Remembering Happy Hare Martin

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 by SDRadio.

  

Legendary Happy Hare Martin

San Diego radio icon and legend Happy Hare Martin died Monday morning.

Hare’s bio at his web site. (Picture from Bill Earl’s collection)

Visit Bill Earl’s fantastic tribute site to legendary radio: ClassicDJRadioScrapbook.

NBC San Diego’s video report can be view here.

Chris Cantore on Happy Hare.

Leave your comments about Happy Hare at the Comments link below.

More info coming.

!

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | 10 Comments »

Clear Channel has Total Traffic for San Diego

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 by SDRadio.

  

Clear Channel Communications‘ Total Traffic Network has been implemented in San Diego. The coverage uses special GPS receivers and, for a fee, give you constant traffic specific to your area.

Total Traffic Network delivers real-time traffic data via in-car and portable navigation systems, broadcast media, wireless, and internet-based services using a key journalistic approach to verify data sources.

The service provides incident, event, construction, congestion, and other information for consumers.

One company is offering a lifetime subscription of $60. Currently, there are 95 metropolitan markets being serviced.

See TotalTraffic.com, or find out what devices are compatible by visiting here.

!

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

Shauna Moran Named Program Director

Monday, January 5, 2009 by SDRadio.

  

Shauna Moran has been named program director at 101.5 KGB and Rock 105.3 KIOZ.

!

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

who is jack rice?

Monday, January 5, 2009 by SDRadio.

  

Who is Jack Rice? He has been heard on KOGO as a utility man. Tonight, he starts his regular shift at AM 600 with the Top Story. His YouTube video gives his platform.

Jack will be on at 6 p.m. weeknights.

!

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

media bytes for monday, january 5, 2009

Monday, January 5, 2009 by SDRadio.

  

Welcome to SDRadio for monday, january 5, 2009

Roger Hedgecock goes national today: KOGO’s leading talk show host takes his show far and wide from the KOGO studios in San Diego. The conservative talk show host is expected to be on about 70-plus stations during the launch at 3 p.m. Pacific.

Roger’s bio in San Diego is impressive: he is a “recovering lawyer” and held various political jobs including mayor of San Diego. After office, Roger was offered a job as a talk show host at KSDO-AM 1130. His crowning achievement is not on air, Roger’s involvement off-air has helped many in San Diego. Best known for his Homefront San Diego, Roger is also a contributor to Father Joe’s Village in San Diego.

Listeners also were involved as various trips to Washington, D.C., and Sacramento were held as Roger and his crew were part of the “Hold Their Feet To The Fire” began, and has since, taken off. In 2008, Roger along with 40 other talk show hosts, set up camp in Washington and let the bonfires of the listeners concerns give spark to elected officials. Roger reminds us that the elected officials work for us; we don’t work for them.

Roger’s national broadcast ends at 6 p.m. Roger’s team includes:, Brett Winterble, executive producer; Megan “Macarena” Moore, Associate Producer; and Angela Bottini, Audio Director. The program is national by Radio America.

Program Director Cliff Albert writes about the follow on show that airs after Roger’s national show. “(A) new local 6pm-7pm hour debuts on Monday.” The program is called Top Story and his hosted by a San Diegan and former CIA officer and prosecutor Jack Rice. The one-hour magazine will have other members of the KOGO news and talk team. The main focus: the big local news of the day.

~~

When The Mighty 1090 signed on the air it filled a hole in programming that was missing from the San Diego radio skyline. John Lynch rounded up various sports broadcasters and grabbed the San Diego Padres baseball as their lead anchor. Times were good and the shift from out-of-market sports stations to 1090 was quick. The station climbed up the ratings charts and settled in with a two-share. Not bad for a radio station that is male-driven and sports 24-hours. In December, the listener was wondering what was going on across the station group.

First now-branded XX Sports dropped Bill Werndell and Joe Tutino from the daily line up; the cuts went over to San Diego AM 1700M. Stacy Taylor didn’t see Christmas there, and last week, Mark Larson’s remaining contract was cut before the New Year. Mark’s original deal as announced by John Lynch was for four years. See July 19, 2007 for the original posting.

Afternoon’s at 1090 became a train wreck as two inexperienced talk show listeners were given an open mic and three hours to pontificate on the 50,000 watt airwaves. Prime time for newbies? Not discounting Mr. Lynch’s ownership of Broadcast Company Of The Americas, the last move has a lot of folks scratching there head and heading a bit up the dial to 1360 Xtra Sports.

