Idaho Radio News Etc.

This is the fourth anniversary of IdahoRadioNews.com. Thanks for reading, commenting and e-mailing tips.

Tomorrow’s USA Today has a long (by USAT standards) story on Idaho’s growth. There’s a quick mention worth noting here:

Idaho’s population grew 13.3% from 2000 to 2006 to 1,466,465. That’s twice the national growth rate. Idaho’s Hispanic population has doubled since 1990, to about 10%. Boise has two Spanish-language radio stations.

There’s at least three by my count (KWEI, KDBA, KQTA) – though you can kinda count KDJQ.

The Boise Weekly is rolling out its annual Best of Boise this week (Ooooooh! Staples!) This will be the last year that allows non-locally-owned stuff to win. Which means, I guess – that the media categories will be vastly different next year, since local ownership is somewhat of a rare thing.

Anyway, on with the picks and winners.

Best Local Radio Station: KRVB/94.9 The River. The station moved up from second place last year – vaulting KBSU… in fact, KBSU won each of the past four years – so this is an accomplishment. Second place was “kbsx Boise State Radio 91.5-FM.” Third – KQXR/100.3 The X.

Best Local DJ honors go to Ken & Tim at The River. Tim won by himself last year, so this year readers added long-time vet Ken Bass to the ballot. Big J at The X takes second, with Mike & Kate at third. Same order as last year.

On the editor’s choice side of the coin, both KSAS and KRVB get mentions… in the context of BW folks appearing on the airwaves. The paper described Hooker and Chad thusly: “If you were to look up “Morning Zoo” in Webster’s dictionary, you’d probably see a picture of these two animals.” Hooker & Chad… Opie and Anthony… cut from the same cloth?

The paper has one more radio note – which I want to save for last, so you’ll have to excuse the odd flow here as we do a quick gloss-over of the other media categories.

Best TV station: KTVB first. IPTV second, KTRV third.
Best TV anchor: Maggie O’Mara takes the prize for the third straight year. Dee Sarton takes second, Carolyn Holly in third.
Best news source: KTVB first, BW second… Idaho Daily Statesman third.
Best weatherperson: Scott Dorval first. Larry Gebert second. Rick Lantz third.

(Let it be noted that I didn’t make a SINGLE snarky TV comment… thank God for the delete key).

“Best infanticide” went to Thrive Magazine. Speaking of snark: “The giant, sclerotic fluffy bunny that was Thrive(!), didn’t. Created in a blatant attempt to sink the mighty dinghy that is the BW, the Idaho Statesman-generated B.S. machine finally went belly up this spring.” I still love the “Thrive, didn’t” line.

Now as promised, circling back to radio:

Chris Kelly and Jon Duane back on the air at KFXD 630-AM

We admit to shamelessly loving the return of radio’s best odd couple, Chris and Jon in the mornings on the new 630-AM. Although we hear the complaints from the fans of classic country music, which used to play on the signal, there’s nothing like having longtime pros behind the mics talking about local doings. OK, here’s our giant conflict of interest, up front: They regularly allow BW folks, from Editor Shea Andersen to Arts and Entertainment Editor Amy Atkins, to come onto the show and talk about what’s going on around town and in the pages of this paper. Now, if we could only stop Jon from accusing Amy of coming in to do the show hung over on Friday mornings, we’d be even more enthusiastic about their show. Until then, all we can say is, watch your back, fellah.

Congrats to all the winners!

KBCI is again leading a newscast with a radio stunt – this time KZMG/Magic 93.1’s promo telling folks to wear a Magic bumper sticker on their shoe in public bathrooms (if a Magic DJ spots you, you win a prize!) Props to Magic for getting their logo on TV… gotta love free promotion.

But really… the lead? The TOP story. BIG story. First. Nothing more important. Sigh…

The Fall 2007 book started Thursday for stations in the Boise and Twin Falls markets. It ends December 20th… happy holidays!

Former Boise oldies station KDJQ (now Spanish) disappeared from the airwaves earlier this month, and hasn’t returned. In July the station was sold from KDJQ, Inc. (Robert E. Combs) to Churchill Media of Eugene – but according to the FCC, the deal still hasn’t gone through. Put this one right next to KIOV in the “what’s going on?” file.

Deeds can’t prove Britney wasn’t here….

Key: “It’s so funny,” said DJ Keke Luv of Kiss FM. “The other radio stations think that we’re making some big hoax up. Why would I make up that Britney Spears is in Boise?”

If you like, totally read TMZ, you’d like — knooow she was in LA today, and yesterday

I love that Kiss played it up, love that Magic picked it up, and laugh that the newspaper ate it up.

Update: Mr. Deeds reworked his story with the word from a Jive Records spokesperson: “Not in Idaho.” Good to see the unmatched reporting resources of the Idaho Daily Statesman hard at work.

