How Do You Like Me Now?
Mapleton's Winter Arb #'s looked bleak. The Peak was #14. KDRK had tumbled from the top to #9, Bob and KEYF-FM tied at #10.
And KJRB and KGA finished at the bottom, below KVNI and KPTQ!
It was time for changes, and the fisrt salvo, not the last, was to pull the plug on The Peak.
The rebirth brought us our first hit station in Spokane since Live 104.5 died over a year ago.
The new station, NOW 105.7 is aimimg its salvos at 'ZZU, but they better watch out (see the story below KQQB).
- (05/30/10- kjd)
What Does the Frequency Change Mean?
Now that Spokane's River has moved to 96.9 FM, what difference will this make? Not much.
Small changes include a loss of signal strength, and a smaller listening area. As far as Sandpoint and points north, Morgan Murphy has just handed a gift to
Blue Sky broadcsating's KPND, giving them no competition in those parts. It also means that the signal will be
strong in Coer d'Alene and Spokane, and as far north as Deer Park, but not much further.
As far as it being stronger downtown, BULL! Interference is interference, especially electrical. It won't make any difference.
What it does do is where the largest listenership is located, will continue to be able to hear the station at 96.9. It's like they say would you rather reach a bunch of people where they are located or a bunch of cows out in the poke?
As far as the survival of the station, that's up to Greg Mills, and Morgan Murphy. They've got competition in KPND, and Spokane's River
is still playing it safe with AAA. AAA is an eclectic mix of music. Look at one of the best, WXPN (www.xpn.org) and even KPND is more eclectic then
Spokane's River. So now its up to you the listeners to decide. Will we continue to accept white bread radio in Spokane, or reject it. Time will tell.
- (02/07/10- kjd)
KPTQ Presses on
Last week's final demise of Air America has left KPTQ airing reruns of Stephanie Miler, Ed Schultz, and Thom Hartman on evenings and weekends.
Spokane's CC GM, Kosta Panidis, says that will change over time as they seek out new sources of progressive talkers.
Some Progressive Talk stations have added Phil Hendrie (heard overnights here already on 790 KJRB). Many have started carrying
the self syndicated Mike Malloy show, heard on Air America until 2006.
Progressive talk has been a difficult format to keep alive, but Clear Channel is comitted to the format in several markets across the country
including here in Spokane.
- (01/26/10- kjd)
What Does the Frequency Change Mean?
Now that Spokane's River has moved to 96.9 FM, what difference will this make? Not much.
Small changes include a loss of signal strength, and a smaller listening area. As far as Sandpoint and points north, Morgan Murphy has just handed a gift to
Blue Sky broadcsating's KPND, giving them no competition in those parts. It also means that the signal will be
strong in Coer d'Alene and Spokane, and as far north as Deer Park, but not much further.
As far as it being stronger downtown, BULL! Interference is interference, especially electrical. It won't make any difference.
What it does do is where the largest listenership is located, will continue to be able to hear the station at 96.9. It's like they say would you rather reach a bunch of people where they are located or a bunch of cows out in the poke?
As far as the survival of the station, that's up to Greg Mills, and Morgan Murphy. They've got competition in KPND, and Spokane's River
is still playing it safe with AAA. AAA is an eclectic mix of music. Look at one of the best, WXPN (www.xpn.org) and even KPND is more eclectic then
Spokane's River. So now its up to you the listeners to decide. Will we continue to accept white bread radio in Spokane, or reject it. Time will tell.
- (02/07/10- kjd)
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What's The Flip Flap?
The change , or flip , of Spokane's River and Coyote Country has been planned since this last summer. Finally in December the the public became aware and the flip occured December 31, a few hours before the announced January 1 date.
It's obvious that Morgan Murphy plans to be long term in the country business, but how much longer
will it be in the AAA business. Rumor is that unless the #'s on Spokane's River improve the format could become a staright forward AC.
The River has lost over 25% or 1 out of every 4 listeners, between 2008 and 2009. It stands at a poor 13th
in the Arbitron standings well behind sister AM, KXLY 920.
If I was to make a change to Spokane's River, instead of a staright ahead mainstream AC, I would
switch it to a Hot AC leaning AAA, although this niche might hurt their KZZU.
"The River" moniker is used by Clear Channel in many cities. In Harrisburg, Pa WRVV is AAA, while in
Hartford, CT., WHCN,The River, is AC.
Meanwhile the morale is down at The River. They feel like they are on borroweed time, and while Morgan Murphy
fiddles with its stations both AAA KPND, and country K-102, both properties of Blue Sky Broadcasting, continue
to gain inroads into Spokane. After being delisted from the Spokane Metro,K-102 is showing up in the ratings anyway.
- (01/04/10- kjd)
When Christmas Came Too Soon
This Thanksgiving, the usual suspects, KEYF-AM, and KISC switched to all Holiday music, that will run less than a month through Christmas day.
But can Christmas music come too soon?
I spent Haloween, October 31, in Cheney. I love the outer metro areas where you can receive stations outside our local stations.
Well while in Cheney I was trying to get KRKL (KLove) from Walla Walla. It wasn't working too well, so
I went to KPND (95.3), then I rembered 95.7.
95.7 was KNLT, Bob-FM for Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities until earlier this year.
The station switched to a classic AC with a few new AC hits, as KKSR, Star 95.7.
Obiously this format, used elsewhere,like Hershey - Harrisburg, PAs WMHX, is not working for KKSR.
On October 31, KKSR became "The Christmas Star."
When is Holiday music too early?
- (12/07/09- kjd)
A Real Proposal for The Obama Administration
If I thought this would get some real consideration I would send of an e-mail to the Obama team
in that "other" Washington, but I may just tilting at windmills.
Rather than regulate local broadcasters, with "local advisory boards", who by the way have no idea about the
radio business, I would build a national radio network, that would have some local and regional programming that
all Americans could be proud of. Like the CBC (Radio One and Two) in Canada, or the BBC in Britain.
I would pour billions of dollars into this network (might as well, we're spending too much already).
This network would have outlets everywhere from the largest cities to the smallest hamlets, and would be heard coast to coast along with
Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the US territories.
This network would not be ethnocentric but air things like CBC's "The World at Six", a news show with Canadian and important World news.
I know this can ruffle a lot of feathers in our current public radio circles, but I think Spokane would be a natural center for regional programming
that would cover both Eastern Washington and North Idaho with state programming coming out of Seattle.
Kind of like what CBC Radio One does with national programming from Toronto, Province wide programming from Vancouver,
and interior programming from Kelowna.
This network could use some of the current NPR system, and should concentrate on news and talk. If a second network was formed it could
focus on the arts, including jazz, classical performances, authors and books, etc..
Back to local broadcasters. I don't think they should be overly regulated. Spokane may have too much conservative talk
stations, with KQNT, KJRB, KXLY and part time talkers KSBN, KTRW, and KSPO. At least two should survive. We also have "liberal" talkers
like KPTQ and much of the programming on KSFC.
To start these local radio boards are just a way to break up national conservative talkers, and control the content heard on local
radio. A foolish move that would only lead to many AM stations going dark. A radio insider says this is what will happen if Obama gets his way.
Sad when most music moved to FM, talk saved AM, now the President may finally kill AM radio.
- (06/28/09 - kjd)
When Christmas Came Too Soon
This Thanksgiving, the usual suspects, KEYF-AM, and KISC switched to all Holiday music, that will run less than a month through Christmas day.
But can Christmas music come too soon?
I spent Haloween, October 31, in Cheney. I love the outer metro areas where you can receive stations outside our local stations.
Well while in Cheney I was trying to get KRKL (KLove) from Walla Walla. It wasn't working too well, so
I went to KPND (95.3), then I rembered 95.7.
95.7 was KNLT, Bob-FM for Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities until earlier this year.
The station switched to a classic AC with a few new AC hits, as KKSR, Star 95.7.
Obiously this format, used elsewhere,like Hershey - Harrisburg, PAs WMHX, is not working for KKSR.
On October 31, KKSR became "The Christmas Star."
When is Holiday music too early?
- (12/07/09- kjd)
When Christmas Came Too Soon
This thanksgiving, the usual suspects, KEYF-AM, and KISC switched to all Holiday music, that will run less than a month through Christmas day.
But can Christmas music come too soon?
I spent Haloween, October 31, in Cheney. I love the outer metro areas where you can receive stations outside our local stations.
Well while in Cheney I was trying to get KRKL (KLove) from Walla Walla. It wasn't working too well, so
I went to KPND (95.3), then I rembered 95.7.
95.7 was KNLT, Bob-FM for Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities until earlier this year.
The station switched to a classic AC with a few new hits, as KKSR, Star 95.7.
Obiously this format, used elsewhere,like Hershey - Harrisburg, PAs WMHX, is not working for KKSR.
On October 31, KKSR became "The Christmas Star."
When is Holiday music too early?
- (12/07/09- kjd)
About Those Arb. #'s
The latest arbitron's show a troubling trend.
