Around The Treasure Coast

[John FL]

A month or so ago, radio station Soft AC WOSN-FM (97.1 Ocean FM) (Treasure & Space Coast Radio) was for all practical purposes off the air. The signal was barely audible. In their social media pages, it was announced that the cluster’s studios had moved to a new location. They did not anticipate the problem(s) that caused the outage. Well, that was obvious.

As far as I could tell, this did not affect other stations in the cluster. This got me thinking. What could have caused such a signal disruption by moving to a new location? I tune in on occasion and I can only estimate the signal issue existed for around a week’s time, give, or take a day or two. When the signal did return, it sounded like a towel was on my car speaker. It just sounded muffled for lack of a better word. Some of the songs just sounded off or weak. That was corrected after a few days.

The Treasure Coast is measured by Nielsen via diary. That also got me thinking if Nielsen allows for ratings credit during down times. I would imagine a station in a PPM market would see huge impacts (Unless Nielsen does listening credit based on average listening) as this is real-time listening. I remember David Eduardo talked in the past about a Miami daytimer that got ratings credit for nighttime listening when that market was measured by diary. I'd think Nielsen needed to make adjustments there and other reasons.

Due to the nature of the market, there’s mom & pop businesses that advertise on the station. No doubt there were impacts if a business was promoting a special sales event with a time restraint etc. I would assume that concessions are made to advertisers for running spots longer and/or possibly reimbursing them if they were dissatisfied.

Signal issues can cause major problems. I’d be interested in learning how this kind of situation from cause to resolution are handled.

Next: A sister station to WOSN that I am hearing almost everywhere I go.

 

[Greg Strickland]

John- You did not provide enough information to tell us if you mean the audio was low, or if the radio signal itself was weak.
If this happened with a studio relocation, most likely this was an unexpected audio problem with the studio to transmitter link which sends the audio from the studio to the transmitter site. Especially the muffled part, which sounds like they got audio back on but without pre-emphasis. As far as handling these situations, people do the best they can. Maybe some of the gear failed when it was moved, or something didn't work as expected. Some stations have back-up systems and resources, others don't. Same with other businesses, such as the grocery store that does not have a back-up electric power generator. It can be costly, since they should discard food that is considered spoiled.

 

[John FL]

John- You did not provide enough information to tell us if you mean the audio was low, or if the radio signal itself was weak.

Greg, I thought I did provide info by saying the "signal was barely audible." There was a what sounded like static or given this is FM, it sounded like a very far away station that sometimes comes in. To clarify too, it was after the station sounded almost like it was off the air that there was a day or two that it sounded muffled but the station was listenable. The engineering end of radio I know little about. I assumed they might not have been at full power yet. But it's just a guess.

 

[davideduardo]

The Treasure Coast is measured by Nielsen via diary. That also got me thinking if Nielsen allows for ratings credit during down times. I would imagine a station in a PPM market would see huge impacts (Unless Nielsen does listening credit based on average listening) as this is real-time listening. I remember David Eduardo talked in the past about a Miami daytimer that got ratings credit for nighttime listening when that market was measured by diary. I'd think Nielsen needed to make adjustments there and other reasons.

If a station is off the air or on low power that is not compensated for in any way by Nielsen. They measure what people listen to. If they don´t listen because a station is undergoing technical issues, then they simply did not listen.

When there was a printed diary, Arbitron had a section for "issues" where a station could be noted to have been off the air or on low power. That was it.

Nielsen provides ratings to help advertisers with a metric for advertising costs. Those advertisers want a real reflection of who listened to what.

 

[John FL]

If a station is off the air or on low power that is not compensated for in any way by Nielsen. They measure what people listen to. If they don´t listen because a station is undergoing technical issues, then they simply did not listen.

When there was a printed diary, Arbitron had a section for "issues" where a station could be noted to have been off the air or on low power. That was it.

Nielsen provides ratings to help advertisers with a metric for advertising costs. Those advertisers want a real reflection of who listened to what.

