KEOM

[arnoldevns]

First of all, I never stated I “wanted” KEOM to shut down. I am simply saying it may become a necessity. You guys seem to be overlooking the economics of the whole thing. Jobs are being drastically cut almost daily. Sooner or later it will impact public schools. “All” extra / vocational programs would be in jeopardy, including KEOM. What happens when the district stops earning revenue from the tower, because clients move off the tower or go out of business?

And this talk about how band classes led band students to careers in music doesn’t compare to the fact that radio jobs are going away. Let’s assume the average number of students in any class year for KEOM, is 30. When all of them graduate, how many of those 30 will land jobs in radio?

I’m just being realistic here, that’s all.

Sorry, who exactly are you? You signed up for this board on Friday and all of the sudden are some expert on KEOM? No, I don't buy that.
You have an axe to grind of some sort.

What I know of the KEOM situation tells me that they are in good shape financially. The district has made some cut backs, but getting rid of KEOM would be cutting off a revenue stream for the district.

The only downside of the station right now is the management and the recent loss of good employees who have contributed much to the success of the station for 2 decades.

The station is not going to change to all-80s music. They're not going to add 80s music to their lineup. They will start doing some specialty shows that run 80s music and 60s music. (60s at 6 and 80s at 8 are the shows I've heard) That's the only change in music they're going to make for the forseeable future.

 

[tah]

Enough talk about the dollars and cents issue.

When are they going to start changing the playlist and add songs from the 80's? I swear I read that on this board this year.

Believing anything you read on a message board will only lead to disappointment. Try calling MISD instead.

 

[little1]

Given the value of signals, they won't sell just because of the commercial value of the frequency. That's an asset. Can be leveraged as such.

Can it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that have to stay a non-commercial station, giving where they are on the FM band? That surely severely restricts the value of that signal.

 

[1Letterman]

Given the value of signals, they won't sell just because of the commercial value of the frequency. That's an asset. Can be leveraged as such.

Can it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that have to stay a non-commercial station, giving where they are on the FM band? That surely severely restricts the value of that signal.

I don't know about the Spanish speaking countries, but in this one, an asset is an asset. Its value may be debated all day, but the asset remains an asset.

 

[Travis1960]

I hope they don't screw it up and start playing that God-awful music from the '80s.

Keep it '70 only. It is a great station as it is.

 

[TexasTom]

Given the value of signals, they won't sell just because of the commercial value of the frequency. That's an asset. Can be leveraged as such.

Can it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that have to stay a non-commercial station, giving where they are on the FM band? That surely severely restricts the value of that signal.

It would be worth less than a comparable commercial frequency, but it still has value. Some of the non-commercial Christian broadcast groups are willing to pay quite a bit for a non-commercial license.

Fortunately, I don't see MISD selling KEOM.

 

[davideduardo]

I don't know about the Spanish speaking countries, but in this one, an asset is an asset. Its value may be debated all day, but the asset remains an asset.

Most countries don't have a segment of the band dedicated to non-coms. In this Hemisphere, the earliest FM broadcasters to the South never applied for anything above 100 mHz, as the European radios of the day (60's) did not go beyond that point. Most desirable were the channels on 88 and 89 and 90 mHz since they were at the start of the band and easier to find, said many, with old analog dials.

But in the US, a non-com FM is worth perhaps 10% to 20% of the value of a comparable commercial station... so few are sold that this is very fuzzy to estimate. In 1995, when a NYC FM might have gone for $100 to $200 million, depending on revenue, WNYC FM was sold for $20 million. A lot depends on how much an organization wants a station and how many good non-coms are around.

 

[MikeShannon914]

So Robert Bass is out (on his own accord,) Chris Douglas/Frazee is in as the new Music Manager, and Chris is now on mornings at KEOM as of yesterday (Monday.) Would that move to mornings happened if RB still worked there? Since they ousted RB from his 22-year long shift in the afternoons to put in Chris, and then afternoons opened up again AFTER RB left...hmmm...seems like new SM Peggy Brooks had it in for RB before Dr Griffin was even out the door. Very sad, and a pitiful, cruel way to treat your paid talent there. BTW, the new afternoon drive jock is, well, perhaps a 'work in progress'? I seem to recall that students did not broadcast after 4PM weekdays, so I assume this person is a broadcast vet of some sort? And now there's new music beds and such under the traffic, and a bed under a little preview at the top of the hour. That's very different than the KEOM of old.

 

[little1]

? And now there's new music beds and such under the traffic, and a bed under a little preview at the top of the hour. That's very different than the KEOM of old.

music beds is VERY different?

We need to meet so I can introduce you to my friend, the real world. (for example, to tie in another thread, being Jake Daniels and suddenly being out a job, THAT's different) Music beds under traffic? That's something most listeners don't notice and don't care about...And believed me I've researched it and asked...

 

[1Letterman]

KEOM's sound HAS changed, and it is NOT for the better.

