Idaho Radio News Etc.

You’ve probably heard the Tom Scott spots with Hoss Grigg — but have you seen the TV spot?

There’s Hoss, in all his glory — selling cars. Not your typical pitchman — but a memorable name/face/voice to wrap your campaign around.

Last May I asked which you all thought was better: XM or iPod. The crowd was split.

In November, I did a free trial of XM’s online service — and listened at work for a few weeks. Wasn’t super impressed. The online trial didn’t include the news stations (CNN, MSNBC, Fox, etc) – which would have been a huge selling point.

For Christmas (granted, it was just yesterday), I got a 20 GB iPod. It rocks (pun intended). Now it’s a simple decision: iPod over XM.

KTVB’s Brian Holmes did a nice Christmas day feature on KXLT last night.

The story featured Bill Lee, who has been spinning (virtual) Christmas records since Thanksgiving. It was a light, whimsical look in to the halls of the CC building.

Lee Eichelberger was featured as ‘the guy who loaded all the songs in to the computer.’

When Bill Lee was asked what he listens to on his way home, he said “classic rock.” Good thing CC has a rock station. Right?

After the story, anchor Andrea Dearden and former KCIX vet Bob Anthony reminisced about Bob’s days on the air in Boise.

I’d link to the video — but it’s not online.

Another year is about to stumble to its final resting place.

In his year-end column, Mike Deeds said that nothing interesting happened. Oh, except his show on KRVB. Of course. He also said there isn’t any much swiping at each other. Apparently he doesn’t read the comment threads on this site.

I reread all of the posts on this site for the past year. Like Deeds said, no format flips — no major controversy.

So what’s the story of the year? Dr. Drew Harold’s firing from Citadel. It showed there are no sacred cows anymore. And that’s about it.

Since this site launched in September of 2003, not one single Boise station has changed formats. None. A few (KTIK, KQFC) have tweaked their brands — but no owner has thrown out the baby and it’s accompanying bathwater.

And we haven’t heard the country rumor in several months. But another book is on the horizon. Snicker snicker.

* KWYS-FM is FINALLY back on-air, format unknown. KEZQ-FM is back on running Westwood One’s AC network, currently all Christmas on “the Big E-Z.”

* There’s speculation that Wild 103.9 will re-emerge as something different in Spokane/Coeur d’Alene since it is presently all Christmas – something odd for a rhythmic CHR to be running.

(Thanks Ben!)

Heartbreaker is filling in for Nate (Dog) this week. He actually called the “Interactive Nine at Nine” by it’s proper title — the Hot 9@9.

Will the former intern take a place on the revolving Magic Morning Show cast of characters?

A well-placed source says changes could be on the way for KGEM-AM. Could another sports talker be in the works — or will it take another direction entirely?

This from Idaho Falls:

KTHK, 105-5 The Hawk is HOT. The playlist is hot. The imaging is hot; we have the brand new Reel World WKDF Jingle Package. The market has 250,000 listeners plus tons of new theaters, entertainment venues, restaurants and more. Salt Lake City (market 31) is just 2 hours away. That’s where some of our best jocks have gone next. We’ve got all digital studios and use MediaTouch, Saw, Adobe Audition (Cool Edit Pro), and 360 systems Shortcut.

Don’t be discouraged if you’ve only done part-time or only done CHR, We want to hear from you, too. Give us an aircheck with REAL breaks… i.e. promos, weathers, talk-overs, callers, etc. We wanna know what your average show will sound like. Don’t make it too “best of” sounding. Plus send us some commercials.

Qualified candidates are invited to download the application available on our web site (www.intermountainradio.com). To be considered an application must be submitted by fax, email, or mail to our Human Resource Department. Resume/Tapes are accepted only when accompanied our application.

Changes coming to IdahoRadioNews.com in the new year. I’ll detail that later — but for now, I’m looking for a few contributors. If you love the business, have your ear to the ground — and want the chance to reach the Idaho radio community — this is your chance. Drop me a note at idahoradio@gmail.com. You can remain anonymous. And before anyone asks, I lose money on this venture, so this is not a paid gig.

Interesting that AllAccess is closed for three solid weeks. Wow!

Big Boy is exiting the Magic Morning Show — he’ll be doing nights in Memphis. (Couldn’t find a suitable picture of his face, so his toe will do)

So yet another high-profile job is open in the market (the emphasis is mine):

Citadel Boise’s heritage Top 40, Magic 93.1, is looking for a morning show leader who is:

relatable to a 26 year old woman,
funny,
charismatic,
confident,
success-driven NOT ego-driven,
community-oriented,
a popculture buff,
team player (and by “team”, we mean the WHOLE station)

Do you understand the meaning of the phrase “planned spontaneity”?
The right money for the right candidate.

email resume, references, pic, and mp3 to
kzmg.pd@citcomm.com
send your physical package to:

Citadel Boise
1419 West Bannock Street
Boise, ID 83702
ATTN: Jim Allen

NO CALLS PLEASE – LET YOUR WORK SPEAK FOR YOU

Citadel Communications is an equal opportunity employer

KZMG is getting a new, bright yellow, Honda Element. The vehicle is a trade deal with Larry Miller Honda.

