KFI (640 AM) has a new weekend show that sounds quite exciting. It’s a roundtable discussion of issues in the vein of television’s “Meet the Press” and other such shows. But unlike the typical show that includes a bunch of old dudes sitting around pontificating, this panel is made up of student journalists.

Called “Studio 64,” the program airs 2-4 p.m. Sundays and is available immediately following the broadcast on the iHeart app. Two to three guest panelists from various colleges and universities discuss the news of the week — including those issues pertinent to students at colleges and universities directly.

To be selected, the panelist must be enrolled in an accredited college or university with a major related to traditional or broadcast journalism and/or communications. They must also be a contributor to their school’s newspaper, radio station, television station, digital news outlet or podcast, though I am told independent journalists enrolled in school may also be considered.

“I’m super excited about the show!” exclaimed KFI Program Director Robin Bertolucci. “It’s hosted by Steve Gregory, and the student-journalist panelists come from all over Southern California.”

Gregory — KFI’s award-winning investigative journalist and reporter — acts as both the host and panel moderator. Want to get involved, or do you know someone who might? Go to adobe.ly/3A85NhC for more information. Qualified students from any accredited college are encouraged to apply — large or small, public or private.

This is the talk equivalent of having students involved in a music station — a good source of future talent as well as a way to attract younger listeners and a potentially new audience as they get their friends and family members to listen. Who came up with this idea? Gregory.

It’s only been on about a month … give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Ransom

The final edition of KSL Podcasts’ “Ransom: Position of Trust” was released a few weeks ago; if you have not listened yet, you can catch the full series — and even binge-listen if you so desire — on any of your favorite podcast platforms. It is excellent.

While waiting for the next series to arrive, you might be interested in checking out “Cold,” also from KSL, and the group behind “Ransom.” “Cold” focuses on missing person cases and has thus far three seasons, the last of which ended about a year ago. I suppose in some ways that makes “Ransom” the fourth season of “Cold,” though the focus is not exactly the same.

Like “Ransom,” “Cold” is a narrative podcast series and is very well done. Investigative journalist and host Dave Cawley takes on a single story with each season.

I’m awaiting a reply from KSL Podcasts regarding future seasons of “Cold” or a new series similar to “Ransom” … I’ll let you know once I find out.

Reflection reaction

I did not expect to elicit so many similar memories when I wrote of the stations I listened to as a youngster. Here’s a sample of the emails so far:

“I really enjoyed the article about the late 1970s So Cal radio scene. I was an avid listener in junior high and high school to KGBS and all their programs. All the different bits Hudson and Landry did were first heard by their daily audience, and the crazy stunts the ‘Hullabalooer’ pulled were rehashed in and between classes.

“The uproar Bill Ballance caused with his Feminine Forum was all the rage at PTA meetings and newspaper columns. I have to say I enjoyed the out-of-state radio stations that would go on after KGBS and other local stations lowered their signals or went off the air just as much. KSWS/Roswell, New Mexico; KOA/Denver; KOB/Albuquerque; and WWL/New Orleans all sent great stuff if you sent them a letter saying what you liked about them and I still have many of these items!

“Thank you for bringing back so many memories of my teen years listening to my transistor and clock radio and what we were lucky enough to listen to.”

— Julie T. Byers, Arcadia

•••

“I enjoyed your article today in the Orange County Register. I was a devotee of radio during the 1960s and 1970s, beginning with the swinging gentlemen on KFWB.

“Do you remember KHJ’s ‘Super Summer Spectacular’ contest? It got them into trouble, as in a major lawsuit which they lost. Keep the articles coming, please.”

— Anthony J Mohr

Thank you so much. That contest may be the first major problem for KHJ, and I think it’s worthy of its own column … very soon!

Rumor mill

A little bird tells me that an online tribute site dedicated to the memory of heavy metal-formatted Pure Rock KNAC is about to launch. Details, when they arrive.

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