An ayoda on radio

  Like many other entities, radio has had to cut back on costs. Layoffs and other moves to economize have actually been a way of life for quite some time with the radio industry. Some recent examples are nonetheless surprising:  Globetrotter grounded for now: When there was breaking news almost anywhere in the world, I’d always expect to hear Steve Futterman reporting from the scene for CBS News. A month ago, the globetrotting reporter was laid off. You’d like to think someone this talented will be back on the air sooner than later. If nothing else, I hope he’s accumulated enough frequent flyer miles to afford a nice vacation. (Not) on the road again: A number of sports teams kept their broadcast crews back at home during the pandemic, mostly out of concerns for health and safety. Most teams have returned back to normal, with a couple of exceptions, one involving a local team. The Los Angeles Angels have decided not to send their radio broadcast team to away games, th...

  We’re working on getting some quotes from those who worked with Mary Turner , who finished her long battle with cancer early last week. The “Mighty Met” veteran was 76 when she died. The Los Angeles Times described her as “the first lady of rock radio” during her time at KMET in the 1970s and 80s. Bob Lefsetz offers a look back at her role in local progressive rock radio , describing Turner as the “pinnacle” of the format. More on “the Burner Mary Turner” in future editions.   UCLA Athletics   Another radio veteran joined the passing parade last week. We mentioned on Friday night about the passing of Chris Roberts , perhaps best known as the 23-year voice of UCLA football and basketball. Dick Lyons “I Remember Radio” Before he arrived in Los Angeles, Roberts was developing his talents out in the Inland Empire at top 40 KFXM in the 1970s. His shared those airwaves with two colleagues who also are well known to Southern California radio. Jhani Kaye off...

We'll get back to our catching up sometime in the next few days, but there's some items we wanted to share with you as soon as we could: dailybruin.com For 23 years, Chris Roberts  called both football and basketball games for the UCLA Bruins. He was awarded with Golden Mikes and induction into the Hall of Fame hosted by the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association. Roberts died on Friday, May 12. Born Bob LaPeer, Chris was a three-sport athlete at Baldwin Park High School, then played baseball at Cal Poly Pomona. He started broadcasting in the High Desert at KCIN-Victorville, then worked throughout his way through Southern California, including an extended stint in the Inland Empire. The professional name change was a result of a conflict with another KFXM personality's on-air signature. Before UCLA, Roberts announced high school and junior college sports at KWOW-Pomona. He also announced games for Cal State Long Beach baseball until the team was dropped by the ...

Okay, okay, I know it's been awhile. So I offer this "Heinz 57" edition of short takes. Why "Heinz 57?" Because I'm trying to play "ketchup." Did I mention I realized very early in my life I shouldn't be on the air? The Sheriff is (sort of) back in town: He was a weekend host on KFI when he was L.A. County Sheriff, now Alex Villanueva will start hosting a daily talk program on CRN Digital TalkRadio . Villanueva served as the County’s 33rd Sheriff from 2018 – 2022, defeating then Sheriff Jim McDonnell, the first time an incumbent was unseated in over 100 years. Villanueva himself was voted out last November by Robert Luna. “I am very excited to connect with the public on this new platform,” said Sheriff Villanueva. “Even though I am out of office, the fight continues. We are at a crossroads at which many of our elected officials are no longer serving the public. They are serving themselves and their individual interests. I want to stand with ...