KTBB News|Sports|Talk - AskGM

We have been hearing substitutes for Paul Harvey for months now. What's happened to Mr. Harvey and when will he be back fulltime?

We have been hearing substitutes for Paul Harvey for months now. What's happened to Mr. Harvey and when will he be back fulltime? (Posted by Administrator)

Thanks for your question. We've received a number of phone calls on this subject and I will answer it as best I can.

The Harveys are very private people and some of what I'm about to tell you is speculation. Paul Harvey's syndicator, the ABC Radio Network, is in many ways as much in the dark as we are.

Here is what is known. Paul Harvey has had a very challenging year. He contracted pneumonia in early February and was seriously ill. Upon his recovery, he had cataract surgery that (and this is hearsay) was not as routine as cataract surgery ususally is. Shorlty following his eye surgery, Mr. Harvey lost the love of his life, Lynne (better known by the name Paul called her, Angel), to leukemia. She and Paul had battled the disease together for over a year.

That is a lot for anyone to handle. Add in the fact that Paul Harvey will be 90 years old on Sept. 4 and you can appreciate that Mr. Harvey is dealing with a lot.

The fact that he was still up early every morning producing three radio broadcasts a day in his 89th year is amazing. But age will eventually catch up with all of us and I believe that the burdens of the past few months, aggravated by the fact that Mr. Harvey is nearly 90 years old, has served to make it more difficult for Mr. Harvey to return to work than he thought it would be.

The simple fact is that none of us knows when, or if, Paul Harvey will return to a regular schedule. He is currently recording the commercials that run in his newscasts but he is not writing or producing the casts himself. According to ABC Radio, they are in regular contact with the Harvey family and will let affiliates know something when they know something.

Paul Harvey has earned our patience. He has meant more to radio and broadcasting than all but a very, very few who have ever been in the business. (And as I write this, I cannot actually think of who might comprise the very, very few.)

So until such time as Paul Harvey himself says he's stepping down, we will continue to hold a seat at the table for him.

Thanks for your question.
Paul Gleiser

I have been a listener for years. do you have any plans in the near future to boost your stations signal strength? I have been a listener for years. do you have any plans in the near future to boost your stations signal strength?

I have been a listener for years. do you have any plans in the near future to boost your stations signal strength? I have been a listener for years. do you have any plans in the near future to boost your stations signal strength? (Posted by Administrator)

I love the programming especially sports talk and Sean Hannity. I am also a big high school football fan and this leads me to my problem. I live in Jacksonville and when the sun goes down so does KTBB SIGNAL! Other radio stations start bleeding in. I am left with no other choice but to turn the radio off. This happens not only with my home radio but in both vehicles. Of course this has been going on for a long time I just finally had to say something about it. Your ratings must be effected by this and do you have any plans in the near future to boost your stations signal strength? I WANT TO HEAR MORE!

ANSWER

Yours is a question we get nearly every fall.

If it were up to us, we'd be on the air at 100 kilowatts. The equipment to broadcast at a higher power output is relatively cheap and, despite the high energy costs that so dominate the headlines as I write this, so is the electricity.

Why can I listen to other Texas stations without subscription and without living there, and you require both?

Why can I listen to other Texas stations without subscription and without living there, and you require both? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

The quick answer is because the other radio stations do not broadcast 100% of their over-the-air programming on the internet. In almost all cases, they separate at the commercial breaks and run either fill music or commercials that are locally produced and do not employ announcers or actors that are members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).

Why can't I get your station 600 am before 7:30 in the morning when it gets this time of year (October). Sure do miss hearing the local news and sports.

Why can't I get your station 600 am before 7:30 in the morning when it gets this time of year (October). Sure do miss hearing the local news and sports. (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

Yours is a question we get frequently at this time of year as the sun begins rising later and setting earlier. You didn't specify where you live in the area so my answer will be general in nature.

Every morning around 6:15 your signal seems to be pumped up, I guess for the day.

Every morning around 6:15 your signal seems to be pumped up, I guess for the day. (Posted by Administrator)

That second or so when static comes thru causes the listener to miss half a sentence or so. Can this process occur before 6:00 am, instead of in the middle of the sports update?

ANSWER

The momentary interruption that you hear is the result of the physical movement of some rather large relays that serve to:

Does Dr. Bob do his weather reports from his home? If so how does the process work?

