Idaho Radio News Etc.

New (Boise-based) radio host Kevin Miller has made his share of cable news talking-head-style appearances.

On Michael Savage’s comments calling autistic kids “brats:”

On a billboard saying “Don’t vote for a democrat” with a picture of the WTC on fire:

Getting Chris Matthews’ ire on Hardball:

On illegal immigration:

On race in the 2008 general presidential election:

This doesn’t happen every day – Boise radio competitors mixing it up in the battlefield – er… airwaves. (No tridents anywhere to be found)

Sunday night on KRVB/94.9 The River’s “The Other Studio” – hosts Tim Johnston and Idaho Statesman Scene Editor Michael Deeds were joined by a surprise guest. A guest who works at another radio station. And no – this wasn’t an employee of KQXR or KJOT or KTHI. It was… KeKe Luv of KSAS/103.3 Kiss FM.

Say… what?

This week’s show focused on trying to identify “the song of summer.” Each year, Deeds writes a column that focuses on the song that has that certain… something. Past examples include Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy, Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s and the Beyonce/Jay Z Crazy in Love.

But this summer… that song has been elusive. Candidates, in the eyes of Johnstone and Deeds include Taylor Swift’s You Belong To Me, Kings of Leon’s Use Somebody and others.

Since that big summer song is usually driven by top 40 radio, they put KeKe on the air at KRVB to talk about his thoughts (he’s kindofabigdeal) . As I’ve said before, The Other Studio does things that are out of the ordinary and “break the rules” – which is what makes it great radio.

Here’s an IdahoRadioNews.com bonus… listen to the interview in MP3 format (recorded from my iPhone voice memo… so the quality isn’t perfect. And if you listen realllly closely, you might hear me folding laundry).

You stay classy Boise Idaho.

UPDATE: I screwed this up. Big time. Kevin Miller – new morning host on KIDO is NOT a syndicated personality. I was a little too quick to scan his online bio. He is helming a new locally based show.

Three notes: First, this leaves the two KIDOs without any regularly scheduled local programming. Let that soak in for a moment. KIDO-AM does not have a local morning show any longer. This leaves Boise AM radio with just one local morning show – and three shows overall (all airing on Citadel stations – two on KBOI and one on KTIK).

The morning slot is being filled by syndicated conservative host Kevin Miller, who will be heard on KIDO from 5am-9am, and on KFXD from 5:30am-7am – the timeslots formerly held by AM Idaho.

Second, all three of these guys have been noted for their work ethic and dedication. I don’t know Sean or Ray personally – but have always heard such great things about them. I worked with Brian for years at KTVB – and he is not only one of the nicest guys in the media game, but his work as a journalist was always exceptional (his story years ago on a local kid who had 867-5309 as his phone number is still one of my favorites).

Third, it makes you wonder what becomes of these job postings…

KIZN/Kissin’ 92.3 host Spencer Burke is up for a big honor: induction into the Country Radio Broadcaster’s Country Music DJ Hall of Fame in Nashville.

A panel will now evaluate his work and make a final decision on induction. If he makes it through the process, he’ll be a part of the DJ section of the overall Country Music Hall of Fame.

The honor is only open to radio talent that have been working in the industry for 20 years – with at least 15 of those spent at a country-format station.

Congrats!

This post was left in comments on our earlier entry about the sale of KCID & KGEM to Salt and Light Radio. It is well thought out and though-provoking, so we’ll run it on the home page instead.

By “Peabody”

Even though this story was originally posted several weeks ago, I am surprised that there have not been more comments, concerns, and possibly a little outrage.

Outrage, you ask? Why would there be? The reason would be simply this: There is only a finite amount of spectrum space on both the AM and FM dials. This means that only so many stations will fit. Once the spectrum is full, it’s full. This means there will be no more room for new stations that could potentially have unique or local programming. Today, the spectrum is nearly full, and much of that spectrum space is already being hogged by religious broadcasters.

With Boise’s packed dial, religious newcomers have resorted to buying up existing commercial stations, as in the case of KGEM and KCID. Once these organizations acquire these signals, they will usually never amount to much more than a repeater for a satellite service. Also, history has shown that once a religious broadcaster gets a hold of a signal, they never let go. This amounts to a sad future for two stations with such an interesting past.

