Sad news out of Santa Fe, New Mexico this evening: legendary broadcaster Larry Lujack has passed away at age 73. Larry had been battling esophageal cancer for the last year and was in hospice care at the time of his death.

Larry is best known for his work at Chicago’s WLS-AM 890 and WCFL-AM 1000 during the 1970s and 80s. He is generally regarded as one of radio’s all-time greatest talents. As a kid growing up in Minnesota, I would routinely wake up before sunrise so that I could hear him on WLS. His voice and sarcastic “real life” style were one-of-a-kind. Guys like “Uncle Lar” just don’t exist in radio anymore.

Larry Lujack: 1940-2013 R.I.P, Superjock. You were truly deserving of the title and a hell of an influence on this young aspiring broadcaster.

Today, a Twin Cities radio legend hung up his headphones.

I remember being 9 years old in the summer of 1973, eagerly tuning the dial on my new Wards Airline 6 Band portable and soaking up every station I could hear. As I approached the right end of the dial, I noticed something new and glorious: ROCK MUSIC on KSTP! Formerly a stodgy adult station that my father listened to when there was a ball game on WCCO, they were now playing “Shambala” by Three Dog Night and calling themselves “15 KSTP, The Muuuuuuuuuusic Station!” The new morning guy called himself Chuck Knapp. Said he was from Fergus Falls. Instantly, I was hooked.

Fast-forward to the next decade: I am now in high school and Chuck Knapp is now on the FM side of the building, teamed with a guy by the name of “Donuts.” Like most teenage guys of the time, I was into Judas Priest, AC/DC, Ozzy, Van Halen, etc. None of which was played on KS95. But I listened to them anyway. Why? Because they were good. Damn good.

Later, after I had moved away and was on the radio myself, I’d occasionally get a tape of “The Knapper and the Pastor” on KTIS. Even though I wasn’t much into Christian radio, I’d listen to every cassette I could get my hands on. Why? Because they were good. Damn good.

Most recently, I had the chance to listen to Chuck and Jon on BOB 106 on several occasions. Still solid, still a class act all the way around. The signal was scratchy and sometimes hard to hear in East Bloomington. But I’d listen anyway because they were good. Damn good.

Congratulations on nearly 40 years in Twin Cities radio. That in itself is an amazing accomplishment. You “made this turkey fly”, taking KSTP-AM from near last place to #2 in a few short months. Then, you transformed the FM from an automated jukebox to one of the premiere AC stations in the country. At KTIS, you brought Christian radio to countless thousands of people who otherwise wouldn’t have given it a chance. You were a major influence on countless kids such as myself. One of the guys who made us say “When I grow up, I’m going to be on the radio, just like him!”

Enjoy your retirement, Chuck. You’re earned it well. Thanks again for all the great radio moments and memories.

Sad news out of Western Wisconsin and the Twin Cities: Michael W. Wegner of Osceola, also known as Michael J. ‘Donuts’ Douglas has left us. His was a household name in Minneapolis/St. Paul radio during the 1970s and 80s. I first heard Michael J. when I was about 9 or 10 years old. He was doing news for KDWB-AM 630 (‘KDWB/63.’) Later, he was part of the infamous U100 (WYOO), “the Boogie Station.” At U100, Michael J. did news and co-hosted mornings: first with Jerry St. James, then with Rob Sherwood. However, Michael J. Douglas was best known as “Donuts”, half of the incredibly successful “Knapp and Donuts” morning show on KSTP-FM 94.5 (KS95) in the early and mid-1980s.

Obituary and funeral service information can be found here. Visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00PM on Sunday, April 28th at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Osceola, Wisconin.

The initial death announcement to the Twin Cities broadcasting community and many comments from friends/coworkers can be seen on Chuck Knapp’s Facebook page:

Several airchecks of Michael J. Douglas can be heard on my friend Tom Gavaras’ excellent website RadioTapes.com:

I was never fortunate enough to work with Michael J. But everyone who has says he was one of the “good guys” with a big heart. R.I.P, Michael J. Douglas. Radio Heaven has just gained another fine broadcaster.

