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(Dorothy Lucey, Steve Edwards. Jillian Barberie, Dennis Baxter, Foster Brooks, Frankie DiVita, and Joe Cipriano)
Chachi Never Saw His Firing Coming
 |
(September 22,
2020) Barack Obama had just been
elected President of the United States, the
economy was beginning to crater and the worst
kept secret in the radio business was the
pending downsizing of highly leveraged Clear
Channel Communications (now iHeartMedia). The
company was $20 billion in debt. Locally, KBIG had recently rebranded as a Hot AC station under the new moniker of MY/fm. Dave “Chachi” Denes was the programming head who orchestrated the change at KBIG a year earlier. “For months all division heads were being interviewed asking what each person did,” Chachi recalled on a recent podcast. “I rationalized that the station was doing so well, I guessed I didn’t have to make any layoffs.” The station had one of the best ratings in the country. He was totally unprepared for the outcome of the reviews. Greg Ashlock, the head of the Clear Channel cluster, returned from a manager’s meeting with a list of people who had to be let go. “Not to minimize them as people, but at MY/fm I only had to fire a board op and a part-timer. It was really stressing me out because it is still someone who works for you,” said Chachi. Corporately, 1,850 were fired beginning on Martin Luther King Day in 2009. And then the phone call to meet Ashlock. You’re fired. “I was not expecting it. I had no idea there was a bullseye on my back,” confessed Chachi. Ashlock asked Chachi not to say anything to R Dub!, program director at KHHT (Hot 92.3). He was also part of the tidal wave of firings. They learned of each other’s plight in a phone call on the way home. “I was mortified and got on a plane to Brazil,” said R Dub! He’s now programming two stations in San Diego. Chachi has gone on to create an enormously successful company, Benztown, a leader in imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasts and jingles. Ten years later, iHeart is still the largest radio conglomerate in the country. Earlier this year they had another round of massive layoffs, cutting enough people that one former on-air host described the day as “one of the worst days in on-air radio history.” |
| Email Tuesday |
| **
Screamin’ Jay’s Almost Pivot
“A little-known fact about Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. In the beginning he really wanted to have a career as an opera singer. But there was more money in ‘Pop and Rhythm and Blues,’ and the world became a better place because of his decision.” – Joe Collins ** Guy Davis “My condolences to family and friends of Guy Davis. Guy was an outstanding broadcaster.” – Phil Harvey ** Isolation and Death “Sorry to hear of the death of Guy Davis. I can’t recall listening to him, but since he worked at many stations, chances are I may have heard him. Such is the state of radio nowadays where you hear a voice and get used to it, then that voice disappears and another one takes its place. Most LARadio voices die a quiet death where we hear of one’s death a few days later after. Unfortunately, Mr. Davis decided to take the hard way out. He must have been under so much pain, so in desperation he decided on this path out. With the COVID-19 situation, I read that the suicide rate in the country has risen sharply since the start of this pandemic. Many people feel isolated and depressed. Something that was unimaginable in the past become a clear possibility. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.” – Dan Ramos, Joshua Tree ** Davis’ Path “So sad about Guy Davis. Our paths never crossed, yet your story was moving, as if I’d known him. Life: Nobody gets out of here alive.” – Randy West ** Alan Freed “Reading Brian Beirne’s story of Alan Freed. The guy who groomed me for radio at age 16 and getting me my first job at WHAY-New Britain, CT was my neighbor Hermie Dressel. Hermie, a drummer by trade, he played in Alan Freed's touring rock shows. They included epic shows at the Brooklyn Paramount. Hermie and Panama Francis, played drums side by side. Hermie also appeared in Freed’s movie, Rock, Rock, Rock. BTW, Hermie managed Woody Herman for many years. Also Dionne Warwick and The Kingsmen (Louie, Louie)” – Bob Sirkin |
Guy Davis Takes His Own Life
 |
(September 21,
2020) Guy Davis, one of our own in
LARadio, was having a terribly difficult time
when we posted a note from his wife last March.
Guy was fighting advanced rectal cancer. Sunday
afternoon he killed himself in the driveway of
his home in Auburn, according to his former
partner Mark Taylor. He was 65.
“He left me his last message on Thursday,” said Taylor. “I called back, but had to leave a message. His cancer was now stage 4 and he was in pain and told his wife he didn't see any way out. We had texted quite a bit and left messages, but I hadn't had a conversation with him in several weeks. His message to me Thursday was fairly upbeat, however he sounded extremely weak.” Guy grew up in the San Luis Obispo area and worked central California, including a station in Bakersfield, KCUB-Tucson, KISS-San Antonio, KBST-San Diego before arriving in Los Angeles. Beginning in 1985, Guy was heard on KHTZ, KBZT, KLSX, KBIG, KNJO/KLIT/KMLT, plus KABC. He left KBIG in late 1995 and was active in voiceover work and developing a syndicated cigar talk show. Guy was an auctioneer specializing in fund raising and charity auctions. In the fall of 1996 Guy started working at KLIT. He later teamed with Mark Taylor in 1998 for the Taylor/Davis report at KABC. The team broke up in 2000. In May 2019, Guy was diagnosed with rectal cancer. His wife, Kris, shared his story in her plea for help. “Medical bills and co-pays have been overwhelming. Unfortunately we signed up for short-term medical insurance while waiting for Medicare to kick in. We got a letter from our medical insurance stating that Guy’s cancer was preexisting and short-term insurance does not cover his cancer treatment. We are in debt $90,000. The colonoscopy and biopsy caused damage to the tumor which caused severe bleeding. He lost so much blood and was so weak he barely made it. He has had two blood transfusions. He just finished radiation, which did stop the bleeding and gave us hope. He went to Arizona to a natural health clinic to build up his immune and strength, which was all out of pocket cost. Next is hernia surgery than colostomy surgery and chemo.” Kris said it’s been overwhelming and stressful but they were “staying positive!” She concluded: “Guy has said he’s had a wonderful life and radio career. He’s very grateful for the amazing friendships he made along the way. We appreciate your consideration to help!” |
Here is an important resource for those struggling with suicidal thoughts: https://reportingonsuicide.org/recommendations/
| Screamin’
Jay. Brian Beirne,
Mr. Rock N’ Roll, caught the photo of Johnny
Otis with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. “Jay
was one of the over 120 acts I had at the Greek
Theatre as part of my Legends of Rock and Roll
Series. We even had him come out of famous
coffin to sing I Put a Spell on You. He
was a real showman who was said to have fathered
77 children which was a show unto itself.” Brian knew him for many years. “He had great rock n’ roll stories. He told me a great story about how Charlie Thomas of The Drifters locked him in the coffin once. He didn’t want to do the coffin bit anymore after that but then Alan Freed wanted him to do it for a show. Jay said NO, but then Freed started counting out hundred dollar bills. After each hundred Jay would say NO. When Freed got to $1,200 and started to take the money off the table Jay said YES.” Alvarez Challenges. Former KROQ personality Jimmy Alvarez has struggled with diabetes for over 20 years. “It’s almost taken me twice, and caused me to have double cataract surgery at 37,” Jimmy wrote on social media. “Last week I experienced headaches and blurred vision, by mid-week I had floaters that obscured vision in my left eye. By Friday morning, the headache and blurred vision was concerning. I was able to get an emergency doctor appointment. By midday the floater got bigger. By late afternoon I lost all vision in my left eye. It was like looking out a dirty window and there was a sandstorm outside, the sand being red and brown. I also had bright pulsating light of every shape and color when I closed my eyes.” Jimmy continued: “I got to the hospital and they too were concerned. While I was waiting to see the doctor, I was admittedly scared. The doctor said he was concerned I may have permanent loss of vision. I had a few procedures done to both eyes, surgery on the left. I was told I would know within a day if it was successful or if I needed more evaluation. Friends, that was a very scary moment, but I felt calm after the surgery. I had this sense no matter what happens, life would go on.” Last Friday Jimmy shed a tear as he regained his vision. “Life is weird, trust me.... don't take it for granted. We have a lot of positive things happening, I’ll never lose sight of that. I still have vision issues, but I think I’ll be OK... one way or another.”
