AM 1230 MAY BE DEAD, BUT PROGRESSIVE TALK IS FAR FROM IT

[SeanMGilbow]

The latest numbers from Talkers Magazine on the Top Talk Radio Audiences show the leading talkers in the genre gained in audience while losing affiliates.

Ed Schultz continues to lead the pack with 3.25 million listeners. Big Eddie is in a five-way tie with, among others, Bill O'Reilly.

Moving up to 1.5 million listeners: Stephanie Miller, Randi Rhodes, Lionel and Thom Hartmann, a newcomer to the million-plus listener club. Alan Colmes' listener base is also at 1.5 million.

Dennis Miller, by the way, has yet to reach a million listeners. (Do we have your attention, NABCO?)

Rush and Hannity still lead the pack, but the audience numbers apparently haven't changed.

Keep in mind...The numbers do not include those of us in Columbus who either listen online or subscribe to the podcasts.

http://www.talkers.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=34

I would love to see Bruce Collins and JohnBoy Crenshaw explain themselves out of this one.

 

[redsfan1966]

Arrrrgh....when will this topic die...."progressive" fans get over it---the format isnt coming back to Columbus....ClearChannel will turn 1230 into an all-traffic station before bringing back the lefties....the only way is if someone like a 1580 dumps the hispanic format and gives it a chance...but that is very slim....so stick to the internet and podcasts....Big Eddie and Stephie are distant memories for C-Bus...

 

[SeanMGilbow]

Unless you are ready to admit, redsfan, that Columbus radio is already dead thanks to Clear Channel, this topic is not going to die.

 

[willcail]

Redsfan,

What are you upset WTDA have a loosing format. Their ratings are slipping. People are tired of the same conservo-bots spewing right wing lies. Right now Ed Schultz is proving that Progressive Talk is a success. CC Columbus are bunch of idiots of dropping the the only successful format for 1230. Now 1230 is dead last. I hope CC goes private and sell off 1230 AM so someone can do something with that station.

 

[columbus radio fan]

Redsfan,

What are you upset WTDA have a loosing format. Their ratings are slipping. People are tired of the same conservo-bots spewing right wing lies. Right now Ed Schultz is proving that Progressive Talk is a success. CC Columbus are bunch of idiots of dropping the the only successful format for 1230. Now 1230 is dead last. I hope CC goes private and sell off 1230 AM so someone can do something with that station.

Clear Channel is going private (stock holders approved), but they are keeping the top 100 markets, which include #37 Columbus, Ohio.

 

[pbf1]

Redsfan,
I hope CC goes private and sell off 1230 AM so someone can do something with that station.

If they DID spin off 1230 (unlikely), it would most likely be to either, (a) a minority organization, or (b) a religious broadcaster.

 

[SportsRadioDoc]

They are not even trying to make 1230 a real radio station. Seriously, no effort what so ever is going in to even lift that station out of last place in the market. It's like they are afraid to put the effort in because they believe it will fail due to the history. So, either they just don't care, which is just plain sad, or plan b is being hashed out.

 

[redsfan1966]

Willcail--

I dont understand your point at all...I like WTDA; but why would I care about their "loosing" format...the topic is about Am 1230...and no Sean, Columbus radio is not dead...

 

[gr8oldies]

Gee, didn't I just read that all Columbus stations had a 0.0 in all demographics and all dayparts? Of course not!

 

[SeanMGilbow]

Willcail--

I dont understand your point at all...I like WTDA; but why would I care about their "loosing" format...the topic is about Am 1230...and no Sean, Columbus radio is not dead...

Let's face some facts Redsfan...

A lot of Columbus' top-notch broadcasters are no longer heard on the airwaves. Many were the victims of cost-cutting by the likes of Clear Channel. Others left on their own accord for other pursuits, like those which actually make money. When an experienced night-time announcer on a popular station in this market is making 40 percent of what I make in my customer service job, and he still finds himself getting a pink slip, it's an indication of how dead the Columbus radio market is.

