EARLY RISERS; READERS SOUND OFF ON MORNING RADIO.Byline: Fred Shuster Daily News Staff Writer You see it on the freeway. A driver, obviously tuned into one of our more gaudy and bawdy bawd·y adj. bawd·i·er, bawd·i·est 1. Humorously coarse; risqué. 2. Vulgar; lewd. bawd  i·ly adv. morning radio shows like Howard Stern, Kevin & Bean or Mark &
Brian laughs broadly, notices you noticing and stifles the smile.
Long considered the most intimate of mediums, radio has become almost embarrassing to enjoy in public. But that doesn't stop anyone from tuning in tuning in, v process in which a therapeutic touch practitioner centers himself or herself so as to be aligned with or “in tune” with a healing energy “frequency,” so that the patient may choose to join the practitioner (tune . Morning radio is as much a staple of everyone's day as that first cup of coffee. But did you ever wonder exactly what that person in the next lane was giggling at? You know what your radio is tuned to, but what signals are they receiving? To find out, we asked readers to tell us exactly where their dashboard dial falls during that bleary-eyed daily commute. As part of our informal survey, we asked listeners what they like about their morning show. And we looked at just what segment of the audience the radio station was targeting. Readers chose the usual suspects - Stern, Rick Dees, Bill Handel William Wolf Handel (born 25 August 1951 in Brazil) is a lawyer and radio personality. He hosts a morning program on KFI in Los Angeles, California during weekdays in which he comments on current events. The program is the top rated morning program in the Los Angeles market. , Minyard & Tilden - as well as some we didn't expect, such as Chuck Southcott, who spins show tunes and standards. No matter what the ratings and surveys say, however, there may be a difference between what listeners are looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. in a morning show and what station managers think the audience is craving. ``The listener wants several things - reassurance that the world didn't end while they were sleeping, protection against being embarrassed at work when everyone is talking about some news or cultural event, and assurance that the daily routines of life will not be threatened today by things like a bus strike or bad weather,'' said Dan O'Day, a Los Angeles-based radio programming consultant who has worked with many of the nation's morning shows. Programmers, on the other hand, think listeners crave lots of time checks and weather reports, O'Day said. ``The one thing any morning show is told to do more than anything else is to give out the time a lot,'' he said. Local listeners we talked to didn't mention the time. Instead, they either said they liked to yuk yuk 1 Informal n. 1. An exuberant laugh. 2. One, such as a joke, that causes such a laugh. tr. & intr.v. it up on the way to work or just wanted to be soothed by music. However, some still prefer hearing the cold, hard facts in the morning, tuning in to news or current-affairs programming on KNX-AM (1070), KFWB-AM (980) or a National Public Radio outlet like KCRW-FM (89.9) or KPCC-FM (89.3). Daily News reader Gladys Solomon, a 50ish Woodland Hills real-estate agent Real-Estate Agent A person with a state/provincial license to represent a buyer or a seller in a real-estate transaction in exchange for commission. Most agents work for a real-estate broker or realtor. , for example, wakes up to an all-news station each morning and has definite opinions about other programming on the dial. ``I don't like talk shows,'' she said in no uncertain terms. ``And I really don't like Don Imus John Donald "Don" Imus, Jr. (born July 23, 1940[1]) is an American humorist, philanthropist, writer, radio and television talk show host in the mould of a shock jock. . Howard Stern - don't even mention his name. It's a disgrace. I know about free speech, but there should be a limit. He's a disgrace to the universe!'' Radio entertainment, apparently, is in the ear of the beholder. At any rate, here are many of the most high-profile English-language morning shows, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. either the quarterly ratings or reader suggestions. We've given a glimpse of each show, the target audience, ratings information where available and a quote from a regular listener. HOWARD STERN Where: KLSX-FM (97.1); 3 to 11 a.m. Description: Laughs and bad taste dominate the airwaves as New York-based Stern, with sidekicks Robin Quivers Robin Ophelia Quivers (born August 8, 1952) is an American talk show host and Howard Stern's primary co-host on his morning radio show. Biography Early life Quivers