** Guy Davis Passing "Devastating. I can't imagine his pain, mental and physical. My condolences to his family and friends. He was always so sweet to talk to, such a talent." - Katie Clark ** You Don't Understand Unless You've Been There "As a cancer survivor in that general area, I can tell you the suffering is more than you can take at times. It’s hard to imagine it’s only going to get worse. While I don’t condone suicide I do have compassion for Guy Davis. You don’t understand unless you’ve been there. R.I.P. Guy." - Jami Mayberry ** Tuna Start Time “When I spotted the photo of Charlie Tuna in your KBIG feature, one memory immediately jumped out at me. In 1990 at KODJ in one of my frequent meet-with-the-morning-show sessions, Charlie mentioned that he hoped he could change his radio show start time. Since he ran from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., I was braced for him to request a start time of 6:00. But no, he figured since a competitor’s show started at 5:30, he wanted to get a head start and begin his show at 5 a.m. I was stunned. I’d never had a morning show talent request longer hours before. His professionalism and determination to win still impresses me.” – Dave Anthony |
KBIG Format Flips Into 104.3MYfm
104.3MYfm pd Dave “Chachi” Denes described his new station: “104.3MYfm will be adult hits like Kelly Clarkson, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Fergie, Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, Shakira, Madonna, Santana and much more. Every song we play is or was at the top of the charts. You’ll love it.” CCLA vp/programming Michael Martin added, “With today’s consumer wanting to custom tailor everything to their liking the name MY is a perfect brand for radio. This is a station designed by the listeners to play music they tell us they want to hear. How do we know what THEY want to hear? Extensive market research and continual weekly music information to keep the station familiar, fun and family friendly. MY is designed to sit right in the middle of STAR 98.7 and KOST, playing a great mix of music styles and eras. The MY playlist is deep, filled with contemporary music from all genres. It’s a mix that is not currently heard in LA radio.” “Just listen to an hour and you’ll be hooked,” said Clear Channel market manager Greg Ashlock. “Every song puts a smile on your face. We’re very optimistic about the launch of this new station as Fresh [WWFS] in New York has experienced success out of the gate with a very similar playlist and presentation.” All day yesterday the new 104.3MYfm was commercial free and will also be jockless for at least a week while new listeners get situated with the music. The station plans a “significant outdoor” and on-air promotional campaign. Steve Thompson, host of LARP Rewind, monitored a two-hour sample of KBIG's playlist. Chart positions in parentheses are from the Hot 100.
Before He Cheats
- Carrie Underwood (15/2006) Tuna Says Goodbye…For Now. Meanwhile, Charlie Tuna played out his final 5-hour morning show at KBIG yesterday with as much professionalism as he did when he joined the station seven years ago. A studio filled with staff and well-wishers were there for the final song, Cycles by Frank Sinatra. Program director Dave “Chachi” Denes told Charlie on the air just before the end of the 9 a.m. hour: “Not only have you been an incredible quarterback for the last seven years for this station and a phenomenal mentor, I learned so much from you. You raised $2.5 million for Children’s Hospital over the past four years. You get here at 5 a.m. Whether you know it or not, this man gets up at two in the morning and puts on an incredible show, you are so loved in this building.” Mark Wallengren from KOST joined the final minutes to say goodbye to Charlie. “My first experience on the radio was talking to Charlie Tuna when he was on KHJ and they were doing the first Earth Day and we called in from Willard High School in Santa Ana. That was one of the reasons I got into radio and having known you for many years, you are a class act. This is not goodbye, this is au revoir.” Greg Ashlock, the head of the Clear Channel L.A. cluster, had high praise for Tuna. “Here’s one thing you can take to the bank. The guy you hear on the air is exactly what you have off the air. He’s a genuine man with tremendous character and he’s a great model for anyone who wants to get in this business.”
