Radio AM to FM

Radio AM to FM: June 9, 2000

KLAC to stick around?

KLAC (570 AM) general manager Ed Krampf claims that his station will not be adopting an all-sports format. Sort of, at least.

Responding to rumors of the all-sports change, Krampf said that while the rumor has been around a long time, "we have no concrete plans to do that. With KGIL (1260 AM) giving up standards, we are now the only station playing it."

So what does it mean when the star of the station, Charlie Tuna, is moved to sister station KBIG (104.3 FM), playing the part of newsman to new morning man Billy Burke?

Perhaps nothing. Krampf is right: KLAC has the adult standards (formerly called Middle of the Road or MOR) format to itself in Los Angeles, and a healthy number of listeners tuning in each week. Additionally, co-owned standards outlet KPOP (1360 AM) in San Diego has done well for AMFM, soon to become part of the Clear Channel radio empire.

But there is this nagging feeling I have regarding the rumor. And it is summed up in Krampf's eight words, "we have no concrete plans to do that."

No concrete plans. That means they have studied it, considered it. But they have not made concrete plans. Hmm.

Keeping fingers crossed, Joe Daniels takes over for Tuna on KLAC, making for a more music-intensive morning show (now there's an interesting idea). Burke on KBIG teams with Leigh Ann Adams and Tuna for the morning shift; Carolyn Gracie shifts to Burke's old 8 pm to 12 midnight shift.

McDonnell-Douglas Reprise

KABC (790 AM) has reunited Joe McDonnell and Doug Krikorian for another round of McDonnell-Douglas sports talk. The team were once heard on the ill-fated all-sports KMPC (now KDIS, 710 AM) and have the distinction of being one the very few sports shows that have listeners.

The new version, known officially as Sunday Night Sports Final, airs for two hours Sunday nights beginning at 7:00. McDonnell, who has been a sports reporter for KFWB (980 AM) as of late will continue in that capacity also.

Tuna Report

Yes, I mentioned it above, but I still can't believe it. Charlie Tuna, legendary morning man with a Los Angeles history going back more than 30 years, is now the news guy on Billy Burke's KBIG show.

Can someone get the phone? I think it's KRTH (101.1 FM) calling ... although if I were Tuna I'd hesitate before going to another oldies station.

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