Friday, February 29, 2008 by SDRadio.

Chris Cantore starts podcasting!
Jeff Gelder on a Star Trek adventure
KyXy’s Love Songs expert chimes in
Bobbie Hill returns to 101.5 KGB
Roger Hedgecock at KOGO pens a book
Baseball is back on the air as the Padres spring training begins
Is radio in a recession or depression?

These and more on Monday at SDRadio.net.

Happy Birthday to world-famous Chuck Buell who was at KBEST 95!

See YOU on the Radio Today! and here early next week.

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Thursday, February 28, 2008 by SDRadio.

Thars Gold in Alaska

With Woody and Wilcox

Woody and Wilcox teamed up in San Diego at 103.7 The Planet. After a successful run in the market and a shake up at the station, there was a last radio frontier: Alaska. They landed at 100.5 The Fox FM, and have been tearing up the market.

The boys write from the land of salmon, fallen satellites, and their present home:

Greetings from The Last Frontier!

Just wanted to touch base to fill you in on The Woody and Wilcox Show and our goings on here in the 49th state…oh and also to get a new W&W photo to you…mainly shameless plugging.

All is well as we prepare to enter our final year on our contract up here. We just got our fall book back a few weeks ago and in less than two years we’ve taken mornings on 100.5 The Fox from 19th place and a .9 share to 2nd place with an 8.3 share (822% increase) with our target of Men 35-54. We’re now the highest rated FM morning show in the demo.

Also, while tooting our own horn, the March issue of GQ magazine has an article about radio and The Woody and Wilcox Show is mentioned.

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Monday, February 25, 2008 by SDRadio.

Welcome to SDRadio for Monday, February 25, 2008

((In Stereo Where Available))

Which San Diego area talk station has the ‘most’ local programming? Certainly XX Sports Radio and Xtra Sports 1360 can make a strong case as the daytime hours are local and live.

Dave Palet and Jeff Dotseth at Xtra 1360 are making a mark in sports talk. While the hope is the station will increase power for evening and early morning, the station packs a powerful punch once the morning skywaves from the east go away.

Likewise XX Sports Radio is proven in the mornings to early night, with Scott and BR, Philly Billy, and the magic of The Bulldog and The Coach, John Kentera and Joe Tutino.

Talk show wise, KOGO has Chip Franklin in the morning, and Roger Hedgecock in the afternoon drive. That’s it. Up the dial at KFMB, it is Rick Roberts mornings.

Here is a surprise: conservative and Christian based KPRZ have Terry Frost and Dana Sturgeon. The station also has Tom LeVine in the afternoon drive giving the station live hosts for the majority of the broadcast day.

Further on up the dial, San Diego 1700 AM hits it with Mark Larson, New York Myke and Stacy Taylor. Radio pros thought that Mark and Stacy would clash; however it has been effective to hear both sides of the political talk spectrum.

Mark, known for his conservative view, has a reach that goes around the world. Newsmakers from San Diego, Sacremento, the Beltway — and the battlefront in Iraq and the War Theater, Mark knows how to work the phones.

Likewise, Stacy takes to the air at 3 p.m. and his show has no restraints. He can question Dennis Miller’s thoughts or ponder something that Mark may have said — he is not afraid of the status norm; he not afraid to be the boiling pot of water in a sea of talk that seems to be conservative based in San Diego.

Also from San Diego 1700 AM: Mark is kicking off his additional new daily half-hour program on “A Voice In the Wilderness“, a radio network reaching the majority of U.S. Marines and other military folks based in the war zone. The net operation began in 2006 and is run by United States chaplains, with broadcasts available on site inside US bases..It features ecumenical programs geared to spiritual encouragement. Mark is also heard on “Turning Point” with Dr. David Jeremiah , airing at other times on the same Iraq network.

Mark notes: “I was asked by local Marine leaders if I’d like to do a daily show that wouldn’t be overly “churchy”, but wouldn’t leave God out when it’s appropriate to any story. We record a five half-hour shows a week, work about four weeks in advance and include newsmaker interview highlights from my 1700AM show, plus commentary exclusive to the Iraq network program. We include plenty of big-name guests and have some fun, too. The prime focus is to encourage our men and women in uniform who are seeking a glimpse of the “hot news” from the US plus an open, personal perspective. It’s entirely optional listening for Marines on-location, and something the chaplains have available to assist their efforts on-site. The first show airs today and there’s a new program weekdays, airing at 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. on A Voice In the Wilderness.