Regardless at 1090 AM, Jordan Smith and Irwin Earl Milan will have the 3 to 7 p.m., prime time drive time. John Lynch wrote in the station’s press release, “The sports radio business has not added bright new personalities in years. Their hiring will bring a new sense of energy and fun to XX.” I think they will hit a home run!” Has T-Ball started?

What’s left on the AM 1700 schedule? It could be offerings from Air America as Lionel has been heard in Mark Larson’s former shift. Street Buzz has indicated that there may be a new “progressive station” in town, and this could give the means of entry. Stacy’s former time slot is being filled with CNN news. What becomes of Dennis Miller is not known; in fact anything on the schedule is subject to change, including the San Diego-based Garden Compass.

An encouragement goes out to the Walrus FM. The San Diego based gold station has high marks from listeners and the ratings books agree. Times are tough for radio; and especially locally owned and operated stations like BCA. Stay Tuned.

~~

On Tuesday, newly appointed general manager of Clear Channel San Diego heads to Dallas, Texas, for an all GM meeting. Debbie Wagner joins the rest of the clan for an old fashioned Texas hold ‘em or fold ‘em meeting. Reports about the topics are varied, but the main theme is that the corporation is calling the shots.

Big name talents and big $$$ paychecks could be radio history. Even radio show’s ampersand (the ‘&’ ) is getting nervous as the cuts could be vast and deep. Those morning shows with big payrolls many supporting cast members could drastically change. Some radio experts believe out of town shows will become the norm on Clear Channel airwaves nationwide — including San Diego. Last year, Ryan Seacrest filled mid-days at Star 94.1, eliminating the host. What ever happens, the now-private Clear Channel Communications group is in a survival mode.

Noted: Why Dallas? Several carries provide direct flights to the city and coupled with only one night stay in the north Texas town, that gives corporate less money to hand out. As previously noted, no other staff members will be making the trip.

Update: Clear Channel CEO Mark Mays sent out a company wide memo last Friday:

Good morning:

Beginnings are a gift. They are an opportunity to put past disappointments behind us. They are a chance to tap new resolve. They allow us the prospect for renewal.

As we head into 2009, we will need to take advantage of all of this and more.

There are two generations now in the workforce that have yet to feel the effects of a significant recession in their working lives. While there certainly have been recessions in specific business sectors over the past 20 years, what we are looking at in 2009 is broad, deep and sustained.

These types of recessions can be brutal things. They force tough decisions every day. The demand focus and clarity all the time. And they test our resolve … regularly.

So what’s the best strategy for this environment? Well, it’s three-fold.

1. Focus. Our ability to focus as a company and as individuals on our most productive priorities will define our success in 2009. Because focus is the ability to spot change — whether a new opportunity or a potentially negative change in customer behaviors — and respond to it rapidly. Focus is the ability to get the job done amidst the uncertainty and distraction that a recession can bring. And ultimately, focus gives us the opportunity to succeed when others fail.

2. Resilience. The next year may well see once-strong competitors disappear. Recessions also upend cherished ways of doing business. And as we’ve already seen throughout the industry, recessions drive change that is fast and hard. Through all of this, it will be the ability to see the glass half full — to make the choice to focus on the opportunities instead of the losses — to keep coming back until interest is converted into action, that will define the winners in 2009. We will face continued challenges in the new year — and our ability to handle them with grace and resilience has never been more important.

3. Determination. This recession will beat many. There will be obstacles that competitors and colleagues alike will find insurmountable. That, simply, cannot be us. We have always been the company that leads our industries out of the difficulties. We have always been the company that outperforms the pack. In 2009, that same determination that has historically made us strong must sustain us again.

So as we celebrate this new beginning, please also know that you have the focus and resilience and determination of the entire executive team alongside you. You have the best resources in the industry at your disposal. You have the confidence and the support of everyone in this organization.

And you have my personal confidence that we will succeed together.

Stay Tuned.

~~

KPBS-FM’s These Days will have a new voice. Maureen Cavanaugh takes over the spot as Tom Fudge heads to the news room. (Maureen’s photos courtesy of KPBS.)

Maureen has been on the air for 17 years in San Diego — 10 of those years as Morning Edition host at KPBS. “I have always felt so connected and protective of the people who listen to me in the morning,” said Maureen.

She’ll start an expanded show today at 9 a.m.

