Editor: David Tanny
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San Diego Radio Wires 4-3-03!North County Times - Randy DotingaListeners cry: Bring back Bach!... At the age of 77, Art Astor has been in the radio business for nearly half a century. In all that time, he says he's never seen an outcry like the hullabaloo over the demise of classical music on North County station KFSD-AM. Some 350 people have called or written to complain about the station's recent switch to '70s pop music, said Astor, an Orange County businessman who owns KFSD-AM and two sister stations in Carlsbad. Fans of Beethoven and Bach have also flooded this newspaper with letters to the editor. Read more at the website. San Diego Radio Wires 4-2-03!April Fools Pranks on Radio
"68.7.91.115" writes:
In San Diego, Jim McInnes took over the afternoon shift on The Planet 103.7, the first time he's been on the radio since his dismissal from that other dinosaur rock station in town. If the Planet could only have done this for real though...
From insideradio: Clear Channel's San Diego cluster says it spent $60,000 on an April Fool's billboard stunt for three stations. The 6-day stunt involved billboards for 91X, KGB and Channel 933, and the storyline was that 91X staffer Clint had graffitied the boards of two sister stations to protest his own station's small ad budget.
San Diego Radio Wires 4-2-03!Edited by Wayne Lewis. David Tanny is on vacation and will return April 7th.No April Fools Jokes This Year? - we figured that the only person that is going to do any April Fools jokes on this website is Tanny himself, but since he's on vacation and has time off, it's better to let this year pass without any jokes this year. I thought of reversing all the letters on this webpage or putting up something like links that move away from you when you try to click them, but with all the stress about the war in Iraq, and since I'm not a programmer, I decided against any tricks this time. We heard of one rumor from a mailing list that people thought was an april fool's joke, that Clear Channel may be bringing back streaming to its radio stations for a subscription fee. The company has dropped streams from their New York City radio properties due to high royalty costs of about $10,000 per station based on current rates of .07 of a cent per song streamed per listener. Radio may or may not have done any April Fools jokes such as the lame annual early daylight saving time start, or switching around the formats to their sister stations, or even a rumor saying that the area freeways are closed for sweeping and mopping. The worst involve space shuttle landings on airfields not designed to handle such landings, plus the added inconvieience of traffic jams of people trying to get a view of the vapor shuttle landing, as well as extra police officer work, straining our local resources. Whoever did that prank should be sent to a satellite orbiting Earth permanently. Other popular San Diego-area radio stations also are doing their part to support the troops in the Persian Gulf area. "The Jeff & Jer Showgram" on KFMB/FM "Star 100.7" (owned by Midwest Television Inc.) has started "Support the Troops Cyber-March," a message board accessible by logging onto the station's Web site at www.histar.com. Americans with laptop computers in the Persian Gulf area have been monitoring the list of Cyber-March names. Come April 19, "Tony & Kris" of country music station KSON/FM 97.3 (owned by Jefferson-Pilot Communications) will spearhead a drive to collect personal items for military personnel in the Gulf region. Currently, KSON is asking supporters of the U.S. troops to sign a special billboard that will be sent to the Gulf region. The station also has been handing out yellow ribbons and "God Bless America" bumper stickers. Tracy Johnson, general manager of KFMB AM and FM radio, and Darrel Goodin, vice president and general manager of Jefferson-Pilot San Diego, both said their companies do not have a policy regarding what on-air talent can or cannot say about the war. Michael Savage Show Moves Around The Dial... Effective this week, the Michael Savage show has moved from KSDO 1130 to KFMB 760 from 4-7pm in San Diego, and in Los Angeles, he's moves from KPLS 830 to KRLA 870, Salem's flagship station, from 5-8pm. Talk Radio Network's Savage Nation airs weekdays. From rronline: as a result, KRLA afternoon host Hugh Hewitt divides his current 3-6pm shift to a split shift of 3-5pm and 8-9pm. The Mighty 1090 has broadcasted their first live sports event March 29th when the San Diego Riptide, from the Arena Football II league (I refuse to refer to it as af2 which sounds like third grade coding). Sixteen