Off-Air:

(Lynn Duke, Kelley Salvi, and Michael Clarke)

Lynn Duke (chief engineer KRTH)

• "He is so knowledgeable abut what makes things 'go.' I'm thinking he could probably tear down and rebuild any transmitter while watching tv and having dinner. :-)"

• "America's best engineer."

• "Keeps the CBS radio stations of L.A. running in precision despite greater complexity and fewer staff than ever."

• "Always has been the master of his craft and the go-to guy when you need something done."

Kelly Salvi (promotions at KFWB)

• "Upbeat, enthusiastic and fun to be around."

Michael Clarke (assistant news director, KFI)

• "An unsung hero and the backbone of the KFI newsroom."

LARadio Rewind: October 24, 1971. Doug Cox, general manager of KPPC/am-fm, fires the entire airstaff. A new airstaff will be in place on the following day. At the time, KPPC was the highest-rated rock station in the Los Angeles Arbitrons but would steadily lose listeners before being sold in 1973. KPPC/am continued to broadcast the Wednesday and Sunday services of Pasadena Presbyterian Church until going off the air in 1996. KPPC/fm became KROQ/fm and new program director Shadoe Stevens installed a format of "cutting edge new music," the forerunner of modern rock. In 1979, Rick Carroll became program director and gradually refined the format. He eliminated the songs by traditional rock artists such as the Rolling Stones and added more music by alternative bands. KROQ soared to new heights with its "Rock of the '80s" format. The station is now known as "The World Famous KROQ" and simulcasts on HD. Kevin Ryder and Gene "Bean" Baxter have hosted mornings since 1990. (LARadio Rewind is meticulously prepared by Steve Thompson)

Overheard.

• “You know Renee Zellweger is going as someone else this Halloween.” (Gary Bryan, K-EARTH)

• “To me, Oklahoma City is never going to win a title. They are the Utah jazz of this decade." (Colin Cowherd, KSPN)

• “Jim Rome is a small man. I’ve never seen anybody more detached from the people who work around him.” (Petros Papadakis, KLAC, while guesting with Bill Handel on KFI)

• "I hit the mother lode. I dated the most beautiful, funny woman in the world. She married me. I have two sons I adore. And I've got a nest egg that's going to allow me to check out soon and see some things in the world and give up on the weird country we've got now." (Dennis Miller, KRLA)

MIA in Ventura. An author is preparing a story on KVEN-Ventura. Does anyone remember Dick Shipley or anyone else who was at KVEN in the late 50s and early 60s?

Funnie.

Email Friday

We GET Email …

** KYMS History

“Re: Vince Daniels' purchase of the KYMS record library: The great thing about radio station LP copies was that, while consumer copies were made of inferior stuff so they would wear out in time, radio station copies were practically made of steel. I hope he kept the originals.” Steve (Fredericks) Liddick, former K-Earth news director

** Remembering KYMS

“With my friend Vince Daniels releasing The Original KYMS 106.3 on YouTube it brought back some memories. First around 1982 there was a Knott’s Berry Farm Christian Night. I was selected to do the remote broadcast. Back in those days it was just part of the job. No extra money. I was situated on the deck above The Ghost Town Saloon. I got to interview many of the artists who performed that night which included Leon Patillo, Steve Camp, and Servant. 

When I worked at KYMS a second time I got to go to a couple more Knott’s Berry Farm Christian Nights. One of them I took my friend Georgia Abbott. I got to introduce Fernando Ortega! 

Another time I went, I had two extra tickets from the station. Since I was alone I didn't need the other two tickets. I saw some ladies going through their purses to get cash to buy their tickets. I walked up to them and handed them my two extra tickets and told them they were complements of KYMS! In a state of shock they said 'Thank You.'

There was only one KYMS. It was live and local radio. Each jock reached out to the listeners in their own way and connected. Something that's missing in a lot of radio today where stations are run off computers in a closet.

I was blessed to work their twice even though both times had difficult times with owners and management. KYMS was a major step for me in my 30+ years in radio broadcasting. I want to thank Arnie McClatchy for hiring me the first time, Dave Spiker for putting me on full time, and Roger Marsh for giving me the chance to program the station in 1992.” - Dale Berg – www.969theoasis.org

** Music Changes at K-EARTH

“Like many others [including Greg West] I have given up on KRTH. I’m not interested at all in the music of the late 70s and 80s. Want I really want is a ‘pop’ station that plays music of the 50s, 60s and very early 70s. The addition of some basic adult standards would be an added plus. 

Fortunately, between the Internet, including RichBroRadio, SiriusXM, and Saul Levine’s KJZZ HD-2 station, I have good alternative sources for music.” - Carl Spring, West LA

** KLAC Changes

“Bill Reiter is supposed to start on November 3 as he stated on Petros & Money earlier this week. Really, Jay Mohr on tape at midday? If not for UCLA basketball coming up, another iHeart Radio [nee Clear Channel] preset on my radio that is ready for a change. I have not pushed my KFI button but twice so far in 2014.” - Greg Badovinac, North Hollywood

** Special Mailers for LARadio Supporters

“Your special subscriber emails are worth the price you are asking for the whole website. Love this stuff. People: you don't know what you are missing!” – Ann Beebe

** College Radio

“College radio no longer exists in the sense presented by Roger Carroll. Initially the non-commercial band was called Educational Radio. The purpose was to have college students and educators present lectures, college courses, etc., and allow students to be on air. Then Congress changed all this by revising this to Public Radio. And it has become big business. NPR and local stations like KPPC and KCRW receive donations and grants annually that exceed millions and millions of dollars.

I do not listen to NPR or those stations but I believe they use professional talent, not college students. My role with KKJZ was to help save mainstream jazz which is a difficult format to survive since it has a small niche of listeners although very passionate ones. I programmed Jazz on KBCA for 29 years and have a substantial knowledge of the format. It is a labor of love.

Roger Carroll has a vast knowledge of radio broadcasting, and has offered valuable suggestions to me over the years. Whether the present status of Public Radio in contrast to Educational Radio is good or bad is a judgment for your readers to decide.

Young People Entering  Radio-

From my own experience operating major market stations, radio does not seem to have the glamor today that the digital world appears to have. This is unfortunate, and represents the poor public relations conducted by radio. In fact, Bob Pittman of iHeartRadio made the same comments today.

Mike Callaghan, one of the nicest persons ever in radio, appears to agree with me as to the difficulty in finding engineers who understand RF.” – Saul Levine 

Radio Time Machine Productions: THE MUSIC OF KYMS: 1975-81
By Vince Daniels

(October 23, 2014) I was in a Goodwill store in the fall of 1998 and as I always do first, I went back into the record section. I saw thousands of L.P.'s all over the place, all had little labels on the left-hand side of the record jackets indicating that the albums were the property of the KYMS Music Library along with KYMS' old Orange address and phone number. The store owner made me an offer. This included the cabinets they came in. I bought everything, which amounted to a 20-year music history of the station, which began in March '75. Inside many of the sleeves were computer printouts of playlists telling the jocks the rotational order of the songs to be played along with the date of airing. A majority of the printouts were from the first 10 years of KYMS.

I brought these records home from the thrift store and had them stored in several different closets and even under my bed.  I spent six months trying to figure out what to do with all this history. My memories of being a hardcore listener were during the first six years when I worked at the family print shop, where my Dad kept the station on all day. After the end of '81 I went off to college and worked other places and was not as exposed to the station as much. Eventually I ended up using a friend of mine's studio in the back room of his house. He had a mobile dj system and a Marantz Dolby recorder. I decided to record the era I most remembered from the beginning of KYMS through 1981.  

When it was finished, I had five 90 minute cassette tapes, and I never touched them again for 4 years. In 2003, I took them to the radio station at Cerritos College where I was working at the time. I had them all transferred digitally. The problem is that there was a lot of surface noise on a lot of the vinyl, but I lived with it. I transferred my new digital set over to CD's and listened to them in my car for about a year, and then threw them in my storage facility. Last year’s passing of Chuck Smith, Pastor of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, brought back my memories of that earlier era. I went and dug the discs out of storage.  For the past year, much as I loved the music selection – realizing that I followed an authentic playlist – I know that I left out a lot of artists from that era, plus there was the question of audio quality. But there was something else I had at my disposal that I didn't have in 1999 or in 2003, and that's YouTube.

For the past year, with the help of my co-executive producer and video editor, Scott Higby over at Studio C in San Diego, I undertook the project of adding more hours from the playlist and updating the music with digital files if Scott could not remove the surface noise. We spent the entire month of May perfecting it, but we now have a very warm, fm sound that people are gonna like, not to mention a real historical perspective of radio from that time and place. Thanks to YouTube, we were also able to tell 10 different vignettes of KYMS' early years and also tell the story of a movement that gave rise to Southwestern Broadcasters, Inc. [then owners of KYMS when they were playing Acid Rock], who eventually switched the station  to Christian Rock. I am grateful to radio historian, Jeff Davis at Universal Transmedia in Los Angeles for serving as host of The Music of KYMS. He's a real storyteller. In all, this project has grown to a more than an 11-hour presentation, spread out over ten high def videos. 

