-
Get involved.
We want your input!
Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.
After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.
After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/
Thanks in advance and have fun!
RadioDiscussions Administrators
KGDK 920 Olympia silent
- Thread starter Olyradio
- Start date
Is KITZ on? I think they also own KSBN 1230 Spokane and KBNP 1410 Portland
Wasn't that frequency KGHO in AM stereo not too long ago? I remember this being like ten years ago
I remember when it was AC KQEU "KQ-92" and AAA KCPL "920 The Capitol"
And that dates back a number of years. KITN and KITI (Don Whitman) were "pioneers" in the art of automation before computers, with the equipment in Olympia and a feed to Chehalis. Split IDs, spots on reel-to-reel , etc. Way ahead of its time.
KITN's automation was an awesome piece of gear. I think the Whitmans said Lee Hurley had something to do with some, if not most of its construction. It could simulicast spot breaks or feed separate commercials to the two stations, based on how each break was programmed. All commercials were played over a pair of "spotfinders", based on a couple of Ampex 350s. They used photocells to pick up clear spots in the tape oxide to count, and cue up to specific tape segments that the commercials were recorded on. That automation made about as much noise as a telephone step office. Other 350s were used to play a "vintage" collection of Doug Pledger automation tapes.
KITN / KITI used Mackenzie repeaters for their "jingles"... all based around "The Sound of Music". Not knowing any better, I once took a bulk eraser to one of their Mackenzie cartridges. Only time I ever saw a tape cart "explode"! It was one of the most interesting (and eclectic) Mom, Pop & Son operations I'd ever seen.
In the mid- '70s, they were a 1kW daytimer, as was KITI, when the Whitman's also owned that station. They eventually put up a second stick and got 500 watts at night. Years later, the station lost its tower site and wound up where it is now. Without the directional, it's limited to 7 watts at night, but their 3kW daytime signal is pretty good.
On KTGK's current status: No, they're not gone, but they had some lightning-related damage to their transmitter, remote control and their part of the diplexer that puts them (and two others) on the same tower. Co-located KBRD suffered some transmitter damage as well, but was easier to fix.
Repairs are progressing. Unfortunately, not everyone around here has aux transmitters.
KITN / KITI used Mackenzie repeaters for their "jingles"... all based around "The Sound of Music". Not knowing any better, I once took a bulk eraser to one of their Mackenzie cartridges. Only time I ever saw a tape cart "explode"! It was one of the most interesting (and eclectic) Mom, Pop & Son operations I'd ever seen.
In the mid- '70s, they were a 1kW daytimer, as was KITI, when the Whitman's also owned that station. They eventually put up a second stick and got 500 watts at night. Years later, the station lost its tower site and wound up where it is now. Without the directional, it's limited to 7 watts at night, but their 3kW daytime signal is pretty good.
On KTGK's current status: No, they're not gone, but they had some lightning-related damage to their transmitter, remote control and their part of the diplexer that puts them (and two others) on the same tower. Co-located KBRD suffered some transmitter damage as well, but was easier to fix.
Repairs are progressing. Unfortunately, not everyone around here has aux transmitters.
Last edited:
- Status