I read an article over the weekend and it’s taken a few days to sink in. Radio Ink Magazine has reported on three automotive industry representatives who appeared at a conference last week. One of their statements attracted immediate attention, followed by shock waves throughout the broadcasting industry:

“AM and FM are being eliminated from the dash of two car companies within two years and will be eliminated from the dash of all cars within five years.”

Think about this for a minute: the car radio…that faithful friend, essential to every ride most of us have ever owned, is being DISCONTINUED. Eliminated from the dashboard. No longer available. Extinct. No longer relevant. There really isn’t any “nice” way to put this. Radio as we know it will not be offered in new vehicles, beginning in just two years.

In fairness, you can’t really blame the car companies. Their research has shown that younger people just don’t use radio anymore. If they want to hear music, they have Pandora and Spotify. “Radio” to them means online streaming services such as iHeart Radio or TuneIn. There’s an app for that. We’re not just talking about misguided kids here. The harsh reality is this: most people under 40 no longer consider radio to be a primary entertainment or information source.

This is a big deal, friends. Many consider in-car listening to be radio’s last stand for dominance. Once it’s gone, then what? Does the industry survive, or does analog terrestrial radio go the way of the telegraph keys and spark-gap transmitters that came before it?

Your thoughts?

Rich Hawk, legendary PD of KILO-FM 94.3 (originally on 93.9) in Colorado Springs has died. This follows his lapse into a coma, back on February 19. His career with the station spanned 30 years, beginning in 1976 when it was known as KPIK. Rich retired in 2006. During his tenure, KILO became known as one of the premiere Active Rock stations in the U.S. He served as Program Director of KILO for 27 years.

I never had the pleasure to meet Rich. However, I very much admired his work and listened to his radio station whenever I was within range. My first radio job was in Burlington, Colorado, back in 1983. Although this was outside KILO’s coverage range, the station was available via the local cable TV system. I always thought KILO’s “sound” was superior to all three of Denver’s AOR outlets: KAZY, KBCO, and KBPI.

KILO was and is a very special radio station, as evidenced by it’s long heritage and track record of success in the Colorado Springs/Pueblo market. Much of this is directly attributable to Rich and his programming skills.

Richard D. Hawk was 59 years old.

BREAKING NEWS: Jim Ingstad’s Radio Fargo Moorhead of Fargo, North Dakota has been sold to Duke Wright’s Midwest Communications, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This deal includes all 6 Radio Fargo Moorhead stations:

KVOX-AM 740 Fargo, ND (740 The Fan)
KFGO-AM 790 Fargo, ND (The Mighty 790)
WDAY-FM 93.7 Fargo, ND (Y94 #1 Hit Music)
KBVB-FM 95.1 Barnesville, MN (Bob 95FM New Country)
KRWK-FM 101.9 Fargo, ND (101.9 Talk FM)
KMJO-FM 104.7 Hope, ND (104.7 Popster FM)

Terms of the sale were not immediately disclosed. More information later as it becomes available.

Most of you are aware of Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day, taking place at restaurants across the country today. Organized by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, it’s a response those who are trying to ban Chick-Fil-A from certain cities, due to their stance against gay marriage. Early reports show Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day to be a success. Photos show large lines snaking around the restaurants and traffic jams in the immediate vicinity as people try to get in for chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.

I’m curious: how is Christian radio handling this issue in your area? Are they outwardly supportive of Chick-Fil-A and it’s CEO Dan Cathy. Or, are they largely keeping out of the controversy, due to concern about offending sponsors and potential advertisers? Would love to hear your comments.

Shocker of the day: morning man Tony Fly has walked out the door after 11 years with Minneapolis/St. Paul’s 96.3, currently known as K-TWIN. The station is owned by Northern Lights Broadcasting, owned by the Pohlad family. Prior to this, he spent 9 years in nights and then afternoons as Tone E. Fly across town on Clear Channel’s KDWB-FM 101.3. At this time, Tony’s future plans are unknown.

Comment: I began working at another station in the Twin Cities shortly after Tone E. Fly took over nights on KDWB. Having listened to him often, I can say the guy was an AMAZING talent on CHR nights. His phones were flawless. Always ran a tight board. His energy and creativity was incredible. One of the best evening jocks ever heard in this market. I have no doubt he’ll land somewhere before too long.

