Clear Channel cuts Arklahoma AM show after 20-year run
by July 19, 2010 5:14 pm 249 views
Arklahoma AM, a morning radio show that has been a cornerstone in the Fort Smith media market for more than 20 years, is no more. The last show was Monday (July 19).
Officials with San Antonio-based Clear Channel suddenly pulled the plug on the show Monday, with remaining Arklahoma AM host Brian Harris receiving a severance package. The show was broadcast on KWHN AM 1320, and featured four hours (5 a.m. to 9 a.m.) of local news, interviews and information about events and issues in the Fort Smith metro area.
Gary Elmore, the long-time voice of Arklahoma AM, passed away June 7 at the age of 56 — a passing that marked the beginning of the end of the show Elmore made so popular.
“It was never going to be the same. Gary was that show. That was the primary factor” for the decision to cut the show, Dave Ashcraft, the Fayetteville-based manager for Clear Channel stations operating in Northwest Arkansas and Fort Smith.
Ashcraft issued the following statement Monday afternoon:
“It has become quite clear to us that Arklahoma AM cannot be the program it was without it’s heart and soul, Gary Elmore. While we have searched for someone local to handle Gary’s on air responsibilities since his passing, we feel that after nearly 20 years, it just wouldn’t be the same.
“We have decided to move in a new direction in KWHN’s early morning slot. Starting tomorrow, we are proud to introduce ‘America’s Morning News’ from 5am to 8am. It is a nationally syndicated radio news show originating in our nation’s capitol aimed at showcasing investigative reporting and accountability journalism, while featuring real time breaking news, commentary, and interviews. It is one of the fasting growing shows in the country, currently heard on 80 stations nationwide after only 8 months.
“We intend to infuse local content into the show by continuing to feature local news and weather from our local TV partner 40/29, features from The City Wire, as well as many additional local features, interviews, sports, and traffic updates.
“KWHN will be overseen by local program director, Chris Peddie. Chris has worked extensively in Fort Smith including stints as an anchor at 40/29, News Director at KTCS, and on air at KBBQ. He has spent the last 5 years with News Talk WWTN in Nashville, TN. He is very excited to be back in Fort Smith, where his two daughters and their families reside.”
Tracy Winchell was disappointed with the decision, saying the best chance for radio stations to compete with satellite radio and other challengers is to “go hyperlocal” and provide extensive coverage of a community.
“It’s sad to me that the group I always thought was best positioned to do that (hyperlocal) has given up on the local market,” said Winchell, a frequent Arklahoma AM guest who has worked in and with the Fort Smith media market since 1989.