Interesting. I figured there were concessions made to advertisers in making up "lost time" for their spots. But I also thought for the benefit of the radio station, Nielsen made allowances as well. I do see your point, especially in that advertisers are paying for station performance. No doubt, signal issues affect a radio station's operations.

These things can be very problematic. I remember lightning hit a former Clear Channel stick affecting a number of stations. It took months for the tower to be repaired and full power restored.

 

[John FL]

There's what I believe is a sister station to the aforementioned WOSN-FM. In the past the cluster was all under the ownership of Treasure & Space Coast Radio. However, this station, WPHR-FM, B-94.7, Fresh Country, is owned by the two principals of Treasure & Space Coast Radio but is under a different LLC name. Maybe this is something that’s common with ownership. It’s also one of many things I discover about the business of radio that keep it fascinating.

When I moved to The Treasure Coast 4+ years ago, I don’t recall hearing this station much in my travels. But with more doctor and other appointments, we find ourselves out for lunch more often. I hear this station playing in the background in quite a lot of places, especially in the Vero Beach area.

My knowledge of country music and the format is practically nil. What I find interesting is at noon, B-94.7 plays a country artist doing a rendition of The National Anthem. When I first heard it, I figured it was in conjunction with something going on, but this is a regular feature. Many of these artists hit it out of the park. I've occasionally heard those in a nearby booth comment favorably on this. Apparently, listeners have tied this feature to the station.

Is this a common programing element in the country music format? I also have no idea if WPHR-FM is programmed locally or if they carry syndicated programing The National Anthem may come along with the package. To the best of my knowledge, they do have at least one local jock on the schedule.

Over the years, I’ve heard country artists talk about country music fans as being very patriotic, conservative, and religious. I’ve also seen references to this in some talk shows, especially right-leaning ones. It’s also not unusual to hear country tunes in the bumper music mix on these conservative programs.

I prefer to think no group owns patriotism and that it’s under a big umbrella. Still, there is the reality of what I have heard. I don’t think I’ve ever heard The National Anthem offered as a regular feature in any other music format. I’d really like to know just how common this is or not in the Country format.

Ratings are only released twice a year on The Treasure Coast. At first glance, it would appear WPHR is not exactly setting the world on fire, but such is the nature of radio on The Treasure Coast. I don’t believe any TC station covers the entire area but rather stations super serve where they are heard.

That appears to be the case for B-94.7. In my occasional listening in public places, I hear spots for many of the local companies of which I am familiar offering all kinds of local sales and services. I suspect it’s enough to pay the bills and more.

Upcoming – an iHeart radio station that appears to be its best kept secret.

 

[Alex Browne]

Not a direct response to your question, John, but WHLI-1100/Hempstead, NY (Long Island), which morphed several years ago from an MOR/standards format to Oldies, and added an FM translator last year, plays The Star Spangled Banner daily at 12 noon.

 

[John FL]

Not a direct response to your question, John, but WHLI-1100/Hempstead, NY (Long Island), which morphed several years ago from an MOR/standards format to Oldies, and added an FM translator last year, plays The Star Spangled Banner daily at 12 noon.

Interesting. Thanks, Alex. I would think across the country, there are one-off situations that allow for the playing of a patriotic tune.

Since posting this, I did a little research. The 9-11, 2001 attacks was a significant motivation behind this.

In 2011, Lon Helton, publisher of Country Aircheck, a trade publication based in Nashville, said "Most of the nation's 1,800 country music stations air either the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem or both."

In a September 6, 2011 article from South Florida Sun Sentinel (serves the Broward/Ft. Lauderdale area), Darlene Evans, one of the jocks at the time from WKIS 99.9 FM, said "Playing the national anthem reminds people that there's a war going on, that people put their lives in danger. And that includes our servicemen in Homestead, and our firemen and police officers here, too."

In the spirit of patriotism, many radio stations with varying formats played The National Anthem right after 9-11. However, most radio stations dropped the practice. "It stops the party, and listeners push a different button on their car radios. Television producers know that, too, which is why they cut to commercial seconds before a singer starts the pre-game anthem."

