New Show on KFI

[TheBigA]

Frankly, in an industry that, beyond CHR-Top/40, totally ignored my generation

The country format is a currents-based format, very similar in approach to CHR. So is Urban. Some alternative stations tried more currents, but found the new music to lack consensus. But country is a format that does well with 18-34 and younger.

Yet, radio shrugs when they have to put in minimal effort to win over any audience member under the age of 55. "Guess we've LOST that demo to streaming." Bull crap. They didn't even try!

The problem with younger audiences wasn't just format but also device. The radio industry doesn't control the devices. Electronic manufacturers haven't come up with an exciting new radio in over 25 years. The radio industry really didn't get into streaming until about 2006.

My take on this show is that it's simply an outreach project by the station to the college, not to attract younger demos to listen to a conservative talk AM station. A 2-hour show on Sunday afternoon won't make any difference to the ratings on KFI.

 

[Weiserguy]

How about a thought experiment? If this same show were to have appeared on a different station, largely intact, would you still be saying the same thing? A station without the flamethrower signal or ratings/share/prominence of a KFI? Let's say, hypothetically, KABC or KEIB. Would you still be having the same rant? Or would you chalk it up to a weaker sister experimenting with filling a fringe time slot, and seeing how well some younger, less-experienced, less-professional voices could do when they're in front of a live mic? And if it doesn't work well, seeing if it's an issue of the individual participants' on-air skills, or the mix of political leanings, or the particular mix of personalities or voices, or the time slot, or some combination of all the above? There would seem to be a lot that could be tweaked until it starts to gel, but they need time to experiment, to find whether it's just a bad idea or a promising one being executed badly. But it could be that KFI's prominence in the market makes it too risky a venue for that kind of experimentation.

 

[TheBigA]

But it could be that KFI's prominence in the market makes it too risky a venue for that kind of experimentation.

The benefit of having prominence is that you can occasionally take risks. This is a very profitable radio station that can afford to throw away a couple hours on a Sunday afternoon. Smaller, weaker stations would run infomercials in that timeslot. KFI did a very similar thing a few years ago turning over a few hours to the LA County Sheriff. He had no experience in radio either.

 

[radiofan2023]

The radio industry really didn't get into streaming until about 2006.

I've been listening to streaming radio online since around 1998 or 99, back then I mainly listened to 1215 AM from London, but I'm sure there were American stations streaming also, though I don't know how they sounded compared to being on air since the streaming bitrates back then weren't anywhere near what they are now. Maybe @Miss Tuned would know more about what other UK stations were streaming and how widespread it was.

Also, is this show also a podcast after it airs like other KFI shows, or is it just on air?

 

[TheBigA]

Also, is this show also a podcast after it airs like other KFI shows, or is it just on air?

The 2-hour program airs Sundays at 2:00 PM PT on KFI-AM 640 and is available on-demand via the iHeartRadio app immediately following the broadcast.

About Studio 640 | KFI AM 640

 

[radiofan2023]

Thanks, the podcast page is here:

STUDIO 640 | iHeart

STUDIO 640 features students from colleges, universities, private schools, and vocational schools in Southern California who major in journalism, communications, and broadcast media. The roundtable-style format allows the student panelists to weigh-in on top stories through their POV. The show...

www.iheart.com

 

[henry]

The problem with younger audiences wasn't just format but also device. The radio industry doesn't control the devices. Electronic manufacturers haven't come up with an exciting new radio in over 25 years. The radio industry really didn't get into streaming until about 2006.

But see, that's the problem. What got my peers excited about Country or CHR was that the show was live... you could call into it. And it felt like a social hangout, not dissimilar to today's Gen Z/Alpha kids on Twitch. It's less about the format (Gen Z literally watch other kids play video games) and more to do with not feeling lonely.

I remember being an avid fan of a Hot AC station in Salt Lake City (my avatar) and the phone-in 80s request show they had. It was something I never missed because it was a place to virtually hang out. And then I remember in 2001 when the station started voicetracking at night. And it felt so lonely. Because it WAS lonely.

