KNUE vs. KYKX vs. KKUS

[MarquisP4]

Which country station is better?

My answer: KKUS. Awesome classic country station.

KNUE's ok, but need more live/local dayparts.

KYKX is the worst. You already know why.

Any other opinions?

 

[C414B]

Which country station is better?

My answer: KKUS. Awesome classic country station.

KNUE's ok, but need more live/local dayparts.

KYKX is the worst. You already know why.

Any other opinions?

Hands down--KKUS.

Great local talent and a nice playlist make this one the easy answer.

Just wish they had a stronger signal. Maybe when KYKX is finally killed off they will get 105.7's signal.

 

[snoman]

I'm hoping GAP, when they take over KNUE, will return it to its glory days. When they had John Moore (Mornings), Amy Austin (Middays), Gary Walker (Afternoons), and Chuck McKinley (Evenings), this was one of the best stations I'd ever heard, especially for a small market. Gary is still great, but KKUS right now is better. I've always liked Chuck McKinley.

I'm not going to beat a dead horse, so I won't even mention the third station.

Anyone know if Bobby Bell (formerly of KYKX and KKUS) is still around anywhere? Last time I heard, he was at KKUS, but that was about 10 years ago.

 

[C414B]

I'm hoping GAP, when they take over KNUE, will return it to its glory days. When they had John Moore (Mornings), Amy Austin (Middays), Gary Walker (Afternoons), and Chuck McKinley (Evenings), this was one of the best stations I'd ever heard, especially for a small market. Gary is still great, but KKUS right now is better. I've always liked Chuck McKinley.

I'm not going to beat a dead horse, so I won't even mention the third station.

Anyone know if Bobby Bell (formerly of KYKX and KKUS) is still around anywhere? Last time I heard, he was at KKUS, but that was about 10 years ago.

Bobby is still alive and kicking. These days, though, he's concentrating on production/VO and voicing the Totally 70s channel on Sirius Satellite Radio.

You can visit here for more information.

 

[snoman]

Thanks for the info. Bobby has some great pipes. Glad to see he's still around.

 

[C414B]

Bobby has some great pipes. Glad to see he's still around.

Agreed on both counts.

 

[Musicradio]

Snoman,
Bobby is a good friend of mine --has been for years. If you need his e-mail, let me know.

 

[gibber]

I am sick and tired of ya'll bashing KNUE because we don't have local talent, or we don't do this, or we lack this. If KNUE is such a broken ship then tell ME what needs to be done to correct it. From what I see from Arbitron, from what I hear from our listeners (oh my go, yes we do listen to our listeners), KNUE is just fine. YOU ARE NOT ONLY INSULTING ME, BUT INSULTING THE GREAT TALENT WE DO HAVE ON THE AIR, LOCAL OR NOT. IF ANY ONE OF YA'LL HAS AN ANSWER, TELL ME. I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE ANSWER TO THE "PROBLEM" WE HAVE EXCEPT GET LOCAL TALENT. KKUS IS A GREAT STATION AND I'M GLAD TO HAVE THEM AS MY MAIN COMPETITION. KYKX DOES NEED SOME WORK, BUT LET THEM FIGHT THAT BATTLE. I AT LEAST HAVE SOME PROFESSIONAL COURTESY, UNLIKE MOST OF YOU. HAVE WE GONE ON THE AIR AND NAME BASHED ANY OF THESE STATIONS...NO...WE DO IT THE RIGHT WAY, GOOD PROMOTIONS, GOOD MUSIC AND YES, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, WE DO DO THAT IF ANY OF YA'LL PAY ATTENTION. OUR SHIP IS JUST FINE AT KNUE. YOU GUYS HAVE NO IDEA HOW UNPROFESSIONAL, HOW RUDE, HOW STUPID YA'LL SOUND. YOU WANT TO SIT THERE AND TELL ME THAT THE MANY HOURS OF HARD WORK EVERYDAY I PUT INTO THE STATION, THE TIME AWAY FROM MY FAMILY, IS FOR NOTHING. SHOVE IT. GIVE ME ANSWERS TO "RIGHT THE SHIP" THEN I'LL SHUT UP. IF GETTING LOCAL TALENT IS THE ONLY FIX, THEN WE ARE JUST FINE. OR BETTER YET, DON'T LISTEN TO US. IF YA'LL COULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB THAN WHY DIDN'T YOU APPLY FOR THE PD POSITION. OH THAT'S RIGHT, WE'RE "CLEAR CHANNEL, WE'RE THE DEVIL", DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ OR HEAR FROM SOMEONE'S FRIEND WHO USED TO WORK WITH SOMEONE'S FRIEND WHO WORKED AT CLEAR CHANNEL. WHEN GAP TAKES OVER, I'M SURE ALL OF YA'LL WILL HAVE THE SAME GRIPES ABOUT HOW THEY RUN THINGS. WILL YA'LL BE WORKING FOR THE COMPANY? NO. YOU DRAW ASSUMPTIONS ONLY MAKING AN ASS OF YOURSELF. YES I'M PISSED, PISSED THAT IDIOTS LIKE YA'LL BITCH AND MOAN ABOUT STUFF THAT YOU HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT, INCLUDING THE GREAT WORK THAT'S DONE BY EVERYONE AT KNUE, LOCAL OR NOT.