The aforementioned Lon Helton also said "But country radio has always bathed itself in red, white and blue." While I don't know how many radio stations across the country still play a patriotic tune at a designated hour of the day, it would seem likely to me the format that would offer this would be a country format.

Besides Miami/Ft. Lauderdale's WKIS, it was also reported that West Palm Beach's WIRK-FM has also engaged in this. Whether this is the case today I don't know for sure.

WKIS took the anthem off the air in 2007, but listeners complained vigorously and the feature was reinstated. Also, back then an internet survey showed 97% support for doing this.

Bringing this closer to home, I would think an area such as The Treasure Coast that leans conservative politically would be a natural in continuing the tradition of playing The Star Spangled Banner.

 

[drt]

Interesting. Thanks, Alex. I would think across the country, there are one-off situations that allow for the playing of a patriotic tune.

Since posting this, I did a little research. The 9-11, 2001 attacks was a significant motivation behind this.

In 2011, Lon Helton, publisher of Country Aircheck, a trade publication based in Nashville, said "Most of the nation's 1,800 country music stations air either the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem or both."

In a September 6, 2011 article from South Florida Sun Sentinel (serves the Broward/Ft. Lauderdale area), Darlene Evans, one of the jocks at the time from WKIS 99.9 FM, said "Playing the national anthem reminds people that there's a war going on, that people put their lives in danger. And that includes our servicemen in Homestead, and our firemen and police officers here, too."

In the spirit of patriotism, many radio stations with varying formats played The National Anthem right after 9-11. However, most radio stations dropped the practice. "It stops the party, and listeners push a different button on their car radios. Television producers know that, too, which is why they cut to commercial seconds before a singer starts the pre-game anthem."

The aforementioned Lon Helton also said "But country radio has always bathed itself in red, white and blue." While I don't know how many radio stations across the country still play a patriotic tune at a designated hour of the day, it would seem likely to me the format that would offer this would be a country format.

Besides Miami/Ft. Lauderdale's WKIS, it was also reported that West Palm Beach's WIRK-FM has also engaged in this. Whether this is the case today I don't know for sure.

WKIS took the anthem off the air in 2007, but listeners complained vigorously and the feature was reinstated. Also, back then an internet survey showed 97% support for doing this.

Bringing this closer to home, I would think an area such as The Treasure Coast that leans conservative politically would be a natural in continuing the tradition of playing The Star Spangled Banner.

I’m not sure if WVLG 640AM - the Voice of the Villages (with several translators to cover The Villages) at least several years ago, would play the National Anthem at midnight when they shifted from Pop hits from the late 60’s to early 90’s to their softer midnight to 6AM format; then at 6AM, they would play the National Anthem again, as they shifted to the 6AM - Midnight format; I have no reason to believe that they still aren’t doing that. (Will have to check).

 

[Alex Browne]

Interesting. Thanks, Alex. I would think across the country, there are one-off situations that allow for the playing of a patriotic tune.

Since posting this, I did a little research. The 9-11, 2001 attacks was a significant motivation behind this.

In 2011, Lon Helton, publisher of Country Aircheck, a trade publication based in Nashville, said "Most of the nation's 1,800 country music stations air either the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem or both."

In a September 6, 2011 article from South Florida Sun Sentinel (serves the Broward/Ft. Lauderdale area), Darlene Evans, one of the jocks at the time from WKIS 99.9 FM, said "Playing the national anthem reminds people that there's a war going on, that people put their lives in danger. And that includes our servicemen in Homestead, and our firemen and police officers here, too."

In the spirit of patriotism, many radio stations with varying formats played The National Anthem right after 9-11. However, most radio stations dropped the practice. "It stops the party, and listeners push a different button on their car radios. Television producers know that, too, which is why they cut to commercial seconds before a singer starts the pre-game anthem."

The aforementioned Lon Helton also said "But country radio has always bathed itself in red, white and blue." While I don't know how many radio stations across the country still play a patriotic tune at a designated hour of the day, it would seem likely to me the format that would offer this would be a country format.