If you watch KTVB tonight at 10pm, you’ll see Dave Tester… if only for 2/3rds of a second. We do a weekly video collage of some of the thousands (literally) of photos submitted to our new Idaho High School sports site. Someone at Fruitland High School uploaded this pic of the voice of the Grizzlies…

Update: Link to picture fixed…

KZMG/Magic 93.1 is looking for a “new morning show” – either individuals or a team. A couple interesting things from the posting (below) — Magic’s calling itself Hot AC… they only require a year experience… and this pretty much means the “music mornings” dealy-o is only temporary..

Mornings in Boise
KZMG, Magic 93.1 (Hot AC) is looking for a new morning show in one of the
best places in America. Individuals or teams welcome to apply. Don’t care
what format or what market size, but you do need at least one year of
full-time experience.
We’re looking for someone who is a hardworking, audience-interacting,
team-playing, self-marketing, highly competitive, real PERSONALITY!
If this is you (or someone you know) send an mp3 aircheck of your (their)
best stuff to scott.souhrada@citcomm.com or mail to KZMG, attn: Scott
Souhrada, 1419 W. Bannock, Boise, ID, 83702. Include resume’ and contact
info.

Citadel Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

And now, the legalese:

SCOPE
Creates positive image and tone of station through performing and
interacting with audience and clients in studio and/or remote broadcasts.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Entertains and informs listeners
Introduces programs and music
Reads commercial copy and public service announcements
Keeps traffic logs and transmitter readings
Assists in special promotions and programming activities

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of all applicable FCC rules and regulations
Computer literacy in applicable programs
Excellent verbal communication skills
Problem-solving ability and skill in prioritizing
Ability to interact with management and staff at all levels
Ability to multi-task and handle pressures and deadlines
Skill in operation of control board, remote broadcasting and other related
production equipment

EDUCATION AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
High School diploma
Must possess valid state drivers license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
May occasionally require lifting up to 25 lbs.
Able to sit for extended periods of time

The next meeting of the History of Idaho Broadcasting will hold its next meeting Thursday September 27th at the new Tester Broadcasting studios in Nampa. I had a chance to see the new digs several weeks ago – and I think you’ll be impressed with what you see if you attend. Full posting after the jump…
Read the rest of this entry »

KBOI/670 AM has a smattering of new billboards around town. They feature a shot of the Boise city skyline, with large KBOI lettering in orange – and “670″ in black. The billboards tag with “news that never sleeps.” No blue and orange… no Bronco imagery.

Here’s my crappy on-the-road iPhone pic:

I stumbled across an old NY Times item on the Journal Communications employee stock plan. It talks about the switch from the old employee share-trading system, to the era as a publicly traded company.

The story opens up with a JC employee who joined the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 1969 and retired in 2003 with more than $1 million. Wow.

Since that November 2003 story, the stock’s had a rough go – falling from $16.90 a share then – 20 a close of $10.24 yesterday. Meanwhile, JC reported that August earning slipped – off more than 7.5%. The broadcast division (radio/TV) dropped 8.2%

Lately, on the way to the gym at night, I listen to KSAS/103.3 Kiss FM (imagine what I’d have to post if I listened more than five minutes a day). Chris (Lucky) the DJ was doing a decent phone stunt, trying to gin up Britney-mania… He had some callers saying they say Britney Spears in Boise at Wal-Mart… and in Caldwell… and maybe even the Doubletree Hotel.

Welll… one of the local TV stations led their newscast with a contrived story about “which would you rather watch: politics or celebrity filth.” Weird story. Even weirder? They wrapped it around “rumors that Britney Sears is in Boise tonight!” They provided no proof, no evidence — in fact, all they really said was “rumors are flying.” Uh, OK. The reporter ended the story with a wink and a nod, saying he heard a rumor that the main anchor of that station was on the radio earlier that night talking about the topic. I’m sure you can put “2″ and 2 together.

A travesty. A shame. A mockery. A traveshamockery.

Update: Now a friend is text messaging… saying she heard the Britney buzz. Wow. Good stunt for Kiss… weird story for a “news” station.

OK… it’s not RascalFlattsNews.com… I promise.

But KIZN.com has a walk-on flash overlay that features the Rascal Flatts guys pimping their new album. The animation has lead singer Gary Levox exhorting users to sign up for a wake up call the day the band’s new album drops.

Good idea – but two fouls from the web geek in me: one, unexpected audio can be a turnoff to users (never send someone dashing for their volume knob at work). Also, there’s no frequency cap – meaning the animation comes up every single time you load the page… it really needs to only happen once.