ANDY KNIGHT
PROGRAM DIRECTOR KNUE

 

[jd]

YOU GUYS HAVE NO IDEA HOW UNPROFESSIONAL, HOW RUDE, HOW STUPID YA'LL SOUND.

Rude? How about yelling throughout most of a page without taking a breath? Look to your left for the key called "Caps Lock." Don't use it.

It's unfortunate that you're taking this so personally. If you honestly would like some constructive criticism that's not the way to elicit it from fellow posters. The preceding rant will probably provoke more attacks, so allow me to remind you of who is here. There's a wealth of experience among the people who visit this board, along with a healthy dose of enthusiastic youngsters who have valid programming and promotion ideas. Some of them post, but many others remain on the sidelines.

In my own estimation KNUE is probably one of the least criticized stations in the Tyler-Longview area. Calm down, do your job and ask for input in a civil manner. It will make your life easier.

 

[snoman]

Snoman,
Bobby is a good friend of mine --has been for years. If you need his e-mail, let me know.

Thanks Pat, but I just met him a couple of times through my late best friend T-Bone. He was a very nice guy and I always enjoyed his radio shows. He had incredible energy. So he probably wouldn't remember who I was.

 

[redbullfan]

Program Director KNUE,

Let me first say you have a monster signal in East Texas as I pick it up all the time here in Rockwall. Second...your imaging and presentation are very good for a Country station. I enjoy KNUE because of it's heritage in the market; however I don't get excited about Voicetracked DJs...when they come on I actually tune out to a local DJ or show whether in Dallas or Tyler or what have you. I prefer local definitely over National and so do the vast majority of your listeners even though they still prefer your station. When these new companies take over from Clear Channel I believe that much of this VT Djing will dissappear within a year. KNUE may be #1, but if you go all local your ratings will spike and broadly increase over a 4 book. Why sell for a underperforming #1 status and go for the big increase.

Look at the battle between KBCY and KEAN in Abilene. The few things that keep KEAN at #2 often right behind KBCY is ...1. KEAN's Domiant Heritage 2. Sound Clarity 3. A few good Day Parts still.....Why is KBCY doing so well...1. Local Mornings...2. Great Mid-Days 3. Great Afternoons. 4. Great Country imaging and presentation which Cumulus does very well all across the Country. KEAN used to have awesome Imaging and Liners, now it is bubble gum pop imaging...unfortunatly too many Country stations use this cheesy bubble gum CHR/Hot AC imaging sounds...it turns me off.

The reason the Wolf has done so well until recently has been it's unapolegetic Masculine Country imaging...that may be changing for the worse...KVET does well in Austin because of it's Masculine Country identity. Country used to be a Male format, now to be Sales savy they are making Country feminine...why is Country tanking in some markets...Country does well when it is strong and masculine...PERIOD. KJ has a Masculine sound compared to KCYY in San Antonio. KILT in Houston does better because it is more Masculine sounding. KGKL in San Angelo has done well due to Masculine imaging...KGNC in Amarillo does well because it's imaging is strong/Country and yes more Masculine than the cheesy KMML.

