Oregon City's KGON To KKSN

Feedback.pdxradio.com message board: Portland Radio History: Oregon City's KGON To KKSN
Author: Craigadams
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 7:16 am
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Test broadcasts of KGON began between the 23rd & 27th of June 1947, 1AM to 6AM on 1230kc. with the power of 250 watts. Then on July 4, 1947 at 7AM KGON began commercial operation. KGON was owned by Clackamas Broadcasters (Dr. John H. Fitzgibbon, President, Roy Jarman, owner of "Jarman's Buick & Chevrolet" dealership, Temple V. Ehmsen, Chief Engineer & station builder. For more on Mr. Ehmsen see "Oregon's First FM Attempt"). Studio & transmitter were located on "Super Highway" (McLoughlin Blvd., Pacific Hwy. 99E) in Gladstone. KGON cost $50,000. to build.

The one story modernistic building held a main studio, a control room studio, news, program & writer rooms & a business office. A 12 person staff ran KGON. Hale Byron, General Manager, Bob Roberts, Program Director & Chief Announcer, Douglas Bates, News Editor (Director), Ray Cummins, Chief Operator, Rod Cain & Gene O'Brien, Announcers & John Ford (Soap) Opera Announcer. KGON call meaning, city of license: oreGON city. KGON operated 7AM to Midnight, Monday through Saturday & 8AM to 11PM Sundays. KGON broadcast live & transcribed programs. The station was also big in sports, first broadcasting local high school games, then later expanding into regional college play by play. KGON slogan: The Voice of Clackamas County.

In late 1947 Floyd C. Bain became G.M. On July 15, 1948 broadcast hours were reduced. 7AM to 10PM Monday through Saturday & 8AM to 10PM Sundays. By October 1948 KGON slogan: Your home town station. On March 28, 1949 broadcast hours expanded 7AM to Midnight Monday through Saturday & 8AM to Midnight Sunday. Also in 1949 licensee name changed to Clackamas Broadcasters, Inc. & Irwin S. Adams became G.M. By February 1950 KGON slogan: Oregon City Radio. By March 1950 Bob McAnulty was doing Sports Play By Play on KGON.

On March 11, 1950 KGON affiliated with LBS, The Liberty Broadcasting System. The 249 station network broadcast Major League Baseball through re-enactments. (LBS studios & flagship: KLIF Dallas TX). Later in 1950 LBS expanded into entertainment programming. On April 29, 1950 KGON became the first station in the Portland area to begin 24 hour operation. Slogan: Serving the Portland metropolitan area 24 hours a day. By December 1950 H.I. Jackson was Assistant Manager, Delmar Lundbom, P.D. & N.D., Gene Good, Jr., Sports Director & Robert Brower, Chief Engineer.

By January 1951 Sammy Taylor was on KGON 11AM to 2PM. On May 16, 1952 The LBS Radio Network folded. By December 1952 Sonora B. Hoffman was Program Director, Frank Faro, News Director, H.I. Jackson, Sports Director & Edward G. Saxe, Chief Engineer. By November 1954 KGON slogan: The 24 hour station. By December 1954 Vincent Coyle was Sports Director. By December 1955 Ray Brooks was Sports Director & William R. Watson, Chief Engineer.

On July 30, 1956 KGON switched frequency to 1520kc. and raised power to 10KW directional, using a mult-tower array. (Collins transmitter, single pattern all hours). For the 1230 frequency continuation see "Gresham's KRDR". KGON slogans: First in sports. Tops on your dial at 1520. By December 1956 Robert J. Hartke was President & Co-Owner of Clackamas Broadcasters, Inc. with Irwin S. Adams, Secretary-Treasurer & G.M. At this time KGON was referred to off air as K-Gone.

Author: Craigadams
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 8:53 am
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On December 17, 1956 KGON became Portland area's NBC affiliate. (KGW dropped NBC for ABC, from KEX). In 1958 KGON's studios were assigned a numbered address. (1065 McLoughlin Blvd.). By August 1958 Sidney Roach was Chief Engineer. By September 1958 Bob McAnulty was doing mornings on KGON. On April 17, 1959 KGON added an affiliation with the Mutual Broadcasting System. On January 7, 1960 KGON lost the NBC Radio Network, when KGW became the affiliate once again. In 1961 KGON shortened broadcast hours 6AM to Midnight.

