• Get involved.
    We want your input!
    Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.

    After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
    If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.

    After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
    https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/

    Thanks in advance and have fun!
    RadioDiscussions Administrators

Apparent Management Change at Route 81 (WCOJ, West Chester)

B

bierkenstock

Guest
Yesterday MAK (Radio Info administrator and an employee of Route 81's WHYL in Harrisburg) posted on the Central PA Broad that Ira Rosenblatt is now CEO of Route 81.

Former CEO Lloyd Roach's name no longer appears on the WCOJ or Route 81 websites. Roach was a founder of Route 81, former owner of WCOJ (1420), West Chester; former co-owner of WPWA (1590) Chester and former manager of KISS-FM (100.3), Philadelphia.

In June, posts on the Northeast PA board reported that Rosenblatt had "cleaned house" and fired most of the staff at Route 81's Scanton-Wilkes Barre cluster.

Several of Route 81's stations have undergone major programming changes in recent months. When Route 81 was founded in 2003, Roach said he would emphasize local, live programming. The company has been shifting to satellite-delivered programming on some of its stations.

Route 81 was put together by Roach and a New York venture capital firm in 2003. Roach came on as CEO and brought with him his equity in WCOJ. With backing from his partner, Roach purchased several stations from Citadel Radio.

Roach has been embroiled in some controversies during his career. In the 90's, the Inquirer report that he was involved in a lawsuit with Wawa when he attempted to change the call letters of his-then Chester station to W-A-W-A. Last year, Michael Klein reported in the Inquirer on concerns raised about Roach running anti-abortion spots, which some found upsetting, during Phillies games on WCOJ.

Rosenblatt is a former station manager at WPRO, Providence, and a former executive with Tele-Media Radio Broadcasting which owns stations in Central and Northeast PA.
 
Not surprised in the least. Those New Yorkers who backed the company have
absolutely NO idea of what it takes to buy and run good small market
radio stations. Watch for the whole place to implode as the stations
become generic network carriers of various syndicated fare and then
are sold to satisfy the ROI required by the VC guy who put his money
(or rather everyone ELSE'S money) into the project. Moral: don't
take cash from a guy who doesn't know what he's doing.
 
Giving radio back to the community

> Not surprised in the least. Those New Yorkers who backed the
> company have
> absolutely NO idea of what it takes to buy and run good
> small market
> radio stations.

I did a Google search. Apparently Mr Roach convinced a lot of people that local radio could be both fun and profitable. It seems he was one of those people who wanted to own his own radio station (nothing wrong with that, the radio person's dream). He got his own station. Then he got some backing to set up his own chain of stations. Apparently he had a sort of back to future strategy: 50's and 60's radio (like when he started and a lot of us started): local shows, local jocks, local news, local talk, local sports. I don't know how much fun he was having (apparently there has been some turnover in staff and management along the way), but apparently the venture was not profitable enough to please the investors. Apparently, Mr Rosenblatt is adopting a more contemporary management approach: Cut costs, more syndicated programming.

A lot of people in radio seem to think that local has inherent audience appeal. I wonder. Mr. Roach talked about "giving radio back to the communities." Did the communities respond? Did they notice or care? It seems like listeners go for the superior production values of contemporary syndicated product than for the somewhat erratic qualities of old fashioned local radio. Those were wonderful times but probably gone forever.
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

I don't think it is. But the trouble with local radio is the whole investor philosophy. While it's revenues can be steady and hearty, radio is historically a bad cash-flow vehicle which is where Wall Street types look for return. This is why Clear Channel, Infinity, Cox and the like are so diversified. The billboard, tv, or used car businesses give the investors the cash flow to keep them happy and radio provides a steady, though unspectacular, base return. Trust me, I've worked for CC, Infinity and Entercom, the only one that panics based on stock performance is Entercom because of their less diverse holdings. WCOJ has steady business, and can have even more, but it needs to bring in ads from local businesses that can't float $100/min spot rates. Here's an example of what I'm talking about; I was the number one rated morning show on the number one rated station in the Lanacaster market and we couldn't sell it out because the per-unit rate was unrealistically high for that community. So, we got whatever nationals we could and the local guy was out of luck. That can work for you until you fall out of the top three (That's where agecies place their buys) but if you do you have no relationship with the businesses that you'll have to turn to. Or worse than that, they won't take your calls because they just assume that you're too expensive. Local radio needs to follow Sam Walton's philosphy of sell more items for less markup and make more money. Put the Parkway Hardwares' on the air and make 'em sound like Home Depot. (Easier to do IMO with radio than it is for the local cable AV squad type production crew.) But you have to have patience.

