Is Mapleton's Pig format in Northern California syndicated just within Mapleton's cluster of stations or is it being made available outside of Mapleton? What yall tink bout dat Pig format?? I tinks its similar to dat Bob format...we playz anythang!

Pig format? ... is that the one where you have to grab the right greased pig to win $1000?

KPIG is not syndicated but is merely simulcast on three co-owned frequencies, Chico/Paradise being the latest addition.

KPIG is nothing whatsoever like the Jack/Bob formats that, while somewhat random, only play top hits. Pig Radio is a combination of Americana, Country, Folk, Rock, Blues, etc., and is heavily based on music not heard elsewhere on the radio dial.

You can hear KPIG here: http://www.kpig.com.

Whoa, I just went to the website and discovered KPIG's longtime PD and former owner, Laura Ellen, passed away of cancer last month. Bummer.

KPIG is a very cool radio station, but I don't think it's a syndicatable format. KPIG is the result of the right people playing the right music in the right area for the right audience. It's not for everywhere or everyone. Its predecessor, KFAT, was the inspiration for KFAT in Corvallis in the 80's and 90's, as well as KICE in Bend. Both of the Oregon versions had years when they were really great and years when they were just so-so small market stations. Sadly, both are now gone.

Sad news, for those who knew him, "Ranger" Roy Larson passed away June 18th as a result of injuries received in a vehicle crash on highway 34, just east of Waldport. Roy was a former co-owner of KATR in Eugene, back in the late 70's. Later joining the hard-partying "Radio Rangers" at KICE-Bend, and KFAT in Corvallis. He was owner of Larson Northwest Research and Consulting Ad agency. He was 54.

That is VERY sad news. Most of those of us who had the opprotunity to wrk closely with Roy will always remember his encylopedic knowledge of all forms of counrty music. Roy was, to say the least an integral part of the radio ranger history. In fact he was the one that coined the phrase. He will be missed.

I met Roy Larson in 1977. He and Mark Robbins were running Country KATR at that time. Roy did mornings, I did mid-days, and Mark was on afternoons. And I believe Johnny Ethridge was doing weekends. We all became close friends. Later, both Roy and Mark worked for me at KICE AND KFAT-CORVALLIS...those were wild and crazy days. The fact that any of us lived to reach 50 was a miracle in itself. Looking back, every radio crew has it good times and bad times. That is bound to happen in an ego-driven business. But, you know, all of us in this crazy business got to share some wonderfully experimental times in radio and in popular culture that, I doubt any future generation will ever experience. When I look back, all I can see are the good times. And Roy Larson certainly had lots of good times and lived the "Radio Ranger" experience to the max. Rest in peace old friend.

pigs dont fly