kvi radio: an irreverent histoire

Conservative talk, the rattlesnake in the baba ganouche of Seattle nice wriggled in quietly one day in 1992, nearly unnoticed.

Station manager Shannon Sweatte was willing to try anything. In a desperate move to save the failing oldies station, KVI, (then owned by Gene Autry, “the singing cowboy”) Sweatte brought in newly-syndicated Rush Limbaugh and bare-knuckle talk jock, Mike Siegel, a liberal New Yorker freshly fired from the now defunct, KING AM.

Grokking the possibilities, Siegel became a born-again conservative, liberal hosts were offed, and Seattle “hot talk,” was born.

Michael Harrison, publisher of the trade, Talkers Magazine says,“Conservative talk radio appealed to the anger and independent-mindedness of people in the early ‘90’s."

Spurred by hatred for the Clinton presidency, there was a geometric national expansion of conservative talk stations like the pioneering KVI. They became distributors of Republican talking points, sources of presumptive gossip, gleeful scorn and heavy breathing by Clinton enemies.

In Seattle, short time listeners became first time callers by the thousands. Suddenly, the right had a voice. Anti-abortionists, states' righters, anti-tax grouches and the prayerful in schools took to the airwaves like rats to cheese.

They came preaching the gospels of family values, free markets, sexual abstinence, and Official English. They railed against the evils of the welfare state, gay rights, flag burning, the Post Office, condoms, the UN, political correctness, fluoridation and the mainstream media elite.

Inheritance taxes became “death taxes;” public schools became “government schools.” Diversity replaced the demon Communism. Big government's “jack-booted thugs,” be they agents of HUD, PUD, IRS, DSHS, or the County Extension Service were trashed as overpaid, lazy, incompetent, and/or down-right evil.

Political homeboys with no radio experience were hired and became trusted and beloved. Affable conservative KIRO TV commentator, John Carlson; Republican activist Wilbur; and Tacoman Floyd Brown, notorious for the 1988 anti-Dukakis Willie Horton ads, all got their own shows.

Programming flowered with all stripes from the right: a perky suburban home-schooled 17-year old cheerleader whose main conservative credential was her allegedly intact virginity had a weekly show as did libertarians, Perotistas, gun-dementalists, and a bad stand-up comic whose schtick was jokes substituting “liberals” for “Polacks.”

The Saturday morning car guys bemoaned the big government injustice of smog devices; the weekend real estate host held forth on the Growth Management Act. Even poor old Ed Hume, the mild-mannered Northwest gardening icon, found himself fielding irate calls about the government regulation of garden chemicals.

There was an energetic politicization. Folks who’d previously done nothing more political than eating Ben & Jerry's, now started jamming legislators' fax machines,  canceling their daily papers and replacing them with the truth according to KVI blabber-jockeys.

There was plenty of smoke, but Seattle media and Democratic politicians dismissed it as an amusing anomaly until the fire broke out in the 1994 Republican landslide.

Talk radio is still stunningly under-reported in Seattle MSM. It’s the elephant in the living room, covered only when its excesses blast their way into the comfortable local sensibilities buttressing pre-conceived notions of its inherent "hatefulness."

And the excesses have, over the years, been high-profile.

Siegel had success confronting Seattle establishment politicians and officials over a wide range of issues. He shed real light on the weird Wenatchee sex/civil rights abuse case and Olympia's OK Boy’s Ranch scandal and made national news by exposing Frugal Gourmet Jeff Smith’s juvenile sexual dandling abruptly ending the food celebrity's TV and publishing careers.

  But his investigations didn't involve the shoe leather and sourcing that constitutes responsible journalism. Callers, many with personal agenda unrelated to the public good, would phone on-air tips to be followed up by Siegel. This led to raw rumors flying around and someone was bound to get hurt. Ultimately it was Siegel and KVI radio.

