Greetings Dear Friend, and Happy New Year! My public has demanded I return (HA HA) so here I am. Actually, I thought I'd out worn my welcome, but my little tales must have resonated with someone...Got emails at: [email protected], one came all the way from England! Plus lots of old friends got in touch, THANK YOU. I must say a serious hello to R.E. Lucas who wrote a nice piece on me, but it was a tad overblown. I didn't do anything. Rick did it all. What a great guy, and supporter! Remember when I mentioned the people rallied for me? Rick was one of them. I almost bought KKIQ in Livermore where Rick worked, so that could have been fun. I got a kick out of KKIQ, it was on the ground floor and people could walk up, knock on the window, and make a request. Neat huh? How about my buddy Brian Lee doing mornings at his first station KSTN in Stockton, California and a cow stuck it's head into the control room. Same thing happened to me in New Mexico, but since I started in Country music the cow probably liked Buck Owens! How about all that vinyl guys & gals? And starting a record at the wrong speed? Ouch! I remember the morning I woke up and Dr. Don was playing a disco record at the wrong speed (45 at 33 1/3) and it was going "Oh..baby..I love you..blah..blah..blah" and it sounded like a girlyman if you get my drift.. Well, enough b.s. If you want it, you got it. Off we go into the world of radio. -John-
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Let's Rock & Roll!
- Thread starter John Mack Flanagan
- Start date
Welcome Back, John - and Happy New Year to you. We missed you while you were gone, and we look forward to your new posts -both the historical posts about your career and Bay Area radio, and what you think about the current state of radio now.
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XM RADIO
Guest
Welcome aboard John Mack Flanagan, I will get right to the point, If KYA1260 comes back could you or would you be back on the air, even weekends? Any new owner would recognize youe name , and its a done deal! All this hoopla over the sale, and whats Bonneville gonna do with 1260? Personally I wish you, or Bobby Ocean would buy it, The Bay Area Needs a Oldies station! There is nothing out there as of today Jan 23 07!! It would be total nostalgia to hear You,, Chris Edwards (of course the Real one)!! and Bobby Ocean, and Get Lee Baby out of retirement!! Its way past time to Have Real Radio Back, How much longer is this going to be put on hold? For mornings I say Chrissy Edwards ,And bring in all the Old Jingles, Give em up Verne White!! Kenny in Concord
John Mac it's good to hear back form you.
Kenny in Concord, I do like your ideas about KYA 1260 except the price that a buyer must pay (to acquire the station) requires a return on the investment that full-time oldies may not return, I said may not be able to return. Who knows what a well thought out business plan could develop if that was a reality.
Let's see if 1,000 of us could come up with $ 15,000.00 each to contribute maybe we could buy it?
Kennny it will be your job to recruit John Mac Flannagan for weekends.
Speaking of Chris Edwards, I mean Chris White, or Vern White I did speak with him about this station. He was very honest with me aobut it. Vern spent a lot of time looking into it and he is definitely not buying KOIT-AM as much as he would like to. The reason is that it is just way, way too much money to purchase the station.
That is the same problem I have as well. Whomever buys KOIT-AM gets no business with it! That all stays with KOIT-FM. In other words you start with zero business on the station. If a company has that many millions of dollars, they probally have their own ideas for programing.
However not all is lost because a smart buyer with millions may share some your and my visions for programing.
We just don't know yet.
Newsperson
Kenny in Concord, I do like your ideas about KYA 1260 except the price that a buyer must pay (to acquire the station) requires a return on the investment that full-time oldies may not return, I said may not be able to return. Who knows what a well thought out business plan could develop if that was a reality.
Let's see if 1,000 of us could come up with $ 15,000.00 each to contribute maybe we could buy it?
Kennny it will be your job to recruit John Mac Flannagan for weekends.
Speaking of Chris Edwards, I mean Chris White, or Vern White I did speak with him about this station. He was very honest with me aobut it. Vern spent a lot of time looking into it and he is definitely not buying KOIT-AM as much as he would like to. The reason is that it is just way, way too much money to purchase the station.
That is the same problem I have as well. Whomever buys KOIT-AM gets no business with it! That all stays with KOIT-FM. In other words you start with zero business on the station. If a company has that many millions of dollars, they probally have their own ideas for programing.
However not all is lost because a smart buyer with millions may share some your and my visions for programing.
We just don't know yet.
