Disqus - Latest Comments for aka_peabody

Re: An era ends: KGEM, KCID sold

aka_peabody — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:10:14 -0000

Is the radio industry a little too quick to turn it’s back on demos that don’t yield the big sales dollars?

It's kind of interesting when you think about it. Older folks aren’t typically big spenders, and are usually quite set in their routines. Therefore, they are not the most profitable demo to spend those advertising dollars on. This is why oldies stations have been swapping out their programming for younger skewed formats across the nation. In Boise, KLTB (Kool Oldies), KDJQ, KGEM and KCID have all recently given either oldies or “classic” formats the axe.

The sad part is that no radio listeners are any more loyal than the over 60 crowd. They don’t ordinarily spend much of their day “tweeting” or chatting on internet sites such as facebook. They will do things that they are more familiar and comfortable with. Listening to the radio is certainly one of these things.

As people of these generations grew up, they not only tuned in the radio for entertainment, but they lived by it. There was no internet, no cell phones, no iPods, or car CD players. There was radio, and a handful of black-and-white TV stations that signed off at night. News, weather, live performances, and the latest popular tunes were all found between 540kc and 1610kc.

Now, radio is turning it’s back on these listeners that have been so loyal for so long. Sure, there is an understandable reason for this, but it is still kind of sad.

It seems as though corporate radio is marketing mostly to the 25-55 crowd, because that’s apparently where the money is. However, it’s a tougher crowd. This age group is more likely to embrace the internet, satellite radio, and the iPod. They’re less likely to be as loyal.

The scary part is, many broadcasters are reluctant to cater to listeners under age 25 as well. This is because advertising for this demo can also be hard to sell, and radio stations lose out on “beer money.”

Why is that scary? Today’s undesirable listeners under age 25 are tomorrow’s favored demo. They hold the future of radio. Now, if you talk to many potential listeners under the age of 25, they will say that radio sucks, or it’s boring. Most listen to CD mixes they’ve burned and iPods. They discover and download new music online. Most of the time, they couldn’t phone in or text a request to a radio station if they tried. They have almost no loyalty to local radio at all.

So, what does the future of radio hold? Only time will tell. Perhaps the key to radio’s success in the future lies in it’s past. Could commercial radio once again begin offering entertaining local programming, featuring interacting live bodies that answer phone calls? Or, is it going to continue to sell out to satellite-fed religious broadcasters and the like? If it desires to survive, the industry will have to adapt to this new world of electronic entertainment, and find it’s competitive edge. One thing is certain... Radio will never out-automate the iPod.

Re: BCR gets money… maybe

aka_peabody — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:51:46 -0000

Ah, yes. The convertible part was cool, but too bad it was only a four-banger. If it had the 5.0, perhaps I would've scored better with the chicks.

Re: BCR gets money… maybe

aka_peabody — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:07:10 -0000

I would hope that the 93.5 translator will perform a bit better than what we are hearing out of it right now. I was under the assumption that it is running at a lower power level for the sake of retaining it's license. It sounds worse than horrible. Obviously, the program material being piped into it now is about as clean and transparent as a mud puddle, and that doesn't help. However, it's signal is also extremely weak in Boise. In most places a car radio will not detect the signal while scanning. Is it currently operating at full power? I hope not. A Mr. Microphone connected to a coat hanger on Table Rock would probably cover Boise better.

Re: BCR gets money… maybe

aka_peabody — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:42:01 -0000

The reality is that radio reception is a complicated thing. Your ability to receive BCR is going to depend on your location in Boise, and the amount of effort you want to put into receiving the signal.

Regardless of what you hear from BCR, their 89.9 signal will not be nearly as easy to receive in Boise as the local Deer Point signals we are accustomed to. This is because the signal strength is not quite "city grade" which means that it does not meet the FCC's standard for signal strength to be legally licensed to Boise. This does not mean that you won't be able to hear it. You see, that's where it's confusing. The BCR signal may offer better coverage in some areas than others. For example: the Broadway-Boise Avenue area will have poor reception when compared to that of the Boise bench, like the Overland-Cole area. Tuners in Zunes, cheap boomboxes, or clock radios will likely not tune in BCR's signal in those areas of poor reception, while they might not have any problem in other parts of town. It all depends on the terrain, and obstructions, such as tall buildings. Residents in those tough reception areas will likely have to improve their antennas, relocate their radios, or purchase better quality FM receivers. Usually, if there is a will, there is a way to receive a weak signal. You may have to put up with the nuisance of a little fuzz and static in spots, but if you enjoy the program material enough, you might find it worthwhile to put up with.

BCR has also talked about adding a translator to improve the signal in these areas.

Re: Wild parties down with KF-95’s old boombox

aka_peabody — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:39:55 -0000

This will probably be blamed on me. No, I didn't sell it to Impact. It was sold it to a DJ/sound reinforcement company. They sold it to Impact. I'm not sure who's to blame for the iPod, though.

By the way, if it is your heart's desire to see a good ghettoblaster...