In 1996, Siegel encouraged (or at least didn't discourage) on-air discussion about an apocryphal sexual incident involving Mayor Norm Rice who was running for governor. Rice held an emotional press conference denouncing the rumors as "hate talk." Siegel was fired.

  A year and half later, John Carlson was hired to take the reins (from Tim Eyman) of the failing anti-affirmative action initiative, I-200. Signature gathering perked right up--and no wonder, given the hours of free on-air daily spin by Carlson. When 2,500 mostly black high schoolers marched around the station with signs reading "KKK: KVI, Karlson, KOMO," Fisher Broadcasting, faced with a broadside of blistering editorials and retreating advertisers, fired him.

After the stunning success of I-200, Carlson triumphantly returned to his drive time slot where he remains today (the only hiatus being his intensely futile campaign for governor in 2000).

Talk falls below the ratings of music programming--country music KMPS FM has been number one in Seattle for years. Tom Leykis, testosteronic syndicated shock-talker on KQBZ FM, says, “When conservatives say talk radio speaks for any kind of political majority, it’s just bullshit when you know that talk listeners comprise only 15% of the total radio audience--and only 1% of them actually call in.”

But in these days of tight elections and slim majorities, those numbers represent a lot of voters and the Republicans have played that well.

Talk radio hasn't elected any Republicans to statewide offices, but it has certainly driven the debate and loomed large in the state.

• "Talk radio--particularly KVI--was really helpful getting out the word for I-695," says anti-tax activist Tim Eyman about his first successful initiative campaign. Indeed--and it didn't cost him a dime. Talk hosts statewide aired campaign logistics and activated citizens who'd never before voted to make the grassroots tax revolt an historic success. 

• "We made a real impact defeating R-51," says Kirby Wilbur of the 2002 transportation package that infuriated the talk radio demographic with a 9 cent gas tax increase.

• Ward Connerly, the black University of California regent and businessman who spearheads anti-affirmative action movements all over the country said said, "KVI radio was absolutely crucial in passing I-200 in Washington."

• In just two drive times in April 2003, Wilbur and Carlson raised $70,000 in small donations for a national pro-war TV spot. "We even put it on 'The West Wing.'" Wilbur laughs because the national show is often excoriated on talk radio as leftist propaganda. A drive for a similar anti-war ad never got off the ground.

  parts of this are from The Jocks of Talk, by Michael Hood, Seattle Magazine, Nov. 2003

Comments

[chardrare]

Great writing, Micheal. keep up the good work. It's fun and you are hitting the nail on the head.

[Sonny Roche]

Mike Webb, the KIRO talk host was KVI's Program Director when it was an oldies station and going down the shithole.
Over the years, I've often wondered--might have we been spared Rush Limbaugh and Kirby Wilbur if Mike had been a better PD?

[Brian]

KTPK are you listening?

[Fremont]

Yup, peerless writing and a welcome panorama of schlock radio for those of who who are venturing beyond NPR....Thanks, blather!

[Nate]

Amazing, scintilating and in-depth...and I really liked the opener too, "the baba ganouche..."

Anybody else here, besides the author of this ooze, know how to use that phrase in more than one sentence?

More...
"Rats to cheese...? Truth according to....blabberjockeys? Alledged virginity....? "Gun-dementalists..." Replacing "pollack" with liberal... (And alledged "right-wingers" are the ones called intolerant...?) The arrogance that emminates from the "grand little soviet of the pacific northwest..." has no end. You'd think you'all were entitled to be in charge.....

You can save the throwin' around the term "redneck", you folks have found other ways to call other people **ggers.

[Big Sandy]

Your pretty fair for a liberal and I enjoyed the writing. I listen to KVI every day but I didn't know about KVI the history.

[Josef of Josef's Public Journal]

First, congrats for getting on the mysterious Orbusmax.

Second, I Commute W/ Carlson as to the total mess in King County. The mainstream media has laggered behind King Carlson and KVI - who's led by the bloggers (like me!)!!!

