New Topics … Comments… this is the place! Keep it friendly… Offensive remarks are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked.
New Topics … Comments… this is the place! Keep it friendly… Offensive remarks are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked.
How much was Ed “Kookie” Burns making each week from his tv program, 77 Sunset Strip? $500, according to an Earl Wilson newspaper column of 1960. Adjusted for inflation, $1.00 in 1960 is equal to $10.10 in 2023. Burns’s salary equals $5,050 in 2023 dollars.
I make my living off the evening news
Just give me something-something I can use
People love it when you lose,
They love dirty laundry
Well, I coulda been an actor, but I wound up here
I just have to look good, I don’t have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry
We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blond
Who comes on at five
She can tell you ’bout the plane crash with a gleam in her eye
It’s interesting when people die
Can we film the operation?
Is the head dead yet?
You know, the boys in the newsroom got a running bet
Get the widow on the set!
Kick ’em when they’re up
Kick ’em when they’re down
Kick ’em when they’re up
Kick ’em all around
excerpts from DIRTY LAUNDRY by Don Henley
95.7 KJEB is #1 in the latest PPM ratings. It still has THE JET moniker but has lost the KJR call letters. The JEB is Seattle’s Feel Good Variety of the 80’s and More, according to the liners. No duh! The second song was a tune-out for me, but amongst all that coal there may be a few diamonds, I thought. So I hung in for a longer listen. And hit a stack of spots. Bouncing over to the iHeart KJEB web page, I reviewed the playlist. In the past hour, listeners heard Van Morisson’s Brown-Eyed Girl, which to me is a sign. I’m guessing there are 400 or fewer tunes in the whole KJEB playlist and these have been played to death over the past decade or so. The list probably comes from Consultants-R-Us, was listener-tested, and given a stamp of approval for a cookie-cutter format you will hear in all major markets. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” because after one song they were back into a commercial-promo break. I then got Rick-rolled. Yep! They are never gonna give it up, never gonna change the playlist, too shy to say it, they know the game and they’re gonna play it. I’m out after 20 minutes. That’s all I can stand and I can’t stand no more! I had to JET.
Can ChatGTP replace the disc jockey on the radio? I gave ChatGTP this command and these are the results.
give me intros to each song in the Top 40 tunes for this week in 1969, limit each intro to about 10 seconds
Sure, here are intros to some of the top songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of March 1, 1969:
“Everyday People” by Sly & The Family Stone – This funk classic starts with a groovy bassline and then bursts into an energetic chorus.
“Crimson and Clover” by Tommy James and The Shondells – This psychedelic rock song opens with a dreamy guitar riff and features a catchy chorus that builds to a powerful crescendo.
“Touch Me” by The Doors – The legendary Jim Morrison starts off this song with a sultry spoken word intro before launching into a classic rock anthem.
“Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations – This upbeat pop song begins with a memorable trumpet melody and features catchy vocals and a sing-along chorus.
“This Magic Moment” by Jay and the Americans – This romantic ballad opens with a gentle piano melody and showcases the smooth vocal stylings of lead singer Jay Black.
“Games People Play” by Joe South – This country-infused pop hit starts off with a catchy guitar riff and features insightful lyrics about human nature and society.
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye – This soul classic begins with a memorable drum intro and showcases the iconic voice of Marvin Gaye as he tells the story of a brokenhearted man.
“Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival – This rock and roll classic starts with a swampy guitar riff and features the soulful vocals of lead singer John Fogerty.
“Time of the Season” by The Zombies – This psychedelic pop song opens with a haunting keyboard riff and features the smooth vocals of lead singer Colin Blunstone.
“Hooked on a Feeling” by B.J. Thomas – This upbeat pop hit begins with a memorable “Ooga-chaka” chant and features catchy vocals and a driving rhythm section.
It depends on how you word your request to ChatGTP. The results are often disappointing. But, you can bet that if it could replace DJs, radio stations will pay for an artificial intelligence source rather than paying hourly wages.