The Saturday Answer. Last weekend an AM 870 The Answer Town Hall event was held at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. On the stage are (from left to right): KRLA “The Morning Answer” hosts Elisha Krauss and Brian Whitman, Ben Shapiro, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, and Hugh Hewitt,  and author and media personality Katie Pavlich.

Hear Ache. Raechel Donahue made the announcement on her Facebook page that she’s moving to Normandy, France the first of the year. “I will be about an hour outside of Deauville and near the shore. I have a spare room in my cottage and will welcome friends who bring Champagne. Must love cheese and horses,” wrote Raechel … Tomorrow KNX salutes northern San Fernando Valley in its “KNX on Your Corner,” series. The public is invited to a live broadcast as KNX brings its operations to Compañia de Café at 110 N. Maclay Avenue in San Fernando.  Free refreshments will be offered ... With another crazy jumping the fence at the White House and the intruder kicking and beating the dogs, KCAA's Don Imus wonders if the guard dogs are poodles.

McDonnell Anniversary. Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of sports broadcaster Joe McDonnell’s gastric bypass surgery. “Talk about a life-changing - and life-saving moment. I was wheeled into the OR weighing 740 pounds. A decade later I weighed in at 230 pounds. For me it was a miracle straight from God. It led to me regaining my health. And it led me to meet the most beautiful, extraordinary and wonderful woman ever - my wife Elizabeth McDonnell. She's been with me through everything and has been as supportive as anyone can be. She's the strongest woman I've ever known and it's an honor and privilege to call her my wife. Just remember, if you have an addiction that is causing you to lose everything you cherish, seek help. It's there. I’m a living testament to that.”

Support LARadio.com Help cover the expenses of keeping the daily columns current and updating 6,000 Los Angeles Radio People. $15 for one year. Enter your Email Address:

LARadio has long been a labor of love. Since the early 90s, the goal has been to take you behind the scenes of the radio news. No other site provides you with daily LA radio news and bulletins. The site also pays tribute to the men and women who have entertained us for over a half century. The out-of-pocket expenses to maintain the site are thousands of dollars. If you enjoy or appreciate the daily column, would you be kind enough to send $15 to help offset the costs? If you don't have PayPal, you can send a check made payable to: db Marketing Company, PO Box 50425, Santa Barbara, CA 93150

Imus Ranch Up for Sale. Every summer, Don Imus would invite about 100 young people afflicted by cancer to spend a week on his 2,400-acre ranch east of Santa Fe. The Don Imus ranch has an old western town that rivals any movie set in Hollywood. Their days are spent doing chores side by side with ranch hands and cowboys and learning to care for and ride their very own horse. They round up our Texas Longhorn cattle, herd and feed the sheep, the buffalo, the chickens, goats and donkeys, taking part in the dawn to dust rhythms of the ranch while developing an enriching bond with animals that will last a lifetime. “Our experience has shown that when children suffering from these frightening illnesses are exposed to programs such as those offered by The Imus Ranch it often actually contributes to their healing and recovery,” said Imus.

The Imus Ranch is totally and completely environmentally pure. “We serve a strict organic vegetarian diet that can be accurately described as vegan in its food selection; whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and herbs,” according to The Imus Ranch website. “Further, all ranch cleaning agents are non-toxic, biodegradable, naturally derived materials that are free of all known or suspected carcinogenic substances. In addition, we use no pesticides or synthetic chemicals of any kind in our gardening, farming, or infrastructure and plant maintenance.”

The altitude has finally caught up with the aging Imus. He seemed to be winded most morning this summer while broadcasting from the ranch. He’s now put his ranch up for sale.The asking price is $32 million.

Funnie. Thanks to Timmy Manocheo

Email Thursday

We GET Email …

** Mighty Met

“It was fun to see my morning show ratings on KLOS from 1973. I did mornings at KLOS from 1972-76 before returning to KMET.

Thanks for the flashback!” - Jeff Gonzer

** Hooper Ratings

“Interesting to see the ratings breakouts at the beginning of '73 ... right on the cusp of the fm invasion. Ah, the good ol' [muddy-audio] AM days.” – Rich Brother Robbin

** K-EARTH Redundancy

“On Tuesday around 2 p.m. I was running errands and listening to K-EARTH. The station plays Summer of '69/Bryan Adams and Super Freak/Rick James.

Back out in my car at 6 p.m., what do they play, yup - Summer of '69 and Super Freak. If you check their website there's lapses in time in the playlist history. I'm taking into account for their extremely long commercial stops. I guess they don't really list all the songs they play.

The station is supposedly a 'Classic Hits' station. More like 'Classic 80's Repetition.' Gee, no more Supremes, Mamas and Papas, etc. Guess they're not worthy any longer - aren't those groups and others part of the 60's/70's/80's as 'Classic Hits' are derived from?

Whoever this new program director is and the music director's thinking - as they would be the first to go if I got my hands on this station from CBS.  Also I would bring back Dave Randall and Bruce Chandler.

I'll be listening to 100.3 The Sound in my car and other stations on the web.

Long live the days of AM radio with KFI, KHJ, KTNQ, and KRLA when they played music.” - Greg Wood, West Hills

** NBC News Radio Ending at End of Year

“Wow, Don - there's the end of an era.

One of the highlights of my resume was working for NBC Radio News back in the late 70s and early 80s. I shared studio facilities with the likes of Jessica Savich, Cameron Swayze (son of the early tv icon John Cameron Swayze of the Camel News Caravan days - which was NBC's first televised news program) John Chancellor, Roy Neal, Linda Ellerbee, Boyd Matson, and more. The history in that building at 30 Rock - I remember rubbing the big silvery ‘N’ on the wall by one of the elevators in the lobby, just for luck, and the guy who would soon hire me as West Coast Correspondent for NBC's young-adult network ‘The Source’ thought that was hilariously funny. We'd see the Saturday Night Live people in the elevator, celebrities in the commissary, network brass in the hallways, and there was this bristling, popping, exciting, happening vibe that was everywhere - very young and very outlaw. It was a whole new day! New thinking! New anchoring styles and approaches to coverage for the rock music contingent! New programming strategies!

I remember Jo Moring, then Vice President for radio news, joking about how she'd just gotten her subscription to Rolling Stone magazine and now felt ready to tackle the young-adult demographic's programming needs, full-on. Granted, she was joking. She'd done a whole lot more than that! But she, too, had this sense of leading a whole new kind of charge on a whole new battle front of fm rock radio. The A-network people, who handled the "straight" news network, the more formal NBC Radio News, looked at us ‘Source’ people, this invasion of rock 'n' roll/potsmoker/anti-establishment renegades, with tremendous bemusement. Like somebody had let the kindergarten class into the principal's office and allowed them to stay. Well, we loved it, too, and we were awe-struck even to BE there! I was so intimidated I could barely think!   

It's sad to see that sterling operation come to an end. Those people were giants! It was a true honor - the break of a lifetime - to work there, amidst all that, with all those people. Even those with no marquee names. That was a long time ago. Quite a few of them aren't around anymore. It was a blessing and an AMAZEMENT. I still can't believe, 35 years later, that I got to be part of all that. End of an era for sure. Very sorry to see this, but I'm not exactly surprised. My love and gratitude go out to all the NBC Radio News people everywhere. I still regard them as brothers and sisters.” – Mary Lyon

** Radio Engineer Students Missing

“I would certainly agree with Saul Levine about the shortage of qualified RF engineers. The time was when a young person with technical leanings would be mentored by a ham radio operator. They'd learn about transmitters and receivers and get their own ham license. Parts were readily available to build their own equipment, and by the time they got out of school they understood what was needed to keep a radio station on the air.

Today, technically-oriented youngsters lean toward computers and software as ways to fulfill their cravings. If they do want to explore radio, the parts to build equipment are difficult to find. Many hams are really what we call 'appliance operators'. That means they go to the ham radio store, buy their equipment rather than build it, take it home, hook it up and go on the air. If the equipment breaks down or has a problem, they have no idea where to start if they want to fix it. Instead, it gets sent out to be repaired.

It used to be a big deal for a new ham operator to reach someone on the other side of the country. Hams collected cards from other hams they reached in faraway places. Long distance calls were expensive and rarely made. Today, you just pick up your cell phone and dial the number. Communicating across the world is no big deal.

So you have to really want to learn about transmitters and antenna systems to get into RF engineering today. But it's worth it.

Engineering graduates that look past broadcasting as a career are selling themselves short. I'd much rather work for a radio station than be assigned a cubicle at G.E. and design clock radios for a living. How trivial and boring is that?  In broadcast radio, you never know what the next challenge will be or how resourceful you'll have to be to meet it.

