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Clear Channel Wilmington/ Dover

R

radio19720

Just heard that Chirs Walus, theformer GSM for WSTW/ WDEL, Wilmington is the now Market Manager for Clear Channel in Wilmington and Dover. Wonder what he will do? Is there a fresh fight on the the line??
Here's a thought. Flip 94.7 back to 92.9 where it seemed to work. Make 94.7, a hy-brid of News All Day, Talk All Night and Sports All Weekend. Might sound crazy, but Wilmington could support a heavy news format from 5am-7pm, then run the WILM talk shows at night. On weekends, when you have Blue Hens sports and Nascar already you could take on the Fox sports and run it with the Ticket. This will pretty much kill WDEL and I don't think you would wipe out WILM or WDOV, you might even help the Ticket on the weekend. I could also see 94.7 picking up the Eagles and Phillies from WDEL as time moves on.
 
Are you saying WDSD would simulcast WILM? That seems such a waste. especially as Wilmington has so few stations now. I'd suggest moving country to 92.9 and make 94.7 Oldies (60's- 70's and select 80's that fit the format) with more emphasis on rock/pop and less on Soul, R&B, and Disco. Which would be very different from Philly's WOGL's version of an Oldies format.
 
Hey Mike--

How about a pure news format daytime, like KYW, and then after 7 run the talk shows. It would help when WILM and WDOC lowers power. Talk is on FM will kill the AM's.
 
How about keep the country on 94.7 as it reaches the areas of Kent and Sussex Counties that enjoy listening to country music. But maybe you widen the playlist a bit and add in a tad bit more of the Country Classics. It wouldn't hurt to get rid of Big D and Bubba as the morning show and go live and local. You could even simulcast sister station Froggy 99.9's morning show for that matter. Both overlap areas that wouldn't seem like the show is broadcasting from LA. As for 92.9 Tom FM...I'd suggest a full fledged Classic Country station, or maybe an alternative station. However, would they want to take aim at Eagle 97.7? Just a thought.
 
Topic Summary
Posted on: Today at 04:40:46 PMPosted by: radio19720
Insert Quote
Hey Mike--

How about a pure news format daytime, like KYW, and then after 7 run the talk shows. It would help when WILM and WDOC lowers power. Talk is on FM will kill the AM's.



I doubt CC Delaware is going to want to invest in enough personnel to go all day live news al la KYW. If you remember, WILM (before CC bought the station from Mrs. Hawkins) had the largest news staff of any radio station between Philly and Washington (in other words only KYW and WTOP had larger news staffs). Even then they had talk during the day (AM Drive News, then Watson, Loudell noon news - he was at WILM then, Limbaugh- tape delayed 1pm-4pm, then PM Drive News). I remember, being told by my News Director Supervisor at WILM back then that the numbers drop off significantly for solid news (at least in Wilmington). Philly has many more people and traffic problems all day long which may explain why KYW does so well with all news - probably people tuning in for weather and traffic, and why both WILM and WDEL do news blocks during AM/PM drive and midday and then go to talk during the other day parts. After CC took over WILM, they've cut the staff back to the bare bones. Those folks at WILM do a great job given how small their staff is now as compared to when I worked at WILM at 12th and French Sts. So WILM and WDOV's day time signals do the job for news/talk. WILM has a solid signal throught out the Wilmington metro area, WDOV covers Kent County just as well with their 5Kw signal. So, if I were the big cheese at CC Delaware, I'd not waste WDSD's signal for news/talk, but would find a good music format that Wilmington lacks (Oldies is the one that jumps out at me, there may be others) and go for that.

Oh by the way, 1450 WILM does not power down and is not on a directional pattern. They have one tower and stay at 1kw 24/7. It was explained to me that some frequencies naturally lose strength at night and apparently 1450 is one of those. During the day WILM is heard clear past Smyrna, but at dusk you lose it around Bear/Red Lion. So both WILM and the Atlantic City 1450 don't power down at night, yet don't cause problems for each other. On the other hand, 1150 WDEL has, I believe, 3 towers and they do power down so as not to conflict with, I believe, a Richmond station. WDOV also powers down at night.

Another reason not to waste news/talk, especially Limbaugh/Hannity talk on a Wilmington FM is both WDEL and WILM have had problems getting as solid local spots than other markets. From how it was explained to me, Wilmington businesses are conservative (not politically), but in not wanting to be out on a fringe. This is a moderate to liberal area politically and businesses here, apparently, are not comfortable buying time on those two shows. So why waste a solid FM signal for programming that won't generate solid local spot revenue when a good music format will generate solid local spot revenue.