I’ve dabbled in ChatGPT, just to see what it could do. I asked it to create biographies for a few fictional bands, as well as poems for foodstuffs, like grilled cheese. Each time, the A.I. was frighteningly quick with a creative response. I’m experimenting using ChatGPT for writing 30 seconds spots. I’ve seen a couple of examples that – sadly – are more creative than some efforts I’ve seen over the past 30 years. If you are an A.E., writing lazy copy, get ready to be replaced by A.I. for your tail-end sale.
Chat GPT can be used with caution. See if you can spot all of the errors in these station histories, compiled by ChatGPT in less than 4 minutes total time.
—-Tell me the history of KJR radio—
KJR is a radio station in Seattle, Washington, and it has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1922. Originally, the station was known as KFC, and it was one of the first commercial radio stations in the Pacific Northwest.
In 1932, the station’s call letters were changed to KJR, and it became one of the most popular radio stations in the region. KJR played a key role in promoting the emerging genres of rock and roll and rhythm and blues in the 1950s and 1960s, and it was known as “Seattle’s King of Rock and Roll.”
During this time, KJR was home to a number of popular disc jockeys, including Pat O’Day, who later became a prominent concert promoter, and Lan Roberts, who was known for his distinctive on-air persona and catchphrases.
In the 1970s, KJR shifted its format to adult contemporary music, and it remained a popular station throughout the decade. In the 1980s and 1990s, the station went through a number of ownership changes and format shifts, including a brief stint as a country music station.
In the 2000s, KJR returned to its roots as a classic rock station, and it remains one of the most popular radio stations in the Seattle area today. The station has also been recognized for its community service and charitable work, including its annual “Toys for Tots” toy drive.
—-Tell me the history of KOL radio Seattle—
KOL was a radio station based in Seattle, Washington, with a rich history dating back to the 1920s. The station was founded in 1922 by Vincent Kraft and was originally known as KFKB, which stood for “Kraft Foods Kountry Broadcast.”
In the early years, KFKB primarily aired farm reports and other agricultural programming. However, the station eventually expanded its programming to include news, sports, and music.
In 1927, KFKB changed its call letters to KOL, which stood for “Kraft of Listening.” The station continued to grow and became one of the most popular radio stations in the Pacific Northwest.
During the 1930s and 1940s, KOL was home to a number of popular radio programs, including “The Breakfast Club” and “The Lone Ranger.” The station also played a key role in providing news and information during World War II, with correspondents reporting from the front lines.
In the 1950s and 1960s, KOL shifted its format to rock and roll, and it became known as “Seattle’s Home of the Hits.” The station was home to a number of popular disc jockeys, including Pat O’Day and Dick Curtis.
In the 1970s, KOL shifted its format again, this time to adult contemporary music, and it remained a popular station throughout the decade. However, by the 1980s, the station’s ratings had declined, and it eventually changed ownership and format.
Today, KOL no longer exists as a separate entity, as its frequency was merged with another station in the 1990s. However, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who grew up listening to the station and in the history of Seattle radio.
—-Tell me the history of KIRO TV Seattle—
KIRO TV is a television station based in Seattle, Washington, with a long history dating back to its founding in 1958. The station was originally owned by the Bonneville International Corporation, which also owned several radio stations in the Seattle area.
When KIRO TV launched, it was the first television station in Seattle to broadcast in color, and it quickly became one of the most popular stations in the region. In the early years, KIRO TV aired a mix of local news, sports, and entertainment programming.
In the 1960s and 1970s, KIRO TV expanded its news coverage, becoming known for its in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. The station was also home to several popular local programs, including “J.P. Patches,” a children’s show that aired for more than two decades.
In the 1980s and 1990s, KIRO TV continued to grow and evolve, adding newscasts and expanding its coverage of local and national news. In 1995, the station became the first in the region to launch a 24-hour news channel, known as KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.