I wouldn't trade the experiences I had during my 39+ years at KIIS for anything else in the world. Carrying Dodgers baseball; doing programs from the beach in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán;  building and turning on new transmitter plants; building and riding on floats in the Hollywood Christmas parade; all these were incredible experiences.

I remember one evening when my 8 year-old son and I were drifting above Dodger stadium while doing a remote in the Fuji blimp. Elton John and Eric Clapton were giving a concert down beneath us, and their music filled the air while the sun set behind the Pacific in a dazzling blaze of colors. The foremost thought in my mind was that I wouldn't trade jobs with anyone else in the world. I loved what I was doing, and enriching the lives of the thousands of people listening to my efforts gave me a high drugs couldn't touch.” - Mike Callaghan

** Future of College Radio

“With regard to KKJZ, Roger Carroll asks ‘Where are the students like other college licensed radio stations?’ Sadly, ‘college radio’ is and has been a misnomer for the stronger non-commercial signals – and that's not a good thing for the future of the craft.

Consider that of the 15 stations in the L.A. area licensed to a school district or college, only 7 actually use students in positions as talent and operations. KUCR (88.3) at UC Riverside, KSBR (88.5) at Saddleback College, KSPC (88.7) at Pomona/Claremont College, KUCI at UC Irvine/KXLU at Loyola Marymount (both 88.9), KBPK at Fullerton College/KSAK at Mt. San Antonio College (both 90.1) are the only regular fm signals that give aspiring broadcasters the experience.

There's also WPMD at Cerritos College (1700) and Leo FM at Univ. of La Verne (107.9) that broadcast to their respective campuses and immediate surrounds. Of those mentioned, only KXLU has an ERP of greater than 1 kW.

KKJZ at Cal State Long Beach (88.1), KCLU at Cal Lutheran (88.3), KCSN at Cal State Northridge (88.5), KPCC at Pasadena City College (89.1 - they control the Univ. of Redlands' station/89.3), KCRW at Santa Monica College (89.9), KUSC at USC (91.5 - and hasn't been on campus in years) and KVCR at San Bernardino Valley College (91.9) are all professionally staffed and programmed and students are, at best, board ops. In addition, some are NPR affiliates so there is duplication of content among stations.  Why no student on-air or supervisory training opportunities on stations licensed to these educational institutions? Inquiring minds...

Long Beach has a student station, on KKJZ's HD3 (which based on the penetration of HD Radio is like broadcasting to the room next door) and of course, stations can be found via streaming, which isn't radio but does allow students to be heard somewhere.

With respect to Tammy Trujillo, the Fullerton College program may be ‘growing’ but it's also been around for about 40 years and regarding Saul Levine's Geology reference - c'mon. Geology is one of those ‘Gen Ed’ courses you find yourself in of necessity and obviously a minority of those attending are destined to be ‘rockers.’ Most people in radio courses are there because they seek a career in the field and most want to be talent, not engineers.

True college programs provide the training, it's up to the industry to make a commitment to provide the experience.  Of course, visionary operators like Saul giving promising graduates an hour or two overnights or weekends would certainly be a step in the right direction.  And a better effort of marketing this crazy business to the next generation wouldn't hurt either.” - Greg Olsen, Pasadena (and proud college radio grad - when it meant something.)

** More College Radio Thoughts

“Saul Levine is talking about radio engineering. I say 99.99% of the college students taking Broadcasting want be ‘ON THE AIR.’ It is not Saul's radio station. I hope the ‘Suits’ at Cal State Long Beach will give the students time to be on the air and work at 88.1. KKJZ is licensed by the FCC as a college non-commercial radio station. Another Southern California college could file to get 88.1 for the students like at Mt. SAC.” – Roger Carroll

** Art Astor’s Wife Passes

“Sorry to hear of the passing of Art Astor’s wife. My condolences to him. Art was a nice guy to work for at KSPA-Ontario.” – Dale Berg

Hooper Rated #1

(October 22, 2014) Prior to 1950, radio ratings were dominated by C.E. Hooper's "Hooper Ratings" which were based on coincidental telephone call surveys. However, with the coming of the television, A.C. Nielsen's meter-produced ratings began to cut into Hooper's near monopoly. Clients of the two survey companies endlessly debated as to which one of the systems really was of more value. Then, finally, Nielsen purchased Hooper's national rating service in 1950 which gave Nielsen a monopoly in national ratings gathering. In early 1973, radio ratings were still measured by C.E. Hooper, a company founded in 1935 that dominated the industry prior to television but no in-car listening measurement.  In early 1973, Hooper was still measuring in-home listening.

Morning listening shares in 1973:

1. KABC - 14.7

2. KFWB - 8.5

3. KHJ - 8.2

4. KNX  -7.8

5. KGFJ - 6.4

6. KMPC - 6.0

7. KFI – 4.0

8. KJOI – 3.3

     KWKW – 3.3

10. KLOS – 3.1

Demented Show. Mitch Waldow was going through some old paper items and came across this ad he worked up during his collegiate days in Humboldt County. “My roommate owned a camping goods store and when we heard that the Dr. Demento Show was being syndicated, we figured it would be the perfect vehicle to reach our target audience of high school and college kids,” said Mitch. There was a Top 40 station in town and they were willing, reluctantly, to air the program if there was a sponsor. “I produced the spots, which were a little wild for the rural market, but just right for our audience,” continued Mitch. “Every time I’d drive up to the station, which was a cinder block shed in a cow pasture, the program director/sales manager would try to hide. He didn’t like the show and couldn’t stand my commercials.” “In a little over a month we could tell the show was having an impact,” boasted Waldow. “In fact, it was so successful that the station took it away from us and sold it to its regular clients – tire dealers and furniture stores. Then they cut out some of the program to fit in more spots. Within another couple of months the show was off the air. We felt they killed the goose when it stopped laying the golden eggs.” Mitch reminisced: “Wonder whatever happened to that program director?

Johnson Play on Kobe. ESPN The Magazine published a story that many NBA players have turned down a chance to join the Los Angeles Lakers because they do not want to play with Kobe Bryant. Former NBA and UCLA great and KFWB morning Marques Johnson was asked on The Beast 980 if he would want to join the 2014 Lakers if he could. Johnson said “probably not.”

“I’m probably going the Pau Gasol route,” Johnson said.  “Even though he said he would love to have retired with Kobe, just the way this team is kind of unfolding right now, that’s what I’m looking at more than anything else. If it was a team that was worthy of a championship, maybe.”

Later in the day, Fred Roggin, midday host on The Beast 980, interviewed the legendary Jerry West, who as the team’s gm, recruited a high school aged Kobe Bryant for the Lakers. “There’s all kinds of petty jealousies between athletes…the thing that keeps (Kobe) going is to get himself one step further up the ladder to prove himself not only as a player, but his place in history in the NBA.”

Hear Ache. KABC’s Jillian Barberie once dated a Laker. On their first date they attended a Clippers game … Former KTWV morning man Brian McKnight was lecturing last weekend at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.

LARadio Rewind: October 22, 1975. At 6 a.m., KKDJ morning man Charlie Tuna asks, “Would someone please hand me the Bible and the shotgun?” Then a “wedding ceremony” is held to unite top-40 stations KIIS-1150 and KKDJ-102.7. In 1970, KRKD had changed call letters to KIIS because “IIS” looked like “115.” The station was originally known as “The Kiss of California.” After the “wedding,” KKDJ was now KIIS/fm. The two stations, known collectively as “K-Double-I-S,” simulcast during the day and had separate programming overnights. Hosts included Tuna, Jay Stevens, Humble Harve, Jerry Mason, Jerry Bishop, Brian Cummings, Danny Martinez and Bruce Phillip Miller.

In 1979, the am switched to Christian music as “The Praise Of 1150” KPRZ. In 1981, KPRZ became a Music Of Your Life affiliate. From 1984 to 1997, the am was again top-40 KIIS, before switching and then switched to sports as KXTA, simulcasting San Diego’s XETRA and serving as the flagship station for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It is now The Patriot 1150 KEIB and carries Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh in mornings. KIIS/fm is still going strong after 39 years. Ryan Seacrest has hosted the morning show since 2004, succeeding Rick Dees who helmed mornings for 23 years. (LARadio Rewind meticulously prepared by Steve Thompson) 

Overheard.