Mark adds, “This is entirely pro-bono, no one is making money off of the project. I see it as just another way to support the troops in an up-close, personal way.”

The morning show host could be traveling soon. Mark writes, “I’ve also been invited to go back and visit Iraq, as well as Afghanistan. I’m honored to be given this opportunity.”

As if he didn’t have enough to do, Mark has also extended his deal with the Michael Reagan Show to serve as prime guest-host for the national talk show. He’ll sit in on March 6-7 and again on the 12th.

Some of the weekend programming has a touch of Jack and Darryl. It is a weekend show that wraps up the sports week while offering different opinions on an array of subjects. The show covers sports, movies, music or whatever is the topic of the day.

Jack Cronin, is the executive producer and sports anchor on the morning show at XX Sports Radio. He is a devoted graduate of University of California brings a conservative view of sports. Partner Darryl Sykes, is the promotions manager and the “voice of the streets” on sevearl shows at XX Sports Radio. He is a native San Diegan and brings more liberal voice. Together they provide a mix that keeps you entertained and informed about the happenings in the world.

Mirthala Salinas, the Los Angeles TV anchor who earned the fame by being linked to the married mayor of LA, is the co-host the morning show W Radio. She’ll join the morning show at 7 a.m. each day. W Radio is Tijuana’s XETRA, and has studios in Beverly Hills.

Embraceable! Effervescent! Exceptional!

“Evelyn” is an eminent 2 month old, female, spayed, distinctively designed Labrador Retriever Mix. Paw-fectly poised and very lady like! “Evelyn” is currently 20 pounds and plans to grow a tall 60+ pounds! Her cocoa-latte eyes splash with ‘Please take me home and I will adore you forever!’ Adopt your new best friend “Evelyn” from Helen Woodward Animal Center!

“Evelyn” (and her 7 siblings…classified as the “E” Pups) came to Helen Woodward Animal Center as a transfer from another shelter. About 80% of HWAC’s adoptions are pets that have been transferred from other shelters.

“Evelyn’s” adoption fee of just $195 includes up-to-date vaccines, an identification microchip and has been examined for health and temperament. (No extra charge for all the unconditional love you’ll receive!)

Helen Woodward Animal Center kennels are open everyday from 11am to 6pm. (Applications accepted till 5:45pm) at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.

For more information call 858-756-4117, option #1 or log on to www.animalcenter.org.

Is he the hardest working man in radio in San Diego?

Thank you for making SDRadio part of your internet travels today. See YOU on the radio and here later in the broadcast week.

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Friday, February 22, 2008 by SDRadio.

Stay Dry! See YOU on the radio!

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Monday, February 18, 2008 by SDRadio.

KPRZ/KCBQ Senior Account Manager

There’s no freeze here in San Diego at KCBQ/KPRZ with Salem Communications! This is a very rare but extremely hot and exciting position that is available to just the right person! You are an experienced radio sales professional in San Diego who is tired of being beat up and continually scrutinized every single day of the work week!
Come see what is available for you at KCBQ/KPRZ! If you are a San Diego area radio professional…This may just be the job for you! Call the General Sales Manager at 858-535-1210 or send a resume to 9255 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 535 San Diego CA 92121.
Let’s talk. EOE.

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Monday, February 18, 2008 by SDRadio.

President’s Day 2008

Happy President’s Day! See you on the radio tomorrow.

Headlines include:

Another HDRadio station in San Diego on the FM airwaves
Stacy Taylor’s show at San Diego 1700 is podcast
LPFMs on the air in the county

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Friday, February 15, 2008 by SDRadio.

US 95.7’s Tony and Kris were feeling the love this Valentine’s Day. Tony and Kris converted their in station performance studio into the Rest Stop Chapel and were best men at a wedding held live on air. Tony and Kris fans, Aylssa and Ben Martindale, entered into holy matrimony while all of San Diego’s country fans listened along.

“It was the perfect way to kick off Valentine’s Day! What says “love” more than a wedding?” said Tony Randall

“I’m still looking for the open bar!?!?”, Proclaimed a very confused Kris Rochester

Executive Producer, Jack Heine : “We had two listeners who were in love, wanted to be married on Valentine’s Day and are huge Tony and Kris fans… How could we say no?”

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Thursday, February 14, 2008 by SDRadio.

KyXy San Diego celebrates Valentines Day with an unprecedented first-ever marathon wedding web cast. Today from 9-to-9 www.kyxy.com will host a live 12-hour web cast of the marriage or renewal of vows for thirty-six couples.