Does Dr. Bob do his weather reports from his home? If so how does
the process work? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

Yes, Dr. Bob originates his weathercasts from his home. His home is the
Cooperating Reporting Station for the National Weather Service. He is linked
to our studio via a special piece of equipment that digitizes audio and
transmits the resulting digital stream via an ISDN line.

ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network and is a service
provided by the telephone company.

ISDN is a very common means of transmitting audio from remote locations.

I hope this answers your question.

Paul L. Gleiser

When will you begin broadcasting in HD?

When will you begin broadcasting in HD? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

Thanks for your question regarding HD Radio, otherwise known as High
Definition Radio.

HD Radio's premise is that it greatly improves audio quality by digitizing
the station's analog audio signal and broadcasting it on the same
frequencies that we use for our existing stations. Further, HD offers the
capacity for a "second channel", a kind of extra radio
station-within-a-station upon which we could offer alternative programming.

The short answer to your question concerning our plans to begin offering HD
Radio is, "Not for a while."

How important do you think the internet, in terms of web sites ,blogs, etc..., is for radio and TV stations? You appear to have embraced the notion that it could be the future of the industry.

How important do you think the internet, in terms of web sites ,blogs, etc..., is for radio and TV stations? You appear to have embraced the notion that it could be the future of the industry. (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

You are quite perceptive.

I believe that the internet is hugely important for information content
creators such as newstalk radio stations, TV stations and newspapers. I
believe that those of us that do a good job embracing the exciting
capabilities of the web will prosper in the coming years.

I applaud you on your advertising being local and tasteful - and free of the ultra annoying advertisments. Is it hard to maintain this higher standard in this day of flashing, obnoxious ads and content?

I applaud you on your advertising being local and tasteful - and free of the ultra annoying advertisments. Is it hard to maintain this higher standard in this day of flashing, obnoxious ads and content? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share them.

We have done our best to make www.ktbb.com the best possible reflection of our commitment to high standards on the air at Newstalk 600 KTBB.We want there to be a seamless relationship between what we do on the radio and what we do on the web.

We live in Henderson,TX and would like to stream the KTBB Live --There are a lot of folks who listen to KTBB here in our City and we rely on your news and weather. Can you consider 75652 for addition to the broadcast?

We live in Henderson,TX and would like to stream the KTBB Live --There are a lot of folks who listen to KTBB here in our City and we rely on your news and weather. Can you consider 75652 for addition to the broadcast? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

We appreciate our listeners in Henderson and we appreciate your interest in subscribing to our internet audio streaming service.

The short answer to your question can be found in our Terms and Conditions and our Frequently Asked Questions pages about streaming. Here are the links.
http://www.ktbb.com/liveaudio/
http://www.ktbb.com/liveaudio/streamterms.php

Why has Roger Gray's show been cancelled?

Why has Roger Gray's show been cancelled? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

I am sad to announce that Roger Gray is leaving KTBB effective friday, Mar. 30. Roger is working on a new media opportunity that he will be announcing in the coming weeks. I consider Roger to be a consummate professional and I am proud to call him a friend.

Is there any way to delay your live Cowboys broadcast by a second or two to match up with the television broadcast. I cannot stand a game without Brad Sham calling it but it is a little frustrating...

Is there any way to delay your live Cowboys broadcast by a second or two to match up with the television broadcast. I cannot stand a game without Brad Sham calling it but it is a little frustrating... (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

I understand your frustration but there is not much practical remedy.

The difference in timing between the television broadcast and the radio broadcast is not a constant value. The difference will be a function of the respective facilities used by the television network and the radio network in moving their signals through their chains and will be different for every situation.

Could you record your own electronic or synthesized "music" and play psa's or local commercials to resolve any royalty questions?

Could you record your own electronic or synthesized "music" and play psa's or local commercials to resolve any royalty questions? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

WBAP's solution is a good one. The problem for a station like KTBB in Tyler, Texas is cost of implementation. WBAP is owned by ABC, which is in turn owned by The Walt Disney Co. ABC invested several hundred thousand dollars in the software and hardware to permit audio streaming in the way that you mentioned in all of their radio markets.