Between April 16 & 20, 1962 KGON raised day power to 50KW directional (single pattern day & night) from it's new 12-acre transmitter site in Clackamas OR (15201 S.E. Johnson Rd.). Three towers, 162 feet high, Gates BC-50 transmitter. The (future studios &) transmitter site cost $250,000. The KGON air staff included: Larry Holloran 7-10AM, Bob Stevens (formally on KISN) 11-1PM, Larry Curran 1-6PM & Vic Knight 7:30-Midnight.

On September 3, 1962 KGON switched format to modern music (top 40) & news exclusively. MBS entertainment programs were dropped. Slogan: KGON, clear channel 15. The KGON air staff included: Jack Par (formally on KGRO & KISN) 6-9AM & 11-1PM, Larry Holloran 9-11AM, Ray Willis 1-3PM & 5-8PM, Vic Knight 3-5PM & 8-11:30PM.

On November 12, 1962 the FCC gave KGON permission to move studios to their transmitter site. (15201 S.E. Johnson Rd.). KGON's original studio location (1065 McLoughlin Blvd.) was later "Oregon City Honda". About 1985 McLoughlin Blvd. implemented five digit address numbers, plus S.E. was added to the addresses. The location is currently "Thomson Used Cars". (19380 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd.).

On January 21, 1963 the KGON air staff included: Jack Par 6-10AM, Ben Tracy (formally on KAYO) 10-Noon & P.D., Don Chapman noon-3, Bill Western (formally on KISN) 3-6PM & Vic Knight 6-11:30PM. Between August 12 & 16, 1963 KGON began 24 hour operation once again. Air staff included: Ted Behr 6-9AM, Roger Hart (formally on KEX & KISN) 9-Noon, Ben Tracy noon-2 & P.D. (later moving to KGRL & becoming the voice of "Les Schwab" tire ads since 1964), Bill Western 2-6PM, Paul Anthony 6-Midnight, Russ Reed Ripley III midnight-6 & Don R. Hughes, News Director.

On January 20, 1964 the KGON air staff included: Roger Hart 6-10AM, Ken Chase (formally on KISN) 10-noon & P.D., Joe Allen noon-3, Bill Wittman 3-7PM, Tom Mix 7-Midnight & Russ Reed Ripley III midnight-6. Also in early 1964 KGON changed from one directional pattern to two. (day & night).

On March 1, 1964 it was announced that KGON was sold to Republic Broadcasters, Inc. (Kenneth E. Palmer, President & John C. Hunter, Vice-President) for $980.000. (plus assumption of $830,000. in debt). Transfer took place on 7-1-64.
Mr. Hunter was also President of KIMN Denver, with Mr. Palmer as V.P. & G.M. Their top 40 station was in fierce competition with KBTR in the Denver market. KBTR was partly owned by Don Burdon. Speculation at the time was that 50KW KGON would take on Mr. Burdon's 1KW KISN.

On August 1, 1964 KGON became KYMN. Call slogan: Kim radio 1520. (calls based on sister KIMN Denver). Format: top 40. Douglas J. Taylor, General Manager, James Jobes, Chief Engineer. The Kim air staff included: Tom Mix 6-10AM, Jack Merker 10-Noon & P.D., Larry Curran noon-3 & N.D., Steve Lee 3-7PM & Russ Ripley 7-midnight. KYMN slogans: More music and more entertainment from fabulous Kim in Oregon. The 50,000 watt voice of the great Northwest. The peak of your dial, move up to Kim. The Kimcasters call for fair skies in Kimland. 65 Kim counted degress at 4:23 Kim time. Radio to live by.

On October 1, 1964 the Kim air staff included: Bill Western 6-10AM, Jack Merker 10-noon & P.D., Larry Curran noon-3 & N.D., Steve Lee 3-7PM, Joe Allen 7-Midnight & Bill Davison midnight-6. On October 25, 1964 KYMN dropped the Mutual Network. (KPOJ picked up MBS once again).