”It was quite humbling to be honored by the dedicated staff of Center that is day in and day out transforming lives and inspiring hope!” concluded Cynthia. Report Card. The Summer '07 Arbitrends Phase two was released yesterday. The numbers represent 12+ Monday - Sunday, 6a-12mid (M/J/J - J/J/A) 1. KSCA (Regional
Mexican) 5.0 - 4.8 Radio stations have an open invitation on the day after the ratings are released to highlight success in other demographics. The above numbers represent only the overall 12+ Arbitrend. Julie Kertes (KOST Marketing Director) Congratulations to KOST pd Stella Schwartz and her on-air team on a great Summer Phase II trend with a flurry of #1s! The station ranks #1 OVERALL with Women 18+, jumping from 5.0 to 5.8. In middays, Mike Sakellarides scores #1 with Women 18+, going from 5.6 to 6.7, and Lovesongs host Karen Sharp gets a #1 rank in two categories: Women 18+ [6.6 – 7.2] and Persons 25-54 [6.3 – 6.6]! KOST is the #1 English-speaking station among several categories:
We are beyond thrilled!” Karen Tobin (KRTH Director of Marketing) KRTH is pleased with the latest trends released by the Arbitron ratings services today. While only a trend, the second month of a three month ratings period, the trends are very positive for KRTH. During this second phase, K-EARTH 101 is headed for a strong SU07 book, having posted a consistent 3.6 AQH share for both July and August monthlies with the very desirable Adults ages 25-54 demographic that is important to advertisers. K-EARTH 101 cume for August '07 jumped to 1.36 million with Persons, ages 12+. These are the highest cume ratings for K-EARTH 101 in nearly 10 years (since Nov. 97)!! K-EARTH, 101 is tied 4th among English Language radio stations in Los Angeles in the 12+ demographic and ranked 4th in the Adults ages 25-54 demographic among English Language radio stations. Overall the rolling trends - June -August, in Persons ages 12+, K-EARTH 101 moved from 3.2 to a 3.4. “We’re pretty sure our 35th Anniversary concert helped us grow our ratings for the second phase of the trend, and we are well positioned to enjoy a strong Summer book,” said Maureen Lesourd, vp/gm of K-EARTH 101. “This is a very exciting time for this format in Los Angeles, and K-EARTH pd, Jhani Kaye is to be congratulated for continually reading the market so well.” LARP Rewind: September 18, 1969. On NBC's The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Tiny Tim announces his engagement to Victoria Budinger, who he called "Miss Vicki." Born Herbert Khaury in Brooklyn in 1938, the falsetto-voiced ukulele player and novelty singer became famous in 1968 when his Tiptoe Through The Tulips With Me hit the top 20. At Carson's insistence, Tiny Tim and Miss Vicki got married on The Tonight Show in December 1969 before an estimated 50,000,000 viewers. They would divorce in 1977. The top three songs on September 18, 1969 were Sugar Sugar by the Archies, Honky Tonk Women by the Rolling Stones, and Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Birthdays, September 18, 2007: Jimmie Rodgers (74), Robert Blake (69), Frankie Avalon (68), Fred Willard (68), Kerry Livgren (Kansas, 58), Joanne Catherall (Human League, 45), Holly Robinson Peete (43), Ricky Bell (New Edition, Bell Biv DeVoe, 40), Jada Pinkett (36). Emmy Aftermath. The LA Times tv reviewer Mary McNamara was not very kind to KIIS morning host Ryan Seacrest and his handling of hosting chores at Sunday night’s Emmys. “It was Open Mike Night at the 59th Annual Emmy Awards, organized by your server, um, host Ryan Seacrest. After putting in four hours on the pre-show red carpet meeting-and-greeting for E!, the chillingly ubiquitous Seacrest was presumably too fatigued to do anything like an opening monologue or actual hosting.” Fave Concert. Kat Snow remembers her favorite concert. “That would have been at the Whiskey in the mid-60's. Let's see if I can recall everyone that was on stage that night – Jimi Hendricks, Eric Burdon, Barry Goldberg, Buddy Miles, Taj Mahal, and a few more I can't remember at the moment. Wish they'd invented camera phones then or at least the microcassette. What a show!!!! WOW!!! I've got to stop living in the past.” Overheard.
Turning Off Your Computer. Should you turn off your computer every night? KFI’s Leo Laporte shared a white paper presented by a large company. “They have consumer grade hard drives and they have tens of thousands of them storing all that data. They monitor them constantly and they run all the time. What they found was that drives that fail early on in the first six months and then they are very reliable for a year or two and then there’s about an 8% failure rate every year after that.” Funnie.
LARPs: Have you found a fun and interesting entry on YouTube? Tommy Boman: It’s funny that you would send out this question because I was going to send you this video anyway. Our web designer shot this video this last weekend showing the opening weekend of college football broadcasts at Learfield Sports (www.learfield.com). Thought you might want to see the greener pasture I have moved on to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHz9M_nFO28&eurl Email Tuesday We GET Email…
** “Same Old
KBIG"?“This is in response to Monday's so-called 'format
change' at 104.3. I've been listening, and I must ask:
who does Clear Channel think they are fooling? This is
the same old KBIG with new packaging! ** New KBIG "Seems pretty similar to STAR. It would be perfect to bring the Star jocks over, and flip 98.7 to Country." - Drew Walker, WUSN-Chicago ** Web Star “Not sure if this is relevant for your LARadio site but it looks like STAR has a new color design and they changed their ‘frequent listener’ program from FREELOADER to A-Lister. The black-dominating color scheme is kind of scary-gloomy feeling. I'm all about black for that ‘cool’ look and feel but somehow for the site, it is too dark.” – Julie Wang, Hollywood
** Tell Me It
Ain't So! Charlie, you were and are a role model for generations of jocks who listened to you and idolized you on and off the air. I'm proud to say I am one of them. When Bill Drake put me in morning drive on K-EARTH in 1990 you were at KCBS/fm. I was honored and sad at the same time. Honored to be opposite you and sad that I couldn't listen to you on the radio. Drake would say to me, 'Remember Tuna is a push button away.' Charlie, you would inform, entertain and motivate the listener and do it all over the intro of a record. It could be a 5 second ramp or a 30 second intro. You respected the music but always put your own brand on it with what you said and how you said it. TIGHT? You were always tighter then a ducks butt and that's water proof! The highlight of my 35 year career was when I worked with you at KCBS/fm. I couldn't believe I was in a jock meeting with Charlie Tuna. I never told you this before, but I have to tell you now, you were and still are my radio idol. It was an honor to share the air waves with you. Both together on the same team and as competitors. Knowing you were there made me remember that every set I did had to be perfect, because Tuna's will be. You are a jocks jock! I wish you the best and thank you for teaching me so much every time I listened to you on the radio. God Bess you, Art...AND MAY THE BEAT...GO ON!" - Brian Roberts, Fleet/Internet Manager, BUNNIN GM SUPER CENTER, Oxnard ** Knowledgeable Johnson “I just want to say that Mike Johnson is one of the most knowledgeable radio people anywhere and it's great news that he has been promoted by Saul Levine. In the early 90's he was my producer at KMPC, and nobody worked harder or cared more about putting out a good show.” – Fred Wallin
** Color My
World and Make Me Smile |
 |
(September 18,
2020) It’s weird being the same age as
old people. It is in this spirit that we trapse
through the tulips of today’s radio. When we
read of thousands being fired in recent years
and corporations once again flirting with some
form of syndication or another, the radio
landscape seems to change once again. The young
always seem to grasp the current state of things
and they certainly don’t pine for the old days.