[Liberal Larry]

John Carlson's anti-affirmative action stance may make him an official klansman, but I'm pretty sure that Kirby Wilbur is Adolf Hitler. Sure, he hasn't murdered 6 million innocents or anything. At least, not yet. But his frothing anti-gas tax rhetoric is very Hitlerian. All the hate radio jocks have a very Nazi-like way of leading the mindless masses of neocon sheep out of our fold, forcing progressives like us to resort to feminine hysterics and screeching hyperbole to protect our own flock. It's time we stop allowing these purveyors of hate to hide behind Freedom of Speech and silence them forever. It's what the Founding Fathers would have wanted.

That, and same-sex marriage.

[Ron Forde]

Informative article. The little boat still floats, even when viewed from the left side.
And Holy Moley! George Noory and Art Bell for those still consious after ten PM!

[Bryan Suits]

"It's time we stop allowing these purveyors of hate to hide behind Freedom of Speech and silence them forever. It's what the Founding Fathers would have wanted. "

Good Larry. Thanks for providing an example. Though I know that you are not representative of most liberals, unfortunately I don't see it here.
You know, I'm not particularly religious, but I revere the US Constitution. I'd like to hope that the entire political spectrum shared this. I'll continue looking.

p.s. Michael- thanks for accusing me of violating my contract by communicating with other radio stations. Yur accusation was as false as it was revelatory of your version of truth. Care to refute on the air?

[[email protected]]

Absolutely. I’m always up for representing the blather side of any issue...when?

[Scott]

Don't look for that traitor Suits to respond to your challenge. He hides VERY well. He likes to throw out challenges and then run and hide like a typical republican coward.

The right doesn't let articulate left wing proponents on the radio. They can't stand being side by side with someone who is their intellectual better.

[Bryan Suits]

Golly Scott- I have no problem putting anyone who can dwell in the world of fact on my show. I prefer opposing callers to sycophants. I do NOT, however, have the right to bring personal discussions about MY CONTRACT on the air. Besides being a violation, it would be unbelievably narcissistic.
Your crap with me seems to be that, since you disagree with me politically, you feel justified in insulting my time in uniform. Please enjoy My DD214 is a public dicument, as you know.

[[email protected]]

Gosh 'o hemlock, Bryan, you challenged me to come on the air and defend mice elf in the matter of blatherWatch's allegation that you tried to get Mike Siegel's job when you got back from Iraq. When I agreed to come on, you reneged. You complain about the abuse rained down upon you and your silly contracts, but then retreat. If you can't talk about it, shut up about it arready.
In our private emails, you never respond when I ask you substantive questions, or make provocative statements that beg addressing. I'd come on your show and discuss any of our multious differences, as would any number of articulate bloggers & loggers, progressive commentators, liberal elites, rhinestone cowboys, slave bitches, etc. who disagree w/you.

[Bryan Suits]

Michael, you'll have to remind me about which "provocative statements" you're talking about. Why don't you repeat them here?
I'll repeat: I can't discuss my "silly contracts" on the air. It's of no interest to the average listener anyway. So, I apologize for getting your dander up in regard to an on-air refutation. But I can issue a full Sytman and state unequivocally that I have never expressed any interest in Siegel's gig.
If you have anything of interest to discuss about the state of talk radio in Seattle, maybe we'll have you on. For instance?

[[email protected]]

Hey Bryan: My job isn't to pitch you topics, I spend most of my professional time pitching topics. You have a producer, review my emails, read my blog--there are plenty of issues raised that would make meaty talk...read horsesass.org--goldy is great radio and even more liberal and better spoken than me...

[Bryan Suits]

Well...YOU said the provocative statements and unanswered questions were in our private emails...and I can't find them.
Unless "Webb would be glad to see you," is provocative.

[Scott]

Baby Brian I have no trouble with your time in uniform. And once again, since you are just a poser I will explain to you that a DD214 proves you were in, and discharged from, the service. It DOES NOT prove you were the war hero you want to portray yourself to be.

