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(Dr. Demento,
Rita Wilde, Lew Irwin w/daughter Sara, Brian Whitman, Jerry G. Bishop, Lisa
Foxx, David Cook, and Alan Oda)
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(Kevin McCabe, Chuck Cecil, Denise Fondo, Doug McIntyre, Steve Ray, and Kennedy)
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(Tommy Hawkins, Ted Sobel, Hawkins, Lisa Bowman, Hawkins at CRNTalk, Hawkins, Jerry Sharell, Mike Johnson, and Don Barrett)
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Brooke Binkowski, former KNX reporter/anchor, penned an op-ed piece for the LA Times on Friday |
Alan Oda Digs Japan
by Alan Oda
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(August 19, 2017) Don Barrett
was clearly having a slow news day when he posted some very kind words
about me. Nonetheless, I humbly accept his comments on behalf of our
team here in Kumamoto, Japan. A bit of background: Six years ago I was offered to go to Japan myself after training students here in the U.S. for disaster relief work after the 2011 Great Tohoku (Northern Region) Earthquake and Tsunami. It was a life-altering experience, seeing total devastation yet also signs of hope. Since then, each year I either have people interested in joining disaster relief work or we receive offers from Japan to continue assisting the rebuilding both lives and livelihoods. I want to emphasize two details. |
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First, I never, ever expected to be part
of volunteer disaster relief work and disaster relief networks, yet this
seems to be something I consider to be a Divine appointment. Second, I
really don't think there's anything exceptional about me, not any
specific gifts or talents for this sort of work. Maybe my most important
role is to show anyone can be helpful when others are recovering, I just
happen to have been given the opportunity these past few years. That being said, I've worked with some incredible people whose dedication amazes me. I'm currently part of a team of seven, all from Southern California, ranging in age from 13 (my youngest son) to yours truly (AARP eligible, but not just yet). We've done everything from helping with a kids Science Fair (children are greatly neglected since adults spend their time rebuilding their homes, businesses, and families) to cutting down overgrowth around property (including a local cemetery) and helping move belongings from damaged homes. |
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This year, just prior to our arrival,
mudslides left at least 11 dead and 600,000 people needing to evacuate
in the neighboring prefecture of Fukuoka. My team has shown great
flexibility and grit extending themselves by doing manual labor in 90+
degree temperatures and 90+ percent humidity, digging mud, dirt, and
rather large rocks. I'm honored to work with this team. Our stories are posted at http://ayoda.tumblr.com Your good thoughts and prayers are requested for these communities recovering from trauma, it's a privilege to be able to help out in some small way. We'll be back later with more stories and with great curiosity about Rick Dees back doing mornings on KOST. Sincerely, Alan Oda http://ayoda.tumblr.com ayoda@dslextreme.com |
Outlaw Radio - Animal House for Grown-Ups Who Haven't Yet Grown Up
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(August 18, 2017) For two decades, Outlaw Radio has
been one of those secrets on Internet Radio, where every guy who wanted
to disappear for a few hours of smoking, drinking, and telling
outrageous stories could vicariously participate. The brainchild of
Magic Matt Alan, host on the 70s Channel on SiriusXM
and a former jock on KIIS/fm, rides herd on a dedicated group of
decadents from a mystery location in the Southland. Think of it as Animal House with
grown-ups who haven’t quite yet grown up. The recurring cast includes radio legend Shadoe Stevens, entertainment manager to the star Howard Lapides (Dr. Drew Pinsky), Matt's musician brother Sherer, Hollywood producer Frank Hagan, the enigmatic Mark CG Boyer; and Outlaw Radio Show Producer - widow of legendary tv star Morton Downey Jr - Lori Downey Jr. Outlaw Radio is making a move into traditional radio circles as WNFL-Green Bay is the first to broadcast the mayhem every Saturday. They have been carrying the craziness for two months. Midwest Communications has eight more stations that are set to air the crazy cigar smokin' and martini swiggin’ romp soon. Lapides is spearheading the syndication and can be reached for more information on being one of the first to carry the weekend show at: Lapidesh@aol.com. One never knows who might drop in at Outlaw Radio. Guests have included: ZZ Top, Meatloaf, Spencer Davis, Chicago, Village People, The Cowsills , Bob Saget, Sean Young, Robert Hayes, Ann Coulter, Engelbert Humperdinck, Scorpions, Burt Reynolds, Michael Madsen, Pat Boone, and hundreds more. Listen this Saturday on iTunes or on the Internet (www.outlawradiousa.com). |
