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Brian McKnight is leaving 'The Wave' radio station in Los Angeles
 May 12, 2010 – Here comes another major change at KTWV (94.7) – The Wave in Los Angeles. Brian McKnight is leaving as morning host. The singer, who held the post for 3 years, says he wants to spend more time on his music career.
The 6-9AM slot will now go to Kim Amidon who co-hosted mornings at adult-contemporary station KOST-FM (103.5) in L.A for 22 years before being let go. KTWV program director Jhani Kaye worked with Amidon at KOST and lured her out of retirement. Amidon has also been doing weekends on The Wave and has filled in for McKnight in mornings.
McKnight says, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time the last three years. I love the one-on-one with the fans," McKnight said, but "it seemed like a good time to get out." McKnight is expected to have his last day this Friday.
KTWV (launched on Feb 14, 1987) has long been known as the flag-ship of all Smooth Jazz stations in North America but in recent years has gone through a myriad of changes including their move away from Smooth Jazz music and into R&B vocals. Ratings at the station have actually gone up with the changes. In January the station placed 16th in Los Angeles/Orange County with 2.9% share of a 6+ audience but has since moved to 5th place with 3.5 share. – by John Beaudin |
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The
WAVE is Proud to Announce a Luther Vandross
Tribute Special Event
 August
10, 2005 - Folks in L.A. will be treated to
an all star Luther
Vandross tribute next week. The event
at The Garden of Eden will be hosted by the Wave
94.7 morning team Saxophonist Dave
Koz and Pat
Prescott and will include an incredible
line-up of top
recording artists, such as Mindi
Abair, Richard
Elliot and Brian
Culbertson (full list below). A
portion of the proceeds from this event will
go towards the fight to cure diabetes. Click
here for more information. The show is on
Wednesday, August 17th at 7pm.
http://www.947thewave.com/listingsentry.asp?id=356076&pt=headlines
Performers :
Mindi
Abair, Richard
Elliot, Brian
Culbertson,
Boney James & Vesta Williams JUST ADDED!!!
Rick Braun
Brenda
Russell
Peter White
Ronnie Laws
Eric
Marienthal
Steve Oliver
Richard Smith
Kevin Toney
Paul
Jackson, Jr.
And more
Hyatt
Regency Newport Beach Summer Jazz series
 July
19, 2005 - "94.7
The Wave" (KTWV/Los Angeles) is featuring
the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Jazz
series, running weekly at 8 pm until October
7. Artists performing include Keiko Matsui,
Steve Cole, Bobby Caldwell, Fourplay, Richard
Elliot, The
Rippingtons, and several other Smooth
Jazz stars. For more details and information
on how to purchase tickets, visit www.summerjazzseries.com. -
by Nick
Langan
R&R
Broadcaster Award Goes To Dave Koz and Pat
Prescott
 June
28, 2005 - Weekends are usually a good time
for Dave Koz considering his Dave
Koz radio show typically airs on Saturdays
or Sundays. This past weekend was especially
extraordinary as the saxophonist won the top
Broadcaster prize at the yearly R&R convention held this year in Cleveland. Koz
and co-host Pat Prescott won for the Personality/Show
prize for their work at KTWV
The Wave in Los Angeles. They won the
same prize last year as well as in 2002. Station
of the year was WNUA in Chicago for market 1-25, KSSJ in Sacramento won in markets 26-100 and WCJZ Charlottsville in the 100+ department. KTWV
The Wave in L.A. won another award via
the top Program Director prize for Paul Goldstein.