And I think my show's production quality is major market. I know because I've worked in a few.

There, I've had my say.

"Thank you for your suh-port."- Bartles and Jaymes

Joe Thomas
WCOJ-Mornings/PD

> I did a Google search. Apparently Mr Roach convinced a lot
> of people that local radio could be both fun and profitable.
> It seems he was one of those people who wanted to own his
> own radio station (nothing wrong with that, the radio
> person's dream). He got his own station. Then he got some
> backing to set up his own chain of stations. Apparently he
> had a sort of back to future strategy: 50's and 60's radio
> (like when he started and a lot of us started): local shows,
> local jocks, local news, local talk, local sports. I don't
> know how much fun he was having (apparently there has been
> some turnover in staff and management along the way), but
> apparently the venture was not profitable enough to please
> the investors. Apparently, Mr Rosenblatt is adopting a more
> contemporary management approach: Cut costs, more syndicated
> programming.
>
> A lot of people in radio seem to think that local has
> inherent audience appeal. I wonder. Mr. Roach talked about
> "giving radio back to the communities." Did the communities
> respond? Did they notice or care? It seems like listeners
> go for the superior production values of contemporary
> syndicated product than for the somewhat erratic qualities
> of old fashioned local radio. Those were wonderful times
> but probably gone forever.
>
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

I'm not sure how to respond. You've come on here and said how good you think your show and your station are (which is understandable), and complain if anyone disagrees.

For the record, I have heard your show and I think you do a better job than anyone the station has had before. It's an especially good job considering the limited resources of a suburban station, and the limited number of potential callers and guests from which you can draw. I think you'd do a great show with the resources Michael Smerconish has (most likely a better show than he does). I also think your program will only improve with a new management that does not restrict your choice of guests and topics to friends of the owner, organizations in which the owner is involved or viewpoints with which the owner agrees.

It also sounds like you are saying the station's local advertising rates are too high and the station might be more profitable with rates more affordable to local merchants. That sounds very plausible. Your station has had considerable turnover in sales personnel. New management may also result in a more effective sales force.

The company which controls Route 81, Avalon Equity Partners, appears to have a very diversified portfolio, including (in addition to radio) cable TV, publishing or corporate training. But it is my experience that any publicly held company "panics" based on stock performance.

It also appears you are saying local radio needs to go for more sales volume, meaning more ads - more advertising clutter. That drives away listeners, and listeners are all the a station has to sell. The revenue potential in local radio has inherent limitations (although managers seem to foget that when they are having meetings to "motivate" their sales people).

But the most severe limitation appears to be the lack of audience interest in the local issues, local meetings, local organizations, local events and local ballgames which are the staples of suburban and small market radio. These things, while important to the participants and even some advertisers, appear to drive away most listeners (especially listeners in the money demos) as effectively as ad clutter.



> I don't think it is. But the trouble with local radio is the
> whole investor philosophy. While it's revenues can be steady
> and hearty, radio is historically a bad cash-flow vehicle
> which is where Wall Street types look for return. This is
> why Clear Channel, Infinity, Cox and the like are so
> diversified. The billboard, tv, or used car businesses give
> the investors the cash flow to keep them happy and radio
> provides a steady, though unspectacular, base return. Trust
> me, I've worked for CC, Infinity and Entercom, the only one
> that panics based on stock performance is Entercom because
> of their less diverse holdings. WCOJ has steady business,
> and can have even more, but it needs to bring in ads from
> local businesses that can't float $100/min spot rates.
> Here's an example of what I'm talking about; I was the
> number one rated morning show on the number one rated
> station in the Lanacaster market and we couldn't sell it out
> because the per-unit rate was unrealistically high for that
> community. So, we got whatever nationals we could and the
> local guy was out of luck. That can work for you until you
> fall out of the top three (That's where agecies place their
> buys) but if you do you have no relationship with the
> businesses that you'll have to turn to. Or worse than that,
> they won't take your calls because they just assume that
> you're too expensive. Local radio needs to follow Sam
> Walton's philosphy of sell more items for less markup and
> make more money. Put the Parkway Hardwares' on the air and
> make 'em sound like Home Depot. (Easier to do IMO with radio
> than it is for the local cable AV squad type production
> crew.) But you have to have patience.
>
> And I think my show's production quality is major market. I
> know because I've worked in a few.
>
> There, I've had my say.
>
> "Thank you for your suh-port."- Bartles and Jaymes
>
> Joe Thomas
> WCOJ-Mornings/PD
>
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

> Local radio needs to follow Sam
> Walton's philosphy of sell more items for less markup and
> make more money.

