Krth 101 personality changes - weekends purged?

[K.M. Richards]

What were the reasons behind the purge? Was it the further evolution of the station? The format has been going through ongoing change for over a year now, yet this was a bold move. Weekend ratings were good. This move begs the question, where is KRTH headed? Were these weekend personalities let go because of money? Were they clearing space for Scott Shannons syndicated show? *Or were Sylvia, Dave and Bruce too closely aligned with the previous administration? And if that's at all true, what does the future hold for tuna, Carson and shotgun? It would seem they don't fit either if that's the rationale.

It could be for any combination of the reasons you cite, but my guess (and it's only that ... a guess) is that as the format evolves they want "fresh" voices to replace the ones that are associated with the old format. Maybe someone at CBS has read oldies76's rantings and decided they need to break as far away from the unsaleable 55+ listeners as possible.

My first thought when I heard about the weekend changes was the same as your last thought above. Charlie, Jim and Tom are most decidedly associated with the "old" KRTH. There is an obvious distancing from the heritage Drake format that Jhani Kaye worked so hard to reinstate ... but it seems to be working. And that does not bode well for those three heritage air personalities. For that matter, I don't know that the suggestion of Blade, Snakeskin, and Jed would work with this music mix either.

The pros seem to applaud the change. There is no sense debating this.

I wouldn't say we "applaud" the change as much as we are trying to explain why KRTH is doing what they are doing, and if citing the ratings as proof of success is considered applause you're reading a lot more into our posts than you should.

In a way, this reminds me of the discussion we had here when Indie was on the air ten years ago. Many people accused me of being biased against what they were doing when in fact all I was doing was pointing out that the signal limited the ratings and Entravision, being a Hispanic media company, had a corporate culture clash with it. Both David and I said that sooner or later they would find a Spanish language format for that signal and unceremoniously dump Indie ... and that's what happened.

I'd appreciate it if you didn't similarly attach too broad a meaning to what we have been posting about KRTH.

 

[Art Landing]

I wouldn't say we "applaud" the change as much as we are trying to explain why KRTH is doing what they are doing, and if citing the ratings as proof of success is considered applause you're reading a lot more into our posts than you should..

Amen. If you have noted the programming consultant's comments they are from the view of what works in terms of the expectations of the owners of the stations who hire them. This reflects today's economic realities, not their own personal preferences. David specifically has mentioned his enjoyment in the old days of successfully spinning platters of his choosing - until he discovered systematic audience survey techniques were even more successful. The former would still probably more rewarding to him personally, but its not what helps today's station owners pay down their debts.

Changes in regulatory policies that increased the number of AM stations and public affairs/impartiality programming rules in place fifty years ago took away from old time radio what was left after color television. Deregulation and the proliferation of non-shielded electronic devices further changed the landscape. Now the existence of multiple alternative platforms is creating a whole new world where music and information resources worldwide are available using a keypad.

My mother is still active and alert at 102, has a Yahoo account and can use Google. She can't stand any of the new music forms and still resents the abruptness with which NBC canceled her favorite radio soap opera without resolving the loose ends decades ago - but enjoys exploring historical websites my sister and I suggest. If she's adapted I figure the rest of us probably need to as well.

 

[Thomps2525]

After 23 years at WPLJ, Scott Shannon quit in February 2014, leaving Todd Pettengill to do the morning show solo. In March, Shannon joined WCBS-FM as morning show host. He's now competing with Todd Pettengill. Wooo! He also maintains the True Oldies Channel at http://www.trueoldieschannel.com/

On the weekend of October 18-19, Scott Shannon will begin hosting a syndicated four-hour program, Scott Shannon Presents America’s Greatest Hits. It will be carried on KRTH, WCBS-FM and several other CBS stations. Okay, now we know why one KRTH DJ was fired. What about the other three?

http://radiosyndicationtalk.com/201...t-americas-greatest-hits-for-united-stations/

 

[Thomps2525]

I protect people's anymoninty---anomynottiy---aymnitonity---right to privacy. I don't want to mention the name of the radio insider who just e-mailed me but he expects that some former KYSR DJs will be joining KRTH's airstaff. With all the changes going on---'80s songs replacing '60s, DJ firings, a new syndicated program, a new imaging voice---is it possible that KRTH might change call letters? Other than the jingles, the station now has very little connection with the KRTH of the 1970s-80s.