Newsperson
C
CSHARP
Guest
Welcome Back John we all missed you
Speaking of buying stations reminds me of my younger days when no one and nothing stopped me from doing anything. I just charged (!) on! Now, I'm older and wiser and afraid to cross the street! Here are some of my radio adventures:
The day Mt. St. Helens exploded I was on the phone with the President of the company that owned KYA-AM 1260 (King Broadcasting) trying to buy KYA. He wouldn't sell to me, but he'd heard of me. Being on the air had its advantages. I was never a stranger. They knew where to find me. We had a looong talk. I don't know where I thought I'd get the money? (You know I'm a New Mexico poor-boy.) I guess I thought if I could get a letter of agreement someone would help me.
I once approached Bill Graham about starting a radio chain. He was gracious too. See, most people had heard of me (I was once asked to run for Governor!!! Move over Arnold!!!) so being on the air opened doors, but I couldn't swing the deal. (Get the letter of agreement and financing...)
My insurance guy, Ted Pollock was a pipeline to BIG dough. I approached him about building a radio chain but he and Prudential Insurance (BIIIGGG DOUGH!) were building Embarcadero Center (with David Rockefeller...wow, now we're talkin' way out of my league!) From one pair of shoes and one pair of blue jeans to ... well, you get my drift.
Anyway, I tried to buy a small AM in Lakeport, California and other stations in other places (all in Northern California..) but nothing worked out. It's better. I could have lost my shirt, jeans and shoes. -John-
The day Mt. St. Helens exploded I was on the phone with the President of the company that owned KYA-AM 1260 (King Broadcasting) trying to buy KYA. He wouldn't sell to me, but he'd heard of me. Being on the air had its advantages. I was never a stranger. They knew where to find me. We had a looong talk. I don't know where I thought I'd get the money? (You know I'm a New Mexico poor-boy.) I guess I thought if I could get a letter of agreement someone would help me.
I once approached Bill Graham about starting a radio chain. He was gracious too. See, most people had heard of me (I was once asked to run for Governor!!! Move over Arnold!!!) so being on the air opened doors, but I couldn't swing the deal. (Get the letter of agreement and financing...)
My insurance guy, Ted Pollock was a pipeline to BIG dough. I approached him about building a radio chain but he and Prudential Insurance (BIIIGGG DOUGH!) were building Embarcadero Center (with David Rockefeller...wow, now we're talkin' way out of my league!) From one pair of shoes and one pair of blue jeans to ... well, you get my drift.
Anyway, I tried to buy a small AM in Lakeport, California and other stations in other places (all in Northern California..) but nothing worked out. It's better. I could have lost my shirt, jeans and shoes. -John-
Yes you could have lost your shirt, jeans and shoes! But I would have bet that you wouldn't have lost any of those, just gained more. With your knowledge of the business and knowing how to put the sounds of music, voices, jingles and all together, you'd would have grown an empire. Just like Jeff Smulyan of Emmis Broadcasting. He and 2 partners started with one station in Indiana.
Although hindsight is 20/20, lost of things are could'a, would'a and should'a......
Keep on truckin!
Although hindsight is 20/20, lost of things are could'a, would'a and should'a......
Keep on truckin!
A Big Ol', Big Ole, "Howdy!" and "Thank You!!" to Kenny in Concord. He emailed me at: [email protected], and he won't let up! He wants oldies on-the-air and me back in radio. God Bless You, Kenny! Would I come back to radio? Well, hummm ... I ...hummm... I ... have to think on that one, and I've been thinking about it for seven years! See, until age 53, every dollar I earned came from behind a microphone. Sooner or later you feel like a one-trick-pony, 'Is radio all I can do?' It's so exciting to be in a fresh field and earn a buck a totally new way, and realize you're not at the mercy of these #@$*&(^%$'s in Radio. I'm free. Totally free. Would I give that up? Well, even with a good radio contract I'd have to think about it. ...
Have I lost a step?
Would people still relate? Could I reach thru the speakers and grab them like the old days? Touch them like the old days?
Lots of questions ... but do I have the answers? -John-
Have I lost a step?
Would people still relate? Could I reach thru the speakers and grab them like the old days? Touch them like the old days?