That sounds good on a message board, but doesn't sound good on the air.

In radio you have a finite inventory. There are only 60 minutes in an hour. That's it.

Wal-Mart can build bigger and bigger stores, adding tires, groceries, and other merchandise. Its inventory is limited by the size of the store they choose to build. If they need more space to move more stuff, they add on to the store until they get the volume they need for the profit margin they've set.

Dollar a Hollar isn't good radio, and it isn't profitable. But if you have no other income, at least it's cashflow.

Local radio needs to find ways to get the most money per spot, period.<P ID="signature">______________
...co-moderator of the Satellite Radio, Phoenix, and San Diego boards...</P>
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

> > Local radio needs to follow Sam
> > Walton's philosphy of sell more items for less markup and
> > make more money.
>
> That sounds good on a message board, but doesn't sound good
> on the air.
>
> In radio you have a finite inventory. There are only 60
> minutes in an hour. That's it.
>


I don't know how they do, but I know the "AM Edition" on WNPV/Lansdale has a strong and loyal following in BuxMont. Not sure if that translates into $$$ but they do run a lot of spots and all the features seem to be sponsored. That is what local radio should be, a locally-geared morning and afternoon drive news program, then filler the rest of the schedule (ESPN Radio, Duke and the Doctor, Mike Gallagher, Clark Howard).

But, back to WCOJ.....any changes in the offing? Do they still run oldies at night and weekends?
<P ID="signature">______________
I've done it all...HOO HOO...tell 'em, Fred!
FOX News Alert: YOU SUCK!!! Ya like apples?</P>
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

> > Not surprised in the least. Those New Yorkers who backed
> the
> > company have
> > absolutely NO idea of what it takes to buy and run good
> > small market
> > radio stations.
>
> I did a Google search. Apparently Mr Roach convinced a lot
> of people that local radio could be both fun and profitable.
> It seems he was one of those people who wanted to own his
> own radio station (nothing wrong with that, the radio
> person's dream). He got his own station. Then he got some
> backing to set up his own chain of stations. Apparently he
> had a sort of back to future strategy: 50's and 60's radio
> (like when he started and a lot of us started): local shows,
> local jocks, local news, local talk, local sports. I don't
> know how much fun he was having (apparently there has been
> some turnover in staff and management along the way), but
> apparently the venture was not profitable enough to please
> the investors. Apparently, Mr Rosenblatt is adopting a more
> contemporary management approach: Cut costs, more syndicated
> programming.
>
> A lot of people in radio seem to think that local has
> inherent audience appeal. I wonder. Mr. Roach talked about
> "giving radio back to the communities." Did the communities
> respond? Did they notice or care? It seems like listeners
> go for the superior production values of contemporary
> syndicated product than for the somewhat erratic qualities
> of old fashioned local radio. Those were wonderful times
> but probably gone forever.
>
You make an interesting point. Even in today's small communities there are so many different choices for people to pick their news & entertainment. Want to know the school closings? It's very likely you can get them from your school's website. Some school districts will even email the closings or put an alert on your cell. Often "community" based stations programmed to a 45-65 demo. But, unlike 20 years ago, people in this age range act and live a much younger lifestyle than the people of the same age 20 years ago. Of course the people who wind up on community radio WILL listen..the director of the United Way, the Mayor & his staff, and other community leaders, because they'll be listening to hear themselves being played on various newscasts. The real challenge to community radio, is how to offer items that people want without trying to rely on Aunt Tillie's pie recipes, and programming that will just make people yawn. Truth is people are no longer breathlessly waiting around the radio for the latest "word". They're busy and we as broadcasters have to work at really trying to meet their needs.
 
Re: yeah, it's called "less is more".

> Local radio needs to find ways to get the most money per
> spot, period.
>
Yeah, it's being done by the largest radio company in the country...maybe you've heard of it - LESS IS MORE, by Clear Channel.

I can't believe more radio groups have not adopted this movement. Why are we stuck to :60 second spots? The entire market frowned upon Less is More when they first introduced it. I myself bashed it by saying "less inventory more price", but if you think about "accessibility" for what traditionally was the life blood of radio regardless of size of market - the local direct client - they now have a chance to get back on the air.