The back-to-back ceremonies will be held at the historic San Diego Naval Training Center Promenade and include at no charge, officiate to perform the ceremony, tuxedo rental, flowers, plus a wedding photo and cake reception. Couples were chosen by submitting pictures along with a description of why they wanted to be part of the event. Couples competed for votes at www.kyxy.com to win a grand prize all-inclusive Jamaican honeymoon!

On Saturday, February 23rd, Sophie@103.7, KyXy 96.5 and Top Button will present the WOW! Designer Shopping Event at NTC Promenade at Liberty Station from 1:00-5:00pm. General admission tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door. VIP tickets are $35. A portion of all ticket proceeds will benefit Dress For Success. NTC Promenade is located at 2801 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, 92106. This event is 21 and older.
At the event, attendees will have access to over 40 designer vendors, spas, and beauty companies and up to 60% off designer clothing and accessories. In addition, VIP attendees will enjoy early entry as well as complimentary cocktails, mini spa treatments, and gift bags. For more information on the WOW! Designer Shopping Event, visit RadioSophie.com.

Top Button: Founded in 1999, Top Button, Inc. has run successful sales and fashion event promotions for nearly 5,500 designer showrooms, upscale department stores, designer boutiques and online fashion merchants. Top Button currently has an unduplicated reach exceeding 830,000 subscribers, growing by 25,000+ new subscribers every month. Their audience is extremely targeted to reach the high-end, fashion-forward consumer.

Dress For Success: Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization designed to help disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Clear Channel Communications has been cleared to go private. The Department of Justice has told the company to divest holdings in four markets, including Las Vegas, and San Francisco. The $19.5 billion private take over can proceed once that happens.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008 by SDRadio.

KPRI Transmitter Move Improves San Diego Radio Market Signal

San Diego’s independent radio station 102.1 KPRI moves its transmitting antenna to a new site atop Mt. Soledad in La Jolla. Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Schwartz comments: “Broadcasting from the new site gives KPRI a signal that is competitive with all of the other major stations in the San Diego market.” The move happens at noon today.

The transmitter move caps an eleven-year campaign by KPRI to improve its signal, to serve more people, and thus to even better serve the public interest. “There were a number of hurdles for us,” said Schwartz. “In addition to getting approval of the Federal Communications Commission, we also had to get permission from Mexico’s “FCC” because the San Diego market is so close to the Mexican border. It took a long time, but eventually the two governments agreed.” Schwartz was the chief negotiator for KPRI, noting: “We took each issue as it came up and worked on it until it was resolved. The result is a much better KPRI listening experience for more people in more places.”

“KPRI’s transmitter site improvement does not change the fact that we continue to be licensed to the City of Encinitas. We’re not changing our city of license, nor our commitment to Encinitas,” said Schwartz, adding: “In fact, by moving our antenna we are making KPRI’s signal more competitive. Starting now, we’re serving an estimated 2.4 million people, many of whom have not been able to hear us they way they would like. We are sure that this enhancement will allow us to even better serve the City of Encinitas and our surrounding service area.”

Because Mt. Soledad is more centrally located closer to the population center of the San Diego radio market, Scwhart Schwartzz said the result is “more people will be able to listen to us more often, more reliably, in more places. Listeners everywhere will notice that in-car reception is better. Many will also be able to pick us up inside steel buildings so that they can listen during work. Entire areas of the San Diego market that just couldn’t hear us because of terrain will now be able to listen. We anticipate this will give us a chance to improve our audience ratings, making us a stronger voice in the San Diego radio market, and helping us to do an even better job serving the public interest.”

Mt. Soledad is used as a transmission site by most of San Diego highest rated radio stations including KMYI, KYXY, KLQV, KIOZ, KIFM, and KFMB-FM. 102.1 KPRI is owned and operated by San Diego based Compass Radio Group, a private firm controlled by local residents Jonathan Schwartz and Robert Hughes.

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Monday, February 11, 2008 by SDRadio.

Channel 933’s morning show producer Hula checks in from Hollywood! Along with co-host Geena Hula took in part of the activities during the Grammy broadcast.

“Geena and I had the best time backstage at The 50th Annual Grammy’s and wanted to share the photos and videos with everyone and even got a chance to talk with Janet Jackson!!!!!

You can see more of the photos and video’s at: Lounge 933.

Have you caught VH1’s new comedy show about radio? It’s called Moron In The Morning …. and view the first show at VH1’s site. Very funny.