But what was the industry's solution? Freaking IBOC HD radio. And they beat us into the ground with hD rAdiO!!!!, which frankly nobody cared about. If we wanted higher fidelity, we'd just download a 320kbps MP3 off Limewire. Radio offered a cure to loneliness because other people were talking, calling, and listening to the same music at the same time.

That demand/desire is still there. But Gen Alpha/Z don't bother to even consider FM because it hasn't existed for 20 years there. So, they go to Twitch. And they're willing to go *anywhere* to find it. And heck, they'd freaking even go to AM with a sucky signal if it was a good hangout. But it's prerecorded segments of old people on "Gun Talk" rambling about Trump or Ramsey yelling about how "kids today have no money sense" from his in-mansion studio. That's not a good hang.

FM is automated music with voicetracked jocks who are as exciting as an Albertson's commercial. That's not a good hang.

Radio can be a good hang. And the newest devices/HD/IBOC/DAB/streaming/app/FM chip in the world won't get them to see voicetracked FM as a "good hang." Radio has all it needs to be successful— a big ass transmitter that can host a 24/7 livestream. They can do it. They just don't do it.

---------

Side note: That's how, as I aged, I got sucked into KFI. Because when I was visiting L.A. back in 2010 (before moving here), I actually found a live radio show that was just hanging out. No partisan politics. Just making fun of celebrities and yammering about California. And I became a huge fan of the Tim Conway Jr. show. And then I discovered Bill Handel's show. And even John and Ken (who I found obnoxious, but fascinating).

It really didn't matter what they were talking about. Frank McCourt's divorce proceedings? I don't even know who that guy is. But it's live. It's happening now. And I know there are other people tuning in live to listen with me. It was a cure for feeling lonely.

Hot take: If KFI had leaned into Premiere Networks syndicated programming, they would be in the ratings toilet with KABC and all the rest. Being a "hang out" for grown-ups is their secret sauce. And in fairness, a number of LA market FMs are still alright at doing that. But go to Vegas, SLC, etc. and the mid-markets are the Twilight Zone of zombie stations. Especially after 7 PM.

 

[TheBigA]

FM is automated music with voicetracked jocks

Spotify is automated music without any jocks.

Actually most of the music stations in LA have live jocks. They're in the union.

 

[Syfy]

But see, that's the problem. What got my peers excited about Country or CHR was that the show was live... you could call into it. And it felt like a social hangout, not dissimilar to today's Gen Z/Alpha kids on Twitch. It's less about the format (Gen Z literally watch other kids play video games) and more to do with not feeling lonely.

I remember being an avid fan of a Hot AC station in Salt Lake City (my avatar) and the phone-in 80s request show they had. It was something I never missed because it was a place to virtually hang out. And then I remember in 2001 when the station started voicetracking at night. And it felt so lonely. Because it WAS lonely.

But what was the industry's solution? Freaking IBOC HD radio. And they beat us into the ground with hD rAdiO!!!!, which frankly nobody cared about. If we wanted higher fidelity, we'd just download a 320kbps MP3 off Limewire. Radio offered a cure to loneliness because other people were talking, calling, and listening to the same music at the same time.

That demand/desire is still there. But Gen Alpha/Z don't bother to even consider FM because it hasn't existed for 20 years there. So, they go to Twitch. And they're willing to go *anywhere* to find it. And heck, they'd freaking even go to AM with a sucky signal if it was a good hangout. But it's prerecorded segments of old people on "Gun Talk" rambling about Trump or Ramsey yelling about how "kids today have no money sense" from his in-mansion studio. That's not a good hang.

FM is automated music with voicetracked jocks who are as exciting as an Albertson's commercial. That's not a good hang.

Radio can be a good hang. And the newest devices/HD/IBOC/DAB/streaming/app/FM chip in the world won't get them to see voicetracked FM as a "good hang." Radio has all it needs to be successful— a big ass transmitter that can host a 24/7 livestream. They can do it. They just don't do it.

---------

Side note: That's how, as I aged, I got sucked into KFI. Because when I was visiting L.A. back in 2010 (before moving here), I actually found a live radio show that was just hanging out. No partisan politics. Just making fun of celebrities and yammering about California. And I became a huge fan of the Tim Conway Jr. show. And then I discovered Bill Handel's show. And even John and Ken (who I found obnoxious, but fascinating).