We all - programmers, sales, marketing, traffic, jocks...we all are involved in the process of SELLING TIME!!! But you know what, traditionally we only offer two flavors: a ten second and a sixty second...anything other than that get's you thrown out of the shop. Radio stations sell :60's because they account for inventory by UNITS, not MINUTES...but the customer suffers because radio is inflexible.

But again, what do we sell? Do we sell units or time? Isn't the customer always right?

Man, I will sh*t myself when I hear one of those :05 second "adlets" between a station id and a song that CC has been talking about ...that's when you know things have changed.
 
Suburban Radio - Good Examples

WNPV is an excellent example of what's possible. Another is WDEL in Wilmington with their morning and afternoon news blocks, locally geared and a good spot load. They also are going the extra mile of running six hours of "local, live" talk radio (rather than filler) in between (and Hannity in the afternoon).

Last time I checked, WCOJ still had some oldies but not as much as before. On weekends they seem to have a good deal of brokered programming and play by play sports. The music was/is a very interesting mix of soft oldes, standards, and some cross-over country.

>
>
> I don't know how they do, but I know the "AM Edition" on
> WNPV/Lansdale has a strong and loyal following in BuxMont.
> Not sure if that translates into $$$ but they do run a lot
> of spots and all the features seem to be sponsored. That is
> what local radio should be, a locally-geared morning and
> afternoon drive news program, then filler the rest of the
> schedule (ESPN Radio, Duke and the Doctor, Mike Gallagher,
> Clark Howard).
>
> But, back to WCOJ.....any changes in the offing? Do they
> still run oldies at night and weekends?
>
 
Re: Suburban Radio - good, local, radio

What WCOJ has is the strongest programming it's had in quite a while. We have a great topical morning show that blends local, and regional news people care about. Our mid-day show is hugely popular and attracts a diverse audience. Our afternoon show is entertaining and strong also_Our local advertisers are quite aware of WCOJ's strength. We have quite a few repete advertisers and a good number of advertisers whom have been with the station for a long number of years. For people who get no return from the news paper, and will not renew comcast or can't afford Comcast, the station is an ideal solution to these buisnesses to speak to the county. Truthfully I believe in the live programs of our weekly line up versus the syndication we run. all in all the programming reflects the tasts of the county we reside in, it speaks to all audiences, which is what works for WCOJ's advertisers.

> WNPV is an excellent example of what's possible. Another is
> WDEL in Wilmington with their morning and afternoon news
> blocks, locally geared and a good spot load. They also are
> going the extra mile of running six hours of "local, live"
> talk radio (rather than filler) in between (and Hannity in
> the afternoon).
>
> Last time I checked, WCOJ still had some oldies but not as
> much as before. On weekends they seem to have a good deal
> of brokered programming and play by play sports. The music
> was/is a very interesting mix of soft oldes, standards, and
> some cross-over country.
>
> >
> >
> > I don't know how they do, but I know the "AM Edition" on
> > WNPV/Lansdale has a strong and loyal following in BuxMont.
>
> > Not sure if that translates into $$$ but they do run a lot
>
> > of spots and all the features seem to be sponsored. That
> is
> > what local radio should be, a locally-geared morning and
> > afternoon drive news program, then filler the rest of the
> > schedule (ESPN Radio, Duke and the Doctor, Mike Gallagher,
>
> > Clark Howard).
> >
> > But, back to WCOJ.....any changes in the offing? Do they
> > still run oldies at night and weekends?
> >
>
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

> I'm not sure how to respond. You've come on here and said
> how good you think your show and your station are (which is
> understandable), and complain if anyone disagrees.

I never complain about reasoned, thoughtful discourse. As you will see in the forthcoming camments...
>
> For the record, I have heard your show and I think you do a
> better job than anyone the station has had before. It's an
> especially good job considering the limited resources of a
> suburban station, and the limited number of potential
> callers and guests from which you can draw. I think you'd
> do a great show with the resources Michael Smerconish has
> (most likely a better show than he does). I also think your
> program will only improve with a new management that does
> not restrict your choice of guests and topics to friends of
> the owner, organizations in which the owner is involved or
> viewpoints with which the owner agrees.