Besides Miami/Ft. Lauderdale's WKIS, it was also reported that West Palm Beach's WIRK-FM has also engaged in this. Whether this is the case today I don't know for sure.

WKIS took the anthem off the air in 2007, but listeners complained vigorously and the feature was reinstated. Also, back then an internet survey showed 97% support for doing this.

Bringing this closer to home, I would think an area such as The Treasure Coast that leans conservative politically would be a natural in continuing the tradition of playing The Star Spangled Banner.

Once again, just slightly off-topic, this made me think of the "old days" when stations would sign off the air at midnight or 1 am, and sign back on at 5 or 6 am. Many of them played "The Star Spangled Banner" when signing off or signing on. But a few I recall would play a musical version of "The Lord's Prayer" (and you didn't have to have a religious format). I was a sign-on guy on the weekends for my college station in the early 1970s, and we played "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles as our sign-on song!

 

[John FL]

I’m not sure if WVLG 640AM - the Voice of the Villages (with several translators to cover The Villages) at least several years ago, would play the National Anthem at midnight when they shifted from Pop hits from the late 60’s to early 90’s to their softer midnight to 6AM format; then at 6AM, they would play the National Anthem again, as they shifted to the 6AM - Midnight format; I have no reason to believe that they still aren’t doing that. (Will have to check).

I can understand why WVLG either does this kind of formatting now or did it in the past. There are mainly two kinds of seniors. Those who go to bed very early and those who stay up late watching old movies. Between midnight to 6 A.M. at least a part of that community is awake. Softer music in the wee hours could have some appeal. Carpenters anyone?

Once again, just slightly off-topic, this made me think of the "old days" when stations would sign off the air at midnight or 1 am, and sign back on at 5 or 6 am. Many of them played "The Star Spangled Banner" when signing off or signing on. But a few I recall would play a musical version of "The Lord's Prayer" (and you didn't have to have a religious format). I was a sign-on guy on the weekends for my college station in the early 1970s, and we played "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles as our sign-on song!

Alex, your post reminded me of another "old days" music specialty. And that was certain jocks, especially the most popular one on the station had a special closing, usually a theme song. One jock leaving his shift, another coming on. At one time that was a big deal.

I've heard a lot of great closing theme songs but this one is my favorite. The first time I heard Frankie Crocker, it would have probably been in late 1969 on a New York City radio station, WMCA. They didn't last much longer. They saw the handwriting on the wall that the music audience would wind up on FM. Frankie Crocker was an enormously popular jock on NYC's Urban WBLS, a station I listened to at times because they played a lot of really good tunes.

His show closings were probably over the top and certainly loaded with ego but we listeners loved it. Here's a typical Frankie Crocker closer:

The song in its entirety is "Moody's Mood for Love." Occasionally, I still listen to this song as it brings me back to a time in radio I especially enjoyed.

This little detour to radio's past has also reminded me just how hard it is for some in radio to evolve. As this is a subject about Treasure Coast Radio, there is someone currently on the air here who has a delivery and style that is reminiscent of the way radio was back in the 1970s. Sound effects, corny jokes, even those old jingles introducing the news to name a few. While personal taste is just that, it all just sounds in a word - ridiculous.

Maybe it's all about the love of being on the air. One thing that's pretty sad is when a jock's voice gets very old sounding. It's the equivalent of seeing a movie or TV star from the past and how they look today. It's not always a pretty sight. Perhaps temporary, but I also heard someone on the air who sounds like he's missing teeth. It's just not a very good sound for radio. But, if the station's owners and management are fine with it, they may know something I don't know, like it being a temporary situation. Perhaps too, it's an advantage to small town radio where the stakes are not as high.

Upcoming - more of what I promised earlier.

 

[davideduardo]

Once again, just slightly off-topic, this made me think of the "old days" when stations would sign off the air at midnight or 1 am, and sign back on at 5 or 6 am. Many of them played "The Star Spangled Banner" when signing off or signing on. But a few I recall would play a musical version of "The Lord's Prayer" (and you didn't have to have a religious format).