• “What is the deal with Bruce Jenner’s haircut? He looks like I Dream of Jeannie.” (John Phillips, KABC)

•  “I think Mitch Kupchak’s most brilliant move was Pau Gasol.” (Fred Roggin, KFWB)

• “We have breaking news that’s delicious because I can never get enough of my favorite Django Unchained actress, Daniele Watts.” (Mark Thompson, KFI)

• “Siegfried & Roy broke ground on their new community park last week. It would have been great to see them make the ground actually disappear.” (Ira David Sternberg)

• “Rick Dees was still popular the last time the Kansas City Royals participated in the World Series.” (Gary Bryan, KRTH)

• “The only hope you have of making money in radio is by making Management afraid you’re going to leave.” (George Johns, radio consultant)

Email Wednesday

We GET Email …

** Bubbling Under

“A big THANK YOU to those who voted & said nice things about me on LARadio.com. I truly appreciate it.  Just being a small part of the L.A. radio community is an honor beyond measure.” – Gary Moore

** Best Off-Air Recognitions

“Thanks, Don, for also recognizing the Off- Air people in this amazing industry!” – Kane Biscaya

** A or B? “Saw Ken Levine's play, A or B? at the Falcon Theatre over the weekend. Good, edgy, cheers- like he, she dialogue. I enjoyed. I hope Ken and I are still friends. I told him, ‘the lead lady's legs are worth the price of admission alone." – Elliot Field

** Vote for Valerie Geller

“I don't know the first thing about programming a radio station and even less about tv but I do know a lot about what a listener wants to hear at home before driving and while driving. 

Valerie Geller's, three-point plan for broadcasters: ‘tell the truth, make it matter and never be boring deserves a ‘who-rahh Valerie. In my tiny little niche of the radio clock: 1 - Tell the listener something's happening on the freeway/road whatever and it's NOT as that listener drives by. 2 - Not make it matter [Hey, LISTEN UP, this could affect you.] 3 - Just prattle on without any purpose or thought as to what your audience is doing as you speak.....and the NEXT sound you will  hear, just might be that fatal CLICK of the radio dial.

Of course that also means that the listener will not hear the hamburger, soap or clinic spot that pays the bills. I think those three rules would work for any type of broadcasting. 

“Thanks, Valerie.” – Jeff Baugh, Semper Fi  

** Randall Situated

“It made my day to see that Dave Randall picked up the afternoon slot at KBBY-Ventura. He's a consummate pro and one of my personal favorite jocks. Always prepared, great attitude, and a good man.

Thanks for the good news.” – Gary Bryan 

Tied at 11th – Many of the LARP Bubbling Under the Top 10

(October 21, 2014) A number of Los Angeles Radio People just missed the listing of Top 10 Best On- and Off-Air LARP of 2014. These talented individuals tied for 11th. The following represents some LARP who are bubbling under the Top 10. The voiting took place in May and some personalities and situations have changed. In voting for the following LARP, some readers included comments anonymously about their choices:   

On-Air

(Ryan Seacrest, Gary Moore, Christina Kelley, Steve Mason, John Ireland, and Charlie Tuna)

Ryan Seacrest (mornings at KIIS)

• "An average voice and not particularly witty, but Ryan knows how to connect with the public. He has a very high media profile, to say the least, and is a very good interviewer."

• "Great ratings. Big talent."

• "He is still the best at radio, even though he does so many things well."

• "The man of million jobs still sounds like he enjoys doing morning radio in Los Angeles. Fun listening to him."

Gary Moore (afternoons at KLOS)

• "A pure joy to listen to. Creative, witty and concise."

• "Surprised The Sound hasn't raided him from KLOS."

• "Put him in any time slot and he's a winner."

• "Makes the ride home every afternoon tolerable with his music and wit."

Christina Kelley (evenings at K-EARTH)

• "Sounds young, fun, glamorous and she has terrific content."

Mason & Ireland (middays at KSPN)

• "They are a great mix of fun, entertainment ... and, oh yeah ... sports."

• "They are my favorite radio duo since Mark & Brian"

  "Most sports talk doesn't deserve a podcast, much less a real statio. But these two are still the standard. Especially John." 

Charlie Tuna (weekends at K-EARTH)

• "The man's voice IS morning radio in LA. Think Vin Scully with classic music."

• "Still cranking out the hits. Still as polished and funny as ever."

• "Charlie is a Los Angeles classic. Entertaining Southern California since 1967. He has adapted with the times and formats and is a true survivor."

Off-Air

(Andy Ludlum, Andrew Jeffries, Derek Madden, Steve Delamater, and Kane Biscaya)

Andy Ludlum (former program director at KNX)

• "KNX's ratings for the past few years have rebounded to where it's one of the highest rated AM stations in L.A., second only to KFI. Andy obviously knows news and keeps the station humming along nicely 24/7."

• "A heritage station that is still very relevant."

• "Under Andy's leadership, KNX has had a resurgence and solidly established itself as Southern California's news leader."

Andrew Jeffries (pd at MY/fm and KYSR)

• "KBIG's (MY/fm) run is unprecedented."

• "Andrew started by leading KBIG to the #1 position in the market and has now worked his magic to keep the Clear Channel fm's well ahead of the pack."

• "Another pd who's not afraid to try something different with the music. Another station you can leave on for a couple of hours."

Derek Madden (program director KLOS)

• "Intelligent, tireless and fights for his staff. Cumulus is luck to have him."

• "Love those TAKEOVERS that he does."

• "Has freshened up KLOS."

Steve Delamater (board op KFWB)

• "Works hard. He's very mindful of being in the moment to keep KFWB's news/talk elements flowing smoothly."

Kane Biscaya (sales manager FM Broadcasters)

• "He fights the battle as general sales manager to compete as an independent operator."

KYMS History. For LARadio history buffs, Vince Daniels is presenting a rare 11-hour look into the “Music of KYMS: 1975 – 1981.” It will be uploaded to YouTube after midnight this Thursday but you can see an advanced look by clicking the artwork.

LARadio Rewind: October 21, 2008. Jillian Michaels, a KFI host and fitness expert, and spent two seasons as a trainer on NBC’s weight-loss reality series The Biggest Loser, launches a new video game for the Nintendo Wii, Fitness Ultimatum 2009. Born in 1974 in Los Angeles, Michaels hosted a Sunday-afternoon program on KFI from 2006 to 2009. She also hosted Losing It on NBC and has her own clothing line and writes a daily e-mail newsletter. Since 2011, she has hosted a weekly podcast. In its first year, it was honored by iTunes as best new audio podcast. Offering “tools to find health and happiness in all areas of your life,” the Jillian Michaels show can be heard at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jillian-michaels-show/id418368811?mt=2

Nasty One in KC. Chuck Nasty, veteran of KIIS and KLSX in the 90s, has returned to his Kansas City home where he works evenings at 101 / The Fox (KCFX), as well as rush hour drives on 105.1 / JACK.fm (KCJK), 94.9 KCMO, 95.7 The Vibe (KCHZ), KCMO 710 Talk Radio and others. Born Chuck Zimmerman, the master scuba diver worked at WBBM-Chicago in 1985 and spent four years doing afternoons at “Q104” (KBEQ) Kansas City. Chuck did specialty programming for Armed Forces Radio Network serving Micronesia, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. In 1993, Chuck left SMN's “Classic Rock” format to join KZGZ (“Power 98”)-Agana, Guam and KPXP-Saipan as pd/md and afternoon drive. He was the first in the world to broadcast underwater off Guam.

Until September 1994, the “Nasty One” had never been in California. Chuck worked afternoon drive at KIIS until the summer of 1996. After spending a year at KHOM-New Orleans (where he appeared in USA Network’s The Big Easy), Chuck returned to the Southland for evenings at Talk KLSX. He went on to work in San Diego. (Thanks to Damien Lewis for the Nasty alert from KC)

Overhead.

• “That was Michael Jackson’s Thriller with the late Vincent Price. Well, now that I think about it, they’re both late.” (Jim Carson, K-EARTH)

• “Put your mouthpiece in, here comes another bunch of songs from JACK/fm.” (JACK/fm liner)

Astor’s Wife Passes. Our condolences to Art Astor on the passing of his wife, Antonia. They were married for 54 years. She suffered with Alzheimer’s for several years. Art is the owner of the Astor Broadcast Group and the Astor Classics event center.

Hear Ache. KABC’s Jillian Barberie has a role in the just-released Catch Hell … Melinda Lee’s food show didn’t air on KNX over the weekend due to ISDN technical issues.

 Funnie. This morning's funnie from Don Graham.

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** Valerie Geller for Programming Chief

“If one of the biggies was smart, they would make Valerie Geller an offer she couldn't refuse and make her head of programming. Now that would be bold.” – Keri Tombazian

** New PD at 91X-San Diego

“CONGRATULATIONS to Halloran!  Not only a talented programmer but also a very good guy.” – Jack Hayes

** Car Radio Challenges

“GREAT job on the car radio article. Man, life just keeps goin’ in cycles like ol’ Sinatra said.” – Rich Brother Robbin

** Student Radio

“Saul Levine said the other day, ‘The message is that young people are not going into radio, and we have to go after talent and bring them into radio.’

88.1/fm is a college licensed radio station for students. Where are the students?

IMHO, Mr. Levine acts like it's his station. His daughter is general manager. Where are the students like other college licensed radio stations?” – Roger Carroll

** Paucity of College Broadcasters

“I based my comments on the difficulty of finding young persons to employ in radio from empirical experience. My company has searched the nation for both air staff and RF engineering positions with experience, and encountered that difficulty. We utilize four or five engineers, and the youngest just turned 65, and several are in their 80s.