~~

KCBQ is offering a late night, live and local, talk show. Rick Amato reminds me that he has a local show starting at 9 p.m., at 1170 AM. Rick’s show, conservative with Libertarian roots, offers listeners a voice at night.

~~

George Noory, overnight host on KOGO will be making a San Diego appearance later this month, most likely on a Saturday. More details to be posted later in the broadcast month.

~~

As 2009 opens, one thing is for certain in San Diego. The radio skyline will change — drastically — this year. Some stations may even go silent as the economics of scale play out. A proposed move in from Imperial County may even be postponed or ended. Have you ventured into a car lot recently? Bought big ticket items? There are many bargains galore out there IF you have the credit or cash.

Satellite radio may not survive past March. The train wrecked ownership has XMSirius at ten cents a share and major payouts from talent to bondholders due first quarter. Car dealers expect the year to be the worse, and that was satellite radio’s ammo. Give new owners three months for free … and also count that as a subscriber. While not cooking the books by traditional standards, the inflated numbers created a fog for those left investing in the company. But wait there is more! HDRadio has not proven itself except for scattered offerings of true programming in this market. KyXy’s The Crossing is one of the nitch markets served. Also KPBS has three stations: The regular fine programming, full time classical music on HD2, and Groove Salad on HD3. Add in KGB’s full time rebroadcast of Dave, Shelly, & Chainsaw on KGB-HD2, there are no other standouts.

~~

What a game on Saturday! Thanks to the Rock 105.3’s Josh Lewin and Hank Baurer for the play-by-play. I watched the game on TV and listened to the radio call.

Thank you for making SDRadio part of your internet travels today! See YOU on the radio today and here all week, especially when there is breaking San Diego radio news! It’ll be fine in 2009!

!

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | 1 Comment »

Clear Channel stations on smart phones

Friday, January 2, 2009 by SDRadio.

 

Clear Channel’s free iPhone application, called i heart radio, has added part of the San Diego group to the program. The free application is a gateway to Clear Channel stations streaming on the ‘net.

Also available are KFI, KOA, and other stations nationwide. Visit iheartradio.com for links to all the stations, including HDRadio multicast stations.

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | Comments Off

happy new year 2009

Thursday, January 1, 2009 by SDRadio.

Happy New Year 2009!!

It will be fine in 2009!

See YOU on the radio and here for full coverage starting January 5!!

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

december 2008 in the rear view mirror

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 by SDRadio.

HDRadio log updated Link

KSON-AM 1240 tower is rebuilt Link

Jimmy Valentine exits KOGO and the Roger Hedgecock show. Link

Brett Winterble joins Team Hedgecock as Roger goes national early January Link

A Radio Program Dirctor’s job posting Link

Chris Cantore: Missing from the airwaves for a year Link

Phil Manning’s Flight to Phoenix Link

KPRI listener created commercials Link

Mark Ramsey makes waves Link

XX Sports Radio drops popular hosts Link

KyXy-HD2 relaunches as The Crossing FM and provides alternative Christain hits Link

HDRadio log Link

Stacy Taylor exits AM 1700 San Diego

AJ raises of $100,000 for his Channel 933 quest Link

Debbie Wagner named CC-SD Market Manager Link

Remembering Ron Bain Link

KPBS’s Maureen Cavanaugh lands on These Days Link

The Best Radio Shows You Should Hear!

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

Mark Larson confirms

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 by SDRadio.

Mark Larson confirms that he has left San Diego AM 1700. He writes at LarsonBlog.com. “Due to circumstances beyond my control, my daily radio show is no longer heard on 1700AM in Southern California. Please check back with this Blog often… I’ll post updates on “what’s next” for yours truly as I’m able to do so. Thanks very much for your continued support. And yes, I’m glad God is still the one in charge of the things that matter most. Happy New Year!”

See you on the radio Mark, and hopefully soon.

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

Texas Round Up and $hoot Out

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 by SDRadio.

Clear Channel Communications has summoned all general managers and will have them in Dallas on Tuesday. Topic? Numbers. Specific? $$.

Tom Taylor of Radio-Info.com writes, “There won’t be the usual presentations and opportunity to defend their local decisions. Because – from what I hear, decision making will be handled by corporate. The advance word is that San Antonio has crunched the statistics down to the lowest-possible level.”

Out: big paychecks and talent. In: Street buzz is a lot more syndication/voice tracking.

