Tuesday, December 2, 2008 by SDRadio.

Jimmy exits prior to Roger’s leap to nationwide syndication

Update: Cliff Albert sent out the following to the KOGO team on Monday:

“As you know, the Roger Hedgecock Show is becoming a nationally syndicated program starting in January, and as a result, Jim Valentine’s position as local producer is ending and he is leaving KOGO effective today.

“We thank Jimmy for his many years of producing Roger’s successful local show and we wish him well in his next position.”

Cliff

~~

Team Hedgecock is minus its executive producer. Jimmy Valentine was fired yesterday from KOGO. He was the smokin’ producer for Roger Hedgecock from 3 to 7 p.m.

Jimmy writes on the widely disseminated Flashfax>: “December 1st ….already. It was an interesting day. I had a dentist appointment and then went to KOGO to be formally terminated. Yikes!!

“But like any day that you wake up without dirt on your chest it was the first day of the rest of my life.

“Folks at KOGO are being real nice. No “get outta here right now.” No security guards to escort me to the door. (altho a top suit did stick with me until I vacated the premises)I think they kinda like me. Go figure.

“There was talk of doing some kind of “You’re Fired, Let’s Eat Cake,” event at the station. I figured that was seriously weird so I’ve mostly avoided being available. And I’m not prone to authoring one of those mass e-mails were fired folks tell everybody how great the work experience was and that folks will remain in memories etc. I think they have a boiler-plate
“I’m fired, thanks for the memories,” email text form on the internet.

Long time readers of the Gazette know that I have always felt that folks you work with end up being part of your extended family. You go to weddings. Funerals. You are a confidant when times are hard. You loan a dollar or two. You help out when a fellow worker takes sick and doesn’t have health insurance. You buy birthday cakes and presents. You hold hands in prayer up in the back parking lot when tragedy strikes.”

At this time, Jimmy remains the editor and scribe for the FlashFax.

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Monday, December 1, 2008 by SDRadio.

KSON-AM 1240 tower is being rebuilt. The location, near 32nd Street in San Diego, is to replace a damaged self-supporting tower that received significant damage several years ago.

The new tower is on the left to replace the damaged tower, on the right.

Douglas Pierce sent a recent snap shot of the tower. The AM antenna held the “K S O N” call letters on the structure and was a San Diego land mark — for airplane pilots and those on the freeway.

The self-supporting antenna is also the broadcast home for 1040 KURS-AM and a low-powered TV station.

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Sunday, November 30, 2008 by SDRadio.

Bill Drake was born Philip Yarbrough, was an American radio programmer. He chose his last name from among his relatives’ surnames, because it rhymed with “WAKE”, the station in Atlanta, where he worked as a programmer and disc-jockey in the late 1950s.

After turning around the fortunes of Fresno’s KYNO, Drake applied similar tactics to take KGB, from 14th to 1st in San Diego. KGB’s owner, Willett Brown, suggested to his fellow RKO board members, that Drake could turn KHJ around.

In the Spring of 1965, Drake-Chenault were hired to turn KHJ in Los Angeles, from a financial and ratings loser into a success. Drake hired Ron Jacobs as program director, Robert W. Morgan in the mornings and Don Steele in the afternoons. KHJ quickly jumped from near-obscurity, to the number one radio station in Los Angeles. “Boss Radio” moved faster and sounded more innovative than the competition, making it the #1 choice over competitors in Southern California.

Bill Drake also programmed KFRC in San Francisco, WOR-FM in New York, KAKC in Tulsa, WHBQ in Memphis, WRKO in Boston and 50,000 watt CKLW, in Windsor, Ontario.

Bill’s contribution remains to the day: time clock, jingles, tight format, and other behind the mic production values that remain a staple in today’s radio.

(Wikipedia contributed to this story.)

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Wednesday, November 26, 2008 by SDRadio.

Please take the time and remember all in your thoughts and prayers — and be thankful for what you have!

See YOU on the radio and here early next week; breaking news as it happens, next scheduled edition is on Monday, December 1.

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Wednesday, November 26, 2008 by SDRadio.

Prognosticating Pooch for Wednesday, November 26th

SIT!  STAY!  Listen to Cliff & Company on KSON!

“Spice” is a 4 year old, spayed, female, German Shepherd/Collie Best Friend Blend. Fully grown at 50 peppery pounds, “Spice” is just right to season your family with lots of activity and pep! She was an excellent ‘MaMa’ to 8 puppies…who have all been adopted to their fur-ever homes. This exquisite “Spice” patiently waits for her very own spice house. The best “Spice” you’ll need for the holidays is waiting for you at

Helen Woodward Animal Center!

You can adopt “Spice” just $185.

