Idaho Radio News Etc.

KTMY/My Country 104.3 is giving away a two-night trip to Bend. You get hotel, plus a couple of cool side-trips. Check it out.

Ahh Sunday mornings. Time for all sorts of random local TV programming. KTVB & KBCI have public affairs shows – channel 6 has Pets on Parade — and one other gem: Preview of Homes.

OK, gem might be a bit much. But, there’s something nice about sitting down with a mug of O-J, and watching a tour of a few dozen local homes (especially if you’re in the market). All with a pleasing female voice, describing the “spectacular,” “immaculate,” and “stunning” attributes of these homes. That voice belongs to KKGL/96.9 The Eagle’s Cat Lee (or as she is credited: Catrina M. Lee). Lines blurred indeed.

I just noticed THIS on KIZN’s website:

Those Kissin’ kids have waaay too much fun!

(Notice the eyes… if nothing’s happening, refresh your browser and look again)

I drove to McCall and back twice this weekend — and listened to the radio just about the whole way. I spent quite a bit of time with KTPZ/99.1 The Music Monster. Am I the only one that didn’t realize the station had a syndicated afternoon show? Lots of talking for an afternoon show. Matt & Ramona hold down the virtual fort each weekday afternoon.

The station lives up to its name – and has a monstrous playlist. It’s almost AAA-like in sheer volume. Since I don’t get to listen to KZDX/99.9 The Buzz often – I wonder how the stations compare. Last I checked, The Buzz was almost mod-rock, while Monster is like “all the pop you can eat from 1998-2006.”

Time to weigh in.

Thank you all for your thoughts – negative and positive.

To those who charge bias and nastiness – that’s your opinion. Here’s mine: this is a blog – so it’s “I report, I decide” to some degree, but having open comments allows folks to call me when I’m wrong (often). If I hear/see something stupid, I’m going to call BS. I guess that’s the return I get for hundreds of dollars in investment, and thousands of hours of effort. Those who don’t like the “editorial attitude” need to buy a vowel: this is a BLOG… (read: OPINION). I’m a pretty light touch on that front as it is – I could be far more biting.

Clearly I’ve said things along the road that some might not like. So be it. However, I take pride that this IS a place for “better broadcasting.” I pounded the “Radio for Relief” concept along, rail against voicetracking, promote localism, don’t chronicle the market’s DUIs and most of all, try to use this as an instrument for greater good. Am I perfect? No. Do I make mistakes? Yes.

To “Someone on the Inside,” Stand Alone, jackmormon and Dizzle: I take solace that you are far out-numbered (and that two of you have identical IP addresses, so there’s only three actual people). If you don’t like it… quit chewing up my bandwidth and go away.

To those who hope this could become Idaho Media News – frankly, I agree. But I cannot delve in to TV for reasons I’ve stated before. Maybe some day I’ll go get a real job and throw the doors open.

I didn’t expect this reaction when I posted Friday. Like I said, I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. The last thing I expected was a 46-comment referendum on ME.

Bottom line: I haven’t made a decision. Since I can’t decide – I’m going to keep going until the site’s third anniversary in late September, then reassess.

We now return to our regularly scheduled blogging.

Well, folks – here’s the deal.

After almost three years doing this thing, I’m starting to run out of gas. I’m not finding as much to post… I don’t feel very “plugged in”… and frankly, I seem to get more negative e-mails than positive. Plus, the day job and outside life consume me – much more so than they used to.

I’ve been thinking about closing up shop for a couple months now. I haven’t because I enjoy reading my own site too much. No, not what I write – but what you all come up with. I’ve toyed with the idea of a message board – but the liability is high, and with no news to prime the pump, I’m not sure it would work… so I’ve ruled that out.

So the options are keep going – or take a hike. Thoughts?

Boise police released further details about the Citadel employee injured in a brutal attack last month.

Eddie Reed worked the overnight shift in the news department at KBOI – and was repeatedly hit in the head with a blunt object. So much so that he had to learn who his own father was again. Scary stuff.

Oh, and by the way – he was attacked on his birthday.

About the benefit:

The concert will feature the country band Emerson Drive and be held Sunday, August 13th at 7 p.m. at Cowgirls in Kuna.

