KDWN
Encyclopedia
KDWN is a radio
station owned by Beasley Broadcast Group
based in Las Vegas, Nevada
. It broadcasts full-time at 50,000 watt
s, and is directional at night. It can be heard throughout most of the Western United States
, north into Canada
and south into Mexico
. KDWN is primarily a news-talk radio
station featuring a libertarian-to-conservative outlook with #1 local morning talk show host Heidi Harris
and syndicated talk show hosts Michael Savage
, Jerry Doyle
,and Dennis Miller
. KDWN also broadcasts brokered programs
for Las Vegas casino
s, local businesses, and other groups. It is the station where famous late-night talk show host Art Bell
first broadcast his show, Coast to Coast AM
.
KDWN likes to be known by the moniker "Kay Dawn" as the call-sign's pronunciation.
Weekends: Kim Komando (Saturday 7-10 AM), the Dr. Daliah Show (10-11 AM) (syndicated from Las Vegas), The Rabbi Show (Sunday 9-11 AM), The rest of the weekend programming is brokered.
The transition from music to talk-radio broadcasting began slowly from 1975 until 1980. In the late 1970s, KDWN was usually music and some talk-radio during the day. The talk-radio format was continuing to increase on many AM stations that played music in the late 1970s.
In January 1980, KDWN finally started broadcasting talk-radio full-time. KDWN was the only talk-radio station in Clark County
, NV and one of the first news agencies of the 1980 MGM Grand Fire for which the station won an award. http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Aug-21-Thu-2003/news/21986997.html KDWN was one of the very first talk-radio stations to broadcast the Rush Limbaugh
national syndicated show in 1988 but failed to renew the show, which moved to KXNT
AM 840 in 1996.
KDWN AM 720 had produced and broadcast a local morning show The Snoozebusters from the early 1980s until 2006 hosted by Ken Stahl and Hart Kirsch.
KDWN was founded by A.J. Williams, who owned KTYM
AM/FM Inglewood, CA and KAIL
TV Fresno, CA, and Jack Reeder, then-chief engineer
of KRLA
AM 1110. Mr. Reeder died, leaving the station to Mr. Williams, who owned the station until his death in 2005. http://www.nevadabroadcasters.org/news/index.php?news=38.
KDWN was unique in that, unlike most Clark County, NV stations, it remained independent of large radio corporations such as Clear Channel
and Infinity Broadcasting
. The continuity of ownership kept a consistent style of station sound. The station continued to rely on experienced, yet older, hosts who may have had been with the station since it began broadcasting in the talk-radio format. The station did well in the ratings as one of the first generation of talk-radio stations.
Call-screening was not used until recently http://www.radio-info.com/mods/board.php?Post=442130&Board=nevada.
In March, 2006, Beasley Broadcast Group
announced plans to buy the station for $17 million.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20060324005393&newsLang=en A Las Vegas newspaper reported a rumor that KDWN would change to an all-sports format effective July 1, 2006, although this did not happen. As reported on Wake Up, America on July 21, 2006 by Jim Dallas, audience backlash against the change has resulted in no change to the current talk-radio format.
In the fall of 2006, Beasley introduced a news-talk format featuring a drive-time morning newscast and a locally-produced daytime talk program hosted by Heidi Harris, with the remainder of its weekday talk format consisting of nationally syndicated shows.
For many years, KDWN broadcast from the second floor of the Plaza Hotel & Casino
in downtown Las Vegas
. It now broadcasts from Beasley's Las Vegas studios.
, Nevada
: KDWN has a in-house traffic reporting
news department, that features around-the-clock coverage on local automobile traffic. During the week traffic reports are given by announcers Mitch Kelly and Jeff Anderson, and by Jim Dallas.
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
station owned by Beasley Broadcast Group
Beasley Broadcast Group
Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. , based in Naples, Florida, is an owner/operator of radio stations in the United States. As of January 2011, the company owned 17 AM stations and 28 FM stations. -History:...
based in Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
. It broadcasts full-time at 50,000 watt
Watt
The watt is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units , named after the Scottish engineer James Watt . The unit, defined as one joule per second, measures the rate of energy conversion.-Definition:...
s, and is directional at night. It can be heard throughout most of the Western United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, north into Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and south into Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. KDWN is primarily a news-talk radio
Talk radio
Talk radio is a radio format containing discussion about topical issues. Most shows are regularly hosted by a single individual, and often feature interviews with a number of different guests. Talk radio typically includes an element of listener participation, usually by broadcasting live...
station featuring a libertarian-to-conservative outlook with #1 local morning talk show host Heidi Harris
Heidi Harris
Heidi Harris is an American talk radio host and author. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Heidi Harris Show airs weekday mornings on NewsTalk 720 KDWN 5-9 AM...
and syndicated talk show hosts Michael Savage
Michael Savage (commentator)
Michael Savage is a conservative American radio host, author, and political commentator. He is the host of The Savage Nation, a nationally syndicated talk show that airs throughout the United States on Talk Radio Network...
