1110 KRLA 'Hitmen'. Art Laboe Jr?

[Hot Hits]

In the 70's KRLA sent out the "Hitman" to pound the pavement and distribute money throughout Southern California. One of the Hitmen was the virtually unknown Art Laboe Jr who tragically died of a drug overdose. Does anyone remember Art Jr? Do you remember the KRLA Hitmen who roamed the Metro area giving out $20 bills? Five Fulltime AFTRA positions to just drive around with a Cassette recorder and hand out cash!

 

[Thomps2525]

I remember the KRLA Hitmen. Armed with tape recorders and money, they'd drive around until they saw a car with a KRLA bumper sticker, then motion the driver to pull over. Did they have $20 bills? I seem to remember that they had unmarked envelopes with varying amounts of money and the driver would choose one, and then his excitement at seeing what he won would be recorded and played back on the air.

I never knew Art Laboe had a son. A 2009 Los Angeles Times Hollywood Walk Of Fame bio included this sad little paragraph: "He has lived in his Hollywood Hills home, mostly alone, since 1964, when he and his second wife, a Las Vegas showgirl, divorced. Most of his relatives, with the exception of two older sisters, have died."

http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/art-laboe/

 

[Hot Hits]

Thanks for the reply and posting that paragraph. It is almost like Art Laboe Jr. never existed on this planet but he did! I mean he would have been known as Hitman # 5 or some other number. They never gave names. When I was there it was just brand new $20 bills for displaying your KRLA signs although I like that envelope idea! Pulling over a Car today would be crazy. It was a pretty stupid promotion extending the famous 'Hitmen' name. I wonder if any other stations ever used a full time staff of unionized street beat promotions people the way not for profit 1110 KRLA did?

 

[Ultimajock]

I wonder if any other stations ever used a full time staff of unionized street beat promotions people the way not for profit 1110 KRLA did?

...not for profit??!? You sure you aren't confusing KRLA with the church-owned KPPC, also COL of Pasadena?...

 

[K6JHU]

Thanks to a scandal the City of Pasadena ended up owning KRLA for a while. Let someone more knowlegable fill in the details.

 

[Hot Hits]

Thanks to a scandal the City of Pasadena ended up owning KRLA for a while. Let someone more knowlegable fill in the details.

Actually I believe Bob Hope owned the Station during most of this time. All profits were to be hared with KCET. KRLA was a Cash Cow but not allowed to keep their earnings. It all stemmed from fraudulent contests KRLA had been involved with in the 60's. I did not know the City of Pasadena owned the Big 11 at one point?

"1964: License "pulled" and granted to Oak Knoll Broadcasting. This corporation was set up as a non-profit to hold the license when it was taken from Jack Kent Cooke for violations of the FCC Rules on contest fraud, and foreign control of a US radio station. Some of the most creative parts of KRLA history occurred during this time, both on the air and in the accounting department".

 

[Thomps2525]

I checked with longtime friend (and KRLA historian) Bill Earl. Art Laboe created the Hit Man promotion in 1976. The first "KRLA HitRadio11" bumper stickers were white letters on a blue background; later ones were yellow on blue. When they puiled over a driver with a bumper sticker on the car, the radio had to be tuned to KRLA. If it was, then he would win $100.

 

[Hot Hits]

Yes it must have been $100, but handed out in 20's. The winner did not need to be in a Car, just displaying their sign (any sign would do) when the Hitman walked or drove by. We once gave the cash to someone who spelled KRLA out in Seaweed at the beach. I'm not sure they had to be listening at the time, just displaying the sign? Everyone listened anyway! Perhaps you did need to listen to, its been so long. The locations where the Hitmen might be were always given out in advance to increase your winning chances!

 

[michael hagerty]

Thanks to a scandal the City of Pasadena ended up owning KRLA for a while. Let someone more knowlegable fill in the details.

Actually I believe Bob Hope owned the Station during most of this time. All profits were to be hared with KCET. KRLA was a Cash Cow but not allowed to keep their earnings. It all stemmed from fraudulent contests KRLA had been involved with in the 60's. I did not know the City of Pasadena owned the Big 11 at one point?