When I was made program director at KABL-San Francisco at age 27, I scoffed (wrongly) at the man who I was replacing, who was probably in his late 30s or early 40s. Such arrogance from me for the man responsible for the early success of KABL. When we ran the Entercom story earlier this week about LARadio People replacing local personalities, Charlie Van Dyke and I wondered out loud if radio was still a profession to pursue for a young person? There was much response and a smattering of LARP wrote philosophically about what appears to be the inevitable changes and maybe a lack of acceptance to the changes. |
| Former 93/KHJ and KWST
personality Bobby Ocean wrote:
“I’m a cartoonist and philosopher that just
happened to cross paths with a career in radio.
The broadcasting dream was a fantasy just coming
true when I hopped aboard the Top 40 train.
Being in smaller markets listening and learning
from the majors, working your confidence and way
up to bigger townships & cities was The Path I
chose.” Ocean is a seventh generation Californian who crisscrossed the state in pursuit of his radio dreams. “My fellow jocks and I ushered in some of this planet’s best music, kept company with several generations of evolving souls and even saved the planet several times. So grateful to have dined at that feast. Now, with only recordings surviving to relate the magical trip it was, that adventure is sadly no longer available.” Patrick Moore was chatting with a small group of 30s-40s aged first responders recently and they asked him what he did before retirement. “Told ’em I was a Top 40 disk jockey. Not one of them had a clue what I was talking about. Had never heard the term. Asked them when was the last time they listed to the radio. Unanimous answer; can't remember last time they had listened to a superhet. That answer your question? Should. It’s a dead soldier for now.” Jeffrey Leonard is the host of Facebook’s “Memories of L.A. Radio” group. He thinks there is no such thing as creativity in radio anymore. “When I started in 1973 it was magic, and had been for many years previous. If I was young and looking for a career now, I wouldn’t have the least bit of interest in radio. Corporations have destroyed it. It’s all about money and nothing else now.” Charlie Seraphin was the general manager of the CBS/fm radio group in the late 80s. “Those of us who grew up in radio share your concern,” wrote Seraphin. “Radio was fun, creative, and original. We worked with some outstanding, zany individuals. Consolidation killed creativity and cut the heart out of our business. Two months ago I took a job hosting a M-F talk show on a tiny station in the sticks. Having a ball and remembering what drew me to radio in the first place. Radio is a passion, not a corporate investment. RIP.” Beau Weaver was on 93/KHJ and K-EARTH in the 70s through the nineties. He is now one of the premiere voices today for imaging and commercials. “Having dinner with a very bright young woman whom you would recognize from her acting work on several television series. She asked about what led to my getting involved in voice over work. I told her that radio was my first passion. The puzzled look in her fact told me everything. She had absolutely no idea what there might be to love about radio. None. No magic, no theatre of the mind has ever come through a radio to her ears. Tried to explain. It was like trying to explain the thrill of using a dial telephone. It made me sad. But as OSH said, we got to dine at that banquet!” Iconic KABC morning man for decades, Ken Minyard was very strong in his observations. “Greed, new technology, syndication and consolidation all conspired to bring down local radio. With some notable exceptions it hardly exists anymore. I can’t imagine why anyone would choose to listen to commercial clogged radio when so many other options are available. The only answer I can imagine is the attraction to a certain personality but those will also be gone soon. We toiled in a great business that only existed in a small window of time. Can’t imagine anyone being attracted to it now and I would certainly advise them to look elsewhere.” Hear Ache. Howard Fine writes that KSPN is moving. “They have filed an application to move their transmitter site from Burbank Blvd just east of Coldwater Canyon in Van Nuys to share the KRDC-AM site Longden Ave E of Myrtle Ave, Irwindale. KSPN presently operates on 710 kHz with a power of 50.0 kilowatts during daytime hours and 10.0 kW during nighttime hours. They are requesting 34kw days, 2.5 nights.” … Laurie Allen left KKGO earlier this month after a long run. “The reason was she felt there was not enough time in her schedule,” emailed Saul Levine, gm/owner of Go Country. “We tried to talk her out of that decision. Laurie is one of the best air personalities in the station’s history, and certainly one of the most attractive. Mike Johnson has taken over her Sunday slot. KKGO Remains ‘live and local.’ KKGO is ‘Main Street not Wall Street.’” … Frank Murphy, former producer of the Kevin & Bean Show on KROQ, is starting a new podcast Monday. He recently left his longtime slot in Knoxville … Fire got very close to Mt. Wilson and the transmitter site for so many radio stations. Saul Levine is prepared. “KKGO FM 105.1 has operated from a Mount Wilson Transmitter since 1959. Concerned about the fire hazard to its MW Transmitter, a complete duplicate Transmitter was installed on Flint Peak above LaCanada on the former KPWR Tower. Although an expensive means to stay on the air if Mount Wilson is disrupted, it is a valuable back-up to allow KKGO to stay on the air through most emergencies.
