WSEV-AM 930 "Grand Crown Radio"

[jefflaurence]

Oh this is really great stuff. Stuck in line at the bank today..started listening on AM for grins, and there it was AM930 beckoning travelers to visit "the cute little cabin 2 miles South of I40 on the right..the HOME of the GIANT American FLAG!" Former Branson defunct Grand Crown Resort is on there selling a "Free Honeymoon", and constant looped features about Tennesee Trivia, and the state bug questions (Did you know Tennesee has TWO state bugs?) There is some guy doing the voice work (Ken Emmons, or Ammons?) also there is funny ha-ha comedy bits introduced by Ken as "my good friend..Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall..and some local comedy guy Sheriff of Crabapple County" (You can get a free CD of Mr Crabapple with a free map that shows the "secret places that only the LOCALS know..)

Just embarrassing..Who's behind this? How long has it been on doing this? Who is Ken Ammons (sp?) where is all of this done? Sounds like it runs on ONE CD..never caught a legal ID.

BUT really a great signal..I forgot to mention that I was at a bank in Franklin, North Carolina! Great little signal on 930, and what a waste.

Sounds like the old "Exit 10 FM" that Art Williams used to run at the King Frog Tourist stop in Adel, Georgia

 

[Kent]

You know, it's funny you bring this up now. A friend and I were at the call center for Grand Crowne Resorts in Springfield, MO yesterday morning. They were calling to give people a trip to Branson, Pigeon Forge or a cruise when we walked in. Since I had a little time to kill yesterday morning before hitting the road to Tulsa to visit my mother, my friend and I decided to see what the public inspection file of a chronic violator looked like.

The owner of KLFJ 1550 is C.J. Perme, who apparently lives in Branson, MO. I talked to his executive assistant yesterday morning. The receptionist at the call center, which doubles as KLFJ's main studio, wanted to know exactly which documents she could legally show us. The name of KLFJ's owner is 127, Inc., and I believe that's the same company that owns WSEV. If you want to see the history of violations at KLFJ, just Google "KLFJ FCC violation" and "127, Inc. consent decree FCC."

The free Milton Crabapple CD is a promo that at least used to be run on KLFJ. During some of the time it was running too high of power at night, I remember hearing that promo while driving down I-44 between Lebanon and Springfield when on my way to visit my dad. I remember you could get a free CD if you visited the Branson Tourist Information center in the Econo Lodge at US-65 and Battlefield in Springfield on your way to Branson!

 

[radioguybroadcasting]

KLFJ's owner IS 127, Inc but WSEV 930's owner is listed as Grand Crown Resorts of Pigeon Forge, LCC but they both have the same Branson, MO address.

 

[jefflaurence]

FCC report says that the station (in Missouri) is programmed out of West Hollywood, Ca and that it was based in an Econno Lodge that CJ Perme apparently sold to a Mr "Raj" who now says they day to day staff was "unaware of the radio station" Furthermore when the FCC field person attempted to contact the station the number was listed to be at the Econo Lodge, but was "unplugged" AMAZING. A fine of 16,800.00 was assesssed. I wonder if it ever got paid. (?)

One can onlly assume that the Sevierville station is running the same system. This was one of Dolly Parton's stations..and now it hawks the dubious virtues of the Grand Crown Resort, and the free CD and map. And Milton Crabapple comedy. BTW the Missouri station lists it's website as the american comedy radio network. WSEV is not listed on that website as an affiliate.

Who in West Hollywood is programming this? Sad becasue the station has a great signal, and should be able to generate revenue from surrounding businesses.. Unless it has such an awful reputation that nobody else wants to be aboard?

 

[Kent]

It's definitely the same owner as KLFJ, even if not the same exact company. It looks like 127, Inc. LMA'ed WSEV but Grand Crowne was the actual purchaser. As for the fine against 127 for KLFJ, the $16,800 fine was agreed to in the consent decree with the FCC. The station originally had close to $30,000 in fines assessed against it for multiple violations.

