2007 in the rear view mirror

Here’s a look back to 2007, covering January to June. Radio continued to be a sea of change, and some of the highlights include ……

January Juvinates

World-famous Cindy Pace of 101.5 KGB and her talented husband, Mike hit the slopes at Big Bear when San Diego radio media were invited for a sloping preview. (Photos: Oster and Associates).

Jim McInnes is heard on 760 KFMB doing news. Jim was best known for his days at KGB, and The Planet.

KSPA-AM 1510 in Ontario, will begin simulcasting on Escondido’s KFSD-AM 1450 next month. The station, owned by Art Astor, is ending the run of classical music programming. The station’s legendary call letters have been home for classical music, first on FM at 94.1, then transitioning to AM.

The combined stations of AM 1450 and AM 1510 will be programmed from the Carlsbad studios and will feature music from Diana Krall, Carly Simon to Ella Fitzgerald.

Channel 933’s “Boy Toy Jesse” Lozano will take over afternoons at LA’s KIIS-FM 102.7. Jesse has been heard on weekends at KIIS-FM in LA for the last three years, in addition to his duties at Channel 933.
Jesse told LARadio.com: “There are now TWO things in my life that have shown me what awesome things can happen when you make sacrifices for something you love. The first is my beautiful four-year-old daughter, who gives me wonderful things every single day. This gig at KIIS is the second. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. Jocks all over the country dream of, and prepare for this chance, and I am so excited to be here.”
Jesse starts in afternoon drive at KIIS on Monday, January 22.

CBS Radio’s KyXy-FM is pleased to welcome Kris Toledo as the new full-time host of “Love Songs” weeknights from 7 to midnight, live in studio. Kris was promoted from within, having served as the host of weekend “Love Songs” on KyXy since 2004.
Before joining KyXy, Kris was a movie and music production executive representing companies in New York, Los Angeles and London. She was a Radio & Television major at Palomar College and SDSU, eventually turning her sights on a career in radio. Kris enjoys a growing list of appearances in both radio and TV commercials as well.
Romance is no stranger to Kris. She was engaged to the man who would become her husband on a romantic trip to coastal Spain. Speaking about the North County Firefighter-Paramedic, Kris remembers…“I knew he was it for me! San Diego’s been a very lucky move for me when it comes to love. Now I have the chance to give something back to the listeners of KyXy Love Songs.”

February Follies

Free FM, who let Dangerous Dick and Skibba go on Feb. 14 write, “I think Free-fm will be playing tejano country music within 6 months.” The night time show makes way for …. a new and upcoming local and live show that starts on March 5 with GEN.Y.U. RADIO.
Since the first of the year, Free FM has dropped the LA-based show of “The Triplets” of Frosty, Heidi & Frank, and added Dave Palet and Jeff Dotseth. While the Triplets remain LA heavyweights, their ‘tude and style didn’t fit well in the San Diego line-up. Likewise, Dangerous Dick and Skibba’s one note night time show was hitting the same and not growing. After a minor success in LA, the duo were added to San Diego’s Free FM and didn’t find an audience. Their prediction of tejano country remains to be heard.

Music Without Boundaries, the eclectic show that has been on many stations in San Diego is without a home. Host Kenny Weissberg sent an email stating that the show had been pulled from 91X’s line up. There were no typical playlists, as each show was a free-form entry. Music from Otis Redding, Johnny Clegg & Savuka, Tom Waits, Dolly Parton, Louis Jordan, Rodney Crowell, Manu Chao, The Byrds, and others could be heard during the broadcast. The website MusicWithOutBoundaries.com remains on line.

Kenny writes: “It’s deja vu all over again. Music Without Boundaries has been canceled by 91X after a 59 episode (15 month) run. I’ve had a great time there since beginning in December, 2005 but the station is undergoing a change of direction and the newly hired program director from Seattle as well as the veteran consultant from LA feel strongly that MWB is no longer a fit for 91X in San Diego. I’m disappointed, but not surprised. While I continue to hope that a new program director might listen to the show and be blown away by the eclecticism, diversity, variety, historical perspective and humor I try and bring to the table, that has never happened. I’m often the first to go when there is a
regime change.

The San Diego Padres and XX Sports Radio agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension that will keep the Padres English language radio broadcasts on AM 1090 and FM 105.7 through the 2011 season.
Padres Chief Executive Officer Sandy Alderson and Broadcast Company of the Americas President and Chief Executive Officer John Lynch made the announcement on XX’s “Too Much Show” just after 5 p.m. today. “XX Sports Radio has been an outstanding partner,” commented Alderson. “We are thrilled to both continue this relationship and to deliver comprehensive Padres coverage to our great fans.”

Remebering Perry Allen: Southern California radio legend Perry Allen died last week at the age of 75. One of the original radio veterans that help to shape personality in San Diego, Los Angeles and Southern California.
Perry spent time in San Diego at KDEO, and KFMB. Yesterday, Perry’s son, Lee, wrote: “As is predictable for me, my Dad’s passing is sinking in slowly. Your warm thoughts and memories have been comforting and have brought a smile to my face.

