Who SHOULD get the BSU rights?

Feb 1st, 2008

Last month - I asked who you thought would get the BSU radio rights. The clear winner was Citadel - with more than 55% of the vote.

Now, a little different question:

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Posted in: Radio.
Tagged: Citadel · Peak · Tester

44 Comments on “Who SHOULD get the BSU rights?”

#1 Peabody
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 2:59 pm

It’s true that an FM signal can have better audio quality than an AM, like KBOI. Unfortunately for most people in the treasure valley, 99.1’s signal quality is poor enough that they will not realize any benefit from it.
#2 RDS
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 3:12 pm

KBOI has been a good fit for BSU sports for several reasons. There are a lot of people in rural areas that cannot receive the Boise FM’s that enjoy hearing BSU games. My dad, when he was alive, used to listen to the Bronco games in Salmon on KBOI. I am sure he was not the only fan out of the reach of the FM stations and/or the lower powered AM stations in the market. Without some kind of extensive network to reach the area covered by KBOI, it would be a loss for it go anywhere else. Probably the only other outlet currently in place would be for BSU to take it in-house, and put the games on the vast state-wide network they have. It is possible they could provide an even greater coverage thru their vast coverage with translators and connected stations throughout the state. I am personally not a sports listener, but I have an appreciation for those that are. So, my vote would be KBOI or take it in-house.
#3 Wrabbitt
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 4:07 pm

Strange you guys keep slamming 99.1 signal. Why is it then, I can walk around downtown Boise with a POS cheap radio and get 99.1 everywhere I go? Yes there are a few bad spots, but every station in town has bad spots, but you guys have some sort of creepy thing against 99.1 and keep dishing out crap about it. Why? Find a new hobbie will ya? Go knit some underwear.
#4 busted if writing from work
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 4:40 pm

did you/they fix the ‘booster” problem…when those things were on…the signal stunk downtown…

as for bsu taking things in house and on their network…really hard to make cash with commercials when you are on the non comm band.

I remember when kwsu am had the cougar games and had to “cover” all the live reads and commercial breaks…we did get to read a few “underwriting announcements” but that was it…it was horrible to run…I did it…and it was bad to listen to…

It was funny…back then…those games were on both kwsu-am and on kzfn-fm (top 40 station).
#5 Roger W Morgan
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 8:36 pm

I would not vote for KBOI, unless they found another sportscaster. Paul J was good at some point in time…but gosh being thirty seconds to a minute behind the action is really not good.

It is my opinion that Tester is hungry enough and aggressive enough to overcome whatever perceived shortcomings they may have in signal coverage. I just think they would bring a more exciting product to the market.
#6 boiseengineer
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 10:02 pm

“but gosh being thirty seconds to a minute behind the action is really not good.”

That statement makes absoulutly no sense at all.
#7 ¿How you say?
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 10:43 pm

RDS said the magic word, “network.”

Boise State needs more than just the 50,000 watt voice of the Northwest. That is the next step. The University of Idaho has a network, that is what Boise State needs.

Citadel is the big player here, they can help Boise State implement this network. Now, I’m no radio pro, but all this I know for sure. The whole KBOI crew works very, very hard and has the important experience. I would rather have Schneider, Caves, Paul, and Reckamp on board to help grow the Athletic department, and really the entire university, than whoever Peak would give the job too.

Oh yea, and the realist in me remembers it may be all about the $$$$$$$$$…
#8 Peabody
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 11:55 pm

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not bashing Tester at all. He is agressive, and has managed to put several decent stations on the air in a pretty short time. I’m not a Citadel employee, nor have I ever been. However, I still vote Citadel, and here’s why…

99.1 “The Man” has a booster on Table Rock that is directional, and does do a pretty good job covering downtown Boise. Unfortunately, not all of BSU’s listeners dwell downtown. If you head towards West Boise, or Southwest Boise, you will learn 99.1’s dark little secret. The signal becomes weak and multipathy. You will hear that crackling and “swishing” noise in the background. The booster is partially to blame for this.

