Roaming on to New Orleans
John Buffaloe Says Farewell to San Diego
By Gary Stigall
Chapter 36 Chairman
Chief Engineer, XETV Fox 6
Congratulations on your promotion to market DOE in New Orleans. Like many of us, you started as an announcer, didn't you?
JB: I was a DJ for WGCM, Gulfport, MS, WZZQ, Jackson, MS. And the original KPRI in San Diego.
Who mentored you as engineer? Or was it mainly book in the lap?
JB: It began with Eduardo Liano of XETRA and Bill Lipis. My greatest mentor has been Joel Saxberg.
How long have you been in San Diego and with whom?
JB: I have been here since 1975. I was with KPRI for a very short six months, then joined XETRA-AM in 1976. I came to Jefferson-Pilot April 1,1985, no fooling.
What have been your biggest achievements here?
JB: Moving the stations from La Mesa to Mission Valley without buying new equipment, being the first to use a digital STL (CatLink), moving KiFM and KBZT into our existing facilities, and playing a key role in the acquisition of KSOQ (KFSD-FM).
Why New Orleans? Clear Channel?
JB: New Orleans is the most unique city in the U.S. My wife and I have both lived there, and we wanted to get back to our friends and family. We had intended to move there in a couple of years, with me in semi-retirement, but the opportunity to go now with Clear Channel presented itself a couple of months ago. Clear Channel is a good company with good people, and I am pleased to be joining them in my favorite city in the U.S.
How many stations does Clear Channel operate in New Orleans?
JB: There are five 100kW FM's and two directional AM's.
What and who will you miss?
JB: I'll miss everyone in the JP organization and my wonderful corner office in Mission Valley.
Has a successor been selected for your old job here?
JB: Not at this time.
Thank you and good luck.
JB: Thank you for the kind words. I'm looking forward to the new challenges and lifestyle in New Orleans.