August Ratings

[ykw]

Most markets have better radio competition in general. Phoenix radio is dead right now with repetitious music stations, most on auto pilot. This benefits KOOL with no direct competition. In Phoenix radio now, the best of the worst is actually the winner. How sad is that for a major market? As for morning shows, Phoenix has become incredibly boring with no real personality. Beth and Bill are the only big names left and they have become self indulgent, tired and boring. Who else is there? KTAR is simply a news wheel in the morning, KFYI has some no name broomstick guy, the rock stations are absolutely dead with either music intensive shows or personalities still trying to be Stern. Phoenix has no big name rock personality, and that alone is sad. Peak, Mix, Movin’ and KOOL are basically jukebox morning shows. Country has two shows stuck in the Morning Zoo 80’s with stale impersonations, cookie cutter bits or parody songs And only a very small fraction listens to sports radio. So what is there? Phoenix is the very best example of radio killing itself with budget cuts and forcing low level talent into drive time slots simply because they have accepted low salaries.

Well, Holmberg is becoming a "Phoenix legend" over at the Big Red after a decade in the morning slot, so there is at least one "big name rock personality" here. Considering there are only four actual rock stations (Mix and The Peak both being rock-pop hybrids), one of which is only now trying to rebuild a local morning show, that's not that bad a ratio.

On the talk side, there's this: Phoenix listeners crave national coverage with national figures. It's why a tape-delayed Limbaugh can pull in a double-figure 12+ share (and Beck can do quite nicely for himself, too, even with part of his show up against part of El Rushbo's). It's why a KKNT can survive and deliver big results to advertisers despite zero local promotion. It's why the NBO's recent expansion is almost certain to be short-lived. Barring a gubernatorial run by Fife Symington or the resurrection of ol' Ev, there's no meaningful audience for local political fare. "Local competition" is dying. No one wants local, period. The late 1980s and 1990s were an anomaly, with so much actually happening that drove local interest; without big local scandal, that interest is gone. The future is national: big national personalities with access and attitude. And, heck, the future is already here.

 

[junkmail]

The first line of radio competition is a direct format competitor, and KOOL has enjoyed the luxury of not having a direct competitor for years. No direct competition is a big reason for their standing, not their programming or air talent, which in all reality is not anything above average.

KOOL does have competition - the way KOOL has moved their music they sound like KEZ and KSLX...the rating show that. I can't believe you said that the success of radio is ONLY the level of competion and not the programming or the air talent....PLEEEZE....KOOL has Tom Peake who has been there for what? almost 30 years? Steve Goddard has been in the market forever and Maria Knight is a breath of fresh air...she is honest and entertaining. Programming and talent go hand in hand...
Nobody every says anything nice on this board...Kris Abrams shows what's he's doing is working in the ratings and you guys all say - anyone can program KOOL -

If the team wins - anyone can coach that bunch of talented players
If the team loses - the coach must suck

That is CRAZY. Give props when props are due.

 

[pattiwacki]

I agree, junkmail. Congrats to K. Abrams and all of the staff at KOOL!

 

[Radio Pro]

I agree, junkmail. Congrats to K. Abrams and all of the staff at KOOL!

I'll second that!
Nice job Kris, well done.

 

[insidethenumbers]

YKW is drinking the Sandusky Kool Aid if he feels Holmberg is a big name. He is barely recognized in this market outside of his small circle, and that is after 10 years or whatever. Holmberg has done nothing more than try to hold on to whatever KUPD has left. He is lucky to even be close to status quo and is still using all of the old KUPD stuff that was created years before him like Big Red Radio, U-Guys ,U-Fest, Red Cards, etc. He has shown zero originality or creativity. Even his publicity photos are old, tired and used many times over the years by The Morning Mayor. He must be Pratt’s biggest fan, because he is still living in the ”House That Dave Built.” In fact, that was Pratt’s problem his last few years on KUPD. Even Pratt was still living in the “House That Dave Built.” He became rich, happy and content. He became boring. That is why he needed new challenges, and in turn, lit a fire under his new stations. Before Pratt left KUPD, he was just bored, and he sounded like it. Holmberg sounds like Pratt at his lowest point. Too bad he won’t admit being a Pratt rip off, but he sure is defensive about it. That’s what Phoenix rock radio is deducted to these days, either rip offs of Stern or Pratt. As for Pratt, after his success with KMLE, he has nothing to prove. He is probably done for good. He has earned the high life and doesn’t need to work or put up with all the crap of radio today. But you must admit YKW, Pratt must be laughing at Holmberg every single day. He is keeping Pratt’s memory alive and well by using Pratt’s material. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.


As for KOOL, Tom Peak and Steve Goddard are pro’s but have never been considered personalities. They just shine for a few seconds in between tunes. In fact, when Tom started doing mornings it unfortunately exposed his true level of talent. Great guy, solid Music Director, average air talent. Steve is an above average talent and nothing more. As for Maria Knight, another average talent buried for years on KSLX, KZON or wherever. The only reason she is doing well now is due to riding the KOOL format which has little direct competition.


As for you Junk Mail, nobody wants to hear the truth on this board. I still suggest that everybody use their own name. I will if you will ! Everybody has their own agenda on this board, and most of the people on this board seem to work for Sandusky, Riviera or CBS. Somebody should notify the Bonneville and Clear Channel employees to step up. You mention that programming and talent go hand in hand. That true. KOOL has poor programming (Christmas Music for Halloween) and average talent. Therefore, once again, it proves my point. KOOL’s biggest advantage is a lack of direct competition.