In the 4-way country race the only healthy horse is The Cat (KDRK). The relatively new, Coyote,
sits at #11.
Better then the old Wired 96.9, but still rather sickly.
Clear Channel's Kix 96 sits at #12.
What is telling is that this indicates country is saturated in the market.
If one does not improve, one will wither and die. In this situation, one will.
KDRK, althugh weakend, is still rather strong, and may survive this. After having their morning team
swiped by the Coyote, the new Big Cat Daddy
and Bob Castle team seem to be holding their own.
Jay and Kevin's depature only hurt KDRK, did not fatelly wound.
If that's the best they can do, then Coyote could stay in the game
, but probably never dominate. It would take a long fall for the dog to beat the cat!
So you think the weak dance partner may be Kix 96. Slow down, remember we are talking about
Clear Channel. Under the Obama administration Clear Channel will face many challanges,
but one thing is changes will be slow in coming.
One other change is though Clear Channel has the money to smoke the others, they won't.
Not in this new economy and under political uncertainity.
So expect Kix to Kix the bucket sometime, but not yet, and it may wait through a divesture
of Clear Channel's Spokane group.
Who's #4? Why Blue Sky's K-102 of course. The good thing for K-102 is its 2 stations,
and thus doesn't have to relie on Spokane
ratings alone, to stay strong.
One thing Blue Sky has done right is differentiate itself from the others.
It's not "hot Country" , or Fresh Country", or even "
Better Country (whatever thet means??)", but unapologetically plays
today's country and country legends. Now that's different.
- (09/07/09- kjd)
Spokane meet KHITS
KAZZ keeps rolling on the air, and has settled on a format (for now).
I got a note this week, from one of my favorite radio voices, JP Bzet.
He informed me that KAZZ is now a KHITS station. Khits is a classic hits format
that plays the best of the 70's and 80's. Could they possibly give BOB a run for the money? Probably not at this point
but as they say "stranger things have happened."
Like a true american, I'm always for the underdog, even in radio. So I wish them well
By the way my paying job is sending me out of town for the next few months, but I will be here on weekends.
This past week I was in Lewiston and the Palouse listening to their local KHITS station, speaking of KHITS.
- (07/11/09- kjd)
More News, Less Talk
Starting Monday July 6th, 790 KJRB will be airing "KHQ Local News Today" and "KHQ Local News At Five.".
The all Michael Savage station will have to preempt a half hour of Savage for the 5pm news.
Mapleton already has a relationship with New Media's Spokesman Review, adding KHQ to the family just cements that
relationship.
Previously KJRB had a relationship with Belo's KREM-TV, which now has a relationship with
590 KQNT, now that KHQ-6 has left KQNT for KJRB. Could more news offerings be in the wings, like airings of
local news from KHQW (KHQ's SWX).
- (07/03/09- kjd)
?>Musical Chairs
After 18 months the Scott and Kelli Morning Show on Air 1 has moved to afternoons on sister network KLOVE (www.klove.com).
The new morning show with Sterling and Sean debuted Friday 07/03/09.
Parent company Educational Media Foundation (EMF) has been struggling finacially with Air 1, the smaller of the two networks.
Air 1 can be heard locally on 101.9 FM, KTSL.
- (07/03/09- kjd)
The Cat Stays Local During the AM
This is probably not new to you, but I've been monitoring the show. Yes KDRK has moved PM personality, Big Cat Daddy
and Bob Castle as the new Cat Morning Show..
I bet this is a spot Big Cat has wanted for a long time. Congratulations.
It shows Radio Spokane's commitment to "The Cat" and keeping it local.
It will be interesting to she after two books how KDRK agonist its competition.
My only suggestion to the morning team, is be yourselves, have fun, its radio, and don't try to be your competition.
Jamie Patrick, the production man, has taken over Big Cat's PM time slot. He calls his show "The Afternoon Drive."
- (06/15/09 - kjd)
It's Official!! -- Thin Air Movin' On Up
On May 18th Thin Air Community Radio, operators of KYRS - LPFM here in Spokane, got their CP for a new 6.5 kw station in Medical Lake.
IIt's not at their current frequency of 89.9, but rather at 88.1 FM.
The tower site for this new station sits between Springdale and Inchelium. This puts the best signal strength just north of Downtown Spokane.
Thin Air would have 3 years to put the station on the air. A capital campaighn will begin to build the new tower. Satation Manager
Lupito Flores, says he will need the three years to raise the $230,000.
- (05/24/09 - kjd)
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Patchin' Winging It
Dennis Patchin the face of sports for twenty-five years on KXLY TV 4, will be leaving TV to take over as PD at ESPN 700, KXLX this summer.
Morgan Murphy has announced that Patchin's replacement will be Derek Deis, a sports anchor with KHQ.
Patchin' hosts the Dennis Patchin and The Wingmen show heard 3-6pm weekdays on the all sports station.
.
It's not sure if PD really means anything new to KXLX or just a title for Patchin. If it really means Morgan Murphy will pour more into
700 AM then this is an important move. What should be done is all Mariner's, Seahawks and Wazzu games should move from Newstalk 920 to ESPN 700, so that KXLY 920 can
concentrate on talk and news, while KXLX can concentrate on sports.
Already KXLY 920 keeping live sports is hurting KXLX. When live games are on KXLY it cuts the ratings of KXLX, which is left running syndicated ESPN
sportstalk. ESPN focuses very little on Pacific Northwest sports.
If KXLX could land a local Spokane team it would also help. Most of them are tied up in contracts with Radio Spoakne
right now, including all sports 1510 KGA.
Moving those sports games from 920 KXLY could help KXLY concentrate on more news, and help KXLX become the region's sports leader!
- (05/24/09 - kjd)
Mapelton News
Radio Spokane has a piece of good news. The Zags are staying with Radio Spokane through 2018.
This is good news for all-sports 1510 KGA ("everything Zags").
Which reminds me, congatulations to Zag's Men's baseball. It's been a wonderful season!
That can only help KGA also.
- (05/24/09 - kjd)
Will Way Fold?
Sighting lack of support from the Spokane area, WAY-FM Media Group has unplugged its Deer Park translator
and if financial support does not pick up WAYW may disappear from the Spokane market completely.
One of Way's issues is that it expnded too fast just as the economic downturn was approaching. Way officials say that Spokane may have been a mistake, but they say they are
more then ever committed to their radio ministry.
--(12/29/08 --kjd)
It's Official!! -- Jay and Kevin Movin'
Monday May 18th. Road construction begin's on I-90. Ramps to close from Medical Lake to the Valley. Moving traffic to and fro.
Oh and another move, on the FM dial happens.
It is official (http://www.jaykevin.com/) Jay and Kevin are moving to Morgan Murphy's 96.9 Coyote Country (KEZE).
This is a huge blow to Mapleton. No response coming from Mapleton, but could Adam consider throwing in the country towel?
It been rumored for a long time that Mapleton's owner Adam Nathanson has been looking for a Spokane outlet for KPIG
. Would KDRK be the place for that?
I'm sure he's disappointed. He decimated KEYF-FM. Made non-sensical flips of KJRB, and KGA. Let go of one of Spokane's best talents, Larry Weir.
Now the one station he was staying local on, 93.7 The Cat, has lost its best talent to the competition.
If you were him would you say the heck with it, throw in the towel and flip to The Pig??
Audience reaction will tell what is to become of KDRK without Jay and Kevin- (05/16/09 - kjd)
Return of Bob & Tom
The syndicated Bob & Tom Show has been brought back to Spokane's airwaves, from where they left, 105.7 FM The Peak.
The show was jettisoned shortly after The Buzzard left the air and the Peak was returned at 105.7. This was to make more room
for music.
Fans are rejoicing though now that Bob & Tom are back in the mornings.
- (05/04/09 - kjd)
In Other Mapelton News
Radio Spokane has one piece of good news. The Zags are staying with Radio Spokane through 2018.
This is good news for all-sports 1510 KGA ("everything Zags").
Which reminds me, congatulations to Zag's Men's baseball. It's been a wonderful season!
That can only help KGA also.
- (05/16/09 - kjd)
Spokane Radio Goes to the Dog
First there was "The Cat" (KDRK-FM). Now there's the dog.
December 26th, after airing holiday music for a month, Morgan Murphy flipped KEZE (formerly known as
Wired 96.9 - a rhythmic chr) to Coyote Country.
Coyote already joins a crowded field of country stations in the market that includes Mapleton's
"The Cat" (93.7 fm - KDRK), Clear Channel's "Kix 96" (96.1 fm - KIXZ), and Blue Sky's "K-102" (102.3 fm - KICR).
Can the market sustain 4 country music stations? It seems doubtful, but Morgan Murphy is positioned to exploit.
Ratings have always been good to country in our market. KDRK last year was #1 (Spring 2008) before being toppled by
Morgan Murphy's Rock 94 1/2 (KHTQ) in the summer book.
