Airwaves: January 16, 2009
And now ... Dennis Miller!
Los Angeles has had him since last March on KRLA (870 AM); now the Inland
Empire gets him, too, as KTIE (590 AM) signs the Dennis Miller Show to
evenings (6 to 8 PM). Miller replaces Michael Savage. For whatever reason,
KRLA has all three hours of his syndicated program while KTIE cuts it off at
two.
According to station manager Brad Anderson, Miller should challenge
listeners, stating that “he is a conservative on many issues but also
holds views that are less orthodox-right.” Programmer Chuck Tyler added
that “it is rare when you can find a versatile talent on the scale of
Dennis Miller to tackle a ‘real job’ ... the daily thrill of creating
two hours of radio magic out of thin air.
“Dennis is truly a marquee talent for the Inland Empire” he concluded.
Perhaps best known for his quick yet sophisticated wit as Saturday Night
Live’s Weekend Update anchor for six years ending in 1991,
Miller was for two years part of ABC’s Monday Night Football, and
earned critical acclaim during his nine-year run of Dennis Miller Live on
HBO. More recently he has become a political and critical favorite, very much
a modern day Lenny Bruce or George Carlin.
He’s been doing his syndicated talk show for almost two years -- since
March, 2007 -- and is currently heard on over 175 stations and all ten of the
top-10 markets. I think he will make a fine addition to KTIE.
Tyler’s Roots
Longtime fans of Southern California music radio may remember the name Chuck
Tyler, currently programmer of co-owned KTIE and KRLA, as well as KFSH (95.9
FM) and KKLA (99.5 FM). He was a DJ during the last of the music days
on KFI (640 AM). In fact, one of the best examples of AM stereo broadcasting
that I have is a recording of him playing music on the former music giant.
I’m glad he still enjoys being in radio.
Washington Connection
In an era when all you seem to hear is of cutbacks at local radio stations,
it’s nice to hear of something great. KPCC (89.3 FM) just announced
something great: the expansion of their news department through the opening
of a Washington News Bureau.
Station veteran reporter Kitty Felde will be among those who staff the
bureau, which is sponsored by Southern California Public Radio (SCPR). The
focus will be on the potential changes headed our way: financial bailouts,
environmental legislation, and (hopefully the end of) No Child Left Behind.
SCPR President Bill Davis put it this way, commenting on how legislation may
affect Southern California: “(everything is) too important to settle for
pool or wire service coverage.”
I agree. Felde’s reports will be heard during such shows as Morning
Edition, All Things Considered, AirTalk and Off-Ramp.
Better Reception
Numerous readers have written in asking how they can better receive KGIL (540
and 1260 AM). Unfortunately, in parts of the County, it can be quite difficult.
General suggestions are: avoid light dimmers, fluorescent lights, computers,
cable boxes, and plasma televisions when using your AM radio. Try turning the
radio to aim its built-in antenna, or if you can, connect an external antenna
and route it away from interference. If none of that works, write to me and
I’ll try to give more specific suggestions.
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Copyright © 2009 Richard Wagoner and Los Angeles Newspaper Group.
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