The oscillation of the original and booster signals are synchronized to provide minimal multipath (the swishy stuff.) As long as the booster is directly between you and the Bennett Mountain signal, it sounds beautiful. However, you’ll notice when you start to get a bit off axis from the direct path of the booster, the sound starts to become increasingly distorted. That is because the waves from both signals are encountering your radio’s antenna at slightly different times.

Also, the booster does not do a thing for communities West of Boise, such as Nampa and Caldwell. Worse yet, for areas of the West Treasure Valley, the signal is scarcely listenable. In Emmett and Wieser it is unusable. (And by the way, just because you can hear the signal on a sensitive car radio tuner doesn’t mean it will penetrate buildings and be receivable on cheap radios.)

However, I do have to say that 99.1’s signal is fabulous from Mountain Home Eastward. Most Boise FM’s fade about the time you reach Hammett, on Eastbound I-84. 99.1’s signal is good for about another 120 miles, or so. That would give listeners in Twin Falls, Burley and Jerome very high quality Bronco games. Unfortunately, Meridian, Eagle, and Nampa would not receive that priviledge.

On the other hand, 96.1 “Bob FM” has a strong Deer Point signal that covers most of the valley, from Mountain Home westward, flawlessly. I would not be opposed to hearing Bronco games on 96.1. BSU would still lose out on that tremendous AM skip that KBOI delivers at night. That allows Bronco games to be heard several states away.

That is why I am still voting Citadel. Specifically, that 50kW signal belonging to KBOI.

Note to Tester: “The Man’s” processing is not nearly aggressive enough for the talk radio format. A new processor, or possibly just cranking up the old one could really help.
#9 Rainshadow
on Feb 2nd, 2008 at 1:20 am

I don’t know where this thirty seconds behind the play thing is coming from. I know when I watch on satellite and listen to KBOI there is a 15 to 20 second delay because of how the signal propagates. When I’ve watched the game in person and listened to KBOI they seem to be on top of the action.

As for Tester. I vote no because they still have technical problems across all the stations - getting breaks right, etc. I still say the stations are being run as a paying hobby, and not as a competitive and professional enterprise.
#10 RadioActive
on Feb 2nd, 2008 at 1:56 am

KBOI reaches out as far as Baker City etc, and far beyond that far beyond ANYTHING Tester has to offer. That alone is a big selling point. Also Citadel has been the anchor for Bronco sports for a LONG time. It would be foolish for BSU to jump ship to an untested, unknown enity at this moment…but banish logic… its not my call just my opinion.
#11 Roger W Morgan
on Feb 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 am

“That statement makes absoulutly no sense at all.”

Suggestion….Watch the game on TV and listen to Paul J. Then tell me how that statement makes no sense at all.
#12 Al K
on Feb 2nd, 2008 at 6:37 am

2 play Paul J is always correcting his play call right up to the snap of the ball. i.e. Fiesta Bowl’s winning 2 point conversion. He is always calling the completion or interception and then having to correct himself. PLEASE….BSU, pick Peak or Tester or take it in house. It’s time for a change.
#13 JBH
on Feb 2nd, 2008 at 4:20 pm

“Suggestion….watch the game on TV and listen to Paul J.”

Ok Roger W Morgan, if your really gonna come into this discussion trying to make the point that Paul J. is behind the action using that reasoning, then please tuck your tails between your legs and leave while your way behind!!!

If you know anything at all, which I am betting you don’t and either you work for Peak or Tester and you think lobbying your point on this website will make any difference at all, you would realize that TV is way behind radio. Radio is almost instant!!! Why do you think you see so many people sitting in the stands listening to Paul J. during the football games? Seriously think about this for a second!!! If Paul J. was at least 15 seconds of, which he is not, why would so many people listen to the broadcasts in the stadium?

If I remember right, I believe KBOI was promoting and giving away some delay boxes so you could line up Paul J.’s voice with TV because the TV was so far behind the actual answer.