"1964: License "pulled" and granted to Oak Knoll Broadcasting. This corporation was set up as a non-profit to hold the license when it was taken from Jack Kent Cooke for violations of the FCC Rules on contest fraud, and foreign control of a US radio station. Some of the most creative parts of KRLA history occurred during this time, both on the air and in the accounting department".

The City of Pasadena never owned KRLA. It was taken away from Jack Kent Cooke (Eleven-Ten Broadcasting) in 1962 and placed in the temporary care of Oak Knoll Broadcasting under the conditions you cited (all profits going to KCET, then L.A.'s only educational TV station).

Hope and a group of other entertainers were interested, but in 1964, the FCC granted a full-term license to Oak Knoll, which kept KRLA until 1981.

Bob Hope and Howard Hughes expressed interest several times over the years, but it wasn't until 1981 that Hope bought the station, and it became a for-profit entity again.

Hope sold KRLA in 1984 to Greater Media.

 

[michael hagerty]

Clarification: While the FCC refused to renew KRLA's license in 1962, there were appeals and extensions. Oak Knoll didn't take control until 1964.

Also, it wasn't quite a non-profit. The Oak Knoll deal gave KCET 60 percent of KRLA's profits ($300,000 in 1963 on gross revenues of $1.5 million). Most of it was to be put into escrow and given to KCET when Oak Knoll's temporary control ended. Small amounts could be used by KCET for expenses prior to that.

The archive of back issues of Billboard on Google Books is a wonderful thing.

 

[Hot Hits]

The archive of back issues of Billboard on Google Books is a wonderful thing.

Incredible information Michael. Who were the "Foreign Interests" involved with Jack Kent Cooke/KRLA deal?

 

[Thomps2525]

On the good ol' Internet there is a copy of an appeals court's refusal to reverse the 1962 decision that stripped Jack Kent Cooke of KRLA's license:

https://bulk.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F2/320/320.F2d.795.17239.17240_1.html

Perhaps Michael can explain why Cooke, who was Canadian and therefore prohibited from owning a US radio station, was able to hold the license. Cooke's brother Donald was a US citizen and I believe he handled all the financial arrangements...so why wasn't the license in his name?

 

[michael hagerty]

On the good ol' Internet there is a copy of an appeals court's refusal to reverse the 1962 decision that stripped Jack Kent Cooke of KRLA's license:

https://bulk.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F2/320/320.F2d.795.17239.17240_1.html

Perhaps Michael can explain why Cooke, who was Canadian and therefore prohibited from owning a US radio station, was able to hold the license. Cooke's brother Donald was a US citizen and I believe he handled all the financial arrangements...so why wasn't the license in his name?

Steve: Donald was listed as having control of Eleven-Ten Broadcasting. Jack was really running things, which became apparent during the investigation of the Perry Allen contest.

Jack's citizenship was in process, though, having been fast-tracked by the Eisenhower Administration. By the time of the hearings on license revocation, Jack was a citizen. A footnote in the document you linked to notes that "the alien control issue was resolved in KRLA's favor".

But the contest (KRLA offered a big cash prize to the listener who could find their new DJ, Perry Allen...making it sound like he was somewhere in L.A., when in fact he was thousands of miles away, working out his notice at WKBW, Buffalo) was enough to get the license yanked.

 

[davideduardo]

Bob Hope and Howard Hughes expressed interest several times over the years, but it wasn't until 1981 that Hope bought the station, and it became a for-profit entity again.

This was the time when Hope was interested in Radio.

He owned an AM in Monterey (KMBY, IIRC) and also put WBMJ in San Juan, PR, on the air in 1969. He also was a partner in Hope, Bennett, Blackburn in the mid to late 70's, providing consulting, technical services and equipment to broadcasters in the Caribbean (Bob Bennett was GM of WBMJ, Jay Blackburn was the recently-deceased station owner and programmer)

 

[Thomps2525]

That contest, and its outcome, was notorious. KRLA gave a vague description of their new morning DJ, Perry Allen, and instructed listeners to approach men on the street and ask, "Are you Perry Allen?" If a listener found the real Perry Allen, he'd win $50,000. KFWB general manager Bob Purcell knew that Perry was still on the air at WKBW, so he sent newsman Charles Arlington back to Buffalo to "find" Perry. KRLA did not like having to pay $50,000 to KFWB...but legally they had to.