Today, KIRO TV remains a popular and trusted source for news and information in the Seattle area. The station has won numerous awards for its journalism, including several Peabody Awards, and it has a reputation for providing in-depth coverage of local issues and events. KIRO TV is also known for its community outreach efforts, including its annual “Warm Hearts, Warm Coats” coat drive.
—-Tell me the history of KSTW TV Tacoma
KSTW TV is a television station based in Tacoma, Washington, with a history that dates back to its founding in 1953. The station was originally owned by the Tacoma News Tribune, and it was the first television station to be based in the Tacoma area.
In the early years, KSTW TV aired a mix of local news, sports, and entertainment programming, including a popular children’s show hosted by J.P. Patches. The station also aired syndicated programs and movies, as well as local public affairs programming.
In the 1980s, KSTW TV became an affiliate of the CBS television network, and it began airing popular shows like “Murder, She Wrote” and “60 Minutes.” The station also expanded its news coverage, launching a newscast known as “Northwest Afternoon,” which focused on local news and events.
In the 1990s, KSTW TV changed ownership several times, eventually becoming part of the Viacom family of television stations. During this time, the station continued to air popular network programming, including shows like “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Survivor.”
In recent years, KSTW TV has continued to evolve, adding newscasts and expanding its coverage of local news and events. The station is also known for its community outreach efforts, including its annual “Home Team Harvest” food drive.
Today, KSTW TV is a popular and trusted source for news, entertainment, and information in the Tacoma and Seattle areas. The station is affiliated with the CBS television network and continues to air popular shows and sporting events.
—-Tell me the history of KCPQ TV Tacoma—
KCPQ TV is a television station based in Tacoma, Washington, with a history that dates back to its founding in 1953. The station was originally owned by the Clover Park School District and broadcast on a limited basis, airing educational and instructional programming.
In the 1970s, KCPQ TV expanded its coverage and became a full-time commercial station. The station aired a mix of syndicated programming and local news and events coverage, and it quickly became one of the most popular stations in the Tacoma area.
In the 1980s, KCPQ TV was sold to Kelly Broadcasting, which continued to build on the station’s success. The station expanded its news coverage and added new programs and features, including “Nitebeat,” a late-night talk show that aired for several years.
In the 1990s, KCPQ TV was sold again, this time to the Tribune Company, which owned several other television stations across the country. Under Tribune’s ownership, KCPQ TV became an affiliate of the FOX television network and began airing popular network shows like “The Simpsons” and “Beverly Hills 90210.”
In recent years, KCPQ TV has continued to grow and evolve, adding newscasts and expanding its coverage of local news and events. The station is also known for its community outreach efforts, including its annual “Joy of Sharing” toy drive.
Today, KCPQ TV is a popular and trusted source for news, entertainment, and information in the Tacoma and Seattle areas. The station is affiliated with the FOX television network and continues to air popular network shows and sporting events.
KOL — Vincent Kraft did not operate KOL and the call letter history quoted by ChatGPT is false. The call letters were (MAY 23, 1922) KDZE, later KFOA, KOL, and in 1975-KMPS in that order.
KJR call letters were never KFC.
The J.P. Patches program was always on KIRO 7, not KSTW 11.
KIRO 7 did not launch a 24 hour tv news channel in the 80s/90s.
Classic Hits-Oldies KVKVI (that’s right) KVKVI.com https://www.kvkvi.com/
Did the website owner get his call letters from 570 AM Seattle, or the Outer Limits episode “The Galaxy Being”?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Galaxy_Being
This show from 1963. Called “The_Galaxy_Being”.
Takes place at Radio Station KVKVI.
In the Outer Limits episode “Galaxy Being”, the radio station call letters are KXKVI.
Yes, KVKVI Radio’s call letters are very close…..because we love the Outer Limits…and MGM Entertainment owns the rights to the call letters KXKVI.