I've got a collection.

http://www.flickr.com/photo...

Re: 99.1: A history

aka_peabody — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:51:09 -0000

The problem with 99.1 was, is, and will be, signal quality. Boise residents have long been spoiled by the big cluster of blowtorches beaming down pristine signals from their lofty Deer Point transmitter site. When driving I84 from Ontario to Mountain Home, you can listen to these stations without so much as a little puff of static. The Deer Point signals will penetrate buildings very well and even sound great on cheap radios. When a station like 99.1 shows up on the dial in Boise, many people will likely never know it's there. They have never had a reason to connect that FM dipole antenna to their receiver, or pull up that telescoping whip. This means that a station like 99.1 will be very slow to build numbers, and will be difficult to maintain them. Annual format changes are not the answer. Find a strong position and HOLD IT.

That is why a station like KQXR (The X) has done so well. Their signal is not perfect, but they found their niche and stuck to their guns. They have built themselve a loyal, long term base of listeners that are willing to wrap tinfoil around their antennas, if need be.

The Virus's alternative format will also likely develop a small, yet loyal group of listeners. If Impact is expecting a 4+ share out of this station in the next year, they will be disappointed. This signal will likely never see those kinds of numbers. However, they still can utilize the capability if this station's signal coverage to their advantage. The Virus covers from Caldwell to Twin Falls quite well. That opens the door to other possibilities, such tapping into a little revenue from the Twin Falls market. Also, The Virus will offer coverage to Mountain Home, where The X does not.

In Boise, all I can say is good luck, Virus. The X is not likely to be de-throned by anyone in the next little while.

Re: KQLZ now “The Virus”

aka_peabody — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:41:54 -0000

Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions for residents of Glenns Ferry, Hammett, and Hagerman! 99.1 and 100.7 are the only stations that area gets, and 100.7 is Spanish. I wonder what people in that area have been thinking about all of this "stunting," on what is their only English language radio service. I seriously doubt that they will ever want to hear another Michael Jackson song again! I can't help but wonder if the Mountain Home Walmart has recently seen an increase in the number of people purchasing iPods and Mp3 players...

Re: Boise gets fourth country station

aka_peabody — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:35:25 -0000

A little less boring now... This stunt lasted a little longer than the Wild 101 stunt last year. After about three hours, I was sure we were stuck with yet another country station. Good one, Impact.

Re: Boise gets fourth country station

aka_peabody — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:17:56 -0000

BORING! The country department is already very well represented in Both Boise and Twin Falls. I don't know how Impact expects bigger numbers than oldies, by squeezing into this already saturated country market with an inferior signal. KMXM 100.7 tried that once already, back in the day. Remember?

Re: Two top stations not enough for Impact

aka_peabody — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:13:49 -0000

First Kool 104, then KDJQ, now True Oldies 99.1. Sorry, no oldies for you! Now that KGEM and KCID are about to be purchased from Journal Broadcast Group by Salt and Light Radio, there will be no oldies station left in Boise. KHITS would be the closest to an oldies format, and now they are starting to scoot their way into the 80's.

Re: Guest post: KCID, KGEM & religious radio

aka_peabody — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:23:42 -0000

Thank you Don, for the compliment, and for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts and concerns on Idaho Radio News.

Re: JOURNAL TO SELL KCID, KGEM

aka_peabody — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:59:16 -0000

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.

- - - - - I N T E R M I S S I O N - - - - -

(Sorry for the long winded post. Take a breather. Go get yourself a cookie. You deserve it. Thanks for bearing with me. ...And now, the other half…)

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.

Re: Anyone got a nicotine patch?

aka_peabody — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:09:42 -0000

You are doing a fabulous job, Don. This site is every bit as strong, if not stronger than before your "So Long" post. It actually seems as though you have posted stories more frequently since then. As a regular visitor of Idaho Radio News, I must say, I appreciate the time and effort you apply to the site.

Once again, thank you for the service you provide us.

Re: KMXM hopes to become KWYD

aka_peabody — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:09:50 -0000

I'm sure many Valley County residents were very dissapointed to hear the area's oldest heritage FM station get replaced by a distant, fuzzy signal, playing the same 200 "rhythmic" (a.k.a. repetitious) songs 15,000 times.

It's not like there was all that much on the dial in Valley County to choose from before this happened. Now the area has only one local FM and one local AM (that has been off the air.) Neither of those stations will adequately cover Cascade southward. If I lived in that area, I'm afraid I'd probably have to invest in a Sirius radio.

Local radio bites the dust again.

Oh, and by the way, I used to be able to get the KMCL/KMXM signal in at my house in Southwest Boise fairly well. You could really hear them loud and clear out south of Kuna and Marsing. So, you really didn't have to be close to McCall to hear the station.

I remember listening to them in my home about 6 or 7 years ago, back when they let the McCall High School students get on the air. That was some of the worst radio I've ever heard, but it was quite entertaining. That is the sort of spirit that radio has lost. For the most part, I would rather listen to bad live radio, than a perfect, sterile automated station.

