KKGO Ratings

[ceejay]

I'll tell you one thing they are doing that reminds me of KZLA and that is, overplaying a lot of things that in my opinion are borderline country, bubblegum country or just ain't that good!

At least they are playing the classics or I wouldn't listen at all...... well, except for Todd Baker. He is just too much fun to leave behind!

 

[shirleyschmidt]

If we change this thread to another time slot I would be one of the first to say that Parr can fit there nicely. Actually, still comparing KZLA to KKGO seems old hat and a dead topic to me. Morning show slots are significant to any radio station. We all know that or this topic probably would not have been started. But Peter to Parr comparisions are like oranges and apples. Maybe neither belong there on country radio. Country radio in the LA market is suffering.

I agree that comparing Parr with Tilden is not relevant. The two shows are completely different. I like Shawn's show because it is mostly music (which he knows all about). I don't think it is anyone's (DJ or station) fault for the reason country radio in LA is not as popular as other stations (uh, the #1 station for example).

I kinda disagree with a couple of things. Shawn knows about country music but only to a point. There is also a lot he does not know. There are DJ who immerse themselves in the genre they are spinning, and teach themselves a lot about the history and older music as well as other avenues. They know it off the top of their heads and know it well. As I understand from some insiders that work with him, both past and present, he has to get older song titles from listeners and/or someone else does research for him. Though I realize show hosts need research because they can't know it all, he often cannot swing the information live unless it is someone new and recent.

Country music could be bigger and better in LA if promotions were done and done right. I believe Emmis did not do a lot after the billboard campaign they ran. Now KKGO is not doing much at all. If there were not a lot of country music fans in LA, how can you explain country artists selling out staples in a matter of minutes?

There is one other factor we can add. I think Arbitron ratings on stations are way off. Just my observations. Maybe KKGO has a bigger audience than being reported. I always held the KZLA was under estimated. Sales of records and concerts in this region should prove that.

 

[shirleyschmidt]

Actually Shawn Parr is the right guy for the Morning show at KKGO. He has a huge following, a great knowledge of the format, artists and music, great timing, great voice, great energy and does a great job at remotes and appearances. Shawn just needs a good PD to guide him.

The problem with KKGO is the programming, music and imaging of the station. Both of which are currently eclectic and not mainstream at all, as needed in the Country format! Musically, there are too many non-hits and the imaging sounds like a college station not a Country station at all. Country listeners are conservative, upper income and upper demo's and really aren't as hip as the station is programming to. They want the basics of Country music, the new and the classic Country hits of all time. Not the eclectic Country that I hear on that station. Formatics and personalities are basic, personable, family oriented and they make you feel as though you are part of their family. These are all the things that Shawn is truly a master of! But unfortunately KKGO as a Country station has none of those qualities.

Stop trying to be a hip L.A. station. It never worked for KZLA and it's not working at KKGO. KKGO might just have thee best signal in L.A. radio and it's being wasted by doing a very poor Country programming job!

What a shame!

What I hear is that a lot of people love the PD and personally I think she is doing a great job. I have seen a number of writings on boards (including this one) talking about what a great job she is doing for KKGO as she really has only been at it for a few months now. Though I understand she and the morning host do not get along. (which makes me wonder about your post). My guess is he would also not listen to anything the current PD and/or show producer would suggest. Not even sure he would listen to the station owner's suggestions. (The previous PD was good too and still is there in another capacity.

Not sure if he would listen to any PD. Plus, I would think that anyone who oversees his show needs to have a balance of control and a balance of freedom to it. I think Shawn can be choked if someone rides him too much which is not good and I think if he is left on his own he will do things that no one wants to hear and that causes any station trouble.

Shawn's voice is booming at that hour and just not right for a morning show slot. His energy, which he does have a lot of, sounds like he has had 5 coffees before he starts his shift. People are not awake enough for that at 6 am. His following seems to be dwindling from what I have been told in the last few months. People are getting tired of hearing him talk about himself, women's breasts and golf. Timing is not so hot. Interview prep has been sucking. Even Shawn supporters have agreed with some of this stuff right on this board.