 

[oldies76]

With all the changes going on---'80s songs replacing '60s, DJ firings, a new syndicated program, a new imaging voice---is it possible that KRTH might change call letters? Other than the jingles, the station now has very little connection with the KRTH of the 1970s-80s.

Although that would certainly be the final death blow to a once, legendary station and yes, a foolish thing to do. Anything is possible these days. I suppose, since the destruction has already been ongoing, might as well finish it off. I certainly won't rule out anything. Might as well keep the jingles, really the only thing left.

Reminds me of KHJ giving up their calls back in the mid 80's.

 

[davideduardo]

Although that would certainly be the final death blow to a once, legendary station and yes, a foolish thing to do. Anything is possible these days. I suppose, since the destruction has already been ongoing, might as well finish it off. I certainly won't rule out anything.

For a "dead" radio station, KRTH looks surprisingly alive, what with its #3 showing in 25-54 right after KIIS and KBIG. In fact, it is the CBS cluster's strongest performer in the sales demos, ahead of AMP and KROQ and Jack.

I know you enjoy spitting into the wind, but it seems inane to speak of a highly successful station as if it was a disaster. KRTH is having its greatest sales demo success in decades, and you are pretending that it is down for the count.

"Legendary" only counts if the substance that created the legend is relevant today. Lewis & Clark are legendary and their achievements are included in all American history books... but there is no need for their skill set in today's world. Radio stations adapt to today's audiences and heritage can often be as much of an impediment as it is an asset.

Reminds me of KHJ giving up their calls back in the mid 80's.

As unsuccessful as the KRTH AM "Smokin' Oldies" format was, the logic of the change made sense. KHJ was associated with Top 40 and teen to young adult audiences. KRTH was associated with oldies. So using the AM to cover the earliest Top 40 oldies while the FM was a bit more contemporary made all the sense in the world.

In 1986, the KHJ brand was dead and probably had a negative connotation with listeners. The KRTH image was strong. No brainer there.

 

[TheBigA]

....is it possible that KRTH might change call letters? Other than the jingles, the station now has very little connection with the KRTH of the 1970s-80s.

I really doubt it. The station that is more likely to change call letters is KTWV.

When you look around LA, lots of stations retain their call letters even after a major format change, like KKGO Classical to Country.

 

[Thomps2525]

David, how can you claim that the KHJ brand was dead in 1986? Are you implying that we did not all grow up to be cowboys?

How do you think KHJ would have fared in the early '80s if they had switched to oldies instead of country?

 

[ChannelFlipper]

I think the changes to K-Earth get a lot of attention because they hit way too close to home for a lot of people - myself included. As our culture changes more and more away from the one we all grew up with, we want to know there is still a place on the dial, a place of refuge as it were, just one place where things can be like they used to be. But no.

Since their target audience grew up in late 70's and 80's, it only makes sense to ditch the 60's sound and DJs too. But everyone knows the same thing - if K-Earth has to change from what you know and like, it means you are getting old. I feel it too and I don't like it one bit. Ages, weights, what we all coulda/shoulda/woulda done with our lives comes to the fore. It forces issues to to be dealt with. Because it is the music you love, maybe built your life around, it affects you like no change in sports,TV, movies, or other areas of culture can. That speaks to the power of music, but also to the (former) power of radio, as the medium that brought it all to you.

 

[kogi19]

It would seem, coupled with the moves on KNX, that CBS is shedding expensive talent just as iHeartMedia and Cumulus have done recently. Whatever directional moves made at K-Earth will be oriented towards $aving money. CBS also got rid of half of the morning show at K-Frog by replacing Tommy C, saving another salary.

 

[krth101]

I think channel flippers thoughts on the changes at KRTH are spot on. It helps to explain in large part the passion the fans hold for the station and why this topic has generated *the response it has.

