Idaho Radio News Etc.

There are no polka stations in Idaho. Shocked. Shocked I tell you.

The front page of USA Today’s Life section caught my eye Wednesday:
Radio changes its tune to recapture listeners.

Nothing you haven’t heard before. But, it jogged one thought: the article highlights Jack, Progressive Talk and Hurban as the three hot formats right now. Boise has none of these. USAT has an unsourced assertion that Jack could be in 100 markets by years end — could somone do something daring? Heck… forget that old country rumor — what about Jack?

OK… not the air exactly. The wire perhaps.

The Boise Community Radio Project says it will begin webcasting on July 1st. The group says it hopes to be on real air by 2006.

I’ve submitted a list of questions to the group — I’ll let you know what else I find out. Also, I’ve added a BCRP file on the left for your tracking pleasure.

MONDAY MORNING WITH
SHAMUS AND TARA!
WE’LL CHECK IN WITH OUR STAR WARS GUYS CAMPED OUT IN FRONT OF THE EDWARDS CINEMAS, WE’LL GIVE AWAY TICKETS TO THE FIRST STAR WARS SHOW AND TARA’S PUSHING ALL THE BUTTONS ON MONDAY!!

Yikes.. where’d they get that awful photo of J on KTIK’s website? Oh yeah. I took it. My bad.

I missed this little item earlier this week — but wanted to add my two cents.

Tom Scott will join David Augusto in the booth to call the KTVB Media Group’s Bronco Football telecasts. Tom is one of the best in the Boise media business — and truly does it all. I read his Scott Slant column on KTVB.COM every single day. It is the most comprehensive, intelligent read on the Boise sports world you will find.

On New Years Eve in Memphis, a decidedly eclectic group rang in the New Year on Beale street — myself, David Augusto, Ryan Panitz, J Bates and Tom Scott. In a sea of celebrating Louisville Red — there was the occasional Bronco Orange and Blue. In the home town of Elvis, Tom may have well been the King among the BSU faithful. Fans of all ages asked Tom any number of questions — and he shared that same thoughtful analysis you see each Sunday on Sports Extra.

Tom Scott and David Augusto will be a strong pairing. After several years of less-than-spectacular teams in the BSU TV booth, I think this duo will earn great respect.

As in… old news. Or… maybe, I’m getting old.

OK, definetely not the second one. Yet.

But — I swear I posted this back when — but didn’t apparantely. KRVB’s Teri Tate decided to trade mornings with Ken Bass for days with Andy Hedden-Nicely (and associates). Tate is still doing some weekend stuff. Tim Johnstone is now doing the early morning thing.

Get ready to “rock and roll” in the Treasure Valley.

In a note to IdahoRadioNews — the station’s general manager tells us “DJ Radio” will officially commence broadcasting Monday on 890AM — 24 hours a day. According to KDJQ, the Valley has not had a new commercial AM signal in over 40 years.

As we’ve previously reported, KDJQ will pump 50,000 watss during the daytime — making it the second most powerful signal in the state (right behind KBOI I believe). The station’s foot print extends from Twin Falls to Ontario.

The format is being touted as “Vintage Rock and Soul,” with a focus on 50 and 60s R&B and rock hits.

You have the chance to check out the new offices — at 1050 Clover Drive in Boise — near the intersection of State and Veterans Memorial Parkway. Show up Thursday May 19th from 3-7pm.

See our KDJQ story archive.

The Idaho Statesman (at the behest of Michael Deeds I suspect) has launched MP3Idaho — a repository of local music.

It’s not a new idea per se — the Seattle PI’s SeattleNoise.com has been doing it forever, but it’s good to see. If the paper can use it’s muscle to pump in more than the 20-or-so artists now featured, it could be a very smart thing for the Boise music scene. It’s something I’d expect from the Boise Weekly before the Statesman — but I think most will take it either way.

Read the bios for the “Ticket Chicks.”

Just one little thing — for hair color the appropriate ones have “brunette” listed. Their hair is not “brunette” — it’s brown. I know, picky picky. I mostly just needed enough copy to wrap around the logo.

bru·nette
adj.
Having dark or brown hair.

n.
A girl or woman with dark or brown hair.

It’s playing the old oldies… see what develops.

Update: The McCall-area station station purchased by Lee Schafer (owner of KSPD/KBXL) is KDZY, NOT KMCL.

Well this is on the line of breaking my “no TV news” rule — but it applies. Scott Eymer is out, and Bob Rosenthal will add oversight of KIVI-TV to his duties at Journal Broadcast Group’s Boise radio cluster.

Update: From the press release: “Bob has successfully grown our radio business in Boise and I am confident he will help us build the Journal Broadcast Group’s television stations going forward,� said [Journal Communications president Doug] Kiel. “We are fortunate to have such an experienced leader already in place to focus on the combined radio and television platforms in Idaho.�

Frasier’s fall

Along with the iPod contest below, KBOI’s Maui contest allows listeners to gain an “unfair advantage” by signing up for the station’s e-mail club. While I’m a BIG fan of using tying the Internet and on-air components together, I wonder if it’s actually legal to give computer users a jump on the contest. What if I don’t have a computer? Then I, as a listener, am at a disadvantage to someone who does. The FCC’s posted rules are very vague .

KZMG is giving away the iPod shuffle each day throughout May. I have to agree with an earlier comment: Why do stations insist on giving listeners devices that will at very best decrease their TSL?

KRVB’s Tim Johnstone will add music director responsibilities to his role on the River’s Morning Show, so says R&R.

I just opened up kboi.com — and about fell out of my chair.

The site blasts you with unexpected audio, and sends you rushing to turn down the volume. There’s a reason web sites don’t generally include audio — it’s considered impolite. Especially KBOI — think of all those people that are sitting in a quiet office with the speakers turned on, then all of a sudden a promo spills out.

Just my two cents.

An Incredible Hulk-like figure, dressed in a KQXR T-Shirt and green makeup, walking down 11th street Saturday.

96.9 The Eagle’s television spots featuring Bob & Tom are interesting. The duo cut a customized spot for the Eagle that says “after our show, you are never more than 3 minutes between you and classic rock.” Or something like that. Clearly it’s supposed to sound a bit like KJOT’s “never more than 3 songs between you and more classic rock that rocks.” The spots also guarantees six songs in a row.

I heard a “No one knows David Bowie like Idaho’s 94.9 The River” ad this weekend. I realize that The X is running similar spots — and both flavors are well done. Using an unfamiliar voice makes you sit up and pay attention a bit. They are well written and tightly produced.