I recall that when I enrolled in Geology  101 at the University of Michigan, there were over 500 students in the class, but I would bet that the number of students in that class that went on to make a career in Geology could be counted on fewer than the fingers of Professor Hussey's right hand. 

I hear constantly from other station operators around the USA that it is difficult to fill positions with trained, experienced personnel. It would be interesting to obtain actual industry figures rather than speculate. Positions involving the digital and web based activities in radio do draw more interest from young people.” – Saul Levine 

Fight for Radio in New Car Models

(October 20, 2014) “We would discover a dirty little secret: Radio was losing its relevance in the eyes of many automakers,” revealed Eric Rhoads, publisher of the well-respected Radio Ink. Rhoads was re-capping a recent industry event, the DASH conference that was held in Detroit with the automaking industry. “We have managed to help Detroit understand the importance of radio and what we can offer. Magical moments occurred when our roundtable discussions gave groups problems to discuss, and as car company executives at high levels talked with radio managers, programmers, and even some tech people about how they can improve one another's business. Word got out about DASH, and the automotive industry was present in full force,” continued Rhoads. The keynote speaker was Gary Shapiro, head of the Consumer Electronics Association. Rhoads described him as “possibly the most powerful man in the world of innovation and electronics. And he wasn’t so kind about radio. “Though gracious, Shapiro suggested that radio had ample warning from him and others that radio had to migrate to digital or it would one day be reinvented by others outside the industry. ‘Why didn't you invent Pandora or Spotify?’ he said. ‘You knew this day was coming. You should have invested to invent your new digital competition so you can control it.’ It was sobering, but inspirational at the same time. He suggested that radio can still step up to digital in a much bigger way – and must, because the migration by consumers to digital is inevitable.” Rhoades said auto companies are currently designing 2018 models. “In 2015, they are expecting 40 percent of car owners to purchase cars that have in-car connectivity [without involving a smartphone]. They are designing updatable software so current models won't be entirely rendered obsolete as technology improves.” “Radio must keep positive pressure on the industry to continue this dialogue, and to improve the dialogue at the dealer level as well,” said Rhoades. Valerie Geller (l) spoke at the DASH event on Thursday about creating powerful radio programming for the car. She said building a broadcast base has nothing to do with radio itself. "It has everything to do with human beings connecting with other human beings.” She outlined a three-point plan for broadcasters –tell the truth, make it matter, and never be boring. She stressed that it’s essential for radio companies to target millennials by being on every available platform, and the content must be relevant to the audience.

The challenge in keeping radio in cars is not new. I have personal warfare from my time working in Detroit.

In 1969, Gordon McLendon sent me to manage his station in Detroit, WWWW (W4). We turned the Beautiful Music station into a full-time live Oldies station (Gold is Beautiful was our branding, making a twist on the top of mind Black is Beautiful slogan). We had a very difficult time with the agencies, local and national, because fm was not standard equipment in any of the new cars. Basically W4 and WABX (an AOR “underground” station) were the only two viable fm stations. We had no support from our AM counterparts to launch a campaign toward the car manufacturers to make AM/FM receivers standard equipment. The dial was dominated by AM stations: CKLW, WKNR, WJR, WWJ and WCAR.

As I took on the challenge of getting fm into car radios as standard equipment solo, I never let a month go by during my tenure in Motor City without a face-to-face meeting with a car executive from one of the Big Three. It was an uphill fight. The car dealers were making as much as $300 by upgrading the standard AM radio with a Delco AM/FM radio. They had very little incentive to make it standard while they were getting extra money. I continued the fight when I launched WDRQ and we were making strong progress. GM was our first breakthrough with a competitive buy.

Time solved the fm dilemma as more and more station owners started broadcasting non-simulcast programming that was compelling. Valerie Geller, right on as usual, spoke to the issue that the content has to be relevant and the storytellers have to engage the listeners.

New PD Seach at KNX. Andy Ludlum exited his programming position at all-News KNX last month. Dan Kearney, market chief for CBS/LA, embarked on a nation-wide search. How is the search going? “Search is going well,” responded Kearney. “I’ve talked to a lot of good candidates. I will continue talking to additional candidates next week and then start narrowing down the list to my top three.” Hopefully in the midst of the “good” candidates, there is a GREAT programmer.

Overheard.

• “The first radio station I worked for provided headsets. When I started working here I showed up with nothing. I came out of the bathroom with nothing in my hand. Don Martin, our boss said, ‘I can’t provide you those, my man. Does not work that way. There’s no way we can provide the headphones here at Clear Channel.” (Petros Papadakis, KLAC, guesting with Bill Handel on KFI)

• “I’m thinking about the poor bastard who gets two weeks off from his job, takes a cruise, and walks out into the tight hallway and there’s a guy in a hazmat suit.” (Dennis Miller, KRLA)

• “Not one artist has a platinum record this year. Incredible isn't it? Gold is the new platinum.” (Jim McKeon)

• “When I say we have a really great show today, you’ll notice I’m not saying that today. That is not to say that we don’t have a good show but do really have an insane show? We do not.” (Bill Handel, KFI)

• “Why is psychoanalysis quicker for men than for women? When it’s time to go back to childhood for a guy, he’s already there.” (Dude, character on Gary Bryan show, K-EARTH)

Hall of Fame LARP. Todd Wallace, formerly with KEZY-Anaheim in 1970, was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame for the Class of 2014. When I started my radio career in Lompoc, Todd was up the road at KSEE in Santa Maria. He’s a very talented broadcaster and a very nice guy who has spent 50 years in the radio business.

Halloran Promoted. Michael Halloran, veteran from KROQ, KLYY and KMXN, has been named program director at XTRA/fm (91X) in San Diego. He grew up in Detroit where he worked at WDET, WLLZ, WABX, WLBS, and WDTX. He was repeatedly fired for being "too radical." In 1986, Michael headed west to work the night shift at 91X. He quickly became pd and was there for 10 years except for 8 months at KROQ. He left 91X in the spring of 1996 and joined KUPR-San Diego and stayed till the end of the year. In early 1998 he returned to programming at XHRM-San Diego, a station that Rolling Stone Magazine named one of the “Ten Stations in the U.S. That Doesn’t Suck.” In March of 1999, Michael joined “Y107” and left within the year following a format/ownership change. Michael returned to the airwaves as fill in on KOGO-AM in San Diego in early 2000 for a few months, after which he was hired to program Spin Magazine’s web radio station. (Thanks for San Diego Union-Tribune for photo)

Youth Symphony Broadcast. K-Mozart 1260 celebrated the American Youth Symphony’s 50th Anniversary Season yesterday with a special broadcast featuring a total of six works by Mozart, Strauss, Gershwin, Britten, Paganini and Debussy.

The American Youth Symphony (AYS), is one of the nation’s leading pre-professional orchestras, whose mission is to inspire the future of a timeless art form by sharing exceptional, innovative concerts based on its landmark training of musicians ages 15-27.

#1 Best LARP. When I asked Bean for a current photo of Kevin and him for the posting of the #1 Best On-Air LARP of 2014, Bean sent me a photo of the morning show crew. This act of selflessness is very reflective of how the pair has been so generous in giving credit to those around them. (Ralph Garman, Kevin Ryder, Bean, Lisa May, Beer Mug, Christine Fung, Omar Khan. Second row: Dave Sanchez ... Photo credit, Alex Rauch)

SPERDVAC. The group that preserves old-time radio, SPERDVAC, is having its annual convention next month, November 14-16. The conventions are really a lot of fun. If you missed the early days of radio, the convention fills the bill. This year, the group will present two episodes of Lum and Abner comics. Frank Bresee will talk about the storied career of Parley Baer, best known as a radio actor on The Whistler, Suspense, Tales of the Texas Rangers (as various local sheriffs), Dragnet, The CBS Radio Workshop, Lux Radio Theater, The Six Shooter, and Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, to name a few. He played Chester, the unofficial deputy to Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke. And then a conversation with Dawn Wells, best known as Mary Ann on Gilligan’s Island. Registration forms are on line at www.sperdvac.com

Levine Play. “My play A OR B? has opened at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank,” emailed Ken Levine. “It’s a romantic comedy in the style of Sam & Diane on Cheers. The last names of the couple are Morgan & Steele.  I suspect only LARP members will appreciate that.” The play runs through November 16. More info by clicking the artwork.

LARadio Rewind: October 20, 1972. KMET broadcasts a David Bowie concert from Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. The announcer is B. Mitchel Reed. The show is part of the "Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars" tour and is Bowie's first concert to be carried live on an fm station. The 17 songs will soon appear on bootlegged albums. David Bowie Live In Santa Monica 1972 would not have an official release until 1994, when it appeared on MainMan Records in the UK. Griffin Music released the album in the US in 1995. A reissue on EMI came out in 2008 and reached #41 on the Billboard Catalog Albums chart. (LARadio Rewind is meticulously prepared by Steve Thompson)

Funnie.  

