RADIO DAZE

The fact that inspired radio programming is dead in Los Angeles, the country’s most profound musical showcase, is beyond my comprehension (“Is This the Best Job in L.A.?” by Steve Weinstein, Sept. 25).

KROQ-FM is the perfect example of a once-eclectic station that has succumbed to following trends. In the mid-’80s when electronics were the buzz, very little guitar-oriented music was allowed in. Needless to say, it’s the other way around today. And as for variety, the station plays the same old and new ad nauseam. Even “Rodney on the ROQ,” truly the only cutting-edge show on the station, has been relegated to graveyard on Sunday nights.

As for new station KSCA? It’s already drowning within its own limited parameters. Defending his playlist, Program Director Mike Morrison says he doesn’t want “any confusion, at least in the beginning.” I’m afraid that’s exactly what we need right now.

New music is meant to be heard first. Yet its only savior remains print and word of mouth.

KEITH FOX

Laguna Beach

*

I thought it was sad that so little attention (one paragraph) was given to Tom Schnabel, whose musical knowledge, exquisite taste and the unique voice he gives to music from around the world was and is groundbreaking.

In explaining the shift from Schnabel to Douridas, it was noted that there was a huge gap between what was being played by Schnabel (and Deirdre O’Donoghue at night) and what was being played on commercial radio. That gap is precisely why I supported KCRW for so long.

KCRW is still a great station, and Douridas has a fine show. But I still look forward to hearing Schnabel spin his favorites and remind us in his wonderfully modest way that music is the universal language. Douridas may reach my mind, but Tom touches my heart.

CECILLE GORDON

Los Angeles

*

Whether or not the new “album alternative” KSCA-FM has personality is arguable (“The New 101.9: Hit and Miss,” by Steve Hochman, Sept. 25). However, the station most definitely fills the void left by KNX-FM.

That station, like KSCA today, was revolutionary in its selection of music: new and exciting exclusives from worthy artists, tempered effectively with the warm and familiar from the old-school singer-songwriters.

What was overlooked in Hochman’s review is the supreme public service KSCA performs each Sunday night: The return of “The Dr. Demento Show” to Los Angeles radio.

WILLIAM SIMPSON

Los Angeles

*

Doesn’t any station have to walk a line between trying to play new or little-known artists and trying to remain on the air?

KSCA seems to care about playing good music , not only about pleasing a certain audience or demographic, and it should be championed for that, not criticized because it doesn’t go as far as some might want it to. It is a commercial station, after all.

MONIQUE HERRING

North Hollywood

*

I get sick and tired of reading about radio station KCRW. Every time you want to talk about creative and idealistic programming, you trot them out.

Why don’t you do a feature on Jacki Apple and her KPFK-FM show “Soundings”? It’s the most provocative arts show on the airwaves.

The only time you write anything about KPFK is when its existence is being threatened by some right-wing group, such as the FCC.

JERRY KATZ

Los Angeles