Re: Wild gunning for piece of small CHR pie

aka_peabody — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:44:30 -0000

The CHR format IS becoming quite saturated in this market. It will be interesting to watch what happens. After their 15,000 song stunt, is Wild 101 going to add live talent and a local morning show, or are they going to head more into the automated realm of Bob FM?

Even though 93.1 isn't doing real well, they do have the significant advantage of a much stronger signal than Wild 101. So does Kiss. Driving around Boise, I've noticed that Wild's signal gets quite fuzzy and distorted in spots. They seem to cover Nampa, Kuna, and well, their city of license, Parma, much better than Boise.

It reminds me of the old days of "The Music Monster." Their signal was rough in downtown Boise as well. However, they really took off- if only for a short time.

This will be interesting to watch.

Re: KWYD up up and away

aka_peabody — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:04:55 -0000

Oh, clever. Fake us all out.

Re: KWYD up up and away

aka_peabody — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:27:17 -0000

The Virus... an interesting choice. A hole formed in this market where the alternative format could fit, after The X shifted towards Active Rock. It looks like Impact jumped at the opportunity. I figured that at some point it would happen. I just wonder how well it will do.

Re: KWYD up up and away

aka_peabody — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:04:29 -0000

90.9 made the switch to "Gods Country" late on Wednesday night of last week. Ratings are a non-issue, because the station is just another satellite fed, non-commercial station owned by The Educational Media Foundation.

I have complained about the fact that The EMF had four signals in this valley, broadcasting the same Air 1 programming material all at once, for several years. I'm glad that they finally put something different on one of those signals, so they aren't wasting quite so much spectrum space.

Re: KMXM hopes to become KWYD

aka_peabody — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:54:45 -0000

The new 101.1 is on the air as of this evening. I wonder if this is a program test, or is the station is on for good?

They are playing an 80's-centered soft A/C mix right now- not much unlike the old KMXM in McCall. I have not heard a legal ID yet, or any imaging to speak of. They just have random drops and a Homer Simpson woo-hoo between songs.

Late yesterday evening, I discovered that 101.1 had fired up their new transmitter with no audio, just a carrier. This morning I checked, and that transmitter was off. In fact, I could hear the McCall KMXM signal, and the last song I heard from them was "In The Living Years" by Mike And The Mechanics.

Re: That post…

aka_peabody — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:46:12 -0000

I thought Don already did that. The only comments that post immediately are those of regular Idahoradionews visitors.

I understand Don's position. Moderating a blog like this is difficult and time consuming, especially when members start arguing in languages other than English.

Re: KMXM hopes to become KWYD

aka_peabody — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:29:01 -0000

Mea who?

Re: KMXM hopes to become KWYD

aka_peabody — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:41:32 -0000

The pirate station at 101.3 FM broadcasts reliably on Sunday afternoons, and I've caught occasional Saturday evening and Monday broadcasts. Their transmitter is surprisingly strong, but due to their antenna location, it is confined mostly to the western portion of Boise's North End, and Garden City. The signal penetrates into downtown somewhat, but is easily shadowed by large buildings.

I don't know who runs it, but they've sure been at it for a while. I tuned them in for the first time back in late 2002 or early 2003. Its seems like the audio quality has improved a great deal since the earlier days. The playlist is just as wierd as it has always been. The dude running it will crack the mic only on rare occasions. Usually, just unrecognizable music or skits play.

Now, if this station intends on continuing its less-than-legal broadcasts, it's frequency will have to change to avoid interfence both to and from the new 101.1 signal that is coming to town.

Hey, here's an idea! Maybe the pirate guy should move to McCall, to replace the local service lost to the the move of KMCL.

Re: So long.

aka_peabody — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:25:48 -0000

This is most unfortunate. Today is a dark, cold day for Idaho. The Nation. The World! We will all miss this site. All I can say, Don, is THANK YOU for providing this service to us all these years.

Is there any chance of the reins being handed over to someone with a little more disposable time? If not, will some sort of rehabilitation be offered to help us with our Idaho Radio News addictions?

Re: KMXM hopes to become KWYD

aka_peabody — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:58:25 -0000

This is the question that plagues us all: What frequency is the pirate radio station in the north end gonna move to when 101.1 comes to town? They sporatically broadcast on 101.3, which is first adjacent to Impact Radio's new 100kw signal. That ain't gonna work. So, with a spectrum as saturated as Boise's with more changes in the works, (BCRP's new signal and the 97.7 ~ 102.7 ~ 103.5 thingy,) where is the north end pirate dude gonna go? That's a tough one.

Re: KMXM hopes to become KWYD

aka_peabody — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:09:12 -0000

So, I guess the only questions now are: Is KMCL AM going to continue where KMCL FM left off? Is their tower going to collapse again? Was it ever fixed to begin with? Last week when I was in Cascade, I could hardly even hear the station.

I truly feel sorry for Valley County residents that are losing the oldest of only two local stations in the area. KMCL had a long heritage providing diverse programming to that area.