Lots of questions ... but do I have the answers? -John-
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XM RADIO
Guest
John Mack Flanagan , I would Bet the Farm on it that you would have Loyal Listeners!! Theres alot of Dj s that make radio "A Drag" anyone can play music, there has to be some Substance, a way to relate to the listeners, you have never failed to give this Bay Area nothing but the "Utmost" in Broadcasting!! All that i know is how to listen to radio, thats all , but you dont need to wonder about a audience!! Radio Legends like you, Chris Edwards, Lee " Baby " Sims are all from 'The Real Radio Era" Your time at KFRC , KYA, and your time at KCBS 97.3 in early 1981, pre KRQR were my favorite times for radio! It goes to prove that theres Real Talent from Roswell!! New Mexico! After youve been in radio and made a name for yourself, You have probably heard some DJs that had you wondering ,How did they ever get into Radio? This Bonneville sale of KOIT am , would be just what "The Bay Area Needs" !! Bobby Ocean if you ever read these posts, Purchase 1260 , get the Legendary KYA call letters, and Put your friend John Mack Flanagan in Charge!! Kenny in Concord
"and your time at KCBS 97.3 in early 1981, pre KRQR were my favorite times for radio!"
I think I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. In 1983, my business partners and I opened a video store in Marin County. One of our customers was in sales for "CBS-FM 97," and he convinced us to advertise on the station. When I first heard the commercial, I was surprised and thrilled that John Mack Flanagan had recorded it for us. Of course, I was a fan from his years at KFRC. I believe that commercial showed the power of radio advertisting when its done right - the commercial sounded professional and just terrific - like somebody had spent major money producing it. But it was just John reading our copy into a mike, probably with some background music (can't remember). I've always thought John has the best voice in Bay Area radio.
I think I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. In 1983, my business partners and I opened a video store in Marin County. One of our customers was in sales for "CBS-FM 97," and he convinced us to advertise on the station. When I first heard the commercial, I was surprised and thrilled that John Mack Flanagan had recorded it for us. Of course, I was a fan from his years at KFRC. I believe that commercial showed the power of radio advertisting when its done right - the commercial sounded professional and just terrific - like somebody had spent major money producing it. But it was just John reading our copy into a mike, probably with some background music (can't remember). I've always thought John has the best voice in Bay Area radio.
Hello John Mac: Have you ever thought about starting an internet radio station? Seems to me that you would
have hundreds of backers rather quickly!
have hundreds of backers rather quickly!
Walking in the control room was a real thrill. Everyday, everywhere. The large stations, (I did work at KHJ in 1975) KFRC, KSFO/KYA-FM (simulcast) and the tiny stations KCAS (K-10) (350 watts/daytime only), KJOY Stockton (1994-96). Someone mentioned me working in Stockton (gasp!) I didn't care. It was all about the music, the phone, and ONE PERSON. I only cared about that one person. I never worked one station, not one, that when I begged for a phone call, I got it! There was always someone out there. From the first station KRSY (Krazy Radio) to the last station Y-93 FM. my audience shares were always higher than the stations. That's how I stayed employed for 36 years, two months. (And I worked cheap!) I could still be on the air, but being passed over 5 times for fulltime work was not fun! I hated weekends. You're lower than pond scum and I had nothing to do during the week. Radio was my only passion. Larry Berger the PD of KIOI, said "You have a recording studio, get busy!". Ever sit around a recording studio with nothing to do? Yeah, I could have bored and terrified myself but that was no fun either. Just the thrill of people. Being with them one-to-one, made the difference. Even now, I wish I had a request line, right here with me, and it would ring. -John-
Hi-Yo Dino-sa-ur! God, after reading the critiques of current morning shows, I realize how out of touch I am! What am I doing? Nobody cares about stuff 10,20,30, or 40 years ago! What am I, a history teacher? Who cares about an old man? Heart failure, grandpa, COME ON! What a waste of space. And me, the guy who started in Radio at age 17, married at 18, drafted into the U.S. Army at 19, Vietnam at 21! Me, a fossil! Wow! What a concept. ... For one of my last selections (I think I'll hang it up again...I'm too much 'Mr. Sunshine'. Let's get ANGRY!) let me tell you about Chuck Baker. We called him "Chuckie Baby Baker" on KLBK, Lubbock Texas 41 years ago. I pulled off the road and called Chuck to tell him how great he was and how someday I'd work with him. What made Chuck so special? He was just someone you felt you'd known forever. He was so personable and he reached out of the radio and grabbed you. We did work together and I owe Chuck a lot. He and Uncle Howie (the wierd beard) Grant tought me how to inject something, anything to add dimension to my presentation. Believe me when I say, after the "Less Talk, More Rock" crowd arrived, it was hard to add anything, but you had to find a way, or perish. I called it playing on the 5 year line. Imagine a football game with a 5 yard field. That's how it worked. At the Rocker (CBS San Francisco), they actually wrote down every word I could say. ... Well, I'm sure you experienced the same thing, if not, be glad you never did. It was work to build an audience. Work. -John-
Hey John: I still think you are the best!!! You should try to get a gig on internet radio. Word on the street is a major player (don't know who yet) is buying the internet station www.bossradiokya.com the original kya. Maybe the new owner will get some real talent!!