Thank you for the critique. The only place Mike has more resourses is in the staffing department. I'm sure he's got several people working for him, I am solo. The limited number of callers is not as much an issue as what you do with them. People with jobs to get to and kids to get on the bus (my audience) needs me to carry the load for them. They simply don't have time to call a radio station. But as far as your last statement. Lloyd Roach NEVER told me who I could or couldn't have on my show. If they were on, it was because I put them there.

>
> It also sounds like you are saying the station's local
> advertising rates are too high and the station might be more
> profitable with rates more affordable to local merchants.
> That sounds very plausible. Your station has had
> considerable turnover in sales personnel. New management
> may also result in a more effective sales force.

Radio's rates are too high in general. That's a bigger reason mom and pop stores can't keep up with the 'Marts and the 'Depots of the world.

>
> The company which controls Route 81, Avalon Equity Partners,
> appears to have a very diversified portfolio, including (in
> addition to radio) cable TV, publishing or corporate
> training. But it is my experience that any publicly held
> company "panics" based on stock performance.

Again, personal experience, with CC and Entercom specifically, lead me to believe otherwise.

>
> It also appears you are saying local radio needs to go for
> more sales volume, meaning more ads - more advertising
> clutter. That drives away listeners, and listeners are all
> the a station has to sell. The revenue potential in local
> radio has inherent limitations (although managers seem to
> foget that when they are having meetings to "motivate" their
> sales people).

Talk and News radio is a great opportunity fothat though. I come from a rock/top 40 background and feel that short talk segments (bits, if you will) separated by one spot each and a station promo can give you an awful lot of inventory without those tuneout inducing 7-minute clusters from hell on the Rush Limbaugh show.

>
> But the most severe limitation appears to be the lack of
> audience interest in the local issues, local meetings, local
> organizations, local events and local ballgames which are
> the staples of suburban and small market radio. These
> things, while important to the participants and even some
> advertisers, appear to drive away most listeners (especially
> listeners in the money demos) as effectively as ad clutter.

Yes, all school board, all the time wouldn't work. That's why it's only one segment of what I look at when prepping a show. Local is spice that separates us from the generic syndicated stuff but you wouldn't sit down and eat a whole bag of oregano, would you? (I said eat, not smoke...;-)

Joe

>
>
>
>
> > I don't think it is. But the trouble with local radio is
> the
> > whole investor philosophy. While it's revenues can be
> steady
> > and hearty, radio is historically a bad cash-flow vehicle
> > which is where Wall Street types look for return. This is
> > why Clear Channel, Infinity, Cox and the like are so
> > diversified. The billboard, tv, or used car businesses
> give
> > the investors the cash flow to keep them happy and radio
> > provides a steady, though unspectacular, base return.
> Trust
> > me, I've worked for CC, Infinity and Entercom, the only
> one
> > that panics based on stock performance is Entercom because
>
> > of their less diverse holdings. WCOJ has steady business,
> > and can have even more, but it needs to bring in ads from
> > local businesses that can't float $100/min spot rates.
> > Here's an example of what I'm talking about; I was the
> > number one rated morning show on the number one rated
> > station in the Lanacaster market and we couldn't sell it
> out
> > because the per-unit rate was unrealistically high for
> that
> > community. So, we got whatever nationals we could and the
> > local guy was out of luck. That can work for you until you
>
> > fall out of the top three (That's where agecies place
> their
> > buys) but if you do you have no relationship with the
> > businesses that you'll have to turn to. Or worse than
> that,
> > they won't take your calls because they just assume that
> > you're too expensive. Local radio needs to follow Sam
> > Walton's philosphy of sell more items for less markup and
> > make more money. Put the Parkway Hardwares' on the air and
>
> > make 'em sound like Home Depot. (Easier to do IMO with
> radio
> > than it is for the local cable AV squad type production
> > crew.) But you have to have patience.
> >
> > And I think my show's production quality is major market.
> I
> > know because I've worked in a few.
> >
> > There, I've had my say.
> >
> > "Thank you for your suh-port."- Bartles and Jaymes
> >
> > Joe Thomas
> > WCOJ-Mornings/PD
> >
>
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

> Lloyd Roach NEVER told me who I
> could or couldn't have on my show. If they were on, it was
> because I put them there.
>

Then you have had a different experience than your predecessors. For example, Chester County Planned Parenthood, their officers and any activity in which they were involved, were once banned from any appearance or mention on the station (I saw the memo). Someone from the organization might make a good guest and have some interesting observatons about the Roberts confirmation. If you have not had a representative on already, I challenge you to do so.
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

> > Lloyd Roach NEVER told me who I
> > could or couldn't have on my show. If they were on, it was

Did you EVER have a Pro Choice guest? How about a caller? I was there when a former host was "handed his head" because he refused to take callers from Pro Choice or Pro Life (God, I hate both those designations). The host said, on-air, that he would never discuss abortion or gun control because they were topics that just caused arguments, not good discussions. Lloyd almost fired the guy on the spot.

