Los Angeles Radio People, Current News

LARadio.com
Current News
Compiled and Written by
Don Barrett
and edited by
Darrell Wayne
db@thevine.net

** Happy That Mr. Burns Is Back
“My prayers have been answered!!! Just read the GREAT news about Don Burns!! I hope your source is right because so many of us miss him and the ‘no stress express’ on the drive home every day. And I agree with you that it is indeed a bold move for the station to make. The last time I can remember a radio station correcting a BIG MISTAKE was the fiasco involving our favorite uncle, Joe Benson on ‘Arrow93.’

The beginning of the end for The Wave began with mistake #1 - Letting Paul Crosswhite go and bringing in Dave Koz and his sidekick, Pat Prescott. I like Dave but what was with the sidekick thing? Mistake #2 was letting Don Burns go. Is it any wonder the numbers have been on a downhill slide ever since?

I only listen now when Keri Tombazian is on. They should've paid Don whatever he wanted in the first place, but kudos to Tim Pohlman and Paul Goldstein for correcting one mistake. Now correct the other mistake and bring back Paul Crosswhite. If he's not interested, then bring in that famous home voice of the Lakers, L.T., aka Lawrence Tanter and get The Wave back up in the ratings where it belongs. I hope to be a happy Wave camper on the drive home Monday afternoon and end up having ‘...the kind of night I wanna have...’" - BJ White, Lakewood

** WAVE Announcing History
“I agree that bringing back Don Burns to The Wave is a great move.

Just one correction. There were no announcers/djs for the first year of KTWV's existence. As the programmer that instituted the successful live format structure that remains today, I can attest that Don was hired in late 1988. In fact I hired all the initial Wave announcers, Talaya Trigueros, Keri Tombazian, etc.

** WAVE Correcting Mistake
“It is never too late to fix a dumb mistake...I hope for their sake! KTWV has made some big mistakes! Don Burns should have never been ‘allowed’ to leave. He ‘is’ the voice of the station. And JJ Jackson was certainly no match at all, at whatever reduced price they paid.

I'll try re-listening again - hope others do, too. It ‘was’ a great radio station until it became mis-managed! And it certainly was.” - -Jeff Bowen, Arcadia

** On Don Burns’ Return to KTWV
“Now if the WAVE will only bring back Paul Crosswhite.” – Mel Klein, Los Angeles

** History Repeating Itself
“I have been happily going through the Archives and hit a period where I had been a ‘free’ reader. Lo and behold, in the March 24, 2001 ‘We GET Email,’ I wrote:

<’KTWV is undoubtedly working on sinking the luxury liner; while Dave Koz is a very talented musician who is pleasant enough as the host of his syndicated weekend show, I don't see him as morning drive material. In all honesty, I crossed 'The WAVE' off the list when they let Paul Crosswhite go. [Don Burns should be watching his back, I fear.]>

Interesting [or perhaps eerie] that I should hit this the same day that you report Don Burns is apparently returning to The WAVE [and you can bet I will be listening!].

Let me look over my shoulder ... no, the ghost of Rod Serling isn't standing there.” - K.M. Richards

** San Francisco Origin for Blowjobs
“ Like you, I'm surprised about the ‘blowjob’ reference in a broadcast [5.7]. But being as that I live in San Francisco, I was more inclined to laugh at ‘Power 106's’ Khool-Aid barking that ladies would be handing out blowjob drinks in a bar.

Yes, a blowjob is a drink; it's a one-swill-down-your-throat drink invented in San Francisco's Castro District. In other words - it's a GAY DRINK! Blowjobs are readily at bars all over San Francisco but it's a guy's drink ordered in gay bars. Khool-Aid and ‘Power’ may have thought they were being risqué - and they were - but they got it all wrong. Women don't order blowjobs in bars. Gays order blowjobs in bars to indicate their ’preference.’" - Elizabeth Salazar

** Not Surprised About Blowjobs
“I read today's column [5.7] and the article about the KPWR event promotion. I am not surprised. This and other going-ons were bound to happen sooner or later. I don't know what part of the day this occurred, but it would be unfortunate if young children were listening. This station with its Hip-Hop format would appeal to a younger audience, so I am sure that did happen. It going to be up to an outraged parent to complain to the FCC to fine these people. Do you know how many complaints were received?