KEZE at 96.9 sits right next to Kix at 96.1. The one that may be the most affected is K-102 which sits alone on the dial at 102.3, although K-102
never tried to pattern itself after the others, using a mix of classics and currents, even a non-country guy like myself
could like.
It appears that poor ratings led to the demise of Wired 96.9. Wired hit a high of 4.5 in 2007, and a year later was at 2.7
sitting just a tad above "The Key" (1050 AM). Spokane has always been rough on rhythmics, remember
Wild 103.9 (now "Bob", KBBD), and Spokane's 104.5 (now dark KQQB). The market doesn't even have a CHR, they have fallen by the wayside. CHR is
is really a dead format, most nationwide have gone rhythmic or Hot AC (like our KZZU 92.9).
- (12/29/08 - kjd)
What Happened
Sorry for being out of the loop for almost two months. I was reading your e-mails to me.
I was planning a move, here in Spokane at the beginning of November, then that got moved to the middle of November
and finally happened at the end of November.
In that move my system went belly-up (RIP). So that had to be replaced, then I waited and waited, did I mention I waited
until comcast showed up.
Meanwhile, all my files, icons, etc...were on the server, but also on the dead computer. So I recreated everything on the new computer ( except my personal
music library...still working on that). So I am sorry for the interuption, but I'm back, with renewed purpose in 2009!!
- (12/29/08 - kjd)
Ramblings
So what happened to KPND on Saturday 12/27/08??...Speaking of MIA, what has happened to 89.1 FM? Way-FM has been silent about a week, and sometimes the signal is off. What's up??...
So what if the Fairness Doctrine returns?? Would NPR have to air Rush??...I spoke to Adam Natahnson a few weeks ago, just as the restructuring at Mapleton began. His "no response" was
expected...Mapleton wasn't the only one facing departures, Morgan Murphy was hit also...Revenues are down at all groups, the only winner has been
Upper Columbia Media, with the departure of Pamplin's Spirit 101.9 business support has come to KEEH (Positive Life Radio)...Bill O'Reilly exits at the New Year, his replacement, Fred Thompson doesn't
hit the airwaves until March, meanwhile some stations will be picking up Fox News Talk's John Gibson. No word on how KJRB will fill that time...
What snow?? Think Spring!!...Anywho..Happy New Year!!
--(12/29/08 --kjd)
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A New AM
Rudex Broadcasting has a CP for KPWL 1370 in Newport, a 50k daytimer/500w nightime.Why should you care?
Word on the street is this will be Spokane area's first all spanish language station.
Testing of the sytem has already been done, it's now just a matter of flipping the switch on.
Photos of the new towers are viewable from Philco Bill who took them during his last trip
here in late August.
- (10/01/08 - kjd)
Return of The Fairness Doctrine??
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has hinted that he could be in favor of restoring the Fairness Doctrine.
Speaking on Fox News, the senior senator of New York defended the long-lost regulation that calls
for a broadcast outlet to provide both sides of an argument to the audience.
Last week, while appearing on WBAL-AM in Baltimore, FCC commissioner Michael Copps said he
didn't see a return of the doctrine but stressed the importance of opening the airwaves to more diversity. "What we do need is to make sure our airwaves are open and covering a lot of local events, covering local political races, making sure viewers and listeners both can benefit from a clash of antagonistic ideas and issues being covered," Copps said. "Even though the Fairness Doctrine is gone, that's still in the Telecommunications Act."
How and if this will affect the Spokane market it will take time to tell. Other than talk-radio
another concerned group is religious broadcasters like Spokane's ACN (KSPO 106.5 FM), and Moody Broadcastng
(KMBI AM & FM).
- (11/05/08 - kjd)
Your Money at Work
Spokane Public Radio while working towards its third service here in Spokane, is expanding in other areas.
According to a published report, SPR GM, Dick Kunkel has confirmed that SPR is planning to scrap low power translators
for full power stations in Colville, Brewster, Omak, Oroville, and Twisp, Washington and one in Kellog Idaho. These stations would simulcast
KPBX, like KIBX in Bonners Ferry, Idaho already does. The station in Omak is at 88.5. In Omak Northwest Public Radio already operates a full power station at
90.1 FM, KQWS. Although some programming would be the same, KQWS is part of NWPR's news and information service. KQWS serves an area from Brewster, to Twisp and up into Canada
, above Oroville. In Oroville SPR has applied for 90.9 FM, Brewster at 91.9 FM, 91.1 FM in Twisp, 90.5 FM in Colville, and in Kellog at 89.3 FM.
Mr. Kunkel belives that the future of radio broadcasting does not exist with translators, which I agree with. SPR though has applied for three
translators in Coeur d'Alene, where SPR already has a translator for KPX at 91.9 FM (The same frequency as KSFC in Spokane). That translator can be confusing
because in Rathdrum you can receive both KSFC and the CDA translator. The translators applied for are at 94.9, 95.7, and 96.5 FM. I don't think all 3 will be approved and they have been Mx'ed by other broadcasters.
One other application SPR has is for a simulcaster for KSFC at 88.3 FM in Post Falls, unfortunately the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe
has also applied for 88.3 FM in Plummer. What will happen?? I think SPR will get all its stations, except Post Falls, which will
go to the CDA Tribe, since they are local, an Idaho non-profit, and with no other broadcasting license.
Don't forget SPR also has a CP for 90.3 FM here in Spokane. Remember though, all of these may be great plans for the future of SPR,
only you the members can make all this happen financially. We will have to wait and see..
- (May 5, 2008 kjd)
Rebecca's Return
Starting today (Monday 08/04/08) Mark Fuhrman co-hostess, Rebecca Mack returns to the airwaves.
"On The Record With Rebecca Mack" will replace the 11:00 AM news with Larry Weir on Mapleton's newstalker
790 KJRB.
Mack's program will be newsmaker oriented,and part of the partership between The Spokesman Review
and Mapleton. It will originate from the S-R newsroom.
The program souds eerily similar to KXLY's "Nescope."
Mack was last on the air as co-host of "The Mark Fuhrman Show" which was dumped by Mapleton
when took control of 1510 KGA.
I wish Reecca well, but she paled in comparision to Mark. I guess it depends what material the
S-R gives her to work with..
- (08/04/08 - kjd)
Make Way for Way
As you should all know by now, The Horizon Broadcast Network has shed itself of
89.1 FM (K206CQ), in Spokane, and 99.3 FM (K257EN), in Deer Park (thank God!!).
They have been tranferred to WAY-FM Media Group, the parent of WAY-FM. WhatI don't
understand in this is why Spokane gets WAYW from New Johnsonville, TN and not KWYQ from Longview.
Yeah I know Longview is all the way across the state, but at least its not two time zones away.
This puts Spokane in possesion of two contemporary christan hit radio stations.
Speakng of Air 1, have you seen the insane schedule their morning team, Scott and Kelli, have.
They are on the air from 3 am to 9am pacific, thats 6am to noon eastern.
- (07/31/08 - kjd)
That Pesky Question You Are All Asking About
First I want to apologize for not responding to my e-mail in a timely fashion. Now to that question.
About once a week I get mail asking what is wrong with this station's signal.
With FM it's simple. Most FM signals are universal, meaning thy are not usually directional.
This does not mean they are circular, they may be oblong, or many varied shapes. The main thing for FM
is "line of sight."
Take a look at KPND's coverage map below. Being in the red circle means we should have no problem
getting that signal. Ahh, but our line of sight may be blocked by terrain man made structure, etc..
This why there are problems with KPND, KTSL, KSFC, KPBX, KYRS, KKRS, KXLY-FM, and others.
Some will have problems with one or another, and actually some with none.
What are the solutions? Some of these stations are looking for solutions (ie - KXLY's South Hill
translator at 100.3 FM), and others can't do anything due to FCC regulations (ie - KYRS-LPFM).
What we can do is use a good receiver like the CC Radio Plus, or the GE Superadio. Use your
antennae, put it in different positions and lengths, and use an outside wall. If all this doesn't
work, turn the station.
- (07/12/08 - kjd)
Stop The Clock
The paper tells you every hour at the bottom of the hour. Well I do not know the details of the contract, but somebody needs to send a watch to the Spokesman and maybe
to Radio Spokane/Mapleton.
Last I checked the day had 24 hours. With the ridiculous schedule they are running on KJRB there is still more
news weekdays on 920 KXLY.
Nothing wrong with The Spokesman news reports, concise, to the point and informative, but to little
, not often enough.
When I talked to Mr. Nathenson I thought he was looking to make big and bold changes.
Instead he's just moved one talk station, KGA, to
another station.
I don't know if you remember KGA when it was country?? That station had news every half-hour, 24/7.
The way that should play in Nathenson's world the old country KGA should have been called "News and Country 1510 KGA.".
Maybe I'm only talking to myself, but I'm tired of "Showbiz This Weekend" on my radio.
Somebody needs to get a brain. Many people work the weekends, so why can't somebody at
Mapleton do this?? Spokanites don't care about CNN Headline News, we care about what is happening
here in the 'kane (sounds like can).
