Airwaves: July 31, 2009
Harvey Finds Kindness, Joy, Love and Happiness
The syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show is returning to the Southern
California airwaves, this time via Stevie Wonders KJLH (102.3
FM). Harveys show will begin airing on August 10th, and will be heard
weekdays from 6 to 10 AM.
Harvey was last heard on KDAY (93.5 FM), but was dropped from the schedule
early this Summer as the station decided to move in a more local direction.
Its an interesting move for KJLH, which to my knowledge has never run
syndicated programming and has stayed true to its roots as a station super-serving
its primarily black audience and focussing totally on localized radio ... one
of the last stations in the area to do so. In fact, KJLH has so served its
audience that it is a legend in the radio community ... classy, and doing exactly
what radio is supposed to do. My guess is that Harveys syndicator made
an offer that KJLH management couldnt refuse.
At the same time, Harvey will be a good fit for the station, being a classy
guy himself and always striving to be his best and set a good example for his
audience.
The show will be the same one everyone remembers, joined on the air by Shirley
Strawberry, Carla Farrell, and his nephew Tommy. The show is heard
on more than 60 stations nationwide.
KJLH -- Kindness, Joy, Love and Happiness, as it was once known, has served
the Los Angeles community for more than 40 years with good music, great personalities,
and a positive interaction with the community that is truly refreshing in this
era of corporate radio. Listen online at www.kjlhradio.com.
More Music
According to Don Barretts laradio.com and www.allaccess.com, KIIS-FMs
Ryan Seacrest and KROQs Kevin and Bean spent some time on
the telephone -- and on the air -- commiserating about recent meetings with
their respective managements regarding their performance. Or more accurately,
their talking.
Seems that stations that play more music in the morning get better ratings
under Arbitrons Portable People Meter ratings system.
Never mind that Seacrest and Kevin and Bean are among the highest rated morning
programs in town. We want more. Actually we want them to be slowly reigned
in so that eventually we can phase out of having any personality on any station
during any time period. Then wed have real radio. Or cheap radio. Hard
to tell the difference these days.
Wanting More
Music is an issue, but people do want personality. Judging by the numerous
emails I received after The Sounds tribute to KMET on July 10th. Comments
included:
Hopefully The Sound will run with the Mighty Met ball and shake up SoCal
radio.
I totally agree that we are all ready for the free thinking and truly entertaining
commentary the folks at KMET could give us again.
I could totally relate to your comments.
If KMET surfaces again, Ill be a dedicated listener.
And these are just a few of the comments. It seems that personality radio is
not a problem, when done right. And the time has come for its return. If I
were programming The Sound, Id have Ace Young and Jeff Gonzer in the
morning ... Now. David Perry in the afternoon. Make room for Jack Snyder and
Rick Scarry, and keep the best of The Sound jocks as well. And Dr. Demento
would be back on the air for a full shift every Sunday evening.
And Id clean up. Guaranteed.
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Copyright © 2009 Richard Wagoner and Los Angeles Newspaper Group.
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