New KMGI Features Favorites Of The Past

March 17, 1985
Our newest radio station is, by request, a 24-hour jukebox.
The new KMGI, at 107.7 mHz., began regular broadcasting last weekend after a week of unannounced trial runs.

At this point, the new “Magic 108” might best be described by what it’s not. It’s not oldies. It’s not strictly adult contemporary.

The station describes it as “Favorite music of the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s.” Other oft-repeated station slogans: “Twelve in a row …” and “45 minutes of continuous music.”

Rob Conrad, program director, said the format is the result of extensive testing by the Research Group. All music played on the new station “tested well” with 35-year-old persons. Conrad said the format has a flowing, forward design. No time is wasted telling you the performers’ names or song titles.

The station is using a new antenna and transmitter on the old KRAB tower on Cougar Mountain. The station has authority to increase to the standard FM power level, 100,000 watts, and will do so soon, Conrad said.

Mick Jagger says hello

ABC Rock Radio and The Source, lifestyle radio networks, wouldn’t think of carrying a President Reagan press conference or a Caspar Weinberger defense briefing, but they have been diligent about lining up nationwide rock-musician press conferences and album parties.

It’s not unreasonable, I guess, if music is your life, to devote 90 minutes to one of the industry’s movers and shakers. Thus KZOK is presenting “the first and only radio interview” by Mick Jagger _ to promote his new solo album, “She’s the Boss.” The interview is to be conducted in New York City and broadcast at 7 p.m.

Thursday to Source affiliates. The 90-minute feature will include playing of “She’s the Boss” in its entirety.

A weekly outlet, daily

Two reporters from KPLU, 88.5 mHz., will work out of offices at The Weekly, in downtown Seattle, under a new agreement between the Tacoma public-radio station and the Seattle weekly.

The station expects to follow more stories out of Seattle with Larry Altose and Michael Sullivan producing and editing stories here and transmitting them to KPLU studios in Tacoma.

Commentaries, reports and features utilizing members of The Weekly’s staff also are planned.

Twisting the dial

Jack Morton, former KVI personality, returns to the air Monday with his afternoon “Commute Club” on KRPM, Tacoma country-music station. Also dur Monday on KRPM, a new morning personality, Ken Speck, from Indianapolis … “The Bud Young Show,” a new weekly jazz segment, has been added from 8 to midnight Wednesdays on KBCS, 91.3 mHz. Bud Young, proprietor of a record store specializing in jazz, promises fare including new jazz releases and vintage recordings….

Now it’s just Robert O’Brien on KKMI, 95.7. He’s the last of the “name personalities,” holding down the morning-drive show until new owners assemble a whole new air staff . . . Today’s edition of “Homegrown,” at 9 p.m. on KEZX, 98.9 mHz., features a half hour of “local musicians never before heard on the air.”… “The Dick Clark National Music Survey,” distributed by the Mutual Radio Network, has been added to KJR’s weekend, 8 to 11 p.m. Sundays…. The Rev. William Treacy, pastor of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Stanwood, is host of a weekly 15-minute Vespers program, at 9:05 p.m. Sundays on KCIS, 630 kHz…. Ken Dennis, previously with KSFO-KYA, San Francisco, has been named director of programming research and development for King Broadcasting Co…. Mike Dewey, from KOGO, San Diego, is new afternoon news anchor, with Deb Henry, on KING-AM, 1090 kHz….

Sparky Taft, former general manager of KRKO, Everett, is the new “executive consultant” to KKFX. In temporary offices at The Paramount, the station likely will be acquired from bankruptcy receivership by new owners. One set of prospective owners are investors in West Coast Theater Co., which operates The Paramount.