I wrote an item for the cover of this week’s Idaho Business Review, and thought there might be some overlapping interest with the Idaho Radio News audience (at very least you’ll get to read how I think of you all… see item 4). Also, one public apology to that guy who runs Boisee.com (I think we’re related or something)… the site’s name became “Boise.com” in the editing process… which is an honest mistake I suppose.

Full item after the jump…
Read the rest of this entry »

You’ve probably seen the Carl’s Jr. “Flat Buns” commercial in heavy rotation on TV these days. KTMY/Wow Country 104.3 has its own version of the spot. Instead of an ode to hamburger buns (or a teacher’s backside)… the Wow version professes love to the collective rear end of Rascal Flatts…

Listen here.

“104 hot buns in a row…”

Heres the original…

KRVB/94.9 The River has a smattering of exclusive MP3s online right now:

- Marc Broussard – “Home”
- Collective Soul – “December”
- Collective Soul – “She Said”

You can subscribe to the station’s podcast, which includes those tracks and morning show features like the River Readers and Recycle Rylee

Boise State Radio made the choice of Carl Scheider as new host of Private Idaho official, according to the Boise Weekly. The Weekly has a must-read story about Private Idaho, Victor Pacania – and Scheider’s selection Pacania died this summer after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer (IRN Pacania archive). After a year of helping out or backing up Pacania when he was too ill to do the show, Scheider now says he thinks of himself as Victor’s “permanent fill-in.”

Carl also gets to live out something that’s become a bit of a dream in our corporate radio world:

Scheider feels pretty lucky. After 25 years, he says he kind of ran out of radio stations to work for. “I never thought I’d be in radio again,” he says. When asked about the best part of his new job, with a sweep of his hand, Scheider answered, “This is it. There’s no playlist. Unlike commercial radio, you’re actually involved in the music selection.” The worst part? “There isn’t a worst part. I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”

Here’s the story I wrote for HSGameTime.com on prep games on the radio. Thanks for all your help!

KQXR/100.3 The X has its new morning show in place – starring former afternoon hero Big J and new program Jeremy Nicolato (who goes by “Nic,” just as former PD Mat Bates went by “Mat.” Can’t anyone over there have a four letter name?)

The team named their show “The Morning After,” and you can read all about it over here. Also, check out the X’s “Small Town” parody… starring Idaho’s own (soon-to-be former [probably {we think}]) Senator Larry Craig.

The fun thing about the Internet, is I can write pretty much anything I want.

But the rules are different for radio and television. KSAS/103.3 Kiss FM jock “Dick On The Radio” aka “Lucky the DJ” said “shit” on the air September 1st at 12:27am. We wrote about it here, but left his name out of it just as a courtesy (though you could certainly read between the lines).

Since Lucky/Dick posted my item on his MySpace page… we’ll drop the charade and just be straight up: The DJ in question could land his station and Peak Broadcasting a very large fine – if someone files a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (you won’t believe how simple it is). Lucky/Dick was also drunk at the time of the incident (which is both obvious in the audio… and by his admission the next day). Is it acceptable for a personality to drink to the point of inebriation while on the job… and on the air?

The KSAS night show has been pushing the envelop quite a bit lately. Contesting is not following standard fairness guidelines – and could also cost the station money in a lawsuit if a jilted non-winner gets feisty. It makes for pretty good radio most of the time – but how much will Peak tolerate?

Circling back – is it OK to say “shit” on the air? This great post from an FCC-blog notes that a series of 2006 rulings found that “cow shit” was unacceptable, but “bullshitter” was OK (partly because it was uttered during a news broadcast). So what about a plain, drunken “shit” by a guy named Dick (which, by the way – the FCC ruled you can say… you can even say Dickhead).

All this while the FCC and CBS battle it out over the decency (or indecency) of Janet Jackson’s right breast on the tee-vee in 2004.

Update: My bad. Lucky/Dick’s name is Chris. Not Lucky… or Dick.

Peak Broadcasting appears to be rolling out a series of new sites powered by Stationality. Right now, KCIX/Mix106Radio.com and KXLT/LiteOnline.com have temporary pages with some content up – KFXD has a coming soon splash page… and KSAS and KIDO are still on the Clear Channel servers.

(Disclosure: I’ve been working on a very limited basis with Peak and Stationality to assemble a KTVB.COM co-branded news page for wow1043.com)

I’m late to this (very very late) – but KIDO/580 AM picked up Michelle Mahoney, joining the team of Brian Holmes, Dave Burnett and Ray Amaya. Mahoney joined KIDO last month.

Michelle’s predecessor of sorts – Kimberly James – stayed in the Treasure Valley after leaving KIDO. She’s now anchoring afternoon updates on KBOI/670 AM and doing reports for the station’s morning news program.

Sorry about the lack of posts. Things are a bit hectic right now. To all the folks who’ve e-mailed and I haven’t gotten back to you: here’s my group apology. I’ll catch up later this week I hope.