I assume you are close to the situation, so thank you. My mistake. It's not like it was the first or last station to use a jukebox, though as a logo. There might have been jukeboxes used at WLVL and other places, but my memory isn't cooperating. There were many before and after. The jukebox logo wasn't invented in Buffalo, but like someone said, the concept was used in Buffalo. I just don't remember WECK every using a jukebox like they were accused of. It was I LP record I believe. Come to think of it, WECK may have copied KB when they did a record, but I might be wrong.
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"Big WECK"?
- Thread starter DN14224
- Start date
They are consulting him. That is one of Great Lakes "product offerings". Lots of stations have consultants, starting with the CPA that audits the books each year. Or the consulting engineer who does technical filings. Or the various attorneys that are called on for FCC and business matters.
If your bookkeeper is good, why have a CPA audit it? Auditors charge a fee too, and there is a purpose in hiring all consultants.
Their website says they want to "acquire" radio stations in major markets. Buffalo is more like a medium market. How much is WECK worth if it was for sale?
You may be right that WECK is simply paying Great Lakes for "programming consulting", just like paying for Nielsen ratings. The station just rebranded again, so it's logical that Great Lakes recommended the new name...
I‘m amused how Tower590, who has never appeared on this board, sweeps into a thread, with a long rambling response that unnecessarily repeats points he’s already made. Ordinarily, I’d just shake my head. But his criticism of the announcing staff is so off base I want to scream. Tom Donahue, Roger Christian and Joe Chille are all talented, market veterans. ALL are in the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Enough said!
And then there’s the post suggesting Great Lakes is acquiring WECK. Read the press release. I did! As has been pointed out, Great Lakes is looking to acquire stations while also offer consulting services. Buddy Shula is not selling WECK. If anything, as we’ve read in his posts, Buddy is looking to acquire more properties.
Indeed, Buddy has made his share of mistakes. He let Tom Donahue go, only to bring him back. He totally mishandled the Danny Neaverth situation. I could go on and on. But I don’t want to repeat posts I’ve previously made. It appears Buddy realized his shortcomings by working with a professional like Tom Langmyer to improve WECK and position it for future success.
And then there’s the post suggesting Great Lakes is acquiring WECK. Read the press release. I did! As has been pointed out, Great Lakes is looking to acquire stations while also offer consulting services. Buddy Shula is not selling WECK. If anything, as we’ve read in his posts, Buddy is looking to acquire more properties.
Indeed, Buddy has made his share of mistakes. He let Tom Donahue go, only to bring him back. He totally mishandled the Danny Neaverth situation. I could go on and on. But I don’t want to repeat posts I’ve previously made. It appears Buddy realized his shortcomings by working with a professional like Tom Langmyer to improve WECK and position it for future success.
I'm trying to figure out why there would be any reason for Great Lakes Media and WECK to be in a "partnership". Tom Langmyer is the CEO of the company, the COO is Mitch Dolan in New York and their COO is in Boston. Langmyer doesn't live in Buffalo but it says he is from Buffalo. I don't think with their background that they would be buying WECK from what I am researching. I doubt people with their experience would bother working with WECK unless somebody's doing someone else a favor.
The Great Lakes website doesn't say anything about small markets or stations. I lifted this off their website which is greatlakesmediacorp.com. It says they advise for investors. It doesn't say anything about consulting. Maybe that is the same thing? Who knows I guess...
Our Company
Great Lakes Media is "Famous for Localism." Great Lakes is local media company, which plans to acquire radio and television stations in large and major markets along with related audio, video and digital platforms to serve markets with news, information, entertainment, events and local business connection.Mission
Build stronger local communities through the connection that comes from excellent local news, information, events and entertainment - and to provide advertiser platforms that grow business.What We Do
Great Lakes Media Corp. is a local media company that aspires to use radio and television brands as the gathering point for community news, information, entertainment, events and service - and act as an entry point for our associated local audio/video/digital content platforms.The company also works as an advisor to investment firms with media holdings, who are looking for improved results.
All is made possible through our business partnerships - and our dedication to help our partners to grow their businesses.
We're Building a Local Broadcast/Digital Company
We are in the process of identifying and acquiring local media brands in communities in the U.S.
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This is my opinion. I just think they need better DJs that go with oldies. Being in a hall of fame doesn't always mean you are the best man for every job. Danny wouldn't be on 97 Rock or the Edge. Why is that off base? That is all I am saying. The station is boring in some ways though.
I am new here yes and follow Toronto, Niagara and Buffalo radio. It isn't as easy to do right now.
Good luck to Buddy Shula as well he might be the last of the hometown owners. Radio is not the same with not as many hometown choices.
Great Lakes issued a press release stating that it was expanding its services into consulting stations. Add that to their services. Tom Langmyer is in WNY often enough because he as family here. Seems like a nice fit as a consultant to WECK. He understands the market and the format very well.
As far as the talent on WECK is concerned, perhaps Tower590 should submit a tape and resume. I'm assuming he's a cassette fan.
As far as the talent on WECK is concerned, perhaps Tower590 should submit a tape and resume. I'm assuming he's a cassette fan.
No doubt. Other stations used the jukebox before and after. What was cool about our logo was that the Wurlitzer visual referenced the local presence in NT/Wheatfield. That was specifically why we used it.
Schuh
Whatever the reason for brining Great Lakes aboard I think it has a very hot tempo, tight and focused sound. My only criticism of what they are doing is the jocks are talking at me and not to me. The funny sweepers give The Big WECK a playful sound.