It seems to me that today's radio hosts and producers are not true professionals. Look at Steve Harvey who does not have any radio experience. He has 18 years as a stand-up comedian and has a tv show. Someone decided he would be great as a host , so presto all of a sudden with no experience as a host, he is given a show to increase his fame. Never mind that someone with more experience is being passed over, someone who given a chance might get more ratings than Harvey ever would! Steve Harvey does his show as an afterthought. Radio is a afterthought to a lot of these people, so they try to get away with as much stuff as they can.

I don't think anything will happen to the promoters of this prank. It will be seen as a Cinco de Mayo ‘deal’ that can be explained away. You can get angry, but until listeners start demanding cleaner programs from their favorite shows, these ‘blowjobs’ will continue.” - Dan Ramos, Huntington Beach

** How Power is #1
“Re your admission: ‘Now, I admit to being an old fogey…But is this reflective of why ‘Power 106’ is the #1 station in the Southland?’

No, not really. Their music is why they are #1. Personally, I find some of that music more offensive than a drink with a silly name [come on, bars were serving ‘sex-on-the-beach’ back when you and I were young men]. The medium just reflects the society in which we live.” - Fred Holub

** All Steve Tyrell, All the Time
“Does Steve Tyrell own a piece of KLAC? I can think of no other reason that would justify all the air time given to an arguably ‘OK’ singer?” - Jack Berkus, Playa del Rey

** The Laker Girls
“Glad you mentioned the fine work of Lawrence Tanter as the Lakers' PA announcer. He does a fantastic job. He is truly a big part of the experience of going to a Laker game. I've been attending sporting events in L.A. since the late '50s, and Lawrence Tanter is at the top of the list of all PA announcers in the Southland.

I'm really enjoying this month's question of the month...and no, I DON'T have anything I want to share on THAT topic!” - Bruce Harris, West Covina

** More Tanter
“It was nice seeing the brief history and photo of Lawrence Tanter. I have had the pleasure of working him. He is one of the finest talents and individuals that I have had the pleasure of working with. The WAVE and the Lakers should be proud to have one of the best on their teams.” - Bill Ward

** LARadio Is a Laughing Matter
“Thank you for the jokes [Beethoven’s Last Movement and the Polar Bear one!] I appreciate a good laugh after a hard day!

By the way, you are not an old fogey regarding ‘Power 106’ and the ‘Blowjob’ bit. That was disgusting. I don't listen to Power and I guess I'm not missing much! Only someone desperate for ratings would stoop to such stupidity!” - Julie Byers, Arcadia

** Two LARP Windbags
“Bill O'Reilly and Matt Drudge - two windbags full of themselves. My dream - to watch them implode, explode just like balloons filled with too much air.” - Frances Halpern

** Voice of Steele
“It is great to hear and listen to Diana Steele back on L.A. radio! Diana was greatly missed when she left the great KKBT lineup to head for the Bay Area. She brought class, energy, and a great rapport with her listeners to LA radio waves. It is a pleasure to have her back, and to have her teamed with Michelle Visage is an added bonus. Both of those Lady Jocks bring outstanding energy, rapport and style to a station that spins great music each morning.” – Tyrone Powell

** Beatles in Inland Empire
“Readers might be interested to know that KOLA 99.9 in the Inland Empire also runs a prerecorded show on the Beatles Sunday mornings. The signal is pretty good up until you get to Kellogg Hill in Pomona then there is a little static. It's very similar to the KRTH show. I'm usually listening to KLSX, but switch from time to time. Good to hear also about the Northridge station with its show as well.” - Steve Dugan, Upland

