Internet is keeping some programs alive
Radio dial
by
Lynn Arave
Internet-only programs are keeping some shows alive that otherwise would be silenced and it is boosting others to greater heights.
For example, the "Horse Talk" show, which started in May 2006, airs on Park City's KPCW (FM-88.1/91.9) Saturday mornings, 10-11 a.m. A very popular show, it can't be heard outside the Park City area, because the radio signal doesn't extend very far. However, it can still be accessed through the Internet at www.horsetalkwithjen.com or www.kpcw.org (click on the "Horse Talk" link).
"Horse Talk," hosted by Jennie Hegeman and Dr. Charmian Wright, an equine veterinarian, is one of those speciality shows that has a significant audience, but it could be much bigger if sister station KCPW in Salt Lake City carried it too.
The show offers interviews and takes caller questions. And you don't even need to own a horse to like the show. For example, one recent broadcast examined the significance of the horse to the Sioux Indians.
• WHERE ARE THEY NOW? — Ever wonder what happened to some local DJs? Here's an update on two:
—"Mister West," the former KENZ ("The End," FM-101.9) morning personality, now works for the Deseret Morning News as an assistant city editor.
"It was the last thing in the world I expected," Mister said of his dismissal after more than eight years at KENZ.
The show had been consistently in the top five of the 25 morning shows in the market.
"They negotiated with Chunga and he signed a new deal," Mister said. "I was fully intending to receive a contract offer when my general manager sat me down and told me that morning's show had been my last. They offered no severance; just had someone escort me from the building. I was shocked. He refused to give me any reason for the decision other than to say it was nothing I had or hadn't done. It wasn't until days later that I learned from others that Chunga had insisted on the change as part of his contract talks."
Mister said he has no idea why this happened, as the two had worked together well for more than 15 years and he considered him a friend.
"Chunga is easily the funniest person I've ever met. My job was to make him and the show better, and I know I helped do that."
Citadel Broadcasting, the owner of KENZ, had no comment on Mister's dismissal, because it is company policy not to discuss personnel issues. Because of that corporate policy, neither Chunga nor the station manager would comment.
Recent comments
Here's a quick shout out to Mister West, you are still missed...
Missin' Mister Still | June 27, 2008 at 11:15 a.m.
I thought I would leave my two cents. I was a former intern for...
Former Intern | June 25, 2008 at 7:54 p.m.
disappeared; there one day, gone the next. And of course there was...
I remember the day Mister..... | June 6, 2008 at 6:45 a.m.
