The Crash and Burn of KKDJ

[mofocat]

Thank you Dave. There are so very few around anymore that have any idea what radio could be. DeanO is one but I'm afraid the odds are against him. Dave you probably remember the "KYA" Chris Edwards imposter- uh-huh that's who DeanO has to contend with as some kind of 'station manager'(? investor.

I'm pretty sure he's referring to KFAT - an early alt-country station (sort of) licensed to Gilroy with transmitter on Loma Prieta. They had a pretty big following among silicon valley engineers and all over Northern CA (remember - this was when there weren't many FM stations and lots of good stereos). Sort of the country version of an underground rock station. On the air from 1975 until January, 1983. They could play David Lindley, Patsy Cline, Little Feat, and Cowboy Jazz in the same set and make it sound good. There's lots of airchecks on youtube and archive.org.

Dave B.

 

[davideduardo]

There are so very few around anymore that have any idea what radio could be.

What radio "could be" and, importantly, should be in the future is nothing like the radio we used to do in the 60's and 70's. It's not even like what we did in the 80's and 90's. What is needed is a perspective that ignores the platform and focuses on the kind of content listeners want today... and that generally does not include DJs talking up the ramp of songs and reading one-liners from a joke service.

 

[mofocat]

I am a radio FREAK ..in capitals .. since I was 9yr old -- 60 years... but find oh so very little of interest anymore-- but I have not gone to earbuds with a 200 or even 2000 song playlist - that would make me crazy-- so I have 28,000 titles on the ol' 'puter and use a part 15 fm xmitter and more radios than I want to count around the house..
What DeanO was doin today on that peanut whistle translator was just fine with me I listened from 7am till 11 or 12 as long as he was on.

 

[ExKynoJox]

What radio "could be" and, importantly, should be in the future is nothing like the radio we used to do in the 60's and 70's. It's not even like what we did in the 80's and 90's. What is needed is a perspective that ignores the platform and focuses on the kind of content listeners want today... and that generally does not include DJs talking up the ramp of songs and reading one-liners from a joke service.

...which is why Dean's show this time around is more about music and the stories behind the music than Aunt Penny and the others that were so instrumental in setting Dean and Don apart from everything else on radio decades ago. While it's great to hear a few bits from the past, those first minutes today getting behind the jazz influence on the beginnings of rock 'n roll was enough for me to put work on-hold for awhile and just take it in. How often does radio do that anymore? How often does that happen in Fresno? It was ironic that most of the day was spent weaving together the classic rock that Dean would rather forget into Halloween themes. But think about this for a couple minutes - how many hours went into putting today's music together? Then, to stay on the air for what, 10 or 11 hours? I have no idea how long Dean can put up with the frustration of no resources and the micro-management that kills the forward momentum. For now, there's really something worth listening to that's local. I don't need to turn to KCSN or some other station where the audience and the music takes center stage over the need for ratings that depend upon the same tired stuff that's voiced tracked. Tomorrow is a new day on that stick on Blackstone - one can only wonder what's planned? That is what radio needs to become. David E said it - radio today is not what we grew up on. What we grew up on can become the genesis for something new.

 

[TheBigA]

What we grew up on can become the genesis for something new.

Maybe....if you're willing to recognize that the business, the environment, and the marketplace have all completely changed.

 

[engineer1]

...which is why Dean's show this time around is more about music and the stories behind the music than Aunt Penny and the others that were so instrumental in setting Dean and Don apart from everything else on radio decades ago. While it's great to hear a few bits from the past, those first minutes today getting behind the jazz influence on the beginnings of rock 'n roll was enough for me to put work on-hold for awhile and just take it in. How often does radio do that anymore? How often does that happen in Fresno? It was ironic that most of the day was spent weaving together the classic rock that Dean would rather forget into Halloween themes. But think about this for a couple minutes - how many hours went into putting today's music together? Then, to stay on the air for what, 10 or 11 hours? I have no idea how long Dean can put up with the frustration of no resources and the micro-management that kills the forward momentum. For now, there's really something worth listening to that's local. I don't need to turn to KCSN or some other station where the audience and the music takes center stage over the need for ratings that depend upon the same tired stuff that's voiced tracked. Tomorrow is a new day on that stick on Blackstone - one can only wonder what's planned? That is what radio needs to become. David E said it - radio today is not what we grew up on. What we grew up on can become the genesis for something new.