Actually, WDSD airing Country is doing quite fine it seems for local spots, at least when I listen they've got plenty of real spots, not PSA's like WILM airs continually during Rush. They've (WDSD) not retaken the Wilmington area (ratings wise) for Country, but have made some inroads on it against WXCY. If they had a major advertising effort they just might be able to take back their #1 country spot for Wilmington. I agree with Uncle Bozzle that WDSD probably also would benefit by going live and local during AM drive. Big D and Bubba aren't that good. I give credit to the board op at WDSD who does such a good job, you can't tell they aren't local, but it just doesn't have that local flavor you'd have with live and local talent. If CC wants to save money go to the bird AFTER AM drive, but be live and local for AM/PM drive. Also UncleBozzle also makes another good point that adding more Country Gold into the mix would also help and keep folks listening longer. However, I believe WDSD could also be the #1 Oldies station as I explain in an earlier posting in this thread, against WOGL from Philly.

Syndicated talk is less expensive than live and local talk. Let's face it, the only reason WDEL went to live and local talk is due to the shoddy treatment they received from ABC radio trying to force WDEL to air Mark Levine or lose Hannity. I give WDEL a lot of credit for having the guts to tell ABC to take a hike, knowing that WILM would probably jump at getting Hannity as Premiere had already pulled Rush from WDEL and moved him back to their own station (WILM). So WDEL has taken a hugh gamble, that so far has worked OK for them. They went live and local rather than airing 2nd tier syndicated talkers that would have given WILM the upper hand. As it stands in the latest 12+ numbers, WDEL is ahead of WILM. Now as WDEL's "modest" PD, who does write on this board and has no problem bragging and promoting his station here, would have shouted from the roof tops on the this board IF WDEL had beaten Limbaugh with Jensen. He hasn't said that, so even though the 12+ numbers show WDEL with a overall higher rating, MY GUESS is WILM beats out WDEL during both Limbaugh and Hannity. Yet, on the other hand, WDEL has plenty of local spots airing during their talk shows that air opposite Rush/Hannity. So apparently the local businesses don't have a problem having their company name associated with Messitti or Jensen, but seem to want to avoid having their names associated with Limbaugh and Hannity.
 
Hello again Mike.

The majority of my responses on this board have not been bragging, but rather providing information and fact so that you don't have to "GUESS." With the exception of the posting about our Murrow award, I usually respond to inaccuracies, not proactively post information about ratings or anything else.

As I have told you in the past, there is more to ratings than the 12+ number you see. Check 35-64.

And there is also more to the ratings than us vs. them. Check Rick's numbers from book to book, and you'll see growth.

"Modestly" yours....
 
In the latest Arbitron 35 - 64 demo during those Rush & Sean hours (Noon to 6 P), WDEL has 12,900 cume and WILM 7,000
 
The only numbers I get to see are the 12+ posted here on the R&I Ratings page, so I can only use that data in trying to interpret how WDEL and WILM are doing. The only time I actually got to see "the book" was while at WILM when I did a talk show and I did see how my show was beating out what satellite show you guys were airing opposite my show back at that time.

When I talk to you, offline or here, you'll paint it as WDEL is kicking WILM's butt. When I talk to someone at WILM, I hear the opposite story. So someone is not telling the correct story or interpreting the data differently or offering spin. Sometimes, as you do post here and always have positive things to say about WDEL (and they at WILM don't post here ever), could come across as bragging ( hey I had 7 great years at WILM as a news reporter, anchor, and talk show host), and was there during part of the time they were doing so great so I possibly do have a slight blindness to their problems now hoping they'd keep doing well), I also realize that you may be padding the discussion in WDEL's favor or just simply trying to hopefully offer better data for the discussion. I'll try to give you the benefit of the doubt. I'd be more impressed, however, if you ever shared a short coming of WDEL, all stations have short comings, just a bit as you are the PD at WDEL, but you'll never do that, just as Rush or Rick will never ever credit a Democrat with doing the correct or proper thing. So that one sidedness sort of colors your opinion (just as it does for Rush and Rick and why I don't listen to Rick and only for part of the first hour ever listen to Rush). No offense inplied in these comments against you personally. When I worked at WILM I generally didn't post comments about WILM, obviously as a conflict of interest and my comments would have been biased in favor of WILM. So I understand the tightrope you walk when trying to post a thoughtful comment here. But that should also explain why I don't take your comments at face value unless you offer numbers (which others in the business could checkup on for accuaracy and disput if incorrect), which you won't, I understand. So I hope that clears up why I've said what I've said about your posts. Again, no offense personally intended.

So if what DELifer is saying is true, apparently Rick (WDEL) IS doing considerably better than Rush (WILM).

I've commented on how WDEL's 12+ overall numbers have pulled away from WILM's in other postings, but obviously I can't tell where in the broadcast day that is happening (AM drive - Watson vs AL - Rush/Hannity vs Rick, etc), or IF WILM ever gets higher numbers than WDEL. I simply don't have access to those numbers.