As you point out country music listeners are more conservative than say a KISS FM crowd, by far. Knowing that then you have to ask why Shawn keeps bringing up sexual innuendos during his show if that is the case. I just don't think he is right for the morning show slot. A "talent" well I might agree with but I am not even sure it's radio he wants. Doesn't he always try to dabble in TV?

 

[davideduardo]

If there were not a lot of country music fans in LA, how can you explain country artists selling out staples in a matter of minutes?

You can fill the Staples with under 20,000. To get into the 2-share range of ratings, you need to cume over a half-million, and a three share needs about a million. Filling a small venue with die-hard fans says nothing about a format being able to generate the near-million cume needed to be successful.

There is one other factor we can add. I think Arbitron ratings on stations are way off. Just my observations. Maybe KKGO has a bigger audience than being reported. I always held the KZLA was under estimated. Sales of records and concerts in this region should prove that.

There just are not enough fans in LA and Arbitron is not off.

LA is 42% Hispanic... few Hispanics like country (and the ones that do are 4th, or 5th generation, of which there are few)
LA is 8% Black and 12% Asian. Not country fans.
LA has about 10% to 12% first generation immigrants who are Persian, Arab, Russian, etc. Not many contry fans there, either.

That's 75% of the market, give or take, that would never listen to country. If the same share of the remaining 25% listens to country as in, lets say, Las Vegas or Portland, you have about a 1.5 share radio station. No more than that, either.

 

[shirleyschmidt]

If there were not a lot of country music fans in LA, how can you explain country artists selling out staples in a matter of minutes?

You can fill the Staples with under 20,000. To get into the 2-share range of ratings, you need to cume over a half-million, and a three share needs about a million. Filling a small venue with die-hard fans says nothing about a format being able to generate the near-million cume needed to be successful.

There is one other factor we can add. I think Arbitron ratings on stations are way off. Just my observations. Maybe KKGO has a bigger audience than being reported. I always held the KZLA was under estimated. Sales of records and concerts in this region should prove that.

There just are not enough fans in LA and Arbitron is not off.

LA is 42% Hispanic... few Hispanics like country (and the ones that do are 4th, or 5th generation, of which there are few)
LA is 8% Black and 12% Asian. Not country fans.
LA has about 10% to 12% first generation immigrants who are Persian, Arab, Russian, etc. Not many contry fans there, either.

That's 75% of the market, give or take, that would never listen to country. If the same share of the remaining 25% listens to country as in, lets say, Las Vegas or Portland, you have about a 1.5 share radio station. No more than that, either.

My bad.. I was just making a qicuj statement so letme correct that with more words. ;D Artists sell out a lot more than just Stables during a tour and then many artists do more than one night - then we can add in the people who cannot afford those concert prices and then add in those that cannot attend those nights etc etc etc.. it is a numbers game. We can all play along.

And yes, the number one in our market right now is a Latin station, but there are a lot of "Latin Americans" I know that listen to country (and had listen to KZLA too). They were offended by statements made a year ago by Emmis.

BTW, Even an Emmis representative said they felt the numbers for KZLA were off. Plus, Arbitron currently is attempting to upgrade their system as they state they feel numbers are off. Not arbitron's fault as much as the system being used. (However, there are problems with the new system too). I'm not attempting to put down Arbitron. We have what we have to work with.

 

[ceejay]

KGoddess and Hillbillyrockstar,

It was just a short while ago you guys were singing Shawn's praises on KKGO's morning show on the countryboards.com message boards. Now you can't stand him. What did he do to make you guys so mad?

Excuse me? Who are you? Show me where I said I couldn't stand Shawn.

I'll have to assume you were mistaken adding my name to your post here.

