are the best. Familiar personalities like Arnie McClatchey, Bill Guenther, John Hart, and Bruce Chandler are set to reminisce about the fun times at the Orange County radio station. They are getting together around the last Saturday in June on Balboa Island. Interested, contact Julie Frey at: dingomommy@gmail.com

K-EARTH LARPs Throwing Out Ceremonial First Pitch in 2009

Hear Ache. Ross Porter's Dodger Moments  airs after every  game on the Dodger Talk show this  season on AM 570-KLAC. Over the weekend during the Dodgers-Giants series, Ross featured sound bites with Sandy Koufax, Willie Mays and Don Drysdale … K-EARTH’s Shotgun Tom Kelly joins Gary Bryan this morning at 8:30, just ahead of his return to afternoon drive on Thursday following quadruple bypass heart surgery. “Some stations in LA were talking about me having a heart attack,” wrote Kelly. “I did NOT have a heart attack. If I did have a heart attack, I would have been dead. My arteries where 95% blocked.” It’s pretty obvious that Tom is anxious to get back on the air … Former KABC personality Rob Marinko is recovering from a bad car wreck. “The docs think my arm/hand got in the way of the airbags,” wrote Marinko on his Facebook page … Former “Magic” personality and editor at Radio & Records, Ron Rodrigues, is joining Pandora Media. “I look forward to the challenges in sales marketing, not to mention the opportunity to move back to the San Francisco Bay Area where I grew up and lived through college,” wrote Ron … Tom Taylor, publisher of the trade publication, NOW, reports that nearly 150 people have been let go at Univision. He’s wondering if this is being done with the anticipation of an IPO.  

Funnie.

Email Monday

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** KLAC Happy with TV Black Out?

“There seems to be an ‘elephant in the room’ about which no one has said one word yet. Is there even a hint of joy at KLAC over the LA Dodgers lack of appearance on local tv? Just wondering.” – Sterrett Harper, Burbank

** Story of Storytelling

“I enjoyed your Ireland report and especially learning about Valerie Geller. I appreciate her quote in your newsletter, ‘Tell the truth, make it matter and never be boring.’

It reminded me of Ben Franklin’s wisdom when he wrote, ‘Where truth and honesty are wanting, everything is wanting.’

Valerie was dead on right about storytelling on the radio. There are two classic examples of broadcasters who did this better than most, Paul Harvey and Vin Scully. That is why Paul Harvey News on ABC radio was the most listened to news broadcast year after year. Paul was a master storyteller.

Listening to Dodger baseball when Vin is on air is never boring, even though the game might be, because Vin always weaves in stories during each broadcast.

When I was at KPOL AM and FM [1957-63] I pioneered using music to tell a story. I created 15 minute blocks of music that unfolded a story musically both with vocalists and instrumental music.  I made listening to KPOL a joyful and inspirational time.

I did the same when I founded KTHO (AM) South Tahoe.  The theme of KTHO was ‘The hills are alive with the sound of music, with songs they sung for a thousand years, The hills fill my heart with the sound of music.’ KTHO’s brand was THE MUSIC STATION.

While KTHO and KPOL were primarily blocks of theme music, I did, at Tahoe, tell stories about the area called Tahoe Treasures.

Within weeks of going on air we climbed to the top in the ratings from Tahoe to Reno. Bill Harrah loved our format so much that he tuned in all Harrah’s cars to our station. Bill invited me to interview all the headliners in the South Shore Room and had me sit at his stage side table at each opening. 

So  when Valerie spoke of making radio personal, she was dead right on. Arthur Godfrey was a pioneer in doing just that on CBS radio for decades.  I grew up listening to Arthur.  When Arthur came to Tahoe, I got to meet and interview him. Arthur told me when he got into the Rolls Royce that Bill Harrah had picked him up at the Reno airport, the car radio was tuned onto KTHO. He told me how much he enjoyed it.  I told him that I learned my broadcasting style from listening to him.

Today, most so called music stations just play recordings. They do not tell stories.  Why? Because it takes time and an extensive knowledge of what is in the music library. At KPOL we had more than 10,000 albums and after a while I got to know the library very well, well enough to prepare blocks of music well in advance. It takes time and effort but it is worth it. With today’s digital recordings and digital FM and AM signals you can really mesmerize listeners if you storyboard each day. I knew people could buy and play music in their car without tuning in to our station. So through storytelling I gave them a reason to listen to radio. 

KTHO was personal not only in my on air broadcast style but in getting involved in the Tahoe-Carson city community. And I did. I was a guest speaker at services clubs and churches all over the area. I supported fund raisers and local community events.  I provided road and weather reports constantly.  Back in 1963 that was not the case for most stations. Today it is a staple.

Of course, we all know storytelling is what brought Walt Disney fame and success. Walt above all was a storyteller.

Walt also invented Story Boarding.  Walt said we have to see it before we can do it.

What I did at KPOL and KTHO was musically storyboard every segment. So at KTHO in addition to being the general manager and salesman, I spent hours each evening creating playlists for the engineers on the following day. If they got off the playlist, I would call them. 

If you can storyboard ahead you can create some compelling television, movies and radio broadcast content.” – Joe Cosgrove

** Near Death in Big Bear

“Re the Brie Tennis story on her husband's near-death experience:  she’s correct about our local Big Bear Hospital being somewhat limited in what it can cover.  And, as you know, I've been thru 22 months of physical hell that involved an emergency flight to a hospital in Apple Valley to save my leg from amputation and then 56 days in the hospital including 3 weeks in a coma. And then twelve surgeries on my leg and foot.

Last year I met with two surgeons who both claimed that there was no way to save my leg and it was too complicated to rebuild my foot. They wanted to amputate either at the ankle or below the knee. I was a couple of weeks away from that very serious surgery when a friend suggested Dr. Devon Glazer in Orange County who specializes in reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle.

I saw him and he said he could definitely rebuild my foot and that I'd be walking almost’normally afterwards. So, after four surgeries by Dr. Glazer, I'm now walking with a cane and a temporary brace in my shoe.

I get my permanent brace next week and I'm fully confident that I'll be walking at least 90% as well as I could before this nightmare happened.

Moral of the story:  don't take one doctor's advice; see as many as you can. Because, even if they think they're God, they aren't.” – Larry "Supermouth" Huffman

**Johnny Magnus Strong “I just wanted to let you know that I found your terrific and entertaining DVD, The Glory Years of 710 KMPC, and watched it again. Those were ‘the’ Glory Years, for sure. By the way, Johnny Magnus is going strong weekends on KJAZ, 88.1 in Long Beach and is as good as he ever was!” – Jeff Bowen (Photo: Nick Tyler and Johnny Magnus)

** Patience Pays Off