So Chris, it would appear then, that WDEL's venture from Talk from the Bird to Live and Local has paid off in ratings and I have commented in other posts on how WDEL has far more spots vs WILM who airs mostly PSA's. Even WWTX 1290 the Ticket seems to have more real spots (at least when I've listened to 1290 opposite of Limbaugh on WILM so that's not any sort of scientific data, possibly just the luck of when I've tuned in to both).

A question, maybe you could also help with, as you may have access to this data and would add an additional flavor to this discussion. In Wilmington WDEL(Live and Local) vs WILM (Syndicated Programming), in Baltimore WBAL (Live and Local) vs WCBM(Snydicated Programming). You're claiming that WDEL beats out WILM during Rush/Hannity. How does WBAL fare vs WCBM during Rush/Hannity? Could there be a case for Live and Local as the next wave for talk radio, where you hopefully get compelling local hosts that can offer something better than the same ole same ole of "network talk" (sorry I like Al, but a little bit of Rick just is hard to listen to for my ear - his on air persona seems not real - sounds slick and not trustworthy, sorry can't help how it sounds to my ear). Also, you might also have data that shows other markets where Live and Local is beating out syndicated talk. That would also be of interest.
 
I won't get into the talk battle but I might add that maybe the best thing they could do to "Tom FM" short term is blow the whole darn thing up and become "Delaware's Christmas Channel". Just a thought. November is almost here, the retailers are all set with Christmas merchandise, it would seem to be a gain for them if they got in first. Maybe a Christmas playlist heavier on Country Christmas songs would help them steal some of WXCY's thunder, which would then help WDSD. It would seem a better choice than what they are playing now.
 
Mike,
I'm not sure why you think anyone in any business would publically state a short coming of their business, which could then be used against them by a competitor.

I will say this: Are we perfect? No. Do we strive every day to be? Absolutely. Are we continually working to improve? Absolutely.

And, I don't have access to Baltimore numbers.
 
Actually Chris, I don't expect you to say anything negative about your radio station.
When I worked at WILM I generally didn't post comments about WILM, obviously as a conflict of interest and my comments would have been biased in favor of WILM. So I understand the tightrope you walk when trying to post a thoughtful comment here. But that should also explain why I don't take your comments at face value unless you offer numbers (which others in the business could checkup on for accuaracy and disput if incorrect), which you won't, I understand.

My point Chris is, as WDEL's PD, you're also biased, just as I was when I worked at WILM. It's called being loyal to your employer. I could have also told everyone here where WILM's problems or short comings were, at that time when I worked there, but I didn't, because I was one of their employees and I'd never do anything to help WDEL or any other station have an additional advantage over WILM. So no, I've never seriously thought you'd say anything negative about WDEL, but you also don't offer any numbers to back your claims. DELifer offered numbers (I have no idea who he is or if those are actual correct numbers). You said to me to check 35-64, but as I've explained (and you should obviously know as you know I'm not now in radio) that I don't have access to any of those numbers. You, however do have access to the Wilmington numbers and could easily share those 35-64 numbers to make your case.

So what I believe you are saying is (please correct me if I'm incorrect), that during Rush/Hannity WILM has a larger overall number than WDEL probably due to a large 65+ audience that is a big part of Limbaugh's and Hannity's audience. But in terms of the 35-64 numbers, WDEL has the larger number of that more desirable demo. So what is the mean age of WDEL's listeners during Rush/Hannity vs WILM's mean age during that same time period? Also, what is the mean age of WWTX's (1290 the ticket) listeners during that same 12 noon - 6pm period (Jim Rome Show and the local sports talk show). My guess is, WWTX has a younger demo than both WDEL or WILM, but it is a considerably smaller number overall.

I thought as WXCY, one of Delmarva's stations, does show in the Baltimore 12+ numbers, you might have had access to the Baltimore book. My mistake.
 
Mike,

In fact, I can't easily share the demographic numbers. Those are proprietary to Arbitron. My understanding is we are only permitted to disclose the 12+ numbers publicly.

But, going back to the original point, I do not use this board to brag about WDEL. I will, however, step in when I feel something about WDEL has been mischaracterized - especially when someone is "guessing" and doesn't have any facts.
 
Chris,

That's a shame about that rule with Arbitron. Don't take this personally, it's not intended as a personal shot at you, but your opinion here then isn't any more relevant than mine. Granted, you DO have access to the numbers, but as you're not allowed to disclose them publicly, you can't prove what point you are making anymore than I can. Sure you can "say" WDEL beats WILM during Rush, but by your own admission you sure aren't going to report when WILM beats WDEL possibly Watson beats Messitti. So your point of view becomes one sided as we've already expressed in an earlier post. That keeps the points you want to make from being more believeable and thus you DO come across like you're bragging about your station (which was why I didn't post comments about WILM while I worked there, I posted about other topics, because I knew my comments would be one sided when mentioning WILM so I didn't indulge).