 

[annma54]

Tah's posting in this thread makes sense. If you have questions, call MISD or better yet, KEOM. There's an awful lot of speculation going on here about a high school station and its personnel and students. One of my sources has indicated that the former afternoon/evening 22 year employee was actually given a promotion, a substantial raise, and offered the day shift, which he refused. Also, my source said that particular person was released and did not leave on their own accord. The story that I got also said that this particular employee was repeatedly insubordinate. And it doesn't matter the time that students are on the air, whether it's after 4 p.m. or later if it's school sponsored and supervised.

 

[1Letterman]

And we all meet another first time poster with the Holy Grail of information and--surprise!--they're trashing a good man's reputation with innuendo two seconds after suggesting that only KEOM or MISD have the real facts.

Hilarious. After frowning on speculation, we get unnamed sources.

 

[scrtr84]

OK yeah I admit I have probably been a tad harsh. So switching gears and playing devil’s advocate, what’s so bad about turning down a promotion? People do that all the time. If that is indeed what happened, maybe the person was satisfied with his position prior to the promotion, and wasn’t interested in moving up?

 

[arnoldevns]

Simply put, Rob is a good guy and current management there did not treat him well. The station IS suffering for it. I find it harder and harder to listen. Rob will do just fine without them.

I'm sure another first time poster will come in to refute me. Fire away.

 

[DFWPT]

So Robert Bass is out (on his own accord,) Chris Douglas/Frazee is in as the new Music Manager, and Chris is now on mornings at KEOM as of yesterday (Monday.) Would that move to mornings happened if RB still worked there? Since they ousted RB from his 22-year long shift in the afternoons to put in Chris, and then afternoons opened up again AFTER RB left...hmmm...seems like new SM Peggy Brooks had it in for RB before Dr Griffin was even out the door. Very sad, and a pitiful, cruel way to treat your paid talent there. BTW, the new afternoon drive jock is, well, perhaps a 'work in progress'? I seem to recall that students did not broadcast after 4PM weekdays, so I assume this person is a broadcast vet of some sort? And now there's new music beds and such under the traffic, and a bed under a little preview at the top of the hour. That's very different than the KEOM of old.

Mike:
1. own accord? lol

2. Douglas/Frazee? I would like to think that someone with your background, experience, professionalism on air, and love of this business would be more classy than to print the real last name of a DJ who uses a false name on-air. Shame on you.

3. Chris moved to mornings (at HIS request) so he could spend more time with his 2 yr old son in the afternoons/evenings. Shame on you for your insinuations.

4. RB was not on the air for 22 yrs in the afternoons. In fact, Chris Douglas/Frazee (going under the name Kris Morgan) used to do afternoons there 12 years ago. At that time, and for tons of years, RB was a weekend part timer. RB didn't even become the Music Manger until just the last handful of years. Aren't you suppose to be the local radio history guy????

5. In all my years of radio management and programming, I have never seen such patience, long-suffering, compromise and grace given to a radio employee as I witnessed first hand at KEOM this summer. Peggy Brooks "has it in" for no one.

6. You sure are quick to judge other radio people. You said yourself, you "assume" the new afternoon DJ is a vet. Assuming is a stupid thing to do. You don't know that of which you speak. You are too publicly critical of others. It's a shame too, to have to tell you, because I personally think you do traffic very well. YOU sound great at what you do.

7. You don't like my traffic bed? Or top of hour bed? What's wrong with you? KEOM can't get new jingles? KEOM can't try to improve? Or add elements that make the learning experience for the students more accurately reflect a commercial station's programming? You didn't mention the new weather beds. Do they stink too? Wait till you hear the new Christmas jingles we cut! Oh, yea, there's a new STUDENT DJ jingle comin' too. But I guess we should trash it since Mr. Mike doesn't want us to play new things. The kids will be disappointed - they came down to the studio and everything to see the session. But I guess YOU didn't know that, did you?

You are not an employee of MISD or KEOM. You don't know what's going on. Only a fool would continue to post on here as if he did. In the 15 years I have been associated and employed at KEOM - I have never once seen your mug in the hallways.

You don't get it.

By the way - YES, I am Chris Frazee.

Thanks for noticing I moved to mornings! Still love you on BAP!!!

 

[1Letterman]

Assuming is a stupid thing to do.
[/quote]

You are SO right here. 100% agreement.

Because I used to assume KEOM has their act together.

I blame myself.

 

[scrtr84]

And since we're all playing the assumption game, who are we to really believe about the situation under discussion, as per some of the previous posts in this thread?

Fact is, none of us know the true details since it appears all the players aren't here posting their own accounts.

And Chris, for the record anything that hits the air is subject to being evaluated, such as Mike's comments concerning the changes he has noticed. Anyone is allowed to say what they like or hate about a station's programming, be it jingles, beds, music selections, etc... You of all people, should know this. And I hope you all are teaching this to the kiddos in the program.

 

[MikeShannon914]

Mike:
1. own accord? lol

2. Douglas/Frazee? I would like to think that someone with your background, experience, professionalism on air, and love of this business would be more classy than to print the real last name of a DJ who uses a false name on-air. Shame on you.

3. Chris moved to mornings (at HIS request) so he could spend more time with his 2 yr old son in the afternoons/evenings. Shame on you for your insinuations.

