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April 9, 1999/23 Nisan 5759, Vol. 51, No. 28
New radio station offers professionals opportunity to get their own word out
MICHELLE ACKERMAN
Staff Writer
Judith Engelman
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Two weeks ago, a local woman called Judith Engelman's radio show on depression to ask the Valley psychiatrist whether head trauma can lead to depression, and if so, if there is any medication for it.
The woman was calling the program "Doctor Judy Is In," Engelman's weekly talk show on the new all-talk, Phoenix-based KFNX-AM (1100 AM), a station being marketed as Renaissance Radio.
"As far as I'm concerned, the whole venture has been worth it if that woman gets on anti-depressant medication," says Engelman, recalling the conversation.
Engelman, who has been named a "Top Doc" by Phoenix Magazine three times, is one of several local professionals in fields ranging from religious to medical to spiritual, who said "yes" to an unusual opportunity presented by the new station.
Engelman had received a letter from the president of KFNX, asking if she wanted to host her own radio show. But there was one catch. Rather than receiving a check for her work, she would need to pay the station for her time on the air. She and other hosts have the option of finding sponsors to foot the bill, with KFNX producing sponsors' commercials for free. KFNX offered to help hosts find sponsors as well.
"Basically, this is a business relationship," explains Sam Battaglia, station owner. "Programming needs to be financially viable and supportable, whether (the money comes) from (the hosts) or outside sponsors. Still, we try our best to make shows happen and keep shows going."
Battaglia bought KFNX in June 1998. He had already been operating WALE-AM (990 AM) in Providence, R.I., since 1985. Today, his two stations simulcast some local and national shows, while other programming is picked up through affiliations with other stations.
Jacquie Solomon, whose show "Jacquie's Place For Health, Wealth & Happiness" airs on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., interviews guests ranging from Errol Pullen, a developer of skin care products, to John Gray (author of the book "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus;" he's scheduled for April 16).
Solomon had a career in real estate before she discovered her true passion in life - providing "heart awakenings," a type of spiritual therapy.
She explains that she likes to do most of her shows "on location." For example, she went to Tucson to interview Pullen from his production facility there. Such shows are phoned in to the station. "All I have to do is call in on the host line," she explains. "I can be anywhere in the world; so can my guests."
Although being on the air cost her money at first, she now has enough sponsors to pay her weekly expenses, she says. "I just want to help people heal and improve their lives," she says. "I (feel I) have something good to offer people. ... And it's fun."
Engelman admits she was skeptical of the station's approach at first, but thought she could use her show as a vehicle to help people. "My preference would be that it was a public service, really." she says. "But I figured that if I have to pay for it, I have to pay for it at this point. For me, it's really just more important to get the message out.
"It's really about helping people," she continues. "Plus, I figure if one person asks a question, then there's possibly several thousand other people who are going to be glad that question was asked."
Engelman, whose show began just a month ago, says her format is "evolving." She'll choose a topic and discuss it herself, or she'll have guests, such as Samuel Harris, one of the youngest concentration camp survivors, who was on the show April 2 and may return in early May. Her guests have so far included medical doctors, researchers, and a rabbi.
Her show airs Mondays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
"We are offering unique programming ... that otherwise people wouldn't be getting," says Battaglia. "There are enough billion-dollar conglomerates already squashing independent and alternative types of views. ... We chose programming based on ... reputable people ... whose programs we feel will ultimately be successful for the station."
For a list of Solomon's upcoming guests, call 306-2925. To receive Engelman's newsletter, call 277-0877.
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