Laura Schlessinger’s syndicated show will leave Los Angeles-based KFI-AM for KFWB-AM on September 8. The change will usher in a new era for KFWB-AM which has been known for its “all news, all the time” motto, and “You give us 22 minutes, we’ll give you the world” promotional phrases.
According to the KFWB-AM website Schlessinger will keep the same broadcast hours between Noon and 3:00 p.m.
For the past several years KFWB-AM has languished in the pool of Los Angeles-radio ratings, in part because it’s 5000-watts; underpowered when compared to KNX-AM and KFI-AM, which each broadcast a 50,000-watt signal. KFI-AM booms into the Inland Empire as if it were a local station, KNX-AM shares a similar luxury. KFWB’s signal is difficult to hear clearly in many parts of Riverside and San Bernardino.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger started at KFI-AM as an overnight talk host discussing personal problems and offering advice. By the early 1990’s she was promoted to the daytime slot following Rush Limbaugh. By the late 90’s her show had grown in popularity, she was writing books, and her radio show was syndicated nationally. For a time her nationally-syndicated program originated from inside KFI’s studios, before it became apparent her radio empire would need its own space. (Disclosure, this reporter worked at KFI-AM during the above-mentioned time.)
CBS owns both KNX-AM and KFWB-AM. The addition of Schlessinger will begin to give the two radio stations much-needed-and-separate identities.
Schlessinger’s syndication switch to KFWB-AM was undoubtedly about money, as are nearly all things in radio. But according to the Los Angeles Times Schlessinger will contribute commentary and other content during the broadcast day.
KFI-AM is going to use host Bill Handel to fill part of Schlessinger’s time, and start the its afternoon program with Jon Kobylt and Ken Champeau an hour earlier, according to one source.
KFI-AM is owned by Clear Channel, which also owns KGGI-FM in Riverside.
–posted at 6:06 p.m. by C. Fiegener
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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September 16th, 2009 at 5:28 am
Thank you for the mention…but it is important that facts be accurate. My KFI program has been #1 in the time slot from noon to three in Los Angeles for almost two decades. The August PPM ratings indicated that my show on KFI was three times the ratings of Hannity on KABC.
I am very exciting to help Laura Ingraham and Roger Hedgecock bring KFWB to #1 in the LA market. I love a challenge…I’m always looking for another mountain to climb!
It is sad that some folks want to deliberately misrepresent truths. I don’t. Warmly, Dr. Laura Schlessinger