games will be aired on the station. More about the Riptide at http://www.sandiegoriptide.com/. Will 1090 be getting more sports properties soon? KOGO 600 is in the fourth and final season of its Padres broadcasting package. No word on what station the games will be picking up the Padres beginning in 2004, but Clear Channel is balking at the reporeted price of $5 million a season, making the deal a revenue sucker, as in, not getting enough advertising revenue to cover the broadcasting rights fee. The Giants beat the Padres 5-2 Monday night. Jay Posner and John Maffei of the local newspapers were talking about what stations could be new homes of the Padres, but unless the Padres do something about their high asking price, local radio may not be willing to make any more deals to lose money, even if the Padres make a name out of the station. KFMB 760? It was the home from 1979-99. With their new talk show lineup surging past KOGO, they may not care for the Padres. KCBQ's daytime signal is 50,000 watts, but drops way down to around 1.5kw, so this station may not be a viable option either. Mighty 1090 is all-sports and could make it work with the right programming such as engaging pre-game and post-game call-in shows, and the station reaches everywhere but El Cajon (where KSDO's signal leaks into 1090 near the eastern edge of El Cajon), but if the advertising revenue isn't going to keep up, then it's no deal with 1090. The Padres, themselves, need to get a broadcast TV deal going on days aside of Sundays like they used to have before cable 4 got the games. Remember when you could watch the away games used to be on channels 8 or 51? Again, the Padres could use the TV broadcast revenue, but not at too high a price for the station to make a profit with the broadcasts. Mike Howard co-hosts the Jeff and Mike Show on Comet 1320 AM in Oceanside, a non-commercial station operated by Palomar College (hear it on Cox North 92.3, sorry Cox South customers). Now, Howard is the new host of Premium 92.1's (website down) resurrected "Wayback Machine", playing the old-school New Wave, Punk, Goth, etc., and his show is on from 6-8 am saturdays. Howard says that he is reviving the show that was recently hosted by Bryan Jones back in '01/'02 before he quit last September. You can request your old punk and new wave songs during the broadcast this time at 760-745-9292. Premium Radio 92/1 KFSD-FM operates from Escondido, San Diego. Press release: 92/1 's "Old School" show is back with a brand new host, Mike Howard, and he brings with him his vast library of new wave, punk, glam, goth, grunge, and rarities never heard from and artists that never got the exposure they should've. Join him Saturday mornings from 6 to 8 am, and take a trip back in time to when alternative was just that. It's your audio history class, on Premium Radio 92/1. AM 910 El Cajon History: From Bob McW: The original call letters of KDEO were KBAB and I think it went on the air in the early 1950's. Also, on KSON, I don't know if Regis Philbin actually started there, but he was on the air there very early in his career. So was the noted newscaster J. Paul Huddleston. Prior to becoming XEPRS, XERB was country in the mid '50's. Thanks again for such an interesting site. From other readers: was KDEO in the late 60's where "The Past Comes Back" playing golden oldies from the then-near 1950's. It switched to something else in the 70's before becomeing KMJC Magic 91 playing popular adult contemporary music until August 1980, then picked up the religous programming from XEMO 860 the next month and became KMJC - King and Master Jesus Christ. It's an affilliate of the Family Radio Network. It's now KECR Another reader: KDEO was a top 40 station around 1958-1962. Tho it did not have a signal comparable to KCBQ, it did quite well up against them. This was long before KGB got into the format. For a developing radio history databank, please see Southern California Radio History Right Here. Please send in your additional histroy facts there. Los Angeles Radio Wires 4-2-03!Michael Savage Show Moves Around The Dial... Effective this week, the Michael Savage show has moved from KSDO 1130 to KFMB 760 from 4-7pm in San Diego, and in Los Angeles, he's moves from KPLS 830 to KRLA 870, Salem's flagship station, from 5-8pm. Talk Radio Network's Savage Nation airs weekdays. From rronline: as a result, KRLA afternoon host Hugh Hewitt divides his current 3-6pm shift to a split shift of 3-5pm and 8-9pm.New Daily Radio Shows 4-1-03!While Tanny is enjoying his vacation, here's some news and letters that came our way recently...Alternative's 94.9 is running a new nightly showcase of alternative music under the title of "Big Sonic Chill" Sundays through Thursdays from 10pm-2am. Premium Radio 92.1 is running an old idea Halloran tried out in 1998 on the old XHRM called "Straight Up" weekdays at 5pm. It's a two song block of swing, jazz, lounge, and other varieties of music made during the era when music was serious and popular music was once meant for adult appeal (as opposed to the junk pop being played on 933 and 91X). Star 100.7 is still running a Supermouth contest where one lucky aspiring deejay can win a $50,000 contract for a year (the combined pay of four fulltime employees that work at Clear Channnel). So, you think you got what it takes to be Star 100.7Æs ôSuper Mouthö? What is ôSuper Mouth?