This should be at least a little cause for concern for Boise residents, because the process of signal acquisition by religious groups will inevitably have a negative impact on the quality and localism of radio programming. Whether you really think about it or not, the radio spectrum is all around us all of the time. Anyone with a radio or TV has access to the contents of our broadcast spectrum. It does not only belong to the FCC or broadcast corporations. It belongs to all Americans, and we should all care about it’s content.

Now, before I go any further, let me say that I do understand “Salt and Light Radio” is a network that we currently aren’t hearing here in Boise, and they are apparently going to offer Catholic based programming in both English and Spanish. Please understand that I have no problem with their organization, or their message. I have not heard their broadcast service. I am only taking issue with the amount of spectrum space that all religious broadcasters are consuming. Let me explain…

Somewhere around ten years ago, vacant channels on the Boise area FM dial started getting snatched up very quickly by religious broadcasters. Today, about 1/3 of the FM band is comprised of formats labeled as Religious, Christian, or Inspirational. Many of these stations are just broadcasting sterile sounding network satellite feeds. Many more are just translators that are re-broadcasting the same sterile sounding satellite feeds.

When you get down to brass tacks, you’ll see that, on just the FM band alone, there are 11 religion-based signals in Boise. (88.1, 88.3, 88.7, 89.1, 89.5, 90.9, 94.1, 95.7, 98.3, 99.9, 106.7.) Many of these are just low power translators, but a few, like KARO 98.7, are full power blow torches.

Perhaps there would be a legitimate reason for having this many religious stations in one market, if all of these signals had different and unique programming. However, that is not the case. Here is a perfect example of a religious organization, The Educational Media Foundation, wasting valuable spectrum space.

Three of the signals I previously mentioned, (88.3, 98.7, and 99.9) are simultaneously broadcasting identical program material- Air1 “Christian Alternative.” As I mentioned before, KARO 98.7 is a 100 kW blowtorch, so the other two signals are unnecessary. They do not offer significantly improved signal quality to areas not adequately covered by KARO, and it is worthy of mention, that both of their directional antennas are oriented to cover Boise.

Right now on the AM band, there are three religious formatted stations. (790, 950, 1060) These are included in the total of 10 AM stations that adequately cover Boise. Once 1140 KGEM and 1490 KCID become religion based stations, 5 out of 10 AM stations in Boise will broadcast religious formats. That’s half of ‘em, folks.

Here’s the worst part. The dial is packed so full of signals, that local and community stations are finding it difficult or impossible to squeeze their way into the market. It appears that only two FM frequencies (that are at least 3rd adjacent to existing stations) are still vacant in the Boise market. To my knowledge, they have already been applied for. (This lack of spectrum space is the reason for the big proposed frequency swap involving that 97.9-102.7 & 103.3-103.5 thingy.)

The AM band still has a little space left, but not much. Any remaining available frequencies would likely provide less than desirable nighttime coverage. (As did the now defunct KDJQ.) All of this simply means that as the number of religion based broadcasters increase, the number of other options naturally has to decrease.

Another byproduct of this transaction will be the cessation of any commercial AM stations in the Boise area broadcasting music. Fortunately, occasional musical programs are offered by KBSU AM (Assuming they don’t entirely lose their budget.) However, if you want music any time of the day from your antique radio collection, or your ’75 AMC Pacer’s factory AM radio, you better have a sensitive receiver and a good antenna. AM 1240 KMHI (Mountain Home, Classic Country), and 1380 KSRV AM (Ontario, OR, Country) will probably be all you can get. You’d better like country music.

It is sad that we have so many signals available to us, yet there are very few that actually offer any kind of quality local programming. Sadder yet: as of now, Boise has no community radio station at all. BCRP has been trying to get a signal on the air for years, but due to the saturation of the dial, they have had to settle for a transmitter site near Vale Oregon. As of yet, they are still off the air.

Back to KGEM and KCID: Why should we care? It’s only AM, right?