, Jerry Doyle
Jerry Doyle (actor)
Jerry Doyle is an American talk radio host, conservative political commentator, and television actor. His nationally-syndicated talk show, The Jerry Doyle Show, airs throughout the United States on Talk Radio Network...
,and Dennis Miller
Dennis Miller
Dennis Miller is an American stand-up comedian, political commentator, actor, sports commentator, and television and radio personality. He is known for his critical assessments laced with pop culture references...
. KDWN also broadcasts brokered programs
Brokered programming
Brokered programming is a form of broadcast content in which the show's producer pays a radio or television station for air time, rather than exchanging programming for pay or the opportunity to play spot commercials...
for Las Vegas casino
Casino
In modern English, a casino is a facility which houses and accommodates certain types of gambling activities. Casinos are most commonly built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships or other tourist attractions...
s, local businesses, and other groups. It is the station where famous late-night talk show host Art Bell
Art Bell
Arthur W. "Art" Bell, III is an American broadcaster and author, known primarily as one of the founders and the original host of the paranormal-themed radio program Coast to Coast AM. He also created and formerly hosted its companion show, Dreamland...
first broadcast his show, Coast to Coast AM
Coast to Coast AM
Coast to Coast AM is a North American late-night syndicated radio talk show that deals with a variety of topics, but most frequently ones that relate to either the paranormal or conspiracy theories. It was created by Art Bell and is distributed by Premiere Radio Networks. The program currently...
.
KDWN likes to be known by the moniker "Kay Dawn" as the call-sign's pronunciation.
Current Lineup
Weekdays: Heidi Harris, (5-9 AM), G, Jerry Doyle (Noon-3PM), Michael Savage (3-6 PM), Ken Thomson (7-9 PM), and Dennis Miller (2-5 AM).Weekends: Kim Komando (Saturday 7-10 AM), the Dr. Daliah Show (10-11 AM) (syndicated from Las Vegas), The Rabbi Show (Sunday 9-11 AM), The rest of the weekend programming is brokered.
History
KDWN-AM 720 first came on the air in April 1975. The station began broadcasting as a music-oriented radio station playing mostly soft adult contemporary. KDWN was one of a group of AM stations that played music around that time in the middle of the 1970s. The music format was broadcast until around Christmas, 1979.The transition from music to talk-radio broadcasting began slowly from 1975 until 1980. In the late 1970s, KDWN was usually music and some talk-radio during the day. The talk-radio format was continuing to increase on many AM stations that played music in the late 1970s.
In January 1980, KDWN finally started broadcasting talk-radio full-time. KDWN was the only talk-radio station in Clark County
Clark County, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,375,765 people, 512,253 households, and 339,693 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 71.6% White , 9.1% Black, 5.7% Asian, 0.8% American Indian and 12.8% of other or mixed race. 22.0% were Hispanic of any race...
, NV and one of the first news agencies of the 1980 MGM Grand Fire for which the station won an award. http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Aug-21-Thu-2003/news/21986997.html KDWN was one of the very first talk-radio stations to broadcast the Rush Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh
Rush Hudson Limbaugh III is an American radio talk show host, conservative political commentator, and an opinion leader in American conservatism. He hosts The Rush Limbaugh Show which is aired throughout the U.S. on Premiere Radio Networks and is the highest-rated talk-radio program in the United...
national syndicated show in 1988 but failed to renew the show, which moved to KXNT
KXNT
KXNT is a radio station licensed to North Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It is owned by CBS Radio carrying a talk format Programming on KXNT-AM is simulcast on its sister FM signal KXNT-FM, 100.5 FM in the greater Las Vegas area.-History:...
AM 840 in 1996.
KDWN AM 720 had produced and broadcast a local morning show The Snoozebusters from the early 1980s until 2006 hosted by Ken Stahl and Hart Kirsch.
