Tucson is losing an esteemed TV host but gaining a radio program.
Longtime "Arizona Illustrated" host Bill Buckmaster dropped a bomb earlier this week when he revealed he'll be leaving the TV show after 23 years to start a radio show called "Buckmaster." The show will air on KJLL 1330-AM, which requires each of its shows to sell their own ad space.
Buckmaster's final "Arizona Illustrated" appearance will be Nov. 5, and he'll pop up on KJLL Jan. 3.
The radio show will air from 9 to 10 a.m. weekdays and be rebroadcast from 7 to 8 p.m.
Buckmaster said "Buckmaster" will include panels of experts who discuss news and culture. He's partnered with Literary Partners Group, a local firm that will handle the business end, including ad sales.
"It's scary, of course. It's a new deal," Buckmaster said. "But we've got a good team."
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Buckmaster, 62, said he offers the morning talk radio market balanced points of view it currently lacks. He said the decision to leave TV was difficult.
"Of course it will be tough," he said. "There are many loyal fans of 'Arizona Illustrated,' and believe me, I have heard from them over the past couple days. They say 'Tell me it isn't so.' It's very difficult. It's like a big family."
Buckmaster said he will play video of his radio show at the same time it airs, and will be looking to partner with a local TV network to air the footage.
For KUAT, which airs "Arizona Illustrated," Buckmaster's departure means everything about the show is up for possible change.
Wendy Erica Warden of the KUAT marketing department said the station would conduct a national search for a new host, and the host will have a say in the structuring of the show. Warden said the station doesn't want to see Buckmaster go.
Warden said KUAT continues to have a "great relationship" with Buckmaster.
"We hope to use his expertise and skill" in the future, she said.
Dish Network loses FX,
Fox Sports Arizona
A dispute over rates has left Dish Network TV viewers unable to watch FX or Fox Sports Arizona and National Geographic channels, meaning some people in town won't get to watch certain Pac-10 football games or "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," which is the funniest show on TV according to me.
Fox is blocking access to the channels because Dish is refusing to pay a higher transmission fee.
'Mountain' brings big acts for live performances
Studio C, the well-respected series of intimate, live performances from artists hosted by KWMT 92.9-FM "The Mountain," announced an impressive slate of acts this month.
On Friday, Five for Fighting will perform at Montana Avenue, 6390 E. Grant Road, then Greg Laswell will sing at Sullivan's Steakhouse, 1785 E. River Road, Oct. 22. The Barenaked Ladies will close out the month Oct. 29 at North, 2995 E. Skyline Drive.
The shows generally start between 7:30 and 9 a.m., and are free and open to the public.
ABA Hall of Fame to honor new class
The Arizona Broadcasters Association will enshrine a new class into its hall of fame Thursday in Scottsdale, including KGUN 9 veteran Guy Atchley, who will join Arizona Diamondbacks commentator Joe Garagiola Sr. and Phoenix radio newsman Ned Foster.
The iconic, silver-haired anchor started at KGUN 26 years ago and has served as a Tucson host of the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon.
"This was certainly not something I had expected," Atchley said.
"I owe it to former KGUN 9 general manager Jack Parris, who hired me 26 years ago. It was a decision that changed the course of my life. I was thankful then, and 26 years later, I'm even more grateful."
Phil covers local media for the Star. Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at 573-4130 or pvillarreal@azstarnet.com