While it’s true that AM radio has some disadvantages, such as audio quality and interference, it is safe to say that AM is far from being dead. Look at the success of News-Talk formatted stations such as KBOI. Many markets have very successful AM stations that consistently stay at the top of the ratings heap.

KGEM and KCID’s lack of success in recent years was not due to the fact that they are AM. No, these stations died a slow, miserable death of starvation. Little to no funding has been given to those stations, and they have been broadcasting dull, lifeless satellite feeds. That is the fault of Journal Broadcast Group. Over the last about 7-8 years, they have directed most of their Boise radio budget to their FM’s, and sunk the big dollars into TV. While the company obviously has bigger goals, it is still a shame that KGEM and KCID were neglected as they were. Even in their pitiful state, Arbitron still indicated that they had some listeners.

Don’t think that these stations were let go because don’t have potential. KGEM, in particular, has gobs of potential. It’s signal is fabulous because it’s towers are right smack dab in the middle of the Boise bench. It broadcasts at 10,000 watts, day and night. At night, I have heard KGEM clearly as far away as Portland, Oregon. A few live bodies and some quality programming could have made something great out of this station.

KGEM also has a colorful history. Unfortunately I don’t know very much of it. I have heard a few tales like how irrigation line was used in place of copper transmission line during war-time shortages. During the Cold War, KGEM was required to install a bomb shelter, which back in the day, was fitted with a fully functional studio. Duck and cover! During the 1960’s KGEM used to be Boise’s popular music station. (Frostop diner story, anyone?)Sometime after that, KGEM simulcast the country music that was on KJOT FM, then re-established it’s independence after KJOT became J105 back in ’85. During the 80’s and early 90’s, KGEM actually broadcast in AM Stereo! I’ll bet you forgot about that that little attempt at a cutting edge technology that never really was. As recently as 2001, KGEM had a live, local morning show. Unfortunately, the budget was severed and the format was changed to “Good Time Oldies.” The Old Cassia building was left and all but forgotten about.

KCID doesn’t have the high powered signal, but it has always been the little local station that could. Back in the day, KCID AM and FM brought local programming with a personal touch to Canyon County. Lately, KCID AM has been treated more like the nuisance in the broom closet at the Journal building.

All of what these stations could have been, now will never be. Well, as long as the FCC approves the deal. I hope that Salt and Light Radio thanked you for the great deal, Journal.

This site isn’t overly political. We usually let that discussion happen elsewhere… and hopefully — my political leanings don’t enter into this forum.

But I think this is interesting. Glenn Beck – who is heard in a number of Idaho stations, and has made several trips to the Gem State – has been in some hot water of late. He called President Barack Obama a racist. Since then, about 35 advertisers have pulled support from his television program (I’m not finding any credible reporting on whether there has been an effect on his radio show).

That leads us to this – a clip of Beck on his Fox News show that I think anyone can relate to (left, right, up, down):

This escaped my notice: Boise State University recently cut 100 percent of the budget for University Pulse – the 24-hour streaming service (which is also broadcast over-the-air on KBSU each Sunday from noon-midnight).

The station has merged with the Boise State University Arbiter newspaper – which formed the new Student Media Group. That saved the service – but didn’t fix the overall problem. Pulse has no many to pay staff or update equipment.

So they’re taking the fundraising route. The group will hold a benefit show featuring ATTN, Apple Horse, Le Fleur, We Won the Science Fair and Ardent – local bands featured on the station. That’s right… local bands… on the radio… local radio… in Boise

Tickets are $7 for the September 11, 2009 show at the Knitting Factory. Get yours at TicketWeb.com or by calling 426-TIXX.

The Idaho Falls Post-Register reports that KUPI/980 FM may drop coverage of Skyline and Idaho Falls high school games this fall.

Idaho Falls play-by-play man John Balginy lamented the potential decision.

“If the decision is made, so be it,” Balginy said. “But I think it will be a loss in at least those two high schools.”

The P-R says no decision has yet been made, and did not give a timeline — though the season starts in the next few weeks.

I can’t link to the story because the Post-Register has a pay wall around its online content.

We’ve got some new folks here. I’ve again posted the rules above the comment box. This is not that general news site where you can say dumb stuff all day long for fun.

