Member Supported Program Guide Radio! Spring-Summer 1988

In this Issue:

Fast Forward Not Just "The Only" Engineering for Public Radio Program Highlights & Listings * 1___ 071.3 FM

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NPR reporter Tom Gjelten in Nicaragua interviewing members of the Contra forces Fast Forward by Jim Paluzzi

I was rummaging through my videotapes at "Writer/humorist Garrison Keillor announced that home last night, and came across one with no he would present A Prairie Home Companion: the 2nd markings. aueless as to its contents, I tossed it into Annual Farewell Performance at Radio City Music my VCR to see what I had, Hall •••• The two·hour stage production, which will After an hour's worth of nature programming also be broadcast live nationally over the American about lions. the program changed. There was Public Radio network ••• will reature humorous commercial parodies, musical selections, an eclectic silence, the piebne went black, and then I heard a assortment of guests, and a monologue by Keillor, all or voice that had become so familiar to me over the which made A Prairie Home Companion America's years. He was singing ... most popular public radio show."

Look. who's comin.g through that door. 1 think we'}'e met somewhere before. Heilo, love. Hello, As I continued reading, I learned that Garrison's 10ft ••• lineup of guests for this broadcast performance includes such APHC favorites as guitarist Chet I had stumbled across the first television broadcast of Atkim, recording artist and guitarist Leo Kottke; A Prairie Home Companion. The voice was ragtime and traditional jazz pianist Butch Thompson; Garrison Keillor's. bluegrass and folk singers Robin and Linda Wil­ liams; the Everly Brothers; the 1920's style jazz Soon. I was motionless in front of the television. band Vince Giordino and the Nighthawks; singer ac­ my eyes fixed on the quiet, shy man from Lake tress Karen Morrow; and Rich Dworsky. Tom Keith, Wobegon who likes to sing while playing his auto­ (continued 011 page 7) harp. Garrison and his guests had, once again. taken over my home. and I found myself using the rewind button again and again-reviewing a particularly KBSU91.3FM funny or poignant portion of the program. KBSU is a non-commercial educational station It was a very pleasant evening. licensed to the Idaho State Board of Education. This morning, as I started to sift through my mail and messages, I came across two teletyped Operation and administration of KBSU is the re­ "URGENT' announcemems. Both. maybe not by sponsibility of Boise State University. Our studios coincidence, were about A Prairie Home and offices are located on the campus of Boise Companion. Garrison is going to do another State University. 1910University Drive, Boise, ID "farewell" performance, this time live from Radio 83725. Telephone number: (208) 385-3663. City Music Hall in New Yort.! Although I listen to APHC almost every Satur~ General Manager. James V. Paluzzi day evening on KBSU, forme, it's sort of like AssL General Manager. Michael J. Exinger watching reruns of M·A ·S·H; although the pro~ CbiefEngineer. Timothy J. McCartney grams are still very exciting and enjoyable, it's not Director of News and Public Affairs: Paul KjeUander quite the same as when the programs were in first News Operations Manager: Andrea Scott nut. The reruns are like wearing well-worn comfo:rt~ Operations Manager. Glen Wilhelm able shoes; they may be old. but they sure do feel Music Director: Phil Madock good. But there's something about a program that is Membership Coordinator: Sharon Mackey airing for the very first time: the new and unex~ Business AssisLant: Stephanie Toomey peeted can happen at any time. Anything goes. Tell a Friend About Imagine my delight when I read: KBSU 2 Not just "the only... ", but "The Best" by Mike Exinger