On February 1, 1965 KYMN changed format to Good Music. (instrumental, familiar tunes, standards & some classical). The music was from taped sources. Four breaks an hour. Three spots per break with 12 minutes of un-interrupted music. Slogan: Elegance without affectation. John C. Hunter, V.P. & G.M., Jack Merker, Operations Manager, Bill Western, Program Director, Robert W. Scott, News Director.

Author: Craigadams
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 10:20 am
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On June 1, 1966 at 5PM Oregon Governor Mark O. Hatfield dedicated the new emergency broadcasting facilities at KYMN. The 300 square foot underground control room, fallout shelter was encased in 16 inches of cement. The communications center was also equipped with a shortwave two-way monitoring system with the Clackamas County Civil Defense headquarters. The initial shelter was expanded by 700 square feet to include the music library, space for off air personnel, stocked with 14 days of food rations and a generator with a 5,000 gallon fuel supply. By October 1966 John C. Hunter was President & G.M., with Lee Williams as News Director. KYMN slogans: Fine Kim music. Aren't you glad you listen to KYMN? Don't you wish your children did?

On August 21, 1967 KYMN's licensee was reorganized. Wally Nelskog became Vice-President & James B. McGovern, General Manager. On September 18, 1967 KYMN became KYXI. Call slogan: KiXIe. (calls & format based on KIXI Seattle). Format: Good music a.k.a. Beautiful music. KYXI slogans: Metropolitan radio. Beautiful music 24 hours a day. By October 1968 Jim Liniger was Program Director (later on KYTE-FM & KLLB as Laid-Back Lenny) & Harry Christensen, News Director.

On May 2, 1969 KYXI announced it had applied for an FM station in Oregon City, frequency unknown. (103.3?). The FCC never granted the application. KYXI slogans: The sound of beautiful music. In the air everywhere, KYXI Oregon City.

On November 20, 1969 it was announced that KYXI was sold to Pacific & Southern Company, Inc. (DeSales Harrison, Pesident) for $6,493,550. (price included KIMN AM&FM Denver). Transfer took place 17 months later on January 7, 1971. (FCC approval on 4-15-71). Kent Burkhart, Radio Division President, William Gott, Chief Engineer. On July 19, 1972 James B. McGovern became V.P. as well as G.M.

On January 15, 1973 KYXI was sold to McCoy Broadcasting Co. (Arthur H. McCoy, President) for $1.5 Million. (Transfer took place on 1-26-73). On March 13, 1973 licensee name changed to KYXI, Inc., James B. McGovern, President & G.M. (group owner: McCoy Broadcasting Co.). By September 1973 KYXI's format had changed to MOR with Harry Christensen & Mark Andrews as Co-News Directors.

On October 1, 1973 it was announced that KYXI, Inc. had purchased KLIQ-FM for $400.000. Calls changed to the AM's pioneer letters (KGON) on 11-1-73. In March 1974 Craig McCoy became KYXI Station Manager. (son of owner). In October 1974 KYXI affiliated with the NBC Radio Network. (KGW dropped NBC). By November 1974 Robert Reed was P.D. & N.D. In August 1975 Craig McCoy became G.M. & Herbert H. Smith became President of KYXI, Inc. Slogan: The sound of the Northwest.

On July 12, 1976 KYXI changed to an All News format. Also on this date KYXI added an affiliation with NBC's News & Information Service. A press release said KYXI had the largest News staff in the Northwest. Slogans: This is your news & information station. News 15. The news authority. On the scene with News 15. Herbert H. Smith, President & General Manager, Paul Hansen, News Director & Mike Cooley, Chief Engineer.

On May 2, 1977 KYXI added an affiliation with the CBS Radio Network. (KOIN/KYTE dropped CBS). On May 29, 1977 The NBC News & Information Service ended nationally. By December 1977 Gary Johnson was News Director & Norman Smith, Chief Engineer. On April 14, 1978 licensee name changed to McCoy Broadcasting of Oregon, Inc.