And as typlical of your ilk, you put out a challenge and now you're backing down.

Cowardly, is the only way any objective person could perceive it.

[Bryan Suits]

Scotty,
I don't recall ever portraying myself as anything but a guy who has done his duty and kept his commitments.
Just for giggles, what exactly WOULD prove if someone is a war hero?

[Scott]

Oh Baby Brian you can prove you are a war hero by ACTING like one. Real war heros don't go on the radio and tell wild stories about bombs blowing up in their face. Real war heros don't usually talk about war. Real war heros do their jobs, hate war, love peace and fight for freedom - QUIETLY!

Posers like you thump their chest, put American flags on their pick up trucks and tell war stories hoping that the truth about them is drowned out.

Tell you what Baby Brian, renew your subscription to Soldier of Fortune, spend your Friday nights with the guys at the VFW and hang out with Cub Scouts if you want to regail people with your honor and victory crap. Leave the real discussion of real issues to the rest of us.

[Bryan Suits]

It's the bitterness that fascinates me. You appear to have a problem with the fact that I was a talk show host, who went to his third conflict ( at the age of 39) and returned to his show with a story to tell.
Would you tell Joseph Heller "Stop writing that novel and sell insurance!" (not that I'm comparing).
I went, I led my men, I was wounded, I was decorated. Now i'm back. What the hell else would I talk about? My show is my show I might suggest avoiding KVI and lessening the apparent aggravation. Thanks for telling me all about what real heroes are about.

[Scott]

Hey Baby Brian. I will send this URL to all the KVI advertisers and let them know that the show hosts are advising listeners to tune out.

By the way, I loved that "I went, I led my men, I was wounded, I was decorated." Wasn't that from the movie Patton?

HE HE!

[Bryan Suits]

Threaten away Hee-ROW.
If I allowed every crank to censor my thoughts it would be....cowardly. Wouldn't it? You are the expert at throwing THAT word around.

[Scott]

Baby Brian I am not interested in your thoughts. Your dreams of shooting unarmed innocent women and children in Iraq are of no interest to me. I don't want to "censor" your thoughts. I want to show your advertisers that you are a complete idiot.

[Bryan Suits]

Finally. All about Scott's problem. Stop projecting. (Thanks WebMD!)

[Scott]

WebMD? So you are getting help. That's great. But it's too late to save your cowardly ass!

[AuntTora]

Well do I remember when the change happened. I regularly listened to KVI in the "oldies" days -- one day I got in the car and heard Limbaugh for the first time -- I'd never heard anything remotely like it. I was horrified. I wrote to the station and they wrote back that this fellow was very popular -- eye-opening. Not in a good way. Now I read that Shannon Sweatte was the author of this...this...this coarsening of the airwaves and dumbing of the listening pool? I think we went to high school together. Euw.

[chucks]

Who is that limp dick Scott?
Is he just another radio person who could not get a good gig? Maybe plays records that nobody hears at four AM on the AM radio.
Maybe this should be babelwatch instead.
Sorry Michael, I don't evan know who you are, but I enjoy your sight.
Maybe you and Bryan should go have a beer and get over it. whatever it might be.
And just being a lowly talk radio fan, I do thank Mr Suits for his service. I was a Viet Nam era kid and never had the balls to serve, let alone volunteer.
Chuck

[Daniel Baker]

Ken & John.....The hatchet job you performed on Mike Schreck yesterday was well beneath you. You rush to judgement and assassinate the character of a good person. You claim his story is made up but have no facts to back yourselves up.You claim he has a responsibility to let you know the real facts. I submit he has no responsibility to you. He has given his facts to the sheriff's dept and they are satisfied. Your attempt at making this humorous makes light of the depth of concern his loved ones felt this last weekend.Shame on you. Please exercise the responsibility your position demands.

[sparky]

I am always curious as to why people respond to a two year old thread......

[cowpotpi3]

Chucks...did you find Osama in the cave you dug this thread out of? Jesus...