In the mean time someone needs to purchase a watch. Oh and by the way a week has seven days. Just trying to be helpful.
- (06/01/08 - kjd)
KTSL & KEEH
Friday May 23, this was the day the mantle was handed over, the switch was flipped and christian adult contemporary
radio, Spirit 101.9 became Air 1, christian hit radio.
The Spirit moniker had been around for a few years, first as a christian chr and finally
as christian ac. The station was owned by Pamplin Broadcasting which owns KPAM 860 AM (newstalk) and
Sunny 1550 KKAD (nostalgia) both in Portland. KTSL was the only FM station Pamplin had and was off by itself
here in Spokane.
KTSL started as part of The Word In Music, which grew from KSLT in Spearfish, South Dakota. The Word in Music grew and moved
to Colorado Springs. Eventually The Word in Music was sold to religious broadcaster Salem Communications.
KTSL was quickly sold by Salem to Pamplin, this occured in 1997.
Pamplin flipped KTSL from a non-comm to a commercial station. Different formats and monikers ensued, including Power 101.9
(which still has an old painted billboard on Spargue) and then Spirit 101.9, and finally Spirit FM.
The stations flips and flops, never were a commercial success. So finally this spring Pamplin decided to sell
the station for 2.15 million dollars to Educational Media Foundation.
Educational Media Foundation is the parent company of K-Love, a music network that broadcasts christian ac music to hundred of stations nationwide
, and Air 1, a smaller nationwide network that airs christian contemporary hit radio music.
Thanks to many, EMF decided to put Air 1 on KTSL. Core artists include Hawk Nelson, Switchfoot, Toby Mac, Sanctus Real, Skillet,
Jars Of Clay, and many more. The station is hit radio oriented, but does lean rock, with some rap, pop, and r&b.
Now KTSL is back to a non-commercial station, which in religious radio includes Positive Life Radio (PLR) and KMBI.
What does this mean to PLR? It means they don't have to directly compete any longer with KTSL, but I call PLR to focus on a strong
christian ac format, that is not dictated by the charts, but is inclusive of many ac songs and styles. PLR has a tendency to
be too conservative, with no explanation to its listeners. PLR should have fun, and continue as the "local" network, where as
Air 1 on KTSL is a nationwide network.
PLR can score on being local, but only if they stay professional, open to change, and being more involved
in the community. If not they will lose a connection and maybe a chance to grow
in financial support.
For those of you who like and asked for Air 1, you need to finacially support this station. For if we don't, Spokane could see
another change for KTSL in the future, and it may be what we don't want.
- (06/02/08 - kjd)
And Now This From Radio Ink
Beau Tyler (a.k.a. Duane Barnhart)
Most recently: PD/afternoon driver, KTSL (101.9 Spirit FM)/Spokane
beautyler@yahoo.com
509-413-8821
- (06/04/08 - kjd)
What about 90.3 FM?
It appears over the next few years that Whitworth University will be out of the radio business. KWRS will leave when Spoknae Public Radio adds it's third service to the Spokane area
on the current CP it has with the FCC. here is that Record:
980224MA WA SPOKANE USA Licensee: SPOKANE PUBLIC RADIO INC.
Service Designation: FM 'Full Service' FM station or application Channel/Class: 212A Frequency: 90.3 MHz Construction Permit
File No.: BPED-19980224MA Facility ID number: 90126
CDBS Application ID No.: 262761
47° 48' 48.00" N Latitude Site in Canadian Border Zone 117° 30' 41.00" W Longitude (NAD 27) Distance to Border: 132.0 km
Polarization: Horizontal Vertical Effective Radiated Power (ERP): 0.5 0.5 kW ERP Antenna Height Above Average Terrain: 336. 336. meters HAAT -- Calculate HAAT Antenna Height Above Mean Sea Level: 966. 966. meters AMSL Antenna Height Above Ground Level: 24. 24. meters AGL
Non-Directional Antenna ID No.: - Pattern Rotation: 0.00
SPR has until June 2010 to put the station on the air. According to Dick Kunkel, there is no ill will with SPR and Whitworth.
Whitworth would had lost their station anyway due to a religious broadcaster who had applied for 90.3 FM.
According to Mr. Kunkel no programming has been chosen yet for the new service, but they are looking at
many different things from the public radio networks not on in Spokane at this time.
- (April 1, 2008 kjd)
More Notes on Mapleton
It's now several weeks into the new Mapleton AMers. The results are mixed. 790 KJRB can be a mess.
As I have said before 790 has done some good things with their news updates with the Spokesman Review, and the "
First News" with Larry Weir is as good as it was on 1510 before.
Problems abound still at 790. You can call it news & talk, but its just newstalk. The new Mike
O'Meara show is getting lame, elevating the B-players to show stars, and focusing much more on the DC (the other Washington)
metro, which I'm sure works well there, does nothing for the Spokane market or Spokane listeners. I don't think Spokane listeners are
lining up in Fairfax to get shaved for Wizard tickets that night. This show does not let its affiliates
run local news during the show. So I guess during this four hours KJRB is just talk 790? It's time
to pull the plug on this turkey.
Love him or hate him Michael Savage is a A-team talker as is Bill O'Reilly, and both will put listeners
at 790. The others are parrots of the A-team. Jerry Doyle, Lars Larson, and Phil Hendrie. Please Mr. Nathenson
give us mercy by dumping these three. Please!
Also KJRB needs to fix its awful automation nightmare. The other night I heard the opening of
one hour of Phil Hendrie, followed by about 8 minutes of psa's and spa's, and then suddenly into CNN headline news in the middle of an "in-depth"
report I had heard the day before. What the heck is that??
Please bring in more news, but bring in local reports with regular local updates. Add some
local news hosts, add Krem 2 News at 10 & 11 PM, and other than just CNN Headline News, work with Belo to get some NWCN on the radio.
At 1510, kudos for adding more local sports, like GU Baseball & Basketball, The Spokane Chiefs & Indians, and EWU Football.
I still think 1510 needs more live sports. Make 1510 a destination for more than "Mitch in the Morning", and Jim Rome. FSR will never
beat ESPN on the radio, but if more and more live sports are added it will make 1510 the destination for
sports nuts and it will leave Morgan Murphy's KXLX to talk to itself.
Let's hope Mr. Nathenson hasn't just bought properties to make minor changes on old Citadel properties, that
have really struggled for years, but has come to make the changes necessary to bring something new and
fresh to the Spokane market that will captivate audiences.
- (May 4, 2008 kjd)
Your Money at Work
Spokane Public Radio while working towards its third service here in Spokane, is expanding in other areas.
According to a published report, SPR GM, Dick Kunkel has confirmed that SPR is planning to scrap low power translators
for full power stations in Colville, Brewster, Omak, Oroville, and Twisp, Washington and one in Kellog Idaho. These stations would simulcast
KPBX, like KIBX in Bonners Ferry, Idaho already does. The station in Omak is at 88.5. In Omak Northwest Public Radio already operates a full power station at
90.1 FM, KQWS. Although some programming would be the same, KQWS is part of NWPR's news and information service. KQWS serves an area from Brewster, to Twisp and up into Canada
, above Oroville. In Oroville SPR has applied for 90.9 FM, Brewster at 91.9 FM, 91.1 FM in Twisp, 90.5 FM in Colville, and in Kellog at 89.3 FM.
Mr. Kunkel belives that the future of radio broadcasting does not exist with translators, which I agree with. SPR though has applied for three
translators in Coeur d'Alene, where SPR already has a translator for KPX at 91.9 FM (The same frequency as KSFC in Spokane). That translator can be confusing
because in Rathdrum you can receive both KSFC and the CDA translator. The translators applied for are at 94.9, 95.7, and 96.5 FM. I don't think all 3 will be approved and they have been Mx'ed by other broadcasters.
One other application SPR has is for a simulcaster for KSFC at 88.3 FM in Post Falls, unfortunately the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe
has also applied for 88.3 FM in Plummer. What will happen?? I think SPR will get all its stations, except Post Falls, which will
go to the CDA Tribe, since they are local, an Idaho non-profit, and with no other broadcasting license.
Don't forget SPR also has a CP for 90.3 FM here in Spokane. Remember though, all of these may be great plans for the future of SPR,
only you the members can make all this happen financially. We will have to wait and see..
- (May 5, 2008 kjd)
My Experience with WKBO
I get nostalgic thinking about this. Over twenty years ago I began my radio career at 1230 WKBO in Harrisburg, PA.
The station was owned by John Dame (Dame Media), and WKBO at the time was FSAC (full-service adult contemporary), like the old KDKA in Pittsburgh.
In the late 80's most of the audience had moved to the FM, our morning "mayor", RJ Harris had moved to (ac) Mix 99. Our main competitor, 580 WHP
had gone to all talk. So Mr. Dame tried something different, oldies, w/ satellite delivered "Real Gold." It was a disaster, even w/ a new local morning guy.