was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Louise, a homemaker, and Charles Quivers, Sr. , Jackie Martling and Fred Norris Eric Fred Norris (born Fred Leo Nukis on July 9, 1955) is an American radio personality on The Howard Stern Show. Norris is a comedic writer, musician and mimic, and has worked with Stern longer than any other staff member. , tackle current events, celebrity gossip and their own failings and lusts. Stern began syndicating to Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. seven years ago when KLOS' Mark & Brian ruled the roost and naysayers predicted the four-hour daily talk fest would never cut it in the Big Orange. They were wrong. Who's listening: Largely males, 25-54, with a smaller female audience. Stern, now heard in almost 40 cities, remains at or near the top of the local morning heap. Quote: ``Sometimes he's almost embarrassing to listen to in public,'' says data-entry clerk Audrey Trombley, 40, of Sylmar. ``I listen at the office and keep it turned down. There are a couple of people that also listen to Stern at the office, but some don't like him at all. I enjoy the interaction between Howard and Robin and Jackie. I know they're doing bits, so I don't take it seriously. Anyone who gets upset over something they've heard on the show must be pretty lame. It's just really funny most of the time.'' KEVIN & BEAN Where: KROQ-FM (106.7); 5:30 to 10 a.m. Description: This fast-talking team mixes it up with modern-rock hits from the likes of Radiohead, Fastball and Everclear but keeps the accent on brash interaction with callers and staff. They've performed such stunts as wakening WAKENING, Scotch law. The revival of an action. 2. An action is said to sleep, when it lies over, not insisted on for a year in which case it is suspended. 4, t. 1, n. 33. With us a revival is by scire facias. (q.v.) up celebrities and sending staffers to buy Christmas trees in faraway places. The duo is famous for a fake murder confession that went haywire a few years ago. Who's listening: Males and females, teens to late 40s. The show is usually in the top 10 of all local morning shows, according to the quarterly Arbitron ratings. Quote: ``I've always loved their crazy features, whiplash whiplash n. a common neck and/or back injury suffered in automobile accidents (particularly from being hit from the rear) in which the head and/or upper back is snapped back and forth suddenly and violently by the impact. dialogue and antics,'' said Tarzana resident Bart Reed, 46, a manufacturing firm president. ``On April Fool's Day April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day, holiday of uncertain origin, known for practical joking and celebrated on the first of April. Prior to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1564, the date was observed as New Year's Day by cultures as , they did this stunt where they had a fake brawl with that singer from Radiohead. Everyone was calling the station thinking the (Radiohead) show at the Universal that night was canceled because of it. Then, Kevin and Bean  This article or section resembles a .Please help [ improve this article] by removing excessive trivia, irrelevant praise and criticism, lists and collections of links that are of . ran apologies all day for what happened in the studio. It all turned out to be a joke.'' JOHN LONDON & THE HOUSE PARTY Where: KKBT-FM (92.3) - the Beat; 5:30 to 10 a.m. Description: Now going on seven years, the show blends urban r&b music with current events, skits, entertainment news and gossip, and live callers. The cast includes a sports reporter, traffic guy, man on the street and a couple of those de rigueur wacky interns. Who's listening: Ethnically mixed. Males and females, 20s to 40s. Always among the top 10 morning shows. Quote: ``They're crazy, funny and totally down with the community,'' said office administrator Therese Miller, 21, of Woodland Hills. ``And they're real.'' BILL HANDEL Where: KFI-AM (640); 5 to 9 a.m. Description: Current events, news and weather, plus newsmaker news·mak·er n. One that is newsworthy. interviews and listener calls. The fast-talking Handel, an attorney who has specialized in fertility issues, isn't shy about giving his loud opinions on everything that comes across his desk. Has been called abrasive - for good reason. Who's listening: Talk on the AM dial tends to attract a slightly older demographic, mid-30s to 60s. The Handel program is a ratings winner, partially because the 9 to 10 a.m. hour on KFI KFI Key from Image KFI Key Facts Illustration (UK financial services) KFI Kraft Foods International KFI Korea Fire Equipment Inspection Corporation KFI Key Frame Interval KFI Kernel