** Beatles Commercially
“I just ordered the Beatles anthology on DVD from the Internet about two weeks ago and got it last week and went thru it last weekend - it was so good! I was right back there in the sixties. Of all the Beatles shows, I like Chris Carter's the best. He sounds so friendly on the air and is so great on the phones with the fans. My only criticism of the KLSX show is there are too many commercials on his show. I wish the traffic department would just keep piling them on the Howard Stern show like they always do and ease off on the Sunday morning show!” – Nancy Plum

** May Question
“Best laugh all week - Fontaine J. Marsi: When I was doing the news on the Mr. KABC show, a listener was apparently smitten with me and emailed me with a marriage proposal. I turned him down- several times. One day, months later, he called in to the show to let everyone know he had acquired a Russian mail-order bride and re-named her Fontaine.” – Drew Walker, Chicago

** Challenge Tragedy
“Last week after I sent my ‘Mark Denis Challenge’ to LARadio.com, I was honored to hear from Mark Melbourne, Mark Denis's son, thanking me on behalf of he and his family for my thoughts. He also wished me a happy birthday in lieu of the traditional birthday call prior to 4/29/00.

Unfortunately, and with great irony, the day after my birthday, my own father suddenly passed away. No warning, no obvious warning, anyway. My family and friends are still in shock.

I wanted to thank all of my radio colleagues who have proven to be my true friends in this tragedy, including Frank Mottek, Barry Turnbull, Gabrianna Marks, Katie Rhames [KNX writer/editors], Bernice Hannon (CBS Security), Tyrone Dubose [KHWY/fm], Gail Eichenthal, Christina Griego, and Mike O'Brien. In particular, Bill Thomas, Steve and Tracy Cusack, and even Bill Mann (a KNX traffic tipster whom I had never met) attended the funeral on Tuesday, and Meghan Reyes sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers in lieu of her attendance [thanks to another emergency].

It means so much to have support from such great people, and I hope that if there is anything good that comes out of this horrible tragedy, it is that I realize how great my friends are, and that I continue to build my relationships with them to create something even more special.” - Randy Keith

** Miss ‘Years Ago’ Feature
“Just a note to say that I really miss the ‘Radio History’ feature, and would love to see ‘Years Ago’ brought back to the end of each day’s column.” – Graham Millar, Santa Ana

** Spin Zone
“For someone who claims he doesn't ‘spin’ things, he certainly has an interesting way of reading the book. The numbers don't lie: Bill O'Reilly is dying like a dog on the radio. So much for NO SPIN.” – “Big John” Carter

** Week in Review
“Tammy Bruce sounds interesting, I'm going to check out her book. At least from the title, it seems to reflect a lot of my current views. After 30 years in the Bay Area watching dysfunctional left-wingers try to run things, I can see where she's coming from.

RE: I agree with Mark Ramsey's essay on radio-station names. It seems like the corporate clowns who decide these things have no imagination. ‘The Wave,’ ‘Magic____,’ ‘Kiss-fm,’ etc. have become generic, and are different formats in different cities. Some names are on their second life in the Bay Area. Y93 in the early 80s was a soft rock station, and Y93-3 in the late 90s was Country. ‘Star FM’ was a light rock station owned by Viacom in the early 90s [pre-Infinity], while ‘Star 101-3’ owned by Clear Channel is now
trying to be a success at Top 40, or whatever it's called these days. A historical footnote you may be aware of from your days in SF - the prior owner of 101.3 was James Gabbert, an eccentric but savvy pioneer of fm stereo in the 60s and 70s. He was credited with starting the trend away from call letters to names. When he first put his adult oriented hit format in place in the mid or late 60s, he asked for the call letters KIOI, so he could call it K-101 . According to the story, the FCC balked at this and tried to stop him, but Gabbert fought it -pointing out that the only legal requirement regarding call letters was the top-of-the hour station ID.” - Llew Keller, San Francisco

** FCC Vote
“FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps sounds the alarm, ‘No issue pending before the Federal Communications Commission matches in importance the decisionthat we’re going to make this spring.’