** Car Talk “So fun to see Tammy Trujillo’s awesome Dodge Challenger on your page. Yes, Chrysler did some wild colors back then, and gave them creative names too. While Dodge and Plymouth vehicles would share a hue, it was up to each division to come up with their own name for it. So, the Panther Pink on her Dodge was called Moulin Rouge over at the Plymouth dealership. Other fun names they had were Sublime, Plum Crazy, and Citron Yella. And some of your LARP may remember Dodge’s catchy radio ads from that time. They used Dionne Warwick’s Do You Know the Way to San Jose but substituted the lyrics “Put a Dodge in your garage today.” I’d hear it regularly riding in my parents’ cars, usually on KMPC or KGIL. Who knows, perhaps the original owner of Ms. Trujillo’s Challenger was influenced by that spot!” - Dave Kunz, Automotive Reporter, KABC-TV, Co-host, “The Car Show,” KPFK/fm ** KNX MIA’s “I noticed on your LARadio.com website that you don't have Barry Rhode, Jim Racer, and Dick Wall listed. They were all at KNX. Any idea what they are up to? Another former KNX personality that you don't have listed on LARadio.com is Bill Lorin. He was an Orange County reporter. I think he came after Boyd Harvey and Mike Landa.” – Ian Sampson ** Radio Student Advice “My daughter Kate has succeeded in creating an accredited class in RADIO at Granada Hills Charter High School! Yes, the LASD has approved the curriculum, and she's teaching her first-year class in radio and mass media. Question: I'm going to be talking to the class on Friday, and wondering whether you or any of your readers might have some words of wisdom to pass along?” – Gary Bryan |
 |
 |
(September 17,
2020) Back in the 80s and early 90s, Lynda
Clayton worked for two iconic Rock stations
– KLOS and KMET. She spent 40 years in the
business and recently decided to hang up her
microphone. She posted a love letter to radio on
social media, which deserves a read: “I was asked again today: Why did you leave radio? Do you miss it? I answered, ‘It left me like a long and loyal marriage... a difficult separation.’ Radio will ALWAYS be in my blood. After 40 years of full- time radio, I tried to stay involved but I wanted to stay here with my family and not leave the greater Sacramento area. After KSSJ went off the air, the industry changed so much I couldn’t help make ends meet financially in music radio locally. I had to make decisions. One program director actually said to me, ‘you’ve had your time’. So, in other words, enjoy your ‘golden years’! (Thank you David Bowie.) It’s a letting go process that broke my heart. It did. You, who are still in your chosen career or in radio on air will know the feeling someday. You will need to reinvent. I tried to make enough money in voice-work, concert promoting, non-profit event planning, direct sales, and more. I just needed more consistent income with benefits so I got into a different industry. The beauty industry. I was lucky to have a friend already there who helped me and still does. |
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I’m so grateful Kate Crane. Since Covid-19 has changed all the rules in makeup and sucked the fun out of artistry and pampering you at Dior, the magic of makeup artistry is on hold but I can still certainly advise you and help you choose correct products from Dior or anywhere in our entire Nordstrom beauty department. I will send it directly to you or give you special storewide assistance. We FaceTime, do Style Boards via the NordstromOn app, etc. Yes, it is still possible to share connections and laugh together in store as well ...just please wear a mask and keep distance in check. Thank you. All industries are trying their best! All of them! For now, it’s what I gratefully have to sustain me...and I will hold onto all the wonderful memories of 4 decades of being on the radio and the amazing live music concert events hoping it all survives this unbelievable but very real reality we are in. My heart is with you all! Please hang in there! I am. It just has to turnaround. Rollin’ with it baby! Crazy times indeed! I can honestly say retail is a lot harder work than radio! Truly! Retail feet never stop hurting. Respectfully, please be nice to retail people. We put up with a lot! And, now we require you as well as all of us to wear masks...so, we just smile with our eyes! It’s not comfortable for us either. So, be nice, wear your mask over your mouth AND your nose...give proper space, follow the store rules, be respectful….or…just stay home. Right? Our store requires this. Oh and............. Yes, of course, I do miss radio! Know that you’re loved." - Lynda Clayton Hear Ache. The Greater Los Angeles Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists expressed concern over the arrest of KPCC/LAist reporter Josie Huang last Saturday, as she was covering a protest in the City of Lynwood … Kitty Felde thinks the #pandemic must be over. “I finally found sugar cubes on the shelf at my grocery store for the first time since March,” she wrote … Dave Kunz sent along a notice that Audi has introduced a Hybrid Radio experience that allows users to keep listening to their favorite stations, even when out of range of the signal. The press release quoted Michele Laven, president of Strategic Partnerships Group for iHeartMedia. “Radio has always been the consumer’s No. 1 choice for companionship in the car.”
** Missing Froggy “I'm glad you had a good birthday and welcome to the world of grandchildren growing up WAY too fast! Regarding KFRG, I mourn what a great station they used to be. Very independent, community oriented, and the ‘Ribbet’ themed nicknames made them stand out! Plus they did so much reach out beyond the Inland Empire that KZLA was hard put to keep up with them. I miss ‘Frogmen in the Morning,’ Heather ‘Froglear,’ ‘Hoppy,’ etc., but when their wattage to the San Gabriel Valley dropped, it was easier to listen to Go Country. Sad. Speaking of Go Country, it’s a loss to listeners that Laurie Allen left the station. She was a great voice for all listeners and her knowledge of Classic Country made Sunday mornings a must to listen to. Another station starting to lose its inclusion of all types of Country music fans.” – Julie T. Byers ** KBCA Secret Sauce "I appreciate Roland Bynum’s compliment about KBCA. It was an extraordinary operation with a level of programming that would be difficult to recreate today. The initial Jazz cycle ran from 1960 to 1989. I had little experience in operating an LA radio station in 1960 but I knew two things (1) Play the Hits, and (2) keep the chatter down. I had a hugh air staff perhaps sufficient to field two football teams. In those days radio positions were hard to find but there was a lot of talent, many from the Don Martin School, looking for work, and sadly positions not open for minority persons. I recruited a UN list of air people and had to train many of them. Rick Holmes and Jai Rich were formerly a postal clerk and a house painter. But the passion and talent for Jazz was there. Tollie Strode (Middle of the Freeway) was a fantastic talent. As time went-on, some djs began to talk excessively and I struggled to hold that down. One person in particular I will call X was beguiled by the fact we were on Satellite and began every break with—'broadcasting to North and South America.' I finally posted a message next to the mike saying 'Less is More' but that didn’t seem to help. So in those analog days my options were limited but I secured a navigation strobe-light, set it up in the studio linked to the microphone, so that 90 seconds after the mike was turned on, the strobe-light would start sweeping the studio as a warning to get back to music. X was not pleased and walked out of the studio never to return. Everyone else adapted and I removed the navigation light." - Saul Levine, GM KBCA/KKGO |
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"With all the bad news out there right now, thought I would share something fun - my brand new (at least to me!) 1970 Dodge Challenger in Panther Pink. She's a ground-rumbling 383 RT. And loaded! Panther Pink was one of the high-impact colors that Mopar featured in 1970 and 1971. Panther Pink is considered one of the rarest because fewer were made - guess the guys weren't into driving a pink car so much! She joins my neon orange Vitamin C 1974 Comet!" - Tammy Trujillo |
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(September 16, 2020) You’ll
need a scorecard soon as the face (sound) of
radio changes dramatically. LARadio deals with
the people who have entertained us over the
decades. Not so much the corporations, but in
the case of Entercom, their new strategy
directly affects the people on the air. Almost like the hub on a bicycle, LARadio people have become the spokes in the wheel to fill positions in other Entercom markets. In other words, local talent in other markets will be replaced with programming simulcast or syndicated from Los Angeles and other major cities. Everytime a new syndication deal is announced, another radio person is out of a job. They’ve started with two formats – Alternative and Country. Once the new strategy is perfected, you can expect the process to be used as a template for other formats. For conformity sake, Entercom has included “Alt” plus dial position for identifying all of their Alternative outlets. KROQ is the local Alternative station, with their morning show with Stryker & Klein being simulcast on Entercom stations in San Francisco (Alt 105.3), Dallas and Kansas City. Megan Holiday works afternoon drive at KROQ. She will also now be heard in Seattle (@1077theend) and syndicated on middays in San Francisco (Alt1053 radio), Kansas City, San Diego and Sacramento. Nicole Alvarez handles middays, her show will be simulcast in Seattle, Miami, Orlando and Las Vegas. Also, Entercom’s Seattle morning show will be simulcast in Sacramento and Portland, while their Las Vegas morning show will be simulcast in San Diego in addition to other markets. |
| Entercom doesn’t have a
Country music outlet in Los Angeles, so they
will be using Country personalities from back
East to fill in the openings created by layoffs.