Rules:
- Don’t defame or libel another person. Keep it civil
- Avoid profanity
- Use your real name. If you don’t these rules will be more strongly enforced upon you
- Do not change your nickname. You risk being called out if I catch you
- Comments are moderated. Most are approved in 24 hours

• test

I spent part of the weekend digging through family photos for a project. Hidden amongst them… was this:

Chris Brewer aka Chris Maxwell aka Uncle Max aka… Spud Bros. #1 in the old KFXD studio

No… this guy is not a member of my family.

The ISBA Awards were handed out earlier this month – here’s how the winners shake down:

Best Public Affairs
AM, Boise: “Tester’s Take on Sports Donkey Basketball”

Best Agricultural Program
KIDO, Boise: “Cuban Thaw” Dave Burnett

Best Local Newscast
KCHQ-FM, Rexburg: Dave Plourde

Best News Story
No entries

Best Sports Program
KIDO, Boise: “LOI Day” Bob Behler and Coach Pete

Best Sports Play-By-Play
KSRV, Boise: Dave Tester “Rodeo on the Radio”

Best Investigative Report
No entries

Best Spot News
KIDO, Boise: “Boise Fires” Dave Burnett

Best Feature News Story
No Entries

Best Commercial -Single
KRVB-FM, Boise: Hendrickson’s Jewelry “Mother’s Day” Brian Rodgers

Best Commercial – Series
KCIX, Boise: The Naughty Shop “Thespian Theater Adaptations” Jodi Sali, Robin Scott and Tom Collins

Best Commercial Copy
KRVB-FM, Boise: Bogus Creek Outfitters “Summer Shows” Dan McColly

Best Public Service or Public Affairs Announcement
Journal Broadcast Group, Boise: Ada County Coroners Association “Don’t Let the Coroner be Your Designated Driver” Dan McColly

Best Personality
WOW 104.3, Boise: Dan Mathews

Best Morning Radio Show
KJOT-FM, Boise: “The Pete and Joe Show” Pete Stauffer and Joe Weber

Best Audience Promotion TV Using Radio
Journal Broadcast Group, Boise: KIVI-TV, Live at 10

Best Audience Promotion Radio Using Radio
KQXR-FM, Boise: “Free Gas Friday” Jeremy Nicolato

Special Projects
KQXR-FM, Boise: “X-Rock Music Murder Mystery” Jeremi Smith & Jeremy Nicolato

So far in the last two months, Peak has posted jobs for PT traffic, a sales AE, KAWO program director, directory of digital management, talk show host and a producer slot. That’s six jobs…

Peak’s hiring frenzy continues – with this latest posting for a “producer.” Details after the jump. And (say it with me) if you apply, let them know you saw the posting here!

Read the rest of this entry »

Peak Broadcasting is looking to hire a “talk talent/on-air host.” They want someone with 5+ years experience. Details after the jump. If you apply, let them know you saw the posting here!
Read the rest of this entry »

Maybe it was Boise State Football’s undefeated regular season. Maybe it was some extra caffiene in Jeff Caves’ afternoon coffee… and maybe it was a fluke.

Whatever the reason, KTIK/ESPN Radio 1350 KTIK The Ticket saw a big drop in its spring numbers. Everywhere you look, KTIK saw massive drops from fall to spring — though it is basically right on the nose year-to-year.

And by massive, we’re talking about falling from a 4.1 to a 1.8 – more than two points (persons 12+).

Here’s the thing — this is the third book in a row where we’ve had a station jump from middle of the pack to top of the heap.  In spring 2008, it was KKGL – which saw the best Boise-market ratings of any station in more than four years at the time. It then fell back to its normal ratings range.

In fall 2008 we saw KTIK jump up – and now fall.

This time it is KSRV/96.1 Bob FM, which popped from a 2.9 to a 4.9 — and notched even greater demo growth.

In all three cases, the stations did not make any massive alterations – no staff changes, no major music changes – just a ratings period of staying the course. Will this be a pattern of for Bob – or will it hold on to the numbers?