We went from a 1.7 (12+) to a 0.7. Now that's how not to do it.,
Mr. Dame came to be me and asked what he could do. I said either all-news or talk. He took my first suggestion, knowing he couldn't
beat 5k WHP, with a 1k on the worst AM frequency. Honest when WKBO at times loses power you can clearly hear 1230 WRBS-AM from Baltimore.
So he made the switch. WKBO was the first staion to air CNN's Headline News on the radio. But he didn't run that 24/7, like the old KKPL (630 AM Spokane).
He had 3 to 4 news hosts who did 10 minute local updates at the end of each half-hour including
24/7 traffic updates from Traffax (now part of CBS's Metro Networks).
Of course Traffax late night was 4 prerecorded reports shuffled at night
with stuff like road construction of either closed highways or lane closures, etc..
Our competition was WHP AM 580, which also had WHP-FM (soft AC) and WHP-TV. At this time WHP- called itself, Newsradio
580 . So WHP had radio and TV. Meanwhile WKBO had 3 to 4 hosts, Headline News and one van marked Van #7 (its # is a fooler).
Newsradio is like a light. You turn it on when you need it. When you wkae up, on your way to work, maybe over lunch, and on your way home. If we ever have another 9/11 other then tv, newsradio will be your #1 source.
So even though WKBO was all-news and talker WHP called itself "Newsradio", eventually news nuts like myself knew the real news station was WKBO and eventually
WKBO, again a 1k againist a 5k,topped WHP-AM. WHP owner,Commenwealth Braodcasting (a mostly magazine poublisher) sold WHP-TV to Clear Channel,
and WHP AM&FM to Dame Media. Commonwealth actually admitted, "We don't know what we are doing in broadcasting, we are a magazine publisher".
Unfortunately now WKBO and WHP is owned by Clear Channel and WHP-AM (http://www.whp580.com) is still talkradio
and WKBO (http://www.oneheartministries.com/fortress_1230am_wkbo.htm) is contemporary christian through an LMA.
(03/23/2008 -- kjd)
Last One Out Shutoff The Lights
By now you should have heard about the sale of KTSL (Spirit 101.9) to Educational Media Foundation.
EMF is the company of the K-Love and Air 1 Radio Networks.
According to industry reports EMF plans to begin airing the K-Love radio network over KTSL.
Klove is a christian AC formatted network, much like KTSL was. That is also the format that Positive Life Radio has here in Spokane (KEEH 104.9 FM).
To me this still makes no sense. In 2005 and 2006 KTSL was running a more pop and rock oriented Christian CHR music format. Then in 2007 Pamplin Broadcasting decided
to switch to christian AC.
EMF could air Air 1 their christian CHR network here. It makes sense and allows artists you will not here on the AC format get airtime
here in the 'Kane. I have spoken to their regional manager, Tim Brunner, and so far he has "no comment" on their plans.
Meanwhile back at Positive Life Radio Darren Potzer is fielding calls about what is EMF going to do with KTSL? and would EMF please air Air 1 instead of K-Love.
Makes sesnse to Darren, why have two stations running the same format, when Postive Life has been doing it longer then KTSL or K-Love here,
. Darren is asking folks to contact K-Love's VP Michael Novak in California to air their opinons.
Meanwhile the staff is jumping the sinking ship, Beau Tyler is out shopping for a new oppurtunity, and the musical format has taken a turn
for an unfocused mess that runs the gamut of the current AC and recurrent old CHR hits.
One obvious thing is this is the end of an era. KTSL has locally served this market for over 16 years. Once it joins the K-Love network, it will no longer, or barely, be localized.
This would make Postive Life the "local" station, even though most of its programming comes from Walla Walla. Darren is still here and does a weekly local hit countdown show, and those in Walla Walla
are much closer, and in touch with Spokane then the hosts on K-Love in Texas, and California.
Meanwhile I'm still hoping they will put on Air 1. One could hope.
(03/02/2008 -- kjd)
Rock, Rythm, and Blues
Well the inevitable has finally ocurred. We have been talking about this for two years, but finally it has happened. This past Wednesday (02/20/08)
The flip was switched and KPND can be heard all around the metro.
(03/23/2008 -- kjd)
My Coversation with Adam Nathanson
About two weeks ago I spoke with Mr. Natahanson, CEO of Mapleton Communications. First I would like to thank Mr. Nathanson
for his time. I hope he will keep the lines of communication going.
Secondly, I believe he is the real deal! What I mean by this is that he is not just about lip service. When he said he wanted to build upon what Citadel had done here, that
also included a commitment to local radio, here in Spokane. In this regard he pointed out how Jay and Kevin are live and local
on Cat Country, while Big D and Bubba are shipped in somewhere else, via the Premiere Radio Network, on
Clear Channel's Kix 96. I also think his partnership with the Cowles, means more local and in-depth news on his radio outlets.
I asked him about all-news radio for Spokane. He said,"That is in the works already." He didn't say who, he didn't say how, he didn't even say it was in his Radio Spokane group.
He also confirmed that KGA would change classes and drop to 5K, to make room for KPIG-AM, in the Bay Area, to power up to 50k. He said in the current situation
KGA interferes with KPIG-AM in the Bay Area, especially at night.It saddens me, our last 50k diminished, but the days of 50k's meaning something special are long over.
He also wanted to know how KPIG would do here in Spokane.Tough to say. Here is my warning. Be careful Adam about believing your own press.
Yes KPIG is legendary, and no one says it will not work here, but you will have tough competition from both KXLY-FM and soon KPND. Maybe local artists focus and content
would help. Also he may beat KPND to the punch if Mr. Benefield can't get his ducks in a row at Blue Sky Broadcasting (Hurry Up Dylan we're pulling for ya!) We will have to wait and see.
His explanation for relieving the morning team and others at KEYF-FM, is it is a music intesive format. Yes it is, but is that all we want? Watch for more toying at 101.1.Where KPIG
would go I do not know, or even if it will land here. Again we will wait and see. Some fix or change has to be done to 790- The Fan, its last numbers (0.5 12+) were awful!
(02/18/2008 -- kjd)
Mapleton to Air News and Programming from Spokesman
The Spokesman-Review and RadioSpokane, the Spokane arm of Mapleton Communications, announced this week plans for Spokesman-Review
news reports to be broadcast over Mapleton stations in Spokane, starting in early this spring.
Under terms of the agreement The Spokesman-Review will produce at least four daily newscasts for morning drive time, midday and evening drive time, along with a weekend Talk Show
and Week in Review news broadcasts. S-R news will be available exclusively on RadioSpokane for a two-year period.
Adam Nathanson, CEO of Mapleton Communications said, "We are delighted that our news reports will now be powered by The Spokesman-Review,
which gives us the largest news-gathering force in the Inland Northwest."
"It means our listeners will have a reliable and respected local news report and updates throughout
the day on our radio stations to better serve the community."
It's not clear how this will or will not affect the Cowles agreement for audio feed from Q6 on Clear Channel's Newstalk 590 (KQNT),
or what the status will be of BELO feeds from KREM 2, currently used on Mapleton's KGA. We hope this means that Larry Weir will stay with KGA. He is a
consumate professional!
(02/17/2008 -- wire reports/ edited by kjd)
Counting the Arbs.
The new Spokane Arbitron ratings book released this week.
The #1 station is Clear Channel's AC, KISC (Kiss 98). Interesting,is that many have
speculated that Spokane could use another AC starion, Kiss is the only AC in the market since the flip
of KXLY-FM to Triple A.
Number 2,overall was Clear Channel's Kix country (KIXZ), close on it's heel's was Mapleton's
Cat Country (KDRK).
In other ratings news KXLY-AM, and KQNT, were both down, but finished #1 among our five talkers.
And shockinly KJRB plummeted to a 0.5 rating.
(02/01/2008 -- kjd)
If I was Adam Nathanson
If I was Mr. Nathanson here is what I would do with my new Spokane holdings.
I would evaluate KGA, Look for where it performs well. I would keep the those and toss the deadwood. If that didn't work
then I might make a deal with Belo TV and air all-news through Northwest Cable News, KREM-2,and some CNN Headline, with local news jocks airing local breaks
for 5-10 minutes every 1/2 hour. I would also keep then the First News w/Larry Weir.
If none of that worked or made sense I would throw on the KPIG network I owned and syndicate. I would bring back the classic Spokane call leters KPEG
. By using KGA this way, whether you were in San Fran where KPIG is on 1510, or in Spokane and points inbetween (especially at night)
you would hear KPIG on 1510.
For KDRK I would be careful. Its not what it was once, but still does well in the books. I might try the
the "Hank" format, but it would need local jocks. Without them the station might just sink further.
I would keep 1050 as "The Key", nostalgia, but give us a live & local morning and afternoon host. The station sounds like
Citadel just slapped it up there on the dial, would little care to invest in it. It also sounds muddy, fix that.