KFRG (K-Frog) in the Inland Empire will lose
most of its local weekday hosts. We announced a
few days ago that morning personality Ginny
Harman is gone. A New York jock, Katie
Neal will be heard middays. Nighttimers from
the Detroit Entercom Country station will now be
heard on K-FROG. Megan Holiday expressed how thrilled she is to have her show heard in additional markets beyond KROQ. “When will I sleep, you ask? Not too sure but I am beyond humbled and up for the challenge,” Megan wrote on Facebook. Former 93/KHJ and K-EARTH morning man Charlie Van Dyke has been reading about all the changes being made by Entercom and is wondering what happened to the industry that captured his imagination and would not let go. “Would radio lure you these days? Where could one even start? And what kind of future does a new broadcaster have? I sure think it was more fun before consolidation. You?” Charlie added: “In fairness, I’m thinking that a number of industries have changed and would have hit many folks before their careers were completed. Installing telephones, neighborhood pharmacies and office supply stores, television repair people with a kit full of tubes, a doctor who makes house calls (well, that has been replaced by tele-health), milk and ice cream delivered to your door, switchboard telephone operators, video stores, taxi dispatchers, elevator operators, Linotype operators, encyclopedia sales people, typewriter sales and repair, and looking bad for travel agents...and others.” What do you think? Live and local important? Is this progress in the audio world? Hear Ache. KCRW’s 20-year vet Liza Richardson is one of two dozen staffers who took an early buyout from the Santa Monica station … Thank you so much for all the kind birthday greetings yesterday. It was truly overwhelming. In the morning I got FaceTime with my 9-month grandson, Matthew, who is now pulling himself up on EVERYTHING … Congrats to David Singer on his 21st wedding anniversary … Good luck to Mike Lundy as he begins his second round of chemo … George Johns has experienced three musical phenomena in his lifetime – Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and the Beatles. “They all rose from humble blue-collar beginnings but only Frank did it with class,” George wrote in his tasty newsletter … 'America's Court with Judge Kevin Ross' (former KABC Talker) has been renewed for seven more seasons … Jimmy Kimmel isn’t mincing words about the pitfalls of hosting the 72nd Annual Primetime Emmy show this coming Sunday on ABC. He thinks it may be the lowest rated ever. “I argued a coronavirus pandemic-challenged Emmys just might be the best thing that could ever happen to it, even if the logistics of having 140 cameras stationed at the nominees’ homes turns into a bit of a nightmare. People love watching train wrecks, right? I can imagine we’re going to have even more nominees watching this thing fully baked on marijuana edibles. Since I don’t need them to laugh, it’s fine.”
The late Jim Hawthorne had such an eclectic and successful radio career. He started in the 1940s at KXLA, KDAY, program director at KFWB, and KHJ. When LARadio started in the 90s, Jim offered to share some stories of his time in Hollywood. We jumped at the chance to relive his memories “Aahh, Hollywood... It was a World War II Saturday night at the famous Hollywood Canteen during my first semester in the titillating town of tinsel. I was in the midst of transition from the motion picture industry, where I toiled as an assistant director on a western movie series called Range Busters, and was soon to go to work as a weekend radio guy at 10-kilowatt KPAS in Pasadena. (Later the station would morph into KXLA and then in 1959 would become 50,000-watt KRLA. Today it is KDIS, Radio Disney.) It was then that I embarked upon one of the most memorable tasks of my fledgling adventure in Hollywood’s spectacular, notorious, jingle-jangle jungle. The Screen Directors Guild, as did all other guilds and unions in Hollywood at that time, requested that studio employees volunteer their services in many different capacities at the Hollywood Canteen. It had been founded by Bette Davis and John Garfield on October 3, 1942, and was located at 1451 Cahuenga Boulevard, near Sunset, in a building that had originally been a livery stable and then a nightclub. Each night, big name bands, movie stars, starlets, and wannabe performers from acrobats to superstars actually worked at the Canteen for free, providing welcome entertainment to our men and women in uniform who came from virtually every state in the union and many allied countries. I was a regular assigned to the stage crew. Some nights I handled the stage lighting, other evenings the public address system, etc. One of my most memorable duties was backstage – well, actually, in the kitchen. I washed dishes alongside Ingrid Bergman - she and I polished off a couple of stacks of plates and cups together. It was as if we had been doing it for years - that’s the way it was during wartime in Hollywood. Among the other “workers” that night was a new young actor by the name of Robert Alda, who was on the threshold of stardom at Warner Bros. Alda was to perform one of his favorite burlesque routines called “MAKEUP!” The “plot” of the act was that a movie was being shot and the actor (Alda) in the skit simply could not remember his lines. Each time he flubbed a line, the director would holler the familiar “CUT!” and scream “MAKEUP!” That is where I came in and swung a huge puff loaded with an over-abundance of talcum powder in Bob’s face, scattering the white cloud all over the audience. Each time that happened, the GI’s would go crazy. You may have seen the skit on ancient television re-runs. That evening was my introduction to the stage and I loved it! It was also my job to pick up and drive home those performers who needed transportation. That night, it was Bob Alda’s time, so away we went to his home in a remote part of the San Fernando Valley. Upon arrival at his modest abode, I was invited in for a cup of coffee, which I accepted. Upon my departure I bid goodbye to his wife and young son who was 7 or 8 years old at the time. The youngster came running over to me and “accidentally” stepped on my right foot – a really painful hit to my instep. Profuse apologies were given to me by Robert, his wife and, yes, the foot-stomper. I limped my way to my car and bid them farewell and headed back to the Canteen for the rest of the evening. The next time I saw the youngster with the lead foot was in 1945 when Bob was appearing at a screening of his first starring movie role, Rhapsody in Blue, the life story of famed songwriter George Gershwin. As for the tyke who clobbered my right foot, he grew up to star in the super hit tv series, M*A*S*H. To this day, each time I watch Alan Alda in a M*A*S*H rerun, my foot throbs.