It really didn't matter what they were talking about. Frank McCourt's divorce proceedings? I don't even know who that guy is. But it's live. It's happening now. And I know there are other people tuning in live to listen with me. It was a cure for feeling lonely.

Hot take: If KFI had leaned into Premiere Networks syndicated programming, they would be in the ratings toilet with KABC and all the rest. Being a "hang out" for grown-ups is their secret sauce. And in fairness, a number of LA market FMs are still alright at doing that. But go to Vegas, SLC, etc. and the mid-markets are the Twilight Zone of zombie stations. Especially after 7 PM.

This is spot on. Radio has to change its imaging and its points of focus to gain any young audience back. They have to attract them back. It doesnt have to be younger people doing it as the show hosts...... look at rush cousin brucie etc...... they were able to bring in many young listeners and they were no where near close to their age but it has to be different somehow.

 

[cc333]

But go to Vegas, SLC, etc. and the mid-markets are the Twilight Zone of zombie stations. Especially after 7 PM.

I would argue that SF would fit into this category.

The only station that's still live and local 24/7 around here anymore that I know of is KCBS.

c

 

[Syfy]

But see, that's the problem. What got my peers excited about Country or CHR was that the show was live... you could call into it. And it felt like a social hangout, not dissimilar to today's Gen Z/Alpha kids on Twitch. It's less about the format (Gen Z literally watch other kids play video games) and more to do with not feeling lonely.

I remember being an avid fan of a Hot AC station in Salt Lake City (my avatar) and the phone-in 80s request show they had. It was something I never missed because it was a place to virtually hang out. And then I remember in 2001 when the station started voicetracking at night. And it felt so lonely. Because it WAS lonely.

But what was the industry's solution? Freaking IBOC HD radio. And they beat us into the ground with hD rAdiO!!!!, which frankly nobody cared about. If we wanted higher fidelity, we'd just download a 320kbps MP3 off Limewire. Radio offered a cure to loneliness because other people were talking, calling, and listening to the same music at the same time.

That demand/desire is still there. But Gen Alpha/Z don't bother to even consider FM because it hasn't existed for 20 years there. So, they go to Twitch. And they're willing to go *anywhere* to find it. And heck, they'd freaking even go to AM with a sucky signal if it was a good hangout. But it's prerecorded segments of old people on "Gun Talk" rambling about Trump or Ramsey yelling about how "kids today have no money sense" from his in-mansion studio. That's not a good hang.

FM is automated music with voicetracked jocks who are as exciting as an Albertson's commercial. That's not a good hang.

Radio can be a good hang. And the newest devices/HD/IBOC/DAB/streaming/app/FM chip in the world won't get them to see voicetracked FM as a "good hang." Radio has all it needs to be successful— a big ass transmitter that can host a 24/7 livestream. They can do it. They just don't do it.

---------

Side note: That's how, as I aged, I got sucked into KFI. Because when I was visiting L.A. back in 2010 (before moving here), I actually found a live radio show that was just hanging out. No partisan politics. Just making fun of celebrities and yammering about California. And I became a huge fan of the Tim Conway Jr. show. And then I discovered Bill Handel's show. And even John and Ken (who I found obnoxious, but fascinating).

It really didn't matter what they were talking about. Frank McCourt's divorce proceedings? I don't even know who that guy is. But it's live. It's happening now. And I know there are other people tuning in live to listen with me. It was a cure for feeling lonely.

Hot take: If KFI had leaned into Premiere Networks syndicated programming, they would be in the ratings toilet with KABC and all the rest. Being a "hang out" for grown-ups is their secret sauce. And in fairness, a number of LA market FMs are still alright at doing that. But go to Vegas, SLC, etc. and the mid-markets are the Twilight Zone of zombie stations. Especially after 7 PM.

This is a prime example of why many young people probably don’t call into talk radio.

 

[Miss Tuned]

I've been listening to streaming radio online since around 1998 or 99, back then I mainly listened to 1215 AM from London, but I'm sure there were American stations streaming also, though I don't know how they sounded compared to being on air since the streaming bitrates back then weren't anywhere near what they are now. Maybe @Miss Tuned would know more about what other UK stations were streaming and how widespread it was.