At 790, KJRB is suffering aganist KXLX. It was once our only sports outlet, but Fox Sports Radio lags far behind ESPN Radio, and this
station has less local content than its rival. You could make it go with Sports, but then I would try more local content, and MUCH MORE!
Beyond that if sports was a non-starter, I would throw my local sports team coverage back to 1510, and flip the switch for Spokane's
first Spanish speaking station, with local content, a combination of talk and music blocks. Mapleton has experience with some of this in California..
Finally with none of the above I would try the news here if I was not using it on 1510. Its too bad that no one ever figured out a format for AM or FM that
would bring back the glory days of AM Musicradio. Not an oldies format but a retro/current HOT AC with personality jocks. That wouldn't necessarily be local, but cool!
KBBD, is not a bad station. It does suffer in its audience size. I rember the early days when it flipped, it once hit #1. I think all us Gen X'ers were longing for our glory days.
Well we are long gone from #1.I would try keeping the classic hits format with live and local jocks. The computer generated stuff, just sound like some one
threw the switch in a closet and let it go. No creativity or community involvement.
If not that I would try a live and local AAA/Hot AC hybrid, pulling listeners from our two/ or three? AAA's and from
KZZU and lame KCDA. It could be like an adult rocker with 70-80% clasic rock hits and 20% new hits both rock and hot AC crossovers.
I remember when I worked at 103.9 when we were KVXO, "The Sound." That was a stumbling start of Adult Rock, or AAA. I'm not sure.
We were on the air long before "The Peak."
The only other options I see is a staright up AC, if you're willing to battle it with Clear Channel's KISS. The other option is a spanish music FM'er. Especially if you haven't fliped KJRB spanish.
I would leave the Buzzard alone. I would fine tune it a bit, but it is hitting traget males, and eroding Rock 94 1/2 a bit. I would keep Bob & Tom there.
Finally Oldies 101, I would skew it more "baby busters" then "baby boomers", and skew it Superhits of the (late) 60's, 70's , and (early to mid) 80's. I would give the jocks
a more retro musicradio sound, and make it fun again.
I just might be all wet let me know.
-- Kevin (New Year 2008)
New Year, New Jingle Package
As of Janurary 1, Positive Life Radio (104.9 FM KEEH here in Spokane) unveiled a new jingle pacakage..
Positive Life Radio has used a jingle pckage for about the last five years that has become very synonymous with
the station
The new jingles are not all that different, and the jury is still out on wether they are an improvemnet to the station's sound.
Listen and let me know what you think.
(01/01/2008 -- kjd)
Farewell Julie Scott
We Knew this was coming. Obviously the commute, to and from Moscow, was becoming too much.
So as of Friday, December 14, 2007, "the Dennis Patchin Show on ESPN 700, KXLX, is without Scott. She will be missed
and we wish her well in her future endeavors, whatever they may be.
Mr. Patchin says he couldn't have done the show without her. He says he will be trying a few things out, maybe even changing the structure
of the show, until he finds a permanent replacement. (December 2007)
Looking at the Numbers
Sorry for the delay gang! .
I've been sitting on the Arb #'s for summer 2007.
I must say I like reading stories in that paper that are just false.
In that article they stated that KXLY-FM (Spokane's River) #'s were on the rise.
Opps. They dropped from a 5.5 in spring to a 3.6 this sumer.
One thing to note is that according to industry experts listenership is down during the summer, so the real impotant #'s will be this falls.
With that said, here are some observations.
#1 goes to Kix 96 . They are followed closely by last book winner KKZX.
Pamplin's KTSL continues to fall. They are now at levels when they left Christian CHR for
Christian AC. Thanks Beau!
In sports KXLX is growing while KJRB continues to slide. In newstalk KXLY-AM, and KQNT
tie for first place in that category, while KGA stalls at the same # its had (1.6), and KPTQ
grows.
Our country poll winner, KICR (K-102) grows in audience, but still below the top 10.
Also Bob (KBBD) recovers while KAZZ (Z-107) falls, and although things look up for KQQB (Live 104.5) it
still trails badly aganist KEZE (Wired 96.9).
Amazingly in the Hot AC race, KCDA is breathing down the neck of KZZU. Meanwhile AC Kiss (KISC)
falls again. That's all for now. Sorry again.
kjd November 2007
Imus returns in Mornings!
Since his firing from MSNBC and CBS Radio, it was clear that the I-Man would return.
Rumors swirled for months. Talk was about Sattelite, and then ABC Radio.
Well the rumors are over. The I-Man will replace Curtis & Kuby on WABC in New York (Starting December 3rd), and will be syndicated
by Citadel nationwide via the ABC Radio division. No TV deal has been announced as of yet.
What does this mean for Spokane? Absolutely nothing! It has been a long time since any station has
carried Imus here. Hey Mapleton, there you go fix KGA. Drop Fuhrman, for a delayed broadcast of
The I-Man!
kjd November 2007
Our Unscientific Poll#2
Results from our Xpoll on your favorite classic hits radio station was with little surprise.
Mapleton's Bob-FM (KBBD) came in first with 50% of the vote, or 190 votes. Pro-Active's Z-107 (KAZZ) followed
at a close second with 37% of the vote, or 140 votes. Somewhat surprising, Mapleton's Oldies 101 (KEYF-FM) finished last
with 13%, or only 50 votes.
It's not like it used to be. Even though Oldies 101 was once a powerhouse, it's baby boomer skew is sliding, and even though
they have shifted to all 60's and 70's music, its still not pulling as much from the x-generation..
Also the clasic hits market has fragmented. Bob came on orginally as all 80's and then added the 90's and some 70's music. This station has large appeal
with the X generation, and even some of the Y.
But Mapleton has to be careful, to differentiate Bob from Oldies 101. To much blending could cause both to fall victim and lose audience.
Another concern can be KAZZ's new Spokane booster, which makes the station much clearer and stronger. My only suggestion for KAZZ is drop much of the sappy 70's hits, go with a more CHR sound, add more 80's.
Oh yeah, if it is Spokane's retro hits station, tahn add some retro hit sounding jocks like the old WABC Musicradio, or like
New Jersey's 101.5 weekend jocks, and have fun with it!
(October 2007)
Changes at KXLY 920
I waited and listened a few weeks. The jury is still out. I knew this was never meant to be a "hard news program", but even as soft news,
or newsmagazine, 920's Newscope with Mike Fitzimmons disappoints.
The program delivers news, and I believe the idea is to go "indepth" into the news, but instead it seems to unravel upon a tangent.
Case in point-- The story of the bruttle attack at a rest area and death of supposed attacker. Good news story, unravels with Mike asking WSP officer about "Protecting Yourself at Rest Areas.
" That's not the news, or even the salient point. Maybe important information, but way off the mark on the news(scope).
The other problem is for whatever Mike Fitzimmons belives, and at times I have enjoyed his commentaries, he does not have the fire within,
to dig into news. Case in point -- first show spends over a half an hour with Police Chief
Anne Kirpatrick throwong softball questions at her, even assuming the police are right over
controversial incidents over the last few years in his questioning!!
It drives me mad, because during that interview, instead of maybe letting the chief express how she feels, he just assumes she's right, and us numbskulls don't understand. What??
To fix this program it needs more news, more consistent updates, and Mike to get a spine (sorry Mike, It's the truth.).
So much more can be done. Use more resources of KXLY-TV, dig into the story, you can do that with 3 hours of radio,
versus a 30 minute news cycle on television. Put the listener in the story, use radio's theater of the mind. Make it compelling, instead of a tune-out.
kjd October 2007
Get Ready for Rock, Rthym, and Blues
Time is elapsing when KPND will turn on its new trnsmitter on Hodoo Mountain.
This location is south of Blanchard, Idaho, near the Washington state line.
The new tower also means more power. The new 56k transmitter will put KPND's primary signal
right over our fair city, Spokane. Plans where to do this last year and thus floodout
KYRS's old LP at 95.3, but delays befell the tower location, and a hard winter made the
completion impossible.
I haven't been able to firm the date from my sources at Blue Sky Broadcasting, but it will be soon.
Recently on the web KPND has put up a new web presence, that is still growing, chcek it out (www.953kpnd.com).
The station goes by the moniker - "Progressive Radio." The format is an eclectic AAA. It should be interesting what happens
to the audience of KXLY-FM ("Spokane's River") another AAA, more staid, less eclectic.
After living in Pennsylvania in the past personally and listening to WXPN/WXPH I can tell you KPND
is closer to XPN (www.xpn.org) in style than KXLY. XPN is an award winning AAA from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
KPND also use the moniker Rock, Rhythm, and Blues. Plus I will give them a plug for playing one of my favorite artists,
Bruce Cockburn. Now you never hear him on KXLY.
kjd September 2007
Our Unscientific Poll
Results from our Xpoll on your favorite country music radio station yielded some interesting results. In
first place with 65% of the vote was Blue Sky Broadcasting's K-102 (KICR/KIBR). Second Place went to Clear Channel's Kix 96 (KIXZ) with 22% of the vote, and third and final went to
Citadel's Cat Country 94 (KDRK)with 13%. ..
