All Things Must Pass

“I must admit that I never dreamed that I would be writing this communication,” began the letter from organization President Chuck Street. “After careful deliberation, the HMP executive board of directors has decided that it is time to shut down the Hollywood Media Professionals.”

The HMP was part of a name change to try to breathe new life into the organization, better known as the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters, which launched in 1966 to honor those in broadcasting who made significant contributions to radio and television as well as to preserve the history of radio and television broadcasting, focussing on the west coast.

Actor and announcer Art Gilmore (Highway Patrol) launched the organization as founding President along with 178 other members; the founding Chairman being none other than Edgar Bergen. Past Presidents include Frank DeVol, Jeanne DeVivier Brown, Tom Kennedy, Chuck Southcott, Alan Perris, and “Shotgun” Tom Kelly.

In an odd twist, the name was changed to HMP by the Board about six or seven years ago in spite of a membership vote against it the year prior, and perhaps that was an omen of things to come. The feeling was that the word “pioneer” made people feel old, thus inhibiting the recruitment of new and younger members. Similarly, “Hollywood Media Professionals” also opened the door to new types of entertainment producers including online and streaming stars.

Alas, it didn’t work. Covid certainly didn’t help, shutting down the celebratory luncheons that were the main means of fundraising, but much of the problem lies in how radio and television works today. There are not as many huge local stars as there once were — though I do try to highlight those in radio right here — and fraternal organizations in general just are not as popular as they once were. 

Being at the luncheons and more recent “coffee with” events was quite a treat for me, first as a guest and then as I became a (in my opinion unworthy) member. I met and talked with stars of the past, including one of the background actors in the western movie “Shane” as well as some of my heroes in radio and television such as Wink Martindale, Fred Willard and Bob Eubanks.

Former DJ and programmer Jhani Kaye reflected on the announcement, telling me “It was a wonderful organization for so many years that celebrated broadcasters. Unfortunately, in recent years, it couldn’t communicate a concise and relevant mission statement that motivated new people to join. 

“In my opinion, it should have been marketed to prospective members as a ‘must attend’ event to meet and network with possible new employers and to meet and greet cherished idols.  Plus, working broadcasters and the like couldn’t afford to take literally hours off in the middle of a work week to enjoy the luncheons.”

I asked Kaye if the PPB would have continued if it was “marketed” differently. He didn’t seem to think so, telling me “Times have changed and lots of organizations like this have found themselves becoming nothing more than a fraternal group of folks that end up hosting events that simply do nothing more than celebrate their shrinking membership.”

Regardless, memories of the PPB and its people will live on, via the extensive collection of recordings and memorabilia now housed at UC Santa Barbara as well as highlights of past luncheons and a Celebrity Showcase on You Tube. You can find information about the collection at bit.ly/4lRD96H; on You Tube just search for “Hollywood Media Professionals.”

Concluded Street in his email, “I have so many wonderful memories of previous PPB/HMP events.  I suspect that you do too.  My fondest memories include meeting so many talented and interesting people.  Thank you for your years of support.  May you enjoy robust health and many more happy times.”

Bruins to KABC

UCLA Bruins athletic contests are moving to KABC (790 AM) from longtime home KLAC (570 AM) starting “this Fall.”

This means that UCLA football, men’s basketball, four games of women’s basketball will now be heard on new UCLA Bruins Audio Network Flagship station KABC, along with the Bruin Insider show airing Thursday nights at 7:00.

Why the move? Certainly KLAC has a better signal than does KABC, especially since a move of the transmitter site a few years ago that rendered KABC almost unlistenable in parts of the city at night. My hunch: the Dodgers … and any other major team that would pre-empt Bruins games on KLAC if game times conflicted. In those cases, the Bruins would be relegated to KEIB (1150 AM). On KABC, the Bruins have a sports exclusive.

It also brings some prestige to KABC itself, which has had very little for years. In other words, this multi-year deal is actually a win for both UCLA and KABC, in spite of the occasionally bad nighttime signal. Besides, the online and smart phone apps all get KABC, so you can hear them anywhere.

Richard Wagoner is a San Pedro freelance columnist covering radio in Southern California. Email rwagoner@socalradiowaves.com