The April showers round of short takes

We shared earlier the end of “El Show de Omar y Argelia” on Univision’s KLVE (“K-Love 107.5, not to be confused with…ah, we’ve explained it before), with the couple fending off rumors the demise of the show was some indication about their status as a couple. Looks like all is well with Omar Velasco and Argelia Atilano, as the husband and wife team returned to morning drive up the dial on “Mega 96.3” KXOL. Spanish Broadcasting System will not only syndicate the show via their AIRE network, there will also be a podcast targeting Latinas hosted by the couple.

Scott Smith & Kelli Caldwell at the K-Love studios in Rocklin, CA

Speaking of the other “K-Love” (note the attempt at a clever segue…OK, I’ll stop), the contemporary Christian network heard locally on 100.3 FM, celebrates 40 years of operation. Originally located in Santa Rosa, the network now sends their programming to nearly 500 stations, to an audience estimated at 20 million listeners from their Rocklin studios, outside of Sacramento. The network plans to soon relocate to Nashville, considered the epicenter of contemporary Christian music (“CCM”). Of note, while terrestrial radio continues to decline, the network is in growth mode, claiming CCM is the second fastest growing format, just behind classic rock. The network is owned and operated by Educational Media Foundation, who own the Los Angeles station.

Good Karma Sports, now the owners of KSPN (710 / ESPN) have renewed their partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers to continue as the radio home of the local NBA team. The station is moving their transmitter to Irwindale with reduced power, causing speculation either the Lakers and the all-sports format would be moved to the co-owned AM 1110 frequency or the team would move elsewhere (currently the two frequencies simulcast, with Disney, owner of AM 1110, trying to sell the frequency). 

The station has been the Lakers flagship since 2009, with longtime station veteran John Ireland doing play-by-play and former Laker power forward Mychal Thompson providing commentary.

There was some controversy about Sheriff Alex Villanueva having a regular Sunday night talk show on KFI, as he is running for re-election in the June primary. One of his opponents, L.A. County Sheriff Commander Eli Vera argued for equal time. As of this weekend, Villanueva is not listed on the KFI schedule, his last broadcast being heard on March 20.

Courtesy of a disgruntled KROQ listener

We received several kind words about our story on what’s happening over at KROQ (thank you!). A possibly relevant change at Audacy, owners of KROQ, is the hiring of Brad Steiner as Regional Brand Manager working with three of the company’s modern rock stations, WNYL New York (“Alt 92.3”), WDZH Detroit (“Alt 98.7”), and WSFS Miami (“104.3 The Shark”). Relevant because the New York station is now being billed as the city’s “New Alternative.” Is this possibly the future of KROQ?

93khj.blogspot.com

One of my projects this summer – actually every summer (maybe it won’t happen until I retire) – is to digitize my collection of airchecks. My wife would be grateful to get rid of my boxes of cassettes scattered throughout our residence, but again I digress. One of my airchecks I found is a 1978 aircheck of “The True” Don Bleu during his brief stay at KHJ. Unfortunately, I’m still learning how to post airchecks (another one of my projects), but for now, enjoy this Vimeo about his career.

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