B’wana Johnny buckles under pressure; Spokane’s monster talent moves to KJR; and other news from 1969

May 1969-
Harry Wappler executive assistant to Lloyd Cooney replaces Bob Hale as KIRO 7 weathercaster. No doodling. The colored markers were packed up when Hale left the building. Bob Cram still paints the weather picture at KING 5. Over at KOMO 4, Hayhead Ray Ramsey has lots to say about the weather, no time for arts and crafts.

Charlie Burd takes over the all-niter at KOMO AM 1000, Larry Nelson moves to afternoon drive-time, replacing Buddy Webber who moves to a cubicle in the sales department at KOMO. Burd, who lives in Puyallup, comes to KOMO from KGY/Olympia. Previous to that, he worked at KMO 1360/Tacoma.

John B. Hughes, KXA 0 News Director says he will resign at the end of the month.

As B’wana Johnny leaves KJR, we find that his real name is Dick Johnson, he is 5ft-5inches tall (short?) and weighs 300 pounds. B’wana moves to KYA/San Francisco. Dick Johnson’s star shines bright. On the other hand, Johnson was uncomfortable in the morning drive slot and under pressure due to constant comparisons to Lan Roberts, who had left KJR for KOL.

Station Manager Gary Desharnair, Program Director John Hayden and News Director Ron DeHart are getting Bellingham’s newest radio station off the ground–at the top of the Bellingham Hotel.

June 27, 1969 – Federal Way
A new Chevrolet dealership has it’s “grand opening.” Federal Way Chevrolet is operated by Dick Balch.

July 1969 – Lee Smith transfers from KJRB/Spokane to the mother ship, 95 KJR/Seattle. Pat O’Day refers to Smith as a “monster talent.” Smith is the fourth transfer from KJRB to KJR, following Gary Taylor, PD at KJR, Norm Gregory and Gary Shannon, evening and late-night personalities.