With a few notable exceptions, what you hear on the radio in Columbus is determined by corporate bigwigs outside of this market who are more concerned with the bottom line than providing a quality product. That's how we end up with the likes of Rush Limbaugh who showed how much he does not support our troops being broadcast on over 500 stations. The pros we still have left like Bob Conners, Dino Tripodis, Shaun Ireland and Mark Dantzer--people with an extensive knowledge of the listeners in this market--are fast becoming the exception rather than the norm. They are constantly being replaced by button-pushing signal babysitters making slightly more than minimum wage.

I was one of those button-pushers as Rush was coming on the scene. And I was fortunate to see the writing on the wall when I was still young so I could pursue a different career path. For all I know, redsfan, you never were in radio.

If cookie-cutter formats as exemplified by Clear Channel are what you want, redsfan, then you get exactly what you deserve. As for me, I and many of my co-workers have already headed to the podcasts and satellite dishes to get what we really want to hear. And Columbus is not the only market where the death of local radio--real radio--has already started.

 

[pbf1]

News flash

The paring down of staff's isn't just a Columbus phenomenon.

 

[CBusDave]

My standard disclaimer... I am liberal and listened to WTPG when it was around.

That being said, I can't really blame CC for pulling the format. They based the brand around Air America which was floundering and filing for bankruptcy when they decided to pull the plug. And to be honest I think the reason they went progressive to begin with was simply because of the election and politics were on everyone's mind.

But this does make me wonder why CC holds onto 1230 to begin with. They don't really do anything with the signal and don't put any effort into promoting it. They don't sell it separately, the same AEs that sells 1230 are the ones that sell 610. I'm guessing the switch back to a more conservative talk radio was due in at least a small part to being able to package the two stations together to advertisers. But what is it really gaining for them? Poor ratings, probably very little advertising revenue (though I could be totally wrong on this), and a format change every year or so. I don't see why they don't spin it off to be honest. The only reason I can see for keeping it is to keep it out of the hands of a potential competitor? Who knows.

It would be nice to see it in the hands of someone that might do something interesting with it. Maybe HD AM? (I know how you all feel about HD but that horse has left the stable and in my opinion, radio needs something to "keep them in the game"... even though I don't like the HD business model at all)

 

[SonoSational18]

The problem with "progressive" radio is that the people doing it are focusing on a particular end of the political spectrum rather than good radio. When Rush burst on the scene some 18 years ago it was promoted as and succeeded as an entertaining, engaging radio show that happened to have a conservative slant..... not a conservative radio show that happened to be entertaining and engaging. Aside from Ed Schultz, Air America sounded like NPR on a slow day..... boooring! Al Franken came off as a cranky whiner at best, not the witty, funny guy that we knew from SNL. Franken concentrated too much on a political agenda, and not enough on just being an entertainer. As for Jerry Springer.... a very intellegent, compassionate human being (despite his trailer trash TV persona) but as a radio host.... just flat-out sucked. (BTW.... before you characterize this as a shot from the right, I drink more blue Kool-Aid than I do red). If "progressive" radio is to succeed, they need to concentrate on doing good radio.

One other comment.... regarding the perception that a conservative-leaning 1230 was easier to package to clients with WTVN. If 1230 put Mao Tse Tung on the air and got ratings, it would have been saleable.

 

[redsfan1966]

Mr. Gilbow---allow me to answer some of your points first--no, I have never worked in radio. I am only a rabid follower and dedicated listener to various shows during my job. As far as so-called "pros" being replaced by "button pushers"--hey guess what--our country, nay, our way of life is based on the BOTTOM LINE (capitalism). If a company can find a less expensive way of running their business..guess what, they are going to do it. From the looks of things, Clear Channel stations--for the most part, are doing well. Concerning your "Rush" point--i think the tide has turned; many are realizing the "phony soldier" comment was something taken out of context by Media Matters. Also, let me be the first to say while I disagree with many things Rush spews, I have to give him credit for being a master of the broadcasting biz.