Function Instrumentation belongs to ratings powerhouse Rush Limbaugh but is counted as part of the morning show. Quote: ``First of all, he's very clear and enthusiastic,'' said Sally Rosenberg of Northridge, who didn't give her age or occupation. ``He's knowledgeable and covers a lot of different areas every day. I like when he brings his personal life into the talk so you can identify with him.'' MARK & BRIAN Where: KLOS-FM (95.5); 6 to 10 a.m. Description: The longtime local talk 'n' hijinks hi·jinks pl.n. Variant of high jinks. Noun 1. hijinks - noisy and mischievous merrymaking high jinks, high jinx, jinks jollification, merrymaking, conviviality - a boisterous celebration; a merry festivity duo of Mark Thompson and Brian Phelps isn't known for the same mean streak Stern and company employ. These proverbial nice guys have lots of highly placed sources and friends in the business, and the show has been known to break celebrity news. Music, too. Who's listening: The station plays active- or classic-rock the rest of the day, drawing listeners, 25 to 49. The show was No. 1 until Stern came along but still draws a large and loyal audience. Quote: ``They make you laugh - but not at the expense of other people's feelings,'' said Debi Streeter, 44, of Burbank, who didn't give her occupation. ``They joke around about current events, but they're not mean-spirited like so many on the dial. They're gentle, kindhearted kind·heart·ed adj. Having or proceeding from a kind heart. See Synonyms at kind1. kind and caring people, and that's clear from the scholarship fund and all the charity work they do throughout the year. They're definitely involved in the community.'' JIM Jim Miss Watson’s runaway slave; Huck’s traveling companion. [Am. Lit.: Huckleberry Finn] See : Escape CARSON & JONI CARYL Where: KRTH-FM (101.1) - K-EARTH; 5 to 9 a.m. Description: Smooth male-female delivery, lively atmosphere and rock 'n' roll rock 'n' roll: see rock music. oldies Oldies is a generic term commonly used to describe a radio format that usually concentrates on Top 40 music from the '50s, '60s and '70s. Oldies are typically from R&B, pop and rock music genres. interspersed with news, weather, traffic and callers. Who's listening: Oldies and classic-rock stations draw an almost equal number of males and females, 20s to 40s. Another top 10 program. Quote:``They have great punch lines and parody songs of current events that I just think are a riot,'' said North Hills resident Jan Simmons, 45, an orthodontics orthodontics: see dentistry. assistant. ``They have a great rapport with each other. Sometimes I'll listen to KOST because I also adore Mark and Kim, but only if KRTH is playing an oldie old·ie n. Something old, especially a song that was once popular. oldie Noun Informal an old song, film, or person Noun 1. I don't particularly like. KRTH is great. It lets me relive my youth.'' RICK DEES Where: KIIS-FM (102.7) - Kiss; 5:30 to 10 a.m. Description: With regular features like ``Battle of the Sexes'' and straight-from-the-source celebrity dirt, consummate broadcaster Dees and company have maintained a top position on the local dial for more than a decade. The show also features a slick presentation that includes listener calls, sports, news and tunes from the top 40. Who's listening: Pop radio KIIS KIIS Kansai Institute of Information Systems draws just about everybody, male and female, teens to late 40s. The program is usually in the top 10, boasting a gigantic audience. Quote: ``Rick is the greatest,'' said student Chrissi Raymond, 17, of Tarzana. ``I like his spontaneity and his sense of humor Noun 1. sense of humor - the trait of appreciating (and being able to express) the humorous; "she didn't appreciate my humor"; "you can't survive in the army without a sense of humor" sense of humour, humor, humour . The guests he gets are great, too. I listen every morning on my clock radio. I wake up to Rick!'' MINYARD & TILDEN Where: KABC-AM (790); 5 to 9 a.m. Description: Ken Minyard is the mainstay of this show, which has gone through three co-hosts in the last six years. Peter Tilden, who once helmed the KLSX morning show, is known for fast-paced humor and snappy comebacks, making a nice partner for the effectively low-key but versatile Minyard. With news, talk, callers and newsmaker interviews. Who's listening: AM talk targets an older demographic of both sexes, 30s to 60s, but the Minyard & Tilden program manages to draw from the younger end of the market, too. A top 10 show. Quote: ``It's like an intelligent conversation between friends in the morning,'' explains magazine copy editor Carlo Panno, 45, of Tarzana. ``Compared to Stern, there's more of an