Email Monday

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** KNX Promotion

“As I’m sure you're aware, KNX continues its downward spiral. The ‘EBOLA UPDATE!’ station now feels the need to try and bribe folks with a chance to win $1,000, for just a phone call. Savvy listeners will notice that the announcer quickly slips in the phrase, ‘this CBS national promotion.’ Of course, that means you are competing against the entire country, rather than just KNX’s dwindling local audience. Yes, the station that was built on serving the public with ethical journalism, is now trying to fool them with a shady promotion.” – Ken Davis

** Response to Saul Levine

“Saul Levine said the other day, ‘The message is that young people are not going into radio, and we have to go after talent and bring them into radio.’

As the head of the radio program at Mt. San Antonio College [Mt. SAC, Walnut, CA], I have to absolutely disagree with Saul. Young people are indeed going into radio. We have a vibrant, award-winning program with approximately 200 students.

This fall, we are moving into a brand new facility on campus with over $100,000 in new, state-of-the-art equipment. We have an FCC licensed station on campus, 90.1 KSAK, Mt. Rock Radio, as well as an Internet station, Audio8ball.com. Our students have won RTNA Golden Mics, APTRA Mark Twains, as well as being honored by College Broadcasters Inc., the Broadcast Education Association and the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. 

CBI, BEA and IBS all exist solely because young people are going into radio. Their annual conventions attract hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of student broadcasters from around the country. College Radio is alive and well and thriving as these young people embrace not only traditional terrestrial broadcasting, but Internet Radio and podcasting as well. They are excited and creative and real assets to the stations that hire them for Internships and jobs. Radio will be in good hands for years to come and these are the broadcasters who will keep it alive. The University of La Verne and Fullerton College also have very active and growing radio broadcasting programs.” – Tammy Trujillo, www.TheRealTammyTrujillo.com

** MIA LARP

“I am looking for my stepfather from a long time ago, and was wondering if you could help me. His name is/was David L. Young, and he was originally from Hollywood. He was an actor, and a jazz disc jockey. 

Have you ever heard of him?  I think his family owned a printing company in Hollywood.  His father was good friends of Billy Graham's, and when Mr. Graham came to town he would stay with the Young family.

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!” – Pamela Love, love.pamela@sbcglobal.net 

 Sunday Funnies from Brie Tennis

LARP Saturday Archives from October 2011

Kevin & Bean Voted #1 Best On-Air LARP of 2014

(October 17, 2014) There are so many months this year, when the Arbitron PPM ratings are released that we learn that KROQ’s Kevin & Bean are #1 in virtually every demographic. When other morning shows lapse into predictability, KROQ’s Kevin & Bean consistently keep the morning hours funny, lively, irreverent, inventive, and they re-write the manual on how to do mornings.

Their peers working in Los Angeles radio recognize Kevin & Bean’s talents, voting them #1 Best On-Air LARP of 2014. One of the things they have always been is generous in allowing their supporting cast to get the spotlight shined on their talents, without a hint of jealousy or envy.

Entertainment news regular Ralph Garman plays characters and voices of the famous and near famous. In addition to Ralph, those surrounding Kevin & Bean consist of an excellent cast of characters that includes Lisa May, Beer Mug, Doc on the ROQ, “The King of Mexico” Dave Sanchez, and DJ Omar Khan. Kevin & Bean can also boast an impressive supporting cast from the past, including Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla, Matt “Money” Smith, Psycho Mike Catherwood, and Virgin Kennedy.   

On September 15, 2011, Kevin & Bean won the NAB Marconi Radio Award for "Major Market Personality of the Year." Two years ago, Bean selflessly donated his kidney to CBS radio colleague Scott Mason.

Gene Baxter (Bean) and Kevin Ryder (Kevin) met while at KZZP-Phoenix in 1988. They did some on-air work together on Saturday nights while in Phoenix, which gave them the idea of a two-man show. KROQ pd Andy Schuon teamed them in early 1990, resulting in their enormous success.

#1

Kevin & Bean

Some of the comments from those who voted for Kevin & Bean:

• "Just for the fact of their tenure doing mornings in one of the most competitive markets in the country and still being at or near the top of the heap speaks for itself."

• "They continue to dominate morning drive. Their cast of characters make the show, especially Ralph Garman. Although the show sounds formulaic they continue to engage listeners after 20 years on the air."

• #1 in all key demos consistently."

• "You can't fake smart, funny and #1 ratings for how many years now?"

• "Far and away the most entertaining thing on L.A. radio in the morning. They really put the fun in dysfunction. Bean is the best and most generous crazy person I know."

• "Still having fun after all these years."

• "Maybe the best all around morning show in America. You have to wonder if KROQ would be the huge success it is without this morning show."

• "The ratings say everything you need to know."

• "Captivating and compelling morning show. They are so talented. They are the real deal."

• "Kevin & Bean set the winning pace for L.A.'s #1 Rock station. At 5.3 AQH share with Persons 6+, Kevin & Bean again score first place total market, a full share point ahead of the #2 station M-F 6a-10a. March '14 marked 52 consecutive months with KROQ #1 AM drive with Adults 25-49."

• "They keep the show focused on the listener. It's a very crucial detail most of their competition seem to miss."

• "Listening since they started in 1990. Still making me laugh with comedy/pop culture bits and celebrity interviews."

• "The Lohman & Barley of the 21st century."

• "Consistently entertaining for all ages."

• "There is a reason these guys have been on top of the morning radio ratings for so long ... they are awesome!"

• "Morning after morning, they continue to make me laugh and keep me entertained. Not too shabby for being on the air as long as this duo has."

• "Undeniably the best morning radio show in Southern California. Funny. Entertaining. Compelling. It's like hanging out with friends on the drive to work. Plus, Bean gave a co-worker a kidney. That trumps everyone."

• "A classic Top 40 morning show wrapped in an alternative sensibility."

• "They continue to keep the show current and hilarious."

• "The morning show by which all others should be judged."

• “The only truly funny team on the air today.”

• “Best AM show in LA by a long shot. What is Kevin Weatherly going to do when they decide to retire?”

Good News … For a Change

(October 16, 2014) The column usually blasts headlines about the latest wave of firings, but this morning we are thrilled to report some good news. Maggie McKay, most recently afternoon drive news anchor at KFWB until the station flipped to all-Sports, has surfaced quickly. She is working weekends and fill-in at K-EARTH and KTWV. We asked Maggie for any advice she might have regarding staying positive when these bumps happen about losing a job. “I am NOT a good advice giver,” emailed Maggie, who was in the middle of celebrating her husband’s birthday, but took a moment to respond. “I'll take advice for sure, but giving it, I always feel like ‘what do I know’ but one thing I do know is I am incredibly grateful to Ralph Stewart (KTWV) and Chris Ebbott (KRTH) for hiring me. I had SO much fun last weekend, my first shift back at the WAVE and first on KRTH. Honestly it reminded me of why I got into radio in the first place.”

Dave Randall, 20 years at K-EARTH weekends and fill-in until earlier this month, has landed on his feet. Chris Cox, operations director for the Cumulus cluster in Ventura/Oxnard, hired Dave as a fill-in personality for KBBY (B95.1/fm). “I worked with Dave at K-EARTH many years ago and jumped at the chance to have him involved with our products here in Ventura,” emailed Chris. “Currently Dave is hosting afternoon drive. It’s great hearing him back on the air.”

Joe Rosati has also been added to the weekend staff at K-EARTH. In 2009, he was at Z-100 in New York. “Joe will be making the drive up from Energy 103.7/fm in San Diego,” emailed Chris Ebbott, pd at KRTH, where Joe hosts middays.

Losing NBC News Radio. LARadio was the first publication to announce the demise of NBC News Radio, which upset Fred Lundgren, ceo of KCAA in the Inland Empire. “It's amazing. KCAA has been the IE affiliate for NBC Radio News for over a decade but I had to read of their demise in your publication. No one told me anything, but like the jilted lover, I should have seen it coming. Oh well, even Peacocks die of old age.”

Molly Paige emailed to say that despite NBC News Radio going out of business, there will be an assignment for her with Westwood One News.

The demise of NBC Radio News didn’t come in a press release but in a letter to Westwood One Affiliates. It wasn’t until the third paragraph that there was word that NBC News was being terminated by Westwood One Cumulus.

Dear Westwood One Affiliate,

We will soon begin providing Westwood One News, our locally branded and full-service news network powered by CNN that offers stations enhanced programming, correspondent reports and news features. Westwood One news is designed to help stations integrate their local branding into newscasts with greater flexibility, including selecting one to five minute newscasts based on affiliate needs and preferences.