I was wondering the same thing. Your posts actual sound more like you worship the man and that he walks on water for you so I am thinking Mr1derful got that wrong too.

Thanks for putting those words in my mouth. But on the contrary, I don't think anyone walks on water.

If you're so interested in my posts, please re-read them and make sure you understand that I'm just being rational.

Just because I don't share the same Shawn-bashing views as others doesn't mean I think someone walks on water.

If someone has a view opposite of yours you consider it bashing.

You are so right, Shirley. A person at the KKGO site once had the audacity to suggest that the morning host might possibly be a bit envious of the afternoon jock's immense popularity, (not saying anything about the over inflated ego). You should have seen the uproar!

It was really sad....... he must walk on water! And has no ego..... in which case he's in the wrong business.

 

[shirleyschmidt]

Let's see Denny Crane is a DJ on an FM station in LA.. or maybe LA FM DJ..what do you think??

 

[ceejay]

LOL..... don't think I didn't wonder about that one.

Not to hijack this thread, but, seriously, I think Boston Legal, aside from being wildly hilarious, is one of the smartest shows on television, I never miss it! The topics they tackle weekly are always current and most relevent. I love David E. Kelly..... sorry, Mrs Kelly.

On the other hand, I miss the KKGO morning show quite often and it seems like they have put a muzzle on the Toddmeister. He always made sitting in traffic so much fun I really didn't mind how long it took me to reach my destination! Nora Wells is way more fun than Robin is, lately.

If I don't see you guys again ......... Y'all Have A Merry Christmas!!!!

 

[shirleyschmidt]

Well I heard this saying not to long ago and thought I would share it with you. Make sure you aren't drinking anything when you read this but someone said to me "The station doesn't pay anything over there and because of that, they only get sub-parr talent!" Not my words, but I have to admit it was kind of funny.

Heard they cut Todd's hours. Sorry about that choice. Heard he can't take listener calls any more (or I guess the entire station now) as people suggest his following is huge and others did not like that idea. Sure there has to be more to it than that and I could write a thesis on the topic, but why bother?? A radio station that puts listeners last is way off the mark.

Have a great Christmas too. Hope Santa has something sexy wrapped under your tree that you can have great fun unwrapping. 8)

Love Boston Legal because it is so intelligent and extremely so NON-PC. "Mrs. Kelly" that is a good one.

 

[kgoddess]

I'm going to jump in here, & then, since I have quit listening to the morning show, that's going to be all I have to say on the subject...

I stopped listening to the morning show because I was tired of Shawn's comments on female body parts (people are taking their kids to school during that time slot!--this is NOT "family friendly" commentary), "Shawntario", restaurant's Shawn's eaten in during the traffic reports, Shawn's golf game, bowling score, etc. Anybody who is on Countryboards.com is aware that ALL of KKGO's on-air staff has a Fan Club...except Shawn.

As far as the rest of the station...I enjoy Todd, & love Tonya & Paul. I enjoy the music mix; for the most part it has the balance of contemporary & classic country I enjoy, although there are songs & artists that are overplayed. I wish the station would upgrade the streaming hardware/software & stream 24/7, upgrade the phone system & bring back live callers (edited!), & get some advertising out there.

 

[ceejay]

Have a great Christmas too. Hope Santa has something sexy wrapped under your tree that you can have great fun unwrapping. 8)

 

[davideduardo]

My bad.. I was just making a qicuj statement so letme correct that with more words. ;D Artists sell out a lot more than just Stables during a tour and then many artists do more than one night - then we can add in the people who cannot afford those concert prices and then add in those that cannot attend those nights etc etc etc.. it is a numbers game. We can all play along.

You can fill Staples several times. It still has no more relevance to the success of a format, any format, than record sales. You need 40 or 50 times the capacity of Staples to be successful as a radio format.

And yes, the number one in our market right now is a Latin station,

Latin stations? Even Vatican Radio does not broadcast in Latin.

but there are a lot of "Latin Americans"

Most Hispanics in the LA Area are Americans.