emphasis on wit than vulgarity. I've been listening to KABC KABC Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children since the mid-'70s. Every so often, Minyard and Tilden will break news. And they get good people in there. It's an all-around classy morning show.'' ``UNCLE'' JOE BENSON Where: KCBS-FM (93.1) - Arrow 93; 6 to 10 a.m. Description: Local radio vet Benson hosted ``The Seventh Day'' for a dozen years each Sunday on crosstown rival KLOS KLOS Kill and Loot on Sight (gaming guild) . The program highlighted a certain artist and era each week, drawing on Uncle Joe's vast knowledge of rock 'n' roll. Now heard on Arrow, Benson mixes music, news and views, drawing an increasing number of fans in the morning hours. Who's listening: Mostly males, with some females, largely early 30s to 50s. Audience is growing. Quote: ``I make it a point to listen, because Joe is one of those people you just automatically associate with rock 'n' roll,'' said laborer Chris Fowler, 26, of Hermosa Beach. ``You trust him and believe in what he says. It's just nice to wake up to him. It's a very entertaining show that's not cluttered with talk. It's funny and informative. I feel like I know the guy.'' DON IMUS Where: KLAC-AM (570); 5 to 9 a.m. Description: Cranky crank·y 1 adj. crank·i·er, crank·i·est 1. Having a bad disposition; peevish. 2. Having eccentric ways; odd. 3. and craggy crag·gy adj. crag·gi·er, crag·gi·est 1. Having crags: craggy terrain. 2. Rugged and uneven: a craggy face. , this syndicated New Yorker goes for a more politically inclined take on Stern's formula. Surrounded by cronies whom he insults with regularity, the I-Man hosts commentators and journalists from the Beltway and sometimes hits below the belt for cheap laughs. The show is simulcast locally at 3 a.m. on cable TV channel MSNBC MSNBC Microsoft/National Broadcasting Company . Who's listening: As he sometimes gripes gripe v. griped, grip·ing, gripes v.intr. 1. Informal To complain naggingly or petulantly; grumble. 2. To have sharp pains in the bowels. v.tr. 1. , Imus is saddled with a Los Angeles outlet that spins adult standards, easy listening and soft pop throughout the day, drawing a much older crowd than he does in other markets. The station target audience is late 30s through 60s. Many locals don't even know Imus is on the air here. Quote: ``I like the Washington angle and the fact he has big-name news people on from TV,'' said financial analyst Neal Ewenstein, 48, of Sherman Oaks. ``I listened to Imus when I lived in New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , and I'm glad he's out here now. He takes a lot of hits from Stern for supposedly copying his shtick shtick also schtick or shtik n. Slang 1. A characteristic attribute, talent, or trait that is helpful in securing recognition or attention: , but actually it's an entirely different type of show. It's smarter, I think.'' JAMIE, FRANK & FROSTY Where: KYSR-FM (98.7) - Star 98; 5 to 10 a.m. Description: Jamie White, Frank Kramer and Frosty Stillwell, who recently came to Star from Denver, travel the shock-jock route more often than not, focusing on sex and Hollywood gossip. Who's listening: The station targets fans of now-defunct adult album alternative  This article or section may deal primarily with the U.S. and may not present a worldwide view. station KSCA KSCA Karnataka State Cricket Association (India)KSCA Kansas Scholastic Chess Association KSCA Kansas School Counselor Association KSCA Knight of the Society for Creative Anachronism (Medieval Recreationists) , spinning soft-rockers like Paula Cole, Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan and Bonnie Raitt. A large female audience aged 20s to 40s tunes in. Quote: ``I like how Jamie is really energizing energizing, adj giving energy to; revitalizing; rejuvenating. ,'' said office worker Kim Farina, 26, of West Hollywood. ``She provides a lift. It's better than coffee because when you first get up, you might be tired or a bit angry or something. Jamie is that strong woman that's been missing from local radio for a long time.'' BIG BOY WITH DJ RAY & SHAUN JUAN Where: KPWR-FM (105.9) - Power 106; 6 to 10 a.m. Description: Hip-hop and urban r&b music sets the mood for this fast-paced and street-smart daily show. The formula has worked in New York where similar shows grab top ratings. This trio work well together. Who's listening: Like KIIS, Power snags multiethnic males and females, teens through 40s. The playlist A file that contains an index to a selected group of music files on the computer. Using digital jukebox software such as iTunes and Winamp, playlists are created by the user by dragging and dropping titles from