Open everyday from 11am to 6pm.  (Applications accepted till 5:45pm) at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. Call the Helen Woodward Animal Center at 858-756-4117 or visit www.animalcenter.org!

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Sunday, November 23, 2008 by SDRadio.

HDRadio’s reach with consumers is beyond failure; it could be to the point of no return. Stations have invested millions in antennas and transmitter devices only to have radio’s new digital reach nothing beyond a few listeners.

In any economic climate, is that a good return on investment?

The promise of up to three stations on the FM band is confusing owners of the radio. For example, driving and enjoying KPBS‘ classical music HD2 station is very nice — until the signal is too weak to keep it on station. Most receivers will revert to the analog signal and the confusion with the average consumer is “why do I hear news instead of classical, this radio must be broke!!?” Imagine the surprise to the store that sold the receiver that it doesn’t work right. The store, wanting the customer to return and make high-end purchase, will take the radio back and mark it defective.

The station looses a potential listener, the store doesn’t make a sale, and a lot of radios are being returned.

Big box stores still don’t get it. A nice display with all the stations in San Diego, yet no working radio in the store. Situation has not changed in the two years. The on-radio ads are begging you to text message for a coupon, but even that gets confusing when trying to do that.

Music selection, CBS, Clear Channel and KPBS have made in-roads on the offerings. However, besides KGB, KPBS, there is no real hook into having an HDRadio.

Consumers were promised that the bounty of HDRadio would give them choice. With the terrain in San Diego and the present limitation of power for the HDRadio side, those outside the immediate radius of the transmitter will not likely hear any benefit.

The jury is still out on HDRadio. There’s a lot of free-ads playing about the promise of radio. It has yet to deliver from the sales and to some aspect, the programming side. Radios are coming down in price, but are still overpriced. When is the last time you went to buy a radio? Most consumers buy a device that happens to have a radio — from cars to home entertainment centers. Considering that a majority of this country gets their news, weather, sports, and music from the radio, something is lacking in the sales pitch.

One bright note: Those who do venture and purchase the receivers for home and auto use are finding the second and third generation radios have dropped in price and offer MP3 and/or iPod integration.

Stay Digitally Tuned.

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Friday, November 21, 2008 by SDRadio.

The third movie that features 101.5 KGB’s Dave, Shelly, and Chainsaw had the world premiere on Thursday in Poway. The jam-packed showing had a lot to offer:

Scott Bakula, Paula Abdul, Steve Poltz, Paula Poundstone joined the scenic drop of San Diego and the expert film photography by Patrick Espinosa. Add in the cast of Clear Channel San Diego, it is one-liner, laugh filled over an hour venture into the wild wacky world of morning radio.

Veteran listeners to the show will enjoy the DVD, and those just dipping their toes into one of the best morning shows in the country will catch on easily.

Locations included El Cajon, San Diego city, this time, Cookie journeyed to Dallas and did a two-shot view of the famed grassy knoll.

In all, it’s a great hour to live and see new bits with an interesting twist (and logo) of “Seriously Satellite Radio”. It’s four and a half Bromos on a scale of five.

This is a great add to the video collection and the movie will accompany the 2008 Best Of CD. Dave told me in August that the entire Steve Poltz story-telling will be included — and that alone is worthy of the $14.99.

Rush out and buy the CD and DVD collection when it is on sale next week. All proceeds will help to fund the DSC Charities that help fellow San Diegans out in a time of need. The Grand A Day Giveaway is funded by this. As the opening credits rolled, a sobering reminder that the giving has been more than one million dollars and the morning crew have not taken a penny; it was placed in the pockets and purses of those in need.

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008 by SDRadio.

Prognosticating Pooch for Wednesday, November 19th

SIT!  STAY!  Listen to Cliff & Company on KSON!

Jordan is a 2 year old, neutered, male, Sweet Vanilla Spaniel Blend. Made with the finest ingredients without artificial substitutes! “Jordan” will melt in your heart…not in your hands and he adores going on adventures! A fully grown confection at 27 pounds! “Jordan’s” got the good looks and he’s house broken too! Meet your match at

Helen Woodward Animal Center!

You can adopt “Jordan” just $205.

Open everyday from 11am to 6pm.  (Applications accepted till 5:45pm) at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. Call the Helen Woodward Animal Center at 858-756-4117 or visit www.animalcenter.org!

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Tuesday, November 18, 2008 by SDRadio.

Bob Costas, Paula Abdul, and others join the fun

Dave, Shelly and the Dean of American Sports-casters, Cookie Chainsaw Randolph premiere their new movie on Thursday in the upscale suburb of Poway.

Titled, No Brainer the movie has Dave Richards (Rickards) making an important decision about his career on the radio in San Diego.

