Those of us who receive the regular newsletter from Hubbard Radio’s nostalgia/oldies 880 KIXI were likely surprised to be presented with this survey. The COVID-19 pandemic & it’s resulting devastation to ad revenues that support commercial radio & TV have had a major effect on broadcasters. While some have gone off air for good, others have filed for temporary “Silent STA” authority, there are others who are trying to think ‘outside the box’ to find a way to remain on air & sustainable. While I question whether Hubbard Radio is in dire financial consequences considering the money they’ve spent converting one of their AM’s to all-digital in addition to a number of new hirings in some markets, I do acknowledge that operation of AM stations currently is hardly a break-even occurrence. Perhaps this will be a considered financial model in future for AM stations with unique formats that are narrow-cast appeal serving a small, dedicated group of listeners. If you are a KIXI listener, would you consider contributing financial support to sustain a commercial-free oldies/adult standards/old-time radio station?
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July 10, 2020 at QZVX
Steven Smith says:
Not a KIXI listener. But I do not donate to radio or TV. They make or break it on their own. A far cry from the days of Wally Nelskog doing very well with his combo…AM only 1kw at 910. But I do know times have changed.
July 10, 2020 at QZVX
DT says:
I don’t think an ad-free KIXI would work.
July 10, 2020 at QZVX
Dick Ellingson says:
Mike, did you take the survey? Was that the only question? How many people get the newsletter?
July 11, 2020 at QZVX
Mike Cherry says:
Dick – no I haven’t done the survey & am not sure I am planning to. I have no intention of becoming a paid supporter of KIXI so likely won’t bother. KIXI is but a shadow of the once great radio station it once was – a hard-drive spitting out liners & the top 2000 MOR/chicken rock oldies & a few syndicated shows.. KIXI once had fabulous on-air personalities & presence & a large library with some interesting obscurities & rarities. Dan Murphy getting the boot was the final straw for me. I once listened to KIXI a lot but now don’t listen at all unless to sample the station for purposes of blogging/writing up news. There’s plenty of good , free sources of music from the past 60-70 years, sources of old-time radio shows & podcasts/on-demand listening of the syndicated shows they carry. If KIXI is such a financial drain on Hubbard, they should just shut down & turn in the license. Here’s a link to the survey for those interested:
https://kixi.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8c0d2903404a04cfa28c93813&id=4a348e4f65&e=4ecd01eb1c
July 11, 2020 at QZVX
Dick Ellingson says:
Thanks for the link. I did the survey, Mike, and answered the essay question as follows:
“Dump all your current programming and go to live jocks 24/7. Allow anyone from about 12 years of age onward to pay $1 an hour to d.j. (maximum 4 hours per week, no more than two hours with same music genre). No more than “two-songs-in-a-row” with fun patter and live commercials. Any kind of music the d.j. wants.”
I also offered to make a contribution of $0.00.
If I get an answer, I’ll let you know. Feel free to breathe in the meantime.
July 11, 2020 at QZVX
Edgar Bennett says:
More bad news. At the end of the month, Dick Clarks Rock, Roll and remember will no longer be heard. United Stations has decided to discontinue it. I hope they replace it with “live from the 60,s with the real Don Steele or Wolfman Jack?
July 11, 2020 at QZVX
Dick Ellingson says:
Mike, my feelings exactly about finding everything they played presented elsewhere, better and ad-free.
But I hadn’t heard that Dan had been fired. The last human to broadcast on KIXI and a nice guy. When did he get it?
And to think that the repulsive John Trash has 25 hours a week . ?? Wha’ the?? I wonder if it’s a barter. Nobody would pay for that $#&#!
July 11, 2020 at QZVX
Steven Smith says:
Dick….it was big of you to match my donation to Kixi.
July 11, 2020 at QZVX
Dick Ellingson says:
Hey Steve, you stepped up and I was inspired. I was going to double your donation but I didn’t want to be a showoff.
July 13, 2020 at QZVX
Jackson Weaver says:
It seems to me that for donation radio to work you need 1) unserved audience 2) highly local 3) a hell of a contribution system and 4) a solid well known non-profit. Look at what KNKX OR KEXP go thru. We did a gay radio format in Palm Springs that worked ok (KGAY 106.5) but most of the revenue was commercial not donations. Will be an interesting exercise for Hubbard. Good luck….