Bill
Bill
BillDrake said:
Verne, could you please stop posting this garbage? "Word on the street"? What street? Tenth Street in Firebaugh?
Nobody is going to buy your sad little Internet station, with its two or three listeners an hour. Not for a penny.
Verne's monster-sized "KYA" server stats: http://kyaradio1.primcast.com:7860
The real Bill Drake is a very tall and very grouchy man. You may get away with imitating Chris Edwards, but Drake will squish you like a bug, Verne.
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XM RADIO
Guest
Verne you phony, You litterally robbed "The Real Chris Edwards" Im never gonna let up till your gone! If the Real Chris Edwards and John Mack Flanagan had KYAradio1 the listener audience would skyrocket!! We want to hear "The Real Chris Edwards !! You claim to be in radio for 40 years, do you really think you could go up against a Legend like JMF? Look at his posts, then yours!!! NO Comparison!! Maybe this kind of radio works in Firebaugh, but not here!! Sell out, and move on, Leave "Real Radio" to people who have Contributed to Bay Area Radio!! Im glad your not buying KOIT am1260, That would never fly, The Fake Chris Edwards owning a Legendary Radio Station!! Kenny in Concord Keep it Real
Kenny (Mr. "XM") you're about as real as it gets. Keep it comin' bro' and I'll do the same. My "public" says, "Keep posting, but drop out of site every so often"... supply and demand, I get it. ... What I thought i'd do (for those of you who've never used a manual tune radio.. zzz..wzz.xxwwzz..) is write a piece on every outrageous person I ever worked with, met or, anyone I remember clearly. Maybe YOU'LL pop up here (if my memory doesn't fail...). This will give "younger demos" (I haven't forgotten my buzz-words Guy Zapolean...maybe I could be a consultant! HA HA) an idea of what radio used to be, (an informational primer of sorts...) and people who do (Greg Love...etc. etc) some fun recolections, so here we go: It was a midnight New Year's Eve Run at Crissy Field when a listener came up to me and said, "John you got to increase your power (it was KYA-FM 93.3, 1993/94) I can hardly pick up the station, but when I tune in (wxxxz..zxxx..wszzxx) and I hear Elvis, I know I've got you!" I told him, "If I took you to the National Association of Broadcaster's convention and you told them what you just told me, they'd never believe it!' "They believe it's anything but the right thing." Then,I'll never forget that conversation over in Pleasant Hill when a guy said (back) in the 70's, "I never listen to my CASSETTE tapes on the way home, it gets lonely in between the songs, without you." Yeowl! In the words of Wolfman Jack, "Can you dig it!?!" Someone get ahold of Bob Hamilton, I'll be telling about the time he opened the control room door, shouted, "Shut the F*** up!!!" and slammed the door as hard as he could ... aaah those were the days (hee hee). Those golden days of Radio... I happen to love Bob Hamilton, I worked for him most of the 1990's, we were just emotional animals, that's all. -John
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John Mack Flanagan, thanks for the kind words,!!! Im a radio buff, and always will be!! But I never thought it would be in such dis array! Nothing to listen to, and some Guy named Verne, portraying to be some one hes not!! This is OUTRAGEOUS!! Radio has took a turn for the worse, especially with this Imposter, You know i wouldnt care if it was some other station, but KYA was my station., and all the DJs you listen to you pick a handfull of The Men and Women in Radio you really enjoy and they are honest !! Having Verne come in and take on Chris Clear Channel Edwards , is a big thorn in my side!! Since Ive listened to him since 1968 , and followed him up and down the dial, like you JMF, follow you and keep listening!! This guy makes me sick!! He has gobbled up "The Real Chris Edwards jingle, Chris Edwards is here to play more Music!!! Whats next Verne? Try to Impersonate JMF? Or Bobby Ocean? Verne you lucked out on this, because the Real Chris Edwards deserves this KYAradio1.com Stream, It got into the WRONG HANDS!!! I mean you Verne!! Onward I cancelled 4 XMs Subs, went to Sirius for Sirius Gold 1955 to 1964 music great songs and DJs, then with out any notice Sirius fires Bill Rock, Marty Mitchell, And Don Tandler "The Record Handler" just got rid of them, so no DJ s now! Not what i wanted!! They still have "Norm N Nite" on , looks like Maybe Stern is Breaking the Bank!! I would never entertain listening to KYA till Verne, The Fake Chris Edwards are back in Firebaugh far away from here!! Kenny in Concord
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