Also, is this show also a podcast after it airs like other KFI shows, or is it just on air?

As it happens, I found this snippet from a March 1996 Broadcast magazine while looking for something else the other day, relating to Virgin (1215 AM):

That cutting suggests they were the first station to stream, but by June of that year the BBC national stations were streaming in RealAudio and I think that by 1998/99 there were more local/commercial stations streaming. The Internet Archive that far back is patchy, but checking a few of the local Manchester stations I can see a Listen Live link on the Galaxy 102 website by 2001 (but not in 2000) and Key 103 in 2002 (but not 2001). Capital London was streaming by December 1998. For context, my small town had 512kbps DSL broadband by 2001.

It's hard to search the archives because "streaming" wasn't a word in common use back then (you can see in the cutting that they refer to it as a "live feed") so it's difficult to find references for something that didn't have an established name at the time.

 

[sdwulfdawg]

Maybe when the kids are mature enough to show some professionalism?

They sounded more "professional" than some of the more established "professionals" on the air these days, in particular, one of the fill-in news readers go is perpetually mispronouncing names and placing and stumbles all of the time.

Overall, the show is a bit of a snoozer like Steve Gregory's other shows. A self-indulgent effort that awards committees like to recognize out of being seemingly noble.

 

[radiofan2023]

As it happens, I found this snippet from a March 1996 Broadcast magazine while looking for something else the other day, relating to Virgin (1215 AM):

That cutting suggests they were the first station to stream, but by June of that year the BBC national stations were streaming in RealAudio and I think that by 1998/99 there were more local/commercial stations streaming. The Internet Archive that far back is patchy, but checking a few of the local Manchester stations I can see a Listen Live link on the Galaxy 102 website by 2001 (but not in 2000) and Key 103 in 2002 (but not 2001). Capital London was streaming by December 1998. For context, my small town had 512kbps DSL broadband by 2001.

It's hard to search the archives because "streaming" wasn't a word in common use back then (you can see in the cutting that they refer to it as a "live feed") so it's difficult to find references for something that didn't have an established name at the time.

Thanks for the info!

 

[louis_p]

But see, that's the problem. What got my peers excited about Country or CHR was that the show was live... you could call into it. And it felt like a social hangout, not dissimilar to today's Gen Z/Alpha kids on Twitch. It's less about the format (Gen Z literally watch other kids play video games) and more to do with not feeling lonely.

I remember being an avid fan of a Hot AC station in Salt Lake City (my avatar) and the phone-in 80s request show they had. It was something I never missed because it was a place to virtually hang out. And then I remember in 2001 when the station started voicetracking at night. And it felt so lonely. Because it WAS lonely.


That demand/desire is still there. But Gen Alpha/Z don't bother to even consider FM because it hasn't existed for 20 years there. So, they go to Twitch. And they're willing to go *anywhere* to find it. And heck, they'd freaking even go to AM with a sucky signal if it was a good hangout. But it's prerecorded segments of old people on "Gun Talk" rambling about Trump or Ramsey yelling about how "kids today have no money sense" from his in-mansion studio. That's not a good hang.

FM is automated music with voicetracked jocks who are as exciting as an Albertson's commercial. That's not a good hang.

Radio can be a good hang. And the newest devices/HD/IBOC/DAB/streaming/app/FM chip in the world won't get them to see voicetracked FM as a "good hang." Radio has all it needs to be successful— a big ass transmitter that can host a 24/7 livestream. They can do it. They just don't do it.

---------


Hot take: If KFI had leaned into Premiere Networks syndicated programming, they would be in the ratings toilet with KABC and all the rest. Being a "hang out" for grown-ups is their secret sauce. And in fairness, a number of LA market FMs are still alright at doing that. But go to Vegas, SLC, etc. and the mid-markets are the Twilight Zone of zombie stations. Especially after 7 PM.

