We're seeing WTKK's numbers take a serious dip with the loss of Severin during the fall book. Nothing else there has changed while Howies numbers are up. Coincidence? No way. We'll see the same thing happen to WBCN in the next book now that Stern is gone. Just watch.
WEEI's ratings are fueled by the success of the two drivetime shows, D&C and the Big Show. If either of those programs left 850, there would be a serious ratings drop, Red Sox or no Red Sox. Interest in the Olde Towne Team does generate some attraction to the station, but so do the Patriots--at least as long as they are Super Bowl contenders. If anything, WEEI's 12+ ratings should go up in the next book, as some of the Stern castoffs probably will sample Fatty and the Forehead in the morning.
Around here where there are two other sportstalk stations and a variety of options on satellite, local content is key, and both shows deliver. They also add just enough non-sports conversation to attract the casual fan, which is why WEEI does well and other more hard-core sports talkers struggle to get ratings.
Mike Thomas
> Glen says his latest ratings (which he said you won't read
> about)would rival Stern's, and the "toasters" (ie.1510,890)
> didn't even make a dent. He also said the Red Sox talk
> didn't carry his show, it was mostly football talk,during
> the fall book. True, but the Sox always have a
> presence,regardless of the season. I still maintain that
> it's the formula and the AM/FM assets on EEI which lead to
> dominence, hosts are fungibile. But that can't be proven
> untill there is change on either drive time program.
>