a master index. The software may be able to create a playlist automatically. includes Puff Daddy, Janet Jackson, K-Ci & JoJo and Mary J. Blige. Big audience. Quote: Juan Villabose, 25, a Los Angeles warehouse worker, says he listened to Power's Baka Boyz duo in mornings before Big Boy and crew took over. He adds that the current show ``is down on regular people's levels. It's energetic and gets me going. The hosts are quick and witty, and it's funny.'' PAUL CROSSWHITE Where: KTWV-FM (94.7) - the Wave; 5:30 to 9 a.m. Description: Erudite er·u·dite adj. Characterized by erudition; learned. See Synonyms at learned. [Middle English erudit, from Latin host and former newsman Crosswhite is a low-key and classy morning voice. Peppering his program with the smooth jazz the station is noted for, he can be heard throughout the city in shops, banks and offices. Who's listening: The smooth jazz format draws an older, professional audience, late 20s to 50s. Quote: ``I like his sense of humor,'' said computer repair supervisor Frank Rodriquez, 30, who commutes from East Los Angeles East Los Angeles, uninc. city (1990 pop. 126,379), Los Angeles co., S Calif., a residential suburb of Los Angeles, in an industrial area. It has a large Mexican-American population. There is a performing arts center and a cultural center. A junior college is there. to Calabasas each day. ``He'll talk about serious things, but other times he'll talk about funny stuff. He gets these lists out of the newspapers of doctors that have been disciplined. It's so funny when he and his traffic reporter go back and forth about these doctors who have done these strange things to patients. Even though it's a serious topic and Paul is having fun with it, it's information that's good to know. I don't want to hear a show first thing in the morning that has too much talking or gets too crazy. Paul doesn't go on and on about things. He says what he has to say and moves on. The music is relaxing and comforting. Paul is like a good friend.'' MARK WALLENGREN & KIM AMIDON Where: KOST-FM (103.5) - Coast; 6 to 10 a.m. Description: Soft love songs and all the morning-show trimmings make this a perennial in offices, stores and restaurants throughout the city. Who's listening: Largely female, 20s to 50s. Quote: ``I've been listening for seven years,'' said Jack Pike, 51, director of emergency services emergency services Emergency care '…services …necessary to prevent death or serious impairment of health and, because of the danger to life or health, require the use of the most accessible hospital available and equipped to furnish those services' for the Red Cross in Glendale. ``I like the fact that they're not the typical morning-drive team. They seem to have fun with each other. They'll talk about issues but not overdo it. It's just a great show. KOST is about the only station I listen to other than country. Even when one's not there, the other holds my attention.'' CHUCK SOUTHCOTT Where: KGIL-AM (1260); 7 to 9 a.m. Description: Show tunes, pops, standards, light jazz and current soft-pop favorites keep listeners tuning in. Not so much a nostalgia trip but an attempt to offer a real alternative to the fare on the rest of the dial. Who's listening: Pops stations target an older, professional audience, 30s to 60s. Quote: ``It's a bit of everything, including the music from `Titanic' and show tunes,'' said housewife Jaclyn Sargent of Winnetka, who declined to give her age. ``I'm in a chorus, so it's nice to hear some of the same music we do. Chuck has a nice, warm personality. I've meant to write him a note and tell him that. Sometimes I like a little talk, and he'll tell about when a song was recorded and the history of the music.'' Another Daily News reader and Southcott fan, Los Angeles administrative assistant Marta Lee, 52, agreed: ``It's not just the classic Broadway tunes, but newer music of the same genre with great arrangements. Chuck knows the industry backwards and forwards, and I love his anecdotes. The show is kind of warm and fuzzy.'' CAPTION(S): 20 Photos, Drawing Photo: (1--Cover--Color) LOOK WHO'S LISTENING Readers get behind their favorite morning radio shows Photo Illustration by Lori Valesko/Daily News (2) HOWARD STERN (3) KEVIN & BEAN (4) JOHN LONDON & THE HOUSE PARTY (5) BILL HANDEL (6--7) MARK & BRYAN (8--9) JIM CARSON & JONI CARYL (10) RICK DEES (11) MINYARD & TILDEN (12) ``UNCLE'' JOE BENSON (13) DON IMUS (14--16) JAMIE, FRANK & FROSTY (17) BIG BOY WITH DJ RAY & SHAUN JUAN (18) PAUL CROSSWHITE (19) MARK WALLENGREN & KIM AMIDON (20) CHUCK SOUTHCOTT Drawing: no caption (Dashboard radio) Jon Gerung/Daily News |
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