‘John and Ken Show’ Returns to Afternoon Spot on KFI

Without much fanfare, the irreverent radio talk show duo known to most Southland listeners as “John and Ken” (John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou) have slipped back into familiar territory, reclaiming the 3-7 p.m. drive-time spot on KFI-AM (640).

The return of “The John and Ken Show” Monday triggered a programming domino effect that saw syndicated host Phil Hendrie move from the afternoon into his former 7-10 p.m. spot, and Karel Bouley and Andrew Howard, the openly gay couple whose show had anchored the afternoons for KFI, leave the air, at least for now.

“Karel and Andrew had a very good run here, they’ve done well, but this is a decision we believe will bring even higher ratings,” David G. Hall, vice president of programming and operations for KFI and sister stations KLAC-AM (570) and KXTA-AM (1150), said Tuesday. “John and Ken brought us the highest ratings we’ve ever had in the afternoon on KFI. Phil, when he was at 7, did the highest ratings.”

Hall held out the prospect that KFI might still find a spot for “The Karel & Andrew Show,” adding that the team “haven’t been terminated.” Meanwhile, “Tim & Neil” will handle weekend duty.

The return for Kobylt and Chiampou follows a sojourn that began in the spring of 1999 after nearly a decade with the station, when “The John and Ken Show” decamped in a contract dispute. The pair resurfaced on KABC-AM (790)’s morning drive spot that July, only to be bounced barely a year later.

On Day 1 back at KFI, the pair did exactly the sort of thing they’re best known for--they took it to the streets, catching up with the crowds that flocked to INS offices to meet Monday’s deadline for illegal immigrants seeking residency here under a temporary family unification program.

“That’s what this move does [for the station],” Hall said. “It puts us ‘in’ the community, not just reporting on it like KNX or KFWB would. We’re more of the why and not just the what.”