Dependable. Predictable. Dull.
That’s how you might have described the KLOS (95.5 FM) of old. But no longer. KLOS has been on a roll for a while now, updating the playlist a little, having a lot more fun on the air, and — while no one was really watching (except for us) — becoming a huge ratings success.
In the May Nielsens, the station earned its highest rating since the fall of 1991, or 33-1/3 years ago (fitting because they played vinyl LP albums back then) with a 4.1 overall share of the audience among listeners aged six and over. This puts the station at 7th place overall, just above “Jack” KCBS-FM (93.1)
The Heidi and Frank morning show was #1 among adults 25-54, and #2 overall. Afternoons were similarly improved under new host Nik Carter, who took the top spot among those aged 18-34, driven primarily by men. Truly, all shifts are doing well; the station is indeed on a roll.
Alice Cooper is seeing success with his “Alice at Midnight Tonight!” which features personal stories, celebrity interviews, and of course music; Frazer Smith tells me he is having a blast Sundays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Is radio dead? Hardly, and KLOS is among the stations proving it. The station is entertaining and willing to poke fun at itself and others on the air, akin to the days when it was engaged in a rock battle between itself and KMET (now KTWV, 94.7 FM).
As in the movie “Field of Dreams,” if you build it, they will come. I hope this trend continues.
Catching My Mistakes
I would love to blame someone else, but this is all on me …
In today’s wonderful column, you state that Dave Diamond was the 2nd DJ after Don Steele to join Boss Radio in “1985”, I’m sure you meant 1965! I always enjoy your work! – Herb Redholtz
Sigh. Yes, 1965. Bad typing, I suppose.
By the way, there is another aircheck you might be interested in. See below!
“Thank you for the great article. I couldn’t find the ‘Rick Dees Music Express’ app, but I have an iPhone. Is there another way to get it?” — Patric O’Brien
Yes, I called it the wrong name, and it is available on both iPhones and Android. The app is actually called “Rick Dees Hit Music.” I honestly have no idea where “Music Express” came from. Double sigh …
Dees days
Your memories listening to Dees match mine! Here is a sample of the responses:
“Thanks for the update on Rick Dees! I too listened to him every day in the early 80s when I was driving from Yorba Linda to school in Huntington Beach. I remember all of the skits you mentioned fondly and still talk about them with friends who were also listeners. I went to several of the Weekend Warm Up parties and they were a blast! Drinking beers with Rick, Liz ‘Rug Burns’ Fulton, and the rest of the KIIS FM DJ’s was memorable. Those parties were also the best for meeting girls! Thanks again for the update. It brings back memories of great times.” — Scott Strong
“Thank you for your column today on Remembering Dees. I was an avid fan of his. It was an incredible trip down memory lane. I am the same age as you, and I listened to Rick Dees for many years. I loved his cast of characters, candid calls and his albums. In fact after I read your column, I listened to his song, Disco Duck!! When Dees got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I called in sick (for the first time ever) to be there in person. I didn’t drive so I took the bus to watch the ceremony – such a blast! You are the first columnist I have ever emailed, but the memories came flooding back and I just had to share.” — Cynthia Mariduena
KGBS Memories
Reader and friend David Schwartz sent a link to another wonderful find – Tom Clay and Ron Landry on KGBS (now KTNQ, 1020 AM). You can find it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIj4YPwteIs
KGBS was a daytime-only station at the time; like the KIIS aircheck mentioned last week, this check highlights a different era of radio … definitely not polished, perhaps a little more gentle. Well worth a listen.
Richard Wagoner is a San Pedro freelance columnist covering radio in Southern California. Email rwagoner@socalradiowaves.com
Related Articles
Dr. Demento to sign off in October after 55-year run of radio Why fears about an Audacy takeover seem to be unfounded Remembering how Rick Dees turned KIIS-FM into a radio powerhouse Why the quality of radio may be improving without using an actual radio There’s good news coming out of Southern California radios Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( What is happening at once-dull KLOS FM? The radio station is sounding good )
Also on site :