KVKVI is an Internet radio station http://kvkvi.com/
KVI Seattle tried an Oldies format but has had more success with Talk.
Dang! My ears have been glued to the Internet Stream of KVKVI with Music Mike since you first mentioned it here, Jason. Talk about a FANTASTIC oldies playlist in the +4,000 tune category! A little old, a little newer, but all in all a superbly selected song list that keeps ya movin’ like no other. And the KVKVI jingle package is spot on.
While KVKVI seems to have a wider spectrum of tunes, reaching into the 90’s hits and those that were down the Billlboard 100 top list, Rich “Brother Robbin” Werges with his oldies internet stream RichBroRadio had narrowed in on more of the classic oldies from the late 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, doing his internet stream from Oceanside, CA and later from Tuscon, AZ.
We’ve missed RichBroRadio Oldies for the past couple of years, so KVKVI is refreshing to say the least. Better than ANYTHING on Seattle radio today!
“KVKVI is the best Oldies station on the Internet.” Change my mind.
ChatGPT vs Media & Marketing— https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/chatbots-downside-for-media-is-already-clear/
Just curious about “gag reels”. I was fortunate enough to get in the industry before all-digital audio was a thing. At my first, second, and third stations – we kept an archive of recording session/on-air bloopers and fails, which we would air at our station Christmas parties. We’d all laugh hard, and relay stories about a client, news story, or just what was happening at the station at that time. Right now, I’m working on a small archive project, from my first station, KXLE.
Everybody loves a gag reel!
Who would have guessed that each station has a history dating back to its founding?
KIRO was owned by Queen City Broadcasting Company. In 1869, Portland real estate speculators had begun touting Seattle as “Queen City of The Pacific Northwest”. The nickname caught on and stuck until the scarecrows running the Convention and Visitors Bureau decided to call it the Emerald City.
Emerald City must be a new designation. I recall the Queen City reference being used in the 1960s, possibly as late as the 1970s. Emerald City (that really sucks) seems to have come into the lexicon in the past couple of decades. –So, after I wrote this, I looked it up. This is from 1981 — https://qzvx.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The_Tacoma_News_Tribune_Thu__Sep_17__1981_-scaled.jpg
I think the Visitors Bureau can take a cue from the JP Patches program, judging by the current state of the place, and just refer to it as The City Dump.
Beautiful Music stations are fading away. But here are a few that live online:
AccuRadio: Beautiful Music
http://www.accuradio.com/beautiful/
Beautiful Instrumentals.com
http://beautifulmusicradio.blogspot.mx/
Beautiful Music 101
https://radio.streemlion.com:1665/stream
Easy 94: Pensacola, FL
http://easy94.com
Escape: Sirius-XM Radio (Subscription only)
http://www.siriusxm.com/escape
Hits on Guitar
https://radio.streemlion.com:2315/stream
Hollywood Candlelight and Wine
http://www.radio.net/s/hollywoodcandlelight
Humboldt 101
http://humboldt101.com
Illinois Street Lounge – Soma FM
http://somafm.com/illstreet/
Instrumentals Forever
http://instrumentalsforever.eu
JIB On The Web: Tribute to WJIB-FM, Boston
http://jibontheweb.com
KABL Radio: San Francisco, CA
http://kablradio.com
KHOY: Laredo, TX
http://khoy.org
KJBM: Los Angeles, CA
http://kjbmradio.com
KLUX: Robstown/Corpus Christi, TX
http://klux.org
KNCT: Killeen, TX
http://knct.org/knctfm.htm
Kozey Radio
https://thebreez.com/listen-now-to-kozey-radio/
Lovely Instrumentals 101.5
https://live365.com/station/Lovely-Instrumentals-101-5-FM-a65725
Radio Cherry Hill
http://live365.com/station/Radio-Cherry-Hill-a84169
Radio Instrumental Gold
http://radiosgold.com/goldinstrumental
Radio Soft Music No Stress
http://streema.com/radios/Radio_Soft_Music_No_Stress
Radio Scalla
http://www.radioscalla.com.br
Seeburg 1000
http://seeburg1000
Sweet Melodies
http://sweetmelodies.radio.net/
The Breeze
http://www.thebreez.com
The Lake Breeze
http://thebreez.com/the-lake-breez
The Oasis – Modern Easy Listening
http://theoasismel.com
The Peach
http://www.iheart.com/live/the-peach-8812/
WEMP: Two Rivers, WI
http://wemp989.com
WFLM – World’s Finest Listening Music: Crown Point, IN
https://thebreez.com/listen-to-the-worlds-finest-listening-music-wflm/
WJST: Jet Set Radio
http://wjstjetsetradio.live
WQEZ-DB / Beautiful QEZ: Birmingham, AL
http://qezradio.com
Another one of my pet peeves… Companies that talk about how they are branding their radio station. But that is not what a brand is.