KDWN was founded by A.J. Williams, who owned KTYM
KTYM
KTYM is a radio station broadcasting a Urban Gospel radio format. Licensed to Inglewood, California, USA, the station serves the Los Angeles area. The station is currently owned by Trans America Broadcasting Corp.....
AM/FM Inglewood, CA and KAIL
KAIL
KAIL is a VHF television station affiliated with MyNetworkTV, based in Fresno, California, operating on digital channel 7. Its transmitter is on top of Auberry Mountain. They are locally owned by Trans-America Broadcasting Corporation...
TV Fresno, CA, and Jack Reeder, then-chief engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
of KRLA
KRLA
KRLA is a radio station broadcasting a News/Talk format. Licensed to Glendale, California, USA, it serves the Southern California area. The station is currently owned by Salem Communications.- KIEV :...
AM 1110. Mr. Reeder died, leaving the station to Mr. Williams, who owned the station until his death in 2005. http://www.nevadabroadcasters.org/news/index.php?news=38.
KDWN was unique in that, unlike most Clark County, NV stations, it remained independent of large radio corporations such as Clear Channel
Clear channel
A clear-channel station is an AM band Radio station in North America that has the highest protection from interference from other stations, particularly concerning night-time skywave propagation. Usually known as class A stations since 1982, they are occasionally still referred to by their former...
and Infinity Broadcasting
CBS Radio
CBS Radio, Inc., formerly known as Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, is one of the largest owners and operators of radio stations in the United States, third behind main rival Clear Channel Communications and Cumulus Media. CBS Radio owns around 130 radio stations across the country...
. The continuity of ownership kept a consistent style of station sound. The station continued to rely on experienced, yet older, hosts who may have had been with the station since it began broadcasting in the talk-radio format. The station did well in the ratings as one of the first generation of talk-radio stations.
Call-screening was not used until recently http://www.radio-info.com/mods/board.php?Post=442130&Board=nevada.
In March, 2006, Beasley Broadcast Group
Beasley Broadcast Group
Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. , based in Naples, Florida, is an owner/operator of radio stations in the United States. As of January 2011, the company owned 17 AM stations and 28 FM stations. -History:...
announced plans to buy the station for $17 million.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20060324005393&newsLang=en A Las Vegas newspaper reported a rumor that KDWN would change to an all-sports format effective July 1, 2006, although this did not happen. As reported on Wake Up, America on July 21, 2006 by Jim Dallas, audience backlash against the change has resulted in no change to the current talk-radio format.
In the fall of 2006, Beasley introduced a news-talk format featuring a drive-time morning newscast and a locally-produced daytime talk program hosted by Heidi Harris, with the remainder of its weekday talk format consisting of nationally syndicated shows.
For many years, KDWN broadcast from the second floor of the Plaza Hotel & Casino
Plaza Hotel & Casino
The Plaza Hotel & Casino is a casino-hotel located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada owned by the Tamares Group and Play LV is the leaseholder and operator of the property. It currently has 1,037 rooms and suites, as well as an casino and there is more than of event space...
in downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas is the central business district of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is the original gambling district of Las Vegas, prior to the Strip, and the area still incorporates downtown gaming.-Tourism:...
. It now broadcasts from Beasley's Las Vegas studios.
Coverage of Local Traffic Conditions
KDWN offers a unique approach to traffic coverage in Clark CountyClark County, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,375,765 people, 512,253 households, and 339,693 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 71.6% White , 9.1% Black, 5.7% Asian, 0.8% American Indian and 12.8% of other or mixed race. 22.0% were Hispanic of any race...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
: KDWN has a in-house traffic reporting
Traffic reporting
Traffic reporting is the distribution of information about road conditions such as traffic congestion, detours, and traffic accidents, generally as part of a radio or television broadcast program. The reports help commuters anticipate and avoid traffic problems. Many reports mention alternate...
news department, that features around-the-clock coverage on local automobile traffic. During the week traffic reports are given by announcers Mitch Kelly and Jeff Anderson, and by Jim Dallas.
Notable Current and Former Hosts/DJs of KDWN
- Heidi HarrisHeidi HarrisHeidi Harris is an American talk radio host and author. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Heidi Harris Show airs weekday mornings on NewsTalk 720 KDWN 5-9 AM...
