Audacy's "centralized programming" plus an Elder entry

 

Julia Lepidi, Josh "Bru" Brubaker

Here’s what we’re learning about the Audacy CHR restructuring. Locally, KNOU (“NOW 97.1”) is the hit music outlet. At this moment, there’s no changes to the schedule – the Morning Mess from Phoenix continues at AM drive, Julia (Lepidi) from Chicago will still be heard middays, Josh “Bru” Brubaker will originate afternoon drive from the Wilshire Boulevard studios. What does change is Julia will now be heard on 15 different Audacy stations including KNOU, while Bru will be heard on eight stations around the country including his afternoon duties at NOW 97.1.

The strategy of what Audacy refers to as “centralized programming” from local and national hubs is already in force with the company’s country stations. Many in SoCal can hear KFRG (“K-FROG”) 95.1 FM from the Inland Empire (also available on KCBS-FM 93.1 HD-2). David Bugenske (formerly with KKGO “GO Country 105”) and Kelli “Green” Barajas host a local morning show. The rest of the day’s programming originates from Audacy’s country format hub, including both middays and afternoon drive.

It’s also been noted Audacy created eight positions to provide stories to their news stations, which would include KNX locally. What’s not known is whether or not the company is looking to hire new talent or will recruit reporters already employed by the company. It’s also not known whether this will affect the number of local reporters at Audacy’s news and information stations.

Larry Eldter, Sam Yorty, Wally George

The decision by current Salem Networks and previous KABC afternoon talk host Larry Elder entering the race to succeed California Governor Gavin Newsom – should he be successfully recalled – offers another example of the crossover between politics and radio talent. Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty spent time as the KGBS morning host after leaving office. (Worth noting: His on-air team included Rick Dees nemesis Wally George, who later hosted KDOC-TV’s “Hot Seat.") 

Roger Hedgecock, Ronald Reagan at the mic

Another former mayor moving to talk radio was San Diego’s Roger Hedgecock, heard via syndication on L.A.’s KFWB as well as periodically sitting in for Rush Limbaugh. And former California Governor Ronald Reagan offered commentary on KABC before his presidential run. I’m sure there were others.

I may or may not have mentioned I lived in Riverside for 11 years, both for grad school and for work. This past week I was taking my son to his band camp out in Moreno Valley from our westside home (about 80 miles each way, varying from 90 minutes to two [2] hours). It was interesting to listen to what was available, in the next week or two I’ll recall some significant shifts on the Inland Empire airwaves during my mid-80s to mid- 90s residence.

The trips to Moreno Valley also serves as another flimsy excuse for being late with this week’s offerings, although there was some breaking news. Want to be updated when this blog is updated? Please send your email to ayodaradio@gmail.com. Your information will never be sold, this isn’t a profit-making venture.

Of course, that means I plan on working my day job for the foreseeable future. You know those questions on social media asking the reader “what’s your favorite movie?” “Where was your first kiss?” To the question “when was the last time you cried,” I replied “when I reviewed my 401K.”

Do you need another reason why I never made it onto the local airwaves?