Now if your gonna come back and say I am wrong then you better come back with some serious proof ’cause I got all mine sitting right here at my finger tips!!!
#14 RadioActive
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 1:26 am

It was always a tradition among Vandal fans to watch the Video portion from the feed and mute the audio in favor of the Radio Coverage providing the play by play…. I thought everyone did that including Bronco fans…huh.
#15 Roger W Morgan
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 5:27 am

Okay, Okay, Mr. JBH….you must be right. I am not sure I understand your statement. You said TV is always behind and Radio is almost instant. My question if TV is slow, and when you listen to the radio call…it is 30 to 60 seconds BEHIND the TV….then how does your supposition make sense.

No I don’t work for ANY Radio or TV Station. I gave more than 20 years of my life to this industry. I gave it up for Lent, and just never returned.
#16 stripes
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 7:15 am

I am just wondering why everyone on this site has so much disdain for Peak! I don’t think many, if any, of you work there.
#17 Knows Don's Dad
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 8:24 am

Simple. With Clear Channel gone, they’ve got to trash somebody and Peak is the new kid at school.
#18 Buster Bronco
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 9:27 am

Based on the ratings, it is crystal clear to me that Citadel and KBOI keeps the BSU contract. BSU would be foolish to leave a 50,000 watt blowtorch, the number one station in the market, and the experience the KBOI staff brings to covering the Broncos.
Regarding the TV contract, I have satellite TV and cannot get the 24/7 station. Is there a way to put 24/7 on satellite or develop a Bronco Sports or BSU satellite channel?
#19 Don@IdahoRadio
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 11:05 am

“Simple. With Clear Channel gone, they’ve got to trash somebody and Peak is the new kid at school.”

…Tester is almost exactly as old in the market - yet people don’t seem to trash on the group…
#20 busted if writing from work
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 11:33 am

Radio Active…says “It was always a tradition among Vandal fans to watch the Video portion from the feed and mute the audio in favor of the Radio Coverage providing the play by play…. I thought everyone did that including Bronco fans…huh.”

OMG…Funny thing was that WHEN the vandals were on tv and you then listenend to Bob Curtis…you were behind tha action…his calls were always late…and sometimes stuff was a bit “made up”…oh I know…I was in the booth!

BUT…Bob had forgotten more Vandal history than many ever thought that they knew… He was a tough cookie to work with sometimes but I will always remember it….especially basketball calls like “maple court” and “…a cripple”. Ha ha ha
#21 Knows Don's Dad
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 11:48 am

“Tester is almost exactly as old in the market - yet people don’t seem to trash on the group…”

True, but if Tester becomes a viable player in the market I have to wonder if that obsevation will remain true.
#22 RadioActive
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm

Busted- You are forgetting, all the beer helped fix the delay and other problems. Yes, and I too worked a wee bit with Curtis and yes he was a bit head strong to be PC. That brings back a memory of a salmon colored sports jacket he once wore to a video taping… we had a H of a time getting it color balanced.
#23 stripes
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 12:34 pm

True, Don’s dad. But all of these “pundants” around here discount the fact that Peak has a very viable chance to get it. Let’s see, Peak has the Fresno Bulldog contract, and Fresno State could not be happier. People seem to forget that Peak has some of the very same people in house that used to put that stuff together for KBOI in the past. So, unless people are right there at the negotiating table, or have crunched any numbers, just hang on a titch. It’s going to be a fun ride, whomever gets it.
#24 busted if writing from work
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm

Radio Active…IF I remember right it was hard to color balance ANYTHING at KLEW-tv…ha ha ha just kidding!
#25 boiseengineer
on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 10:01 pm

RWM, are you listening on the internet???
That’s the only way a call would be 30 to 60 seconds behind TV.

Since the HDTV went on the air the radio broadcast call is always ahead of TV. Never heard a 60 second delay on the radio broadcast call. Ever.