Finally, I want to wish all the very best. I am employed again! I am moving to Chicago at the end of September. I am hoping that I can finally find SOMETHING worth listening to during morning drive. If not, my job will be to find somebody. What? An entertaining morning show? What a concept.

 

[OneHumporTwo]

Oh, come on, insidethenumbers...You USED to be a Clear Channel guy.

 

[Ford]

Finally, I want to wish all the very best. I am employed again! I am moving to Chicago at the end of September. I am hoping that I can finally find SOMETHING worth listening to during morning drive. If not, my job will be to find somebody. What? An entertaining morning show? What a concept.

You know what?

Wishing "all the very best" after you trashed some of the best talent in this town exposes you as a colossal jerk. Tom Peake, Steve Goddard, and Maria Knight are all first class people who are clearly above your station in this business.

Your newly-found part-time gig in Chicago does not put you on their level.

Not even close.

 

[michael hagerty]

As for you Junk Mail, nobody wants to hear the truth on this board. I still suggest that everybody use their own name. I will if you will !


Finally, I want to wish all the very best. I am employed again! I am moving to Chicago at the end of September. I am hoping that I can finally find SOMETHING worth listening to during morning drive. If not, my job will be to find somebody. What? An entertaining morning show? What a concept.

Some of us already do. How about you join us?

And sincere congratulations on the new gig.

---Michael Hagerty

 

[KOHS]

YKW is drinking the Sandusky Kool Aid if he feels Holmberg is a big name. He is barely recognized in this market outside of his small circle, and that is after 10 years or whatever. Holmberg has done nothing more than try to hold on to whatever KUPD has left. He is lucky to even be close to status quo and is still using all of the old KUPD stuff that was created years before him like Big Red Radio, U-Guys ,U-Fest, Red Cards, etc. He has shown zero originality or creativity. Even his publicity photos are old, tired and used many times over the years by The Morning Mayor. He must be Pratt’s biggest fan, because he is still living in the ”House That Dave Built.” In fact, that was Pratt’s problem his last few years on KUPD. Even Pratt was still living in the “House That Dave Built.” He became rich, happy and content. He became boring. That is why he needed new challenges, and in turn, lit a fire under his new stations. Before Pratt left KUPD, he was just bored, and he sounded like it. Holmberg sounds like Pratt at his lowest point. Too bad he won’t admit being a Pratt rip off, but he sure is defensive about it. That’s what Phoenix rock radio is deducted to these days, either rip offs of Stern or Pratt. As for Pratt, after his success with KMLE, he has nothing to prove. He is probably done for good. He has earned the high life and doesn’t need to work or put up with all the crap of radio today. But you must admit YKW, Pratt must be laughing at Holmberg every single day. He is keeping Pratt’s memory alive and well by using Pratt’s material. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.

insidethenumbers:

Having listened to both Pratt and Holmberg, I have to wonder if you have really listened to Holmberg's show? Have you seen the KUPD web site since Pratt left? Pratt was a great morning DJ at KUPD and KMLE, but give Holmberg his due. Holmberg delivers on so many different levels and the ratings prove that.

As for Holmberg using the "Big Red Radio, U-Guys ,U-Fest, Red Cards, etc.", you should know that this is driven by management, not Holmberg. Moreover, it works. Why change it?

You're usage of ad hominem attacks is growing old.

/clicking the 'ignore' button

So long.

 

[sgoddard]

I'm appreciative of all the support - and even detractors - over the last 30 years I've made the valley my home.
Always interesting to read the comments.

 

[MKGOOD]

On the other hand, Abrams other station is KMLE which is struggling significantly after several years of success. For that, along with Tim and Willy, the fault is easier to identify.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Struggling is relative; 600,000+ listeners and hundreds of advertisers would never identify KMLE as such or any other well branded station in the market whose listenership ebb 'n flows like it has since Marconi invented the darn thing.

From a sales viability standpoint... those who pound the pavement know, "live by the numbers, die by the numbers" and KMLE comprised of Tim, Willy and the entire on-air lineup no matter how many zeros CBS puts on their paychecks have, do and will continue to pay dividends for advertisers which last time I checked affords us all our careers in radio.

 

[MKGOOD]

I'm appreciative of all the support - and even detractors - over the last 30 years I've made the valley my home.
Always interesting to read the comments.

Spoken like a true professional!

 

[Gusto]

yes Goddard surely is that, I use to listen to him on KZZP and KKFR the Fire Station in the 80's. But i must say, i can never quite hear him clearly when he talks over intros at Kool. Perhaps the mic is too low, or the voice tracking defaults music too loud? and speaking of mics, the ones at the Peak sound very cheap....poor quality.

 

[oldiesfan6479]

But i must say, i can never quite hear him clearly when he talks over intros at Kool. Perhaps the mic is too low, or the voice tracking defaults music too loud?

Bingo!

The jock voice mixing during the Stevemeister's VTing hours is horrible...
not to mention the cold segues.

PD Kris: if you must do @#$% cold segues, at least fix the levels and
music fading problems in your Audio Vault. <roll eyes>

 

[Gusto]

i also remember when the Contours song was current again from the movie Dirty Dancing, Steve was the only jock that would bring up the levels on that middle fade. Funny that he is now playing it again on Kool but haven't heard him do that since. A Rap Roach (as i was called) wouldn't know anything about that.