Radio Column for January 23, 1998

Southern California radio stations have been an integral part of the World Wide Web for the past few years, with some stations putting together spectacular web sites for internet-using listeners to find out more about their favorite stations and personalities.

Conspicuous by its absence in this area has been KFI (640 AM), which never had anything more than an e-mail address, let alone a full-fledged site such as the terrific ones produced by KABC (790 AM) and KCRW (89.9 FM).

Until now.

Launched in late December, KFI640.com takes KFI onto the web in a big way. A product of Cox Interactive Media (CIM), KFI640.com is a "virtual community" specifically designed for KFI listeners from around the world.

Around the world? Yes. In addition to hearing KFI throughout most of California during the day and most of the Western United States at night, web users can now hear KFI live from the web site via RealAudio. Just the other day I heard a call from the East Coast on Jeff Levy's Sunday morning computer show ... the one where Windows users call in to get help solving the many problems that don't exist on Macs.

Various forums and information pages are also included on the site, including All Us Guys (biographies of the hosts ... think Dr. Laura minds being called a "guy?"); All You Guys (where listeners can check out each other); news, weather and traffic updates; Stimuland (adults only); Cam-demonium (live satellite photos); Life in LA (features); and Programming (live feed and printed schedule).

"Our web site creates an intimate relationship with our listeners," said Stuart Turner, KFI640.com producer, "with plenty of opportunities for them to voice their opinions and exchange ideas with each other and radio personalities.

Oops

Last week's column incorrectly called X-TRA Sports 1150 AM KXLA; it should have been KXTA.

Which brings up this week's trivia question: What was KXLA? If you know, drop a line to RAVE! or to my e-mail address, rwagoner@lausd.k12.ca.us (AOL users may use RWAGGS). The answer will be printed in two weeks.

The I Man

I've been catching more of the Don Imus program on KLAC (570 AM, 6-10 am weekdays), and I have to say that I am a convert. As strange as it sounds, Imus actually does fit in fairly well formatically with KLAC's "adult standards" music -- his program includes issues and news that are presented in an intelligent manner, and many KLAC listeners pride themselves on staying informed. If you don't mind a lack of music, give Imus a try.

(This was an unpaid testimonial).
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