On June 2, the Federal Communications Commission is planning on authorizing sweeping changes to the American news media. The rules change could allow your local tv stations, newspaper, radio stations, and cable provider to all be owned by one company. NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox could have the same corporate parent. The resulting concentration of ownership could be deeply destructive to our democracy.

Congress is supposed to guard against monopoly power. But the upcoming rule change could change the landscape for all media and usher in an era in which a few corporations control your access to news and entertainment. Please join me in asking Congress and the
FCC to support a diverse, competitive media landscape by going to:

http://www.moveon.org/stopthefcc/

You can also automatically have your comments publicly filed at the FCC.

When the folks at MoveOn.org talk to Congress people about this issue, the response is usually the same: ‘We only hear from media lobbyists on this. It seems like my constituents aren't very concerned with this issue.’ A few thousand emails could permanently change that perception. Please join this one last effort of this critical campaign, and let Congress know you care.

FCC chairman Michael Powell and the White House should recuse themselves citing conflicts of interest. We have learned from Telecommunications 1996, it’s time to REGULATE deregulation.

** Martin Memories
“The mention of the Don Martin broadcasting school brings back memories of my first days in radio. I went there on the GI bill. As I remember, the address was 60 north Cherokee. It was a fun time. I didn’t graduate I left when I got a full time job [$400] a month at KPMO in Pomona.” - Daren Lane, Inland Empire

** Martin Move
“The Don Martin School moved to The Muir Medical Building at the corner of Hollywood and La Brea. I went there in 1973-74 and knew a person who went there as late as '76.” - Jay Decker, Santa Monica

** Rittenhouse’s Death
“I was going through your ‘Where Are They Now?’ listings and ran across Jim Rittenhouse, a high-school classmate of mine. As you know he passed away April 27. His son Doug wrote on 4.28: ‘As some of you know, my father, Jim Rittenhouse, passed away last Friday night. He was 64. Even though he had been struggling with paralysis because of a stroke in 1996, and had battled diabetes most of his life, his death came suddenly, and was unexpected. He developed severe pneumonia, which resulted in heart failure just hours after he was admitted into the hospital. We will miss him greatly, but none more so than my mother, Judy, who was married to him for nearly 43 years. Your prayers and friendship, and support are deeply appreciated.” - Larry Riggs

** Mother’s Day Memory
“This is the only picture I have of my mother. She was extremely camera shy. My mother was, ‘Mother’ - never mom! Mother was a very proper Scot - who came to America from Scotland at the outbreak of WWII. She and her siblings came to Chicago via Windsor, Ontario and Detroit. Of the four, Mother was the only one caught by the INS - she was deported and made to enter the country legally through Ellis Island a few months later.

For a 5 ft tall women who never weighed more than 95 pounds she was an amazing presence. Doris Deans [Hayes] learned retailing at Carson Piri Scot & Company in Chicago. A few years later she started some small but elegant gift and card shops in Chicago & Milwaukee. She was a woman way ahead of her time and probably would be thought of as something of a ‘libber’ today. She had a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit and nothing was impossible to her.

When I was ten and my mother first learned of my fascination with broadcasting she did everything she could to encourage me – even to driving me to and from work when I got my first job at age 14. I owe whatever degree of success I've had in my life to a lovely, petite little woman who brought me up to believe I could do anything I set my mind to! She also taught me excellent manners and to cook, sew and iron – ‘You never know it might take you years to find the right girl,’ she'd say.

In 1968 Mother was hit and killed by a drunk driver while walking along the street near her home in Santa Clara, CA.” – Jack Hayes
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Gary Owens, Donna Page, Molly Paige, and Keri Tombazian

Recent mailings to LARadio.com Subscribers. Some servers do not accept mass mailings. If you failed to receive any of these, please let me know.

Bill O'Reilly Talks Back to Matt Drudge - NY Daily News, 5.7
John & Ken Crusading for Truth and Justice - LA Times, 5.6
Beatles Dominate Sunday Radio - LA Times, 5.2
Radio Watched at Viacom - NY Times, 4.29

If you are a Los Angeles Radio People who would like your birthday or death listed ( db@thevine.net )