The radio landscape just got a whole lot more interesting in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Duke Wright’s Midwest Communications has agreed to acquire KELO-AM 1320, KELO-FM 92.5, KSQB-FM 95.7, KXQL-FM 107.9, KRRO-FM 103.7, KTWB-FM 101.9 and KWSN-AM 1230 from Backyard Broadcasting.

Midwest Communications currently owns 47 stations throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. So, their purchase of the Backyard stations represents their first acquisition in South Dakota as well as their most western properties.

What makes this especially intriguing is that the other major radio group in Sioux Falls also has new owners. Townsquare Media is in the process of assuming control of the Cumulus/Results Radio stations in that market. This transaction was consummated a few months ago. Townsquare is expected to take control of the cluster in August, 2012.

South Dakota’s largest radio market will soon be largely controlled by two operators who are both new to the market. To say this will be fun to watch and listen to would be an understatement!

Comment: If I were to put my magic Armchair PD/OM/GM hat on for a moment, I might be inclined to move Country KTWB from 101.9 to the more powerful 92.5 signal which is currently home to Lite AC KELO-FM. Then, move the KELO-FM calls to 101.9 as an FM simulcast for News/Talker KELO-AM. This would give KELO AM/FM parity with rival N/T KSOO. It would also put the very sellable Country format on what is by far the biggest FM stick in town. (92.5 is a full Class C: 100kW at 1,821 feet HAAT.)

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the wildfires in the Colorado Springs area. KRDO AM/FM is providing continuous news coverage and information via this link:

Former Fleetwood Mac member and solo artist Bob Welch has died of a self-inflicted gun wound. According to Nashville, Tennessee police spokesman Don Aaron, Welch was found dead with a chest wound by his wife at their home at around 12:15PM local time on Thursday, June 7.

In addition to being a guitarist and vocalist for Fleetwood Mac in the early 1970s, Bob Welch was a prominent solo artist during the second part of the decade. He had three big Top 40 radio hits: “Sentimental Lady” (1977), “Ebony Eyes” (1978), and “Precious Love” (1979.) Former band members Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham did the backing vocals on “Sentimental Lady.”

According to police, Welch had been suffering from health issues recently. A suicide note was left at the scene. Bob Welch was 65 years old.

If you lived in Southern California during the 1980s, you no doubt remember ‘The Mighty 690’ as the place to tune for the hottest hits! This station was one of America’s last big Top 40 AM outlets, ruling the airwaves with the latest tunes, exciting contests, and strong air personalities.

Technically, ‘The Mighty 690’ was XETRA-AM 690 from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. As a Mexican station, it was licensed to run 50,000 watts both day and night. This high power output coupled with it’s low dial position and highly-conductive signal path across the salty waters of the Pacific Ocean allowed ‘The Mighty 690’ to cover not only San Diego but also Los Angeles with the signal strength of a local station! The station’s jingles identified as “The Mighty 690, Southern California” or “The Mighty 690, Los Angeles.” Yolanda Salas voiced the Mexican Legal ID which was announced once per hour in Spanish, as required. But the programming was in English, as were the leasees of the station. (Mexican law prohibits non-citizens from owning radio stations.)

As contemporary music listeners gravitated to FM, ‘The Mighty 690’ saw it’s audience gradually drop off. The format segued to Oldies as “69 XTRA Gold”, then “XTRA Sports.” Today, this station is known as XEWW-AM 690 with the moniker “W Radio.” Everyone assumed ‘The Mighty 690’ was buried and gone forever.

Enter Chris Torrick. Chris worked as an intern at ‘The Mighty 690.” He had a dream to bring back this legendary station via the Internet. Chris’ dream has become reality as TheMighty690.com. This is not just another soulless 80s music jukebox, the likes of which are littered all across the Internet. Rather, TheMighty690.com is an authentic recreation of XETRA as it was during it’s existence as a high-energy contemporary hit radio station in Southern California. The music, the imaging, the Spanish Legal ID, even some of the original ‘Mighty 690’ DJs are all part of the presentation. Give it a listen online when you have the chance and let Chris know what you think.

The geeks here at Drew’s Radio Site give TheMighty690.com a big thumbs-up for bringing back FUN RADIO the way it used to be…the way it should be!

“Clutter free, The Mighty 690…dot com!”