FOR KIDS : Radio Show Aimed at Children Offers More Than Just Air Play

For some kids, Saturday morning means two things--no school and lots of cartoons. But if Tim Arem had his way, young television watchers would turn off their sets and tune in to the radio, at least for a half-hour.

“Radio is a marvelous tool. Like storytelling, it really sharpens the audio senses and opens up a whole new world of creativity,” said Arem, also known as Uncle Timothy, the host and creator of “Morning Musical Menagerie” on KWNK-670 AM.

The Saturday show is aired from 8:30 to 9 a.m. It’s a relatively new experiment for the ABC-affiliated station, which features mostly local news and syndicated talk shows for the San Fernando Valley and portions of Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

“Morning Musical Menagerie” targets children aged 3 to 12. Each week, Uncle Timothy features a different theme, ranging from serious subjects such as ecology and the Mideast situation to the Zoo Report (an update of recent births) or “why it’s so difficult to fall asleep, and how do you get gum off your shoes,” Arem said.

Besides offering lots of entertainment, some of it wacky, Uncle Timothy encourages members of his audience to question themselves as well as his guests, who have included Captain Kangaroo and Shari Lewis. No matter what the theme, the underlying message is about confidence and self-esteem, Arem said. Children’s questions are dealt with seriously, to help them develop self-confidence as well as gain information.

“The response has been terrific,” said station manager Manuel Cabranes about the 6-month-old program. “Parents have written to thank us. Kids have written in with questions, jokes and special requests.”

Oddly enough, Arem is not a veteran radio personality. Instead, he characterizes his career as that of a “visual performance artist.”

After earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Arizona, Arem, on a whim, signed up for a university-sponsored clowning class. He enjoyed the physical exertion, and a local circus spotted his natural talent and recruited the reading specialist, then 27 years old.

In 1982, McDonald’s hired him to portray Ronald McDonald for promotions in the Los Angeles area. He also formed T-Bone Productions, an educational clowning company that eventually gave birth to the Uncle Timothy persona.

“I love clowning, but what really turns me on is helping kids get interested in their imaginations,” said Arem, a North Hollywood resident.

Until he launched the radio show, Arem combined the two careers--clowning and education--by performing at elementary schools throughout the country.

“When Uncle Timothy steps into a classroom, he literally grabs their attention with magic tricks and juggling. Then I start asking questions, telling stories. I can get their minds working because I’m different than their teachers or parents. They’ll even discuss what’s going on in their lives with me,” he said.

Like the classroom appearances, “Morning Musical Menagerie” revolves around Arem’s Uncle Timothy character--a friendly, laid-back fellow. During the show, he incorporates children’s music, jokes, community bulletins, special guests and a regular sidekick, Baby Matzah Ball, played by puppeteer Michael Earl.

For future spots, Arem hopes to feature the enormous monster Harry from “Harry & The Hendersons,” Mickey and Minnie Mouse, members of the Los Angeles Dodgers and children’s artists Jonathan Sprout and David Jack.

“We’re working to get the show syndicated,” Arem said. “Right now, there’s a demand for educational, yet interesting, children’s programming. I think we’re doing just that.”

“Morning Musical Menagerie,” with host Uncle Timothy, airs 8:30 to 9 a.m. Saturdays on KWNK-670 AM.