I say this is very unscientific, beacuse it is, and does not reflect the actual listening patterns or ratings.
512 votes were casted for a little over 4 weeks. When the poll debuted Kix jumped out in the lead, but within about two weeks it was overtaken by K-102, who remined ontop until the end.
I rarely, if ever listen to country, but from those I know that do, I beleive as the ratings show, Kix 96 is #1 with country music listeners, followed by Cat Country 94, and finally K-102.
This doesn't mean that Clear Channel, or Citadel (soon to be Mapleton) should feel comfotable with their position. K-102 has a definate loyal listernship, almost like a cult-following,and as part
of Blue Sky can take risks that large company stations can't and still be profitable.
(september 2007)
HD Radio Keeps Growing
I'm still holding out until more units and type of units become available, but I'm starting to feel like I'm missing out!
Clear Channel nationwide, including here in our humble city is changing all of their stations to HD. My buddy from the Spokesman, was the first to jump on this
story. Since that article Clear Channel continues to grow the offerings here.
Currently broadcasting in HD are KQNT (Newstalk 590), KCDA 103.1, KKZX 98.9 , KISC (Kiss 98), and KIXZ (Kix 96).
Think of it like HD TV. Your primary station is your first or .1 station and your secondary (secondaries) are HD2 or .2
Currently the HD2s are commercial free, and on the air are: KCDA HD2 -- Rythmic AC, KKZX HD2 --Blues
KISC HD2 --Smooth Jazz, and soon to be on KIXZ HD2 - "Mother Trucker" a country/rock mix.
It will be interesting to see who comes next in Spokane. I know though some never will join HD, some here are not even in stereo..
CBS Radio nationally has also jumped on the HD bandwagon.
In New York WCBS-FM was returned to the air at 101.1.1 and its "Bob" like "Jack" was jettionsed to HD2 status.
Hey it was the original popularity of Jack that gave us KBBD.
(September 2007)
Citadel Folds The Tent
Is ABC Radio the poison pill that is moving Citadel out of our market? Once the great leader of radio in Spokane is throwing in the towel.
For several years Citadel has often finished in third aganist Clear Channel and Queen B. Briefly #1 KBBD (Bob) is now #11, the once powerful KGA is now #15,
which is even trailing behind Pamplin's christian ac, KTSL, While Queen B's active rocker sits at #2, Citadel's active rocker, The Buzzard is #16.
Industry buzz is that now Citadel has large market stations and ABC radio newtork to operate, that the focus is away from medium markets like Spokane (#93).
What will Mapelton's purchase mean to Spokane, we'll have to wait and see.
(July 2007)
Analyzing the Numbers
Arbitron's Fall 2006 ratings for Spokane Radio. Other than the fact that #1 is KISC, there are some other interesting trends. Here's the breakdown:
In AC it's: (1)KISC (Lite Rock Kiss), (2)KZZU (ZOO), and (3)KCDA 103.1,
In Rock it's: (1) KKZX, (2)KHTQ (Rock 94 1/2), (3)KXLY-FM (Spokane's River), and (4)KZBD (The Buzzard).
In Country it's: (1)KDRK (Cat Country), (2)KIXZ (Kix 96), and (3)KICR (K-102).
In the battle of Classic Hits it's: (1)KEYF (Oldies 101), (2)KBBD (Bob 103.9), and not listed is KAZZ (Z-107).
In the battle of the Talkers it's: (1) KQNT (Newstalk 590) tied with KXLY (Newsradio 920), (2)KGA (The Big Talker 1510), (3)KPTQ, (4) tied KSPO (ACN) and KTRW (The Fabulous 630), and not listed KSBN (Moneytlk 1230).
What is truly interesting here is both KXLY's and KQNT's numbers are down. KGA's are up and both KSPO and KTRW are on the radar screen. KQNT was #1 for many books until KXLY overtook them last summer. Now with both down
we have a first place tie with KGA catching up.
Finally in Sports it's virtually a tie between KJRB (The Fan) and KXLX (The Score). KXLX holds a slight lead.
KTSL Switches Formats Again
For many years KTSL was Spokane's Christian AC station. Who remembers Dave Masters and Power 101.9 FM?
Well a few years back Masters was out and so was
Power for the moniker Spirit, giving up its adult audience for a younger audience and a hot Christian CHR.
Of course this didn't last so long and the music was mostly quieted and watered down.
This led to radio host musical chairs and now Pamplin has brought in old Classy alum Beau Tyler to PD and take the station more AC again.
Joining Beau is Classy pals Scott (Valentine) and Sam (Samanatha Kelly) doing mornings. Beau follows them middays. Jerry Michaels. is now doing the news and producing the morning show for KTSL.
This is all well and great, but does Spokane need 2 christian ACs? When KTSL went younger most of their adult audience flowed over to Postive Life Radio's, KEEH (104.9 FM).
Radio is all about niches. Look at the switch of Classy 99 to Spokane's River 99.
KTSL already had a niche as a christian chr, but moving back to ac?? I don't mean to be cruel but since 99 isn't the "Family Friendly Station" anymore is KTSL the new refuge for the
Classy castoffs?
Live and downtown its Live 104.5
Spokane's 104.5 FM has given up Rythmic CHR for a more mainstream CHR mix. The station still plays many rap/hip-hop hits , but has added more rock and ac chr hits.
This is not surprising considering it was pitted up aganist long rythmic chr Wired 96.9.
Again its all about niches and KZZU long gave over its title of City's dominat chr for the new Hot AC format.
Will this mean that Live will become dominant in the market? I doubt it, but it just may find the niche it needs.
By the way the downtown refers to Proactive's new radio home, for Live and for sister station Z-107. Also home of the Radio Cafe. They
are located in the Fernwell Building at 505 W. Riverside.
Its a way to get a good espresso and hob-knob with real radio professionals (professionals??).
APB
My friend Bob Moon sent me this question. Does anyone have an answer?
Do you now what has happened to Barry that was on KEYF? I an not sure of
his last name but think it was Watkins.
I work for Qwest in Walla-Walla
but used to here him once in a while when I was up in the Dayton area.
He was on another couple of stations before KEYF. I believe one was 590
A.M. I enjoyed his fresh sense of humor and the interation with the
people of Spokane.
Answers to kevin@spokaneradionews.com please. Thanks.
KYRS Has Moved to 89.9 FM
The drama is finally over. KYRS has finally missed "the bullet" as they call it, and has ended a two year long drama. KYRS has moved to 89.9 FM and in doing so has actually improved their signal.
I was listening today and pulling a clean signal in the Spoknae Valley.
This was never possible while on 95.3 FM. Maybe that was because KPND was already there. At least for now 89.9 is empty. In the future KJWT in Rathdrum will sign onto that
frequency. Yet KJWT will not reach Spokane, and is much lower wattage then even the current
KPND, So we feel KYRS is in a good position.
So what does this mean for Spokane radio? It means the community keeps
a resource, KYRS-LP. It also means that KPND is being heard in the Spokane Valley, and by
next May will be heard throughout the Spokane region.
As a side note those who have been listening to KYRS at 92.3 fm, can keep doing that. That translator is not changing. Further info can be found on the KYRS page.
Simply click their icon on our FM section on the left.
It's Beginning to sound a lot like Christmas!
Last Year (2005), Spokane had to suffer the onslaught of two all-time FM christmas stations, KISC and KXLY-FM. Thankfully this year KXLY has changed formats to adult rock, and this should keep one of the two from changing.
Again though Kiss and now Key 1050 (KEYF-AM) has gone back to what they are calling, "the soundtrack of the season." Now I like Christmas and its music as much as the next person
but this repetition from Thanksgiving to Christmas is overkill!!!
When I was a child I remember growing up on the east coast and listening to stations like WABC, and WRKO sprinkle a few christmas songs
into the mix leading up to switching all Christmas music on Christmas Day.
This realtively new christmas mess started almost 20 years ago when WXRI-FM in Virginia Beach, then owned by Pat Roberston's CBN, switched at Thanksgiving from Contemporary Christian to sacred and "secular" christmas music.
It caused WXRI to go from the bottom of the ratings heap to #1. This was before much of internet, and sattelite radio.
I'm sure it helps KISC, but it makes me want to burn my Bing Crosby christmas albums! It takes something special out of what radio use to do.
I recently walked into a business on Black Friday where they listen to KKRS, but that wasn't on anymore because KISC was on.
Clear Channel agrees to Buyout for $18.7 Billion
Clear Channel Communications Inc, the No. 1 U.S. radio station operator, said on Thursday it had agreed to be taken private in a $18.7 billion buyout by the founding family and equity firms Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital Partners LLC.
Clear Channel, which also said it plans to divest 448 of its 1,150 radio stations, is selling at a time when the radio advertising market is weak, and listeners are migrating to digital music, Internet media and satellite radio.