Any more advice?

Jeff

 

[snoman]

I am sick and tired of ya'll bashing KNUE because we don't have local talent, or we don't do this, or we lack this. If KNUE is such a broken ship then tell ME what needs to be done to correct it. From what I see from Arbitron, from what I hear from our listeners (oh my go, yes we do listen to our listeners), KNUE is just fine. YOU ARE NOT ONLY INSULTING ME, BUT INSULTING THE GREAT TALENT WE DO HAVE ON THE AIR, LOCAL OR NOT. IF ANY ONE OF YA'LL HAS AN ANSWER, TELL ME. I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE ANSWER TO THE "PROBLEM" WE HAVE EXCEPT GET LOCAL TALENT. KKUS IS A GREAT STATION AND I'M GLAD TO HAVE THEM AS MY MAIN COMPETITION. KYKX DOES NEED SOME WORK, BUT LET THEM FIGHT THAT BATTLE. I AT LEAST HAVE SOME PROFESSIONAL COURTESY, UNLIKE MOST OF YOU. HAVE WE GONE ON THE AIR AND NAME BASHED ANY OF THESE STATIONS...NO...WE DO IT THE RIGHT WAY, GOOD PROMOTIONS, GOOD MUSIC AND YES, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, WE DO DO THAT IF ANY OF YA'LL PAY ATTENTION. OUR SHIP IS JUST FINE AT KNUE. YOU GUYS HAVE NO IDEA HOW UNPROFESSIONAL, HOW RUDE, HOW STUPID YA'LL SOUND. YOU WANT TO SIT THERE AND TELL ME THAT THE MANY HOURS OF HARD WORK EVERYDAY I PUT INTO THE STATION, THE TIME AWAY FROM MY FAMILY, IS FOR NOTHING. SHOVE IT. GIVE ME ANSWERS TO "RIGHT THE SHIP" THEN I'LL SHUT UP. IF GETTING LOCAL TALENT IS THE ONLY FIX, THEN WE ARE JUST FINE. OR BETTER YET, DON'T LISTEN TO US. IF YA'LL COULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB THAN WHY DIDN'T YOU APPLY FOR THE PD POSITION. OH THAT'S RIGHT, WE'RE "CLEAR CHANNEL, WE'RE THE DEVIL", DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ OR HEAR FROM SOMEONE'S FRIEND WHO USED TO WORK WITH SOMEONE'S FRIEND WHO WORKED AT CLEAR CHANNEL. WHEN GAP TAKES OVER, I'M SURE ALL OF YA'LL WILL HAVE THE SAME GRIPES ABOUT HOW THEY RUN THINGS. WILL YA'LL BE WORKING FOR THE COMPANY? NO. YOU DRAW ASSUMPTIONS ONLY MAKING AN ASS OF YOURSELF. YES I'M PISSED, PISSED THAT IDIOTS LIKE YA'LL BITCH AND MOAN ABOUT STUFF THAT YOU HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT, INCLUDING THE GREAT WORK THAT'S DONE BY EVERYONE AT KNUE, LOCAL OR NOT.

ANDY KNIGHT
PROGRAM DIRECTOR KNUE

If you're "Pissed" about us "Bitching and Moaning", then you are in the wrong place, because that's what these boards are for. It is for alot of us to vent about what we think should be different. It is a FACT, that when KNUE had the local people I listed above, they had double-digit shares. You guys can pat yourself on the back for being tied for #1 in 12+ numbers and you're other demos may be better (I don't get to see those numbers at this time), but KNUE's numbers used to be staggering, jaw-dropping staggering. I don't program Country Radio, so I'm not even going to get into promoting it, or marketing it, or imaging it. I wouldn't know how to do it. If you're content with KNUE's numbers and the way it performs, then you should be happy, instead of pissed. I have no other problems with KNUE, other than the lack of local talent. The music still sounds good. Like I said, I don't do country so I can't tell you about the other areas in which it could be better. I have freakin' laundry list of issues, a mile long for your friends across the hall at KISX. But, that's for another post and another time. And, I agree with JD, the only thing most of us have said bad about KNUE, is the lack of local talent. It's your lack of competition over at KYKX that most of us take issue with.