I enjoy many Clear Channel offerings (Jim Rome, Mike McConnell, etc.) and I'm sure their advertising stream is quite large. The Err America "talent" failed because of what SonoSational stated....they were boring at best--I will give the "Jones Radio Network" offerings credit--Stephanie Miller and Ed Schultz are entertaining--unfortunately they are usually lumped in with their less stellar left leaners (Randi Rhodes, Rachel Maddow, etc.).

I too, Mr. Gilbow, have satellite radio like your co-workers and compatriots, but find myself steering away more and more to head back to what local stations are offering (Shark on Sports, Joel Riley, etc).

I apologize Mr. Gilbow, for not meeting your standards and not being one of the fortunate few like you to have worked in the radio medium.

Have a nice day.

 

[SeanMGilbow]

I'll address some of your points:

As far as so-called "pros" being replaced by "button pushers"--hey guess what--our country, nay, our way of life is based on the BOTTOM LINE (capitalism). If a company can find a less expensive way of running their business..guess what, they are going to do it. From the looks of things, Clear Channel stations--for the most part, are doing well.

If Clear Channel were doing that well, it would not be having the difficulties it has had in selling off stations in its plans to go private. Nor would it have done the major job slashing as it has done in Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland as well as nationwide.

Concerning your "Rush" point--i think the tide has turned; many are realizing the "phony soldier" comment was something taken out of context by Media Matters.

No, it wasn't. Members of Congress headed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid sought an apology from Clear Channel. In defending Limbaugh, Clear Channel President Mark Mays now risks those plans to take the company private, which will be scrutinized by those same members of Congress.

I enjoy many Clear Channel offerings (Jim Rome, Mike McConnell, etc.) and I'm sure their advertising stream is quite large.

If it were, the company wouldn't be selling off stations en masse.

The Err America "talent" failed.

Talkers Magazine put Randi Rhodes, Lionel (new Air America arrival) and Thom Hartmann (newcomer on the list) with more than 1.5 million listeners despite there being fewer affiliates.

Redsfan, you're just like the others whom I've taken to task here and on the News/Talk board. Once again, you've shown your neocon hand. And like the rest of them, you hide behind your username. Many of them no longer post on either of those boards because I and other posters who've had a vested interest in this industry weren't going to leave those comments unchallenged.

I will, however, give you credit for admitting you never were in this business.

Personally, I hope you never have to deal with what some of those Clear Channel employees had to experience when the latest job-slashings took place last December. The most notable was Steve Cherry and his wife, who both worked for Clear Channel Columbus and discovered they were fired while the wife was having a baby.

And I stand behind my comments about the death of the Columbus radio market.

 

[redsfan1966]

Mr. Gilbow:

First of all, let me thank you for answering my points---I will disagree on the Air America rebuttal--stations dropped the network en masse--proof the talent was not up to snuff. And while some misguided souls are criticizing Rush about his comments...I have seen many segments (even on the so-called left leaning MSNBC) how Media Matters took the comments out of context....trying to make as if Rush was criticizing those who were against the war in Iraq--when he actually was referring to soldiers who created stories for interviews. Once again, I do this while not a Rush fan--I very rarely listen to his show.

As for your neocon accusation--I am a registered independent who voted for Kerry in the last presidential election and am against the continuation of the war in Iraq and am concerned about further escalations against Iran.

However, I do take to heart the comment about Mr. Cherry and his family--as one who also recieved distressing job info right before Christmas in my past--I know that is not the most pleasant feeling in the world. (in laymens terms--It sucked).

I do respect your opinion and your viewpoint--I just really do not see Progressive Talk returning to our capital city any time soon.

Thank You

 

[CBusDave]

I do respect your opinion and your viewpoint--I just really do not see Progressive Talk returning to our capital city any time soon.

