Kim Amidon replaces Brian McKnight at 94.7 "The Wave"

Take that, KOST.

Radio personality Kim Amidon is back in weekday morning drive. The host has been paired with longtime morning drive DJ Pat Prescott on 94.7 KTWV-FM ("The Wave"), where she begins on Monday.

Amidon replaces recording artist Brian McKnight, who had been co-hosting with Prescott.

Amidon has been guesting on KTWV's weekend schedule since February. Amidon and Prescott host weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- against competition including KOST and her longtime radio partner (22 years) Mark Wallengren.

The move comes as Kim's former KOST boss, Jhani Kaye (who has more recently overseen KRTH "K-Earth"), added oversight of "The Wave" to his duties.

More info:

In making the announcement, KTWV program director Jhani Kaye called Amidon one of the most relatable personalities in the industry. “Kim is a perfect fit for The Wave’s audience and is sure to attract many of her former listeners. Together Pat and Kim will add a local flavor to the show as they both have the unique ability of making every listener feel like they’re in the car right alongside with them.”

Current morning show co-host Brain McKnight will continue to periodically appear on the program and will contribute to other Wave projects and events. McKnight is an accomplished R&B recoding artist and also hosts a self-titled television talk show.

Amidon was raised in Southern California. In addition to her legendary run at KOST she has worked for L.A. stations KRTH, KHJ, KUTE, KACE and KOLA. She has a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has won several major broadcasting awards during her career.

Here's what we wrote in 2007 when KOST, in a cost-cutting move, let go of Amidon.

Local Media Notes: KNBC Traffic Reporter Undergoes Brain Surgery; Former KOST Host Finds New Home

:: "Today in L.A." traffic anchor Paul Johnson has been absent for several weeks -- leading several viewers to leave comments on KNBC/Channel 4's web site, asking what happened.

KNBC finally addressed Johnson's condition on Friday, noting that he had undergone brain surgery. The station reports:

If you're wondering where Paul Johnson is, you're not alone. We've had tons of emails and calls, and Paul wants you to know that he's truly grateful for your concern.

Paul underwent brain surgery the last week of January and is at home recovering. He's doing well, walking his dogs and hoping to get back up on that horse. Yes, literally -- he and his wife Nancy have a horse in the back yard, right next to the putting green, so he has all three things he loves the most around him at all times. Well, four things, if you count the Great Dane therapy dogs, Sampson and Atlas, that he counts as part of his family.

Johnson has been with KNBC since 1988.



:: The last we heard of Kim Amidon, the longtime Los Angeles radio personality was let go by KOST after nearly 22 years as Mark Wallengren's co-host.

After a few years off the air, Amidon is back, and serving as a weekend DJ on KTWV "The Wave" 94.7 FM.

The move comes as Kim's former KOST boss, Jhani Kaye (who has more recently overseen KRTH "K-Earth"), recently added oversight of "The Wave" to his duties.

Kaye has been charged with updating "The Wave's" sound -- and perhaps go directly against his old KOST home. Hiring Amidon is a part of that.

KOST Finds Its "Kelly Ripa of Morning Drive"

Remember earlier this year, when KOST put out a job listing to find Kim Amidon's replacement as Mark Wallengren's new morning drive co-host?

Wallengren's new co-host, Kristin Cruz, officially started Monday. "Mark Wallengren & Kristen Cruz in the Morning" pairs long-time local radio host Wallengren with Cruz, who spent time in San Diego working at KGTV and as host of the "Love Songs" show on Soft Rock 96.5 FM.

Have any of you tuned in? And tell me how well she fills the job notice:

On Air HOST, MORNING SHOW
KOST-FM
We're looking for the Kelly Ripa of morning drive to join longtime host Mark Wallengren! If you are opinionated, funny and witty, topical, can relate to women 25-54, be edgy but still talk in a family-friendly environment, and know the basics of radio, we want to hear from you! This is your chance to work with one of the most popular and legendary AC stations in the country. REQUIREMENTS: Formal training in radio broadcasting and min. 1 year on-air experience. Ability to operate on-air control board, CD player, and remote broadcast equipment. Knowledge of all FCC rules and regulations. HS diploma, AA or equivalent from 2-yr College or technical school preferred.

So whatever happened to Kim? Mark Wallengren actually commented on our 2007 post about Amidon's axing:

I've talked with Kim several times about putting another show together and she told me she doesn't want to work in radio again. I hope that's not true. She has said that she'll listen to any offers.

Anyone know about playing office politics? Well for a long time Kim has expressed on the air and in the halls that she wanted to do something else. I think maybe one too many times. I do know that the company had to make painful financial decisions that affected many here at our station both on and off the air. I guess, knowing Kim's feelings, they felt the time was right and opted not to renew her contract in 2008. She did receive severance pay that insures that she won't have to work for years if she chooses. Kim wants to become a writer. She has an agent and is pursuing that field.

I have told Kim that many people want to catch up with her. Her daughter Bevy is supposed to be putting up a Myspace.com page for her. When that happens I will post that address on my blog! If I can't convince Kim then I'm going to have to go out there and find that perfect partner again.

It was an amazing 22 years and I will always have wonderful memories of the people we've met and fantastic things we were able to do while on the air. It's always been such a blessing to work here and if at some point I am asked to leave I will be forever grateful for the time I was allowed be on the air and reach out to wonderful people like you.

As for Cruz, she'd actually been unofficially handling co-hosting duties since May, although had been on maternity leave more recently. This week's announcement makes the duo official.