Classical music station XHLNC has switched frequencies. The station can be heard at 104.9 FM. The station will be at 7,500 watts and broadcast from the same area as XX Sports 105.7 FM and XHDTV-TV 49.

The official switch was at 10 a.m. yesterday. Transmission issues are being tweaked

~~

With Friday’s dismissal of three veteran broadcasters from the KOGO news team (see Clear Channel Is Self Imploding), a vast hole remains in the news at AM 600, while other stations could seize an opportunity.

Local industry insiders watch the Clear Channel horrendous cost-cutting move and watch to see if other stations make a move. It’s an election year and there’s plenty of news to report on the local scene.

KFMB-AM could reach out to displaced KOGO reporters, but that might be unlikely with their Channel 8 affiliation. How ironic is that for Marilyn Hyder: She was at KFMB prior to her hiring at KOGO.

Salem’s KCBQ will likely be constrained by out of town owners, too. Wild card: The new San Diego 1700AM, where PD Mark Larson knows the market because of his nearly 32 years here in the San Diego radio market. He built KFMB’s heyday over 18 years, launched KCBQ in its current format and knows how KOGO works. He is building 1700 AM.

In the past month the station has added Stacy Taylor to afternoon drive, expanded local content through the day, and scored exclusive interviews. Mark’s work is not done as he has enhanced their KUSI-TV tie-ins and expanded the CNN and NBC Radio news affiliations. In recent days, info veteran Hal Brown has joined sister station XX Sports Radio 1090 and 105.7 FM. There is the the possibility he’ll be heard on 1700 at times, too. Marilyn Hyder could also make a good fit with locally owned and controlled 1700, either with her old partner Stacy Taylor or mornings with Mark. It is a Stay Tuned item; and where ever Wade, Sally, or Marilyn land … it is clear KOGO’s time as “the only news” in local AM radio is waning.

The possible wild cards: KPBS-FM or AM 540. The local public channel is often overlooked by commuters who want local news in the morning. their long-form informative reports are not the six-second sound bites — KPBS’ reports tell the 5-Ws and the How. AM 540 could expand their regional coverage and make a mark on Orange County and San Diego where the signal is dominate.

Regardless where they land — and it is hoped in San Diego — the local market needs the experience of Marilyn, Sally Hixon and Wade Douglas.

Must See iTV: Financial pro Jim Cramer: “The radio fundamentals are so poor. The industry is going away.”

Stay Tuned …..

Thank you for making SDRadio part of your internet travels today. See you on the radio and here later in the broadcast week.

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Friday, February 8, 2008 by SDRadio.

Not an island in the CCU franchise anymore, Clear Channel Communications is thinning the herd heard in the market. Three market professionals: Marilyn Hyder Sally Hixon and Wade Douglas have been let go from the KOGO news staff..

Add a few other behind the board and other folks that make the stations — CC-SD is imploding on itself. Who is going to sweep the floors let alone turn off the lights?

The CCU-SD suits will proclaim that they’ll move forward and make great progress in the seven stations they control in San Diego. It is sad, really sad, to see the professionals and the talent let go. Not only is it a blow to news — it’s sad and pathetic to see a once robust cluster imploding on itself and offering half-baked news.

The voices of Marylin, Sally and Wade were more than newscasters — they delivered with an air of professionalism that was hard to find in the market. I knew them; and they always took the time to say hello in my in-frequent visits to the complex on Granite Ridge.

It’s more than a loss of voices; it is a loss of a trusted source. KOGO proclaims to the the voice of news — yet cutting these — and others — only gives wonder to what is. Those left behind in the news department are indeed, professionals, however Marylin’s, Sally’s and Wade’s reports were gold. There was no question in the reports — after all, it was Marylin Hyder, Sally Hixon, and Wade Douglas.

This is not a local cut; it is from the Texas headquarters where less is no more. Less revenue because of poor programming, less personnel because of poor sales, less common sense because some rat bastard bean counter in San Antonio is using an abacus to balance the books instead of looking at the San Diego picture.

While I personally view this move as something short of stoopid … don’t blame the local manglement on the decision. This is clearly being driven by the greedy owners of Clear Channel whose bottom line is the silk linings of their pockets instead of the objective of the radio airwaves to serve the public. After all, they are going private and they have to cut the bottom line — damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.

I can imagine that everyone — no matter who — are walking on eggshells at Granite Ridge, the home of the seven stations. That’s the sad fact: radio looses, San Diego listeners loose, and yet the corporate weasels in Texas will spin this more than Bill O’Reilly as progress.

