KKOL flips to all business

KKOL is all business.

Over the weekend, the heritage Seattle station flipped from right-wing political programming to all business all the time.

Bye-bye Dennis Prager, Dennis Miller, Bill Bennett, Mike Gallagher, Mike Regsan Hew Hughitt,and hello Ray Lucia,
Phil's Gang, and Bloomberg Business.

Far as we can see, there's no more local programming than there was when the station was political. It's a lateral move at best. It may be throing in  the towel.

KKOL is the local flagship of Salem Communications, the conservative Christian company who specializes in low-powered, low-rated stations with right-wing r=talk, brokered Christian or Spanish language programming. In the Seattle/Tacoma market they also own KGNW-AM 820; KLFE-AM 1590; KKMO-AM 1360; and KNTS-AM 1680. None break a one share in the ratings.

The company is a major mouthpiece of the religious right. Their stable of syndicated talkers include: Bill Bennett, Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt, Michael Medved, Janet Parshall, Dennis Prager and Richard Land.

Medved (KTTK m-f, 12-3p) is on their editorial board, which often serves babies in the catered lunches brought into the meetings.

KKOL has had a difficult time getting their transmitting tower n the Port of Tacoma approved for 50.000 watts. The format fl may signal they've given upp putting KKOL in the mainstream of Seattle talk.

But we've been long told that Salem wants more in the center of the dial in Seattle.

Rumors persist the made an offer for Fisher's flailing KVI which was reportedly turned down. The story goes that the company is waiting until the price goes bargain basement as the troubled Fisher scales down.

Or this could signal another industry departure from political issues talk. We keep hearing that programmers are looking into programming with wider -- or at least different -- appeal than just conservative talk ala Rush Limbaugh.
 (
Bonneville, with their new FM talk simulcast, and emphasis and development of such shows as Ron & Don (KIROFM m-f, 3-6p : and Too Beautiful to Live (KIROFM  m-f, 7-10p) may be examples of this trending.

Comments

[Mykelbe]

For shame Michael, one would think a hat tip would be in order for making you aware of the station flip.

[Obango]

Bonneville, with their new FM talk simulcast, and emphasis and development of such shows as Ron & Don (KIROFM m-f, 3-6p : and Too Beautiful to Live (KIROFM m-f, 7-10p) may be examples of this trending.

Does this blog get a $25 spiff or something each time it mentions "innovative" or "trendmaking" shows "such as TBTL and Ron & Don?" Just wondering because every piece of evidence so far demonstrated has demonstrated that at least one of these shows is a disaster in the traditional (terrestrial airwaves) and new (web) senses of the word ...

Saying it's a success over and over again enough times doesn't make it a success.

[RAy]

I live in Boise, where political talk radio is over saturated. I suspect the same in Seattle (I used to live there). I think the idea of moving to different content is a good idea. Perhaps, in spite of the cost, doing more programming on local issues, local personalities and local activities. One key to success (Podcasters and Bloggers are starting to discover) is to connect with the passions of their listeners and readers. So....what are Seattlites passionate about?

[joanie]

Well, they are hanging with them which is giving them a chance to build an audience.

Also, I remember our seventeen-year-old Gary saying that Luke is hot. So, maybe Luke appeals to younger...

Maybe.

[nyvinnie]

It's the economy stupid! People are going to be concerned about their bucks a lot more in the coming few years and business radio will fill a nice little hole in the market. So while Rush is blathering against an Obama presidency and liberals are too stupid to own it on the air like the conservatives did, people who own businesses or run them will check into business radio to see which way the economy is going. Doesn't have to be boring...just factual and reliable.

I voted today...did you?

[HugoC]

Dennis Miller is more hilarious today than ever. In fact his radio show has become a habit with me, and it is so much better than anything else Seattle has to offer that it amazes me it didn't do better. But since I could yell out my house window with better reception than 770am was putting out, no doubt the real issue is the promotion for the show was non-existent.

Not-to-worry. The show is on 100 stations across the country, most of which can be streamed. Which is what I'm doing right now! Welcome to the 21st century because I frankly could care less that he's not on 770 anymore!

[Mr. Hata]

You might want to spellcheck and edit these postings before you submit them.

Sorry to be so tight-assed, but some of your points are unintelligible. To quote: "low-rated stations with right-wing r=talk;" Or, "The format fl may signal they've given upp putting KKOL in the mainstream of Seattle talk;" Huh?

Slow down. Your talking about radio. Hardly anybody cares. Those that do won't be offended if you take a minute or two to form a coherent thought.