Arbitron is the only company that measures the listenership of local radio. Its measurements can make or break a radio station. But sometimes their methodology seems questionable as if they have trouble getting enough diary keepers.
For example, Clive London, of Holladay, says Arbitron has contacted him three times in less than a year about keeping a diary of his radio listening habits for the company."It's supposed to be a random thing," he said. "I don't think it's random."
Last winter he was contacted by Arbitron and filled out a diary for a week. Not three months later, he was asked again but declined.
Then, a few weeks ago, he was contacted a third time by Arbitron. With the help of his daughter, he did the diary again but still wonders about the random aspect of their surveys.
Arbitron gives diary keepers $1 as a token of its gratitude.
NO MORE MYSTERY THEATER -- CBS RADIO has pulled its Radio Mystery Theater off the network, so KSL (AM-1160) is no longer airing the nostalgic radio show each weeknight.
Rod Arquette, KSL's vice president of news and programming, said not enough stations nationally were airing the program, which hurt advertising.
In its place, KSL is now airing ESPN Sportsradio's "Gamenight," starting at 11 p.m.
The new show is anchored by Chuck Wilson and Todd Wright. It is designed to give listeners the sports news of the day, along with in-depth interviews.
KISN CARES FOR KIDS -- The radio station's non-profit organization will be selling Christmas trees at three SuperTarget store locations -- South Towne, 10450 S. State, Sandy; 200 N. Marketplace Drive, Centerville; and 175 W. Center St., Orem.
All proceeds will benefit the "Cares for Kids" foundation. Weekday sales will be held from 3-10 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Sunday hours will be noon-6 p.m.
Tree prices range from $10 to $49.
RADIO ON THE WEB -- Radio is gaining prominence on the computer. A company out of Marina del Rey, Calif., that is named and located at (Radiofans.com) has declared December as "Dysfunctional Family Month" and is posting humorous family things on its Web site. In addition, it offers listeners the chance to vote for their favorite radio personality -- Dr. Laura, Rush Limbaugh or Howard Stern.
We don't have Stern in this market, but the Web site also has other radio information available.
CURRENT CHRISTMAS MUSIC -- KSRR (alias "K-Star," AM-1400) is airing full-time Christmas music through the holiday season. The station started the festive music on Nov. 23.
TEN YEARS AGO -- Hans Peterson switches from KALL, AM-910, to sister station, KLCY.
RADIO HAPPENINGS -- KWUN (alias "Radio One") is off the air again. This time it may be for good because of financial problems . . . "Johnson and Johnson" on KUBL honored Reba McEntire at her Salt Lake concert last Saturday by encouraging listeners to dress up like her. This week, the DJs were looking for a local choir to sing at an upcoming county music concert . . .
Jon Carter on KRSP had another "Rock 'n' Roll Challenge" Monday and was also hyping the upcoming Rolling Stones concert . . . Dickie and Angel on KODJ Monday talked about Dick Clark's upcoming birthday . . . "The Z-Morning Zoo" on KZHT interviewed Santa Claus Monday . . .
Mick and Allen on KURR Monday had more "Flashback Masking" and another "Mad Monday" . . . Both KUMT and KSFI have $1,000 cash giveaway contests . . . "Louise" gave Kerry, Bill and Gina" on KXRK Monday her report on Thanksgiving dinner . . . The KSL Tonight Show on AM-1160 with Kevin Stanfield will feature Psychic Diana on Dec. 4 . . .
"Fisher, Todd and Erin" on KISN Monday talked about shopping madness and interviewed some listeners about it . . . A new slogan for KKAT is "more country, less bull" . . . "Simon and Brady" on KBEE Monday had more advice from "Psychic Alice."
Lynn Arave can be reached by e-mail at lynn@ desnews.com or by phone at 237-2168.