As part of our commitment to providing innovative flexibility for stations, this next-generation news product will include headlines, special reports, correspondent two-ways, newsmaker sound bites and other news elements your listeners expect - all powered by CNN and featuring your local branding. 

Effective as of 12am ET Monday, December 15, 2014, NBC News Radio, including radio newscasts and other programming and elements, will no longer be produced and distributed by Westwood One. To ease in your transition, satellite channels will not change for stations switching to Westwood One News. Your announcements, news reports and actualities will be available at news.westwoodone.com.   

We look forward to bringing the exciting Westwood One News product to market. If you have any questions, please contact your Westwood One News representative Jim Jones at 202-895-2339. Otherwise, we will be in touch over the next few weeks to discuss your affiliation.

As always, thank you for your continued affiliation with Westwood One.

Sincerely,

Dennis Green, Senior Vice-President, Affiliate Sales 

Martindale Returns to Zucker Event. Tonight is a big night for the Book Publicists of Southern California when they honor their own. Wink Martindale returns to emcee the 20th Annual IRWIN Literary Awards, sponsored by the BPSC. The awards banquet will be held at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City. The public is invited to attend and you can get more information at 323.461.3921. In 1998, Martindale was the celebrity presenter at the 4th Annual IRWIN Awards ceremony. "We are thrilled that Wink is returning after 16 years to emcee," said the group's founder, Irwin Zucker, in whose honor the Award was created.

NBC News Radio Set to Go Off the Air
by Molly Paige

(October 15, 2014) "It is usually the case that Don Barrett gets the scoop on all things radio and this is no exception.   The wonderful people I have had the pleasure of working with for two years will not be heard on the radio for much longer. We have been advised that NBC News Radio, produced by Westwood One, will be going off the air at the end of this year. After spending most of my career in Southern California it has been an incredible experience moving to Washington D.C. I have produced for some of the most talented and dedicated people in the business. I have so much respect for them, especially NBC White House Correspondent Kristen Welker. She can transition from a live report for NBC and MSNBC TV to a radio hit, back to back for hours without missing a beat and she is ALWAYS kind and courteous no matter what the circumstance. She is such a great role model for young women. She is front row at White House briefings and on Air Force One with the President. Kristen was inside the White House when the intruder ran through a few weeks ago. She was part of the press corps evacuated, yet still had time to anchor a radio news cast and ... compliment me on a script!   When I’m not producing, I’m anchoring for NBC News Radio. When I listen back to some of the casts I produced for the best of the best like, Lester Holt, David Ushery, Kelly O’Donnell, Richard Lui, Milissa Rehberger, I pick up something every time and it has made me a better anchor. It is sad to know this time is coming to an end, although I do know that Westwood One has another news product up their sleeve.   Along with NBC News Radio another gift came my way with Westwood One. I’ve been the fill-in host for Jim Bohannon on America in the Morning for more than a year. AITM has an incredible staff including producer Tom Delach and associate producer Paul Hill. What sets this show apart from other informative and entertaining news magazines is Jim Bohannon. As folks in the business and listeners know he is one of a kind. A talent that cannot be measured and one of the most supportive and generous people I have ever met.    We all know how unstable the radio industry is. With 30 years under its belt, America in the Morning is here to stay. As for NBC News Radio, I’m happy to say that I’m a better person for knowing and working with these remarkable men and women." (From the '90s to 2011, Molly worked at KIBB, KRLA, KCBS/fm, KPFK, and KABC)

Kevin Weatherly Voted #1 Best Off-Air LARP of 2014

(October 14, 2014) Kevin Weatherly programs three successful radio stations – KROQ, JACK/fm, and AMP Radio – in the market. The voting readers of LARadio.com recognized this amazing accomplishment by again voting Kevin Weatherly the #1 Best Off-Air LARP of 2014.

For years, Kevin has been at or near the top in the annual voting. While running KROQ, he also guided the launch of JACK/fm, arguably the most successful JACK format in the country. His peers believe that he has localized JACK and integrated lines and attitude so much so that we forget the station is jockless. In early 2009, he flipped the FM Talk Station KLSX to a high powered relentlessly pounding Top 40 station named AMP Radio with instantaneous results. He put Carson Daly in the mornings. Carson has emerged has a national star as host of The Voice and part of the ensemble on NBC's Today Show.

Kevin has been acknowledged with many industry accolades over the years. Born in 1963, Kevin started his career at age 12 working for his father at KPIN-Casa Grande, Arizona. He came to “the ROQ” from KKLQ (“Q106”) – San Diego. Before “Q106,” Kevin was the md at KIIS and KMEL-San Francisco and on the air at KZZP-Phoenix. When he arrived at KROQ, he immediately tightened the playlist, reflecting his Top 40 background. During the summer of 2001, Kevin was made vp of all Infinity (now CBS) music stations in the LA cluster.  

#1

Kevin Weatherly

Some of the comments from those who voted for Kevin:

• "He gets my vote just because he has a super radio mind and his name is synonymous with L.A. radio programming. He just KNOWS radio."

• "Programming three stations and overseeing Weenie Roast and Almost Acoustic Xmas, he is a force in the Alternative rock space."

• "Can we just crown him King already?"

• "Continues to be the King of LA programming."

• "The best ever."

• "His results speak for themselves year after year after year after ..."

• "Kevin's stations always do well and seem to smartly stay out in front of what's happening locally. He's the ultimate programming guru. CBS is lucky to have him."

• "Kevin continues to guide KROQ to being one of the most pre-eminent radio stations in the world. In addition, he's done a great job making AMP competitive ratings-wise with KIIS, and has kept JACK/fm relevant."

• "The master."

• "Both smart and innovative. He is a seasoned professional for whom I have tremendous respect."

• "He keeps Kevin & Bean happy and on top of the ratings at KROQ, while making JACK/fm a station you can actually leave on for a couple of hours and enjoy the variety."

• "He can read the tea leaves fluently in 15 different formats and two of them haven't even been invented yet."

• "He's got the touch. He's such a valuable cluster programmer."

• "The best."

• "Passion equals programming. He's stretched thin but making it work."

• "His legacy speaks for itself."

• "In a time when programming has become an afterthought, he still knows what it means to do it right."

• "His programming instincts keep the LA stations in the game to compete for the top spots."

• "What can I say ... the man is a genius and is wonderful at what he does."

• "I am voting for him because he has made AMP Radio the first real competitor to KIIS since the early days of Power 106."

• "Synonymous with consistency and integrity."

• "His diversity of programming formats with so much success makes him a must for my list."

• "For a very private man, he programs some of the most successful stations in the market."

• "Arguably one of the smartest men in radio."

Country Radio Has New Morning Sound

(October 13, 2014) Country Radio has different voices this morning. Earlier this month, Inland Empire’s KFRG (K-FROG) teamed 21-year station vet and current midday host Heather Froglear with longtime morning man Scott Ward. Besides morning drive Scott continues as music director, while Heather continues as director of promotions. Tommy Carrera, who was the longtime morning co-host, left the station as CBS restructured personnel. “We very fortunate to be able to team two people who have been on-air with us for 20 years,” said K-FROG pd Lee Douglas. Producer Kelli Green is also heard on the morning show. Christy McLeap, who previously shared middays with Heather, now extends her shift to the full 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Photo: Kelli Green, Scott Ward, Heather Froglear)

At Country KKGO, a new morning debuts with Graham Bunn and Debra Mark. How did reality star (Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise) Bunn get the morning show with no radio experience? “Credit for discovering Graham goes to Michael Levine,” said Saul Levine, owner of KKGO. “In the search for the next radio superstar, Michael searched high and low for almost a year. And Graham had all the qualities we were looking for.” Michael, Saul’s son, joined KKGO in 2004 as marketing manager and now adds local station manager to his title. Michael formerly worked as assistant to Governor Gray Davis.

“Graham did not think about radio dj work, nor seek it,” continued Saul. “Michael had searched the Internet for talent. When he saw Graham's tv shows, and a history of his work, he sensed that this was a talent that could really do well in Country radio. Michael discussed this with me and I encouraged Michael to follow through. Graham was given an audition and he was terrific - very warm and conversational. We decided to make him an offer and Graham was excited and eager to get into radio.”

Saul said that they read about Debra Mark in LARadio. “We knew she was a pro. She provided audition material and we were sold.”

Levine was particularly proud to land Ted Lekas as morning show producer. “We heard about Ted and met with him. He convinced us he could pull this show together and make it succeed. We have that confidence in him,” said Saul of the decade-long producer of the Mark & Brian Show.

“Prior to Graham, Michael had contacted many movie, tv, and Country artists. Many had promise, but it was not possible to make it come together, either because of schedule or other issues. The message is that young people are not going into radio, and we have to go after talent and bring them into radio. I am proud that Michael, who is young, was able to think outside the box, and make this happen,” concluded Saul.