March Madness

As announced on the Roger Hedgecock program Thursday afternoon, a new partnership with the Aztecs will begin on KOGO with the 2007-08 academic school year.

KOGO and Clear Channel Communications welcomes back the San Diego State University Aztecs to their ‘new’ radio home. KOGO will broadcast Aztec Football and Aztec Basketball games.

Clear Channel San Diego Vice-President and Market Manager Bob Bolinger had this to say: “We are proud and privileged to be the new home of the Aztecs and begin a strong new partnership with SDSU,” said Bolinger. “We know the Aztecs are committed to a winning program and we are committed to providing the best college sports broadcast in the country for the fans, the alumni and the community.”

KSON-FM (97.3 and 92.1 FM) has been nominated for Station of the Year in a Major Market for the 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Other nominees in the category are WSIX/Nashville, WXTU/Philadelphia, KEEY/Minneapolis and WQYK/Tampa-St. Petersburg.

“We are truly honored to receive this nomination from the Academy of Country Music,” said Darrel Goodin, Vice President/General Manager of LFM Radio in San Diego. “I am so appreciative for the recognition of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that our staff has given to ensure that KSON remains one of the great stations in country radio.”

Monday was turnover day at KOGO-AM. San Diego’s News and Talk Station kicked off the noon hour with Dr. Laura — live. Mark Larson (pictured with Marc Bailey of FOX News) hit the airwaves at 6 p.m. Producer Anna wrote: “We are officially on from 6-8pm all week long to give you a little something to help that San Diego commute not seem quite so bad. Along with the new show time, we have added new show features, including the “Loser of the Day” and Mark’s expanded commentary on the news in a way only he can do it. As the weeks go by you will want to keep listening as the show adds even more features that you won’t want to miss.”
With Mark in the “expanded afternoon drive” that doesn’t make your commute home drag on for an extra hour — Mark will keep the show running with traffic and reports — plus adding in his frequent guest book all in two hours.

KSON’s Cliff and Company are taking it to the streets. This Friday, join Cliff, Morgan, Tanner and producer Tori in Escondido on their Handshake Tour of San Diego County. See all the details at their website.

91X’s superb morning show features Chris Cantore, Jennifer White, and the antics of Ruggy. Pictured here (and with a banana in his pants), he writes at the 91X website: “What is your least favorite word? Clear-Channel (hyphenated words count, right?)”

23-Skidoo: Inside reports at Clear Channel Broadcasting in San Diego indicate that up to 23 persons were recently “let go” at Granite Ridge. Station management referred questions to corporate headquarters in Texas.
Missing from the airwaves include: Ronnie Loaiza, Mark Sanchez, Marc Kaczor and Mike McGregor plus several other on-air staff. Including in the staff cuts were promotions and sales folks for CCU-SD.
Clear Channel corporate is gearing up for a private take over, and that has run into some hot water by major holders, including Fidelity Investment. The stock holder vote has been put off until April.
Stay Tuned

Mid-day Talk and evening schoolin’: 103.7 Free FM has dropped most of its LA base programming out of the schedule. The recent trends were not kind to the station; however this was before the current on-air changes. Dave and Jeff are growing into their roll as mid-day mischief makers as Free FM seems to be starting to hit their stride. As they hit the airwaves at 10 a.m., Dave and Jeff bring local talk and ‘tude. It is a better fit for the market as they are tuned into the area.
Not afraid to poke fun at anything — including calling themselves bitches.
This Friday, Dave and Jeff take it to the road. They’ll get hammered on the air, and then limo to a watering hole in Clairmont Mesa. Natasha writes, “After they get hammered on their show they’re taking a limo to drink more at the Bullpen from 2:30-4:30pm! Come on out and take some shots, watch some shots, get free swag, or just say hi and have a drink with the bitches! Oh, Cristy, Safe Stewart and I will be out there too! Come party with us!”
To top it off, the only live and local talk show after 7 is on Free FM. It’s adult education at its best, learning it from those in the know. John, Brent, and Kris offer better advice than seasoned scribes. That’s why Gen Y U should be on your must-listen list. Taking on everything from Iraq to local parking meters, Gen Y U will give you a ride — and also a chance for you to ask Brent “What’s up with that ‘hawk.”

Magic 92.5’s Xavier The X-Man has been honored from the San Diego county Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The afternoon host at Magic was recognized for his “extensive volunteer work at community and schools.
Xavier is the first radio host to win the award.
Also: The X-Man writes: “I host this year’s San Diego Caesar E. Chavez Commemoration Breakfast at the San Diego Convention Center to recognize and promote the work of Caesar E. Chavez. This is a wonderful event that brings out San Diego’s movers and shakers of the San Diego community and recognizes those individuals who continue to following the workings of Caesar E. Chavez.”

Cliff Dumas, Morgan Thomas, Bill Tanner and Tori Peck, better known as Cliff & Company, have signed on for another three years as KSON-FM’s Morning Team. The show has experienced immense success since taking over the 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. time slot three years ago on 97.3 and 92.1 FM.