Reaction to Tommy Hawkins' Passing
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** Dual Stations "Very sad news about 'The Hawk.' I had the pleasure of working with Tommy Hawkins at KABC/KLOS where he would do sports on both sides of the hall, with Ken and Bob on the KABC side and 'The Fraze,' Frazer Smith at KLOS and not miss a beat. Moreover, Tommy always had a smile and a kind word for anyone and everyone he met. He’ll be missed." - Ira Lawson ** Worked with Tommy at KABC "I just read about the passing of Tommy Hawkins on LARadio.com and the news hit me hard. Tommy was a very special person. He was one of those rare people that everyone loved and respected. He was a gifted athlete. He had an unbelievable vertical jump during his basketball career. I had the pleasure of working with Tommy at KABC radio during the 70's and 80's. He was always smiling, and positive while doing a quality job on every project he was assigned to work. He was also a wonderful public speaker and inspired people here in Los Angeles for many years. I feel very fortunate to have had him as a colleague and friend. He will be missed.” - Geoff Witcher |
Tommy Hawkins Dies
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(August 17, 2017) Tommy Hawkins - a two-time University of Notre Dame men's basketball All-American, Notre Dame All-Century Team member, Notre Dame Ring of Honor inductee and 1959 Notre Dame graduate and veteran from KGFJ, KABC, and KKJZ - passed away yesterday at his home in Malibu, according to a Notre Dame press release. He was 80. Hawkins was the first African-American to earn All-America honors as a student-athlete at Notre Dame. Drafted in the first round (third overall pick) by the Minneapolis Lakers, Hawkins played 10 years in the National Basketball Association with Minneapolis, the Cincinnati Royals and the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 6,672 points and grabbed 4,607 rebounds in the NBA. Hawkins' life off the basketball court was as equally distinguished as his playing career. As a player representative, he played a key role in the first collective bargaining agreement with the players' union and the NBA. After his playing career, he worked in radio and television and served as the vice president of communications for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2012, Hawkins authored a book on poetry entitled Life's Reflections: Poetry for the People. |
Art Astor Classic Car Collection Auction
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(August 16, 2017) When
Art Astor was alive we knew him as an eclectic owner of
radio stations. What many did not know was he was an avid collector of
classic cars and old radios. “Thought this might interest you and your
readers,” emailed Dave Kunz, automotive reporter for
KABC/TV and co-host of The Car Show on KPFK. “As you probably
know, Art Astor auctioned off the majority of his huge classic car
collection some years ago, but kept some of his favorites. Now, those
favorites are up for auction in Monterey this week in the wake of his
passing.” More information and a look at some of Art’s classic cars by
clicking the artwork. In other news: Radio news websites have dwindled in recent months. San Diego is now without a full-time outlet. On Monday, Rollye James announced that she was ending VoxJox.org, a site paying tribute to the men and women of early Top 40 radio. The site was started by former Billboard editor, Claude Hall. When Claude got too sick, Rollye came to the rescue but now that Claude has passed on, Rollye is calling it quits. “I’m stopping it with much frustration over having no other choice,” wrote Rollye. “If I were retired, it would be the perfect pastime, and I’d embrace it wholeheartedly. But I own a couple radio stations and run a few corporations. Fortunately nothing I do is physically intensive, but all of it is tremendously time consuming. My ongoing fantasy is that I will find a Time Shop where I can buy a few hours, or a weekend, or an extra Sunday. But as technologically advanced as society is now, we’re not there yet.” |
Rick Dees to Mornings at KOST
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(August 15, 2017) KOST
morning host Ellen K took some time off earlier this
month for wrist surgery (she injured it in a snowboarding accident while
showing off for her husband and teenaged son) and Rick Dees
sat in the chair. Rick and Ellen ruled mornings for many, many years at
KIIS. “When I called Rick and asked him to help, he didn’t hesitate- I
am happy that the show will be in the hands of someone I know and
trust,” said Ellen. “It was such fun and the audience response was
phenomenal,” emailed Dees. “Ellen K., as always, was so thoughtful to call on me to help during her wrist surgery. Darlene of Ellen's show has the complete audio link. She's a pro, and so is Ryan Manno, along with Alaysia working the phones and Rockin' Rosie, the traffic superstar. President Kevin LeGrett created a high mark when he came by and offered a ‘high 5 !’ Then he said I had to host a minimum of two shows in order to get my parking validated.” |