I've noticed that some other radio websites have discontinued their internet broadcasts. Would you be able to shed some light on this subject?

I've noticed that some other radio websites have discontinued their internet broadcasts. Would you be able to shed some light on this subject? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

A very large number or radio stations that have up until recently been streaming their broadcasts over the internet, have indeed quit doing so. This is a direct result of the fact that the internet and its associated technology are moving ahead at a pace such that contract law and royalty agreements have not kept up.

With the recent passing of Tommy Tomlinson, will KTBB continue to offer Southern Gospel on Sunday mornings?

With the recent passing of Tommy Tomlinson, will KTBB continue to offer Southern Gospel on Sunday mornings? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

The short answer to your question is: probably not.

The universe of people who
a.) have radio experience,
b.) possess the library and the knowledge thereof in Southern Gospel music,
c.) live in this area, and,
d.) are willing to get up early every Sunday morning to go to work -- is thin indeed. In fact, I cannot think of anyone we could even talk to to offer the slot.

With all the movie screens now in Tyler why can't we get movies such as the March of the Penguins?

With all the movie screens now in Tyler why can't we get movies such as the March of the Penguins? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

I'm no expert on the marketing of motion pictures but I can relate movie choices to radio format choices.

Some radio formats appeal to very small percentages of the universe of radio listeners. Examples include jazz and classical music. Dallas-Ft. Worth has both a jazz station and a classical music station for the simple reason that even though the percentages are small, a small percentage of nearly 4 million people is still a significant number that can be commercially exploited.

I've heard that KTBB is for sale and that the format may change. I'm hoping this isn't true. I rely on your station every morning to get the news and listen to Roger. Is the rumor mill correct and KTBB is, in fact, for sale?

I've heard that KTBB is for sale and that the format may change. I'm hoping this isn't true. I rely on your station every morning to get the news and listen to Roger. Is the rumor mill correct and KTBB is, in fact, for sale? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

KTBB is not for sale.

There was some erroneous reporting concerning the decision taken by the trustees at Kilgore College to sell their non-commercial station KTPB. The call letters are very similar and there has been some resulting confusion in the reporting.

I have never heard of any station only allowing people who live in the service area of the station to listen on the web?

I have never heard of any station only allowing people who live in the service area of the station to listen on the web? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

Our web streaming model is a dictate of the economics and the copyright law that has evolved during the brief lifetime of the internet.

KTBB was a fairly early adopter of web audio streaming. Then the leaches and bloodsuckers came.

Just concerned KTBB's streaming audio on the internet has not resumed.

Just concerned KTBB's streaming audio on the internet has not resumed. (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

We would love to resume streaming KTBB on the internet.

It is, however, a monumental task to get it done. The stations that you mention are in much larger markets and therefore, have the revenue base to make the sizable hardware and software investment feasible.

(June 16th, 2005 - Resolved June 25th, 2005) Charlie Jones sounds terrible! What's the problem with your audio during Charlie's show? Can this be fixed?

(June 16th, 2005 - Resolved June 25th, 2005) Charlie Jones sounds terrible! What's the problem with your audio during Charlie's show? Can this be fixed? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

Yes, we know the audio on Charley Jones's show has sounded terrible.

The problem is not us. The problem originates in Dallas at the Texas State Network.

TSN is in the process of moving its operations from their former location at the Ballpark in Arlington to studios on North Central Expressway in Dallas.

How can you consider it newsworthy enough to interrupt the Rush Limbaugh Program to tell us that your reporter thought it was white smoke, no whoops, aw shucks, it's black smoke? What a joke!

How can you consider it newsworthy enough to interrupt the Rush Limbaugh Program to tell us that your reporter thought it was white smoke, no whoops, aw shucks, it's black smoke? What a joke! (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

Well, sir ...

... that reporter was me and as it turned out, the smoke was white and a new pope was elected. For a brief few minutes, it was not completely clear to any member of any media organization from anywhere in the world on the scene covering the event that a new pope had been elected. What was seen coming from the smokestack atop the Sistine Chapel looked white, but it had long intermittent streaks of black in it.

Is KTBB not going to carry the Mavericks games this season?