I know that listen to country (and had listen to KZLA too). They were offended by statements made a year ago by Emmis.

Neither KZLA nor KKGO have or had a significant percentage of Hispanic listeners. You may know a couple, and there are others, but the quantity is insignificant.

BTW, Even an Emmis representative said they felt the numbers for KZLA were off.

Stations always blame the ratings if numbers are bad. And KZLA was getting bad numbers at the end, just like KKGO is.

Plus, Arbitron currently is attempting to upgrade their system as they state they feel numbers are off. Not arbitron's fault as much as the system being used. (However, there are problems with the new system too). I'm not attempting to put down Arbitron. We have what we have to work with.

Arbitron is working to fix panel issues in PPM measurement system. LA is a diary measured market. Arbitron has said NOTHING about the LA numbers being off. That is because they are not off.

Arbitron is not "upgrading" any system. They are improving the systems and supervision used for the PPM, which right now affects two markets ony, none within 1000 miles of LA:

 

[Marv-L.A.]

I have to agree about 'Boston Legal', which gets my vote as the best show on TV, and creator David E. Kelley is flat-out brilliant, and no show on TV has better dialogue, and that superb cast is just flawless, even with all of the newcomers this year.

It will also be syndicated starting next year, with episodes (probably) running every Saturday and/or Sunday at 11:35 PM on KABC-TV.

As I mentioned on the countryboards site, Parr is the worst-prepared AM drive personality in the market, and the show is far too contered on him. The morning show hosts at other adult-targeted stations (KOST/KTWV/KRTH) have been fanatical about airing a show which is 'family-friendly' for ages, which is why those three stations are powerhouses in morning drive, and around the clock as well.

It's not surprising to me that Parr doesn't have a fan club, and whoever issued the order banning live telephone calls is a megacolossal idiot.

Todd Baker is unquestionably the best new things to happen to the PM drive slot on an LA radio station since Ryan Seacrest & Lisa Foxx worked together @ KYSR.

In a city which has been noted for tons of legends and/or superstars in afternoon drive over the past forty-plus years, Baker is well on his way to possibly joining that fraternity once that indefensibly asinine ban on live phone calls is abolished.

But Parr's show is too vulgar and laced with innuendo for him to become a morning drive radio star in this city; his numerous references to 'Seinfeld' are also obnoxiously overdone.

He's also as undisciplined as anybody I've ever heard in my 50+ years as an LA resident, and 40+ years as a radio junkie, going back to the days of morning drive legends such as Robert W. Morgan, Charlie Van Dyke, Charlie Tuna, Dick Whittinghill, Dick Whittington, Rick Dees, Dick Haynes, 'Emperor' Bob Hudson', and even former KZLA morning stars Gerry House & Ken Cooper.

 

[Mr1derful]

As I mentioned on the countryboards site, Parr is the worst-prepared AM drive personality in the market, and the show is far too contered on him. The morning show hosts at other adult-targeted stations (KOST/KTWV/KRTH) have been fanatical about airing a show which is 'family-friendly' for ages, which is why those three stations are powerhouses in morning drive, and around the clock as well.

It's not surprising to me that Parr doesn't have a fan club, and whoever issued the order banning live telephone calls is a megacolossal idiot.

Todd Baker is unquestionably the best new things to happen to the PM drive slot on an LA radio station since Ryan Seacrest & Lisa Foxx worked together @ KYSR.

In a city which has been noted for tons of legends and/or superstars in afternoon drive over the past forty-plus years, Baker is well on his way to possibly joining that fraternity once that indefensibly asinine ban on live phone calls is abolished.

But Parr's show is too vulgar and laced with innuendo for him to become a morning drive radio star in this city; his numerous references to 'Seinfeld' are also obnoxiously overdone.