In the past few months, we've received a great The results of all of this? A better KBSU. Our deal of feedback from OUf listeners. TIlls feedback goal this year is to be "the best," and we're doing it has taken the shape of letters, responses to our pro­ for you. We feel a tremendous amount of satisfac­ gramming surveys, phone calls, and personal visits. tion when YOU are satisfied. When you tell us that Your feedback has been very welcome, because in you like what we're doing, or when you call in and the majority of cases, your response has been over­ thank us for playing "that song," or when you' write whelmingly positive. in to tell us how much you appreciated our coverage We're very glad to be able to bring to you a of a particular news event-that's when we know variety of radio programming that you can't find we're doing something right. anywhere else in Southwest Idaho. However, we're We need your help. We'd like you to become a not content to be known as just "the only station that Member ofKBSU. Our spring membership drive has ... ", whether you fill in the blanks with in-depth stans with this issue of FOCUS, and will finish with news coverage, classical music,jazz, or whatever. our on-air drive in June. We want you to think of us as "the BEST station KBSU's theme for this spring is simple: that bas .. ," "Money doesn't count-people do!" If you are a Your recent responses have told us what you listener of KBSU, you've already taken the first step like, what you don't like, and what you'd like to see in becoming involved in something great. I'd like to expanded. Recently, we have made changes to bring encourage you to take the next step in that involve­ "the best" to you on KBSU: ment: I hope that you'll take the opportwtity to become a member ofKBSU. Our Evening Passages jazz program now airs In this issue ofKBSU's program guide, you'll weeknights until 10 p.m. find a membership application. Please take a few Your favorite specialty shows such as Edges, minutes to complete it and mail it in along with your Fluid Drive, Blue Monday, and Mutant Pop, contribution (credit cards or installment plans are now are extended from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. OK, too!), Be sure to listen in June during the on-air We've added great programs such as Radio drive as KBSU reaches its goal of 2000 members, Reader, Good Evening, Car Talk, and Blue and please do your pan to keep KBSU "the best... .. Monday. You asked for local news in the afternoon, and now you have it: local updates every half-hour during MonitoRadio, All Things Considered, The Classics are alive and Business Update. weekdays on KBSU!

Of course, there are also changes going on "bdlind the scenes" that are not as noticeable, yet are a big part in our drive to be the best. Our staff is putting in extra effort to improve our record service, so that you'll hear all the latest releases-many of them on compact disc. Program producers are worKing hard to present better shows, bringing you Kar1 Haas' Adventures in Good Music more information, music, and news that you can use. Bob Edl and Morning Passages Not to be forgonen is our ''major project" in Classics with Kate Remington making KBSU available throughout all of Southwest Idaho: our increase in power to 19,100 watts at our Weekday., 9am-2pm new transmitter site at Deer Point. lbis is a tremen­ on KBSU! dous step, because our new transmitter means better reception, wider reception, and STEREO reception!