The demand for hangouts is huge right now, especially in this post-pandemic era. Twitch is the modern-day equivalent of a group of kids meeting up at their friend's house down the block to play Nintendo or Sega. Thanks to the internet, there are Discord servers, Zoom sessions, Slack groups, YouTube live streams, Facebook live streams, Reddit groups, etc. for any topic, community, hobby, sports, politics, religion, or anything that a group of people can be passionate about. These resources are available to anyone from anywhere and not restricted by the reach of a terrestrial signal or the decisions of a program director.

"Being a "hang out" for grown-ups was their secret sauce." In the pre-Internet era, radio and TV provided these outlets. Hosts would take listener calls on air and actively engage the audience. These were the only options available to listeners at the time.

Unlike "new" digital media, the compensation model for radio is driven by ratings. A group of gamers can set up a live stream for World of Warcraft fans and attract a sizeable audience. Would that be a viable business model for a traditional radio station?

 

[FledSoCal]

They sounded more "professional" than some of the more established "professionals" on the air these days, in particular, one of the fill-in news readers go is perpetually mispronouncing names and placing and stumbles all of the time.

Overall, the show is a bit of a snoozer like Steve Gregory's other shows. A self-indulgent effort that awards committees like to recognize out of being seemingly noble.

Indeed, I don't think the "issue" is about professionalism at all. And while Steve's intentions are good, I also agree the result for his shows are a complete snooze-fest, again just my opinion.

Lastly, my reference last week to "fighting college mascots" was an analogy about how absurd the situation is, and how viewers typically bust out laughing as the scene unfolds. There are countless YouTube and tictok clips of fighting mascots and each of them are 1) beyond bizarre and 2) beyond funny.

lastly, twitch is a fantastic platform for hangouts...im guilty as charged.

 

[ILOVERADIO]

How about a thought experiment? If this same show were to have appeared on a different station, largely intact, would you still be saying the same thing? A station without the flamethrower signal or ratings/share/prominence of a KFI? Let's say, hypothetically, KABC or KEIB. Would you still be having the same rant? Or would you chalk it up to a weaker sister experimenting with filling a fringe time slot, and seeing how well some younger, less-experienced, less-professional voices could do when they're in front of a live mic? And if it doesn't work well, seeing if it's an issue of the individual participants' on-air skills, or the mix of political leanings, or the particular mix of personalities or voices, or the time slot, or some combination of all the above? There would seem to be a lot that could be tweaked until it starts to gel, but they need time to experiment, to find whether it's just a bad idea or a promising one being executed badly. But it could be that KFI's prominence in the market makes it too risky a venue for that kind of experimentation.

Steve Gregory might be my favorite current radio reporter. But the new show with college journalists is incredibly boring. When I listened last Sunday, Steve asked college students about how objective journalism should be. If he asked Handel or Conway or Moe this question, their answer would be interesting and likely funny. These guys are professional entertainers. But asking such questions to a college editor with likely little radio experience is like the worst talk radio where random callers give their opinions.

 

[BLA]

Steve Gregory might be my favorite current radio reporter. But the new show with college journalists is incredibly boring. When I listened last Sunday, Steve asked college students about how objective journalism should be. If he asked Handel or Conway or Moe this question, their answer would be interesting and likely funny. These guys are professional entertainers. But asking such questions to a college editor with likely little radio experience is like the worst talk radio where random callers give their opinions.

Radio is full of entertainers whose job of course is to hold the audience during the show. But for the most part, after the show the listener realizes they've been taken, albeit entertained for a bit. But a good moderator and a real EXPERT on a subject that people find interesting will have the listener feeling that they got something worthwhile during and after the show. Easier said than done, hugh?

 

[sdwulfdawg]

Radio is full of entertainers whose job of course is to hold the audience during the show. But for the most part, after the show the listener realizes they've been taken, albeit entertained for a bit. But a good moderator and a real EXPERT on a subject that people find interesting will have the listener feeling that they go something worthwhile during and after the show. Easier said than done, hugh?

KFI will submit the show to some awards and it will win a piece of tin plated with gold paint mounted on a piece of lacquered wood.

 

[michael hagerty]

Okay.

If you'll all drink the sodium pentathol in front of you.



(waiting patiently for all to swallow)



(letting it kick in)


Fine. Now. All of you who actually listened to KFI regularly on Sunday afternoons and have listened to the entire new show with Steve Gregory more than once, please raise your hands.