On April 8, 1979 it was announced that KYXI was sold to Western-Sun, Inc. (The Des Moines Register & Tribune newspaper) for $27.7 Million. (price included KGON(FM) Portland, KLAK & KPPL(FM) Lakewood/Denver, KHON(TV) Honolulu & satellite KAII(TV) Wailuku). FCC approval on 6-1-79. Also in 1979 KYXI dropped it's NBC affiliation and picked up the Mutual Broadcasting System. By December 1979 Craig McCoy was President & General Manager & KYXI added an affiliation with AP Radio. On April 8, 1980 Larry Holtz became Chief Engineer. By December 1980 Michael Johnson was Broadcast Director.

Author: Craigadams
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 12:06 pm
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In 1981 KYXI installed a new Harris MW-50-A transmitter. Also in 1981 KYXI dropped the Mutual Network. Slogans: News radio 1520. The only one in Oregon. If it's going on, it's going on KYXI 1520. In early 1983 KYXI dropped AP Radio & began airing the audio feed from CNN Headline News from cable TV. In April 1983 Linn Harrison became Station Manager, Jeff Davis, Traffic. In January 1984 Linn Harrison became General Manager. On February 1, 1984 it was announced that KYXI would switch later in the month to Satellite Music Network's "Stardust" nostalgia format, keeping it's old time radio programs at night. CNN Headline News was dropped. Later in 1984 Linn Harrison became President of Western-Sun, Inc.

On September 1, 1984 KYXI became KSGO. Call meaning: Solid Gold Oldies. KSGO began an Oldies format. CBS Radio was dropped. Michael Johnson, Program Director. KSGO slogans: 1520 KSGO solid gold. The music you grew up with. Solid gold rock & roll. By December 1984 Jeff Davis was Program Director.

In July 1985 KSGO was sold to KSGO/KGON, Inc. (group owner: Ackerley Communications, Inc., Barry A. Ackerley, President, Donald Carter, Executive V.P.) for $6,750.000. Dan Hern, V.P. & G.M., Peter Bolger, Operations Manager. In late April 1988 KSGO moved studios with FM sister to 4614 S.W. Kelly Ave. in Portland. In June 1988 Donald Carter became President of Ackerley. Between June 20 & 26, 1988 KSGO began broadcasting in AM stereo. (Motorola C-QUAM). By February 1989 Eric Worden was Program Director.

On August 18, 1989 KSGO began playing the song "We Built This City" by Starship, for hours. Then the sound of a baby being spanked! Next an announcement: "The-X has come to town to kick ass!" Followed by "Welcome To The Jungle" by Guns 'N' Roses. The-X's P.D. was Dave Numme. On September 12, 1989 KSGO became KFXX. Call slogan: The-X. Other slogans: Pure rock, The-X. X-Marks the spot. X-Rated. X-tasy. In early 1990 licensee name changed to KFXX/KGON, Inc.

On September 1, 1990 KFXX changed to a Sports/News/Talk format. Call slogan: The Fox. Mike Turner, Program Director. KFXX slogan: X-ceptional sports. KFXX affiliated with CNN Radio. In January 1991 KFXX changed format slightly to Sports/Talk. Slogans: Sports Radio 1520 AM. 24 hours of sports. Portland's sports radio. Sports & nothing but sports. Also in 1991 Steve Feder became General Manager & Duane Link, Program Director.

On September 25, 1992 KFXX was sold to Apogee Radio Limited Partnership I (group owner: Apogee Communications, Inc., Roy P. Disney, Owner. Great nephew of the late Walt Disney) for $5.5 Million. (price included FM sister). Steve Feder became V.P. & G.M. In 1993 James A. Johnson became President & General Manager & Kevin Toon, Program Director. By June 1994 KFXX slogans: Sports Radio 1520, The Fan. We're talkin' sports. In July 1994 KFXX added an affiliation with ESPN Radio & Steve Arena became Program Director (former K-2 sports anchor).

On August 1, 1995 KFXX was sold to ECI License Co. L.P. (group owner: Entertainment Communications, Inc., Joseph M. Field, President, David J. Field, CFO & Senior Vice-President). Also in 1995 KFXX added an affiliation with USA Radio. In January 1996 Thomas C. Baker became Vice-President & General Manager. In Spring 1996 KFXX dropped CNN & USA Networks, picking up abc, CBS & Westwood One Radio Networks.