3 Public Radio Demands Tailored Engineering #3 by Tim McCartney

The uniqueness of public radio extends to every product support by the- manufacturer is the reason. aspect of the radio station, Included, of course, is The significant areas of product support for engi­ the engineering department neering are a 24-hour technical alert service (manda~ In the previous two issues of FOCUS, the areas tory for transmitter manufacturers). service. war~ of music. signal processing. news. listening habits. ranty, replacement. company longevity, and willing» and fringe listeners were explored from the point of ness to accept institutional purchase order numbers view of engineering requirement'.!. Thi; time Qur over the phone to initiate orders. attention turns to member support and equipment Such intangible requirements usually are not purchases, adequatety addressed during bid j>l'O«dures. which Member Support are designed to objectively evaluate bids from Without the supJX)rt of public radio's members, companies while minimizing subjective judgments. the system would not exist. But, when listeners up­ Thus. the inclusion of significant oonsiderations for gI1Ide their status to members. they e,.;pee! something product support forces an increasingly complicated in return. The stations frequently respond with and risky endeavor. newsletters, program guides. open houses, premi­ At Boise State University. we have been fortu­ ums, ticket giveaways, discounts for merchandise OT nate to have the full cooperation of OUT purchasing services. and of course. great programming. But. office personnel on such difficult matters, nus helps less tangible expectations remain. us to acquire those products most likely to provide Members view themselves as pilrt-owners of the the best long~terrn setvice for minimum expenditure. station. and they are correct. TItus. when something However, not all public stations are so fortunate. as goes wrong technically. members want to know evidenced by their purchases of unreliable equip­ about it While such concerns are also true with ment. Any savings whlch may have been made up commercial !!o1ation listeners. the level of interest is front are surely to be lost ten times over as mainte­ quite different nance costS Spiral upward. Gone is the passive attitude that the station is off Summing Up the air. Rather. a special concern surfaces that In the end. engineers at all stations want their perhaps something disastrous may have occurred signals to be strong and sound better than the compe­ which could jeopardize the station's ability to tition. However. the strategies used to achieve these broadcasL Such a deep interest about one's invest­ ends vary widely between public and commercial ment in public radio broadens simultaneously with radio, the member's growing support of the station. KBSU's commitment to engineering excel­ And since public radio members generally listen lence oontinues despite minimmn resources. The for extended periods of time. they are likely to be station's transmitter move up to Deer Point will net a aware of all technical problems. 111us, the stakes greatly improved signal to the region, In addition. rise for the station and its engineering efforts. the advancement will make possible the expansion of Equipment Pvdtases KBSU to McCall. Twin Falls. Stanley. Challis. and Public radio stations are generally licenred (by Salmon. the FCC) to colleges, universities, or some govern­ So, it's an exciting time for KBSU as we look at ment entity. As a result, the responsibility and serving our members with a greatly improved support provided by the institutions place the stations broadcast signal. The transmitter project has been within established )X)licies and procedures. These years in the planning stages. Finally we are closing "stringS attached" arrangements are fully intended to in on its completion! protect pubHc dollars and institutional liability. For example. institutional purchasing policies must be rigorously followed. This means that a Your KBSU Membership Means station can sometimes end up purchasing a product it reatly should nOlacquire; typicatly. a poor history of MORE POWERTO YOU!

4 KBSU Membership Application and Programming Ballot Complete and mail fonn to: KBSU, 1910 University Drive, Boise, 10 63725

PLEASE PRINT

Name of Donor(s): ______Address: ______----,,---- ____----,=--::----:- _____ City: -::.,---______State: _-:-:-;---:- Zip Code: ____ Home Phone: Work Phone: Gift Membership for (name & address): ______

Amount of donation: $,______

Membership levels: $250 - Producer 60 - Basic (see below for 120 - Sustaining 30 - Budget premium information) ($15 for seniors & students)

Payment: __ Credit card: _ VISA __ MasterCard e::~a;~_nd_ate_:-..::.----_- ______BSU Payroll Deduction (we will send you a form for signature) __ payment Enclosed: for 1u.ll payment of pledge __ for 1irs1 payment* (no less than $10) ,--__ ,. Send payment reminders: _Monthly _Quanerly

Are you contributing for the first time? YES__ NO__ If NO, is this a new address? YES__ NO __

May we read your name "on the air" to say "thank you" for your donation? YES NO

Does your place of business participate as a Matching Gift Company? YES__ NO__ (not sure? Gaff us at 385-3663) IF YES ... NAME OF COMPANY:.:-:-c-:c~c_::__:==_:_:c=::_::c= If your company panlclpates, please contact your personnel office for the necessary forms, and send the toms to KBSU with your payment.

PREMIUM(S): (SENT UPON COMPLETION OF PLEDGE - ALLOW 6-8 WEEKS) (all members will receive a year's subscription to KBSU's For Members Only newsletter) $60 - KBSU Sa...AR "CREDIT CARD" CALCULATOR ___ $120 - KBSU BEACH TOWEL ___ $250 - KBSU AM/FM PORTABLE CLOCK RADIO ___ NO PREMIUM, THANK YOU

KBSU PROGRAMMING BALLOT: What are your favorite programs on KBSU (list three maximum):

======KBSU RADIO OFFICE USE ONLY: Member Number: Pledge # -;::-___ Payment received , by Premiums shipped ____ , by KBSU Program Descriptions