Today I heard the Westwood One SuperBowl play by play announcer corrrect himself. RWM thinks he should be fired!
#26 RadioActive
on Feb 4th, 2008 at 1:49 am

Busted- You mean KLEWless dont you. Never worked there but I always wanted to stick my head in the door and see what it was like there. A friend did anchor work there for a while. I probably should have tried to cut my teeth there…but I moved on down the road to this area instead. KLEW was an interesting station alright, in a way I hope it still is as rustic as it was in my college days….
#27 Roger W Morgan
on Feb 4th, 2008 at 5:09 am

Boiseengineer….you win. We are not talking about a “DELAY” as you are describing it. We are talking about a Sportscaster who at one time, in my opinion, was good, and now is always behind the action. When you listen to the game on the Radio, and you hear the crowd reaction to something minor as a touchdown….and Paul J has another thirty seconds of blathering to make the call….that is not good.

But hey….lets close ranks and keep our goal to protect persons whom we know. Rather than present the VERY BEST PRODUCT. Most of these college sports contracts are awarded to those who will provide the most for the institution, and not who will present the better product. Watched it happen in Eugene, Seattle, and other markets.

Regarding the discussion about a Network…exactly where would this network cover? Could you sell BSU in Pocatello? Maybe, but me thinks it would be a tough sell. Get north of New Meadows, and tell me what your chances of making the BSU Sports package a real profit center.

That has nothing to do with BSU or whether its good….(I am a rabid fan)….it is simply the realities of the makeup of our wonderful state.
#28 busted if writing from work
on Feb 5th, 2008 at 11:35 am

what we found back in th 90’s (when the vandals won 2 or THREE games each year) was that for the affiliates in the treasure and magic valleys…it was a tough sell. The owners wanted to carry it…but then they did not want to pay the staff to board op it…said it cost too much money.

Now granted…that was when everyone got a phone feed and you had a 3 plus hour long distance call on a saturday. There were MORE affiliates in the fall than in spring with basketball. That is obvious. Now with sat transmission…most stations have the equipment already there. But they still complain about a 5 dollar an hour board op…

Back to the Bumco’s…I mean broncos…just kidding. It might be an easy sell NOW that they are winning…but watch the affiliates drop when it turns the other way.

Plus…how many alumni of the bronco’s are living way east in the state? Just curious. The reason I was told that there was a Vandal network, was that the numbers of grads that lived in the valley was fairly high. (No sh*^…who would want to graduate and stay in Moscow!!) :) ha ha
#29 boiseengineer
on Feb 5th, 2008 at 8:56 pm

RWM really doesn’t like Schnieder does he! Something personal there? Maybe he took his parking space once. Not worth anymore response.

As far as networks & smaller market stations, there should be closures available to automate. That would really cut down on the affiliate’s costs. The dial-up sounds soooooo bad. Delivering it on satellite is expensive. Internet methods are getting so much better maybe that’s an option.
#30 Roger W Morgan
on Feb 6th, 2008 at 4:30 am

“RWM really doesn’t like Schnieder does he!”

That is really not a good response. Where did I say anything personal about Paul J? Matter of fact I said at one time he was good. I don’t know the man, never met him, doubt that I ever will. I was only commenting on the final product. Matter of fact your response would suggest that you know I am right regarding the product presented on the air.

Sheesh, imagine that….a personal opinion was expressed in the comment section of an article that ASKED FOR AN OPINION.
#31 elchupacabras
on Feb 6th, 2008 at 12:31 pm

After analyzing the musings here on this thread, let me interject my own viewpoint. I watch the BSU games with the audio down because I WANT TO HEAR Paul J. To dispose of such an institution would be tantamount to blasphemy. I wish the TV sometimes would put Paul J. on THEIR audio signal. He is the best play-by-play in the state. Hands down! As for my second comment, Peabody talks about processing. I don’t understand why many stations (especially talk) like anemic sounding audio. Whether you like the guy or not, Howard Stern’s channel on Sirius is THE BEST processed talk ANYWHERE. Howard made sure that before taking over the reigns a few years back, that his channel would have a punchy heavily-processed thick sound. A lot of engineers these days take issue with a trillion to one compression, but I say the LOUDER and more masculine, the better. To hell with the idea (for any format) that processing causes listener fatigue. That’s just bull. When I listen to music at home, I can’t stand hearing it unless I run it through a number of limiters and processors. To me, it sounds much more fluid. If you want a rotten example of how not to process talk, listen to KSL-FM 102.7 in SLC. Their HD signal has hardly any processing and sucks! On the national side of things, listen to Bob and Tom. I love their show, but the lack of processing at their end on the mics drives me crazy. It literally gives me a headache. Can’t take it. Or have you heard some of the TV ads for the Bose headphones? Same situation. No warmth. I turn the channel because the voiceover hits a sour nerve. Hard, heavy and LOUD (but clean) is the way to go. I helped a buddy put together a processing chain for his internet station that includes an APHEX Compeller, Audio Prism, Optimod 8100 and Orban parametric eq. You ought to hear how awesome the stereo imaging is with HUGE amounts of compression. Check it out at mixutah.com.
#32 Roger W Morgan
on Feb 6th, 2008 at 1:32 pm