I really appreciate what Dean has done for KKDJ its sounding better everyday. I have stopped by a couple of times to meet ownership and to meet Dean and his partner who I didn't get his name. I agree that this is what radio needs to become when I met with the owner he told me that he was putting a lot of resources in this project to make it succeed. I am so excited about having a station like this in our area.

 

[ExKynoJox]

Another crash? Dean MIA.

 

[mofocat]

and same old tired 'classic rock'

 

[VOL559]

Did the inevitable finally happen ? If so how sad,Dean and “Skip” had something different going on and it was refreshing to listen to. Now it’s the same old “past it’s time” rock!!! Oh well,thank goodness for XM

 

[mofocat]

...ohh would luv to hear from "a fly on the wall" in the Cocola HQ

 

[MicDrop]

The train wreck version of KKDJ seems to be back. Sad. I think they can pull those sweepers that say "The Last Great Radio Station ".

 

[mofocat]

Honestly.. a study/demonstration of 'trainwreck-ology'
engineer1 what goes on there? Is this your playlist?

 

[kenrayc]

The train wreck version of KKDJ seems to be back. Sad. I think they can pull those sweepers that say "The Last Great Radio Station ".

A very interesting Train Wreck though that isn't consistance but very uneak, they played Hurricane Smith "What Would you Say" I don't think I heard that since 1972 lmfao, well what will the format be tomorrow, different format everyday like 1430 KARM did in the summer of 1980, tomorrow 60s, next day Classic Country, then ac 70s, well we will see what we get tomorrow.

 

[VOL559]

6:14am and Dean is at the helm. Just thinking,if I’m a potential advertiser , and it would be because of Dean only,i’m Thinking long and hard about the constant micromanaging before I dump any hard earned money with KKDJ.

 

[popcorn101]

6:14am and Dean is at the helm. Just thinking,if I’m a potential advertiser , and it would be because of Dean only,i’m Thinking long and hard about the constant micromanaging before I dump any hard earned money with KKDJ.

This station gets better everyday! Missed Dean yesterday must have been sick. I keep seeing negatives about this station, really they are doing a great job. It looks to me everyone on here has no idea that great stations are sometimes different that is what makes them so damn good ! I saw someone putting down classic rock is that why millions of albums are sold? I am listening this station is so far ahead of anything in Fresno. Others on this board complain about Dean remember that Dean was number 1 20+ years ago we have all grown up a little older and wiser. Give him a chance to succeed instead of commenting on everything he does on air.
Kudos to the Management I saw a post about being a fly on the wall at Cocolas Management office, be happy they have given the opportunity to bring back this great station that I and everyone else listened to years ago.
Shame on you who continue to pick apart this station get a life and then realize the other crap that on commercial radio in Fresno!

 

[MicDrop]

I don't think the problem is Dean or "Skip". It's what happens when they are done for the day and the "automaton" takes over with the crispy, burnt stuff. There needs to be the same eclecticism throughout the whole day and THEN they can promote the station as being unique.

 

[mofocat]

YES!! Dump Vern's "library" PLEASE!

 

[popcorn101]

I don't think the problem is Dean or "Skip". It's what happens when they are done for the day and the "automaton" takes over with the crispy, burnt stuff. There needs to be the same eclecticism throughout the whole day and THEN they can promote the station as being unique.

I would say that is Dean Oppermans problem as he told me on the phone he is the program director. Now I see Joe Collins is retiring wouldn't it be good to have Joe Collins back on KKDJ? Like I said earlier this station just keeps getting better

If you are one of those complainers get a hold of upper management it sounds like they have their shit together. According to the website they are at 1060 Fulton Fresno .

 

[MicDrop]

It sounds like Dean would love to program the station better but needs a decent system to do that. That's an area where "upper management " on Fulton seems to NOT have their $#!÷ together.

 

[VOL559]

Well for the sake of everyone I hope Deans meeting @ 4 goes well and somebody talks some sense into somebody or else we the listeners are screwed....

Let’s review shall we, First John Lee Walker,I would say a FRESNO radio legend and Hall of famer......Gone,Second this Flanagan guy......Gone,Third perhaps the greatest mind to ever grace the FRESNO airwaves and definitely a FRESNO radio legend and HOF’r potentially gone,who’s left ??? Is there a trend here ? When is Nick Ryan up for parole??