With so many big radio conglomerates around these days, it is refreshing to find a new radio network based in Utah that offers a unique blend of talk radio.
Liberty News Radio began in March and has six stations on board. With a studio in Utah County, Liberty News has a variety of hosts in other states.
The network's Web site describes it as an "independent thinking and thought-provoking news talk radio on the Internet, satellite and terrestrial radio stations. Our hosts discuss politics and news on the left, on the right, and anything in-between."
Sam Bushman, morning host and co-owner of Liberty News Radio said it is all about God, family and country.
"We want to give you hope and solutions," he said.
While most talk shows simply gripe and ultimately depress listeners, this new network seeks to give listeners encouragement and solutions when talking about key national and local issues.
Stations in North Carolina, Oregon, Florida and Tennessee are now carrying Liberty programming. KHQN (AM-1480, Spanish Fork) and KNAK (AM-540, Delta) are the two Utah members of the network.
Bushman hosts the "Liberty Roundtable Show" with Curt Crosby from 6-8 a.m.. on Spanish Fork's KHQN). Bushman oversees the network's technical support and engineering, while Michael Powers, co-owner, handles advertising.
John Loftin does "The American View" at 9 a.m.; "The Brent Giles Show" (from Washington State) is at 4 p.m.; "Pro Libertate Radio," with William N. Grigg (from Idaho), is at 5 p.m.; and "What Really Happened Radio," with Michael Rivero, airs at 6-8 p.m., coming from Hawaii.
Rebroadcasts are used in the other portions of the day. (The network's Web site lists programming in Central Time.)
Bushman is still a consultant for KHQN, which he used to manage. He also used to own KNAK in Delta for about 10 years before selling it.
This network is his new passion, he said.
He said he wasn't surprised that network was able to attract stations, adding that the online audience is also encouraging.
"We get a lot of good feedback," he said.
More information on LNR is available at www.libertynewsradio.com.
RADIO HAPPENINGS — Another "Kevin Williams Show," which airs every fifth Saturday, 3-4 p.m., on KTKK ("K-Talk," AM-630), can be heard June 20. "I talk about politics, food storage and education," Williams said. His show also accepts calls from listeners.
"Scott and Maria" from KSL will broadcast live from the station's annual "Family Fair" June 20 at the Gateway, 4-7 p.m.
Inside Radio reports that Clear Channel now estimates that as much as 15 percent of some of its stations' total audience comes from online listening. The report said as many as 22 million Americans only listen to the radio online.
TWENTY YEARS AGO IN SALT LAKE RADIO —
KUTR radio, LDS music, goes off the air and is replaced by a simulcast of KLZX-FM. … Tim Timmons begins an evening show on KCPX (FM-98.7) and wastes no time getting to know Salt Lake City with a "Singing in the Shower" contest.
E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com