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In other news, Terry Hardy sent along a very warm story from the Thousand Oaks Acorn about Jaime Jarrin ... April Whitney, former KROQ dj for over a decade, had a stress related heart attack four years ago. She returned to the hospital earlier this month. “It's called Takotsubo or ‘Broken Heart Syndrome’,” April posted on her Facebook page. “It's a heart attack caused by stress. They're not kidding when they say stress can kill. It's rare, you'll usually hear about it when someone dies right after their partner of a long time dies. That is often ‘Broken Heart Syndrome.’” |
Alan Oda Leaves Classroom to Help Earthquake Relief in Japan
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(August 14, 2017) Almost from the inception, Alan Oda has made enormous contributions to LARadio. He’s got radio in his blood and enjoys writing about it. But his day job is at Azusa Pacific University where Alan is professor. He is one of the most decent human beings I have ever known. Six years ago a major
tsunami hit Japan. Every year since then, Alan has given up his vacation
to participate in post-earthquake relief. Alan and his two boys join
members of his church from Santa Monica as they help with the cleanup. The
man is so humble. One year I remarked what a remarkable heart he has to
make this yearly sacrifice and he remarked that God has presented him with
an opportunity and all he did was take it. You can read about his efforts
at his blog:
http://ayoda.tumblr.com.
In other news,
Jack Hayes, former dj from Top 40 KFWB in the 60s, was
released last night from the Tahoe Pacific Hospital after spending three
days following a stroke. “Scared the hell out of me,” said Jack … K-EARTH
morning Gary Bryan is in London helping Tom Cruise do
some stunts for Mission
Impossible … Brian
Roberts is recuperating from knee replacement surgery …
Cameron Ward asks: Do you know why you should never break wind in
an Apple Store? “Because they have no Windows” … Tonya Campos,
former pd at Country KKGO, has joined Skid Trax, a company that offers
tune-ups for small and medium market radio stations. Skid Trax writes
imagining and slogans, designs or calibrates music clocks for better flow,
airchecks talent and helps stations utilize the tools they have to produce
a winning sound at a very affordable rate … Runaway Bronchitis put
Charlie Van Dyke in a Santa Barbara hospital for a couple of
days. He’s back at his home away from home this morning tending to his
station imaging chores. |
Tonight - Sunday, 8.13.17
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| "I can strongly
recommend the teriffic new 2 hour Elvis documentary to air Sunday night
on the REELZ TV Network. Produced by Peacock Productions (NBC) for this Elvis Week, they did extensive interviews with Sandy and me for the show. I feel sure it will be excellent." - Wink Martindale |
Email Saturday, 8.12.17
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** Russian Trip "Thanks Don, happy to contribute, Bill Smith seemed like a genuinely nice guy. Too often nice guys don't get the attention they deserve. Sad that often the recognition comes after they pass away. I read of your and your wife's adventures in Russia. Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear that you found no animosity directed at Americans, maybe there is hope that we all can live together in peace. Welcome home, your column was missed." - Mike Wick |
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** V A C A T I O N "A week without LARadio.com is a dreary week indeed. I am so happy that you and Cherie had such a wonderful time! I loved the commentary and photos about your trip to Russia. Here's wishing you and yours a long and happy time." - Sterrett Harper, Burbank |
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** Thanks for Remembering What Couldn't Be Remembered "Jim Healy! Loved the guy. Listened every day. You score a double: the name B. Mitchel Reed came to me in the middle of the lunch hamburger. Looked him up on your site. Sorry to learn of his passing. And I remembered and looked up my Top Fave: Johnny Magnus. Wow. He grew up in Germany. Never heard a trace of an accent. And Gary Owens. And that rogue late-night jock who broadcasted from some cave in Mexico - Wolfman Jack. In a moment of excess alcohol, I once suggested to Ron Chapman, the king of Dallas radio, that a site be assembled where folks could pull up and listen to these radio greats. But six thousand in LA alone. Yikes! William B. Williams in New York. I think the word is mellifluous. George Lorenz in Buffalo ['The Hound's Around!'] You belong to a proud fraternity, Mr. Barrett. Arthur Murray used to say on his show, 'Put a little fun in your life; try dancing.' You and your fraternity put a LOT of fun in our lives. Thank you! And your site is reprising all that fun for this old geezer in Green Valley, Arizona. Gotta go to PayPal and drops some coins in your tambourine." - Dick Wilke |