Clear Channel has a job posted on the Idaho Job Service for an “Afternoon Announcer.” A friend confirms the position is at Mix 106.

From the posting:

This spectacular station has great DJ`s in every daypart, so if you are a beginner, this is probably not the job for you. If you know music, movies and what`s going on – AND you have the sense of humor and showmanship to put it on the air, it`s time to show off. Great facility, great company and an incredible staff.

So now we see the formula: ratings go down (KSAS), and CC cuts your live staff. Ratings go up (KCIX), and CC adds to your staff.

Job closes Dec. 21.

KJOT’s Rock Show is losing one of it’s members. JV is headed to the warm days of San Diego.

A little history quiz for you. Here’s how it works: There are 21 questions below — how many can you answer? I’ll post the answers later in the week. Feel free to speculate in the comments section.

1. What is former KZMG-FM night jock Scooter B.’s real name?

2. What was the name of K-106’s big money game (in the Kip Guth era)?

3. Name the primary host of the Blues Highway program on KFXD-FM.

4. 94.9 FM has had three sets of call letters in the Boise Valley. Name them.

5. KJOT/J105 did not start its life as a rocker. What was the station’s format before going rock?

6. 100.3 FM used to use a rebellious postioner. What was it?

7. Where were the studios for the above named station?

8. Name one other brand for 100.3 (not including “The X”).

9. List three of Chris Brewer’s other monikers.

10. “KISS FM” has appeared in the Boise Valley before. At what frequency?

11. Before it’s sports days, KTIK was an all-news format. What were the station’s calls?

12. Who was Steve Shannon’s first morning show partner at KZMG?
12a. Bonus: Who was his last?

13. What was Mike Kasper’s former nick name?

14. Which station was the first to sign on in the Gem State?

15. Which active Boise-area call letters are the oldest (different from above)?

16. Before J105, what was the name of the Boise-area’s prominent rocker?

17. Who was the DJ that abandoned his on-air shift at KFXD to “make the switch” to KZMG?

18. Name two of Ken Bass’ former co-hosts.

19. Steve Shannon & Stephanie Kelly were sued by another radio group for doing — what?

20. Name the former KQFC-er who is also a major presence at the Taco Bell Arena.

21. Before it was “The Eagle” it was this (two acceptable answers).

Waring: Many of the correct answsrs are in the comments — but not all. If you want to challenge yourself, try skipping over the comments when filling out your answers.

…who can’t seem to remember that KIDO is now at 580AM: From http://www.580kido.com/davepetso.html:

NewsRadio 630 helps facilitate this enormous task with Dave Petso and Money Matters.

AllAccess reports that KIDO-AM will be using Fox Sports Radio for morning updates and Sunday evenings.

KQXR has added a giant inflatable X to it’s arsenal. It’s hard to miss.

Remember a few weeks ago I wrote about the Twin Falls business marquees touting local stations?

A friend writes in to note the subtle trickery of the stunt. The reader boards say “Class Rock has moved to 98.3 FM.” They advertise the new 98.3 The Snake format. Instead of advertising a new format — it leaves folks with the impression that the current classic rocker (KIKX) has changed dial positions.

Smart marketing?

I think I should turn this site over to “OJ” & “The.” The pair have a pretty fascinating converstaion going on here.

Couple of notes on the KBOI/KTRV morning show:

- Paul J. was on the “hot box” from Provo Wednesday for part of the show. For some odd reason, they framed up a terrible picture of him whenever he talked. It was hard to concentrate on what he was saying because the photo was so strange.

-On Thursday morning’s edition, a caller poked fun at Chris Walton. It seemed lighthearted, but Chris was not amused. He rolled his eyes… and then looked at the camera, as if realizing what he had just done. Ahhh TV.

-And Deb is still providing some pre-taped reports for KBOI — giving them one more voice to add to the team.

I’ve mentioned the Twin Falls ‘99 war’ before. I had a couple of chances to give long listens to both KZDX & KTPZ. My impressions from the summer have changed quite a bit. KZDX features several staffers with a decent level of talent — and the playlist is much more to my liking. Not that that means much. The station is at very least voicetracked overnight — a pleasant surprise. And the “classic rock like” imaging I talked has gone a little more poppy — and fits the station. I just wish I could hear it in the Valley.

The River is in the holiday spirit too, putting on a concert to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.

The concert/benefit auction looks to net $10,000 for the House on December 12th. The River allowed readers to pick from a list of four charities online. Amelia & the Neville Brothers will rock the Big Easy – and a portion of the $19.95 ticket price will go to the chosen charity.

A Treasure Valley tradition continues. KCIX-FM’s Christmas Wish program, started in the Kip Guth days, continue this year on sister KXLT-FM.

Home Federal Savings & Loan has long sponsored the program — granting a wide range of wishes to people in need during the holidays.

The Wish program gives the station a great program feature — the letters are very often powerful and moving, and does something good for the community.

KZMG-FM is broadcasting live on location each morning this week — encouraging listners to donate new, unwrapped toys. They are using the oppurtunity to get stickers on cars — and are promising cash to listeners with stickers throughout the holiday.