And, more common than any of those in the South: "Dixie". When I sent a DX report to a station in Alabama around 1959 (690 in Birmingham) I commented on the version of Dixie that they used. In response, I got a "used" copy and was told that they bought the version on ETs by the box of 24 and used each disk for about 3 months or less as it was a 78 rpm back then.

 

[Alex Browne]

Alex, your post reminded me of another "old days" music specialty. And that was certain jocks, especially the most popular one on the station had a special closing, usually a theme song. One jock leaving his shift, another coming on. At one time that was a big deal.

Frankie Crocker was one of the great ones -- I remember him from WWRL before he was at WMCA and then WBLS. As a kid growing up in NYC in the golden age of Top 40 radio, my preference for special closing themes was Dan Ingram's on WABC: "Tri-Fi Drums" by Billy May.

 

[John FL]

Frankie Crocker was one of the great ones -- I remember him from WWRL before he was at WMCA and then WBLS. As a kid growing up in NYC in the golden age of Top 40 radio, my preference for special closing themes was Dan Ingram's on WABC: "Tri-Fi Drums" by Billy May.

The golden age of Top 40 radio. We were lucky to experience that for sure. Dan Ingram will always be my favorite DJ ever. What an incredible talent! He had an intro to his show, as you would know, as well as his closing theme. I enjoyed "Tri-Fi Drums" too but it was more about the words spoken over them. Many of us listeners at the time would go out of our way to listen to both. With Dan, he usually pushed the envelope.

Regarding WWRL, Dan Ingram heard Chuck Leonard there, and recommended hiring him to legendary PD Rick Sklar. He became one of the first African-American jocks to host a program on a Top 40. Of course that was WABC and it was back in 1965. His run lasted until 1979 on WABC. Great times to be a radio listener.

Today, albeit only a relatively small area of the very northern part of the Treasure Coast, iHeart offers its syndicated Oldies format. In some respects, the station has a soundtrack that's like listening to the old WABC from the 1970s. In the two years or so, I've seen iHeart improve this oldies brand. It's nothing like what oldies was 20 years ago nor would that make economic sense.

I tried to research just how many markets offer this Premium Choice oldies format. iHeart, like so many other companies, don't always do a good job in keeping their web pages updated. They have lumped in classic stations in with oldies formats so it's hard to tell. I suspect iHeart sees a future in this format. A part of my thinking is not only the enhancements and attention to the playlist, but in a talent schedule that with each change, seems to get even better.

In morning drive, there's a guy named Kevin Rush. In my view, he is an outstanding in his presentation. The show is a lot of fun. Obviously, it's a one-man show and something I acknowledge as very hard to pull off. He does a lot of features involving poll preferences and top 10 lists. All done in a very entertaining way. Despite the older music, nothing sounds dated.

I have no idea where this guy calls home but he brings a definite big market sound to the format. I noticed he's on afternoon drive in a lot of Classic hits formats. iHeart has attracted some good people to it's Premium Choice programing. That wasn't always the case.

The reality is I would assume virtually all of this format is aired on translators or not the best signal in town. It seems a lot of effort for what I feel is limited audience. Here on the TC, "Oldies 107.9" acts as a flanker to Classic Hits WQOL. Perhaps that's a strategy to be used in other markets where iHeart has a classic hits format.

All I will say is, there's effort here. There's more and more local spots and I suspect a lot of that has to do with iHeart AdBuilder. Lots of mom & pop companies voiced by Heath West who hosts middays on sister WQOL.

I talked earlier about those who have a dated delivery. That's not the case with their oldies brand. Interesting jocks and music that's proven popular to generations. I have a feeling this format has a future. We'll see. More to come!

 

[Alex Browne]

Today, albeit only a relatively small area of the very northern part of the Treasure Coast, iHeart offers its syndicated Oldies format.

John, yes, it's a very limited signal. In Port St. Lucie, we receive WEAT/West Palm Beach loud and clear on 107.9.