What they were doing wasn’t bad but this is an improvement in tune with what an Oldies station should sound like in the 21st Century. (the stream sounds fantastic!).
Now my only question is will the BIG WECK make people hungry for a Beef on Weck, thus causing a weight problem for listeners? The FDA needs to check this out!
What they were doing wasn’t bad but this is an improvement in tune with what an Oldies station should sound like in the 21st Century. (the stream sounds fantastic!).
Now my only question is will the BIG WECK make people hungry for a Beef on Weck, thus causing a weight problem for listeners? The FDA needs to check this out!
I see from the other thread there is no sales agreement and it is just consulting which is great news. I just looked at the Fybush article again and I see the "stations" is plural. I could have sworn it was singular when I read it and I re-read it multiple times + copied pasted it here - but maybe I was having a brain blip that day.
I was looking at this post again in disbelief. Boy, are you folks wrong. On just about everything!
First off, I love the above comment from Brian. "Not small stations in larger markets". Brian still cannot phantom that WECK is not a small station. It has a 3.5 share 12 plus. Is WBUF a small station? How about WMSX? Or WBFO? or WEDG? or WTSS? or WLKK? Those stations have all been BEAT 12 plus by WECK in the past year. WECK is not a small station. You hate to admit that because you hate we are a very big success. Sorry radio did not work out for you Brian, but it worked out for me!
A few facts, yes FACTS!
* WECK and 2900 Genesee are PAID OFF.....in the first 2.5 years! Hate to bust your bubble.
* WECK revenue and profit have never been more since 1956 when the station started. I am not going to state our revenue, but let's just say that on a scale of 1 to 10, our revenue has been an 11 from day 1.
*I am not and will not sell WECK. I am waiting for the others to crumble so I can buy more. Buying WECK was BY FAR, the best thing I have ever done, personally, and financially.
* I have Great Lakes Media advise on programming because I do not settle. We always want to be better and I always want to learn. Tom Langmyer, my friend, and a passionate radio guy gives advice. Some we take, some we don't. Regardless, I am proud and honored that a man with Tom's success advises my station. There is no investing, no plans for a coup, no selling the station. Tom is a wonderful advisor. I am hopeful that Great Lakes will make a huge acquisition. Whether they do or not, is not my business, but I can tell you WECK would not be included in that. Tom certainly deserves that opportunity to purchase all kinds of stations around the country. He's earned that opportunity.
* To those that think WECK has done a poor job before our relationship with Great Lakes, let me remind you that WECK had a 3.8 share. If you want to look at poor jobs, look at some 50KW stations in the market before you start pointing fingers at me.
* WECK has the most talented air staff, sales staff, creative staff, business staff in the entire market. Donny Tomasulo-GSM, Sam Accordino -25 year sales vet, James Gillan- creative director, Trish Wiest-Media Buyer, Candy Acerino-A/R, Renee Curran-Business Manager, Mark Walter-multi-million dollar billing AE formerly at Audacy for 22 years, Dennis Majechwitz- Chief Engineer, formerly at Channel 4, Roger Christian -HOF Broadcaster, Joe Chille - HOF Broadcaster, Tom Donahue-HOF Broadcaster, Bobby O- major market DJ for 40 years - Glenn Topolski-Program Director and top notch, Junior Rosati - former producer for Cumulus, Tom Langmyer-major market VP/GM -HOF award winner, and my guiding lights and rocks, my family, my wonderful dad who heads building maintenance and who drove me to WPhD at 4 in the morning almost daily to help his 15 year old son get into his dream career, and my wife, one of the strongest, kindest person walking this planet.............just TRY to find this much talent at any other single station in Buffalo, and guess what "dummy" hired them all?
* Yes, I want to buy more stations, and will, only in Buffalo. They will be full power FM's. The time is coming. I have a green light to buy more. Enough said
In summary, I say some dumb things on here. I realize that, and apologize. But I am very passionate, and when I see things I know are not correct, anger issues pop up. Again, my apologies. I have tried to be truthful and informative to this group, and time and time again, it's like people want me to fail. FYI, I don't fail. I get results.
I will say no more about WECK and any future plans or opportunities I am looking at. I've said enough. Probably too much, but you all need to know the facts. I just provided them. And for the record, I understand the "weighting" thing now, thanks to my Nielson rep. My bad. The name calling and nasty comments from me are un -called for, and won't happen again.
Just, please realize, WECK is a top 10 station, in a medium market, is independently owned, is totally paid for, has always believed local radio is the only way to go, and is JUST 1KW.......plus is more fiscally sound than probably all three other wall street companies in Buffalo radio, put together!
If you have questions, inbox me. Otherwise, stay tuned...........
The stations great and its a fantastic David vs Goliath story. Hope you write a book about it someday. I listen on 1230AM when in Buffalo and streaming when I'm home in MA.
You may be inspiring others with what you have done - 1510 WMEX in Boston for one was revived from the dead by a local owner (really dead - no tower site or intellectual property - just a license counting down the 1 year "dark" period) is now running oldies at 10KW, has great programming all day with live hosts on the air. Really great presentation. Not sure where they are ratings wise but I don't know that they use them/subscribe anyway.
You may be inspiring others with what you have done - 1510 WMEX in Boston for one was revived from the dead by a local owner (really dead - no tower site or intellectual property - just a license counting down the 1 year "dark" period) is now running oldies at 10KW, has great programming all day with live hosts on the air. Really great presentation. Not sure where they are ratings wise but I don't know that they use them/subscribe anyway.
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