On August 7, 1997 KFXX raised night power to 15KW directional. On October 6, 1997 Scott Masteller became Program Director. In early 1998 KFXX dropped the abc Network, picking up The 1 On 1 Sports Radio Network. KFXX slogans: Sports Radio 1520. Portland's real sports leader, The Fan 1520 AM.

On March 30, 1998 KFXX became KKSN, when KFXX & KKSN switched frequencies. (Entertainment Communications, Inc. purchased KKSN on 3-1-98). KFXX moved to 910khz. "The Fan, moving to 910 AM". KKSN-Sunny 910 became Sunny 1520. "Tell a friend we've moved and share the songs on Sunny 1520". 1520khz. did move studios to the "Pioneer Tower" building. (888 S.W. 5th Ave., Suite 790). KKSN broadcasts Westwood One's "Adult Standards" satellite format and is an abc News affiliate.

Author: Craigadams
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 12:25 pm
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On June 19, 1998 licensee name changed to Entercom Portland License LLC. On July 2, 1998 Entertainment Communications, Inc. became Entercom Communications Corp. On September 28, 1998 David J. Field became President of Entercom. On January 7, 1999 Gary M. Hilliard became Chief Engineer. On November 12, 1999 Jack Hutchison became Vice-President & General Manager. On December 20, 1999 KKSN moved to The Bancroft Building. (0700 S.W. Bancroft St.).

On February 1, 2000 KKSN changed it's transmitter (access) address to 8200 Cypress Ave. In April 2001 Allan Davis became Program Director. KKSN slogans: The station for great songs & great memories. We're Sunny 1520.

A Special Thanks To: Cyn Bolsta, Bob Brooks, Jeff Davis, Iris Harrison, Roger Hart, Larry Holtz, Mike Johnson, Brien Morris, Steve Naganuma, Denise Nelsen, Steve Taylor, Ben Tracy, Mike Turner, Amy Welp & arrived Wayne for their invaluable assistance in this radio history.

Author: Jeremyplance
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 4:46 pm
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I still have a copy of KFXX "The-X" official sign-off , before they commenced to play every CD in their Library...

Author: Semoochie
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 6:06 pm
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Just before the change to KYXI, KYMN was scheduled to return to Top 40 and take on KISN. They were within days of the change, with a new airstaff ready to go when they got a call from the owners of KIXI asking how much they wanted for the station. KYMN was sold, it became KYXI and that was the end of that! This is significant. If it hadn't happened, KGW probably wouldn't have challenged KISN, Craig Walker may not have worked there and it might have changed the entire local radio landscape as we know it. For more information on this, see Robin Mitchell's site. http://www.rm1.com

Author: Randy_in_eugene
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 6:28 pm
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Oops, that link looks like a nice place for a vacation, but not much radio history there. Try http://www.rma1.com/.

Author: Semoochie
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 6:54 pm
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You couldn't possibly have read all of that already! Click on "history" and "chronology".

Author: Craigadams
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 10:59 pm
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Semoochie: Great Story! I had never heard that twist of fate, happening.

Author: Semoochie
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 11:25 pm
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Thanks, Craig! I brought it up right after I found out about it. It should be in the archives somewhere.

Author: Wayne
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 11:47 pm
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So let me repeat my question from another post: KYMN changed from top 40 to beatuiful music on Feb 1, 1965. Tom Murphy's last day on KISN was jan 30, 1965.It makes me wonder if Don Burdon had something to do with KYMN's change

Author: Stoner
Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 11:53 pm
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great stuff Craig...You need to write the book with photos! I would sure buy it.

Author: Jason_kyte
Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 1:02 am
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Anyone else who's been at KDOX/X58 ever noticed the sticker under the console that says "The X 1520 AM Stereo?" I heard that was the old KGON newsroom board.
Also, thanks Craig for another great historical run-down. If not a book, this stuff should get its own website somewhere...