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** Winker with Elvis "I just wanted to share a great hour I spent listening to Wink Martindale on the Gilbert Godfrey podcast. If you love vintage L.A. radio, you'll love this podcast. Wink has such amazing stories about local personalities like Chuck Barris, the glory days of KMPC, and of course his friendship with Elvis. Sometimes, big stars get interviewed so often, they have standard answers to many questions. But not Wink. He went outside the box with great stories. Wink reminisced about the early days of radio, his numerous game shows, and his experience as a guest on the Ed Sullivan show. It is hard to imagine Gilbert Godfrey as a great interviewer, but he is. He has no filter and asks the uncomfortable questions. Thanks Wink for opening up to fans of local radio. You are a class act. If you'd like hear the podcast, go to http://www.gilbertpodcast.com/ " - Jeff Gehringer, Astor Broadcast Group & Astor Classics KSPA 1510 KFSD 1450 |
Hear Ache
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(August 11, 2017) KFI
midday Talker Shannon Farren will be the Chargers
radio sideline reporter this season. Home and away games. "I'm
thrilled!," emailed Shannon ... Dean Cantor, a
CBS/LA LSM, has exited the cluster ... Stella Prado
Kuipers is home from emergency gallbladder surgery ... After almost 11
years of hosting mornings on KWVE, pd Brian Perez
moves to the afternoon slot, where he'll also be hosting the
nationally syndicated Bible Q&A show, Pastors' Perspective. Bob
Shaw, who recently joined KWVE after nine years as morning
host on KFSH, takes the AM shift at KWVE ... An email earlier this
week stated HD programming on Saul Levine’s stations
incorrectly. KKGO HD2 is broadcasting K-SURF. The in-house
Classical format, K-Mozart, is now on 88.1 HD2 … Want to stir up some
controversy? Check out a new survey appearing in
RadioInk
listing the greatest Top 40
stations of all time … Charles Osgood, host of
long-running The Osgood File,
heard for decades on KNX, will be honored by the National Academy of
Television Arts & Sciences with the 2017 “News & Documentary Emmy
Award for Lifetime Achievement.” The honor is given to a journalist or
filmmaker who has “made a lasting and distinguished contribution to
broadcast journalism or documentary film.” … Congratulations to former
Star 98.7 pd Angela Perelli and her husband,
Chris Ebbott, pd at K-EARTH and AMP Radio, on their 14th
wedding anniversary … Condolences to Jay Coffey on
the passing of his brother … Angel Martinez is running for mayor in
Santa Barbara. Not the Angel on KFI. Santa Barbara’s Angel is a he …
People Magazine snapped a photo of KIIS’ Ryan
Seacrest and his galpal Shayna Taylor (l) strolling through
New York City’s SoHo neighborhood … Bill O’Reilly
launched a 30-minute-long news show, shot inside a studio and made
available online to premium subscribers to his website. The goal of
the studio show, he said at the end of the program, is to "bring
everybody into the annual premium membership fold and spread the
word." … Amber Perry, ex-CBS, most recently sales at
Pandora went over to The Chargers as a sales manger ... |
Idol Producer on Why Seacrest Was Hired for Reboot
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(August 10, 2017) Cecile Frot-Coutaz, American Idol’s
producer of the revival, was interviewed in The Hollywood Reporter
and was asked why the negotiations to bring back Ryan
Seacrest lasted nearly two months. “It was always going to
happen,” said Frot-Coutaz. “It’s hard for Ryan. He’s on the East Coast
now and had to figure out how to make it work, but he’s the
hardest-working man in show business, so there will be some flying back
and forth. But, as I said, it was always going to happen. He’s the face
of Idol." THR: Idol creator Simon Fuller has said that Seacrest is the show’s ‘single most important element.’ Is there one essential piece? Frot-Coutaz: It would be very strange to make American Idol without Ryan, but the danger is to forget that it’s the contestants that make the show. The key factor to a successful season is finding the right contestants. Even though the producers are very generous in their praise of Seacrest and claim the contestants are the key to success, they are spending $25 million on Katy Perry as a judge. |
Not So Gentle on the Times
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(August 10, 2017) The death of Glen Campbell
generated many memories from radio people. Trades, mainstream press and
tv stations paid their respects with feature stories, but a story in the
LA Times created a flurry of emails. The story in the Times: "His big breakthrough came in 1967 when his recording of the John Hartford tune Gentle On My Mind hit the #1 spot on the Country charts and the Billboard Top 40 and earned Campbell a Grammy."