Tickets go on sale Monday for $15 at the Citadel offices at 15th and Bannock streets. The band is donating their time and all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Reed family to offset medical expenses. Citadel is also taking donations for the family.

Perhaps his extended radio family at the other Boise radio groups can kick in some additional promotion.

KRVB/94.9 The River had a wonderful interview and in-studio performance with Beth Orton, who’s in town for a Big Easy Show. She also performed a couple songs. Love live, local radio.

However, it’s the way the segment started that was… weird. KRVB is voice-tracked for much of the day – including Gary McCabe’s afternoon shift. Music Director Tim Johnstone took over part of Gary’s show, since a pre-recorded computer can’t very well interview a live human being. He said something about Gary ‘letting him come in for part of his show.’

The listener might have gotten the impression that the River station-runners didn’t think Gary could handle an interview with a Big Star, so they had to bring in the Big Guns. Hmm.

A Kinsburg, CA station flipped from Christian radio to “Porn Radio…” I kid you not.

Suggestive songs are mixed with the sounds of people moaning.

Check it out

Brian Norton & Kimberly James join Dave Burnett for AM Idaho on KIDO/NewsRadio 580.

Brian & Kimberly replace Jon Duane & Chris Kelly, who quit this spring. My googling of the new pair’s names isn’t coming up with much. If you’ve got the scoop, help fill in the gaps in comments.

PLUS: The KIDO morning search went all out, with CC execs trying to grab all sorts of well-known folks around the Valley for the morning shift on the AM talker.

Man severely beaten in Downtown Boise
BOISE – Boise Police are looking for your help cracking the case of a brutal attack last month.

Police say someone attacked an unnamed 36-year-old man in the early morning hours of June 3rd. Officers say the suspect hit the man in the head a number of times. It happened at about 3am at the corner of 21st and Jefferson.

A passerby found the man in the street in a pool of blood. The man survived – but has severe brain injuries.

It is still not known if the attack is random or targeted.

Police and family members are hoping the public can help crack the case. If you have any information, call Boise Police dispatch at 377-6790.

The victim is employed by Citadel Broadcasting, which owns six Boise-area radio stations. Citadel is putting together a benefit concert to help raise money to cover his extensive expenses.

A press conference is set for tomorrow morning at 10am.

-Story from KTVB.COM

Seen the hundreds of comments on KTVB.COM about the state quarter design? Virtually NO ONE likes it. Might be good morning show fodder…

One person described it as a “non-descript bird eating our state.” Nice.

We put up a gallery of the other finalists, and all the other state quarters so far.

Idaho: the Chickenhawk state.

Michael Deeds reports that the Rolling Stones will play the Idaho Center in November.

Wow.

Of course, the silly fish wrap buried it deep on the website. Some lightning storm from the weekend is BREAKING NEWS… but the Rolling Stones? It’s a “news update” under some irrigation district news.

Deeds says it is just a “rumor” — but he’s got his facts nailed down, clearly. Killer.

KTHK/105.5 The Hawk is looking for a morning jock.

Eastern Idaho Young Country 105-5 radio in Blackfoot is looking for a Co-Host to talk on radio. May interview guests, act as master of ceremonies, read news flashes, identify station by giving call letters, or announce song title and artist. Need to know Adobe Audition and Media Base. Send MP3 and resume to the Program Director identified in the application instructions below. Wage is negotiable.

Of course, the (un)helpful Idaho Job Service web page makes you jump through hoops to figure out how to send in your T&R. KTHK’s website lists “Big Mike” as PD — his e-mail is bigmike@1055thehawk.com

KZDX/99.9 The Buzz is looking for an afternoon jock in Twin Falls:

Modern AC/Rock PM Drive in Beautiful Intermountain West
Walk into the hottest PM Drive slot in the market. Southern Idaho’s 99.9 The Buzz is looking for it’s next high-energy, quick-witted, interactive jock to keep our afternoons hot and number one. Three Days Grace.. Red Hot Chili Peppers.. Nickelback.. Foo Fighters.. we’re a pop station with a rock feel. HUGE promotions, MAD phones, GREAT facility, LOCALLY OWNED COMPANY. GET YOUR STUFF IN NOW!

kzdxblastoff@yahoo.com

Mail stuff to:
KZDX-FM
Broc Johnson
Ops Manager
953 Blue Lakes Blvd. N.
Twin Falls, ID 83301

Come kick ass with us in Twin Falls. No phone calls please.