Author: Jeremyplance
Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 4:21 am
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All of the boards at MHCC are the old KGON/KFXX boards from the older Bancroft studios, the one in KMHD, along with the furnature I think, is the old KGON on air (it was setup pretty much how it is, only at standing height), the one in KDOX is the KFXX air board, and the one in the production room (across the hall from KMHD) is I think the old production room..Now I am not for certain, but I think I remember that one being the same board used at the old Johnson rd studios when it was KSGO....

Author: Jimbo
Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 5:07 am
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The original standup console from Johnson Rd. studios was a Gates Dualux.

Author: Craigadams
Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 5:12 am
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Wayne: I remember in the "Behind The Mike" column in late January 1965 when KYMN made their Feb 1st format announcement. Kim wanted to bail out of top 40 as early as January 1st. I believe they said they were waiting for over due reel to reel machines to arrive. Kisn must of been killin'um!

Thanks Stoner & Jason! There is something in the works, that I will be a contributer in. Books are fine, but they are so final. All these histories are still a work in progress. I'm still running into new info. on old histories. Your remembrance's are also very important to the total history. You can't add things after a book is published like a website.

Author: Craigadams
Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 5:31 am
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Jeremy: You mean the old Kelly Ave. studios. The current Bancroft studios are to new.

Author: Matt
Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 7:25 am
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Jason, the board in KDOX was given to us by KMHD. You can look on the console and see all of the old channels. But before KMHD, I'm not sure.

Author: Jeremyplance
Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 8:32 pm
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yeah, my bad, Kelly Ave...The one that was in KSGO around 87-88 I think was a sit down BMX, I remember visiting Jeff one day and hangin out in the studio. It was an odd shape, the carts were all right as you entered the studio, then you would walk around a corner and there was the board at an angle (memories shady right now) ....The old KDOX boards before the current ones were mostly RCA's and I think KMHD used to have an LPB when there where 6 studios in the front (the back production room was a small Sparta).....I don't know what NRK used when they first went on..

Author: Mixmasterdmc
Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 9:39 pm
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Speaking of NRK, where were it's studios located when they signed on (or before the move to bancroft)?

Author: Semoochie
Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 9:56 pm
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There are unsubstantiated rumors that Don Burden paid KYMN to bail out of the format. Craig, When Tom Murphy was on the KISN Reunion show in 1988, someone asked him "what was the highest rating KISN ever had". He said it was an 86 share at night in 1963. That would be during KGON's Top 40 years.

Author: Craigadams
Monday, February 10, 2003 - 1:03 am
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Semoochie: To bad we can't ask Mr. Burden that question. Maybe Stoner Knows something about this.

Mixmasterdmc: I remember hearing that the original NRK studios were in the basement at Kelly Ave., signing on useing the KMUZ calls as I.D.

Author: Mixmasterdmc
Monday, February 10, 2003 - 1:58 am
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Craig: Thanks, I was wondering about that. When I used to listen to Marconi he mentioned that NRK used to be 'in the basement' of another radio station. I do remember KMUZ. Elevator music all the way!

Author: 50kw
Monday, February 10, 2003 - 7:01 am
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The FM frequency that was sought by 1520 was 106.7fm which signed on as KQIV Lake Oswego. Walter Kraus beat them out of it. Maybe Jeff Clarke, or another oldtimer Kq4 jock can comfirm Wonderful job Craig!!

Author: Semoochie
Monday, February 10, 2003 - 6:49 pm
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103.3 was applied for by KISN and then held up for years awaiting a solution to that debacle. It was originally a Portland allotted frequency but most later applicants felt since Beaverton didn't have a station, they would have an edge over the other applicants.

Author: Craigadams
Monday, February 10, 2003 - 8:04 pm
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50kw: On 106.7 WOW Thanks! Larry Holtz 1520's C.E. for 20 years, didn't know about it. Before his time at the station. How did you know? Are you, or were you in radio at the time?

Semoochie: I remember when you posted the 103.3 application info. on the KVAN/KISN History. That's why I stuck it in as a question, thinking KYXI might of been after it also.

Author: Semoochie
Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 5:16 am
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I don't know if there were any other applicants when KISN applied or not. I think it was 1967 and there weren't a lot of stations clammoring for FMs at that time. I'm pretty sure it pre-dated KGW's application for KINK which was filed on top of KKEY's. It's my understanding that KKEY's intention was to place the antenna on one of their AM towers with much less than 100kw which may be why they didn't get it.