KLFJ hasn't aired All Comedy Radio for years; Radio-Locator is simply behind. It was actually off-air for quite some time before signing back on with all Branson tourist info. A friend of mine who once worked at the station (the same one who visited the station with me Tuesday morning) called me one evening a couple of years ago to let me know KLFJ was back on-the-air. He worked there when KTOZ 1060 was operating it. I'll be in Springfield with my dad again tomorrow, and I'll try to give KLFJ a listen to see if it's airing what you're describing on WSEV.

So, in short, you won't find WSEV airing All Comedy Radio programming. I don't think Perme has ever aired it on any of his stations. The ACR programming was from before he bought the station. I don't know who in West Hollywood was originating the programming on KLFJ and is likely originating the programming on WSEV.

 

[radioray]

And whats the deal with WSEV FM?

And why do they have the same website as the AM? Radio Locator mistake?

 

[Goat Rodeo Cowboy]

When you mentioned Milton Crabapple, I thought immediately of Ludlow Porch. Poking around the Internet indicates Crabapple was first "displayed" as a caller to the radio programs by Ludlow Porch. I have sometimes wondered if Crabapple was the alter-ego of Porch.

This is a bit of Atlanta-centric humor. Ludlow Porch is reportedly a cousin of the late Lewis Grizzard. There is a suburban crossroads community in the Atlanta area known as Crabapple in the area once a part of the now now-existent county of Milton. Add to that mix Celestine Sibley who was an Atlanta based newspaper columnist for many years. She wrote a book once about a log cabin she restored which she referred to as "Sweet Apple"....

Will the real Milton Crabapple please stand up!

 

[Kent]

Thanks for the information about Milton Crabapple! I don't know if it's the same one from Ludlow Porch, but it definitely seems like a possibility. KLFJ was airing some of his bits this afternoon when I checked it out for a few minutes on my way into Springbilly. I'm not quite sure what his Branson connection is other than that you can now pick up your free Milton Crabapple CD if you make a stop by the Branson Info center, located on your way to Branson at 65 and Fremont Hills at the CC exit. So, it looks like they're not at 65 and Battlefield in the Econo Lodge that originally housed the KLFJ main studio! There's also apparently free coffee and free WiFi! Anyway, all Crabapple did was tell jokes; there was no advertisement for anything else.

KLFJ seemed to be working on about a 12 minute wheel with several show promos, Milton Crabapple promotions and Branson trivia mixed in. I also saw some billboards advertising "Branson Radio 1550, Comedy, Info, Free Stuff."

Has that been about the same as what you've experienced on WSEV? I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't have billboards for 930 yet, but the rotation is probably pretty similar.

As for why WSEV 930 shows as having the same website as Mixx 105.5, it looks like it was either an error on part of Radio-Locator or, possibly, a corporate website that has since removed 930.

 

[jefflaurence]

KLFJ has to be running the exact same stuff with a Branson angle. I don't know why this facinates me but it does. I am curious as to where and who this Ken Ammons (Emmons?) is and why he decided that he's the VOICE of the Great Smoky Mountains. Is he the guy on KLFJ? Does he bill himself as the VOICE of Branson? If so he will have to ressign one or the other. You can not be both. That's what it says in the handbook

WSEV is running a spot or two for some Pigeon Forge Dinner Theatre that hawks a show called the "Hoot and Holler Tonight" show. I'll be that is fun huh? Also the Grand Crown Resort is all over the place on that station as is the Pigeon Forge Cabin Rental place where you get the Milton Crabapple CD and a map. IS the Grand Crown still a big scam? For awhile they ran about a 4 hour show on "Music of you Life" on Sundays called the Branson, Missouri show..Are they still doing that?

I love that the comedy bits are almost all the Blue Collar Comedy guys..except Milton Crabapple..Is he a real comedian? Does he play in Branson somewhere? Again I have not heard any legal IDs

 

[Kent]

KLFJ has to be running the exact same stuff with a Branson angle. I don't know why this facinates me but it does.