Morning Edition: News you can use, featuring local. na­ Blue MOJ'lday~ Blues you can use as you finish off that tional. and international news and information. Produced in first day of the workweek. (IO p.m.-2 8.m" Mon.) cooperation wilh National Public Radio, KBSU's Morning Edition features local and regional news, broodcast live from Edges: The outetreaIm of music, and then a tittle further. A KBSU's studios. (6~9 a.m., Mon.-Fri.) KBSU tradition rontinues 10 be a Treasure Valley favorite. (10 p.m.-2 a.m., Tues.) Morning Passages: Classical music for the weekday life­ style. Listm 81 home, in theofrtce Of 00 theroad. KarIHaas Mutant Pop: The most alternative music in Boise. Join begins with his "Adventures in Good Mu.~" at 9 a.m. Bob Mark Hanford and Tim Tate for the best in hardcore. inde­

Ed] continues witb the Treasure Valley's only morning clas­ pendent, and experimental music. (10 p,m. M 2 .a.m., Wed.) sical pmg:rn.m. (9 a.m.~noon, Mon.-Fri.) Fluid Drive.: With Arthur Balinger. An energized musical Classies:witb Kate Remington! Each weekday ,Kale brings offering featuring a varied spectrum of jazz, blues, and you music that is sure to provide a pleasant accompaniment fusion. (to p,m,-2 a.m., Thurs.) 10 your aftcrnocm activities. Write her with your classical music requests. (0000-2 p.m., :Mon.-Fri.) Rocko1ogy: A historical100k back at rock and roll. You'll hear all the greatest musk: from the-late '60s 10 tbeearly'8Os Fnsh Air: Terry Gross interviews the most interesting (l9 p.m.-2 a.m., Fri.) people in the arts every weekday. Tune in also for the latest boot and mosic reviews. COOlbined with a fmt look at the Dawn Flight: Also with Arthur Balinger. Always an afternoon's news. (2-3 p,m., Mon.-Fri.} uplifting mix of rock.jazz, and blues. with a smoolh landing planned on the itinerary. {2-6 a.m., Sat} Radio Reader: At long last (and by popular demand). Dick Estell reads newly published books covering !.he gamut from Jazzwith Laz: Jazz plus a subtle blend ofbluesandsoftruck. no ..-els, history, humor, science fiction, and autobiographies. A great way to start your weekend. (15-10 a.m., Sal) (3-3:30 p.m., Mon.·Prt) Private Idaher. If variety is the spice- ofHfe, then this is one MonitoRaclkr. Natioml and international news from the spicy meatball! Join VictOr Pacania fQfa spot'Itaooous blend staffoftheChriJ1ianSdenceMonitornewspaper. Catcbboth of musical styles. from folk to fusion.rock: to reggae. new age the daily and the weekend editions. (3:304 p.m., Mon.-Fri; 10 new wave. It's music yoo want 1.0 hear, now in its ninth 6-1 a.m., Sun.) _. (IOa.m.-2p.m .. Sal)

All Things Considered: A ward-winning program of news, Mountain Stage: Live pcrfonnances of folk, bluegrass. interviews. and special features gives you a head Start On the jazz, and blues mixed wilh storytelling, poetry. and a bit of evening news. Now wilh loea] news briefs! 4-5:30 p.m., creative lightning. (24 p.m., Sal) }.1on.-Pri; 6-1 p,m" Sat; 7-8 p.m .• Sun.) Good Evening: Noah Adams and guests perfoon live from BusinessUpdare: Business news foreveryone, Jfyouinvest the World Theatre in doWntown St. Paul. The beginnings of your money in the stock market--or spend it in the supcrmar­ anew tmdilion in family entertainment. (4-5:30p,m,. Sat) Jret-nme in for the latest news about business and consumer issues. (5:5Q..6 a.m •• 5:30-6 p.m., Mon.-Fri.). Sound Print: Highly produred documentaries from the American Public: Radio Newark:, (5:30·6 p.m., Sal) Cameo Conctt1: Dinnertime classics hosted by Rich Klein­ fell Every day. a different artist orensembte is featured in A Prairie Home Companion: Family radio atits best, Join a cameo performance. (6~7 p.m., Moo-Fri.) Garrison Keillor fot music and "the news from Lake Wobe~ gon, Minn." (7--9 p.m., Sal) Due Radio Newsreel! The most respected news gathering organization in the workt brings you Ii quarter boor of Fossil Flashbacks: Therock and roll of the '50s and the '60s international reportsftomilSown~. (1-1:15 (11-10 p.m_, Sat) pm .. Mon.-Fri.) Saturday Night Blues: Four hours of the finest in blues. Evening Passages: Our program features both progressive from Son HOllse to Johnny Winter. (10 p.m.~2 a.m,. Sat.) and traditional jazz. (1:15-10 p.m., Man-Fri.) (continued n.ext page) 6 Program Descriptions (continued)

