Kim leaves KOST

[calguy]

Call me crazy but if her contract was ending on 12/31 of this year and the company informed her they would not be renewing the deal is that FIRING her or just not renewing a deal? I know it may be word ballet but to me there is a big difference between walking into someone who is in the middle of a contract, terminating them, paying out the remainder of their deal, etc versus a deal at its end that is not renewed.

I also find it a bit humorous that this is the same person who on several occasions has threatened quitting, asked to be let out of her deal, etc. When she is not the one in control she's all of a sudden the victim?

Yeah it is word ballet, but they had to pay off her last month plus severance as well. You can say it's just non-renewal, but she didn't finish her contract, so in essence she was fired. You are right, she had threatened to quit. Usually when she and Mark weren't getting along, but whenever you don't go out on your own terms, it comes as a surprise, and she had to feel secure after all of those years so I'm sure it was a shock.

 

[Marv-L.A.]

Why would she even think about leaving her job at the nation's most prestigious AC station, and one of the top five properties in the entire CC chain?

 

[calguy]

Why would she even think about leaving her job at the nation's most prestigious AC station, and one of the top five properties in the entire CC chain?

Good question and I guess only she would know. I heard that she would become tired of the hours and the relationship with her partner would sometimes become strained. Working with a partner is like being married, sometimes you don't get along. I read about them having problems on Don Barrett's webpage more than once.

 

[Marv-L.A.]

Thanks for that tip--I wasn't aware of the friction between them.
But I also have to reiterate that even if Kim and Mike were making anywhere from $500,000--? in combined salaries, destroying one of only a handful of adult-friendly, English language morning shows and midday slots from a station which is consistently been among the top dozen or so billing stations in America is still indefensibly asinine.

With the advent of iPods, satellite radio and the like, you'd think that radio stations would be trying to attract new listeners, as opposed to ticking them off and blowing them off.

 

[SuperRadioFan]

With the advent of iPods, satellite radio and the like, you'd think that radio stations would be trying to attract new listeners, as opposed to ticking them off and blowing them off.

Marv I know where you're coming from, but I wonder where those "new" listeners will come from when we're talking about <yawwwwnnn> KOST. All stations should think about retaining the listeners they do have!

 

[radio_gal1]

RadioFan,
you mentioned a "yaaaawwwnn" for KOST, but you would be surprised how high their ratings are.
I can only imagine what would happen now that Kim is gone... Those fans that have been listening since the 80's are probably "boycotting" the station.

 

[SuperRadioFan]

Actually I wouldn't be surprised, RadioGal, as I'm in the biz and have followed the ratings for almost forever Regardless of their consistent Top 6 ratings, KOST is just too boring and sappy for my eclectic tastes but I've always been a Lone Ranger in radio station preferences.

It remains to be seen how many of those 20+ year listeners will find other stations/media, etc to listen to as a result of KOST and CC's layoffs. My guess is there will be little impact.

 

[radio_gal1]

Well i've always been a radio fan, but i'm rather new to the industry and admired KOST for their longevity and consistency with everything they've done, and most definitely for being one of the top prestigious stations.

I know that the station will be okay with Kim's absence, it will just be a while before we all get use to it.

You're very entitled to your opinion, but I must admit that I truely enjoy KOST and I know there are plenty who would agree with me

 

[calguy]

You know KOST and that type of format isn't everyone's cup of tea, but like any format you have to give credit when credits due for doing it right, and for most of it's time KOST has done it right. I don't have to like a format to know when it's being done well. My question is how long will it be before the people on the air at KOST start to get tired and have it effect to on-air product. No matter how good someone is, doing a 6 hour shift on a daily basis is going to wear on them. I know people who lose energy after hour 3, so it's going to be hard on the three weekday jocks over time if not already. I know I've heard some things this week so it makes me wonder...

 

[observer8057]

If CC did anything right when it blew in from Texas to tickle the ears of the Los Angeles market, it was not making any significant changes at KOST. That all changed this month when the "brains" of Texas made some very stupid moves. That said, KOST will roll on. The station is an institution in L. A.

And let us not forget that the blueprint for KOST was created by Mary Catherine Sneed, a consultant for Cox out of Atlanta. She wisely chose Jhani Kaye to program the station.

Jhani's brilliant programming and music control moved the station forward as time progressed. Although the CC takeover was ultimately painful in a way for Jhani (he did OK!) things have turned out superbly. In one of their rare positive moves under Joel Hollander, CBS Radio and then-GM Maureen Lesourd hired Jhani to reinvent KRTH, while still retaining its core target.

KRTH has been a big challenge, but it is working very nicely, thank you. More proof that smart (and often invisible) programming yields great results.