However, I was in the studio when this host "ran" the fabled Bill Wright senior ads with the volume turned down, so the log showed they ran but the audience never heard them. Roach would've crapped his pants if he knew this.

Mr. Roach is a radio pioneer, kind of like Columbus or Pizarro, who also killed dissenting points of view, although the latter 2 did engage in merciless genocide.

So, how about it, "Mr. #1 In Lancaster," did you ever have a Pro Choice guest discuss his or her views on your show? If so, who were they? Inquiring minds want to know.
TRP
 
> Former CEO Lloyd Roach's name no longer appears on the WCOJ
> or Route 81 websites. Roach was a founder of Route 81,
> former owner of WCOJ (1420), West Chester; former co-owner
> of WPWA (1590) Chester and former manager of KISS-FM
> (100.3), Philadelphia.

What goes around...comes around; couldn't have happened to a more deserving Roach.
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

> > > Lloyd Roach NEVER told me who I
> > > could or couldn't have on my show. If they were on, it
> was
>
> Did you EVER have a Pro Choice guest?

I'm sure many of my guests have been pro-choice, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Ed Rendell, Tom Ridge. Yes, I think they are all pro choice. Didn't Tom even take quite a bit of heat for that at one time? Listen, if there is a compelling story regarding pro choice, I'd have one, but since it is currently the law of the land and there are no current cases before the courts challenging it, I've got other fish to fry.

I was there when a former host was "handed his head" because
> he refused to take callers from Pro Choice or Pro Life (God,
> I hate both those designations). The host said, on-air, that
> he would never discuss abortion or gun control because they
> were topics that just caused arguments, not good
> discussions. Lloyd almost fired the guy on the spot.

I've spoken to several long time employees (some who predate Lloyd's ownership) who cannot recall this incident and since Lloyd wasn't one of them, I'll take their word on it. Unless you care to elaborate and then I can independantly verify it.

I will add this. As a programming decision, I agree with whoever this host was. There's no middle ground to have an exchange. The only reasoned statement I ever heard on the subject was by John Kerry who said; "I don't beleive in abortion but I also don't think it's the Governments place to make that decision for a woman." He got this Republican's vote then and there.

> So, how about it, "Mr. #1 In Lancaster," did you ever have a
> Pro Choice guest discuss his or her views on your show? If
> so, who were they? Inquiring minds want to know.
> TRP
>

I've answered your question already. BTW; what do the quotation marks around your knickname for me signify? Do you doubt my claims because I can provide that info if you'd like.

Now, can we go back to discussing RADIO? Or is this "Abortion-Info-dot-com?"

Joe
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

> > > > Lloyd Roach NEVER told me who I
> > > > could or couldn't have on my show. If they were on, it
>
> > was
> >
> > Did you EVER have a Pro Choice guest?
>
> I'm sure many of my guests have been pro-choice, Nancy
> Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Ed Rendell, Tom Ridge. Yes, I think
> they are all pro choice. Didn't Tom even take quite a bit of
> heat for that at one time? Listen, if there is a compelling
> story regarding pro choice, I'd have one, but since it is
> currently the law of the land and there are no current cases
> before the courts challenging it, I've got other fish to
> fry.

Quite a cop out answer. By Pro Choice (I agree with Kerry, by the way), I meant someone who was discussing THAT issue. Nice dodge. And, there have been quite a few compelling stories about the topic during your tenure.

> I was there when a former host was "handed his head" because
>
> > he refused to take callers from Pro Choice or Pro Life
> (God,
> > I hate both those designations). The host said, on-air,
> that
> > he would never discuss abortion or gun control because
> they
> > were topics that just caused arguments, not good
> > discussions. Lloyd almost fired the guy on the spot.


I've spoken to several long time employees (some who predate
> Lloyd's ownership) who cannot recall this incident and since
> Lloyd wasn't one of them, I'll take their word on it. Unless
> you care to elaborate and then I can independantly verify
> it.

