UPDATE: Unfortunately, this platform never materialized, leaving many of us very disappointed.
I was very pleased to run across a small article on the Radio Business Report – Television Business Report recently, Sunny 1550 flipping to Vancouver’s Talk Station and the Columbian’s article AM radio station to switch from music to talk format telling us that Pamplin Media, owners of KPAM 860 will be switching the format of KKOV AM 1550 from adult standards music to a 24/7 talk format.
Some people, as always is, don’t like the switch, grumbling about “noise pollution,” “right wing talk BS” and such. Mostly, they are still upset that Air America went belly up due to no listeners, most likely including those grumbling about the switch.
Like many claiming to be ‘liberals,’ they feel the world must conform to their views and if they don’t like something, you shouldn’t either. You know the type, the ones always boasting about their “diversity.”
There are several 24/7 talk stations currently on the air bringing us national speakers like Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved and Hugh Hewitt, but for local issues, we only have Victoria Taft heard daily from 11 AM to 3 PM on KPAM AM 860, who does a really good job of covering local issues of Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington.
I feel honored to not only count myself as one of her ‘Intrepid Bloggers,’ but as a friend too.
Looking forward to more local coverage, since other than Victoria’s, we in Vancouver are largely forgotten and ignored by both Portland and Washington State media, I was disappointed to see the line-up offered for now does not include anything or anyone actually in Vancouver or Clark County.
Salem Radio Network will be supplying much of the broadcasting of the national talk shows, including Bill Bennett’s Morning in America.
Since I have no actual connection to Pamplin Media or KPAM 860, I don’t know the why of the switch or what future plans are in regards to “Vancouver Talk Radio” actually covering Vancouver. Suggestions by some that I apply for a show are, to say the least, highly unlikely since I have no background in or experience in radio.
The short Southwest Washington Update I do for Victoria each week is hardly enough experience to qualify for a full hour or more show. So, while the suggestions are appreciative, don’t expect it.
No, I’m quite content to keep listening to Victoria every day and do my short call on Wednesdays to being in some more Vancouver and Southwest Washington opinion to her show.
From a business standpoint, I think Pamplin is making a good move and will draw some more listeners to these national programs. But, from a practical standpoint of desiring local coverage of what goes on Southwest Washington, I will continue listening and calling into Victoria Taft’s program.
There is a reason she was named 2010 Best On-Air Radio Personality by the Oregon Association of Broadcasters.
