Surfus
Jul 27, 2006, 03:56 AM
Religious radio is reborn ... as 'porn'
New FM format dumps spirituality, sermons for sensual sounds.
By Rick Bentley / The Fresno Bee
(Updated Thursday, July 27, 2006, 4:30 AM)
In a wrenching format change that has some radio listeners fuming, a local station has moved from the celestial to the salacious.
Kingsburg-based KFYE, FM 106.3, offered Christian programming until a week ago. In a neck-snapping, did-I-really-hear-that? turn of events, it now provocatively calls itself "Porn Radio" — presenting a mix of music, moans and suggestive announcements.
The new format, promoted as "all sex radio, all the time," features only songs with lustful lyrics.
The station's titillating playlist runs from "Why Don't We Do It in the Road" by The Beatles, to "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye, to "Strokin'" by Clarence Carter, to "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred and "Nasty" by Janet Jackson — a bewildering, genre-bending array of tunes sewn together by one bare thread: sex.
Even when the sexual suggestions in a tune may be a little vague, such as in Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight," the songs are often accented with recorded moans and groans of a woman who appears to be in throes of ecstasy.
"I almost fell on the floor when I heard it," said Jeff Chambers, executive director of the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce. "The station sounds like it is an attack on the quality of life we have here."
The format is the brainchild of Jerry Clifton, CEO of the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Pro-active Communications-Fresno, LLC. The company also owns two radio stations in Spokane, Wash. Neither has the Porn Radio format.
In fact, "it is the first in the country," Clifton said.
Clifton wouldn't say where he got the idea. He also wouldn't say whether the Porn Radio format is just a way to tease listeners before shifting to a more traditional radio format.
He did say, though, that the format may last "since we have had so much positive feedback."
Clifton was well aware of the central San Joaquin Valley radio market before buying KFYE. His work as a radio consultant for 30 years often brought him to the area. His first radio job was in Bakersfield at KAKY, AM 550.
The station, which Clifton purchased July 17 from the Educational Media Foundation for $3.75 million, is operating out of a trailer in Kingsburg. Clifton said he's working on a deal to locate his studios in downtown Fresno. Prior to the deal, KFYE played Christian music, sermons and Bible stories.
Currently, the station is playing a one-hour loop of sexy songs and no commercials. The lack of commercials is nothing new when a radio station launches a new format. KTSX, FM 105.5, played an endless loop of old TV themes when it switched from '60s songs to a country format in January 2005.
The songs on KFYE are separated by promotions for the station. Pre-recorded messages include "We are the only radio station with a stripper pole as a broadcast antenna" and a suggestion that those younger than 21 should turn off their radios because the station features "mild sexual content."
Clifton said he hasn't heard any negative comments. But some observers of local radio are incensed.
The new format is a "black eye on Fresno radio," said Ed Beckman. He has worked in Fresno radio, including a stint at KYNO, AM 1300, for a number of years, and also programmed a number of stations in the West in the '70s and '80s.
"It would appear this is another of those … promotions that are simply designed to create controversy," he said.
"This format belongs on Sirius or XM, not on over-the-air," he added.
"Perhaps the FCC will step in and fine them appropriately."
Beckman was referring to the recent crackdown by the Federal Communications Commission regarding explicit material on radio. Fines for such violations were increased in June. The FCC now can hand out penalties of up to $325,000 per incident.
Members of the Kingsburg chamber already have contacted the FCC to inquire about making a complaint against KFYE.
As for whether the content is dancing too close to violating FCC rules, Clifton said every effort is being made not to cross the line.
The reporter can be reached at rbentley@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6355.
New FM format dumps spirituality, sermons for sensual sounds.
By Rick Bentley / The Fresno Bee
(Updated Thursday, July 27, 2006, 4:30 AM)
In a wrenching format change that has some radio listeners fuming, a local station has moved from the celestial to the salacious.
Kingsburg-based KFYE, FM 106.3, offered Christian programming until a week ago. In a neck-snapping, did-I-really-hear-that? turn of events, it now provocatively calls itself "Porn Radio" — presenting a mix of music, moans and suggestive announcements.
The new format, promoted as "all sex radio, all the time," features only songs with lustful lyrics.
The station's titillating playlist runs from "Why Don't We Do It in the Road" by The Beatles, to "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye, to "Strokin'" by Clarence Carter, to "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred and "Nasty" by Janet Jackson — a bewildering, genre-bending array of tunes sewn together by one bare thread: sex.
Even when the sexual suggestions in a tune may be a little vague, such as in Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight," the songs are often accented with recorded moans and groans of a woman who appears to be in throes of ecstasy.
"I almost fell on the floor when I heard it," said Jeff Chambers, executive director of the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce. "The station sounds like it is an attack on the quality of life we have here."
The format is the brainchild of Jerry Clifton, CEO of the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Pro-active Communications-Fresno, LLC. The company also owns two radio stations in Spokane, Wash. Neither has the Porn Radio format.
In fact, "it is the first in the country," Clifton said.
Clifton wouldn't say where he got the idea. He also wouldn't say whether the Porn Radio format is just a way to tease listeners before shifting to a more traditional radio format.
He did say, though, that the format may last "since we have had so much positive feedback."
Clifton was well aware of the central San Joaquin Valley radio market before buying KFYE. His work as a radio consultant for 30 years often brought him to the area. His first radio job was in Bakersfield at KAKY, AM 550.
The station, which Clifton purchased July 17 from the Educational Media Foundation for $3.75 million, is operating out of a trailer in Kingsburg. Clifton said he's working on a deal to locate his studios in downtown Fresno. Prior to the deal, KFYE played Christian music, sermons and Bible stories.
Currently, the station is playing a one-hour loop of sexy songs and no commercials. The lack of commercials is nothing new when a radio station launches a new format. KTSX, FM 105.5, played an endless loop of old TV themes when it switched from '60s songs to a country format in January 2005.
The songs on KFYE are separated by promotions for the station. Pre-recorded messages include "We are the only radio station with a stripper pole as a broadcast antenna" and a suggestion that those younger than 21 should turn off their radios because the station features "mild sexual content."
Clifton said he hasn't heard any negative comments. But some observers of local radio are incensed.
The new format is a "black eye on Fresno radio," said Ed Beckman. He has worked in Fresno radio, including a stint at KYNO, AM 1300, for a number of years, and also programmed a number of stations in the West in the '70s and '80s.
"It would appear this is another of those … promotions that are simply designed to create controversy," he said.
"This format belongs on Sirius or XM, not on over-the-air," he added.
"Perhaps the FCC will step in and fine them appropriately."
Beckman was referring to the recent crackdown by the Federal Communications Commission regarding explicit material on radio. Fines for such violations were increased in June. The FCC now can hand out penalties of up to $325,000 per incident.
Members of the Kingsburg chamber already have contacted the FCC to inquire about making a complaint against KFYE.
As for whether the content is dancing too close to violating FCC rules, Clifton said every effort is being made not to cross the line.
The reporter can be reached at rbentley@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6355.