You come across a bit like Holland Cooke, who himself has said on these boards, if he's working with a station that carries Rush, he'll say Rush is the best, if the station does not carry Rush, he'll say something negative about Rush and sell that station on a counter programming idea, either way he makes money (that's a paraphrase, but does reflect what he has actually said). So that, for me, makes Mr. Cooke's opinion not very valid as he'll say whatever the person wants to hear or whatever he needs to say to make a sale (sort of like a politician). So even though I know you'd never admit to any time when WILM beats out WDEL, and I understand why (I've been in that spot before, as a WILM employee, so I do understand), it does make your view one sided so basically you will come across like a cheerleader for WDEL, because you only comment when you think someone didn't give WDEL enough cudos for whatever we're discussing, thus making you come across like you are bragging about your station. Again, nothing personal intended, but you can't have it both ways. Either you are being objective in your comments or you are being one sided only pointing out where WDEL looks good.

I don't know you personally as I do Allan Loudell and Mark Fowser. Their word I trust as I have worked with and have spent much time talking with both men. This isn't meant to be personal, but it comes out that way, I'm sorry. I think on this issue sir, you and I will have to agree to disagree. You'll make your postings about whatever point you want to be clearified about WDEL, and I'll continue to have a bit of skepticism about just how accurate your point of view is in this regard.

I think WDEL puts out a very good product. I applaud Delmarva for having all the live and local talent both in the newsroom and as talk show hosts, in today's broadcast world it's a gutsy move (which was why I asked about WBAL vs WCBM). I do hope it works out well for WDEL (Wilmington has so few radio stations that I don't want to hear of any going silent). I know many of the people there, all of those I've worked with (some at WILM, others at WNRK and WNNN years ago, but all are gifted broadcasters and do an excellent job. Even though I do have a loyalty to WILM, I do wish both stations (WDEL and WILM) much success.

To get this back to an actual radio subject, I'm assuming that WDEL will be airing the ESPN radio World Series coverage as only WPHT (the Phillies flagship station) is allowed to air the Phillies Radio Network coverage of the series, the affiliates can only air ESPN radio's coverage.
 
Yes, WDEL will be airing ESPN radio coverage, and we're not happy about it - that's a fact, not opinion.
 
I can understand WDEL's feelings on this. It makes no sense to me that only WPHT gets to air the local Phillies network broadcast of the World Series and all the other affiliates including WDEL get stuck with the ESPN radio coverage. This is the same thing for Yankees radio listeners too. Only their flagship gets to carry their Yankee's network broadcast. Somehow seems unfair to both Phillies and Yankee fans. I can understand, other markets outside of the Phillies network or outside of the Yankee's network carrying ESPN as they didn't carry the Phillies or the Yankees during the regular season.

Does anyone here know how or why this rule was put into place? However, the ESPN radio coverage will be better than no coverage.
 
Got to remember that Chris Walus was the GM at WDSD in their big number days. Hope he can get things rolling there again.

Mike, WDEL is a 4 tower system, don't know if they ever got the CP going for 10 kw days/5 kw nights. WDOV is 5000 watts daytime using 3 towers and 5000 watts with all 4 towers during the day.
 
Personally, I think WDEL is sounding okay these days. My one gripe is why are they spending so much time with Philadelphia traffic? Robin Bryson spends half his traffic time reporting on the Blue Route or on I-95 near the airport. I know there is a lot of commuter traffic between Wilmington and Philly, but if I want Philly traffic, I go to KYW. I worked for a while on the traffic team at WDEL in the late 90s and back then, we concentrated on New Castle County, with only occasional mentions of Philly.

And I don't understand some suggestions I've read about changing WDSD away from country. WDSD has been country since forever (at least back to the late 70s as I can remember). Granted, their format needs improvement- more classic country, and not just on Saturday nights!
 
I can understand why WDEL does add Philly traffic to their traffic report as they don't want you to leave and tune to KYW for Philly traffic. Delmarva does a similar thing with their Country station WXCY in Havre de Grace. They provide the interstate/tunnel info for Baltimore, Philly interstate/Sckullkill espressway data, and New Castle County traffic. Again, why would they want someone to switch to WBAL in Baltimore or KYW in Philly. So I'd have to disagree with you, I think WDEL and WXCY made a smart move.

I'd agree that WDSD had a great country past and when I want country music, I tend to tune in to WDSD more often than WXCY. I also agree WDSD should play more classic country during the week mixed in with the top 40 country hits. Also do a live and local AM drive show. The other important thing WDSD needs to do is have more billboard advertising promoting their country music.
 
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