KREM/Spokane TV & Radio Managers field live calls, 1980

   December 29, 2025

KREM-TV General Manager, the late Irwin Starr and KREM AM/FM Station Manager Tom Long respond to live calls during this Sunday morning public affairs show hosted by Alex Wood.  Simulcast on KREM-AM and FM, the tape below covers the first 90 minutes of a two hour show, and offers candid insights into the programming of the KING Broadcasting facilities in Spokane in 1980.

There is a bit of double audio at the beginning but it clears up quickly.

Runtime:  1:28:50

 

 

 

Sam Lawson

Student engineer at pioneer Nathan Hale radio station KNH 1210 in 1970 (prior to KNHC). Also attended North Seattle Community College and L.H. Bates in Tacoma (KTOY-FM). Sam’s career began as a KJR request line operator in 1970, with his first on-air job at KRKO in 1972. In 1976 he segued to overnights at KTAC as Cory Landon, then weekends at KING. In 1978 he moved to Lewiston, Idaho for afternoons on KOZE and KRLC. Throughout the ‘80s he was an announcer and/or engineer at "the best mix and biggest variety" of Spokane radio stations; including 97KREM, KZUN, KGA, KKER (The Sam & Pam Show), KZZU, PD of KJRB, 98 KISS-FM, and the voice of KAYU-TV. In 1989 he moved to Los Angeles as Assistant Chief Engineer and weekends at KZLA/KLAC. Also engineered for KBIG, KFI, Premiere Radio Networks, CBS Radio, and others. "After avoiding any actual work for nearly 45 years, now happily retired and very appreciatively back in the great Pacific Northwest!" ---Click here for other Sam Lawson articles ---and here for Sam Lawson airchecks

2 thoughts on “KREM/Spokane TV & Radio Managers field live calls, 1980”

  1. Real Talk Radio

    December 29, 2025 at QZVX

    Jason Remington says:

    Listener calls! Participation is important in “talk” radio.

    Reply

  2. AT&T Calls

    December 29, 2025 at QZVX

    JASON REMINGTON says:

    35 cents a minute! Back in the days when toll-free numbers were a big deal. Good call by the listener.

    Reply

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