"The way this is written, one could think it hit #1 on both the
Country charts AND the Billboard Top 40 but no, it did
place in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 but peaked at
#39 in 1968 upon its SECOND release," wrote
Bruce Chandler. "In 1967, the year the article is referring
to, the tune's first release, it only peaked at #62. There's a HUGE
DIFFERENCE between #1 and #62!! Although very recognizable, it was
only a mid-to-low charter on the Billboard Hot 100 TWICE!
Steve Thompson, a frequent contributor to LARadio, wrote to say that Gentle on My Mind didn't reach #1 on either the Top 40 or Country charts. "On the Country chart, the song reached #30 in 1967 and #44 when it was re-released in 1968," wrote Thompson. " Bruce concluded: "That's how FAKE NEWS is made..." |
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Reader Has Idea for Oldies K-SURF
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(August 9, 2017) It's true, if the Oldies format on
1260AM is to go to the next level and take on a personality of it's own,
it should be time after several months to hire live/local on-air talent
and have station ID's/bumpers professionally produced [Johnny Mann
singers?]. Enough of 'oldies are new again...' To this point anyway, it's nothing more than a juke box - JACK/fm has more personality. Also the TOH ID is outdated, it indicates the station is available on KKGO HD-2, which I believe is actually a stream of public Classical station KDFC from San Francisco - which is run by KUSC. I wonder how much attention in-house is really being paid to this format. Thank you." - Greg Wood, West Hills |
Hear Ache
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(August 9, 2017) KLAC's David Vassegh made the front page of the LA Times earlier this month, but what is wrong with this picture? David's reference in the story about new player, Yu Darvish. " ... a smiling David Vassegh, the host of the postgame talk show on the team's flagship radio station." No reference to KLAC. What a shame for this opportunity lost. With the massive black-out of Dodger games on tv, KLAC is the only place to listen. Perhaps this helps explain the station languishing in 31st place in the most recent ratings ... Chris Leary, former high-powered jock on KIIS, exited his co-hosting chores at Great Day, Washington after two years ... Former KFWB Top 40 jock Earl McDaniel managed the Champs (Tequila). It was Earl who brought Glen Campbell from Arizona to work with the Champs. RIP, Glen, at the age of 81 ... "Radio ain't what it used to be," emailed Roger Carroll. "Nothing yet on 99.1 Disney Country?" Nope ... Congratulations to sports guy Joe Grande on his 7th wedding anniversary ... Andy Barber, personality at BOB 92.9 in Tulsa, put out on his Facebook page that he was leaving. "Too much pressure all about this 50 years live radio thing," he wrote. The day wasn't over yet when Andy revealed that the Bob format was leaving but that he would be staying for the new Classic Hits format. His fans were delighted to find out it was a flipping spoof ... Oakland Raiders football broadcasts will be carried on KDAY. PD Adrian Scott declares that, “KDAY is the perfect [radio] home for the Raiders in Los Angeles. Hip-hop fans are the most passionate Raiders’ fans in Southern California and we are thrilled to continue to be the exclusive fm radio station delivering the Oakland Raiders.” The Raiders’ radio team consists of Greg Papa and former Raiders quarterback (1960 - 1966) and head coach (1979 - 1987) Tom Flores. |
Morning Has Broken
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Persons 12+ 1. Valentine (MY/fm) 2. Bill Handel (KFI) 3. Omar y Argelia (KLVE) 4. News Team (KNX) 5. Pat Prescott (KTWV) |
Persons 18-34 1. Valentine (MY/fm) 2. The Woody Show (KYSR) 3. Omar y Argelia (KLVE) 4. Ryan Seacrest (KIIS) 5. Mega Morning Show (KXOL) |