ö you may ask. ôSuper Mouthö is your chance to win a 1 year, $50,000 contract to become an On-Air Personality for Star 100.7 FM. HereÆs the dealio, all you need to do is 1) Read the Rules 2) Fill out the application form and 3) Send us a demo tape. WeÆll sort out whoÆll get the chance to come into the studio and try out to become Star 100.7Æs ôSuper Mouthö. Do you have what it takes to be a STAR? See Supermouth for more! KSON 97.3: Tony & Kris ask for your donations for our Military. Saturday, April 19th at Walmart in Santee. More. Also: Tony & Kris In the Morning are nominated for On-Air Personality of the Year at the 38th Academy of Country Music Awards, May 21 on CBS. More About The Nominees. Final Score: U.S. Troops 1, Saddam Troops 0The United States, powered by the coaching of the generals and majors of the U.S. Armed Forces managed by President George W. Bush, has defeated the Iraqi Forces owned by Saddam Hussein by the score of 1-0.The winner, the U.S. Armed Forces, takes control of Baghdad in the name of the Iraqi citizens who were more than happy to celebrate by toppling the statue of Saddam Hussein and tearing up numerous portraits of him. The loser, Saddam Hussein, who ran the Iraqi Forces, has forfeited his right to run a country after years of humane abuse to his citizens he once ruled and is presumed in hiding. The United States had 364 runs, 4,652 hits (mostly into Baghdad), and 7 errors. The Iraq Forces had 3 runs, 27 hits, and 517 errors. After the victory celebration, the Iraqi crowds celebrated the same way the Americans did when their sports team wins the championship title: Swarming into the streets here, dancing, looting and cheering. Some Iraqis cheered by playing tapes of Baywatch and Girls Gone Wild on their TVs in public. A Marine tank helped residents topple a 40-foot towering statue of Saddam in a sweeping, symbolic gesture. Meanwhile, inside sources speculate that Clear Channel may be taking over Iraqi radio statewide as it introduces nationwide money winning contests, music payola, voice-tracked jocks, and short homogenized playlists in an attempt to monopolize the radio market. Other sources state that Clear Channel already had a negative influence on the Iraqi forces as subliminal messages of Clear Channel commercialism were broadcast on ultra high frequencies not audible by human ears but their brains picked up the messages, causing a domino effect of the collapse of the Iraqi Republican Guard and other affilliated forces. The U.S. Armed Forces, already exposed to and immune to Clear Channel's subliminal messages, were well prepared to ignore the subliminal messages, leaving those from their commanders and generals unaffected.
National Radio Wires 4-1-03!April Fools Pranks on RadioFrom http://radio-info.com/boards/ctc/
Name: Dave Andrews "209.63.214.142" writes:
I know that since April 1st fell on a weekend in 2000 - 01, the April Fools pranks weren't as great in number, but it's on a weekday this year so I hope that stations are once again acquiring interest. If anyone hears anything out of the ordinary (DJs on wrong station; unlikely "format change", bogus contests, etc.) then tell us all about it.
The last great prank in L.A. was in 1994 when KROQ became Pirate Radio for most of the day -- I was sorry that I was obliged to drive to Phoenix, but I listened as long as I could (got 100 mins of it on tape). Haven't heard about any good L.A. radio pranks lately; I guess that Pirate masterpiece is a tough act to follow. But if anyone hears anything cool, get them tapes a-rollin'.
"209.240.198.63" writes:
There were some good ones here in Las Vegas this year.
KMXB(Hot AC) switched to Classic Country for two hours.They actually had some listeners crying over the format change.
KOMP(Rock) told listeners that the draft was back.
KLUC(rhythmic CHR) was broadcasting live at a new amusement park(that does not exist) "Six Flags under Las Vegas".They gave away free passes and had listeners screaming in excitement.