Tom adds, “The local managers may even be handed a list ranking all their employees in terms of effectiveness – and that may be a prelude to having corporate determine who’s staying for 2009 and who’s going. It’s standard business-school thinking – but rare in radio.”

The two-day January 6-7 managers meeting in Dallas has only one overnight stay. Not invited: general sales managers or sales directors.

One Clear Channel employee told me that “it’s getting so bad that not only is change found on the floor turned in for the head office, the ampersand in local shows … is getting nervous!”

Stay Tuned

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

november 2008 in the rear view mirror

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 by SDRadio.

Chargers find AM home in San Diego Link

Matt Vasgersian hangs up his 4SD mic Link

How radio really works Link

Jack Vincent runs the pool tables at Shotgun Tom Kelly’s house Link

FM 94/9 makes a shift change Link

KSIQ preps to move to Campo Link

Jeff Gelder prepares a magical CD Link

Lee Hamilton a free agent Link

Jo Jo Kincaid at Q106; 760KFMB towers; New Country’s Mike and Linda in Nashville Link

KGB’s DSC premiere movie Link

HDRadio’s failure with the consumer Link

Remembering Bill Drake Link

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

october 2008 in the rear view mirror

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 by SDRadio.

Rick Moorten and Jen Sorensen say “bye Star!” Link

Hitman Haze takes on Star 94.1 Link

Roger Hedgecock goes national January 5 Link

Michael Reagan to announce radio deal “soon” Link

KGB’s Bromo goes Wahoo! Link

WunderRadio brings radio to the smart phone Link

Bob Bolinger first reported out as GM .. Link

Phil Manning leaves 91X; Voting for Hilary; Winter is coming as Chip Franklin grows his hair back Link

San Diego radio prepares for election coverage Link

91X ales a good time in Pacific Beach Link

Linda Irwin retires from Channel 933. Link

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

Mark Larson: Gone from AM 1700

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 by SDRadio.

Word from the BCA headquarters: Program Director and morning host Mark Larson is “no longer with AM 1700.”

The company has been cutting local on-air staff: Stacy Taylor was let go earlier this month. At XX Sports Radio two long-time hosts were cut earlier this month …..

Stay Tuned.

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

september 2008 in the rear view mirror

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 by SDRadio.

El Festival del Grito 2008 Link

Lee Hacksaw Hamilton signs of Xtra Sports 1360 Link

Xtra 1360 revamps morning line-up; Mark Larson on how San Diego AM 1700 is impacting San Diego Link

Tony and Kris depart US 95.7; Mike & Linda start morning drive Link

KFI’s Tower of Power doubles the coverage of AM 640 Link

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

august 2008 in the rear view mirror

Monday, December 29, 2008 by SDRadio.

Mark Larson has a hold on California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Link

Star 94.1’s Delana Bennett gets down and dirty Link

More stimulating signal set to return Link

KOGO’s Chip Franklin morning mouth is full Link

Jeff Stewart named APD at Radio Sophie Link

SDRadio starts ninth year Link

Chris Cantore, off the X1FM schedule, writes about internet broadcasting Link.

Scott Chatfield, former San Diego radio pro, tackles the California PUC Link

Roger Hedgecock of KOGO hits the road and attends political conventions Link

Jeff and Jer celebrate 20-years in San Diego Link

KFI’s John and Ken tell Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger no sales tax increase. They are credited to making an impact. Link

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

July 2008 in the rear view mirror

Monday, December 29, 2008 by SDRadio.

San Diego Marconi-nominated stations Link

Mark Larson on the front line at San Diego AM 1700 Link.

KPRI changes line-up. Link.

Michael Weiner gaffes again. Link.

Sirius and XM gets green light Link.

Good Charlotte at Radio Sophie Link.

Chris Cantore explains how to get X1FM on the iPhone. Link.

Mike O’Brian inks new deal. Also: Oz Medina returns to the airwaves. Link.

KOGO’s shaky coverage Link.

Shotgun Tom Kelly visits Japan Link.

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

June 2008 in the rear view mirror

Friday, December 26, 2008 by SDRadio.

Clear Channel ‘tell-all’ book release Link

Cindy Spicer returns to New Country 95.7 Link.

Kimberly King departs NBC 7/39. Link.

Julie joins Love Songs Link.

Rich Brother Robbin helps celebrate birthdays Link.

Dennis Miller, heard on San Diego 1700 AM hits milestone Link.

Remembering John Morgan. Link.

Doug Myrland retires from KPBS. Also: Chris Jagger shares some Magic on pooch day Link.