Babe Ruth Interview. Len Shapiro, executive director of the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame, is looking for information on an interview by Richard Walsh with Babe Ruth on November 4th, 1940 on an unknown LA radio station.  “This request came from an author working on a Babe Ruth book out of Washington D.C.,” emailed Len. If you can help, email Shapiro at:  lenhockey@aol.com

Hear Ache. Dusty Street returned home over the weekend, still in a cast. She suffered complications from major foot surgery that put her in a skilled nursing facility for 6 weeks. “I still have 6-8 weeks of cast then boot but will be walking better than I've been able for the last 4 years … Steve Dahl, former jock on KPPC in the early 70s, returns to over-the-air radio on WLS-Chicago, after a six-year hiatus. “Chicago and WLS are known for great radio personalities,” said WLS ops director Peter Bolger. “That’s why I’m proud and excited to have Steve Dahl back on ‘The Big 89.’” … Veteran newsman and Talker Sandy Wells is celebrating his one-year anniversary with Radiate Media as evening news anchor for KSFO-San Francisco. “I also performed as an interim traffic reporter for KGO (via ISDN) in the evenings while also covering KSFO news,” emailed Sandy … Dave “Chachi” Denes’ Benztown (radio imaging, voiceover, programming and jingles) has inked a deal with Westwood One and Cumulus’ owned and affiliated stations.

Jingle Ball Announced. KIIS’s Ryan Seacrest officially announced the all-star performers for KIIS’s Jingle Ball 2014 which will include Taylor Swift, 5 Seconds of Summer, Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, Iggy Azalea, Meghan Trainor, Charli XCX, Jessie J, Becky G, Rixton, Rita Ora, Kiesza and Shawn Mendes along with a special guest host Nick Jonas.

Martindale Returns to Zucker Event. Wink Martindale returns this week to emcee the 20th Annual IRWIN Literary Awards, sponsored by the Book Publicists of Southern California this Thursday night. The awards banquet will be held at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City. The public is invited to attend and you can get more information at 323.461.3921. In 1998, Martindale was the celebrity presenter at the 4th Annual IRWIN Awards ceremony. "We are thrilled that Wink is returning after 16 years to emcee," said the group's founder, Irwin Zucker, in whose honor the Award was created. Among the winners at the 1998 event was Don Barrett for Best Merchandising Campaign with his book on radio people. Hopefully, Don will return for the 2014 event as an attendee. This year 16 authors will be winners for excellence in different categories.”

 Email Monday

Seven years ago, Vin was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the 57th Annual Golden Mike Awards dinner. The late Rory Markas, then-Angels announcer, gave a rousing, passionate and heartfelt introduction to Vin Scully.   

Rory once had an opportunity to congratulate Vin on his contributions to the game. Recalled Rory: “His humble reply was, ‘Well, I got lucky, I was fortunate enough to come along at the same time as the transistor radio.’ As a kid I remember his voice carried on the wind from some radio a few rows away, just as it does today.”   

Rory talked about the many times traveling with his father, when they hated to get to their destination while Vin was calling a game. “We’d just stay in the car listening to him with the engine running. I can’t imagine L.A. without Vin Scully and I don’t want to.” 

In introducing him, Markas said: “And now the greatest Dodger of them all!”    

Humility permeated everything that Vin said during his brief acceptance speech. “One of the things I learned is that most of us will never be heroes. Somebody has to stand on the curb and applaud as they go by. I’ve been applauding the achievements of others for most of my life.”   

Vin broke down the Lifetime Achievement Award into school terms with a definition of his own. “Lifetime is in God’s hands, not mine. My lifetime could have been very short, or it could have been medium or long, but it’s His call. As for achieving, I would think of my wife who raised six children while I was at the ballpark every night, every Saturday, every Sunday, every holiday or on road trips doing football and five-day trips to do golf tournaments. She was home being mom and dad, teacher, doctor, nurse, psychologist, banker, and policeman, as well. I think of achievement, I think of her.”   

Vin concluded: “For whatever reason I was given – undeserved – modest talent and God has allowed me to do what a child dreamt about all those many years ago. I love the line I read – ‘God gave us memories, so we could have roses in December.’ What you have done for Ed [Ed Arnold was co-recipient of the Lifetime Award] and me is to give a bouquet of roses and I will cherish them and keep them close to my heart. When I look at this trophy, I will think of God’s will for a lifetime. I will think of my wife for this accomplishment and I will think of the association for the award.”    

Vin will be back for another season of Dodger baseball, and he'll serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2014 Rose Parade.

#2

Vin Scully

Some of the comments from those who voted for Vin:

• "Amazing that even at his age, he sounds better and better every season: ageless and one-of-a-kind. He's the Babe Ruth of baseball play-by-play men."

• "With all the expectation for the Dodgers this year and not being able to watch the game on tv, Vin Scully truly brings Dodgers baseball to life!"

• "The absolute best in the business. We are so lucky to have him live and local."

• "The best play-by-play man in the history of the game."

• "If anyone in broadcasting needs an explanation why he's #1, you're in the wrong profession."

• "He is 'Summer Radio' in Southern California. Simply the best."

• "Vin Scully is in a league all by himself. No one is better at painting a picture with words."

• "The only person who can make the first three innings more interesting than the last three."

• "The poetic voice of summer."

• "The best asset the Dodgers have ever had in the ball club's storied history from Brooklyn to L.A."

• "A one-man institution. When he goes the Dodgers will never be the same. And I am Angels fan."

• "Still the standard for excellence, not just in play-by-play but in broadcasting and life, period."

• "Vin Scully is in a league all by himself. No one is better at painting a picture with words."

• “It’s only a few innings but it’s worth it.”

• “A voice we should treasure while we still have him.”

• “Vin is the best sportscaster of all time!”

• “Forever the gold standard.”

• “As good as comfort food, great to know he’s in the Dodger broadcast booth.”

• “This person personifies broadcasting at its best.”

Mason Back to San Diego. For the past 13 months, Dave Mason has been the apd/md at K-EARTH. Dave is returning to his former, XHPRS in San Diego. He's replacing Jay Coffey. When he left for K-EARTH, the San Diego station was known as The Walrus. Now the station is a Classic Hits station called MAX/fm. Dave will work middays and be assistant program director.

“Dave is well-known to the San Diego market, great with clients and events, and will be my partner in taking MAX to, well…the MAX,” said pd Mike Shepard in a memo to the staff. Dave starts October 13.

“I’d personally like to thank Jay Coffey, who has done a great job over the past 12 months. I know you’ll join me in wishing Jay the very best in his future endeavors,” concluded Shepard.

LARadio Rewind: October 2, 1998. Gene Autry dies of respiratory failure at 91. Born in Tioga, Texas, Orvon Grover “Gene” Autry learned to play guitar as a child and sang in a church choir. He worked as a cowboy, a telegraph operator and a medicine show musician. He then started performing on KVOO in Tulsa and on the WLS National Barn Dance program. He began recording in 1929. His hits included Here Comes Santa Claus, Back in the Saddle Again, The Last Round-Up, That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Autry appeared in more than 90 Western movies. He hosted Melody Ranch on radio from 1940-56, and a self-titled tv series, 1950-56. He later co-founded Challenge Records. Autry’s Golden West Broadcasters owned KMPC, KSFO, and KTLA-Channel 5. In 1961, he purchased the Angels baseball team which he owned until 1997. Autry is the only entertainer with five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, for radio, television, recording, motion pictures and live theater. (LARadio Rewind is meticulously prepared by Steve Thompson)

Hear ache. Michael Knight, former news anchor at KFWB, is headed for KMJ AM&FM in Fresno … KLOS’ Gary Moore is giving away tickets to the Hendrix Experience concert … Howard Fine did some snooping and found the KLAD call letters already being used by a station in Klamath Falls, Oregon. 

Funnie. Today's funnie from Timmy Manocheo

Email Thursday

We GET Email …

** Musical Chairs

“So Dave Mason leaves XHPRS at the end of August last year when it was ‘The Walrus’ and is replaced by Jay Coffey.

Now –13 months later – Mason’s going back to San Diego and his original station [which is now ‘MAX/fm’] replacing Coffey.

And Coffey, who ended up both replacing Mason and being replaced by him, is a former KRTH program director.

I’m getting dizzy and need to lie down.” – K.M. Richards

** Running With the Stars “What a cool surprise to receive your email with my face and Debbie Reynolds staring at me. Awesome. Best email I’ll open all day I’m sure. Thought you might enjoy the one attached of me and Donny Osmond. I think you knew I was a runner, right? Well, Donny was the host of a 10k event in Las Vegas last October so hung with him for the day. Believe this, out of 2,423 runners, I won the third place medal in my age category. Shocked myself. In case you’re wondering about the cane, he slipped and fell on stage at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino where he and Marie have their show. Tore [badly] his ACL so reason for the cane, but he’s long gotten rid of it and everything is back to normal. Okay, keep up the great work Don and I’ll keep running.” – Ron Oster, former KWIZ