Impact Radio Group has a lot to crow about after this book.  It has joined the ranks of “the big three” radio groups in Boise — which now can only be termed “the big four.”  Two of its stations pulled solid ratings and even went to #1 in some demos.  The cluster of stations has been trying to make a go of it in this market for more than a decade – starting with splashy studios in the Boise Spectrum – through to a failed co-ownership deal with the Boise Hawks – a “relaunch” of the stations and rebranding under Dave Tester – to the latest effort.

All along, the stations could never quite make it work. That just changed with the success of KWYD/Wild 101 and KSRV/96.1 Bob FM.

But Impact is still a long way from where it likely wants to be.  For now, it only has four stations in the Boise market — and two of them are essentially invsible.

KQLZ/99.1 Idaho’s True Oldies Channel tied with KGEM in among A25-54 in both mornings and total day. But even in the older demos – like A35-64, the station is not setting the world on fire. In fact, it gets beat by the very young-skewing KSAS/103.3 (among many others) in both mornings and total-day among older adults.

Then there is KPDA/La Poderosa 100.7.  The station isn’t in the book. Anywhere.  Just like KFXD last year, the station isn’t listed on the stations page, isn’t in any of the listings — nowhere to be found. It is not alone among Spanish-language stations. Bustos Media’s KDBI/La Gran D 101.9 is also missing — though both KQTA and KWEI are listed.

A former Boise radio operations manager once told me the story of a morning host who walked into a meeting, threw a fork down on the table and said “stick a fork in me, I’m done.”  That was his classy way of announcing his resignation.

In the days leading up to the spring book’s release, there had been lots of chatter about a station finally throwing down the fork and flipping formats.

The suspects: KAWO/Wow Country 104.3, KXLT/107.9 Lite FM, KZMG/Magic 93.1 and KJOT/J-105.

But all of those stations seemed to have done just well enough to earn them a reprieve.

KJOT pulled up its numbers substantially. It is still the #2 pure-play classic rock station (behind KKGL), but among adults 25-54, it is beating stablemate KQXR (to say nothing of KRVB).

KZMG continued to see audience erosion just about everywhere – but as I noted here, it looks like Citadel is giving the station one more shot before making a drastic change. Also of note – Citadel has not flipped one single station in the Boise market since it acquired these properties.  The most drastic “makeover” was the rebranding of KTIK to add “The Ticket” to its name upon acuisition, and some slight changes to KQFC’s branding.

KAWO/Wow Country 104.3 is still the #3 country station in the market – but saw improvement in all the timeslots and most key demos. While it is not the station’s best book (that was spring of 2008) – it did show signs of life after a very poor fall 2008 book).

KXLT/107.9 Lite FM may be the closest to the guilatine – its numbers fell from the fall book in many places.  When you take the 12+ view however, KXLT is tied with KCIX/Mix 106 at the moment.  But when you dig into the demos, Mix has a clear advantage.  The one upside at the moment for Lite: zero personell costs.  The station is now completely jock-free — and the only “talent” on the station right now is Delilah.  Peak’s running the frequency cheaply – and always sees a boost from its Christmas music stunt in the fall.

So what does that leave us? KRVB? KQLZ? Journal has indicated that it likes what is happening on KRVB/Idaho’s 94.9 The River – and the station seems to be able to deliver for advertisers, despite its continually low ratings. The station in its previous incarnation – as KFXJ/KF-95 had a similar problem – but The River has been at the bottom of the ratings heap for quite some time now.

KQLZ/99.1 Idaho’s True Oldies Channel is probably safe for now – since Impact has some success in KWYD and KSRV to talk about.

It sounds like one of those snappy KSRV/96.1 Bob FM promos: “Bob does more after 10am then most of the other stations do all day.”