 

[John FL]

John, yes, it's a very limited signal. In Port St. Lucie, we receive WEAT/West Palm Beach loud and clear on 107.9.

Long before iHeart installed an FM translator for 1370 WZTA, WEAT would be loud and clear through ALL of the Treasure Coast. I'm practically on the St. Lucie County line and there are days, WEAT is what prevails. On my many trips between Jax and South Florida, I remember picking up 107.9 as far north as Palm Bay. From northern Broward to southern Brevard - a lot of coverage.

For those who may be interested in how this format sounds, here's a link. The branding is "Vero Real Oldies." I do remember reading somewhere that there is no specific brand name for markets that offer the format. The on-air jocks will record these local sounders as I call them to create the feeling it's all a local station.

Oldies 107.9 / 1370 - Vero's Real Oldies

Oldies 107.9 / 1370 - Vero's Real Oldies

oldies1079.iheart.com

A feature worth mentioning here, not only for this station, but other iHeart stations is the TalkBack feature on the app. On "Vero's Real Oldies" as they no doubt do elsewhere, they don't overdo. But there's this 'conversation' that seems to go between the jock and the listener. It's a nice touch. Perhaps research shows the average listener likes to hear someone like them on the air. This usually lasts about 15 seconds.

I know there are Brand Managers who, I would think, have responsibility in the programing end of things. I also wonder if they do all they can to sign-up as many markets as they can. Perhaps it's job security. But I would think in the case of any Premium Choice formats, there has to be demand for it. As I first mentioned, I don't know just how many markets carry iHeart's oldies format.

If there are limited markets, this format's future may be in question. I've seen formats demise when there's been little effort. It's a shame when things don't work out despite the appearance of best efforts.

More on the way. Have a safe holiday weekend!

 

[John FL]

There is an interesting dynamic going on that is certainly not unique to the Treasure Coast. It involves people moving in and moving out. For radio, the audience served is a moving target. Whether a radio market truly serves the community has been a question I’ve pondered for a long time.

Our local West Palm Beach NBC TV affiliate, WPTV News Channel 5, has been running an informative series called “Priced out of Paradise.” The series has highlighted the very severe housing crisis here. Much of this has been caused by investors gobbling up properties and the wealthy from mostly northern states paying over asking price for homes.

The ripple effect is the movement of people. Besides northerners and investors, The Treasure Coast is seeing relocation from the counties to its south from Miami to West Palm.

Beauty contest ratings don’t always tell the true story. In the past, the published ratings for non-subscribers did not include West Palm Beach stations. In the past couple cycles, they have. As I suspected, some of the most popular formats on the Treasure Coast are from WPB.

So, does that mean the T.C. radio market serves the community well? I certainly can’t answer that because much of what I do know is based on TV news reporting, written media, conversations with real estate agents, and simple observations. Probably that’s not enough. That can lead to speculation. From a radio perspective, the Treasure Coast may be in a good place, at least geographically due to its proximity to West Palm Beach.

As it stands, between local Treasure Coast stations and the ability to hear the big signal West Palm stations, that would seem a big enough radio pie to be inclusive. Time will tell if that is truly the case.

However, if there is a location that is ripe for a format change or two, it could very well be the very northern Treasure Coast. Over the last few years, Port St. Lucie in the Central Treasure Coast, has gotten most of the attention when it’s come to population increases. But there’s now another player and that’s Vero Beach.

Unlike its border county to the South, Indian River, held out on over development. That is changing and it’s happening rapidly. Farmers have been having a very hard time. Because their land has become highly valuable, for sale signs blanket the area. There’s new development every where you look.

Nationally, we see flight from major cities to the suburbs. In St. Lucie County and mostly Port St. Lucie, there has been significant migration of Hispanic families from Miami. But in Indian River, we are seeing large numbers of Hispanics relocating from the West Palm area.

From a format perspective, the question that immediately comes to mind is whether a new Spanish-oriented format is needed. Because the reception for WPB stations in N. Treasure Coast can be spotty, this would seem the logical place IF needed.