Persons 25-54 1. Valentine (MY/fm) 2. Omar y Argelia (KLVE) 3. Ryan Seacrest (KIIS) 4. Mega Morning Show (KXOL) 5. The Woody Show (KYSR) 5. (t) Jack (KCBS) |
KBIG Scores BIG in July '17 Ratings
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(August 7, 2017) KBIG just keeps getting the stack of
#1 monthly finishes taller, as they did in the just-released July '17
PPM, Persons 6+, Mon-Sun, 6a-12m. All-News KNX fell out of the Top 10,
perhaps the "Trump effect" that had helped so many news stations earlier
this year is beginning to lose its effect. KYSR (Alt 98-7) and KROQ
virtually tied in the Alternative category, while Sports KLAC and KSPN
dead even. The two Classic Rock stations, KSWD (100.3/The Sound)
and KLOS are within two-tenths of a point of each other. Oldies K-SURF
(KSUR) boogie boarded to impressive launch numbers, but this month the
station failed to crack the Top 40 station listings. Perhaps it is time
to insert some personality and promotion between the hits. 1. KBIG (MY/fm) 5.8 - 6.1 2. KTWV (the WAVE) 5.4 - 5.3 3. KRTH (Classic Hits) 5.1 - 4.8 4. KIIS (Top 40/M) 5.0 - 4.7 KOST (AC) 4.8 - 4.7 6. KLVE (Spanish Contemporary) 3.5 - 4.4 7. KCBS (JACK/fm) 3.5 - 3.4 KFI (Talk) 3.3 - 3.4 9. KPWR (Top 40/R) 2.9 - 3.1 10. KAMP (Top 40/M) 3.0 - 3.0 |
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11. KNX (News) 3.3 -2.9 KXOL (Spanish AC) 2.5 - 2.9 13. KKGO (Country) 2.8 - 2.8 KKRL (Urban) 2.9 - 2.8 15. KLAX (Regional Mexican) 1.9 - 2.7 KYSR (Alternative) 2.9 - 2.7 17. KROQ (Alternative) 2.4 - 2.5 KSCA (Regional Mexican) 2.8 - 2.5 19. KSWD (Classic Rock) 2.7 - 2.4 20. KRCD (Spanish Adult Hits) 2.6 - 2.3 21. KLOS (Classic Rock) 2.3 - 2.2 22. KBUE (Regional Mexican) 1.7 - 1.6 KXOS (Regional Mexican) 1.7 - 1.6 24. KJLH (Urban AC) 1.5 - 1.4 KLYY (Spanish Adult Hits) 1.6 - 1.4 KPCC (News/Talk) 1.5 - 1.4 KUSC (Classical) 1.5 - 1.4 28. KCRW (Variety) 1.5 - 1.2 KDAY (Rhythmic AC) 1.3 - 1.2 30. KSSE (Spanish Oldies) 1.3 - 1.1 31. KLAC (Sports) 0.9 - 1.0 KSPN (Sports) 1.0 - 1.0 33. KRLA (Talk) 1.0 - 0.9 34. KEIB (Talk) 0.8 - 0.8 35. KWIZ (Spanish Variety) 0.9 - 0.7 36. KABC (Talk) 0.6 - 0.6 KFSH (Christian Contemporary) 0.5 - 0.6 KFWB (Regional Mexican ) 0.6 - 0.6 39. KKJZ (Jazz) 0.5 - 0.5 KWKW (Spanish Sports) 0.4 - 0.5 |
Airchecks Needed
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(August 7, 2017)
"Currently I’m working with some friends on a documentary film about
that legendary period at KPPC from 1968-71, and am hoping that you, or
someone in your vast network of LARadio contacts would have some
knowledge about the existence of airchecks or other original broadcast
audio from the station? We have interviewed most of the dj’s from that period including, Susan Carter, Steven Segal, Barry Hanson, The Credibility Gap, Dave Pierce, Elliot Mintz, Don Hall, Raechel Donahue, Jeff Gonzer, and others, but have very little actual broadcast audio from this era, and the dj’s we’ve been in touch with haven't been able to supply much more than memories. I’m afraid that without more of that original material it will be very difficult to convey the unique character of the station and its contribution to LARadio culture to an audience today. I’m hoping you might be able to point me in the right direction to unearth some of the audio treasure that I know must be buried out there somewhere. Your website is an extraordinary resource that I only heard about today when I was discussing this project with Carole Hemingway, who immediately mentioned your name and said you would be the best place to go to further my quest. As an LA native, I’m excited to look further into this site and thank you so much for putting it together; hope to hear back from you soon." - David Gaines dscgaines@gmail.com 818/522-9040 |
Carson Daly Out ... Who is In at AMP Radio?