 

[calguy]

If CC did anything right when it blew in from Texas to tickle the ears of the Los Angeles market, it was not making any significant changes at KOST. That all changed this month when the "brains" of Texas made some very stupid moves. That said, KOST will roll on. The station is an institution in L. A.

And let us not forget that the blueprint for KOST was created by Mary Catherine Sneed, a consultant for Cox out of Atlanta. She wisely chose Jhani Kaye to program the station.

Jhani's brilliant programming and music control moved the station forward as time progressed. Although the CC takeover was ultimately painful in a way for Jhani (he did OK!) things have turned out superbly. In one of their rare positive moves under Joel Hollander, CBS Radio and then-GM Maureen Lesourd hired Jhani to reinvent KRTH, while still retaining its core target.

KRTH has been a big challenge, but it is working very nicely, thank you. More proof that smart (and often invisible) programming yields great results.

You're close. From what I know from a KOST insider Kaye was interviewed early on and wasn't chosen. It was only after interviewing many applicants that they came back and settled on Kaye. Sakellarides was actually hired by Sneed and GM Don Dalton before Kaye got the nod. I've also heard that Kaye didn't do it alone, but that he was focused, sometimes to the horror of the jocks who were hotlined without mercy over very small things. Kaye from what I understand has always been wrapped up in the details.That's not entirely bad, but those I know who've worked for him have some very interesting stories.
The fact that Lesourd hired him is amazing in and of itself as I've not heard anything good about her. But to say he's totally responsible for KOST's success would seem to be incorrect. But hey, credit where it's do, KRTH has had a good turnaround under his command.

 

[Dan D]

I have this weird, funny feeling that CC will start a search to replace Kim. In addition to aircheck and resume,
an 8x10 glossy will be required. This is one of CC's biggest problems: since the late 90's, they hire based on appearance and not on air talent. I hope Kim takes CC to court.

Currently on the SCBA.com job boards:

On Air
HOST, MORNING SHOW
KOST-FM
We're looking for the Kelly Ripa of morning drive to join longtime host Mark Wallengren! If you are opinionated, funny and witty, topical, can relate to women 25-54, be edgy but still talk in a family-friendly environment, and know the basics of radio, we want to hear from you! This is your chance to work with one of the most popular and legendary AC stations in the country. REQUIREMENTS: Formal training in radio broadcasting and min. 1 year on-air experience. Ability to operate on-air control board, CD player, and remote broadcast equipment. Knowledge of all FCC rules and regulations. HS diploma, AA or equivalent from 2-yr College or technical school preferred.
Stella Schwartz, KOST PD, 3400 W Olive Ave Ste 550 Burbank CA 91505 FAX: 818-566-6496 EMAIL: [email protected]
Submitted: 01/09 EOE Deadline: 03/15/08

 

[Mr1derful]

I have this weird, funny feeling that CC will start a search to replace Kim. In addition to aircheck and resume,
an 8x10 glossy will be required. This is one of CC's biggest problems: since the late 90's, they hire based on appearance and not on air talent. I hope Kim takes CC to court.

Currently on the SCBA.com job boards:

On Air
HOST, MORNING SHOW
KOST-FM
We're looking for the Kelly Ripa of morning drive to join longtime host Mark Wallengren! If you are opinionated, funny and witty, topical, can relate to women 25-54, be edgy but still talk in a family-friendly environment, and know the basics of radio, we want to hear from you! This is your chance to work with one of the most popular and legendary AC stations in the country. REQUIREMENTS: Formal training in radio broadcasting and min. 1 year on-air experience. Ability to operate on-air control board, CD player, and remote broadcast equipment. Knowledge of all FCC rules and regulations. HS diploma, AA or equivalent from 2-yr College or technical school preferred.
Stella Schwartz, KOST PD, 3400 W Olive Ave Ste 550 Burbank CA 91505 FAX: 818-566-6496 EMAIL: [email protected]
Submitted: 01/09 EOE Deadline: 03/15/08

Kim, if you're reading this, call your lawyer...

 

[radio_gal1]

I have this weird, funny feeling that CC will start a search to replace Kim. In addition to aircheck and resume,
an 8x10 glossy will be required. This is one of CC's biggest problems: since the late 90's, they hire based on appearance and not on air talent. I hope Kim takes CC to court.