Suzanne Berg was picked as top Promotion Executive,
Kelly Cole of KIFM in San Diego was Music Director of the Year
and Verve was top label. - by John
Beaudin
Smooth Jazz Nominations from R&R Magazine
May 25, 2005 - They say that radio can sometimes be a thankless job but maybe "they" are talking to the wrong people. Radio and Records (R&R) magazine have announced nominations for the "Industry Achievement Awards" and Smooth Jazz personalities and programmers were well represented. Nominated for Program Director are KTWV's Paul Goldstein in Los Angeles; Bernie Kimble at WNWV in Cleveland, Blake Lawrence from WQCD in New York, Baltimore's Lori Lewis at WSMJ, Chicago's Steve Stiles at WNUA and our friend Mike Vasquez from KIFM in San Diego. More
U.S. Winter Smooth Jazz Ratings
March 10, 2005 - Winter 2005 Part 1 Arbitron Ratings Trends: Los Angeles' "94.7 The Wave" (KTWV) continues to be on the upswing, jumping up to fourth overall in the age 12 and older ratings. Chicago's WNUA 95.5 holds steady to place in a tie for seventh, while New York's "CD 101.9 New York Chill" continues to do well with its new format, holding in a tie for ninth place. San Diego's KIFM 98.1 moves up to fifth, while Detroit's "V 98.7" (WVMV) slips to eighth. - by Nick Langan
U.S. Fall Smooth Jazz Ratings
January 25, 2005 - Fall Ratings Book Highs: In the just released Fall Arbitron ratings book, Los Angeles' "94.7 The Wave" (KTWV) had a great season, jumping nearly a full share from the summer to a tie for sixth place in the +12 ratings, its highest ratings tally in years. Washington D.C.'s "Smooth Jazz 105.9" (WJZW) also had a terrific book, rising to seventh, after low rating numbers in the spring and summer. Detroit's "V 98.7" (WVMV), always a high-performer in the ratings, did not disappoint, placing sixth. Cleveland's "107.3 The Wave" (WNWV) raised a full share to place seventh, bolstered by a new antenna, helping its sometimes shaky signal in the Cleveland suburbs. St. Louis' WSSM 106.5 also raised nearly a full share, after some shaky recent books.
- Fall Ratings Book Lows: Sacramento's KSSJ 94.7 is down nearly two full ratings shares from last year at this time. San Diego's KIFM 98.1, perhaps the most successful Smooth Jazz station in the country, has had a rare two consecutive down ratings books, falling to a mere fifth, still not too shabby. Dallas' 107.5 The Oasis (KOAI) slipped to fourteenth, while Tampa's WSJT 94.1 dipped a full share and two tenths to eleventh. by - Nick Langan
Frank
Cody - Behind the Mic For August
 August
2, 2004 - Our 'Behind the Mic' feature
is all about talking to the innovators
in Smooth Jazz broadcasting. Whether it
be Music Directors, Program Directors
or on air talent our mission has always
been the same - find the people who can
take this format to the next level. Interestingly,
we may not even be talking about Smooth
Jazz if it wasn't for our special guest
this month, Frank Cody. Read
more.
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June 17, 2013 - Congrats to one of the nicest guys in Smooth Jazz!. Rob Tardik has another #1 song on the Smooth Jazz Now TOP 50 Countdown. "I've known Rob for years," says AirCom Radio Network's Operations Manager John Beaudin, "Rob works it hard. His message is always positivity and damn good music." Tardik only took seven weeks to reach the #1 spot. 
June 1, 2013 - Congrats to Andy Snitzer and his big hit "Candy." It stayed at #1 for a second week. "I've been a fan of Andy's for years now," says John Beaudin, Operations Manager of the AirCom Radio Network. "Andy is one of the best players in this and any format and the success of "Candy" is satisfying to his fans." Rob Tardik also had a strong week, "If Rob's "One World" continues it's momentum it will get the top spot very soon," says Beaudin. 
May 28, 2013 - There is a sense of new life on this Drew Davidsen album. Sure, he looks like a million bucks after shedding a few pounds but there is much more going on here. Davidsen is well known as a guy who gives back with his charity work in Ghana, West Africa and like Peter White, Davidsen balances energy, catchy melodies and amazing guitar playing. 
May 22, 2013 – Producer/keyboardist Jason Miles has come up with our highest charting new song this week with an interesting interpretation of Sly Stones, 'It's a Family Affair.' The tune entered our chart last Friday(May 17th, 2013) at #11, one of the highest debuts of the year. “I can't wait to hear this album,” says John Beaudin, Operations Manager of the AirCom Jazz Network, “Jason has never released anything that is normal, Jason always makes “out of the box” very tasty and interesting.” The album is called 'Sly Re imagined.' 
