Radio AM to FM - May 14, 1999

Radio AM to FM: May 14, 1999

Schlessinger Signs TV Deal

Popular syndicated radio "mom," Dr. Laura Schlessinger, heard locally from noon to 3 pm weekdays on KFI, has signed an agreement with Paramount Television to develop a syndicated television talk program in a deal estimated to be worth more than $3 million.

According to the good doctor, the television program will be more than just a rehash of her radio show -- an apparent slight against Howard Stern who repackages his daily programs for E! Entertainment Cable. The program will focus on discussing ethics, principles, values and morality "in a compelling and entertaining way," according to Schlessinger.

Of course, that's what she does on the radio, too. And in spite of critics that claim she has lived a life very different from that which she portrays on her program, Schlessinger has managed to knock out the competition and now holds claim to being the most popular syndicated personality in the country.

Hayes Wins Rubin

KABC programmer Drew Hayes recently won the coveted Rubin award for being "the single biggest jerk in Los Angeles radio" when Sam Rubin filled in recently for KLSX's Conway and Steckler show.

Why the ire? Rubin had been asked to be a guest on Al Rantel's KABC program for a special Oscar show. Right before the show was to begin, Hayes apparently ran into Rantel's office and said Rubin could not be a guest because "he says mean things about our station."

Which, I guess, means that I won't ever be a guest on KABC either.

"Well, well, well. A little rare honest radio reporting on television and this clown can't take it," Rubin said of Hayes on KLSX.

Of course I can say the same thing about KLSX management, but I won't. Oops.

Hot Rod Uncle

KCBS-FM (Arrow 93) personality "Uncle" Joe Benson will be displaying a brand new Jack Roush Mustang at the Good Guys 10th-annual Southern California Rod and Custom Nationals at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm.

The show will feature more than 1500 1964 and earlier hot rods, custom cars, street rods, muscle cars, street machines and classic cars (ahem ... what about 1967-69 Camaros?), making it one of the largest hot rod shows in the world. Admission is $12; $10 for seniors, $6 under 12 and free for 6 year olds and younger. Parking is at Gate 17 on Fairplex Drive.

KEZY Returns

No, the FM still has that lame "Mix" name and new KXMX calls. But sister station KORG has picked up the KEZY call letters, placing them back on the station that originated them almost 40 years ago. Nice move (really!), Jacor.

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