Check those ratings in three months. Five shares will not be the norm. Less will be “more” in their eyes …..

Stay Tuned

MUST READ: Radio’s Worst Cut is The Deepest!.

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Thursday, February 7, 2008 by SDRadio.

KSON’s premiere producer Tori Peck checks in about Morgan (pictured right) and her high-flying trip to NAS North Island.

Tori (pictured below) writes: “The wonderful Navy personnel at North Island invited Morgan and I to take a tour of the base. Attached you’ll find a couple of photos of us in the pilot’s seat!!

Also, KSON had it’s St. Jude Radiothon last week and let’s here it for San Diegans! Even through the loss of many homes due to the wildfires and a hurting economy, they still were able to raise over $400,000 for St. Jude!

~~

Also this week, the parent of KSON, FM 94/9 and KiFM told the fifth estate that all the stations are officially off the sales block. Strong street buzz indicated that the San Diego cluster were being very close to being sold.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2008 by SDRadio.

“BEAR” is a dreamy 3 month old, neutered, male, Freestyle Newfoundland/ Chow-Chow Mix. A little fluffy monochromatic cloud that will bring you
sunshine every day! “Bear” is currently 30 pounds and prepares to grow into an 80 pound plus huggable, loveable friend! Life without YOU would be un-BEAR-able! Adopt your Bear-y good pal from Helen Woodward Animal Center!

“Bear’s” adoption fee of just $225 includes up-to-date vaccines, an identification microchip and has been examined for health and temperament. (No extra charge for all the extra love and kisses!)

Helen Woodward Animal Center kennels are open everyday from 11am to 6pm. (Applications accepted till 5:45pm) at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. For more information call 858-756-4117, option #1 or log on to www.animalcenter.org.

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Monday, February 4, 2008 by SDRadio.

Today, Tuesday, Feb. 5, is election day for propositions and the party primary. No matter where you are on the issues, or who you want to cast your ballot for — please take the time to vote. Polls are open until 8 p.m. tonight.

Radio will cover the events: KPBS-FM 89.5 FM, starts coverage at 5 a.m. with reports from National Public Radio. The day will include updates from The California Report with national coverage from NPR.

At AM 600, KOGO-AM, the coverage begins with Chip Franklin. Cliff Albert, program director for the station sends, “San Diego voters are invited to participate in an informal election day poll during a live radio broadcast.” The station will be at St. Tropez Bakery and Bistro at 600 West Broadway in downtown San Diego.

Chip Franklin will be broadcasting live and interviewing voters about their decision in the presidential primary and on the statewide propositions on the Tuesday election ballot.

The broadcast also will feature political interviews, analysis and predictions as well as the latest information from local voting officials.

San Diegans who are on their way to the polls and those who have already voted are encouraged to come by and share their viewpoints with Chip Franklin and a live radio audience.

San Diego 1700 AM begins its first election coverage since shifting programming to political talk. Mark Larson will have a full broadcast day.
Super Tuesday starts on Mark’s 5-9 a.m. Expected to join the fray are Sen. John McCain, Mitt Romney’s son Matt and former VP candidate Jack Kemp. Democratic guru Bob Mulholland will also appear on the show. In recent days frequent guests have included Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee.

Later in the week Mark will have on California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mark is emceeing a special event with him Thursday evening.

On election day, KUSI-TV 51 (cable 9) and SD1700 provide coverage. The stations will simulcast the TV coverage beginning at 9 p.m. Throughout the day, 1700 AM will provide updates from the national and local elections.

Super Tuesday also marks the beginning of Mark’s added duties as political analyst on KUSI television. He’ll have frequent TV updates during Tuesday night’s coverage and as the election cycles continue this year.

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Monday, February 4, 2008 by SDRadio.

XHLNC is preparing to move to 104.9 FM. The classical music station based n Baja California, is testing its new antenna.

Chip Franklin at KOGO has Arizona Senator John McCain in studio at 7:20 a.m. With the primary on Tuesday, the candidates are on the airwaves in 20-states.

Mark Larson picks up his microphone on Tuesday for the election coverage. He’ll also be at KUSI-TV 51 (Cable 9).

KPBS-FM starts coverage of the primary at 5 a.m. tomorrow. They’ll cover the election until the results are known.

KSON raised $402,125 in the 20th annual fund raising for St. Jude’s Hospital.

Thank you for stopping by, full coverage starting tomorrow.

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