Tim Graham: Media Notes— Scott Ferrall blasts KXNT for canceling his show

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

TIM GRAHAMis a Las Vegas SUN sportswriter. His media column appears Wednesdays. He can be reached on the Internet at tim@lasvegassun.com

Scott Ferrall is about to have his bar stool yanked out from under him.

But before KXNT 840-AM cancels his nationally syndicated show, "Ferrall on the Bench," and the no-holds-barred sports talker falls on his can, he wants to point out one thing.

"If they think I'm going to lose to their replacement, they're mistaken," said Ferrall in his trademark, Drano-gargled delivery. "I don't lose to little shows. I crush them."

Ferrall's crash-and-burn show, which is supposed to air for three hours, has been limited to a 7-8 p.m. time slot on KXNT, which also has eliminated his name from its advertisements.

His final day was to have been Feb. 1, but the station's plans for his replacement fell through. Now he's scheduled to hit the deck Feb. 28.

Ferrall, 31, actually got his start at KXNT. At the time, it was known as KVEG and was owned by Jerry Kutner. It since has been bought by American Radio Systems and drastically has changed its identity.

"We're going to go somewhere else and school them," said Ferrall, who already is actively searching for a new affiliate. "They need to check with their friends in other cities who did the same thing. I'll come around and back door 'em.

"The one-hour concept is like going backwards with your pants off."

According to KXNT program director Alan Eisenson, Ferrall's slot will be filled by a local call-in show, which might not be sports-oriented.

"Part of the evolution of the station is broadening the format, and we're committed to being local," Eisenson said. "We want to connect with Las Vegas."

KXNT also axed Jim Rome's high-profile national sports show, "The Sports Jungle," in late October. Within hours, it was snatched up by KENO 1460-AM.

KENO, the area's only all-sports station, previously has stated it couldn't carry Ferrall due to its extensive live-action nighttime menu that includes the Los Angeles Lakers and CBS Sports.

But that shouldn't discourage Ferrall fans. His presence immediately legitimizes any station's late night lineup, regardless of format.

That's why Ferrall is certain he won't be silenced in Las Vegas for long.

"Everybody in Vegas knows it all started there," he said. "It's the only city in America I still have a love affair with."

Since leaving Las Vegas in 1994, Ferrall's career has been a meteor. With thrash rock playing in the background and fur flying in the foreground, his show is a ratings monster in nine of the top 10 media markets. He has 85 affiliates.

His persona -- a fast-talking straight shooter from the hip -- transcends the sports realm. He has been featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and in People magazine.

"Most people would sooner listen to AM radio than jump off The Mirage, but nobody turns the channel when Ferrall's on," he said. "Check the numbers in any major city. I have 20 million listeners every night. They might be passed out, but they're there."

Unfortunately, KXNT hasn't seen that.

"His ratings, up until now, haven't been terrific," Eisenson said. "But the overall numbers of the entire radio station haven't been terrific."

Adds Ferrall: "The only numbers they ever had were my numbers. Frankly, the (ratings) book comes out and only 20 stations make the ratings. And they're not on the list."

Static

* 3 PRODUCES PRODUCER: After going two months without a sports producer, KVBC Channel 3 has hired Rick Strasser for the role. The 24-year-old is a graduate of the prestigious Missouri School of Journalism. He comes from KOMU Channel 8, the university-owned NBC affiliate in Columbia, Mo., where he worked as a sports anchor, videographer and producer. "Channel 8 was my first job, but this is my first one away from college," Strasser said. "This is it. It's a nice market jump and Las Vegas has a lot to offer. Hopefully, I have a lot to offer it." He will start at KVBC March 1.

* SPINNING THE DIAL: Recently retired Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly is in New York today, meeting with NBC executives in regard to joining the network's team as an NFL analyst. ... Fledgling Fox Sports West 2, which carries the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Clippers and Anaheim Mighty Ducks, isn't carried by a single cable operator in Orange County. Prime Cable has stated it has no plans to pick it up, either. ... HBO Sports expanded "Boxing After Dark" to a monthly series.