May 17, 2013 - After only four weeks Andy Snitzer is sitting pretty at the top spot of the Smooth Jazz Now Top 50 Countdown. "Andy's done well," says John Beaudin Operations Manager at the AirCom Jazz Network, "he dethroned Boney James from the #1 spot," adds Beaudin. 
May 3, 2013 - Things keep looking better for Boney James. The popular sax-man has the biggest hit of the year so far on Smooth Jazz Now with 'Batucada.' It's now been #1 for five weeks. "It's always special when a song stands out that much," says John Beaudin Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. 
April 30, 2013 – Good Morning America has announced a huge line up for its 5th Annual Summer Concert Series. 
April 25, 2013 – Three gifted smooth Jazz musicians; Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown came together 11 years ago with their group BWB. These guys put their name on the map with the famous album Groovin’ and are back in full swing with an upcoming release ‘Human Nature’ set for release June 18th. 
April 19, 2013 - Boney James is again the most talked about artist on Smooth Jazz Now. His hit 'Batucada' was the most requested tune on our station for the last two weeks. "You have to love a song with this type of staying power," says John Beaudin, Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. 
April 10, 2013 – The hottest new song on the Smooth Jazz Now TOP 50 chart last week was Andy Snitzer's 'Candy' entering at an impressive #5. The tune comes from, 'The Rhythm,' Snitzer's 3rd Native Language album and his 8th overall. The label calls the single “sweet funk/pop” which it is indeed. “I just love this song,” says John Beaudin Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. 
March 27, 2013 - With the release of Jim Samuel's new album 'Smooth Covers, Smooth Dance' last week and our 90-minute radio special on his career we thought we would delve a little deeper into what makes Samuel tick. 
March 26, 2013 - Boney James had the most requested tune on Smooth Jazz Now for the second week in a row. His new single 'Batucada' has only been on the chart four weeks and two of those have been at #1. "Anytime we get a Boney single we know our audience will get it to #1," says John Beaudin, Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. 
March 26, 2013 - Mike MacArthur has an impressive resume. Playing with Diane Schuur and the late great Maynard Ferguson creates great cache for an artist.
March 22, 2012 – Dave Koz will be joined by several of his old pals as he kicks off A Summer Horns Tour 2013.
March 13, 2013 - Boney James doesn't fool around! The famous sax-man has reached the #1 spot on the Smooth Jazz Now Top 50 Countdown and it only took him three weeks. "Ok, really - this is Freakin' Boney James," says John Beaudin, Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. "Boney is not just known as a superstar, he proves it with every song and every album." 
March 9, 2013 – Natalie Cole has found her muse again! The 'Unforgettable' singer told fans on Twitter that she's coming back. The nine time Grammy winner should have a new album out this year. 
March 5, 2013 - Canadian singer, Michael Buble is getting ready for his upcoming album “To Be Loved’ hitting stores April 23rd. 
March 2, 2013 – I think the reputation of a music reviewer is that of a bitter and jaded curmudgeon living in a van down by the river. Years ago after writing a blistering review of a project that sounded half finished the artist approached me at a club and screamed, “You must spend a lot of time looking for things to hate?” “Actually it's the opposite, I answered, “I use my hours looking for the good stuff, 3/4 of the trip, however, is filled cliched blah!” 
March 1, 2013 - For the second week in a row Euge Groove had the most requested song on SmoothJazzNow. As a result his 'House of Groove' easily made it to #1 on the TOP 50 chart. "Euge is like Boney James, Dave Koz or Peter White," says John Beaudin, Program Director of SmoothJazzNow, "They all consistently release music that sticks with listeners." 
December 13, 2012 – SmoothJazzNow has a new artist/interview feature called One-On-One. It’s 20 questions for your favorite Smooth Jazz artists. Most acts will be asked the same questions but we will also change it up on some weeks. 