He's also as undisciplined as anybody I've ever heard in my 50+ years as an LA resident, and 40+ years as a radio junkie, going back to the days of morning drive legends such as Robert W. Morgan, Charlie Van dyke, Charlie Tuna, Dick Whittinghill, Dick Whittington, Rick Dees, Dick Haynes, 'Emperor' Bob Hudson', and even former KZLA morning stars Gerry House & Ken Cooper.

Here's what needs to happen. PD Tonya Campos needs to have a serious sit down with Shawn and Robin about the direction the morning show is going in. She's got to take control of this situation and nip it in the bud. If she not going to do it, then she should hire a radio talent coach to work with Shawn and Robin. Someone who can provide constructive criticism on what's good about the show(Shawn's energy and passion for country music and his long association with the format and its artists) and what's bad about it(sexual enuendo, Shawn talking too much about himself, talking at Robin and instead talk TO her, no prepping of the morning show). I was going to add "no live callers" to what's bad about the show, but I think that's an ownership issue and programming can't do anything about it. May I also suggest that Mr. Levine invest in a morning show prep service that will give Shawn and Robin ideas for morning show bits and topics.

 

[ceejay]

My bad.. I was just making a qicuj statement so letme correct that with more words. ;D Artists sell out a lot more than just Stables during a tour and then many artists do more than one night - then we can add in the people who cannot afford those concert prices and then add in those that cannot attend those nights etc etc etc.. it is a numbers game. We can all play along.

You can fill Staples several times. It still has no more relevance to the success of a format, any format, than record sales. You need 40 or 50 times the capacity of Staples to be successful as a radio format.

And yes, the number one in our market right now is a Latin station,

Latin stations? Even Vatican Radio does not broadcast in Latin.

but there are a lot of "Latin Americans"

Most Hispanics in the LA Area are Americans.

I know that listen to country (and had listen to KZLA too). They were offended by statements made a year ago by Emmis.

Neither KZLA nor KKGO have or had a significant percentage of Hispanic listeners. You may know a couple, and there are others, but the quantity is insignificant.

BTW, Even an Emmis representative said they felt the numbers for KZLA were off.

Stations always blame the ratings if numbers are bad. And KZLA was getting bad numbers at the end, just like KKGO is.

Plus, Arbitron currently is attempting to upgrade their system as they state they feel numbers are off. Not arbitron's fault as much as the system being used. (However, there are problems with the new system too). I'm not attempting to put down Arbitron. We have what we have to work with.

Arbitron is working to fix panel issues in PPM measurement system. LA is a diary measured market. Arbitron has said NOTHING about the LA numbers being off. That is because they are not off.

Arbitron is not "upgrading" any system. They are improving the systems and supervision used for the PPM, which right now affects two markets ony, none within 1000 miles of LA:

Yep....... we are the minority! Yet, still we have the Country Station we asked for in LA!

I agree with Marv about the joy of not having to put up with the corprate suits. It is immeasurable! Thank God Mr. Levine has a soft spot for orphans! And shame on those who begrudged us one tiny spot on the FM dial.

 

[nmoore6676]

Everyone is saying that Hispanics don't listen to country but when I listen to KKGO and they announce the winners of tickets or whatever something like one in three seem to have Spanish surnames, interesting!

It appears to me based on comments here that the ratings for KZLA and KKGO seem to be proportionate to the number of people in the market disposed to listen to country music, even accepting that they are all white and no other ethnicities are tuned in.

The reason that Saul Levine chose to go country was in his words due to the loss of big ticket advertisers who had been supporting the Classical format on KMZT. He also stated that he would be happy with what KZLA was doing in ratings and revenue so he isn't beholden to a corporate board of directors as Mt. Wilson is essentially his to do with as he sees fit. I always felt that the original placement on AM was a temporary measure as I assumed he had some obligation to maintain the classical format due to advertising and promotional considerations. He flipped once those had been met and he tried to appease listeners by using the AM signal but it wasn't a wise decision due to the limited dynamic range and frequency response of AM radio.