The Church I attend in Vero will add another priest July 1st who speaks Spanish bringing the total to three. There has been significant outreach to the Hispanic community. Our Pastor has talked numerous times about Vero’s changing demos and the need to be more inclusive to the Hispanic community. I’m assuming he’s privy to info/statistics justifying all the changes.

So, radio flips, to be more inclusive to the listeners, would not surprise me.

Upcoming: A media legend says goodbye, ratings, and more.

 

[John FL]

I don't often discuss television here because this is a radio board. But in this case I'll make an exception because there are ties to radio and to some of the conversation in this string.

Kelley Dunn recently said goodbye to WPTV, NewsChannel 5, after a 36 year run at the station. I've often talked about how timing is everything with respect to radio careers. The same can be said about a career in TV. She was hired as a reporter at 22 years of age back in 1986 and just two months after graduating from The University of Florida.

She gained "experience" for a brief time as an anchor on WUFT, the University owned television station. Interestingly, that's Channel 5 in Gainesville and a number that proved very lucky for her. UF is home to the College of Journalism and Communications. With both radio and TV ownership, what a great opportunity for those looking for a career in broadcasting in either medium.

An anchor spot unexpectedly opened and she was given a shot. How many in radio can say the same thing? It's being in the right place and the right time.

I thought also about long-term radio personalities who remain in the market. With people in the community moving in and out, you certainly can't rest on your laurels. Being #1 for decades doesn't mean much to a new resident. They'll either like you or not but it's up to you to be a stand out. That's not easy for both television and radio broadcasters.

There's also choices we make about our career. I was rather surprised in seeing typical salaries for West Palm anchors. It was a lot less than I figured. Still, a good living. But for those who have their sites on bigger and better things, Miami is not that far away. Both for radio and television, a bigger market is not always desired. Certainly, the stakes are a lot higher. I seriously doubt Kelley Dunn would have enjoyed a 36 year gig at just one Miami TV station. Not impossible but certainly harder.

It's also quite amazing to see the changes that have happened in downtown West Palm Beach. There was a time, it was very seedy and rundown. I remember Neil Rogers talking about the place. I can't recall but I think "Uncle Neil" did work in West Palm at one time.

Kelley is a Florida native and moved to the Asheville, North Carolina area. With our discussion about people moving in and out, this is something we see often. There's good numbers of people who called Florida home for many years. They have been moving to North Carolina for years for all sorts of reasons. Today, many work from home and home can be anywhere you want it to be.

It's an interesting dynamic. WPTV is a class outfit in my book. Lucky are those whether in radio or television who manage to find an outstanding company to work for.

For those interested, here you go!

Kelley Dunn says goodbye to WPTV after 36 years

A career spanning nearly four decades has come to an end.

www.wptv.com

More on the way!

 

[ScottBurns]

I don't often discuss television here because this is a radio board. But in this case I'll make an exception because there are ties to radio and to some of the conversation in this string.

Kelley Dunn recently said goodbye to WPTV, NewsChannel 5, after a 36 year run at the station. I've often talked about how timing is everything with respect to radio careers. The same can be said about a career in TV. She was hired as a reporter at 22 years of age back in 1986 and just two months after graduating from The University of Florida.

She gained "experience" for a brief time as an anchor on WUFT, the University owned television station. Interestingly, that's Channel 5 in Gainesville and a number that proved very lucky for her. UF is home to the College of Journalism and Communications. With both radio and TV ownership, what a great opportunity for those looking for a career in broadcasting in either medium.

An anchor spot unexpectedly opened and she was given a shot. How many in radio can say the same thing? It's being in the right place and the right time.

I thought also about long-term radio personalities who remain in the market. With people in the community moving in and out, you certainly can't rest on your laurels. Being #1 for decades doesn't mean much to a new resident. They'll either like you or not but it's up to you to be a stand out. That's not easy for both television and radio broadcasters.

