Internet is keeping some programs alive

As radio stations continue to make cutbacks/changes and more programs and personalities are taken off the air, the Internet seems to be filling a void.

Internet-only programs are keeping some shows alive that otherwise would be silenced and it is boosting others to greater heights.

For example, the "Horse Talk" show, which started in May 2006, airs on Park City's KPCW (FM-88.1/91.9) Saturday mornings, 10-11 a.m. A very popular show, it can't be heard outside the Park City area, because the radio signal doesn't extend very far. However, it can still be accessed through the Internet at www.horsetalkwithjen.com or www.kpcw.org (click on the "Horse Talk" link).

"Horse Talk," hosted by Jennie Hegeman and Dr. Charmian Wright, an equine veterinarian, is one of those speciality shows that has a significant audience, but it could be much bigger if sister station KCPW in Salt Lake City carried it too.

The show offers interviews and takes caller questions. And you don't even need to own a horse to like the show. For example, one recent broadcast examined the significance of the horse to the Sioux Indians.

The show airs live each Saturday from 10-11 a.m. (despite KPCW's own radio program schedule erroneously not listing it). The Internet version can be heard at any time. Past shows are also available.

• WHERE ARE THEY NOW? — Ever wonder what happened to some local DJs? Here's an update on two:

—"Mister West," the former KENZ ("The End," FM-101.9) morning personality, now works for the Deseret Morning News as an assistant city editor.

"It was the last thing in the world I expected," Mister said of his dismissal after more than eight years at KENZ.

The show had been consistently in the top five of the 25 morning shows in the market.

"They negotiated with Chunga and he signed a new deal," Mister said. "I was fully intending to receive a contract offer when my general manager sat me down and told me that morning's show had been my last. They offered no severance; just had someone escort me from the building. I was shocked. He refused to give me any reason for the decision other than to say it was nothing I had or hadn't done. It wasn't until days later that I learned from others that Chunga had insisted on the change as part of his contract talks."

Mister said he has no idea why this happened, as the two had worked together well for more than 15 years and he considered him a friend.

"Chunga is easily the funniest person I've ever met. My job was to make him and the show better, and I know I helped do that."