“In the time I’ve worked with Cliff & Company, they’ve displayed the desire, work ethic and tenacity needed to succeed,” said KSON Program Director John Marks. “In three short years, they have established themselves as a consistent top 5 player in San Diego, which is no easy feat in the most competitive morning show market in the United States.”

April Adventures

Star 94.7‘ Little Tommy Sablan writes on Sunday: “I spoke with Laura yesterday! I miss her just like you do! Laura wants to be the one that tells you herself where she is, so please understand and respect that. All I want to say is that I have a brand new respect for her especially after last night. What Laura is doing most people fail, but she is not. She will be back soon, most likely in one more month. I know the rumors are flying around your home and office to where she might be and all I can say is this: I love Laura and I am so proud of her and you will too.

Imus Fall Out: The wheels are spinning. The spin zone is moving so fast that Bill O’Reilly can’t see it. Welcome to the cleansing of the airwaves, part two.
I’m not defending what Don Imus said; nor do I concur what Bernard McGuirk countered nearly two weeks ago. However, the main push behind the I-man’s dismissal promise to “cleanse the airwaves.” “‘It is our feeling that this is only the beginning. We must have a broad discussion on what is permitted and not permitted in terms of the airwaves.”

Locally, activists have called for 760 KFMB Rick Roberts, AM 600 KOGORoger Hedgecock and Mark Larson be be “expunged” from the radio. Could they? Anything is possible as the focus turns to conservative radio on the airwaves. This could be interesting times for the broadcasters as last week’s action by a major company was called off, in part, by advertisers. As last Friday’s report indicated, now local station operators and owners will have to tread lightly while “walking on green egg shells.”

Radio Jenius: what A.J. is at Channel 933. Part of the line up for Your Show 8 includes Ludacris, Fergie, Ciara, Hilary Duff, Robin Thicke, and Paula DeAnda who will perform in Chula Vista on May 11.

“Don’t miss out on the biggest Channel 933 Your Show ever! Tickets go on-sale Saturday, April 14th through Ticketmaster. But… If you are a Channel 933 VIP, you get to purchase your tickets early…before they go on-sale to the public. There will be a pre-sale for Channel 933 VIP Members only starting Thursday, April 12th at 10am and will continue until Friday, April 13th at 10pm.” See the new Channel 933 web site for more info.

May Memories

Mike Glickenhaus, one of the founders of Finest City Broadcasting has left the company. He was in charge of alternative 91X, Z90 and Magic 92.5.

He was previously the head of San Diego’s Clear Channel Communications operation. Radio and Records reports that Mike remains an investor with the station group.

(
House for sale, good condition. For the most part of May, I was in Greensburg, Kansas, helping my family. Here, is a house that was marked to be saved, but later was torn down. )

June Jangles

Traffic in San Diego will make anyone wimper, cry and bark like a dog. Tori Peck at KSON had some in studio help earlier this week. Gria was the prognostic pooch from the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Trisha Lord St. George of the Animal Center reports that Gria picked the Padres to win — which they did.

Laura Cain rejoined the Jeff and Jer Showgram shortly after 7:30 a.m. on June 26.

Laura told the Star 94.1 audience that “I’m not ashamed, I’m grateful!” She told of her battles with alcohol and addiction and her recovery started on March 7.

“Now I’m free!”, she said in a prepared statement to the audience. She spent 28-days in a facility in Oregon, and indicated the real test came in the following personal building at Newport Beach. That is where she built on the framework — and as she said, “Kept my eye on the prize.”

As she indicated, “I’m not ashamed, and I’m grateful.”

On June 22, the best stunting happened on the radio. K-Surf with Art Michaels lasted two hours and boom, there it is. Radio Sophie rolls into San Diego at 103.7, on-line and also in HDRadio.

Sophie@103.7, a new cutting-edge, adult contemporary radio station, debuted today at 5 p.m, kicking-off a weekend of commercial-free music. Broadcast on-air and streamed online at RadioSophie.com , the station will feature an eclectic mix of today’s popular adult contemporary, alternative music that caters to the 18-49 year old, active adult.

Hyper-targeted towards women 25-35, Sophie@103.7’s music includes many of today’s most popular artists, like John Mayer, The Killers, Maroon 5, Amy Winehouse and Snow Patrol, along with favorites from the recent past like U2, Dave Matthews Band and Green Day.

Dave Palet and Jeff Dotseth return to the AM airwaves. The former host of 103.7 Free FM got a two-day try out on KOGO.

Dave writes: “Jeff and I had a meeting with Cliff Albert at KOGO and he’s giving us a
chance to do two shows Thursday July 12th and Friday, July 13th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.”

Vera, their biggest fan, will be “most happy”.

Pictured are Dave Palet, baseball great Dave Winfield, and Jeff Dotseth in a hideous and painful Raiders shirt.

July through December will be posted later in the broadcast week. Thank you for making SDRadio part of your internet travels. See YOU on the radio and right here for the latest news.

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 6:10 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.

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