DSC’s newest movie and Best Of CD for 2008 will be coming to San Diego on Friday, November 28th. For $14.99 you’ll get the new DSC movie “No Brainer” on DVD and the Best Bits of 2008 CD in one convenient package. Proceeds from the sale of the DVD/CD help San Diegans in need all year long through DSC’s Grand-A-Day Giveaways and more.

This event is invitation only, stay tuned to DSC at KGB-FM in the mornings to win passes for the movie.

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Monday, November 17, 2008 by SDRadio.

Tonight through Thursday, Coast To Coast AM’s George Noory is on the Sci-Fi Network. The series, called Unexplained deals with topics of reincarnation, witchcraft, cryptozoology, UFOs, and strange tales.

The series is slated for at 11 p.m.; some systems may show it at 8 p.m., depending on the network feed used.

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Monday, November 17, 2008 by SDRadio.

Lee ‘Hacksaw‘ Hamilton ventures into a different world this week.

The longtime sports talk show host at XTRA 690 and 1360 AM, has been invited to host ‘These Days‘ on KPBS 89.5-FM.

He will sit in for Tom Fudge tomorrow and Wednesday morning at 9 a.m.

Tom Fudge is on assignment.

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Sunday, November 16, 2008 by SDRadio.

Welcome to SDRadio for Monday, November 17, 2008

This report in ((Stereo)) where available.

Have you bought a HDRadio? What’s your report? Please email me at Chris@SDRadio.net.

San Diego 1700’s Mark Larson is off to the People’s Republic of China this week for a “working vacation”. Is Mark looking for $$ to help the American economy? It’s his fifth trip to China, adding to an impressive travel resume that gives him unique first-hand experience on important news events.
Among the special guests and guest-hosts holding down the mornings on 1700AM this week will be the Union-Trib’s popular columnist Ruben Navarette, Jr. (Wed. & Fri.) On Monday’s show former Ambassador to the UN John Bolton and G. Gordon Liddy are featured. Mark’s back in the 5 to 9AM slot live on Monday November 24th.

World-famous Jo Jo Kincaid is on the beach in San Francisco as his former employer played the “downsize” card. His San Diego ties include Q106-FM. Here’s a snippet on why Jo Jo ruled the airwaves when he was in the market.

760 KFMB is a unique station in the U.S. It is one of the few that increases power after sunset from 5,000 watts to 50,000 watts. The day time power is at 5,000 because of KBRT, from Avalon on San Catalina Island. After sunset, the station hits the ionosphere at full power. The three tower array near Mast Avenue and the Santee lakes. State highway 52 splits the array on the east side of the three self supporting towers.

This photo, taken Sunday night at dusk shows the three towers and lights. It was taken off of Mast Road.

San Diego’s own Shotgun Tom Kelly had an exciting weekend. The KEARTH 101 personality met up with Marie Osmond over the weekend. Shotgun suggest this may be his Christmas Card! During the appearance, Shotgun called into Charlie Tuna’s show. (Where did Charlie hang his headphones in San Diego?)

New Country 95.7’s morning crew headed for the country music capital last week. Mike O’Brian and Linda Welby were joined in the broadcast with CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Martina McBride

Thank you for making SDRadio part of your internet travels today! See YOU on the radio today and here later in the broadcast week. News, as always, as it happens!

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Friday, November 14, 2008 by SDRadio.

This is the first weekend of baseball free agency.

Radio free agent, Lee ‘Hacksaw’ Hamilton, who did afternoon drive sportstalk for 22-years on XTRA-San Diego and KLAC-Los Angeles, talks baseball this weekend in Washington, DC.

He will host the Sunday baseball show on ‘Home Plate XM-Channel 175′ from 12noon-4pm-PST.

Hamilton did fill-in work last month on the Mad Dog Channel with Chris Russo on Sirius-XM.

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Wednesday, November 12, 2008 by SDRadio.

Prognosticating Pooch for Wednesday, November 12th

SIT!  STAY!  Listen to Cliff & Company on KSON!

“Eli” is an 8 month old, neutered, male, Chow-Chow/Golden Retriever Medley. Fresh, fluffy and friendly, this pup enjoys good times with peppy people! Currently a puffy cloud at 30 pounds, “Eli” could use a bit more stuffing to fluff up around 50 pounds. Sweet and calorie free, adventure on with “Eli”! Good family fun for all ages!

“Eli” is waiting for your love at Helen Woodward Animal Center!   You can adopt “Eli” just $185.

Open everyday from 11am to 6pm.  (Applications accepted till 5:45pm) at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. Call the Helen Woodward Animal Center at 858-756-4117 or visit www.animalcenter.org!

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Wednesday, November 12, 2008 by SDRadio.