** Sound On KBCA “Here’s one for you Saul Levine. As program director of KGFJ, when I hired a new jock for the station I had them to listen to KBCA. They would ask me ‘why should they listen to a Jazz station?’ My reply was, ‘just listen for a week, and after that time come back and tell me what you discovered.’ After a week had passed, I asked them what they had heard, and every one of them exclaimed, ‘this was the best sounding station in Los Angeles.’ Also, they had a better understanding of how to place the music in a cohesive rotation. No complaints after that. One more thing. On that trip to South Africa, I was the one who took Rick Holmes to the airport for that flight that he almost missed. Rick talked about that trip always.” – Roland Bynum ** Female Robin Banks Alive and Well “On KFI this morning, I heard a traffic reporter named Robin Banks who was a female voice. With the passing of the other Robin Banks (male), I thought with SAG/AFTRA no two air talents can use the same name?” – Bill Earl ** Eclectic LARadio “I am always so amazed at your hard work for the people in ALL of LARadio. The special awards you created, the books, the luncheons and get- togethers. You have such a talent for bringing people together despite being in an industry where we all have big egos. :)” – Mike Butts |
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| Crosby, Stills &
Nash (thanks Timmy Manocheo) |
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(September 15, 2020) The year was 1960, and
two very significant events became part of the
KNX/CBS Radio Program Schedule. Paul
Condylis and Bob Grant, a comedy team from WBBM
Radio-Chicago, arrived to star in “The Condylis
and Grant Show,” replacing the tired, old, “KNX
Matinee,” in afternoon drive (my wife Sheila was
the script girl for both). Barron Hilton founded
the Los Angeles Chargers Football Team with KNX
Radio set to carry their radio play-by-play with
The All American from Michigan, Tom Harmon,
behind the mike. Along with Condylis & Grant from WBBM, came Art Whittam now my new boss, the director of advertising / promotion for KNX Radio and Bill Wolff, as publicist. I was in charge of research and sales presentations. Frank Oxarart Jr. was the station’s merchandising manager, I was working under him. Whittam’s first big assignment was to produce the half-time show for a Chargers home game in the L.A. Coliseum. Whittam and Wolff handled the first parts. An introduction by our general manager, Fred Ruegg, then a performance by KNX Radio’s new stars, Condylis and Grant. Frank and I were to come up the final third of the program. We hit on “The Cavalcade of Transportation,” a parade of vehicles around the Coliseum track, starting with a covered wagon, followed by a stagecoach, followed by a model T, followed by a current automobile, followed by a car of the future, and for the grand finale, a flying saucer. The inspiration for all this was the availability of the flying saucer. Frank’s dad, Frank Sr. (also a CBS Radio alum), owned and produced The Commander Comet kids tv show with a prop flying saucer. |
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We had no trouble lining up the other
vehicles, but couldn’t find Frank’s flying
saucer after scouring various tv stations in the
area, including San Bernardino where the space
show was originally shot. Turned out, the saucer
was just two blocks away (from Columbia Square),
hanging from the ceiling at Dice Prop Rentals.
At the time, I was driving a VW Beetle, and the plan was to tie the saucer to my surfboard rack on top of the car. We drove it over Dice to see if it fit, and sure enough it was perfect. The saucer, viewed from the stands, would cover up the Beetle. We added a blinking red light in the saucer’s cockpit for added effect and on the Sunday of the event it was trucked down to the Coliseum for assembly on top of my car. As we all remember, the Chargers where not a big hit in L.A. For their seven home games at the L. A. Coliseum, where the total capacity at that time was just over 109,000, the Chargers averaged only 15,665 persons per game. It didn’t look like there were 10,000 in attendance the day of our half time show, and most of them came to see a scheduled Pop Warner game. I remember watching and listening to the radio in my car parked in the tunnel, and thought Tom Harmon had gone to the wrong stadium, he was that bad. Finally, half-time arrived. KNX general manager Fred Ruegg is introduced, takes the field before a stand-up mike, and his remarks (written by Bill Wolf) were booed. Then Condylis & Grant stagger (in character) out of the Coliseum tunnel, dressed in goofy Alpine costumes with Paul, the bigger of the two, shouldering a large tuba. They pantomimed around the field to a recorded tuba solo and are booed even louder. Finally came the Cavalcade of Transportation and the grand finale, the VW/Flying Saucer circling around the Coliseum track…dead silence. At least we didn’t get booed. Thankfully, not enough people witnessed the event to make it truly embarrassing. Epilog: Art Whittam, who was notorious for going to lunch at The Vine St. Derby and having his secretary call and had him paged there two or three times, went on to be a security guard at a San Fernando Valley discount store. Bill Wolff remained as publicist, director of on-air promotions and special events at KNX, retiring after 30 years to Manhattan Beach. Frank Oxarart Jr., retired from CBS as general manager of KCBS News Radio in San Francisco, now lives in Florida. Bob Grant became a controversial, conservative talk show host on WABC and WOR in New York. After a brief week-end stint at KABC Radio, Paul Condylis became involved with The Church of Christian Science in Boston and produced industrial films. He and Bob had a strained relationship and never really got along well. Me, I’m of course retired and still writing this stuff. Thanks to Bill Wolff, Frank Oxarart Jr., Arlen Peters (CBS Radio, ’68-’75) and Don Barrett (LARadio.com) for helping me track down some of the facts. No thanks, to the now, again, Los Angles Chargers, who didn’t help at all. Email Tuesday |
