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SAUNDERS: After intent signaled, Fan set to flip switch

Dusty Saunders, Special to the Rocky

Published May 18, 2008 at 8:08 p.m.

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The Fan will say goodbye Friday to most out-of- state fans when KKFN drops its simulcast on 950 AM.

The outlet will be heard only on 104.3 FM, centered in the Denver area.

That "Denver area" reference is important, because the FM signal cannot be heard in parts of the state where the 950 AM radio signal is strong.

Thus, most listeners in the Fort Collins and Colorado Springs areas, and points east and west of Denver, won't have access to the FM signal.

(Streaming audio of programming will be available on the station's Web site.)

Such a situation isn't a "goof" by the Lincoln Financial Group, owners of KKFN and three other Denver radio outlets.

The company determined that a strong, clear local FM signal would benefit core listeners and advertisers.

Bob Call, local vice president and general manager of the Lincoln group, admits the change will be painful for many loyal listeners, including some who live in Wyoming and Kansas.

"I've already received letters and e-mails from unhappy folks in the eastern part of the state," Call said.

But Call contends the loss of this listener base will be offset by the local FM signal, which will provide a growing core audience that will please advertisers.

So what will happen Friday on 950 AM? Nothing.

The station - third oldest in Colorado (originally KFEL) and known later as a major rock outlet (KIMN) - will air only ongoing announcements by on- air personnel about the change.

Talk about the waste of an important frequency.

The station could at least provide a bit of entertainment - an audiotape of Joe Williams singing country songs, Alfred Williams laughing or Mike Evans talking about his hair restoration program.

Or how about a compilation of voices from callers who continually ask that vital sports question: "How you guys doin' today?"

Call is uncertain how long nonprogramming will exist on 950 AM.

Lincoln Financial also operates KPEN-AM (1600), the home of ESPN Radio - a station with a weak signal, particularly at night.

Thus, logic would dictate an automatic move of ESPN to 950 AM.

But Call says such a switch involves contractual issues.

"Hopefully, things can be worked out for ESPN Radio to move to 950 AM."

NOT A BOLD MOVE: Don't look for live coverage of the famed Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day (May 26).

Race executives announced two months ago that the morning event, broadcast live on CBS 4 since 1982, would be aired in a condensed, two-hour taped format at 8:30 p.m. on FSN Rocky Mountain.

The race, a victim of broadcasting's economic squeezes, previously aired live for four hours, followed by a taped recap in the evening.

Through the years, the coverage produced numerous Emmy Awards for the CBS-owned station.

Race director Cliff Bosley said the TV coverage format was changed because of "several complicated reasons."

Walt DeHaven, vice president of CBS 4, noted the Bolder Boulder was expensive to produce, adding, "It didn't provide a lot of revenue for us."

DeHaven believes such race coverage is better suited for a local sports network in today's TV environment.

FSN Rocky Mountain will air a half-hour preview show at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

REMEMBERING A HERO: At first glance, it seems unusual that a profile of the late Roberto Clemente would air on American Experience, a public television documentary series.

But the life and career of the Pittsburgh Pirates star, killed in a 1972 plane cash, is worth noting in any TV format.

The first athlete to speak Spanish on national television, Clemente, a Puerto Rican, has become an American baseball legend while also being remembered for his humanitarian work.

The hour (8 p.m. Thursday, KRMA-Channel 6), is divided between Clemente's on-the-field heroics and his life as a racial trailblazer who never forgot his heritage. (Clemente was taking supplies to earthquake victims when he died.)

In addition to fascinating game coverage, the hour features interviews with Pulitzer Prize-winning authors George Will and David Maraniss and Clemente's widow, Vera.

Dusty Saunders writes periodically about sports broadcasting. Contact him at tvtime@comcast.net.

Comments

  • May 19, 2008

    1:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    gkb2008 writes:

    Lincoln Financial Group has made a huge major GOOF in eliminating sports off the 950 AM signal. They should have created a sports network of AM FM signals from Cheyenne to Pueblo to Grand Junction to Goodland as sports interest for teams in the Denver area span quite far and well beyond the signal strength of an FM broadcast. The Bronco, Rockies, Avalanche, and Nuggets have vast numbers of fans across the Mountain Time Zone and High Plains and KKFN was the only regular source of information and conversation in traditional media for these fans not in the immediate Denver area. Will KOA or another sports outlet take advantage of this and try to lure personalities away from KKFN ? This is highly probable -- perhaps Irv and Joe will finally make it to the top and be aired on the blowtorch after nearly 30 years of toiling on stations that ended up being second rate due to inept and incompetent management and ownership which often led to the death of the station or format. 104.3 very well could go the same way within a few years particularly if the Avalanche and Nuggets continue to underperform and languish.

  • May 30, 2008

    4:48 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Triuslater writes:

    Bob Call and Lincoln Financial are making a big mistake. Taking 950 AM off the air is a slap in the face to all the sports fans outside of the 104.3 FM signal area that live in Colorado. What it says to me is screw the rest of you fans outside Denver you are not worth our money to broadcast to. Now we will no longer be able to hear the Avs games thanks to this brilliant decision made for financial gain only but you will find out you need more than Denver listeners to keep you precious 104.3 FM alive. What a bonehead decision!!! I hope it takes less than 1 year for the collapse of 104.3. Well I'm off to find another station to listen to now since 950 AM went dead this afternoon. I guess 850 KOA it is. Thanks for giving me no choice.