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(August 7, 2017)
As CBS/LA
prepares for their merger with Entercom (note that Entercom will be
calling the shots once the merger is approved), there has been some
local reorganization. Chris Ebbott, currently pd at
K-EARTH, will also oversee Top 40 station 97.1 AMP (KAMP). The first
major decision Chris will have is to fill the morning slot, recently
vacated by Carson Daly (l), who resigned on July 27.
Daly said he did not come to this decision easily, saying, “for me to be on every morning in my hometown, to be able to talk to you guys, it’s literally been the greatest. I just want to have breakfast with my kids.” Jerry Del Colliano, publisher of Inside Music Media doesn’t think that Carson quit his radio show to spend more time with his family. “Dan Mason hired Daly to go head to head with Ryan Seacrest on KIIS. Daly is a big salary, and any CBS employee who has a big salary knows Entercom is coming to take them away.” It has been no secret that Carson’s morning drive numbers have been disappointing to the CBS brass across all demographics. In tv, he is the fair-haired boy at the Today Show and is being groomed to eventually replace Matt Lauer. Last month during Matt's vacation, Carson sat in the anchor chair. Back to Ebbott, what kind of a morning show is he looking for? “I’m looking all across the country for either an established show or individuals that we can put together,” emailed Chris. “I'm actually in Atlanta at Morning Show Boot Camp talking to everyone who will talk to me. :)” |
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Ebbott is well-liked at CBS/LA. His boss, svp
of programming Kevin Weatherly, had been AMP’s pd.
“Chris and Kevin are masterful program directors at the top of their
field,” said Dan Kearney, head of the LA cluster. “This
move will further strengthen 97.1 AMP, making it a standout Top 40
competitor in Los Angeles, while boosting the overall performance of our
entire cluster.” “Chris is an established programmer and has done an amazing job with KRTH the past few years,” added Weatherly. “His experience and leadership make him the perfect choice to take on the day-to-day programming responsibilities at AMP Radio” |
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LaLa & Carmelo Anthony |
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** Bill Smith's Passing "Thank you, again, for being the conduit to the past, present and in many ways the future of radio. But for LARadio.com I would never have heard the sad news of the passing of Bill Smith. I only knew Bill from seeing him on television, but remember him well as being fun as well as informative and so likeable. Without you I, and I’m sure many others, wouldn’t have had an opportunity to say goodbye to someone who brought many hours of joy into our lives and for a few minutes at a time gave us a welcome break from the pressures of everyday life. Thanks Don, thanks Bill." - Mike Wick |
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** Big Nasty Missed "I was just perusing thru your website LARadio, and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your entry on Joe McDonnell, the 'Big Nasty.' I moved to LA from Charlotte in '99 when I got married. I enjoy sports talk radio, and immediately grew attached to Joe and the McDonnell-Douglas show. Those two were so cool, and so well-connected and knowledgeable. If it was LA sports, Joe & Doug were in the know. I really enjoyed that radio show, and really was disappointed when Joe had his medical issues and was unemployed. What a great talent. He will be missed. Thanks for your very inspiring and very poignant entry on Big Joe." - Ed Price, Valencia |
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LARadio Archives: January, February, March 2017 April, May, June 2017 July 2017 |
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About the Publisher of LARadio.com, Don Barrett
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As publisher of LARadio.com, Don Barrett chronicles radio news and lists 6,000 people in Los Angeles who work or have worked in radio in the past 50 years. Barrett is a historian of contemporary Los Angeles radio history and author of Los Angeles Radio People, published in 1994. He published a second volume of the book a year later, along with the launch of a daily website column. In 2013, he started as the radio columnist for the Orange County Register. Barrett's Southern California roots (Santa Monica) include a bachelor's degree from Chapman University. He also earned a master's in psychology. He spent 10 years in radio working as a disc jockey, program director and general manager (W4-Detroit and WDRQ-Detroit). He launched KIQQ (K-100) Los Angeles in the early 1970s. In the mid-1970s Don joined the motion picture business, working as a marketing executive at Columbia, Universal, and MGM/UA. Barrett was part of the marketing team that released E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Back to the Future, Thelma and Louise, Rocky and James Bond movies. He also represented a number of films at the Cannes Film Festival. He was the first recipient of TALKERS Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award. Don has been honored with an honorary Golden Mike and Special Recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists. |