A lot of people here are bagging on Shawn Parr and I don't understand why. He has been on country format stations beginning with KIKF in 1988. If he doesn't know country by now he never will. I think the features and topics on his show are comparable to other similar shows that I have sampled in other markets. I think on most shows now except small markets the show prep is the responsibility of the producers. I suppose that the argument could be made that his comments are self centered and sometimes the interviews are too much Shawn and too little guest, but his interaction with Robin seems OK to me and they have worked together before. I don't think they're Carolla and Bonaduce. As to his energy level, I think a morning show is to get you up and moving.

My question to you all would be, who would you want in his slot instead if the choice were your's?

As to the "live callers" (they have not been for more years than I care to remember) maybe they needed the phone system for Michael Jackson. I'm just sayin'.

 

[hillbillyRockstar]

Most Hispanics in the LA Area are Americans.

Now that is the funniest thing I've heard in a long time. You've got to tell me where your next stand up act will be.

 

[hillbillyRockstar]

If there were not a lot of country music fans in LA, how can you explain country artists selling out staples in a matter of minutes?

I'm not saying there aren't a lot--'cause there are. I'm saying that there aren't enough for the greedy corporate stations. The greedy corporate stations want their piece of the people streaming across the border. Same with TV stations too.

So, because of that, country radio is suffering in LA and OC.

 

[hillbillyRockstar]

And yes, the number one in our market right now is a Latin station, but there are a lot of "Latin Americans" I know that listen to country (and had listen to KZLA too). They were offended by statements made a year ago by Emmis.

Ok, just how many is "a lot"? 5? 10?

There are 10s of millions of others that don't.

It is very sad, but that is why the country fans need to stick together and support our radio.

 

[hillbillyRockstar]

Everyone is saying that Hispanics don't listen to country but when I listen to KKGO and they announce the winners of tickets or whatever something like one in three seem to have Spanish surnames, interesting!

It appears to me based on comments here that the ratings for KZLA and KKGO seem to be proportionate to the number of people in the market disposed to listen to country music, even accepting that they are all white and no other ethnicities are tuned in.

The reason that Saul Levine chose to go country was in his words due to the loss of big ticket advertisers who had been supporting the Classical format on KMZT. He also stated that he would be happy with what KZLA was doing in ratings and revenue so he isn't beholden to a corporate board of directors as Mt. Wilson is essentially his to do with as he sees fit. I always felt that the original placement on AM was a temporary measure as I assumed he had some obligation to maintain the classical format due to advertising and promotional considerations. He flipped once those had been met and he tried to appease listeners by using the AM signal but it wasn't a wise decision due to the limited dynamic range and frequency response of AM radio.

A lot of people here are bagging on Shawn Parr and I don't understand why. He has been on country format stations beginning with KIKF in 1988. If he doesn't know country by now he never will. I think the features and topics on his show are comparable to other similar shows that I have sampled in other markets. I think on most shows now except small markets the show prep is the responsibility of the producers. I suppose that the argument could be made that his comments are self centered and sometimes the interviews are too much Shawn and too little guest, but his interaction with Robin seems OK to me and they have worked together before. I don't think they're Carolla and Bonaduce. As to his energy level, I think a morning show is to get you up and moving.

My question to you all would be, who would you want in his slot instead if the choice were your's?

As to the "live callers" (they have not been for more years than I care to remember) maybe they needed the phone system for Michael Jackson. I'm just sayin'.

1. I don't think people are saying no hispanics listen to country. What I'm saying is the gross (a general whole) listen to the spanish stations. It's the reason every form of entertainment is trying to get a piece of it.

2. The only other country station I can get is KFRG and if I compare the two morning shows I'll get Shawn and Robin's upbeat attitudes and a lot of music or I'll get KFRG's dracula-laughing, constant traffic reports, skits, and a little music. Every time I'll choose KKGO's show because that is what I like.

3. As for who else I could see at KKGO in the mornings? Well, ... maybe whoever was on pirate radio.