In 1960 KRLA and KHJ traded morning DJs; Perry Allen went to KHJ and Wink Martindale went to KRLA. "And, friends, this story is true. I know. I was that soldier."

 

[RL]

Around 1970 Art Jr. had a band called Coming Attractions that tried out for the Hullabaloo Club. I played bass. We failed miserably covering Hendrix. Art Jr. also had 1 gallon jar of M80's in his room. I never went back again. As for KRLA, I worked at the transmitter site 1981-1983.

 

[Hot Hits]

Around 1970 Art Jr. had a band called Coming Attractions that tried out for the Hullabaloo Club. I played bass. We failed miserably covering Hendrix. Art Jr. also had 1 gallon jar of M80's in his room. I never went back again. As for KRLA, I worked at the transmitter site 1981-1983.

Just Google Art Egnoian. He made sure to add his one hit to all the Original Sound collections. He is also quite active buying Real Estate. I met Art when KRLA played the Penthouse Pets in a Softball game. He was really old, about 54. Now I am 54 and he is 87 and looks younger than me? What a great job that must of been at KRLA, full IBEW money to run the board. In contrast KRTH paid $8.50 and treated us and the Security Guards terribly who carried Guns and were Cops!

Oh I read your post wrong, you did know Art Jr! Even the Internet does not remember him. If I recall correctly there also was some legal problems over cocaine, and this is before Art died. Thanks for your post!

 

[RL]

RF construction. Transmitter, phasor, ATU's, pattern measurements...

 

[Hot Hits]

RF construction. Transmitter, phasor, ATU's, pattern measurements...

The Engineers at KRLA were great! Why was it you needed a First Class Ticket to work there, yet I worked at the only 100KW Directional AM Radio Station in the United States and all I needed was a Drivers License?

 

[michael hagerty]

And it turns out there was a whole lot more to the KRLA/Jack Kent Cooke/Bob Hope saga.

A good friend of mine did the legwork and unearthed some fascinating reading. I'll let him take it from here:



Hi, it's your long lost friend K.M. Richards speaking. I've been reading this thread and realized that most people only remember pieces of the KRLA story and/or remember parts of it differently than the way it happened. Since I still don't have posting access here (and I'm not asking for same, either) I've asked my friend Michael Hagerty to post this timeline, starting with the original FCC inquiry in 1960 and continuing to its conclusion. I've verified all the facts using David Eduardo's online library of Broadcasting magazines and provided links to the relevant issues so everyone can read for themselves.

As the late Paul Harvey would say ... now you know the REST of the story. You're welcome.

1963: KRLA appeals FCC decision to cancel license. Loses appeal, goes to Supreme Court, which refuses to hear the case.
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/63-OCR/1963-11-18-BC-0070.pdf

Cooke then comes up with idea to transfer license to interim operator, with profits to go toward getting KCET on the air:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/63-OCR/1963-12-23-BC-0048.pdf
(Note that proposal gets Jack his original investment back.)

FCC says "no" to proposal on grounds that cancelled license can't be transferred:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/64-OCR/1964-02-24-BC-0034.pdf

Twenty entities apply for now-open frequency within weeks of FCC refusal of Cooke idea:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1964/1964-04-06-BC.pdf (pages 88-89)
(Among applicants: KGBS, KFOX and KBLA, all looking to upgrade their facilities by moving to 1110)

Five of the applicants form a separate entity and also apply for interim operation, three of the other applicants also apply for the interim authority. Only Oak Knoll (which was essentially the same foundation that Cooke had proposed) had filed from the start as interim-only. KRLA stays on the air under Cooke until interim operation decided by FCC:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/64-OCR/1964-04-27-BC-0064.pdf
(One applicant wants to move 1110 to Twentynine Palms ... another wants to move it Arroyo Grande!)