Is KTBB not going to carry the Mavericks games this season? (Posted by Administrator)

The first two were not on that station. Rangers coverage was very limited (weekends, sometimes) and I'm wondering if you plan the same for the Mavericks. As you know, KTBB is the only one of your stations that goes much further than city limits after dark, so it doesn't help if games are on the other stations.

ANSWER

We do not plan to provide weeknight coverage of Mavericks games. We made the decision this year to seek predictability and continuity in our evening programming.

I was wondering to what measures KTBB has taken in light of the FCC's recent power trip.

I was wondering to what measures KTBB has taken in light of the FCC's recent power trip. (Posted by Administrator)

In recent months, the FCC has been cracking down on certain shows and programs in various areas in the country. I realize that the programming on KTBB and the other stations that your company owns shouldn't have problems with program content and shows such as "Bubba the Love Sponge" and "Howard Stern" will never make it to the Tyler market.

I understand that there was a major "changing of the guard" involving several key radio stations in the area. I don't remember all of the call letters for these stations but one station was KOOI, which we listen to here in Tyler.

I understand that there was a major "changing of the guard" involving several key radio stations in the area. I don't remember all of the call letters for these stations but one station was KOOI, which we listen to here in Tyler. (Posted by Administrator)

How does a deal like this change and affect our market? Do you think that there will be format changes for these stations?

Also - I understand that your company had been interested in a share of that deal... is that true?

Thanks for your time

ANSWER

Yes, some changes in ownership have recently taken place in the Tyler-Longview market.

Why do you have the political talk stuff on KTBB 600 vs. 1490...

Why do you have the political talk stuff on KTBB 600 vs. 1490... (Posted by Administrator)

I am a long term listener, periodic participant on David Smoak's sports talk, and I wake up every morning with Mike Edwards. I am also on the road in the East Texas area and listen to the Rangers games. This year has been very disappointing due to you shifting the games to AM 1490. AM 1490 is a joke! You cannot pick that station up once your outside the loop.

I have always been curious why some of your programming is not available on the internet. Especially Rush...

I have always been curious why some of your programming is not available on the internet. Especially Rush... (Posted by Administrator)

...when a friend of mine, who lives in Dallas, says that Wbap airs Rush on their site. Also, if I remember right, I won't be able to listen to the Rangers on the site either. Why is that?

ANSWER

Many of the syndicators of network programming specifically reserve internet streaming rights and withhold internet streaming privileges from affiliate stations.

Why are the Rangers not on KTBB for all games?

Why are the Rangers not on KTBB for all games? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER

Given the Rangers poor performance over the past four seasons, you are one of the very few who still listen to Rangers games.

The audience ratings for our Rangers broadcasts reached the point that we could no longer afford to have them on the air on weeknights.

I see by your debate schedule that you are going to be skipping the 2nd of the Presidential Debates. I can only assume that this very unfortunate decision is based on some sort of station economics model...

I see by your debate schedule that you are going to be skipping the 2nd of the Presidential Debates. I can only assume that this very unfortunate decision is based on some sort of station economics model... (Posted by Administrator)

- where the high school football game (not a vital key to the state of the Union) is probably generating more money than the debates? If you proceed with this I will be forced to lose a great deal of respect for both the station and yourself.

ANSWER

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS LISTENER'S INPUT: Based on what was known at the time this response was first written

I tune in hoping to hear Sean and I hear sports programming...
I tune in hoping to hear Sean and I hear sports programming... (Posted by Administrator)

Here's my point of view on listening to your station at night: "Why bother". I tune in hoping to hear Sean and I hear sports programming, ranging from local girls basketball to a show on the Texas Longhorns (tonight).

I get confused about the relationship between KTBB and KEES...
I get confused about the relationship between KTBB and KEES... (Posted by Administrator)

I realize that KTBB is at 600 AM and KEES is at 1430 AM. And I realize they are both owned by Gleiser Communications. But when I tune to KEES, sometimes the announcer says 'This is KTBB.' ... Huh?

In response to several letters, e-mails and calls concerning the cancellation of the Amy Glenn Show.
In response to several letters, e-mails and calls concerning the cancellation of the Amy Glenn Show. (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER
It is with both excitement and regret that we have come to the decision to remove the Amy Glenn Show from our daily lineup on KTBB and replace her, along with the one-hour show from Dr. Dean Edell, with The Roger Gray Show.