Currently on the SCBA.com job boards:

On Air
HOST, MORNING SHOW
KOST-FM
We're looking for the Kelly Ripa of morning drive to join longtime host Mark Wallengren! If you are opinionated, funny and witty, topical, can relate to women 25-54, be edgy but still talk in a family-friendly environment, and know the basics of radio, we want to hear from you! This is your chance to work with one of the most popular and legendary AC stations in the country. REQUIREMENTS: Formal training in radio broadcasting and min. 1 year on-air experience. Ability to operate on-air control board, CD player, and remote broadcast equipment. Knowledge of all FCC rules and regulations. HS diploma, AA or equivalent from 2-yr College or technical school preferred.
Stella Schwartz, KOST PD, 3400 W Olive Ave Ste 550 Burbank CA 91505 FAX: 818-566-6496 EMAIL: [email protected]
Submitted: 01/09 EOE Deadline: 03/15/08

Kim, if you're reading this, call your lawyer...

Why should she take CC to court based on this ad?
I'm not the biggest CC fan, but this does not harm her anyway... they are just looking for a new host (or her replacement)

 

[MusicMaestro]

I have this weird, funny feeling that CC will start a search to replace Kim. In addition to aircheck and resume,
an 8x10 glossy will be required. This is one of CC's biggest problems: since the late 90's, they hire based on appearance and not on air talent. I hope Kim takes CC to court.

Currently on the SCBA.com job boards:

On Air
HOST, MORNING SHOW
KOST-FM
We're looking for the Kelly Ripa of morning drive to join longtime host Mark Wallengren! If you are opinionated, funny and witty, topical, can relate to women 25-54, be edgy but still talk in a family-friendly environment, and know the basics of radio, we want to hear from you! This is your chance to work with one of the most popular and legendary AC stations in the country. REQUIREMENTS: Formal training in radio broadcasting and min. 1 year on-air experience. Ability to operate on-air control board, CD player, and remote broadcast equipment. Knowledge of all FCC rules and regulations. HS diploma, AA or equivalent from 2-yr College or technical school preferred.
Stella Schwartz, KOST PD, 3400 W Olive Ave Ste 550 Burbank CA 91505 FAX: 818-566-6496 EMAIL: [email protected]
Submitted: 01/09 EOE Deadline: 03/15/08

Kim, if you're reading this, call your lawyer...

Why should she take CC to court based on this ad?
I'm not the biggest CC fan, but this does not harm her anyway... they are just looking for a new host (or her replacement)

I disagree. Kim, like others have said, call your lawyer! I could see letting her go IF the ratings were bad, but they were not! I could see letting her IF there was an on-air chemistry problem, but there wasn't! Kim has given her heart & soul to that station for years, & was a main reason why people like me listened to "THE KOST". Something is horribly wrong here, i'm afraid.

 

[nmoore6676]

Kim could probably get the job for the $$$$ they want to pay whoever answers the ad. Then Jamie White could apply as well. ;D

 

[radio_gal1]

I have this weird, funny feeling that CC will start a search to replace Kim. In addition to aircheck and resume,
an 8x10 glossy will be required. This is one of CC's biggest problems: since the late 90's, they hire based on appearance and not on air talent. I hope Kim takes CC to court.

Currently on the SCBA.com job boards:

On Air
HOST, MORNING SHOW
KOST-FM
We're looking for the Kelly Ripa of morning drive to join longtime host Mark Wallengren! If you are opinionated, funny and witty, topical, can relate to women 25-54, be edgy but still talk in a family-friendly environment, and know the basics of radio, we want to hear from you! This is your chance to work with one of the most popular and legendary AC stations in the country. REQUIREMENTS: Formal training in radio broadcasting and min. 1 year on-air experience. Ability to operate on-air control board, CD player, and remote broadcast equipment. Knowledge of all FCC rules and regulations. HS diploma, AA or equivalent from 2-yr College or technical school preferred.
Stella Schwartz, KOST PD, 3400 W Olive Ave Ste 550 Burbank CA 91505 FAX: 818-566-6496 EMAIL: [email protected]
Submitted: 01/09 EOE Deadline: 03/15/08

Kim, if you're reading this, call your lawyer...

Why should she take CC to court based on this ad?
I'm not the biggest CC fan, but this does not harm her anyway... they are just looking for a new host (or her replacement)

I disagree. Kim, like others have said, call your lawyer! I could see letting her go IF the ratings were bad, but they were not! I could see letting her IF there was an on-air chemistry problem, but there wasn't! Kim has given her heart & soul to that station for years, & was a main reason why people like me listened to "THE KOST". Something is horribly wrong here, i'm afraid.

Yes, I agree, BUT this is the nature of radio. It's not the first time something like this has happened (Rick Dees/ Charlie Tuna). Not only is this the nature of radio, but it is the nature of CC... they are infamous to do stuff like this for no apparent reason (except the fact that they are so damn cheap!!).

Well, I am sad and I miss Kim, but after this experience, NOTHING in radio will surprise me again.