Author: Rmarcham
Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 10:38 am
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Great job, Craig! I still remember working in the bizarro world that was KFXX in the early 90s. It was a blast, but you just never knew what the next day held. Mike Turner did a great job getting things going on a budget that was next to nothing. Those of us who were there at the time were told we were the trial run for Ackerley for the format. KFXX made money, and soon KJR in Seattle switched to the sports/talk format.

If you could track down Tom Hewitt, he was the first person Mike hired for KFXX, and still survives there. He's seen everything over the past 12+ years there, and his stories of the early years (1990-94) are great! Mike Parker would also be a good one to talk to about those years.

Author: Ksd326
Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 12:50 pm
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I grew up in Sellwood and during my teen-age years most of my school mates listened to KGON/KYMN. It was so hard to hear KISN from that puny 1000 watt signal in Vancouver and KYMN could be picked up on the cheapest of transistor radios . The music programing wasn't nearly as important as being able to get a good clear signal and KISN in lower SE Portland didn't have it

Author: Semoochie
Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 7:10 pm
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I'd like to see KISN's old directional pattern from Smith Lake.

Author: Jimbo
Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 11:35 pm
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KISN never had a good signal on 910 anywhere in Portland. At least, they had no quality. They had coverage, daytime, but they sounded terrible. But, having said that, as kids, we didn't care. Nightime, the signal level degraded.
They used a Sta-Level in their audio chain, They modulated 110% on negatives, they didn't watch levels. They didn't care. They went for loudness. Whenever you went by KISN corner and looked at the VU meter on the console, it was most always pegged or pegging on that small RCA four channel console. They didn't control levels. Didn't need to....they had a Sta-level amp. Every split second of silence would raise the background noise level and hum level. Those old tube radios of the day and even the first transistors had IF of 455 kHz and the second harmonics of those circuits put a whistle at the center of the 910 frequency so we heard a whistle when slightly off tune (Radios were manual dials). But in 1959, most of our cars were pre '56 and the radios were tube models with vibrators to get the voltage up. So we had that buzz in addition to the other noise. Quality sound and signal wasn't there. It was just noise, but the kids loved it.

Author: Wayne
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 12:23 am
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That's probably why KISN could hardly be picked up at night too, right? KISN had 250 watts at night didn't it.

Author: Semoochie
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 5:26 am
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It was 1kw day and night with a night directional. I'm thinking it was 2 towers but I'm not sure. Someone must have heard them; they were #1 in the market by a large margin for over half a decade at that power. The squeal wasn't just off frequency. It was always there! You could change it but never lose it. It still is with one of those old radios. KEWB San Francisco had the same frequency and did fine too.

Author: 62kgw
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 6:56 am
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Some radios had (have) the 910 squeal bad, some not that bad and some not at all. Depends on the particular design and the signal strength of the station. Also depends on the exact frequency of the IF was adjusted to (could be 455, 454, 452, 450, 456.5, whatever)

Author: Jimbo
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 9:08 pm
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Semoochie,
I believe it was two towers over there.. It wasn't four until they moved to 158th and Airport Way. I think they were the same power day and night but directional at night.....Probably protecting KEWB and possibly someone up north. Probably had good coverage in North Plains and points towards Seaside. They still covered all Portland/Vancouver but had some problems in outlying areas. Some stations have null areas and can't be avoided. I know that where I live in Gresham, I am in a KEX null and basically have a noisy staticy signal day and a fading signal at night. Can't use them on my clock radio for early morning wakeup because sometimes they may not even have an audible signal. Fades badly, just east of Fred Meyer.

Author: Randy_in_eugene
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 10:42 pm
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>>Probably protecting KEWB and possibly someone up north...

KIXI was on 910 in those days.

Author: Semoochie
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 10:47 pm
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KEX is non-directional during the day. Maybe, it's being blocked by the Mt Scott/Mt Talbert combination that someone said had no effect on AM signals. Here's another possibility: That's right down the street from 1230AM. They might just be getting sucked out.