I know KLFJ fascinates me because a friend of mine has actually been heard on the station! I think you're probably right about KLFJ and WSEV running identical programming with just a slightly different angle.

I am curious as to where and who this Ken Ammons (Emmons?) is and why he decided that he's the VOICE of the Great Smoky Mountains. Is he the guy on KLFJ? Does he bill himself as the VOICE of Branson? If so he will have to ressign one or the other. You can not be both. That's what it says in the handbook

There is someone who goes around and interviews the various Branson celebrities and shows. I can't remember his name, but it might be Ken Ammons or Emmons. I'll try to give it a listen before I head back home tomorrow. After all, I have to work my weekend radio show from 2p-7p tomorrow afternoon, but I'll probably be able to grab an early lunch in Springbilly before heading on my way. When I listened yesterday, he interviewed the guy who plays George Strait at Legends in Concert on the Branson strip as well as a husband and wife couple who do an act there.

WSEV is running a spot or two for some Pigeon Forge Dinner Theatre that hawks a show called the "Hoot and Holler Tonight" show. I'll be that is fun huh? Also the Grand Crown Resort is all over the place on that station as is the Pigeon Forge Cabin Rental place where you get the Milton Crabapple CD and a map. IS the Grand Crown still a big scam? For awhile they ran about a 4 hour show on "Music of you Life" on Sundays called the Branson, Missouri show..Are they still doing that?

I'm not sure what Grand Crowne is, but I'm always skeptical when someone calls me and tells me I've won a trip somewhere. You know, my ex is a Springfield girl, and I remember someone called us at our former home in the Kansas City area offering us a trip to Branson. She answered the phone and knew immediately who it was and said they'd hold you hostage all weekend and try to get you to buy a timeshare. She didn't tell me who it was (or I don't remember if she did!), but I was always thankful to her both for refusing the offer and for telling me exactly how the timeshare scam worked in case it happened in the future! I don't know about the Music of Your Life show either, but I can tell you Springfield area affiliate KBFL 99.9 is streaming online. So, if it would be anywhere, I'd expect it to be there.

I love that the comedy bits are almost all the Blue Collar Comedy guys..except Milton Crabapple..Is he a real comedian? Does he play in Branson somewhere? Again I have not heard any legal IDs

As far as I know, Milton Crabapple doesn't perform in Branson. However, there are over 40 theaters, and many have different acts throughout the day. I really don't get to Branson very often when visiting my dad. So, I'm not incredibly familiar with what they have to offer. I have to admit, however, that I was in Branson this afternoon because (a) one of my favorite ribs and beer joints is on the strip in Branson (almost directly across the street from the Legends in Concert theatre!) and (b) I finally broke down and decided to see the Shoji Tabuchi show, which was actually very good. I was even able to drag Dad off to that show, though I think he probably agreed because he wanted Charlie's ribs and beer for lunch!

 

[RMarino]

And whats the deal with WSEV FM?

And why do they have the same website as the AM? Radio Locator mistake?

Back a few years ago when WSEV-AM was running "ESPN Radio", you could access the website from the same main page that the WSEV-FM site is on now: easttennesseeradio.com

Radio-locator just hasn't updated its links.

 

[Kent]

By the way, I gave KLFJ a listen again this morning, and it's the same guy. However, The Voice of the Great Smoky Mountains is The Voice of the Ozarks on KLFJ!

 

[carson]

Jeff -- great topic! and hello from Tampa Bay! Carson

 

[quadraphonic]

Lil help! Lil help!

I already posted this on the DX/Reception board. http://boards.radio-info.com/smf/index.php/topic,116945.0.html

I heard a station on 930 Friday evening that played a song I forgot, but it struck me because they were playing music, so I listened for a minute. Then they played Eddie Money's "Baby Hold on To Me."
They identified as what sounded like "WKVE 930" before that song, but of course the ID was kind of poppy and crackly like always on distant stations.
Then they gradually faded away and I went inside.