(Thanks, Brian — via AA)

If you thought you heard “Claire Day” on KCIX/Mix 106 doing traffic of late… well, you’re right.

Claire is now working for Clear Channel — doing traffic duties on Mix in the morning — then working on the promotions side of things throughout the day.

Greg Williamson handles the other five CC stations in the A-M (KTMY, KSAS, KXLT, KFXD and KIDO) – and Robin Scott provides reports for all six frequencies in the afternoon.

RELATED: What’s up with the KIDO-AM job kids & kiddies? Jon & Chris have been gone for months — and the “temporary” solution is still in place. Is the fight to replace a pair of icons a bit tougher than imagined?

The meeting is scheduled for 7:00-9:00 P.M. on Thursday night July 20, 2006 at
the studios of KBCI-TV Channel 2. They are located at 16th and Main in downtown Boise. We anticipate the meeting will last about 90 minutes, and will be followed by a tour of the KBCI facilities, hosted by Operations Director Jeff Bishop. Jeff started at Channel 2 in 1969 and was there when I worked at KBOI AM-FM-TV from 1970-1972, so he is a wealth of historical information himself!

We also hope that Jimmy Johntz, former Chief Engineer and General Manager of KBOI AM-FM-TV (and later KBCI-TV) will be able to attend and perhaps tell us a little about the early days. We have taped the last two meetings on a digital audio recorder but hope to also run a video camera during this meeting to capture some of the history that will recounted by some of those
who “were there.” I plan on inviting Marty Holtman and some other KBOI veterans to attend too…so it should be fun and interesting.

Our first Newsletter will be out in the next week or so and will cover the early history of Idaho television; including rare color photos of both KIDO-TV’s Crestline Drive tower (that existed from only 1953-1956), and the KFXD-TV transmitter building and home-made antenna…all in full color! This “bi-Monthly” 4-page Newsletter (called “As the Turntable Turns”) will be a
collector’s item – and will even come with 3 holes punched in it to put into a binder so you can build your own library to share with others. All of this comes with your membership, so go to www.historyofidahobroadcasting.org and click on “become a member.” Then, print out the application and mail it with your check to the address on the form.

Our August Meeting will be Thursday the 24th from 7:00-9:00 P.M. at Journal Broadcast Group on Fairview next to KTVB Channel 7.

Hope to see you at the July Meeting!

You all are quiet out there in blog-land…
I’m going to have to start talking about the Dixie Chicks again…

The fish wrap’s spawn is doing its annual Best of Boise. “thrive” wants your vote. When you’re filling in your frequency for best radio station, will you do me a favor and put “KTVB.COM” in the best local website category right above it? You could consider it a donation for four years of free idahoradionews.com… (yes, I’m shameless).

Haha. That’s what we’ll call the most mis-leadingly accurate headline of the month.

KLTB/Oldies 92.1 is on the air in the Pendleton, OR area — licensed to Pilot Rock, OR – oprated by Charles L. Nelson out of Walla Walla, WA. The format is 50s & 60s oldies.

The FCC says the station is still in CP mode – but this message board indicates that it’s already on the air. (Thanks, BF!)

Victor Pacania, host of BSU Radio’s excellent Private Idaho program is suffering from pancreatic cancer. The Boise Co-Op, Bravo Productions and several other local groups are getting together to host a benefit in his honor – Saturday July 22nd at the Big Easy. The event will feature music from Frim Fram Fellas, John Hansen, Bindi Bowler, Rosalie Sorrels, Ned Evett, Curtis Stigers & more. Tickets are $20 – available at TicketWeb outlets.

The Cow is Now… just not on his flagship station.

WKQX in Chi-town is dumping the show effective July 14th. FMQB says there’s no word what this will mean for syndicated affiliates. The program airs locally on KQXR/100.3 The X (Thanks Cale)

WLUM/Milwaukee is off the ground under its new format — and PD Jacent Jackson. The station did the oh-so-fun “Quick 102″ format with song hooks for a few days. Now, FM 102.1 Independent Alternative Radio is on the air — with library expansions still yet to come. (Thanks Cale, via FMQB). Jackson used to helm KQXR/100.3 The X as program director

Statesman names new publisher. KTVB.COM with details…