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** Kagan All Over the World “Sad notices in Monday’s column. I remember Marilyn Kagan would get calls from all over the Western US via KFI’s clear channel wattage late at night.” – Ron Yukelson, San Luis Obispo ** KBCA Personalities “Rick Holmes along with Jai Rich, and Tolly Strode were among the leaders of the KBCA air staff in the 1960s and 70s. Rick’s program time was 6 p.m. weeknights, beginning with the theme song Michelle, dominated Los Angeles radio for his evening shift even though only on fm radio. Around 1970, Rick announced on air that he was invited to join Cannonball Adderley at a charity event in South Africa which would be a fund raiser for the people of Biafra who were in desperate need of relief from the war raging around them. Rick ran a countdown on his appearance with Cannonball, who was at his peak as a Jazz performer. Then Rick called me to say there had been a misunderstanding and Cannonball had not invited him to join his band in South Africa. Rick was devastated and concerned with his reputation. I was concerned as to the repercussions to my star dj. There was only one thing to do and that was buy him tickets to Capetown and pay for his trip. It worked and Rick was able after all to get on stage with Cannonball and saved his reputation. And I figured if Rick was already going to be in that part of the World, get him invited to Israel on his return. I called the Israel Embassy and arranged for Rick, who was black, to be a guest of Israel. In fact, they went all out and Rick became a national guest of honor of Israel and provided the royal treatment.” – Saul Levine |
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| thanks to Timmy Manocheo for the Bob Crane photo |
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Archives 1st Quarter 2019: Passing Parade: Sylvia Chase; Eva Ross Kilgore; David Horowitz; Richard Kimball; Super Dave Osborne, Harvey Mednick; Bruce Williams; Let's Go Trippin' with Dick Dale; Larry Van Nuys jumps into the (K)Surf; KABC shuffles line-up; LARP who died in 2018; Art Laboe set for PPB honor luncheon; Jaime Jarrin honored; Marketing lesson from Fiji Water Girl; Cindy Dole out styling; Saul Levine essay on his 105.1/fm beginnings; How will a recession hurt the radio biz?; Update on KFI reporter Hanna Scott; Series to preserve radio archives; Golden Night; 1,000 homes on site of KLOS/KABC; Video in cars; Jimmy Steal to Chicago; New head of Southern California Public Radio; Celebrating Scott St. James; Laughs are on Phil Hendrie; Afternooner like no other; Art Laboe honored by Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters; Wendy Williams show postponed indefinitely; KNX vet Diane Thompson set to retire; Delilah tells all; Motown at 60; Martoni's; Steve Harvey and Mo'nique in kerfuffle; It's news to Steve Gregory; Auspicious start for 88.5/fm; Triplets 10-year anniversary; How Pete Weber made the hockey team; We Will Rock You; Randy Keith is the piano man; Triplets partner in hope; History of Gary Theroux; New news from Diane Thompson; John Batchelor reveals he has cancer; Bean announces in leaving KROQ morning show; Actor Sal Mineo was a LARP; Sky Daniels retires from 88.5/fm; Ask Dr. Ruth; USC broadcast rights; Buzzards return to Hinckley, Ohio; Nancy Plum's new book; Elaine Perkins perks up the news; Podcast with Passion
Archives 3rd Quarter 2018: Anniversary of AT 40; Passing Parade: Ed Schultz, Johnny Morris, Fred Beaton, Dave Zorn; New Role for Kelli Gates; Art Laboe is One-of-a-Kind; Savage as Supreme; Vic the Brick is Feelin' You; Rita Pardue a thing of Senior beauty; Marcellus Wiley jumps team; Doug Dunlap has the keys to happiness; Highest paid LARP; Martoni LARP Noms; Former KIIS GM retires; Sad Sage Sylvester story; Carlucci, voice of Russia World Cup Games; Is there a Smart Radio? Springsteen on KMET; Is podcasting for you?; Rick Dees slated for Yucapia station; Time for a Southern California Radio Hall of Fame; National Radio Day; Big Boy makes unwanted news; Judging Amy Lewis; Jim Rome looking for LARadio home' K-SURF adds morning personality; What keeps Kevin LeGrett up at night? Alex Cohen moving to new Specrum; Silver celebration at NBC Sports Radio; Jo Jo Wright takes his KIIS show to Beijing; Paxton Quigley, armed and strong with a new radio show; Mt. Rushmore of sports; Neil Ross pens new book; Highest paid radio people; Looney looks to add game show host to eclectic career; Burt Reynolds apologizes with a twinkle; Traffic reports won't be so Rosie (Wedel); Voice of Trojan basketball headed for Thunder; the night Elvira spent with Elvis
Archives 2nd Quarter 2018: Michael Benner's new book; Brian Beirne in concert; KNX celebrates 50 years; Uncle Joe to Townsquare; Amp says Yes to Yesi; Click and Clack to automotive Hall of Fame; When is an Oldie Not an Oldie? Passing Parade - Mark Morris, Bill Watson, Dex Allen, Dick Orkin, Bill Jenkins, Don Bustany, Arnie McClatchey, Mark Morris, Roger Collins, Art Bell, Mike Walker, Frank Bresee, Warren Duffy, John Mack Flanagan; 3 LA stations in revenue Top 10; NAB nominations and voting; Kimmel in People; Ted Leitner diagnosed with cancer; PPM re-issue issue; Lady LARPs of Grace; Dick Biondi out of WLS after six decades; 6-minute commercial load too much; Purely Personal with son's graduation and daughter's marriage; Len Chandler songs for Credibility Gap; Alfonzo Ortiz @KNX; THR award to Harvey; Stern cut and he's not happy; 2 LARPs on Time list of 2018 Most Influential; Ladd is back and Tribe thrilled; Larry Gifford diagnosed with Parkinson's; Is Savage being set-up; Walker needed for pd; Good Time Steve Mitchell to Georgia HOF; LARPs nominated for HOF; Marriage of Alexandra Barrett; Lyon Queen; David Viscott king of psych Talker; Debunking myths of a dj; New day for Sue Fruend; Adam Carolla is driven to buy; Is the Bloom off the rose?; Paul Newman's cars; One of a Kind LARPs Series with Jim Ladd, Jim Healy; K-EARTH's Locks of Love excellent promotion; Good Day LA crew reunites at KABC; Baseball ratings; Jersey Boys interruption; Rita Wilde interview; LARPs inducted into Radio Hall of Fame
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 60+ 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 (Man of the Year, 1964). He also earned a master's in psychology. He spent 10 years in radio working as a disc jockey, program director, national program director (Gordon McLendon Corp) 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. |
