The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 170

a SECRET: PEOPLE LIKE TO HEAR PAGE Refusing to glorify the exploits of they traffic were near the people fire and where Continued a from Page 2 sponding, what should do if criminals, Sandmeyer calls the news was congested or stopped. programs of some broadcasters "just "I really felt like I was helping a description of fatal accidents, mur- the community then," she said. ders and robberies." "During a time of emergency, "I think people are rebelling there's nothing like radio because it against news," she said. "People is absolutely instantaneous and want to hear good news bad news there's nothing like being there." if it affects. them.

I think there are Sandmeyer completes her newsstories about accom- casts with light or comical stories. 'I many, many plishment, achievement, people like to always end on a positive helping other people out. These are note. That's something I emphaSIWIL stories that need to be showcased. I really feel strongly about that." S3139NY about government Sandmeyer education, and said she "anything nutrition, prefers that stories city I 8 think will interest the listenernews that's significant, that lets ple know what's happening." 2 She emphasizes the good side of news.

For example, she said, "I like IN3WIIddNS to come down do out stories because and when the of crime burglary Neighborhood rate statistics is Watch. That's a news story that the listeners themselves personally effected (by taking part in the Neighborhood Watch program)." Two years ago, when a serious brush fire swept through the hills near Thousand Oaks, Sandmeyer was on the air five and six times an hour reporting the fire's progress, how the fire department was re- "I think there are many, many stories about accomplishment, achievement, people helping other people out. These are the stories that need to be showcased. I really feel strongly about that." size," she said. "People have commented about waiting to hear my last stories." A recent example.

is actor Larry Hagman's decision to give his TV character J.R. Ewing's cowboy hat to the Smithsonian Institute. Sandmeyer followed up the story with the suggestion that KNJO's disc jockey donate his chair. Sandmeyer broadcasts her news programs in a studio not much larger than a child's bedroom. Her mammoth desk consumes half of ANTIQUITY You are cordially invited to join us for Wine Cheese and meet our guest artist, Elizabeth Brownd SATURDAY, APRIL 14 A signed, dated limited quantity of her prints being shown.

960-8 Westlake Blvd. (near Guild Drug) )805-497 -0352 Steaks Bar- SERVED B-Q Ribs FROM Beef Stew Turkey Pot Pie 4:30 6:30 House Famous CHUCKWAGON RESTAURANT? only Creations Sandwich Omelettes $389 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Specials 7 Days a Week 450 N. Moorpark Thousand Oaks (805) 497-7000 of Family BOWS I SPECIALS Over TRY OUR A Decade DINNER SUN. THURS. Tradition Charbroiled GOOD NEWS Cincinnati" would expect.

But the life of a radio news reporter doesn't the room. Because she shares the necessarily parallel the story lines of studio with the station's disc jock- a sitcom. eys, the shelves in the room are First of all, stuffed with perhaps 500 record alSandmeyer points out, bums--all in sleeves going to bed at 9 p.m. and waking of blue (for up at 4:30 a.m. is not an effortless male vocalists), red (female vocaroutine.

Work days often stretch (groups) or green (in past the eight -hour lists), yellow mark to 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and even 6 strumental). p.m. And There are speakers and tape-recording equipment, a turntable and sometimes there's an important City a Council or School Board meeting to large gray console with switches, volt meters, and 10 black dials that cover at night. resemble camera lenses staring "People think this is a glamorous job, but it doesn't seem glamorous to Sandmeyer in the face.

Behind is a plate-glass window that out on a courtyard leading to Melody Theater. In front is another window and a larger studio, is wallpapered with posters of ording and movie stars. This is the disc jockeys' primary work area, and it contains more records, both albums and (The station specializes in "adult contemporary" music.) The setting fits in with what viewer of television's "WKRP me. To me it's just like any other job. It doesn't feel much different from one summer when I worked road construction to put myself through college," Sandmeyer said.

She also confesses that she has a difficult time writing news stories. It's hard work, she said, and she reher fuses to make it easier on herself by looks repeating the same stories throughthe out the day or by practicing what is known as "ripping and reading'which taking all her stories out of newsparec- pers or the wire service and not doing any original reporting or interviewing on her own. many People also have the idea that the 45s. radio news business is a lucrative one. That isn't true-especially at small stations like KNJO.

Sandany meyer is paid less than $275 a week. in Please Turn to Page 5 Valley" "Conejo A of Steaks B-Q Beef 1984 Turkey House 2 April Friday, CONEJO VALLEY DAYS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS -Grand marshal count- April 29-ICS-sanctioned chili down cookoff, Conejo Creek Park April 20-Grand marshal count- May 2-6-Midway open at Conejo down Creek Park April 21-Fishing tournament, May 3-Pipe-smoking contest, 7 Lake Cachuma p.m., pipe pourri, The Oaks April 27-Grand marshal final May 5-6-RCA-sanctioned rodeo, countdown Conejo Creek Park April 28-Children's parade, May 5-CVD Parade, 9 a.m., Westlake Automotive Center Thousand Oaks Boulevard Peter Keating Corner Flock image size: inches A signed and numbered limited edition on neutral PH, fine art paper. A 960-11 Westlake Retri (near Jack's Deli) Westlake Village, CA. (805) 496-4900.