There's also choices we make about our career. I was rather surprised in seeing typical salaries for West Palm anchors. It was a lot less than I figured. Still, a good living. But for those who have their sites on bigger and better things, Miami is not that far away. Both for radio and television, a bigger market is not always desired. Certainly, the stakes are a lot higher. I seriously doubt Kelley Dunn would have enjoyed a 36 year gig at just one Miami TV station. Not impossible but certainly harder.

It's also quite amazing to see the changes that have happened in downtown West Palm Beach. There was a time, it was very seedy and rundown. I remember Neil Rogers talking about the place. I can't recall but I think "Uncle Neil" did work in West Palm at one time.

Kelley is a Florida native and moved to the Asheville, North Carolina area. With our discussion about people moving in and out, this is something we see often. There's good numbers of people who called Florida home for many years. They have been moving to North Carolina for years for all sorts of reasons. Today, many work from home and home can be anywhere you want it to be.

It's an interesting dynamic. WPTV is a class outfit in my book. Lucky are those whether in radio or television who manage to find an outstanding company to work for.

For those interested, here you go!

Kelley Dunn says goodbye to WPTV after 36 years

A career spanning nearly four decades has come to an end.

www.wptv.com

More on the way!

Neil indeed worked in West Palm Beach. He was on WJNO in the mid-1970s, before heading to Miami.

 

[drt]

I don't often discuss television here because this is a radio board. But in this case I'll make an exception because there are ties to radio and to some of the conversation in this string.

Kelley Dunn recently said goodbye to WPTV, NewsChannel 5, after a 36 year run at the station. I've often talked about how timing is everything with respect to radio careers. The same can be said about a career in TV. She was hired as a reporter at 22 years of age back in 1986 and just two months after graduating from The University of Florida.

She gained "experience" for a brief time as an anchor on WUFT, the University owned television station. Interestingly, that's Channel 5 in Gainesville and a number that proved very lucky for her. UF is home to the College of Journalism and Communications. With both radio and TV ownership, what a great opportunity for those looking for a career in broadcasting in either medium.

An anchor spot unexpectedly opened and she was given a shot. How many in radio can say the same thing? It's being in the right place and the right time.

I thought also about long-term radio personalities who remain in the market. With people in the community moving in and out, you certainly can't rest on your laurels. Being #1 for decades doesn't mean much to a new resident. They'll either like you or not but it's up to you to be a stand out. That's not easy for both television and radio broadcasters.

There's also choices we make about our career. I was rather surprised in seeing typical salaries for West Palm anchors. It was a lot less than I figured. Still, a good living. But for those who have their sites on bigger and better things, Miami is not that far away. Both for radio and television, a bigger market is not always desired. Certainly, the stakes are a lot higher. I seriously doubt Kelley Dunn would have enjoyed a 36 year gig at just one Miami TV station. Not impossible but certainly harder.

It's also quite amazing to see the changes that have happened in downtown West Palm Beach. There was a time, it was very seedy and rundown. I remember Neil Rogers talking about the place. I can't recall but I think "Uncle Neil" did work in West Palm at one time.

Kelley is a Florida native and moved to the Asheville, North Carolina area. With our discussion about people moving in and out, this is something we see often. There's good numbers of people who called Florida home for many years. They have been moving to North Carolina for years for all sorts of reasons. Today, many work from home and home can be anywhere you want it to be.

It's an interesting dynamic. WPTV is a class outfit in my book. Lucky are those whether in radio or television who manage to find an outstanding company to work for.

For those interested, here you go!

Kelley Dunn says goodbye to WPTV after 36 years

A career spanning nearly four decades has come to an end.

www.wptv.com

More on the way!

WPTV's sister station, WFTS-ABC-Tampa Bay is also a class act and they are carrying the Trouble in Paradise series, adding some local content. At one time in the 1990's and early 2000'2 WPTV had a Treasure Coast studio in the Stuart News building, since the Stuart News at that time was a Scripps Howard Newspaper. Now that the Stuart News in a Garnett newspaper, don't know if there is still a WPTV newsroom there or not.......that said Scripps is a class act!