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

Celebrating Christmas 2008

Wednesday, December 24, 2008 by SDRadio.

Merry Christmas ~ Joyeux Noël ~ Fröhliches Weihnachten ~ Navidad Alegre

(Painting: The Nativity by Petrus Christus, c. 1445.)

May the reason for the season fill your heart! May the blessings of the year be great. I hope all of you spend time with family and friends over Christmas.

SDRadio returns next week.

For faster updates, follow me at Twitter!

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

KOGO plans Christmas broadcast

Wednesday, December 24, 2008 by SDRadio.

From KOGO

We are celebrating the Christmas holiday with 31-hours of special Christmas programming on KOGO and on kogo.com from at 3 p.m. to Thursday night at 10 p.m. Here is our special line-up:

3pm-6pm
A San Diego Christmas, featuring members of our staff sharing their Christmas memories and traditions with you.

6pm-7pm
The Bethlehem Report, San Diego’s radio tradition, as the KOGO News team along with Rush Limbaugh and Art Bell tell the story of the birth of Jesus as if radio had been around to report it 2,000 years ago.

7pm-9pm
A Christmas Carol, the Focus on the Family Radio Theater production of the Charles Dickens Christmas classic.

9pm-10pm
The Family Theater presentation of “Traveling Home for Christmas”

10pm-2am
Coast to Coast Christmas Eve Special with George Noory

2am-6am
Coast to Coast Christmas Eve Replay

6am-10pm
“An American Christmas” featuring music and spoken word with Chip Davis and the music of Mannheim Steamroller.

For faster updates, follow me at Twitter!

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | No Comments »

Best San Diego Radio Shows (you should hear!)

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 by SDRadio.

The best shows you are not listening to (and should) in San Diego.

Monique and The Man, 5 to 9 a.m. San Diego Jack FM.
Funny, on target, respectful, fast moving and sprinkle in music. While the show is Jack-centric, it’s a good reflection on what the listeners in San Diego are thinking, feeling, or wanting. Monique, Greg and Sara are not afraid to live their life on the radio.

Mat Diablo and Mahoney at 91X.
It’s a big stiff morning drink on the radio. Best sipped before taking a full shot, Diablo and Mahoney are carving up a morning show and serving it daily. 91X.

Dave Mason and Frank Anthony at The Walrus FM. Dave handles morning coffee duties, and Frank is the afternoon cleanup guy at 105.7 FM. The station has San Diego’s Greatest Hits and delivers them …. San Diego style. Dave continues his trademark show that he introduced to the market many years ago; and Frank’s voice may be familiar especially to Padre fans. Walrus FM.

Terry Frost at KPRZ. When he’s not flying as a commercial helicopter pilot, Terry is morning drive at Christain talk KPRZ. His enjoyment of working ministries is reflected on air; and welcomes new listeners. Terry can be heard 5 to 10 a.m. at 1210 AM.

Hilary at FM 94/9. In between Hansen and Tommy and strong-hearted Halloran is one classy lady. She’s ready to dominate your airwaves from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Spunk, flair, and some good ole tunes — and she takes requests via Twitter. Hear for yourself at 94.9 FM.

KPRI’s Astra Kelly and the Homegrown Hour.
It is often too short!, The one hour Saturday night show recognizes the local San Diego music scene. You expect that from a renegade stand-alone FM station that is the last locally owned station. Tune in at 102.1 FM Saturday night at 9 p.m. KPRI-FM.

JM on Jack FM.
Why he isn’t doing a full show remains a mystery …. Jim McInnes remains one of those underemployed resident music genius on and off air. His traffic reports are well worth the visit to Jack FM at 100.7 FM. Visit his web site at JimMcInnes.com

The Crossing FM. Here’s a worthy candidate on HDRadio that is available on-line, on-phone, and on-air. KyXy’s Mark Blackwell has made a station that is truly Christian Alternative for the masses. You can hear it at KyXy-HD2. While the audience is small, here’s hoping that CBS Radio gives this a chance to grow. Visit The Crossing FM to sample via your favorite medium.

Chip Franklin at KOGO.
Chip brings a little east coast attitude to the station. Add in LaDonna Harvey, and Arrested Development reports, Chip hits you with laughs, thought, and keeps you coming back. Chip Franklin.

For faster updates, follow me at Twitter!

Subscribe in a reader | SmartPhone/iPhone page

Posted in News | Print | 2 Comments »