There is one issue that I will take, and it's with ALL the Tyler stations. The market is Tyler-Longview. Everyone treats Longview like the bastard step-child. Even to this day, when I go back up there, I rarely hear remotes in Longview. I never see any billboards in Longview (just TV stations). I rarely hear Longview ads. I hear Tyler traffic reports, but none for Longview. All of the stations need to step up their presence in the Longview community.

Andy, I have found it is best not to post out-of-anger. Most of us who post on this board, have been in this business for quite awhile. And, we are on here to vent about issues that we have with radio and its stations. If you don't like what you're reading, and it makes you that upset, it's best to stay off of here. I'm sure you work very hard to make KNUE a success. And, I took my fair share of crap from people, when I was in a similar position. However, if you feel KNUE sounds good and is doing all the right things, you shouldn't be upset. You should take the attitude that we're doing great at KNUE. We're happy with the direction of our station and that's all that matters. Coming on here and calling us "stupid" and such, just makes you sound idiotic, boorish, and unprofessional. As the PD for one of the better stations in that market, I would assume that you would want to put out a better image as someone representing the station.

 

[Musicradio]

Do I know You by another name Snoman? Sorry -- even I forget names.

Yep -- I have stories on Bobby as far back around 1981. He and I started out in radio about the same time -- we worked across town from each other and on competing stations at least a couple of times thru the years.

 

[charles123]

You guys need an americana format like KZPS (Dallas).

 

[Deadairsux]

Andy, Andy, Andy! Rookie mistake. I know Clear Channel suits would not have approved your page of pain. So my fellow broadcaster let's chalk this one up as inexpierence. When your #1 you let others do the talking, you never step down to a wanna be's level. You went from part time to nights to PD (not sure if that was the order but close to it) Your wet behind the ears you need to keep keepin' on. Nevermind what people say or are implying or think they somehow know. Do your job, do your research, believe in your company and the lead the way. You stumbled with you post, now get back up dust yourself off and move on. Don't post another page like that again. Get clearance from Arbitron and post your #'s that's all you have to do.

As far as the statement about community services you guys don't do sh__! Buy a couple charities and say your in the community. Don't think so. But then again perception is everything and you really can't get out there and prove me wrong because your voiced tracked.

Constructivley: Don't use "Ya'll" when trying to sound smart.

 

[KPLEXCOMPLEX]

GOOD KNIGHT! If you have been wearing PD stripes for a lengthy period of time and I am talking more than 2 years ,you wouldn't have expressed yourself they way you did. I wouldn't want to work for you and any decent talent with self esteem sure as hell wouldn't work for you if you're going to blow up at a post here. Good lord you must be fun in aircheck sessions, if you have'em. Ok you got some pride,but check your ego at the door,and either agree or disagree with the criticisms. I am willing to bet your post is getting spread around at this very minute to many markets on how NOT to be a PD. If you want to grow in this business I suggest you tone down your act,or keep the resume' dust free.

 

[ARRadio1]

What's missing from this argument is the definition of "local". If you think your listeners care who it is on your station that says "Hey I"m DJ so and so here with you on a good lookin' Tuesday, here's some Garth Brooks, and we're gonna check in with Dru at the Wal Mart in a minute...." you should evaluate your career decision. I say that because that's what you get too often in typical small market radio. Local is talking about things going on in the community, being involved in things going on in the community and servicing the community with information, all of which I believe are done very well on KNUE. If a jock and the radio station are doing these things between the records, the listener is never going to wonder, or care, where it comes from. I still long for the days when I was a PD with a building full of people, and we were the only game in town and got 30 shares...but it's just not that way any more. Economies change, markets change, technology changes. Those who survive the changes in the business will be the ones who embrace that technology and use it to make their stations sound the best. Though I wouldn't defend Andy's rant...chill brotha you are on top you have to act like it...it seems to me if you look at the numbers, that's what's happening in the CC cluster.