Sorry, but unless you're calling me a liar, I was there. I heard it. I was the one who went out and got the host to come back in the building after Lloyd left. Sorry you can't corroborate it, better hone up on your investigative skills.

> I will add this. As a programming decision, I agree with
> whoever this host was. There's no middle ground to have an
> exchange. The only reasoned statement I ever heard on the
> subject was by John Kerry who said; "I don't beleive in
> abortion but I also don't think it's the Governments place
> to make that decision for a woman." He got this Republican's
> vote then and there.
>
> > So, how about it, "Mr. #1 In Lancaster," did you ever have
> a
> > Pro Choice guest discuss his or her views on your show? If
>
> > so, who were they? Inquiring minds want to know.
> > TRP
> >
>
> I've answered your question already. BTW; what do the
> quotation marks around your knickname for me signify? Do you
> doubt my claims because I can provide that info if you'd
> like.

The quotations were indicating that the line came directly from you. Better check on the old AP Style book. “Methinks thou dost protest too much.” (Quoted from Shakespeare, hence the quotation marks, in case you were going to question those as well.)

> Now, can we go back to discussing RADIO? Or is this
> "Abortion-Info-dot-com?"

Never meant it to be about abortion. It's about your attempt to put your spin on things you don't know about or are unwilling to know about. Here's a question. Are you still running the Bill Wright Senior "40,000,000 flowers" ad? Or will you dance around that one as well. Any chance you'll be selling some humility on Ron's Swap Shop? You can just answer the first one.

Suffice it to say I’ve heard your show a few times. I find you have a difficult time putting a whole sentence together. And what’s with that nervous laughter after almost every remark? (Rhetorical)
TRP
 
Dodging Questions

The fact that other employees with whom you spoke say they don't remember something, doesn't mean it did not happen.

You also did not respond to my original question about the banning of Chester County Planned Parenthood on WCOJ. Let me elaborate: In March, 2003, a WCOJ salesman set up a promotion for the annual AIDS-education event, Dining Out For Life. Chester County Planned Parenthood was one of the sponsors (among many organizations). This paid promotion would have brought some 30 area restaurants onto the station, many of which had never advertised before. The promotion was about AIDS education, not birth control or abortion. The promotion did not mention any of the sponsoring organizations, including Chester County Planned Parenthood. Because of Planned Parenthood's involvement, Lloyd Roach rejected the proposal and wrote a memo saying Planned Parenthood and its Executive Director were not to be mentioned, interviewed or allowed on station premesis. His memo included "blacking out" the organization and its director from talk show appearances and any news coverage.

>
> I'm sure many of my guests have been pro-choice, Nancy
> Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Ed Rendell, Tom Ridge. Yes, I think
> they are all pro choice. Didn't Tom even take quite a bit of
> heat for that at one time? Listen, if there is a compelling
> story regarding pro choice, I'd have one, but since it is
> currently the law of the land and there are no current cases
> before the courts challenging it, I've got other fish to
> fry.
>

As already pointed out, these people were not on the station discussing this issue. Again, I challenge you to interview the executive director of Chester County Planned Parenthood on your program. And in the context of the current and forthcoming Supreme Court confirmation hearings, Roe v Wade is "a compelling story." This is discussion is about radio and the fairness with which one station has treated an on-going public issue. WCOJ is a textbook example of why broadcasting still needs a fairness doctrine of some sort.
 
Re: Dodging Questions: no he didn't

> The fact that other employees with whom you spoke say they
> don't remember something, doesn't mean it did not happen.
>
> No but it didn't happen in that persons tenure, or should I say my 10 years with and without Roach. So it must have happened in the 2 years I wasn't there.....Hmmmmmm, helps me narrow down the annonimous.
>
>
> As already pointed out, these people were not on the station
> discussing this issue. Again, I challenge you to interview
> the executive director of Chester County Planned Parenthood
> on your program. And in the context of the current and
> forthcoming Supreme Court confirmation hearings, Roe v Wade
> is "a compelling story." This is discussion is about radio
> and the fairness with which one station has treated an
> on-going public issue. WCOJ is a textbook example of why
> broadcasting still needs a fairness doctrine of some sort.

