Radio station makes its television debut

Kirk Baird

Friday, Oct. 5, 2001 | 8:02 a.m.

You're a new FM station (with old call letters) in town looking to forge an identity outside of the faceless world of radio.

You're a TV station (with relatively new call letters) looking for more local programming.

And you both want more publicity.

Perhaps it was inevitable, then, that KVEG 97.5-FM and KTUD Channel 25 (Cox cable Channel 14, the Las Vegas area's UPN affiliate) would join forces. The results of that union, "KVEG Hot TV," debuts at midnight Saturday on KTUD.

"KVEG Hot TV" is a weekly half-hour show that takes the radio station's music format -- rhythmic contemporary hit radio (think Mary J. Blige, Usher, R. Kelly, Alicia Keys and Luther Vandross) -- and places it on TV in the form of music videos.

The program, filmed at KVEG's office/studio at 3999 Las Vegas Blvd. South and/or various clubs around town, will feature three of the station's DJs as co-hosts: Mike P (who works the 7-11 p.m.-weekdays shift); Franzen (3-7 p.m. weekdays); and K Sly (10 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays).

In many ways "KVEG Hot TV" will mirror its cable cousins and predecessors, MTV and VH1. The DJs introduce the videos, discuss the latest trends in hip-hop and R&B music and interview performers.

In fact, the plan is to take the station's DJs and through the show create more recognizable MTV-like VJs, Sherita Saulsberry, KVEG assistant programming and music director, said.

"We thought the show would be a good idea to promote the DJs," Saulsberry said. "We want the listener to be able to place a face with the voice."

Which is fine with Franzen. The DJ said he welcomed the added exposure that television will bring, and how it will help straighten out any misperceptions radio audiences might have about the men and women behind the voices.

"When you listen to radio, the perception is reality -- there's nothing to look at," Franzen said. "On TV people get to see who you are and how you act. There's a big difference, but there isn't."

The idea for "KVEG Hot TV" began after KVEG, which began broadcasting its current music format in late July, had a brainstorming session about station promotions.

The purpose behind the program was to create a music-video showcase that focused on the music, rather than self-promotion of the radio station or its on-air personalities.

"('KVEG Hot TV') was something unique," Gary Cox, KVEG vice president and general manager, said. "No other music station in Las Vegas is doing it, which is something we liked about it."

After developing the show further, Cox presented the concept to KTUD General Manager Julie Neil.

As it so happened, KTUD was in the market for "niche programming," especially a show with a local slant, Neil said.

So the two stations agreed on an eight-week commitment with an option for more programs.

Each week, following the inaugural show, Cox and Neil will discuss what, if any, changes need to be made to "KVEG Hot TV's" format, as well as review the program's overnight ratings.

Since "KVEG Hot TV's" lead-in is "Soul Train," the long-running syndicated dance show that targets and caters to much of the same audience as "Hot TV," Neil isn't too concerned about ratings.

" 'Soul Train' does good numbers" in the local TV ratings, she said. "It should be a nice build for Gary. It's a win-win situation."

As for making the transition from radio to TV, all three DJs have experience in front of the camera on similar types of programs and look forward to listeners being able to see them, as well as hear them.

At the very least, K Sly reasoned, the show will help dispel the notion that radio personnel lack the face for television.

"Our society is based on looks. Everyone on TV is at least halfway-decent looking," she said. "(KVEG is) blessed to have good-looking people here with good personalities."