elchupacabras…What a great response!!! I loved it and thought it was great reasoning with regard to why you like Paul J…and why he should keep calling BSU Sports.

Now regarding your discussion of audio processing….UH, I think my hearing has gone bad. I am amazed at the intricacies you are picking up with various signals and commercials. I think at one time I could hear those differences…but the calendar keeps marching on. My hair keeps getting more gray…and I have concluded that is why my hearing keeps getting worse…LOL
#33 RadioActive
on Feb 7th, 2008 at 11:15 pm

I will be the first to admit that for the most part I could really care less about sports…HOWEVER, there is a certain anchor that the sound of Paul J. gives KBOI. Having recently installed my radio back in the car after a long absence, I did not find Paul J on the radio this morning…. it just was not the same, for good or bad it just was not the same…. I hope that Paul J wil have many more years to fill Treasure Valley airwaves with his presence.
#34 Roger W. Morgan
on Feb 11th, 2008 at 1:58 am

I’m really curious. I see numerous posts on this site from “Roger W. Morgan” who gave 20 years of his life to this industry, but I can’t find a record of him anywhere. Having spent 50 years in this business with the same name, I’m curious as to where Roger worked, and when.

I’m not offended…just curious.

Roger W. Morgan
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (WYAC)
#35 elchupacabras
on Feb 11th, 2008 at 4:54 pm

Earlier we talked a little about processing and certain opinions. I found a cool toy that is FREE and can’t stop playing with because it is cool. If you want an AWESOME 5 band processor for free, go to the winamp site and then download the Sound Solution dsp processor. It is even ready for broadcast with selectable 50uS and 75uS (European) pre-emphasis processing. This is almost as good as any Optimod and makes mp3’s sound AWESOME. In fact, I pre-process all my spots on it before going to the automation. Using a “virtual audio cable,” the processor is available for live audio too. So for those owners who want a great sound for the cost of a PC with a decent audio card, this is the best I have ever seen. Sorry for straying from topic, but I couldn’t resist. This is the most awesome thing I have ever found for a free download.
#36 Peabody
on Feb 12th, 2008 at 1:20 am

Thanks, elchupacabras, for that little tidbit of information. I downloaded that processor plugin, and it sounds great! It takes a little fiddling and tweaking to get the desired results, but you can get them, for sure. If you’re a audio geek like I am, it is actually quite fun. I’ve got mine to sound quite loud and clear, yet still transparent with no heavy “breathing.” It’s no Optimod, but it is a hell of a lot cheaper than one. If you have a little kit transmitter to broadcast MP3’s around the house like I do, this is great. I suppose I can get rid of my EQ, 4 band crossover, and pile of AGC’s now.
#37 RadioActive
on Feb 12th, 2008 at 4:44 am

Hey Peabody, on the subject of kit transmitters- what do you recommend. I have been searching but have not found what I am looking for yet. Appreciate any advice you or others could give. I want to broadcast around a couple hundred feet or so… thanks.
#38 Roger W Morgan
on Feb 12th, 2008 at 5:46 am