As you break down the A25-54 numbers, you notice that KSRV/96.1 Bob FM ranks fifth among morning shows in the Boise DMA – but first overall in that demo. While I (frustratingly) can’t quote exact numbers – there’s a few interesting patterns (all notes in terms of audience share):

• KSRV sees strong growth after 10am. The stations best time period is 10am-3pm, with the 3pm-7pm slot taking second. In fact, the station wins both of those slots in the A25-54 demo by strong margins
• KKGL, KTHI and KCIX all fall off after the morning drive. KIZN also dips, but in this book at least does the best job of holding onto its audience throughout the day
• KBOI’s also sees a drop after 10am in this demo at least – though it is only about a third of a point
• KWYD also sees share growth throughout the day — rising nearly two points from AM to mid-day.  The station’s strongest slot (in terms of share – not cume) is 7pm-midnight

M-Su, 6am-7pm – A25-54
1) KSRV/96.1 Bob FM
2) KKGL/96.9 The Eagle
T3) KTHI/107.1 K-Hits
T3) KIZN/Kissin’ 92.3
4) KCIX/Mix 106
T5) KJOT/J-105
T5) KWYD/Wild 101

I told a top Boise-area station exec earlier this summer that I thought this poll had interesting results – and the “wisdom of the crowd” is usually pretty good. I asked what station you thought would have the biggest year-to-year gains.

You said:

# KWYD (42%)
# KSAS (18%s)
# KBOI (17%)
# KSRV (17%)
# KIZN (6%)

The result? You called three of five.

1) KWYD – 100% gain (from zero)
2) KQXR – 48% gain
3) KBOI – 46% gain
4) KSRV – 31% gain
5) KTIK – 28% gain
6) KZMG – 7% gain

The other two stations you guessed – KSAS and KIZN, both saw an overall ratings drop, KSAS lost 12% and KIZN fell 9%.

One other note — not one other Boise-market station saw year-to-year growth – those six are all alone. KRVB/94.9 The River tied last year — and everyone else lost ground.

KBOI had an exceptionally strong book – and broke what had long been a pattern for the station: up in the fall, down in the spring.

The station lost Bronco Football last fall – and it looked like KIDO was poised to become the dominant news station in the mall. Then Citadel struck back and was able to snag Rush Limbaugh. That paired with its existing strong local lineup seems to have done wonders.

KBOI notched a 6.9 12+ number. In the 10am-3pm daypart where Limbaugh resides, the numbers also saw a strong increase. KIDO picks up steam in the afternoon with Glenn Beck, but in this book that was 580’s only bright spot.

KWYD/Wild 101 host Chris Hall – aka CK – is off the air and no longer with the station. His picture and bio have been wiped from the station’s website. IRN has learned the change is not a layoff.

UPDATE: I wrote down the KTHI number wrong – as KJ Mac noted in comments. The corrected order of A25-54 with KTHI in second, not 4th – is reflected below. I regret the error.

Mornings – A25-54:
1) KKGL/96.9 The Eagle – Bob & Tom
2) KTH/107.1 K-Hits – Tracy & Margo
3) KCIX/Mix 106 – Mike & Kate
4) KIZN/Kissin’ 92.3 – Mee in the Morning
5) KSRV/96.1 Bob FM – none

Mornings – Men 18-49:
1) KKGL
Tie2) KCIX
Tie2) KQXR/100.3 The X Rocks – The Morning After
3) KBOI/670 – First Morning News
4) KSRV
Tie5) KJOT/J-105 – Todd ‘n’ Tyler
Tie5) KTHI

Mornings – Women 18-49:
1) KIZN
2) KCIX
3) KTHI
4) KSRV
5) KQFC/97.9 – Cory & Debi

The Boise Guardian always posts the weekly Boise Mayor’s Hotline log – which is generally a great read and gives you an idea what Boise citizens are concerned about. One person called to complain about something that continues to drive me nuts – the trash the Idaho Daily Statesman chucks on lawns all over the area each week (and no, I’m NOT talking about the daily version of the paper, which people pay for and ask for).

You can read the complaint after the jump – and the person has done a better job of explaining the issue than I have frankly. But what interested me is the line about the action taken by the city:

I talked to Pam from Code Enforcement and she said they get these calls all the time and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Read the rest of this entry »

This should shock no one, and as our poll earlier this summer predicted – KWYD/Wild 101 saw a strong ratings increase in its first full ratings period. The Urban CHR station notched a 4.8 12+ rating, good enough to beat all but four other stations in the Boise market.

Wild also topped direct competitor KSAS/103.3 Kiss FM – which took home a 4.4, and KZMG/Magic 93.1 at 3.1.

The question now – will the station be able to keep up the momentum and maintain its spot at the top of the pops?