December 13, 2012 – Greg Adams has been out there. Even though many fans know him from his days with Tower of Power that stint seemed to be just an opening act for what was to come. 
December 11, 2012 - It's been a great year for Pete Giltin. The guitarist reached #1 on the SmoothJazzNow.com chart and there's no sign of him slowing down. We asked Pete to give us some rare facts - things you might not know about him. Check out the list. 
November 18, 2012 - Christmas music is a unique animal. A challenging one. Imagine explaining the concept to an alien, "So we celebrate this holiday and musicians, at least once in their careers, get to record the same 30-40 songs and hope that their versions sticks," MORE
May 1, 2012 - We live in a world where most instrumental music sounds like it was made for a 5x5 vertically moving room and that includes some Smooth Jazz. Interestingly, most Smooth Jazz musicians are technically some of the best players on the planet but many have fallen into this big vacuous hole, an amnesic state, where channelling Bert Kaempfert is common place. 
April 4, 2012 – Esperanza Spalding is a groovy chick. I mean, really, when she’s in the room, everyone else disappears and I’m talkin’ more than that big “love-sculpture” hair. She’s the type of musician you might walk up to at a party, ask about her music, and walk away three hours later regretting the question. This lady has a vision so you better have a seat. 
October 20, 2011 – This is no ordinary album. In fact, there is nothing normal about this album and that’s what makes this one of the most perfect projects that’s ever come across my desk. 
– On her third album Colbie Caillat has decided to strategically give us an uptempo summer-vibe. It still sounds like her smash debut “Coco” but this time it’s Colbie with caffeine and it’s positive and fun
– There are not too many things in life as deliciously lazy as Michael Franks voice. The guy could chill out someone on deaths door. Seriously, angst has no place on a Michael Franks record – he’s good at one great thing..making you feel good! 
January
8, 2008 - There's good buzz on the new Kenny
G project. The saxophonist is set to release
"Rhythm & Romance" on the Starbucks
label in February. Kenny plans on debuting the
CD via a radio special on KTWV
- The Wave in Los Angeles. Broadcast Architecture
is also making a national version available. Both
will have Kenny G hosting the festivities. Contact Wave VP of programming
Paul Goldstein at pgoldstein@947thewave.com.
Deadline is Jan 9. - by John
Beaudin
November
22, 2007 - A new trend for station on the
fence about programming 24/7 Christmas music
is to have the best of both worlds - regular
music on radio/all Christmas on the Internet
stream. CBS Radio KTWV
in Los Angeles is offering a fulltime
stream of commercial-free Christmas music.
It's separate from their usually streaming
channel, which is still available. Wave VP
and GM and director of sales for the market
Dan Weiner says the station wanted to present
an option for the audience. He adds "We
will slowly incorporate holiday music over
the air along with the music people have come
to expect from the Wave. In the meantime,
this commercial-free holiday music stream
is a great way to get into the holiday spirit
online." Expect to hear Smooth Jazz versions
of Christmas classic from Dave Koz and Kenny
G as well the older favourites from Ella Fitzgerald
and Nat King Cole. You can hear it all at www.947thewave.com - by Kari Graham
May
16, 2006 - Congratulations to Samantha Pascual
on being named Program Director of KOAS
Las Vegas. The former Asst. PD/MD of the Wave in LA will be moving to Vegas on May 22, 2006. KOAS GM Ken Christensen told R&R magazine,
"Programming expertise is vital to the
development and long-term health of a radio
station. Samantha is very talented and has
the experience to sit at the helm and lead
KOAS." Riviera VP/Programming J.J. Jeffries
adds, "We landed a big fish! We're proud
to have her extensive programming capabilities
leading the way for KOAS."
Pascual has worked at KKSF/San Francisco Asst.
PD/MD. She was Asst. OM at Adult Standards
KABL/San Francisco, worked at AC KIOI/San
Francisco and was the first female PD of San
Francisco State University's KSFS. KOAS Las Vegas is owned by Riviera Broadcasting
Group. - Kari Graham