Years ago, there was a radio station in Boise, and I believe the call letters were KYME. The Studio was located in the shopping mall at the corner of Orchard and Overland. They were a rock and roll station. As a kid, I used to stand and watch the D.J.’s in the window, and wonder how I could become one of “them.” I used to listen to them while bucking hay, or hoeing beets…and think “Gosh that must be the coolest job in the world.” It was indoor work and involved no heavy lifting. I also remember when one of the DJ’s went on tour with Paul Revere and the Raiders…and would broadcast from the tour. It was either at KYME, or at KISN in Portland, Oregon that I would listen to an announcer named Roger W Morgan…I thought he was the best. I thought that if I could ever become a DJ…I would like to emulate him. Sadly…and rightfully so….I never had the talent, so moved into management and operated stations in Washington and Oregon…but those first impressions of RADIO, have never left me. So the name I chose to post under is a reflection of those times. If you, the other Roger W Morgan, are that person then I salute you. I will chose another name to post under….and continue remembering times when radio was exciting and compelling.
#39 elchupacabras
on Feb 12th, 2008 at 9:53 am

RadioActive, there are a number of great kits on the market. For a little over $100 you can get a decent one from Ramsey. Make sure you get the one with the dip switches to set the frequency. The cheaper one drifts too much and isn’t that hot. Make sure you have a regulated power supply or the audio will have a significant amount of hum. On my Part-15 station, I placed a car noise suppressor in line with the power supply. Another piece of advice: add a graphic EQ in your audio chain and set a brick wall filter at 15khz to avoid splatter.
#40 Peabody
on Feb 12th, 2008 at 10:35 am

The kit I use is a model MPX96 by North Country Radio, and it works quite nicely. I costs about $85, as I recall. It uses the DIP switches and a ferrite slug for tuning, and it is PLL locked. I’ve had mine on 24-7 for about five years, and it’s never drifted. It puts out about 10mw or so, which will get your signal to other rooms in the house, when using a wire cut to 1/4 wave for the antenna. If you want a couple hundred feet of range, it has an export-only circuit in the schematic that will boost that to about 100mw- which is illegal, but what the hey, you can be the neighborhood pirate. I think the sound quality is great, but as elchupacabras said, you will want to process the audio in front of it somehow. This Winamp plugin is a great place to begin. North Country Radio also makes a digitally synthesized PLL transmitter kit that is great (the MPX2000), but it costs closer to $150.
#41 elchupacabras
on Feb 12th, 2008 at 6:57 pm

Hey, Peabody, ever think about setting up a Part-15 radio network? Could have several of us do certain dayparts and stream it via broadband.
#42 Peabody
on Feb 13th, 2008 at 10:47 am

You know, I haven’t really though about it, but it is an interesting idea. I personally don’t have a lot of time and money to devote to a project like that. However, if several people were involved, the cost could be kept relatively low. That could work, and might be quite fun.
#43 KBSU Survivor
on Feb 13th, 2008 at 8:53 pm

Buster Bronco said:

“Regarding the TV contract, I have satellite TV and cannot get the 24/7 station…”

Don’t know if you’re on DirecTV or Dish, but there is a solution. Get a satellite box that also gets off-air hi-def, like most of the older DirecTV HD boxes. They’re easy to find on eBay. I have the original HD Tivo, the HR10-250 model. Hook up a UHF antenna, and you’ll get 24/7 as channel 7.2.
#44 Roger W. Morgan
on Mar 3rd, 2008 at 5:31 am

Well, now I AM flattered!! To think that listening to an “on the road report” with Paul Revere and the Raiders might have encouraged you to use the name, Roger W. Morgan, is humbling to say the least. Yes, I’m the Roger W. Morgan from KISN in Portland…also KYA San Francisco and a host of other great radio stations over the years including KISN in Portland, WIFE in Indianapolis, and KOIL in Omaha, all owned by legendary broadcaster, Don Burden.

I now live in the U.S. Virgin Islands where I own and operate the Virgin Islands leading radio station, WYAC (Paradise 93.5FM).

If you choose to post under my name, it’s OK. I’m glad to get the story about how the name suddenly appeared in Idaho. (I once lived in Richland, Oregon, not far across the Snake River from Boise.) Thanks for clearing up the mystery!
Roger W. Morgan
http://www.paradise935fm.com

Who SHOULD get the BSU rights?

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