Jeff Gelder of Gelderhead Productions writes:

I would like to invite you to please consider an opportunity to help underwrite a holiday CD project for the children and their siblings at Children’s Hospital’s in San Diego, Orange County, New Orleans, Miami, Albuquerque, Houston and Milwaukee. All funds will go to producing copies of the CD and delivering them free of charge to Children’s Hospitals. (For corporate donations we are now able to offer a 501c3 tax deduction please inquire prior to making the donation)

I look forward to hearing from you, and please call or send an e-mail with any questions. Thank you for your time and consideration, and make it a happy holiday season!

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Tuesday, November 11, 2008 by SDRadio.

In 1953, an Emporia, Kansas shoe store owner named Al King had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. King had been actively involved with the American War Dads during World War II. He began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into “All” Veterans Day. The Emporia Chamber of Commerce took up the cause after determining that 90 percent of Emporia merchants as well as the Board of Education supported closing their doors on November 11, 1953 to honor veterans. With the help of then-U.S. Rep. Ed Rees, also from Emporia, a bill for the holiday was pushed through Congress. President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on 26 May 1954.

Congress amended this act on 8 November 1954, replacing “Armistice” with Veterans, and it has been known as Veterans Day since.

“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”

Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, USMC

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Monday, November 10, 2008 by SDRadio.

Imperial Valley KSIQ 96.1 Brawley has an FCC construction permit to move its city of license and transmission facilities to Campo. The station’s owners have now applied to install an on-frequency booster atop Mt. San Miguel southeast of downtown San Diego. This is where KPBS-FM/TV, KSWB, TV and KNSD broadcast from.

In the technical filing, the station is planning an ERP of 125 watts and will have the signal beamed west and northeast toward Chula Vista and El Cajon. Its city of license for the booster is Santee. While San Diego is not in a major lobe, it should be covered sufficiently for decent line-of-sight car reception on area mesas.

The FCC construction permit to move its city of license to Campo includes a reduction in power to 25kW with a transmitter site at water tanks overlooking Lake Morena Village.

(See SBE36.org for more information.

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Monday, November 10, 2008 by SDRadio.

Adjust your local listings!

Hilary’s mid-day show will be all over the music dial from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The hostess takes to the microphone after Hansen and Tommy.

Hansen and Tommy do more in the morning. They get up early to provide plenty of music, news, sports, and traffic as the daily grind continues. As they say, the morning show is for you at “work, school, the beach, court, or your work-release program”.

Halloran continues at 3 p.m. and takes all the fears of driving home. Call him and ask him about his pets.

The minor shift change up took effect today.

~~

Noted: XM and Sirius satellite radio realign the stars. The programming is expected to take effect on Wednesday. While several ads in newspapers have appeared, there is no official word on the final line-up. Stay Tuned!.

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Sunday, November 9, 2008 by SDRadio.

Hangin’ at Shotgun Tom’s House on a Saturday

KCBQ Top 40 legend, Jack Vincent celebrated his 91st Birthday with friends at Shotgun Tom Kelly’s house on Saturday. Jack enjoyed the night of fine cigars and made a heck of a run on the pool table. He is 91-years young!

As typical, Saturday Night’s Alright for playing pool and hangin’ at Shotgun Tom Kelly’s house! The event has radio and television broadcasters shooting pool and solving the world’s problem.

Last Saturday’s attendees from San Diego include Marty Levine (NBC San Diego), Brian Main (Garden Compass), Frank Anthony (Walrus FM), Jack Vincent (Pool shark and radio legend), Rich Brother Robbin (Rich Bro Radio), Jimmy Steele, (Channel 933 and Star 94.1), Tony Pepper, (Former B-100, and now based in LA), Shotgun Tom, Jeff Prescott, and myself. Don’t worry, if you were not there, you were talked about.

Also in attendance was Don Barrett from LARadio.com. Don was in San Diego to attend Sunday’s Charger game. While there, Tony Pepper stirred things up and and a fight started about internet supremacy on the respected web sites and “Should the “I” be capitalized in internet?”.

In all, a very good night and it was also for Jack Vincent. The San Diego radio icon (KCBQ and others), can still run the pool table.

Pictured: myself, Tony Pepper, Bill Lipis, and birthday boy Jack Vincent.

You better believe it, a tradition that has many in attendance over the years and one that was a privilege for myself last weekend.

You can hear Shotgun Tom on LA’s own KEARTH 101 every weekday afternoon. ((In Stereo and HD)) where available.

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Friday, November 7, 2008 by SDRadio.

Albert Einstein, when asked to describe radio, replied: “You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat.”

This is a little easier:

Thanks to world-famous Chuck Buell for the link.

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