Author: Semoochie
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 10:50 pm
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Randy, did you have any luck with Robin Mitchell's site yet?

Author: Semoochie
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 10:55 pm
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That's funny, I didn't even notice you'd posted! KIXI may have been protecting them. They go quite a ways north at night. I'm thinking past Castle Rock. I'm assuming this is still true. I'm basing it on reception of the old KISN.

Author: Randy_in_eugene
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 11:26 pm
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I had good luck with Robin's site, but if you click on the link you posted, my earlier comment will become self expanitory.

Author: Randy_in_eugene
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 11:29 pm
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Make that "explanatory." I wish the edit function was still available.

Author: Semoochie
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 11:38 pm
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I am so sorry!!! I checked it before I posted it but still got it wrong!! I honestly thought you got stuck on the home page and couldn't find anything! I'm going to go now. I'll just tuck my tail between my legs and quietly shuffle off to Buffalo. :-) http://www.rma1.com

Author: Randy_in_eugene
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 11:43 pm
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>>and quietly shuffle off to Buffalo.

Actually, that spot in Colorado might just do the trick. :-)

Author: Semoochie
Thursday, February 13, 2003 - 7:59 am
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I hate it when I have to explain my jokes. :-)

Author: Jimbo
Friday, February 14, 2003 - 12:49 am
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I am almost 2 miles from the old 1230 site. I thought they had moved somewhere else. The license is no longer Gresham (KMUZ). I know the old location has been long gone and a tower and small building were moved south about 1/2 mile on the same road. I thought it was still there for 1010 (1020?) AM. I could be wrong.
Don't know about the mountains but there is a null spot along first east of Fred Meyer on Burnside.

Author: Jason_kyte
Friday, February 14, 2003 - 5:25 pm
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> The license is no longer Gresham (KMUZ).

According to the FCC database, yes it is Gresham.

Author: Jimbo
Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 3:41 am
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Jason, I stand corrected. Driving by the tower, it appears it is used for both 1230 and 1010.

Author: Newsguy
Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 2:47 pm
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Great history! Thank you. I worked at KYXI during those few years when it was all news. Amazing crew there at that time. I also spent many a long night working in the old "bomb shelter" studio on news specials. Harry Christensen was the morning anchor and Russ Conrad hosted. We did have a large crew. Many
people learned the business in those old Johnson Road studios. I was there from '78 to "81

Author: Craigadams
Monday, February 24, 2003 - 4:31 pm
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Newsguy: Thank You. I didn't know Russ Conrad worked at KYXI.

Author: Robin_mitchell
Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 11:53 pm
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I believe "Art McCoy" was the GM at KGON in '62-'63 when it was "Clear Channel 15"...prior to the facility being bought by the KIMN in Denver crew.

Jack Merker was the former mid-day DJ and Production Director at KIMN before KYMN. He imported a great News Director from Denver, too.
Merker knew Bill Western from Denver at both KICN for Burden (Pre-KBTR), and at KIMN.

When Bill Western first became the 6-10am jock at KYMN...he returned from KIMN, and had to use an alias on-air for a time...some sort of no-compete restriction. (Little known fact: It's possible to work during a No-Compete if you use a different name). Western was "Terry Southern," until the no compete period ended, then KYMN aired a contest....Guess who Terry Southern really is and win...

By the way, Merker died of gun-shot wounds in Palm Springs about a year ago.

Author: Craigadams
Sunday, February 01, 2004 - 6:23 am
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Great stories as always Robin, thanks for posting.

Author: Roguewarrior
Sunday, March 07, 2004 - 7:16 am
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What is the Johnson Rd. studio now?

Author: Craigadams
Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 6:37 am
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Iris Harrison told me the last she heard it was a Special Education School for Children.

Author: Craigadams
Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 9:55 pm
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Just found this: On September 1, 1975 KYXI switched from "Popular Adult Album" to a more contemporary sound. The KYXI Jock line-up: Steve O'Shea, 6-10AM; Jim Liniger, 10-Noon; Mark Andrews, Noon-3; John McComb, 3-6:30PM; Dick Novak, 7-Midnight & Ed Smith, Midnight-6. NBC News on the hour & local news on the half hour.


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