KWNR(Country) was talking about a "free gas" promotion that will take place on April 31.
KENO(sports) made up some high profile NFL trade that including Randy Moss going to the Kansas City Chiefs.
It's funny that many,many listeners fell for these April Fools jokes.
"172.165.202.254" writes:
Yesterday it was a day in the year 1991 at KBXX Houston. "Boomin' 97-9" played the entire "Day In 1991" role. All music was pre-1992 (with a few accidental exceptions from 1992). I started listening about 5:00PM and G Man was Rico G Suave. The Krackernuttz were the Beastie Nuttz and Baby Jae was Mixmaster J. The big joke was the heavy promotion and remotes for a New Kids On The Block concert at The Houston Summit (now the Compaq Center) Tuesday night. Many people called the station for more info on the concert. Many people did actually show up at the former Summit and WB39 News (KHWB-TV) was on hand, reportedly. Although the idea was very good, it wasn't performed all that well. The entire joke relied too much on the music for the nostalgia. It was almost as if the jocks forgot about 1990-1991 and how important those years were to hip hop and R&B. Overall, it was the best stunt I've heard in a long time. I did enjoy the joke and would grade it as a B+ because of the jocks having no clue how to perform in the 1991 timeframe. I did enjoy the dropping of names of former KBXX jocks like Porshe Foxx, Lucious Ice, Kid Fresh, Johnny O, etc.
"65.36.124.202" writes:
I got a voicemail of a friend getting mad because [WGCI flipped to rock].
I giggled and knew instantly.
"66.11.105.216" writes:
The weird part when I listened this morning was they called themselves "Rock 107.5." However, all the songs I heard were 80's rock AC like Tears For Fears "Head over Heels", Fine Young Cannibals "She Drives Me Crazy". Doesn't sound like a rock station. Still, it was fun to listen to.
D
New Daily Radio Shows 4-1-03!Letters: The Readers Strike Back!
From Jared Gish:
"If you think 70's music is bad, dear classical music fans, then just try to get through a day of listening to 91X and 94.9 where they play screaming rock and depressing downbeat music. Try listening to Star 100.7 where they play crap like Puddle of "Dud" and Alicia Keys. Try listening to KGB for that a**hole jerkoff Rickturds on KGB rant and rave over nothing interesting. Try listening to My 94.1 where the music is programmed only for chicks. Try listening to Z90 where they play nothing but scary rap lifestyle music I can't even imagine. Try listening to 933 where teenage pop music overrules music for adults. Today's teenagers in San Diego have radio so badly programed for their time that it's no wonder CD sales are tumbling (nevermind the MP3 download issue, the songs just plain suck) while the teens prefer to rent and buy DVD movies, play videogames, and read. What will the oldies stations 30 years down the road be playing then? Who in their 50's would want to listen to Britney or boy bands or rap bands or screaming rock? Oldies as a format is heading for extinction at this rate because there won't be anything for them to play that makes sense to their targeted audience 30 years later. "At my age of 48, I have a station I can tune in to the new AM 1450 The Fox playing my favorites from the 70's. I also like to listen to K-Earth 101.1 for oldies from the 60's and 70's. Radio back then was far better than it is today with no regard to programming for teenagers, but a few teen hits popped up here and there back then, but nothing like what passes for Top 40 music today, which is horrible and unlistenable." From Zoe Tillman: "Clear Channel ruined radio and CD sales, pure and simple. Bad programming, lack of new music, overemphasis on teenagers, overrepetetion, short playlists, national playlists, staged rallies and events to exploit the big news of the day for their own gain and to get them mentioned by the media for free, rude radio deejays, uneducated music directors and other radio hacks who probably never went to a formal broadcasting school, payola by the indies to pay Clear Channel to play crap suitable only for Radio Dismal, low paying jobs at the Wal-Mart pay scale, jocks who are voicetracked from nowhere, and shunning of interesting new music that older folks can enjoy. This company has no clue how to conduct a radio business and if they are really into this pro-war rallies, then I should suggest that Uncle Sam draft the entire staff of Clear Channel and dump them in Iraq where they can reprogram their crap on Iraqi radio. Put the National Guard in charge of Clear Channel and let them program the stations the way we see fit." The Wires (Mar 2003) |