Is this WSEV 930 simulcasting Mixx105.1 now [or at least this past Friday day after Christmas, about 6pm]?
Or am I still going to have to look further into the internets?

"WSEV" is about the closest-sounding to the promo liner I can find on the fcc am query page....

Please help me find what I heard.

 

[RMarino]

No. 930 is still comedy/tourist radio. I don't even think thery are throwing in any legal IDs, or at least I never hear them. Even if they were simulcasting Mixx 105.5, you would never hear the call letters unless it was the TOH Legal ID. In your other post you said it wasn't a legal ID that you heard. Good luck on your search.

 

[quadraphonic]

Shoot then.
Thanks though.
More huntin'.

 

[jefflaurence]

"WSEV Sevierville" is buried somewhere in the automation at least once an hour somewhere. Spots keep on coming for "Your Free Honeymoon Package for Free" and the all new 2005 edition of Pigeon Forge Express tourist coupon booklet..available at "all selected Inns and Eateries" and at the home of the "Giant Waving American Flag, and the Cute Little Log Cabin"

Who writes this stuff?

I would bet that NOBODY is listening to this station..ever! You could walk in there..get on the mic and offer a free Lexus to every listener who showed up within an hour and still be holding the keys in three hours..

Why are they bothering? IS this some kind of tax writeoff? If it is, it is intentional and should be shut off and auctioned off. Complete waste of the spectrum and the energy.

 

[Kent]

"WSEV Sevierville" is buried somewhere in the automation at least once an hour somewhere.

On KLFJ, the legal ID runs about every 12 minutes. I suspect WSEV ID's between each block of programming, too. I also suspect WSEV runs segments of programming between 10 and 15 minutes in length.

I would bet that NOBODY is listening to this station..ever! You could walk in there..get on the mic and offer a free Lexus to every listener who showed up within an hour and still be holding the keys in three hours..

Quite possibly. I can't imagine anyone listening to KLFJ either!

Why are they bothering? IS this some kind of tax writeoff? If it is, it is intentional and should be shut off and auctioned off. Complete waste of the spectrum and the energy.

I know KLFJ is paid by the individual shows in Branson. So, it's not hard to make money. I don't know if they have enough shows in Pigeon Forge and surrounding areas to make a difference, but I'm sure they're not airing this programming out of the goodness of their hearts. I spent most of the spring of 2001 in Tennessee, and I don't remember a ton of shows being there. However, there are enough tourist trap businesses between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that they could probably make decent money.

 

[Kent]

I heard a station on 930 Friday evening that played a song I forgot, but it struck me because they were playing music, so I listened for a minute. Then they played Eddie Money's "Baby Hold on To Me."
They identified as what sounded like "WKVE 930" before that song, but of course the ID was kind of poppy and crackly like always on distant stations.
Then they gradually faded away and I went inside.
Please help me find what I heard.

My theory is that you heard WGAD 930 out of Gadsden, AL. It runs ABC's classic hits (formerly "Oldies Radio" and "Pure Gold") format. One of the stations where I do weekend work is an ABC Classic Hits Radio affiliate, and I can tell you that song is on the network's playlist. Unless another station on 930, like WKCT or WRVE, has recently changed formats, I don't see what else it could be.

 

[jefflaurence]

WSEV is still booming in out of Seveirville and still running a program length commercial for the Pigeon Forge Tourist Center..and giving away Milton Crabapple CD, and VIP "locals know" maps and attraction coupons.

http://miltoncrabapple.blogspot.com/

Okay..does ANYone benefit from having this station on the air? Where is the transmitter? What processing are they using? Does ANYone maintin it? Buster Sutton perhaps? This is a real curious little radio station that clearly gets into Knoxville like a ton of bricks. IS anyone getting paid except the electric company? Let's give it to Johnny Pirklle..HE'll do something with it.

I used to ove watching him on VCC.