Why are so many of your national level programs taped delayed? I have noticed the same programs on earlier (i.e. Rush Limbaugh and Shawn Hannity) on the Dallas stations?
Why are so many of your national level programs taped delayed? I have noticed the same programs on earlier (i.e. Rush Limbaugh and Shawn Hannity) on the Dallas stations? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER
We, like WBAP in Dallas-Ft. Worth, delay both Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. At one time, both WBAP and KTBB aired Rush at exactly the same time.

I understand that the FCC has made a ruling for digital radio. What do you see in future for digital radio in Tyler?
I understand that the FCC has made a ruling for digital radio. What do you see in future for digital radio in Tyler? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER
Digital radio will work its way into the marketplace eventually. But I believe that it will take a while for markets the size of Tyler.

In response to several e-mails wondering about our decision to remove Dr. Laura's Show from KTBB.
In response to several e-mails wondering about our decision to remove Dr. Laura's Show from KTBB. (Posted by Administrator)

We made the decision to cancel Dr. Laura's program on KTBB after long deliberation. We understand that a large number of people look forward to Dr. Laura's show every day and that taking her off the air would result in a lot of disappointment.

Gary in Jacksonville responds to the response about raising power so outlying areas can hear KTBB at night...
Gary in Jacksonville responds to the response about raising power so outlying areas can hear KTBB at night... (Posted by Administrator)

This is all well and good. But who is the FCC trying to protect in Jacksonville. We only have one station and it is at 1400. I can get St. Louis, San Antonio, Denver, Louisville but not Tyler.

What is the policy for "turning up the power" in the mornings?
What is the policy for "turning up the power" in the mornings? (Posted by Administrator)

I moved to Longview five years ago and have always enjoyed listening to KTBB in the mornings but what is the policy for "turning up the power" in the mornings? I cannot receive the station until 7 am and certainly would enjoy spending my entire morning listening to your station.

I've noticed that some other radio websites have discontinued their internet broadcasts. I hear there is some concern about royalties and copyrights. Would you be able to shed some light on this subject?
I've noticed that some other radio websites have discontinued their internet broadcasts. I hear there is some concern about royalties and copyrights. Would you be able to shed some light on this subject? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER
A very large number or radio stations that have up until recently been streaming their broadcasts over the internet, have indeed quit doing so. This is a direct result of the fact that the internet and its associated technology are moving ahead at a pace such that contract law and royalty agreements have not kept up.

You have too many commercials.
You have too many commercials. (Posted by Administrator)

I listen to your station 5-8 hours everyday. I compared KTBB with at least 4 other stations. You have too many commercials. I know you have bills to pay, but when I can go to one station when your commercials start tune back in 10 minutes and am still hearing commercials.

KTBB and KDOK appear to be major forces in the area as far as radio stations. What role do KEES and KGLD play? They appear to be rather weak links in your chain of stations.
KTBB and KDOK appear to be major forces in the area as far as radio stations. What role do KEES and KGLD play? They appear to be rather weak links in your chain of stations. (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER
Yes, they are weak links. And that is because they have weak signals. The AM band, as it is currently constituted, is a prisoner of history. When the FCC was formed by the Communications Act of 1934, one of the FCC's principal mandates was to create order out of chaos in the allocation of frequencies to communities across the U.S.

Several visitors to our site have asked our owner/general manager: What Has Happened to The Dwight Hall Show?
Several visitors to our site have asked our owner/general manager: What Has Happened to The Dwight Hall Show? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER
"We are constantly evaluating our programming lineup from two perspectives. Those perspectives are the maximization of audience and the maximization of revenue.

What Happened to the Matt Williams Show?
What Happened to the Matt Williams Show? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER
After nearly a year on the air, it became clear that the Matt Williams Show was not on track to deliver either the audience or revenue that was hoped for when the program began.

Why does Dr. Bob sign off and say, "I'm Dr. Bob Peters and that's thirty"?
Why does Dr. Bob sign off and say, "I'm Dr. Bob Peters and that's thirty"? (Posted by Administrator)

ANSWER
In the days of linotype machines for setting type, multiple pages of copy contained the footer "-more-" at bottom of each page. The end of the copy on the last page carried the footer "-30-". That told the typesetter in a definitive fashion that he had reached the end of his copy.