TheLeI'tHandorDawn: Whetheryou'reaSundaymoming Morrison Center Live: Recent perfonnances from BSU's early bird, or a Saturday night owl, David McElwain brings MorrisonCenteJ". (6-7p.m.,Sun.) you his music to accompany your dawning thoughts. (2-6 a.m., SUD.) Car Talk: The wackiest, most informative call-in show for carrepairin the country! Hosted byTom and Ray Magliozzi. Weekeod Edition: News, interviews. and features hosted by otherwise known as "Click" and "aack," (8-9 p.m., Sun.) Susan Stamburg. The perfect Sunday morning companion. (1-9 a.m., Sun.) New Dimensions: Inlrigulng interviews with a focus on self­ actualization. (9-10p.m.• Sun.) The New York Philharmonic Orchestra: Just the right prelude to KBSU's Sunday Concert Hall. Great perform­ Blues Deluxe: A closer look at the best in traditional and ances by a great orchestra. (9-11 a.m., Sun.) contemporary blues. including an entire album every week. (10 p.m.-midnight, Sun.) The KBSU Sunday Concert Hall: Seven hours of your favorite classical music. Another Treasure Valley tmdition on KBSU. (11 a.m.-6p.m., Sun.)

Fast Forward (continued from page 2)

Kate MacKenzie and Dan Rowles (who will render a At a time when other radio stations are giving brand new heartwarming chapter in the radio drama away cash. cars, and custody of their first-bom­ "Buster the Show Dog.") I was in Powdermilk spending lavish sums on promotion-you kind of Biscuit heaven! wonder how a quiet, shy, and unassuming station And, of course, Garrison will bring new news like KBSU can get away with asking for money to from Lake Wobegon, "the little town that time continue its programming. It's because of programs forgot, that the decades cannot improve, where all like A Prairie Home Companion, started on a the woman are strong, all the men are good looking, shoestring budget, and listened to week after week and all the children are above average." by an audience that knows the difference between That was information contained in the first sizzle and the steak. It's because KBSU's members teletyped message I found on my desk. The second take the time to get involved in programming the teletype had quotes from Garrison's press conference station through }XJsitive comments and criticism. It's in New York. I thought you'd like to read what he because, at KBSU, "Money Doesn't Count-people said about this special June gala broadcast: do!"

"This is going to be one of the saddest broadcasts With your help, the quiet and shy staff of KBSU ever. You do one fareweD show and sort of get the will continue to strive to bring you programming that hang of it and naturally your second one is going to be is based on just one premise; Every minute matters. better. We're going to say good-bye again and sing With your help, "member·supported KBSU" will be more heartbreaking farewell songs and wring more tears and guilt and grief from this audience-people more thanjust a slogan: it will be a statement of who haven't wept for years are going to break down your comrninnent to building a quality of life here in and cry like Jimmy Swaggart. We're in the last year of the West that is as solid as a Powdermilk Biscuit. Ronald Reagan's spectacular presidency, a new Have one-heavens, they're tasty and expeditious. morning that we're all going to miss, when we got to spend money like a nation of drunken cowboys, and Note: A Prairie Home Companion: The 2nd AnllUIJI now the bills are starting to arrive. This show comes at FareweU Performallce will be broadcast on SalJmllJy, the right historic: moment for a national outpouring of June 4th, beginning at 6 p.m. A specilzl encore perform. grief and I am glad to serve as the host." o.nce wUlfollow. Mo.rk yourco.lenda1'!

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