F. Robert “Bob” Fenton, former owner of KFIV in Modesto and several other radio stations in the state, passed away November 22, 1991 at the age of 66. He bought KFIV in 1966 and created its sister Station K102-FM six years later.
Mr. Fenton also owned other broadcast properties in the West, including KMIX-KCEY in Turlock, KTOM-KWYT in the Monterey-Salinas area and a radio station in Oregon. Once known as one of the largest small-market owners in the Western States, Mr. Fenton sold his Modesto station in 1982, but remained active in the industry for many years.
He was a member of many organizations, including the California and National Associations of Broadcasters, the Modesto Rotary Club and the Del Rio Golf & Country Club.
Hi Kimberly,
This is Denny Brougher, aka J Michael Stevens. I did mornings and middays at KFIV back in the mid-70s when I was just 26. I’m the guy your dad trusted to pick up you and your sister from a private school in the Carmel, Monterey area. Way before cellphones and GPS, I was handed directions from bookkeeper Inez and left around 11 am. I had never been there before and whizzed right past the cutoff from the 99 to Carmel. After about half an hour, I backtracked. When I finally got to the school, you and your sister (Lindsey?) were sitting in the principal’s office, chatting with who I think was Clint Eastwood’s daughter. What should have taken 2 and a half hours took 5 hours, but Bob and Janie were relieved to see us pull up in your dad’s car safe and sound.
Mr. Fenton had some famous sayings that I remember to this day. If things looked overwhelming, he would say, “Whatever it takes, kid.” And sure enough, it would get done. Another of his sayings that would bring a smile, was if I was having trouble with someone; he would advise me to “Tell them to pi$$ up a rope.” LOL. When I did mornings, Bob would come into the studio each day to check the temperature, look over at me, and ask, “How’s it going, kid? I’m taking Vitamin C. What do you think about it?” Bob enjoyed his horses out behind the station and would call me back there to show them off. I recall one windy morning, I joked, “It’s so windy here today, the boss’s toupee arrived 20 minutes before he did.” Just then, Bob walked into the studio, looked over at me, smiled, and said, “Kid, that’s a funny joke about Jerry Hansen,” who was the station GM and VP. He turned the joke around, which we both chuckled over. (whew) I have fond memories of working with your Dad, Janie, and the KFIV staff.
Wishing you and your family all the best, (kid).
Denny Brougher dennybrougher@aol.com
Kimberly Fenton says:
April 27, 2024 at 6:17 am Edit
Hello Great to see a little history about dad. Kimberly Fenton
Kimberly, it was a great experience working under your Father’s stations’ ownership,under the direction of Radio Rick Myers as P.D., also under Direction of Ryn Stephens on the FM Side. Will always be grateful to KFIV AM/FM for the start of what ended up being a 15-year radio career. I also have great memories of working with your sister as well. GOD BLESS.