(1998–1999, 2007–Present) Heidi's Website - Jim Dallas (1998–Present)
- "Mystic" Mona Van Joseph (2003–Present)
- Dr. Daliah Wachs (2009–Present) Doctor Daliah show website
- Rabbi Yitzchak Wyne (2009–Present)
- Nate Tannenbaum (2006–2008) (Former weatherman and Saturday matinée host for KTNVKTNVKTNV-TV, channel 13, is an ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Las Vegas, Nevada which is owned by Journal Broadcast Group and serves as the ABC affiliate for the Las Vegas Valley, Southern Nevada and northwest Arizona...
and KVBCKVBCKSNV-DT, channel 3 , is the NBC-affiliated television station in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is the flagship station of Intermountain West Communications Company...
, currently at KVVU.) Now works for LVRJ OnlineLas Vegas Review-JournalThe Las Vegas Review-Journal is published in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It is the largest circulating daily newspaper in Nevada, and one of two daily newspapers in Las Vegas . It is the flagship publication of Stephens Media LLC... - Jon David Wells (2004 - 5) Now at KSKY in Dallas
- Tru Hawkins (1982–2006) (Relocated to San Marcos, TX and continues to do Internet talk-radio and voice work. http://www.blogtalkradio.com
- 007 (Chuck Emery)(? - 2001) (Traffic reporter and station announcer in 1980s, deceased.)
- Norman Lane (Commentator)
- Ted Bair (? - 2004) (Retired in December 2004, currently in Idaho.)
- Linda Fallover (1980 - ?) (News anchor and reporter.)
- Lee Peterson (Information unknown.)
- Jim Allen/Jim Villanucci (Currently employed by KKOB AM 770 in Albuquerque, NM.)
- Doug Basham http://www.dougbasham.com/
- Harvey Allen (1988–1994) (Currently doing voice-over work for commercials.)
- Gayle Allen (1988–1999) (Host of Lifelines with Gayle Allen)
- Jim Austin (? - 1992) (Moved to Galveston, TX; co-host of the Morning Zoo with Steve and Jim.)
- Lou Epton with R.C. Anderson from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Liberty News Radio http://www.firstwordradio.com http://www.firstwordradio.com.)
- Stephanie Roberts (1984–1987) (AM Drive host, retired from KNXKNX (AM)KNX is an all-news radio station in Los Angeles, California, USA. The station operates on a clear channel and is owned by CBS Radio. KNX broadcasts from facilities shared with sister stations KFWB, KCBS-FM, KTWV, and KAMP on Los Angeles' Miracle Mile...
AM 1070 in Los AngelesLos ÁngelesLos Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, CACaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
) Inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame - Ken Stahl (1983-?)
- Mark Edwards (? - 2005) (Hosted Wake Up, America, moved to Oshknosh, WisconsinWisconsinWisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. Currently hosts Wake Up, Wisconsin on WHBYWHBYWHBY is a News/Talk formatted radio station licensed to Kimberly, Wisconsin, that serves the Green Bay and Appleton-Oshkosh areas...
AM 1150.) - Mike England (1983–1985)
- Ken Koester (? - 2001) (Former USAF officer, UNLV professorProfessorA professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
, and Las Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
politicianPoliticianA politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
. Retired from radio in 2001, moved to Northern California. Has a son, Kevin T. Reasbeck http://dottschneider.blogspot.com/2008/03/exhibition-april-4th-las-vegas-nv.html http://www.michaeltodoran.com/a6.htmlhttp://web.me.com/kevinreasbeck/Site/Main.html, local artist, and a daughter, Rachel F. Koester http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=25751747 living in RenoRenoReno is the fourth most populous city in Nevada, US.Reno may also refer to:-Places:Italy*The Reno River, in Northern ItalyCanada*Reno No...
, NevadaNevadaNevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
, and youngest son Russell Koester, local musician.) - Cheryl Godfrey (1993–2000)
- "Part-Time" Pete Moss (2002–2006) (Overnight host; quit. Currently at KCAAKCAAKCAA is a commercial radio station located in Loma Linda, California, broadcasting to the Riverside-San Bernardino, California, area on 1050 AM with studios located in the Carousel Mall in San Bernardino, CA. KCAA airs news, talk, music and brokered programming.KCAA's most popular program was Imus...
AM 1050 in San Bernardino, CA.) - Hart Kirsch (Currently at KLAV AM 1230 in Las Vegas, NV.)
- Ken Thomson (Sports X Radio 7-9 PM)
External links
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidi_Harris
- Doctor Daliah show website
- KDWN official website
- http://www.fybush.com/sites/2006/site-061124.html Old KDWN Studio Photos
- http://www.blogtalkradio.com/liveatthestudio Tru Hawkins internet radio show