Valley-Based Station Sees Future in Children’s Radio

It’s the (sound) wave of the future: children’s radio.

Full-time, national children’s radio is being pioneered in Missouri, Utah, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. And a small San Fernando Valley-based radio station is anticipating the trend here with a jam-packed half-hour live show for ages 3 and up.

“Morning Musical Menagerie With Uncle Timothy” airs Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. on KWNK-AM (670), a talk/news station covering the Valley and the Westside. Hosted by educator and professional clown Tim Arem, the show is a potpourri of music, interviews with superstars of children’s entertainment, contests, an L.A. Zoo roundup report, a puppet named Baby Matzo Ball (operated by Muppeteer Michael Earl) and miscellaneous whimsy.

“One of the nice things about being a live show is that children can call in and talk to the guests,” Arem said in a recent phone interview. “We’ve had Shari Lewis and Lambchop, Sharon, Lois and Bram, Tom Chapin, Craig and Co. and Winnie the Pooh.”

Today’s guest is Captain Kangaroo’s alter ego, Bob Keeshan (taped, due to a scheduling conflict). Upcoming are Mickey and Minnie and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Michaelangelo.

Arem, 38, who was a reading specialist for grades K-6 and is studying for a master’s degree in family therapy, has performed as Ronald McDonald, Mac Tonight and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (for video and a commercial). This is his first experience with radio.

“I thought a radio show would be a creative way to let kids use their imaginations without having a visual stimulus in front of them. Also, it can be a family experience.

“Parents request music and I put that in rotation and add new music as well. I try to pick music that has a thought to it, says something about growing up, education or a child’s environment.”

Arem is optimistic about his show’s chances for national syndication and hopes to expand to a full hour. Station owner Manny Cabranes said, “We’ve received very favorable comments on the program; I don’t see any reason it can’t continue and expand.

“Our target audience is an older mature audience, but there’s always room for radio to address kids. I can understand why people haven’t done it before--the real problem is economics. It’s a shame it has to be that way.”

Arem is convinced that children’s radio is the coming thing. “A&M; records and Disney are busy signing new artists. They must know something.”