Old Methods Suit KABC-AM Fans
As longtime listeners to talk radio station KABC-AM (790)--for 26 and 18 years, respectively--we frankly aren’t surprised that the station’s ratings have taken a nose dive in recent months (“Will KABC’s Low Ratings Lead to Station Shake-Up?,” Calendar, April 24). We’re dismayed over many of the changes implemented in KABC’s programming over the past two years. Since we genuinely care about this station and want it to remain a vital part of Los Angeles radio, we offer these thoughts.
A few months ago, KABC was running a promo that stated, “We invented talk radio--those other guys screwed it up.” The reference here was plainly to KFI-AM (640).
If this was the case, why then has KABC so desperately tried to emulate KFI’s aggressive, in-your-face sound? If KFI was “more stimulating talk radio”--i.e., bellicose, belligerent and offensive--then KABC used to be more intelligent talk radio.
Unfortunately, that distinction has been clouded over the past two years.
KABC programs have always had national and local news at the top of each hour. Now, however, there’s also news at the half-hour mark--meaning that 20 minutes of each hour is taken away from the host and callers. Add in the ever-increasing commercial time, and that leaves about 25 minutes of actual program time per hour. Please, KABC, get rid of the half-hour news. If we wanted news, we’d listen to KNX or KFWB.
Ken Minyard was good company in the mornings when he was paired with the late Bob Arthur or Roger Barkley, both of whom exemplified good taste. Unfortunately, current partner Peter Tilden is abrasive and hyperactive, and reinforces Minyard’s tendencies toward smuttiness. Not a great way to wake up in the morning. Tilden is much better in an afternoon drive-time slot; Minyard needs a partner who can add some badly needed class to the morning show.
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Even though we rarely agree with Michael Jackson’s politics, we have to say that KABC’s banishment of him to the weekends, one week after he was nationally honored for the quality of his work over three decades, was an idiotic move, pure and simple. Ronn Owens--who unfortunately has been made the heavy of the piece--is very capable and pleasant, but he rarely offers listeners the same chance to talk to high-profile national newsmakers as Jackson, whose Rolodex is second to none.
When Jackson finally does decide to retire, then KABC can replace him with Owens, who is the best new personality to come to KABC in years. (Larry Elder isn’t half bad, either.) Until then, a weekend slot is a shameful waste of Jackson’s talents.
The Dennis Prager show is an oasis of thought-provoking conversation and good taste now unique to L.A. radio. A couple of years ago, Prager used classical music “bumpers” as transitions from commercials back to the program--which delighted even these two listeners, who have no experience whatsoever with classical music.
Unfortunately, station management, trying to attract a younger audience, decreed that the bumpers had to employ abrasive rock music--so annoying that listeners have called on-air to complain about it many times in past months.
We’re members of the rock ‘n’ roll generation, but KABC’s bumper music is the pits. KABC needs a consistent, distinctive, exclusive package of bumper music that immediately conveys the class and insight of the station--music that’s lively without being shrill.
Heavy-metal classic rock oldies just don’t work. On top of that, the station’s promo spots plugging other shows are cluttered, loud and tasteless; they certainly don’t entice us to listen.
Stephanie Miller undoubtedly has talent, but her relentless barrage of gross sexual jokes is very wearying, and her show seems out of place on the station. Mr. KABC is pleasant, a younger version of former jack-of-all-trades Ira Fistell, but without Fistell’s breadth of knowledge.
The Art Bell show, syndicated from Pahrump, Nev., and running from midnight until 5 a.m., is a total waste of time unless you truly believe in Bigfoot, UFOs and conspiracy theories. Can’t the (former) top talk station in the second-biggest radio market in the country do better than this?
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The political ideology of the station’s personalities isn’t our main concern--we don’t care if they’re liberal or conservative, we just want them to be bright and articulate.
In trying to reach a younger audience with abrasive promos and bumpers and “dumbed down” programming, KABC has alienated its old audience and hasn’t attracted a new one.
We care about this station, and we want it to return to its old format: a first-class operation providing intelligent (and exciting) conversation about meaningful topics.
Please, KABC, bring back the intelligence and class that used to be the station’s hallmark.
Randy Skretvedt and Rob Ray write for Past Times, a newsletter about radio, news, music and popular entertainment of 1920-1950.