I agree, but not because I don't think the market would support it, rather because the Progressive Talk offerings are weak. I listened to Schultz on 1230 and he was booooooring. Stephanie Miller was only slightly better. And I could talk politics until the cows come home but could barely stand listening to them.

I couldn't agree more with SonoSensational18. You need entertaining radio first, then put your political spin on it. Al Franken's books are light years more entertaining than his radio program ever was.

 

[SportsRadioDoc]

Nobody hijacks a post like old Sean. Oh, and he'll be sure to tell you just how wrong you are, while pointing out exactly how spot on he is. Sean sure does seem to take a lot of pride in driving folks away from this board and spewing negativity with each post. I can't seem to remember a happy, positive post from Sean. Maybe if Sean spent less time on radio boards and more time trying to figure out how to improve the customer service industry, which is his chosen field, we may not have to spend 15 minutes going through an automated system only to be put on hold for another 15 minutes, when we actually reach a CSR. And hey, if we're lucky, the CSR may actually not have to transfer us to somebody else so we can wait on hold for another 15 minutes. Hey Sean, isn't there a customer service board somewhere you can go log in to?

 

[SeanMGilbow]

Nobody hijacks a post like old Sean. Oh, and he'll be sure to tell you just how wrong you are, while pointing out exactly how spot on he is. Sean sure does seem to take a lot of pride in driving folks away from this board and spewing negativity with each post. I can't seem to remember a happy, positive post from Sean. Maybe if Sean spent less time on radio boards and more time trying to figure out how to improve the customer service industry, which is his chosen field, we may not have to spend 15 minutes going through an automated system only to be put on hold for another 15 minutes, when we actually reach a CSR. And hey, if we're lucky, the CSR may actually not have to transfer us to somebody else so we can wait on hold for another 15 minutes. Hey Sean, isn't there a customer service board somewhere you can go log in to?

Doc, at least I don't hide behind my username and throw punches.

A number of previous posters did mention about how bad Air America sounded. I agree that the lack of experience on the part of a number of the hosts was a factor behind it going into bankruptcy. While the lineup is better under the helm of Mark Green, the impact Air America will have on the future of progressive talk will still be somewhat limited.

But it cannot be ignored that three of its hosts--Thom Hartmann, Lionel and Randi Rhodes--all of whom had extensive radio experience prior to joining Air America--are still garnering 1.5 million listeners, according to Talkers magazine, after the format was dropped by numerous stations nationwide. In the case of all three, their listenership increased.

I also will agree with sentiment about the format itself. I don't see its return, either, but I do see specific talkers like Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller returning as part of an eclectic mix of talkers. By the way, these are the only two talkers whose podcasts I subscribe to and pay for.

Your reaction, Doc, does not surprise me. It parallels too closely with how Rush reacted to the backlash over his comments last week that I see no need to comment further.

Besides, I have to go to work now to put guys like you on hold.

 

[willcail]

Sill people don't get it. 1230 AM was getting high 1.4 share due to any real promotional effort. Now they are dead last. It is an ownership issue. Rush show is owned by CC. Hannity is owned by ABC Radio. Why are they afraid of competition. Look at WTDA they are another CC outlet. Bob and Tom Beck and Dennis Miller all owned by CC. Plus WTDA's stick is not too great. It is hard to pick up the station on a pocket radio in Columbus. Westerville and Reynoldsburg are the only two locations where I can pick up WTDA on my cell phone FM Tuner.

Look CC have a monopoly here in Columbus Ohio. There is no choice on the FM or the AM dial. Remember Corp. of Public Broadcasting is headed by a Republican. Open Line is a bore and majority of the time they talk about nothing of importance.

The only hope is to get 102.1FM Columbus Community Radio to be full power. They are accepting donations to see this happen.

BTW Ed Schultz have more listeners than Dennis Miller.