The fans, the long time loyal audience get it. We acknowledge the change in format and the business reasons that went into this. Not speaking for the others, my issue was the way they went about it. Where CBS oldies outlets such as WCBS or WOGL continued to evolve slowly, KRTH took a far more aggressive approach and "turned the ship" far quicker than the others. I understand there are differences in demographic and mix between the New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia markets. However it seems to me, the change was not only based on market makeup, but perhaps more so the perception of the individuals in charge and the definition of classic hits. WCBS and WOGL, seem to have the view of deeper,broader playlists and are more pop oriented, much like KRTH was in the jhani Kaye era. The Rick Thomas/chris ebbot regime * seem to view the format more as rock, less pop and more along the lines of jack or amp. Again, my perception only. However by sampling all 3 classic hits station, i would challenge anyone to say there is not a definitive difference and listener experience.

Where oldies radio for the longest time seemed fairly consistent in terms of musical selection and the years involved, classic hits seems to fall under a much larger umbrella.*

I can't help but think jhani Kaye would have continued to make subtle moves, more along the lines of *CBS and WOGL had he stayed. I would be most curious to hear his thoughts on what has taken place at KRTH since his departure. My sense was he had a true appreciation for the brand and programmed to that.

With last weeks gutting of the weekend personalities, is there any doubt that KRTH is going to continue to ramp up this transformation. The question is where they will ultimately find themselves. *When *all is said and done, the few 60s songs on the playlist *the remaining veteran jocks, the jingles and all of other the various programming elements that many of us felt differentiated KRTH from the others no longer will fit and be just a distant memory.

 

[TheBigA]

However it seems to me, the change was not only based on market makeup, but perhaps more so the perception of the individuals in charge and the definition of classic hits.

What makes you say that? Ultimately, the man in charge hasn't changed. They all report to the head of CBS Radio. He decides who programs which stations, and before they get hired, they're asked to lay out their strategy. The demographic situation in LA is pretty clear. We know that a lot of former KRTH listeners are retiring and moving out of the LA area. At the same time, stations that play currents have older listeners looking for a new station that plays the songs they remember from KIIS in the 80s and 90s. KRTH is perfectly positioned to take those listeners.

 

[davideduardo]

It would seem, coupled with the moves on KNX, that CBS is shedding expensive talent just as iHeartMedia and Cumulus have done recently. Whatever directional moves made at K-Earth will be oriented towards $aving money. CBS also got rid of half of the morning show at K-Frog by replacing Tommy C, saving another salary.

I see no evidence of CBS making staff cuts just to save money.

In LA, the weekenders are apparently being replaced by other talents who likely are perceived to be more closely in tune with the new music and demographic focus of KRTH. In a union situation, weekender pay is generally based on AFTRA scale. No savings.

KFRG has had a ratings decline, in part caused by the shift to PPM and in part due to the changing demographics of the IE. So the changes in mornings may be more in line with programming strategy for a new reality than with cost savings: more music, less talk tends to work well in PPM.

 

[davideduardo]

I think the changes to K-Earth get a lot of attention because they hit way too close to home for a lot of people - myself included. As our culture changes more and more away from the one we all grew up with, we want to know there is still a place on the dial, a place of refuge as it were, just one place where things can be like they used to be. But no.

Since their target audience grew up in late 70's and 80's, it only makes sense to ditch the 60's sound and DJs too. But everyone knows the same thing - if K-Earth has to change from what you know and like, it means you are getting old. I feel it too and I don't like it one bit. Ages, weights, what we all coulda/shoulda/woulda done with our lives comes to the fore. It forces issues to to be dealt with. Because it is the music you love, maybe built your life around, it affects you like no change in sports,TV, movies, or other areas of culture can. That speaks to the power of music, but also to the (former) power of radio, as the medium that brought it all to you.

I was going to say, "great post" for the well thought out analysis.

I was, until I saw the parenthetical "former" in the last sentence. That was a cheap shot in an era when radio is really working to adapt to new methods of distribution and new listener needs.

But if you take that word out, I think this is one of the best posts on the KRTH / Oldies / Classic Hits subject that has ever been written. Seriously!

