L.A. FANS WANT THEIR COUNTRY BACK

Fans in Los Angeles, upset at the recent format switch of the city’s last remaining major country station, have begun a ribbon campaign to bring country radio back to the city.

The “Save Country Music” campaign is distributing red ribbons to raise awareness about the absence of their favorite music to the airwaves since country station KZLA flipped to an urban-Top 40 format on Aug. 17. “There is a huge, devoted and passionate audience for this genre,” says campaign organizer Karen Oliver, who hopes another station will take up the format. Organizers are urging fans to wear the ribbons to the Oct. 14 Country Bash all-star country show in Los Angeles. To get your own ribbon, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to “Save Country Music,” 263 W. Olive Ave #292, Burbank, CA., 91502.

• published September 26, 2006