Airwaves: February 13, 2009
Classical KGIL
I cant tell you the number of calls and letters I have received over
the years asking for classical music to be played on a weak-signaled AM station
during the interference-prone evening hours. Well, actually I can: none. But
that doesnt mean there isnt a demand for it, even though there
isnt.
KGIL (540 and 1260 AM) is fulfilling that demand with a one hour program
each weeknight at 8:00. Its called Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin,
and all jokes aside, I think it a neat addition to the lineup at the station.
McGlaughlin takes listeners on a journey into a wide range of topics involving
classical music, from composer biographies to explorations of various cultures,
musical styles and time periods. Kind of a Behind the Music, classical edition.
The program removes an hour a night of old standards heard as part of The
Great American Songbook. Songbook now starts at at 10:00, right after an
hour of old time radio on When Radio Was!, hosted by OTR expert Greg
Bell. Thats right, old time radio is back on the regular airwaves courtesy
of KGIL.
So, what do you do if you have trouble hearing KGIL clearly outside of the
San Fernando Valley ... and who doesnt, especially at night? Easy: Buy
an HD Radio. KGILs AM signal is simulcast on KKGOs digital HD-3
channel, so if you have a good shot of Mount Wilson and receive KKGO (105.1
FM) cleanly, you can hear KGIL static-free.
Shakeup
Lots of changes going on over at KABC (790 AM) and KLOS 95.5
FM). New programmer David Hall has let go of longtime KABC news voice Rob
Marinko and has replaced him with Mark Austin Thomas. Thomas will
take on Marinkos morning news anchor duties as well as being the stations
news director.
But the big news is the arrival of Bob Moore, who just left CBS last
week is the new General Manager of both KABC and KLOS. Moore replaces John
Davison, who left the Titanic, err, stations last Monday.
Both moves are interesting, as they complete a total transformation of upper
management at both stations. New GM over both, new programmers at both, new
news director at one, and potentially even more changes in various positions
in the next few weeks.
I said on January 30th that KLOS will probably be a totally different station
by the years end. You can add KABC to the same list.
Sirius Problem
Sirius Satellite Radio is fighting a takeover attempt from EchoStar,
the company that brings you satellite televisions Dish Network.
Dish carries Sirius as part of its music channel lineup ... is this a case
of liking the product so much that EchoStar CEO Charlie Ergen wants to buy
the company?
///
Copyright © 2009 Richard Wagoner and Los Angeles Newspaper Group.
To subscribe to The Daily Breeze, call (310) 540-5511