4. RB was not on the air for 22 yrs in the afternoons. In fact, Chris Douglas/Frazee (going under the name Kris Morgan) used to do afternoons there 12 years ago. At that time, and for tons of years, RB was a weekend part timer. RB didn't even become the Music Manger until just the last handful of years. Aren't you suppose to be the local radio history guy????

5. In all my years of radio management and programming, I have never seen such patience, long-suffering, compromise and grace given to a radio employee as I witnessed first hand at KEOM this summer. Peggy Brooks "has it in" for no one.

6. You sure are quick to judge other radio people. You said yourself, you "assume" the new afternoon DJ is a vet. Assuming is a stupid thing to do. You don't know that of which you speak. You are too publicly critical of others. It's a shame too, to have to tell you, because I personally think you do traffic very well. YOU sound great at what you do.

7. You don't like my traffic bed? Or top of hour bed? What's wrong with you? KEOM can't get new jingles? KEOM can't try to improve? Or add elements that make the learning experience for the students more accurately reflect a commercial station's programming? You didn't mention the new weather beds. Do they stink too? Wait till you hear the new Christmas jingles we cut! Oh, yea, there's a new STUDENT DJ jingle comin' too. But I guess we should trash it since Mr. Mike doesn't want us to play new things. The kids will be disappointed - they came down to the studio and everything to see the session. But I guess YOU didn't know that, did you?

Ummm...thanks for the compliments?

Robert told me he left on his own accord. I have no reason to doubt him. Strange that Robert had some pretty nice things to say about YOU when I asked him who the new afternoon guy was...sounds like the feeling's not mutual.

Sure, I've visited KEOM on a couple of occasions, and have the coffee mug and cap and chip-clip and pencils and window sticker to prove it! And I am indeed a Mesquite taxpayer. In fact, I'm getting prepped to write my check to the MISD come December 1.

Sorry if I've tilted your entire universe...that was never my intention. You'll notice that, when I know someone's real name, it usually shows up on my RTV history site. There's only been 2 complaints about that in 9 years...Kevin McCarthy and Doc Bryce. Both real names were promptly removed. Yours is not on the KEOM listing yet, but will be eventually...when I ever do updates...and will kindly leave off your real name if you please. BTW, any relation to Jim Frazee/"J.R. Colby"? (That might explain some of the angst...I don't know.) Or the clock repair guy in Mesquite?

(And if it's really an issue about your real name, go back to your old postings and see where you've posted it on this site before, plus links to your mobile DJ site, which shows your real name there as well.) ???

Reread my comment about the drops and music beds...it was merely to bring a fact to light. I didn't pass judgment about it or anything. Sure, it IS different that the old days, and frankly, it does sound better. It should have been done long ago.

Chris, I'm going to take KEOM as it comes, because it's the only terrestrial station I can listen to continuously without the crap. No Jack-FM call-ins/surly comments/etc, no Clear Channel/CBS 22 min stopsets, no incessant ads for all the other wonderful jocks on <x> station, no mindless chatter, no impossible contests, etc. Now if someone would terminate that hourly irritation known as "TSN News"... I've been a steady, regular listener to KEOM since the late 1980s, so yeah, I feel like I know SOMETHING about the operation. I've also known RB for a long time, and can't help but come to his defense when I sense that he's being taken advantage of. Of course, I'm only hearing HIS side of the story, but I trust him to tell me the truth, and I don't have the luxury of calling up Peggy or Dr G or Brenda or anyone else to "check out" any stories I hear. I don't feel that I have to. But it doesn't seem to hurt (most times, anyway) to 'cast out a line' on Radio-Info and see who bites. You did, and I thank you for throwing out a lot of food for thought.

Your shameless and classless, yet faithful, listener...Mike

 

[scrtr84]

Let's do this the AllAccess way...

"...has exited."

Are we happy now?

Look at all the "grace" Russ Martin is getting from the folks at KLLI.

 

[DFWPT]

Mike -

Great reply!!! THAT's the tone I knew you had in you regarding KEOM!

My compliments are sincere.

One thing I feel very compelled to correct: I too consider RB to be my friend. I have known him for 15 or so years. I know he reads these blogs and want him to understand that I will ALWAYS consider him my friend - and hope he will contact me soon - and stay in touch. I was just an observer of his departure, not a participant. We didn't get the opportunity to say goodbye. I wish we had.

I would indeed appreciate any RTV naming to be Douglas, not Frazee. Even the old "Morgan" works. Thanks!

As you can imagine, in my position at KEOM I have a monumental task at hand to 1) keep the tradition of the station alive and 2) grow it to the next level - to make it the best it can be. To that end, I can use input from you and everyone else. You DO have the luxury of calling and asking questions or giving input. I'd rather see you call me directly then post incorrect info about KEOM on this site. All the chatter on here about the recent changes have been so totally wrong and have painted the current management staff in the wrong light. Just as you feel compelled to defend your friend RB - I feel compelled to defend my station. I know you will understand that, since you are such a big fan of it.

Again, great reply. Let's keep the info on here to the facts - and clarify speculations before going over the top.

I look forward to your phone call. And I look forward to others on here posting info as to what they like/dislike about KEOM.