As former morning show host and German beer-drinking song player, you must have missed the 3 (And I have them on tape if you would like to hear them) times I interviewed them. Oh they were on the air before????? They have been on the air in the last year. Roach was still there by the way. And if you didn't know... a former morning show host's wife was the top dog at PP in the Dub C (West Chester) when he hosted and it was known by management and he was never told not to speak of, mention or stay away from the A word. True. >
 
Re: Giving radio back to the community

> > > > > Lloyd Roach NEVER told me who I
> > > > > could or couldn't have on my show. If they were on,
> it
> >
> > > was
> > >
> > > Did you EVER have a Pro Choice guest?
> >
> > I'm sure many of my guests have been pro-choice, Nancy
> > Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Ed Rendell, Tom Ridge. Yes, I
> think
> > they are all pro choice. Didn't Tom even take quite a bit
> of
> > heat for that at one time? Listen, if there is a
> compelling
> > story regarding pro choice, I'd have one, but since it is
> > currently the law of the land and there are no current
> cases
> > before the courts challenging it, I've got other fish to
> > fry.
>
> Quite a cop out answer. By Pro Choice (I agree with Kerry,
> by the way), I meant someone who was discussing THAT issue.
> Nice dodge. And, there have been quite a few compelling
> stories about the topic during your tenure.
>
> > I was there when a former host was "handed his head"
> because
> >
> > > he refused to take callers from Pro Choice or Pro Life
> > (God,
> > > I hate both those designations). The host said, on-air,
> > that
> > > he would never discuss abortion or gun control because
> > they
> > > were topics that just caused arguments, not good
> > > discussions. Lloyd almost fired the guy on the spot.
>
>
> I've spoken to several long time employees (some who
> predate
> > Lloyd's ownership) who cannot recall this incident and
> since
> > Lloyd wasn't one of them, I'll take their word on it.
> Unless
> > you care to elaborate and then I can independantly verify
> > it.
>
> Sorry, but unless you're calling me a liar, I was there. I
> heard it. I was the one who went out and got the host to
> come back in the building after Lloyd left. Sorry you can't
> corroborate it, better hone up on your investigative skills.
>
>
> > I will add this. As a programming decision, I agree with
> > whoever this host was. There's no middle ground to have an
>
> > exchange. The only reasoned statement I ever heard on the
> > subject was by John Kerry who said; "I don't beleive in
> > abortion but I also don't think it's the Governments place
>
> > to make that decision for a woman." He got this
> Republican's
> > vote then and there.
> >
> > > So, how about it, "Mr. #1 In Lancaster," did you ever
> have
> > a
> > > Pro Choice guest discuss his or her views on your show?
> If
> >
> > > so, who were they? Inquiring minds want to know.
> > > TRP
> > >
> >
> > I've answered your question already. BTW; what do the
> > quotation marks around your knickname for me signify? Do
> you
> > doubt my claims because I can provide that info if you'd
> > like.
>
> The quotations were indicating that the line came directly
> from you. Better check on the old AP Style book. “Methinks
> thou dost protest too much.” (Quoted from Shakespeare, hence
> the quotation marks, in case you were going to question
> those as well.)
>
> > Now, can we go back to discussing RADIO? Or is this
> > "Abortion-Info-dot-com?"
>
> Never meant it to be about abortion. It's about your attempt
> to put your spin on things you don't know about or are
> unwilling to know about. Here's a question. Are you still
> running the Bill Wright Senior "40,000,000 flowers" ad? Or
> will you dance around that one as well. Any chance you'll be
> selling some humility on Ron's Swap Shop? You can just
> answer the first one.
>
> Suffice it to say I’ve heard your show a few times. I find
> you have a difficult time putting a whole sentence together.
> And what’s with that nervous laughter after almost every
> remark? (Rhetorical)
> TRP

I can answer part of this. No! we aren't running a Bill Wright Sr. 40,000,000 flowers ad. I remember that one, that one was ended and we have been running an ad that is just as grim. It has Lloyd as it's voice and has the sound of a baby, with lloyd saying how the baby enhances the life of those around it. then the baby sounds and cute music wind down, and lloyd mentions that this is the sound of a fetus being aborted, after which there is complete silence, then Lloyd simply asks.......any questions? then the tag line is said about how to contact CC pro-life. Since Lloyd no longer has affiliation with us, I'm sure this ad will be axed in favor of yet another Bill Wright Sr. ad. I personally have no desire to become caught up in the pro-life discussion, however those folks do have a way of driving home their point and have time and again displayed mastery over usage of advertising verbage. It's a wonder other advertisers all over the dial can't seem to advertise their services and products using language as well as the Chesco Pro-life people.
>
 
Status
This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.


Back
Top Bottom