Radio AM to FM: June 4, 2004
Karmazin Quits
The man who helped build Infinity Broadcasting into what it
is today (a bloated radio company with far too much control ... just kidding)
is o-u-t.
Mel Karmazin, who was named President and Chief Operating Officer
of Viacom when Viacom merged with Infinity/CBS has resigned
and has been replaced by Tom Freston and Leslie Moonves, who move up from the
company's MTV and CBS divisions respectively.
Rumors are already running rampant, many of which have Karmazin taking control
of Disney, a rumor which Disney denies. The fate of Howard Stern is also up
in the air, with Stern having stated last week that he'd leave his show if Karmazin
left Viacom. Karmazin has long been Stern's biggest supporter; discussion on
Stern's show Monday included statements that there is no one left at Viacom
-- Stern's syndicator -- who supports the show.
USO Fundraiser
Infinity radio stations KRTH (101.1 FM) and KNX
(1070 AM) recently raised another $275,000 for the Bob Hope Hollywood USO at
Los Angeles International Airport. It was the second time in as many years that
the stations raised money through a "radiothon" for the USO.
The money raised will go toward completing the expansion of, furnishing, and
maintaining the USO Center. The center serves as a recreation and service area
for American troops and their families on the move to and from duty stations
worldwide.
More than $200,000 was raised in last years' radiothon.
We Get Letters
"Just so you know, Dick Sinclair is indeed still doing
the Polka Parade Saturdays and Sundays on the Cable Radio Network"
-- Greg Hardison
"XM Satellite has Beautiful Music on Channel 24 ... it's the only reason
I subscribe." -- Tony Cynor
"Why can't I receive KRUZ (103.3 FM) very well any more?"
-- K.C.
I thought I was the only one who bothered listening to this station whenever
I had a chance. KRUZ broadcasts from Santa Barbara, which keeps it out of reach
for most of Los Angeles County. Along the South side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula
and in parts of San Pedro, however, the signal comes in quite good on clear
days.
Lately, reception has been a bit spottier, and I have a call into their engineering
department to find out why. One reader theorizes that KOST's launch of HD digital
radio may have something to do with it. I'll let you know if I find out more.
"Where are Clark Howard and Michael Jackson?"
-- John Kelly
Nowhere locally. I did hear Howard recently via long distance AM reception in
the early evening, but you're out of luck if you want the show daily.
Weekends are a different matter. San Diego's KFMB (760 AM)
has him on tape from 10 PM to 12 midnight, and Sunday/Monday from 12 midnight
to 4 AM. Not the easiest times to listen but better than nothing.
As to Michael Jackson, there is nothing to report right now.
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Copyright © 2004 Richard Wagoner and The Copley Press.
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