KeKe Luv: superstar
Don @ IdahoRadioNews | April 25, 2009It’s quite a feat – and quite a story. KSAS/103.3 Kiss FM program director and afternoon host caught the community’s attention in a unique way last year – by staying awake for 175 hours. Luv stayed behind the mic around the clock, taking calls and talking about a cause: child abuse awareness.
The event paid big dividends for the station — tapping into Boise’s unique community and family spirit, and creating unprecedented watercooler buzz. The event also paid off in the ratings, lifting the station to new heights, and made it one of the area’s most listened-to stations. So how do you top it?
This year, Luv took the “Live for 175″ concept and expanded upon it — taking it to the streets of Boise. The DJ ran seven marathons over the course of a week – more than 180 miles in all. Winding through neighborhoods and major thoroughfares, the station took the endurance event straight to listeners. Everywhere Luv went, folks honked and cheered and yelled “Go KeKe Go!” The station worked with Internet provider Fiberpipe to live stream the event – with a traveling camera available online. The chat room averageed 90-120 folks chatting, watching and listening in a dynamic interactive format. People like KeKe’s mom, sister, and the rest of the KSAS staff interacted with listeners online. The Fiberpipe rig was even set up so that KeKe’s girlfriend could chat live with folks from the road, provinding updates on location and his condition.
I’ve always loved the saying “do well by doing good.” This is a prime example of what radio can be. The station picked a cause, zeroed in, and found a way to grab attention. KeKe Luv, whose real name is Steve Kicklighter, made a real, personal, physical sacrifice for this event. To be able to buckle down and commit your mind and body to something this intense is impressive.
When I think of what radio should be — this is it.
Here’s a few photos snagged from the webcam:
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- Mugging for the camera Friday
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- A supporter’s homemade shirt
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- KeKe’s last stop came on Crescen Rim, as his trainer helped stretch his muscles out after running up Americana Blvd.
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- At the Boise Depot with a group of support runners
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- Near Boise State
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- In the final moments on Capitol Blvd.
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- A crowd of several hundred gathered to see the event’s finale
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- KeKe waves to the crowd
From the bottom of my heart Don, thank you for all your work on this story last week and just the over all support! It was truly amazing to see the amount of people that got behind Keke this week and were touched by what he did!
Thank you for writing such a great story on Kekeluv! When I think of radio hosts aka DJ’s I will forever think of Kekeluv! He is truly a hero for so many people.. He has truly touched the hearts of Boise and the surrounding cities here in Idaho. I Know he couldn’t have done this without the support of his co workers and for everyone that supported him along the way. I as a fan of the station and now since he is my hero in so many ways I would love to just say a simple thanks to kekeluv and congradulate him for such a great and painful accomplishment he has just made. Always know that now, because ONE DJ stood up for what he believes is so important that the message is getting out there that “IT SHOULDN’T HURT TO BE A CHILD”. Finally a child somewhere is being heard, and that other child isn’t being hurt tonight because people are talking and doing somthing about it. One more life saved and many more just beacuse they now have a voice and his name is Kekeluv! Thank you so much for all you have done!
Airey G. Nampa Idaho
Having worked with KeKe for over a year, if there was anyone that would be motivated to complete this feat, it would be him. Congrats, man! A job well done!
Keke, this is GREAT radio!
KeKe Luv, Kiss FM and the whole team deserve some major Kudos! Not only was this a successful radio inspired event, but it brought light to such an difficult issue! Keke and the team made a positive impact on so many people! All of us are so thankful and inspired by this awesome team!!
Don,
Excellent peice. You did so much to help promote Keke’s cause, I even saw you in the chat room! I cannot reiterate enough what everyone else has said. Keke and the 103.3 crew were amazing. Seeing all of the positive energy around this project was really heartwarming. Not only did they raise awareness in Idaho, but in other states (and even England, I believe). Kudos!
Really, a helicopter? I mean congrats to Keke for trying to help his ratings while bringing attention to child abuse, but was the helicopter stunt really necessary? I thought the whole stretcher into the ambulance last year was a little much….what’s next an empty tomb and large stone?
So who payed for the Helicopter?
This would be where Boise Radio Guy is trying to insight a verbal riot. Nice try. Rachael Dratch already does the Debbie Downer bit.
Wrong once again Jim Smith…not trying to insight anything, just offering my opinion like anyone else is entitled to do in this forum.
No offense, Boise Radio Guy, but you try doing what Keke did…and see how YOU feel. Odds are, a chopper ride (which I believe would be free with a relatively cheap Life Flight membership) was well justified. Then again…if St. Luke’s were thinking, I’d offer him the free ride, just to get the St. Luke’s name affiliated with support his efforts against child abuse.
So all things being equal, does it really matter who paid for the ride, or is it just more important that someone stepped up to give him one? Seems like the least that could be done.
It sounds like we need a little “insight” if we want to “incite” something here, right?
Awwww Ben. You’ve always been my favorite spell-checker. Are you staying clear of the swine flu down there? Keep that mask on! (It can’t hurt the looks anyway…haha) Seriously, stay safe.
Janice,
I never even came close to downplaying Keke’s accomplishment or the pain he was experiencing….What I am saying is that it appears to me that some of it was just for show. It would take longer to land the helicopter, load up Keke and takeoff then it would for someone to drive him very quietly, without much fanfare to the hospital down the street. If St Lukes (or Al’s whoever it was) wanted to be involved, they could have donated the cost of the Life Flight to the cause that was being highlighted during the event.
OMG! Keke did a GREAT promotion! St. Al’s and every other sponsot involved got their pound-of-flesh. That’s the way GREAT radio is done. I don’t even listen to Keke and never have but I know who he is… Self promotion is what it’s all about for the air talent. He is creating added value to the employer by becomming a community asset. Big Jack has done a GREAT job of this over the years and no one is whinning. I love it…. It’s GREAT!
Thanks Jim! Got the old surgical mask on while I enjoy a nice plate of carnitas! Seriously though, everyone is wigged out about the swine flu. One advantage: don’t have to go to Church on Sunday. :-) By order of the President and state health authorities, all religious services have been canceled until further notice!
Just terrific… the ONE place you probobaly should be and they’re not letting you in. There really is no swine flu Pandemic. It’s a major plot to keep Benno out of church.
Hi keke i was there when you where at dutch bros coffee i saw and i huged you with two other girls i know my sisters and my dad huged and i was on tv and so was a other sister and we are all so proud of you you did AWSEOME great JOB kekeluv.