Brand is the cumulative perception of a company’s products over time. – Elon Musk
Yes. Thank you, Elon.
Annoying background or on-hold music https://qzvx.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/thismakesitallbetter.mp3
We should start a dead pool for certain stations in the Seattle market. KPNW FM, KIXI, KJR AM, KPTR, etc.
I don’t think there is enough of an AAA audience to support a commercial station any longer, even in Seattle and that KPNW FM has a limited shelf life. I wager that KPNW FM will flip to Smooth Jazz by December 2024. Research will prove there is as much an audience for that as there is for AAA or 24/7 Traffic & Weather.
KIXI ownership considered turning to listener-supported funding before flipping to brokered programming and has now flipped back to “more music”. As much as I would hate to lose the Oldies & Standards of KIXI, I don’t see that station surviving much longer without FM (the HD channel is not the answer) and a very slight tweaking of the playlist.
Jason, et al… Gotta question. Who was the KOMO TV-4 Meteorologist BEFORE Ray Ramsey? I wanna say is first name was Bruce – and he was a pilot. This would’ve been in the early 1960’s. He was killed while landing a Cessna 172 *(I think!) with a tailwind, instead of landing into the wind like we normally do. Anybody know, or perhaps has a copy of the article? Thanks so much!
JR
Dic Gardner was KOMO TV’s first weather man, joining as the station took to the air in 1953. Gardner also co-hosted the late afternoon ladies program as “the handy man”. Gardner started at KMO 13 in Tacoma before joining KOMO 4. He was a writer and had several novels published. He left Seattle in 1954 to pursue his writing career.
Marge Anderson replaced Dic Gardner. KOMO gave her the title, “Miss Weather”. She was soon replaced by Anita Busek. KOMO began airing select programming in color about that time, the late night news was one of those programs. In 1957, Busek left KOMO TV and became the Program Director at KBLE 1050 AM. She was replaced by Bruce Caldwell. Caldwell died when his private plane crashed in 1960. Also killed were Caldwell’s wife and their adopted son who was only 6 months old.
Howard Reiquam, a professional member of the American Meteorological Association was the KOMO weather expert during the 1960s. Reiquam was also the meteorologist at Boeing. Reiquam was replaced by Ray Ramsey in November 1965.
Dic Gardner is the weather man whose name I could never remember while talking about them on this forum. In 1953, my buds and I were 14 but one had a sister who was 20 or 21. She and Dic Gardner were an “item” for a time. She was a Western Airlines stewardess back when the main qualification was to be a beautiful girl.
Thanks Jason! I found the original article from Idaho, June 1, 1960, here:
https://www.lmtribune.com/flashback/elk-river-plane-crash-fatal-to-four/article_1607df19-f7e9-57fd-8f04-c1015e564a05.html
With warm June weather and with 5-souls on board, his Cessna 172 was probably over gross weight. That combined with a higher density altitude *(air is thinner on a hot day) and a tail-wind, most likely those factors sealed their fait. Really sad. Bruce was an excellent weatherman.