The Mays family, which includes Mark, Randall and founder Lowry Mays, is participating in the buyout, but the financial details were not immediately available. Mark Mays will continue as chief executive, and Randall will be president and chief financial officer. Chairman Lowry Mays will continue in an active role, the company said.
The private equity firms, which have also pursued other large media properties this year, agreed to buy Clear Channel for $37.60 a share, a 16 percent premium to the $32.35 closing share price on October 25, when the company said it was looking at strategic alternatives.
Clear Channel says the radio stations for sale are outside of the top 100 Arbitron metros (Spokane is #92 – a mid-size market). The TV stations are located in 24 small and mid-sized markets throughout the country. The private equity offer is not contingent on the sale of any properties, Clear Channel says.
-- Wire services used for this story
Speaking of 89.9 FM
This really will not make a difference, but Rathdrum, Idaho has a new station, KJWT, at 89.9 FM. The station rebroadcasts KKRS from Davenport, as does KTWD in
Wallace. All three stations are owned and operated by CSN International. Unlike most CSN stations these three are seperate from KAWZ in Twin Falls, and are locally programmed from Airawy Heights.
The effect of KJWT on KYRS will be minimal, but the effect will be noticable in the Spokane Valley.
Sampling The New KXLY-FM
Here is a sample hour from KXLY-FM, Spokane's River 99.9. This sample hour is from Friday 10/13/2006 at 10:00 AM:
Peter Gabriel -- Sledgehammer
The Red Hot Chili Peppers -- Dani California
Van Morrison -- Into The Mystic
The Indigo Girls -- Little Perennials
Simple Minds -- Don't You (Forget About Me)
Goo Goo Dolls -- Better Days
The Rolling Stones -- Satisfaction
Depeche Mode -- Personal Jesus
The Fray -- How To Save A Life
Duncan Sheik -- Barely Breathing
Matchbox Twenty -- If You're Gone
Eric Clapton -- Lay Down Sally
Air America Files For Bankruptcy
Contradicting statements released by the New York City-based liberal talk network just last month, Piquant, LLC, which does business as Air America Radio (AAR), announced today (Oct. 13) that it has filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The company says the action became necessary when good faith efforts to resolve outstanding debt with a creditor from the company's earliest days broke down.
AAR says the bankruptcy filing will allow the company to continue offering its complete line-up of programming while it deals with its creditors in the reorganization proceeding. In a statement released by the network,
AAR says it will ensure continued operation without interruption through a new credit facility will provided by Democracy Allies LLC.
In a prepared statement, officials at Air America said, "The Management and the Board of Directors of Piquant remain fully committed to broadcasting our popular programs and championing the progressive cause during what we are confident will be a very brief restructuring period."
Many of Air America's programs are heard here locally on AM 1280, KPTQ, a Clear Channel radio station.
-- wire reports Friday October 13, 2006
Beating A Dead Horse
I meant to get to this when they first was released. But due to my schedule I was unable to do. So now to beat a dead horse, he we go.“
The Spring Ratings winner gain is KHTQ (Rock 941/2). The big news on this is that KHTQ’s ratings between winter and spring have dropped !6%, and holds a slim lead over KEYF (OLDIES 101).
What does this mean to KHTQ? Hard to predict because the summer ratings are never typical since radio listenership is down then. So I think we may have to go through two more books until we have a real answer.
Elsewhere on the chart Clear Channel is kicking but against Citadel and KXLY Radio Group. Figures.
-- kjd September 2006, includes reports from Radio&Records.
More on KYRS
Ever wonder how to change a struggling station, or turning a dog of a station into a beautiful winner. I have often thought of great stations with just some small tweaking would be one of the greatest stations of all-time.
We don't have much to complain about here in Spokane, we have some of the best stations. Believe me this comes from experience of living in many markets. Actually one of the worst markets is the #1 market, yes NYC.
I was thinking the other day about how would I change KTRW (630 AM). Its has some of the greatest programs, but the schedule makes no sense. It has gotten better over the years, but 50/50 religious programs with non-religious programs, sprinkled among each other makes no sense and shows a lack of focus. Not as guilty, but still lacking focus is 1230 KSBN.
What stations would you tweak/change/ or totally revamp? Send your suggestions to tweak@spokaneradionews.com. I’ll post the best suggestions.
--kjd summer 2006
Downtown Traffic Radio
Since May Washdot has been tearing/ripping and repairing I-90 in Downtown Spokane. This will continue through September 15. You can get info on the project at www.downtownfreewayfix.net. You can also hear updates and traffic information on 530 AM in the construction area. This year is phase one, phase 2 comes in 2007.
--kjd summer 2006
Updates on KSBN
Kudos to KSBN for the website overhaul. If you haven’t seen it you check it out (www.ksbn.net). Good work guys….Speaking of KSBN Laurie Roth is back fro her website (http://www.therothshow.com):
The Roth Show is returning to national radio again on June 12th, 7-10 pm each weekday. My flagship station will be KSBN 1230 am out of Spokane WA. You all may have heard why I disappeared for many many months. I was nearly killed when a deer hit me when I was riding my motorcycle. It broke nearly everything in my face, jaw and head.........let alone a brain injury which left me in a coma for some time. Well, I didn't die and I am feeling great after months of therapy, healing and recovery. Miracles happened from the first day on. I will share my experience with you when I start airing again. I can't wait to return to radio and visit with you again! Dr. Road Kill returns! I need your help. If you want me to air in your market, please call your local talk station for me. Thanks so much.
I want to thank from my heart everyone who prayed for my recovery, sent cards and letters, sent money and believed somehow I would return to radio one day. I have been deeply touched by your love and support. This was a major hit in every way for my family and I. However, I am here to tell you that the Lord met us repeatedly in this tragedy. We were taken care of as we trusted God. My docs kept telling me that I was healing ahead of science....that I should be dead.............that I was a walking miracle. For that matter I did have to learn how to walk again without falling and talk again with all the muscle and nerve damage in my mouth. I couldn't even close my lower lip for months, kiss my husband and I drooled. This has not been an easy journey back. It is quite miraculous that I can even think and function. All I can say is this...............America haters, liberals who want to rewrite the constitution and outlaw God with all of our rights, terrorists who want to forcibly convert us or kill us........you better call your therapists and get back on your medication because the very dangerous "Annie Oakley of the Airwaves" is back and I haven't softened up with the accident at all. The gloves are off and I am in the ring! Come and get me.
Laurie Roth will be heard on 35 stations nationwide, from as faraway as Boston to as near as Walla Walla and as noted hosted here in Spokane at KSBN.
-summer 2006
FCC Dumb Decisions
Sometimes the FCC makes some whoppers. One of the worst is related to the story that follows about KPND and KYRS.
Another one exists that has to do with KEEH (PLR 104.9 FM) and the expansion of KQQB (Spokane's 104.5) from Newport to our fair city here.
Its not just that KQQB got a power increase to put the primary signal into Spokane, but the FCC also allowed a 4,000 watt FM booster, on the same frequency.
Now you might say what's he big deal? Well this is it, by granting KQQB's booster station only continues to crowd the dial, leaving only one frequency between PLR 104.9 and Spokane's 104.5. That frequency is 104.7.
What that means at best is bleed from both stations on 104.7 FM, at the worst it means that cheaper radios will not be able to differentiate from the two local stations, thus frustrating local radio listeners.
I have no ax to grind with the FCC or either station, but I think the best solution is for the FCC to revoke the license to KQQB-1 (the booster) and allow them to keep their primary signal from Newport. It only makes sense.
--kjd 5/13
KPND Power-up Forces Changes to KYRS
Local community radio KYRS will still be heard, but it will become a bit more difficult. KYRS is a low power FM (LPFM) at 95.3. The station is also heard at 92.3 on a low power translator owned by the Spokane Justice League.
The problem began last year when the FCC licensed KPND - 95.3 in Sandpoint Idaho to move their tower from north of Sandpoint to south of Newport (still in Idaho) and gave them a power increase from 5 kw to 56 kw.
The problem lies in the fact that KYRS is a LPFM and KPND is a Class C primary station. The new signal of KPND will put the primary signal in Spokane. That's not bad for radio listeners, giving them more choices. KPND is a AAA (Adult Album Alternative) rock station.
This is how old KMJY of Newport became Spokane's 104.5 (KQQB) with a power increase, along with a FM Booster station in Spokane itself. It makes sense for commercial radio; the big bucks are here in our bigger city.
Unfortunately the change to KPND is forcing KYRS to move its signal further south of Downtown Spokane. Causing less people to hear their own community station. It puts their primary signal south of the city in the countryside and the secondary signal in South Hill and Downtown.
So what is one to do? We Suggest listening to the translator at 92.3 FM which puts a good signal out from Airway Heights through the city and out to the Valley. Unfortunately the Justice League has requested a change to move to 92.5 FM in the same area as KYRS, which will only put out a secondary signal in the city.
-- May 11 KJD
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