Oak Knoll wins temporary operation authority, takes over August 1, 1964 (end of KRLA's fourth stay of going silent):
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/64-OCR/1964-08-10-BC-0069.pdf
(Note to Steve: Perry Allen contest paid out $10,000 to KFWB, not $50,000.)

Side note: KCET goes on the air September 28, 1964:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/64-OCR/1964-09-28-BC-0100.pdf

16 applications go into comparative hearing for full-time license. Twentynine Palms station opts out and applies to move to 1120 instead:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/65-OCR/1965-01-04-BC-0030.pdf

KFOX drops out in May, 1965:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/65-OCR/1965-05-03-BC-0065.pdf
(The Arroyo Grande applicant also withdrew, quietly, after losing two arguments that either considering a new permanent licensee in the Los Angeles area or allowing interim operations would prejudice their application. They subsequently sold the station.)

Storer announces in April, 1968 they are dropping out of 1110 battle, announces sale of KGBS-AM/FM to the son of that nut who kept the channel 32 license in San Francisco alive for years even though it was dark (the sale falls through, though):
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/68-OCR/1968-04-29-BC-0044.pdf

FCC announces decision for new 1110 license in April, 1969:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/69-OCR/1969-04-07-BC-0042.pdf

After other applicants take exception to grant, FCC review board takes another two years to choose a different applicant (May, 1971):
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/71-OCR/1971-05-31-BC-0038.pdf

Come the beginning of 1973, Bob Hope's group remains in contention after comparative hearing, with total number of applications now down to nine:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/73-OCR/1973-01-29-BC-0005.pdf

By year's end, Hope's group chosen as permanent licensee:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/73-OCR/1973-12-10-BC-0030.pdf

Six of the losing applicants file with appeals court; the applicant chosen in 1971 opts to petition for reconsideration instead:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/74-OCR/1974-01-14-BC-0006.pdf
(Petition for reconsideration is denied in April.)

In September, 1975 (over 11 years since the interim operation started!), the appeals court remands the matter back to the FCC:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/75-OCR/1975-09-29-BC-0023.pdf
(FCC replies in January, 1976 that engineering-efficiency grounds alone were sufficient for grant of application.)

Appeals Court overturns FCC in May, 1977 but hints that Hope's group is still leading applicant:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-05-23.pdf (pages 36-38)

Oak Knoll subsequently comes under scrutiny over charges of misuse of station funds by its directors and management:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-08-08.pdf (beginning on page 25)
(One week later, Broadcasting opines after reviewing files that FCC approval of releasing escrow funds to KCET has left station in shaky financial operating condition, suggests the Commission didn't oversee interim operation properly. One month later, Oak Knoll defends itself by acknowledging the funds' use but says they are normal business expenses under proper accounting procedures.)

FCC vacates award to Hope's group May, 1978 and sends whole matter back to an ALJ:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/78-OCR/1978-05-08-BC-0029.pdf

Sidebar: The KRLA matter may have been the spark that resulted in today's auction process for vacant frequencies replacing comparative hearings ...
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/78-OCR/1978-05-15-BC-0074.pdf

Hope's group brokers merger later that year where two applicants drop out with compensation, and Hope sells 60% of his interests to the remaining five competitors, with repurchase after three years:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/78-OCR/1978-10-09-BC-0032.pdf
(FCC rejected deal in April, 1979 but approved restructured merger in September.)


KRLA Inc. takes over operation in November, 1979. In February, 1980 FCC drops case against Oak Knoll from 1977 as being moot:
http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-IDX/80-OCR/1980-02-18-BC-OCR-Page-147.pdf

Also, it was the ALJ that rejected (in April) then approved the merger in September, 1979.

The postscript: Hope & Co. bought the remaining 60% of KRLA Inc. in February, 1983 ... right on schedule. FCC approved in April. They then sold it to Greater Media in July, 1984. They kept it until 1997, when CBS acquired it (and KLSX, the former KGBS-FM) in a swap for three FMs they owned in Philadelphia and Boston. CBS sold it to Disney at the end of 2000, when it became the original KSPN ... and swapped formats and calls with KDIS (the former KMPC) two years later.