 

[musicsweep]

This is going to sound like blasphemy coming from a former air personality and programmer (short career), but to be honest, DJs are over-rated. We are the only ones that want to hear a DJ talk. Your average listener wants to hear music and entertainment, but mainly music. If a good personality can break in everynow and then and liven things up with a quick quip, then fine. BUt don't start droning on and on. And Danny and Dru, don't open the mics and then begin looking for the "Candyland" music.

Let's put it this way...my commute is 30 minutes. My job is stressful. My radio is on to chill my nerves. I want to hear some good music in that time. I might even stay through the commercials IF I know something good is coming up after them.

If you must crack the mic, don't back-sell the last 30 songs, just back sell the last one, give me a quick tid-bit, presell a really good song after the break, and be done. This is how it should go...

"That's Brad Paisley's latest, 'I wanna check you for ticks' on 92.4 KRAP. You won't have to check for ticks if you head down to the Nacogdoches Blueberry Festival this weekend, Tracy Byrd takes the stage Saturday at 8! Alabama's next on KRAP."

(spots)

THis is how it should not go....

"That was Brad Paisley on KRAP. Before that we heard from Tina Turner, TIna Fey and Shania Twain. Hey! Blueberry Festival is in town in Nacogdoches. You'll want to head over there for cotton candy, food, fun, games, carnival rides, live entertainment, a chili cookoff, and much much more. I know I always have fun when I go. Hopefully the boss will let me off this year. Coming up, I have Alabama, Montgomery Gentry, Masson Dixxon, Skynyrd, and more. Let's take a call, hello caller"

"Is this talk time?"

"No sorry, that's from 8-9:30 in the morning."

"Can I put on my truck?"

"No, sorry"

"Alright then"

"We'll be back after we pay these bills."

KTYL/KDMX personality Lisa Thomas is a great example of how it should be done. Oldies Radio's (ABC Sat) Maria Danza is a great example of how it shouldn't be done. (How'd she get that network gig anyway?)

So my take, voicetracking from out-of-towners has cut down on the services I can offer to local stations. As a listener, I could care less as long as it doesn't suck.

Andy, good job with KNUE. Ask Gary P. to pull out some airchecks from 1999-2000. See if y'all can recreate that product and you'll get closer to a 20-share, I promise you. If not, then that was then and this is now.

 

[Deadairsux]

I agree with you musicsweep "less is more". Voice tracking is not coming, you shouldn't be on the lookout for it, don't say it won't work. It's here, it works and it has proven itself countless times. Old school GM's, poor PD's and lazy talent are the downfall's of voice tracking. Voice tracking is a tool a very good one when managed properly. Ahhhh but some may say there's nothing like a live body in a control room doing a show. This where you would be classified as an "old schooler". There should be no difference when you are voice tracking. You get out of it what you put in it and if it takes you a couple of hours to voice track 4 then your on the right track. You must showprep voice tracking the same way you a live show, nothing changes. If anyone in this industry has done it right it is clear channel. But! there is always room for improvement such as quality, content and overall delivery.

 

[snoman]

I don't mind Voicetracking, as long as someone knows about the market. WDVE in Pittsburgh (Clear Channel), VT's their night and overnight shows, but they are done by local talent, who knows about Pittsburgh and it makes a difference. Good personalities create ratings. There has to be a good balance. And, I can see some of your points, Sweep. I want to hear a good balance of music, entertainment, and localism. This is why I always come back to John Moore. He wasn't the funniest morning show. He doesn't have the best voice in the world. But, he was entertaining, informative, and you always heard plenty of music. And, you heard all of the events going on in the East Texas area. Not to mention, he did a lot out and about in the community. I will never accept Voicetracking over a live jock, but I know it is the nature of the beast nowadays. All I am asking is for a little more localism. There are good jocks out there willing to work hard and do a good job. It's just that there are no opportunities, because you have a few jocks VT'ing three and four stations in other markets. It's just not right.