 

[ChannelFlipper]

I was going to say, "great post" for the well thought out analysis.

I was, until I saw the parenthetical "former" in the last sentence. That was a cheap shot in an era when radio is really working to adapt to new methods of distribution and new listener needs.

But if you take that word out, I think this is one of the best posts on the KRTH / Oldies / Classic Hits subject that has ever been written. Seriously!

David, I appreciate the compliment, however I wasn't trying to take a cheap shot at radio, and I doubt that you really disagree with me as much as your post implies, so long as we are both talking about the same definition of "radio". "Radio" as I used it in my post means that thing that is in the dash that has AM,FM, buttons, and a volume and tuning knob on it. I am sure that is the definition most K-Earth listeners would give it as well. I understand that now radio means lots of things in addition to that, such as iheartradio, pandora, podcasts, satellite, etc. As a man of the industry I am sure you identify with the more inclusive definition, and rightfully so.

To put the difference in true perspective, I refer you back to my niece and nephew that I've mentioned before. If they were to buy a car that had no FM radio (we'll stipulate that they don't even know AM radio exists), they would be disappointed, but it probably would not be a dealbreaker. But if they were to buy a car that did not have ability to dock and listen to their i-gadgets, the car would remain unsold. The radio I referred to is that first one, and I'm sure you would not disagree that it no longer has anywhere close to the power it once did. I stand by my post.

 

[oldies76]

For a "dead" radio station, KRTH looks surprisingly alive, what with its #3 showing in 25-54 right after KIIS and KBIG.

It may be "alive" with it's current target audience (and good for them), but the ones who have listened to KRTH most of their lives in the L.A. area have seen the changes and for the most part, they are cringing. To many of them (and myself), KRTH is dead or is very close.

And I realize that KRTH is not targeting 55+ (which is beyond unfortunate), but many are still listening and mostly disapprove of what has happened lately.

To them, they know K-Earth 101 and today presentation isn't it.
In 10-20 years, today's target will say the same thing (if KRTH is still hanging around).

Sorry to be the thorn in the elephant's foot, but these are accurate assessments and many in L.A. would agree and this is my position.

 

[TheBigA]

To many of them (and myself), KRTH is dead or is very close.

Many of them, yourself included, have already left the area.

 

[Thomps2525]

I'd like to interject something---and you all know I'm not the interjecter I used to be. Yes, KRTH no longer plays the songs that they played in the 1970s and it's likely that the majority of those who listened to KRTH in the '70s no longer like the station. But KIIS no longer plays Barry Manilow, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, the Bee Gees, and KC & the Sunshine Band. No one complains about top-40 stations adding new songs every week and relegating each week's drops to recurrent status and eventually to "oldies" or "do not play." So why do some people think that oldies/classic-hits stations shouldn't also update the playlist (albeit not on a weekly basis)? Formats change, playlists change, DJ lineups change.....and the stations survive because, as older listeners move on, younger listeners tune in. Change is inevitable. Refer to Sonny & Cher's The Beat Goes On, Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin', Tracy Lawrence's Time Marches On or Billy Joel's We Didn't Start The Fire.

By the way, who is Ana Gabriel, Jorge Negrete, Javier Solís and Ida Beltrán? I keep hearing them on KHJ. And what happened to Robert W. Morgan?

 

[TheBigA]

No one complains about top-40 stations adding new songs every week and relegating each week's drops to recurrent status and eventually to "oldies" or "do not play."

You bring up a good point. The other side of the situation that is never part of these threads is that there are lots of former KIIS and Star listeners who miss their favorites. These folks are now in the prime sales demographic, and they're looking for a radio station. My sense is that what KRTH is trying to become is a station for those people. They've done it before, and they'd like to do it again. The guy who's missing from this, and who would be perfect at this point in his career, is Rick Dees.

 

[MadMan]

I understand even more K-EARTH changes are coming, this time in another department. Why is it that Oldies are very popular when it comes to TV ads like this new KFC spot? Where does one go to hear the music they knew?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJws5IJPZSE