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Cleveland's "JACK FM" NYC Casualty

O

OldAkronite

I almost forgot about this, but there's a Cleveland connection to the now-departed oldies format at 101.1 FM in New York City...known until this weekend as "CBS-FM":

http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=35961

That's right, the one and only Norm N. Nite had been doing a weekend radio show for WCBS-FM from the radio studios at Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Until this weekend. Needless to say, "JACK FM" has no need for an traditional oldies show from Cleveland or anywhere else.

He's quoted in this news story which I found on WKYC/3's website...he says he doesn't want to leave Cleveland (even broadcasting to NYC from it), but says he has offers from "4 major markets".

One thing he doesn't mention - there's a strong chance *some* station in the NYC market will jump to oldies as soon as tomorrow to try to fill the CBS-FM void. If it's a major FM, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to get as many of the old CBS-FM jocks as they could...including him.

-OA
 
Yes, but will they allow him to use the same method of sending his show like CBS did? Hmmmmm

My money is on 'PLJ, by the way.

> I almost forgot about this, but there's a Cleveland
> connection to the now-departed oldies format at 101.1 FM in
> New York City...known until this weekend as "CBS-FM":
>
> http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=35961
>
> That's right, the one and only Norm N. Nite had been doing a
> weekend radio show for WCBS-FM from the radio studios at
> Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Until this weekend.
> Needless to say, "JACK FM" has no need for an traditional
> oldies show from Cleveland or anywhere else.
>
> He's quoted in this news story which I found on WKYC/3's
> website...he says he doesn't want to leave Cleveland (even
> broadcasting to NYC from it), but says he has offers from "4
> major markets".
>
> One thing he doesn't mention - there's a strong chance
> *some* station in the NYC market will jump to oldies as soon
> as tomorrow to try to fill the CBS-FM void. If it's a major
> FM, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to get as many of
> the old CBS-FM jocks as they could...including him.
>
> -OA
>
 
> My money is on 'PLJ, by the way.

Perhaps, but WABC should quit treating weekends like a toxic dumping ground and put a Rewound weekend on every Sunday. I personally wouldn't find that appealing, but now that they've stooped so low as Dave Ramsey and Your Colon Cleanse, billing and listenership would have to improve.
 
>
> That's right, the one and only Norm N. Nite had been doing a
> weekend radio show for WCBS-FM from the radio studios at
> Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

BTW..This is old news to all our Akron area FM 88-9 Suday listeners.
Many were with us two weeks ago at the Rock Hall when Norm celebrated his 2nd WCBS-FM Anniversary from that location.
All this is pretty hard to believe....
esp for a station making good money in NYC...
when they left others untouched (like WNEW-FM) doing MUCH worse.

>
> He's quoted in this news story which I found on WKYC/3's
> website...he says he doesn't want to leave Cleveland (even
> broadcasting to NYC from it), but says he has offers from "4
> major markets".

...and Akron too!
OK...it was only us at the (commercial-free) Sunday Oldies Jukebox...
but hey...if Norm went with us...
he'd still not have far to drive...
be heard live by (much) of NE Ohio...
be heard by the rest of the world (on the Internet)...
plus I'm prepared to offer him 5 times MY PD salary....
OK...let's make that 100 times more....
and he need not play a single commercial....ever!
Bill
www.SundayOldiesJukebox.com
 
Could WMJI come to the rescue?

> http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=35961
>
(quote) >It means an end to the only show regularly broadcast from the Rock Hall and a career change for Norm N. Nite.

“I don’t want to leave Cleveland, but there have been four offers from major markets since Friday and I don’t want to do anything outside Cleveland,” said Nite.
(end quote)

Seems crazy that he was doing an oldies show from the Rock Hall and WMJI was not taking it. Maybe that's because CC didn't want to run a pgm that was created for Infinity. But now that Infinity is out of the picture, why doesn't CC snap it up for majic now?
 
Re: Could WMJI come to the rescue?

> > http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=35961
> >
> (quote) >It means an end to the only show regularly
> broadcast from the Rock Hall and a career change for Norm N.
> Nite.
>
> “I don’t want to leave Cleveland, but there have been four
> offers from major markets since Friday and I don’t want to
> do anything outside Cleveland,” said Nite.
> (end quote)
>
> Seems crazy that he was doing an oldies show from the Rock
> Hall and WMJI was not taking it. Maybe that's because CC
> didn't want to run a pgm that was created for Infinity. But
> now that Infinity is out of the picture, why doesn't CC snap
> it up for majic now?
>

Norm's show skews too old. But I'm sure he can tailor to WMJI's needs. His Q rating in the market is arguably as high as Lanigan's. At least among WMJI P1's. I don't know if Meg is aware of WHO Norm is since she's not "into" the oldies format.
 
Re: Could WMJI come to the rescue?

> Norm's show skews too old. But I'm sure he can tailor to
> WMJI's needs. His Q rating in the market is arguably as high
> as Lanigan's. At least among WMJI P1's. I don't know if Meg
> is aware of WHO Norm is since she's not "into" the oldies
> format.
>

But, if he's being offered to replace "Weezer" on Majic Sunday nights (*when* he's in the building--you probably know what I'm talking about), then Norm N. Nite's show doesn't skew that old: Jukebox Sunday Night is essentially the same age group.

But you're probably right--Meg probably has no clue who Norm N. Nite is.

"Mr. Music" Norm N. Nite or Weezer and Steve Goddard? Who would you pick for Sunday nights?
 
Re: Could WMJI come to the rescue?

> I don't know if Meg is aware of WHO Norm is since she's not "into" the oldies
> format.


Not into the oldies format??? Does not know who Norm N. Nite is???

Then what the f**k is she doing as PD of an oldies station?
 
Re: Could WMJI come to the rescue?

> "Mr. Music" Norm N. Nite or Weezer and Steve Goddard? Who
> would you pick for Sunday nights?
>

Meg not being "into" oldies isn't her fault. With today's consolidation many programmers oversee formats they're not familiar with. Luckily she has a VERY experienceed Music Director in Mike Ivers to assist with music and programming.

"Weezer", aka Max Heywood (real name: Dick Smith, no joke) was hired by Denny Sanders and held over by Popovich. Max's part-time wage is over $30/hour. I guarantee that. Max does have a name from his G-98 daze. But you're right, NORM N. NITE, who is solely responsible for getting the RRHOF Board of Directors to approve Cleveland as the Hall's site, not to mention is years at WMJI in the late 80's/early 90's, author of the Rock On Almanacs (I have a signed one!) AND the fact he was an intern to Alan Freed (so I've heard), are just a few of the reasons WMJI should hire him. Not to mention they could "syndicate" him to some other CC oldies stations...the one's that are left, for shows as well. He could still do the show from the RRHOF, run it thru WMJI, and out to the other stations. WMJI could make some money from non-CC stations for affiliate fees. Maybe even track down the "Queen of the Hop, Megan Clemson?

Hiring Norm for WMJI would be a slam dunk for Saturday and/or Sunday nights. <P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by bigwoody on 06/08/05 07:09 PM.</FONT></P>
 
Re: Could WMJI come to the rescue?

>
> Hiring Norm for WMJI would be a slam dunk for Saturday
> and/or Sunday nights.
>

That makes perfect logical common sense.

Which is exactly why Clear Channel won't do it.
 
Re: Could WMJI come to the rescue?

> Max's part-time wage is over $30/hour. I guarantee that. Max does
> have a name from his G-98 daze. But you're right, NORM N.
> NITE, who is solely responsible for getting the RRHOF Board
> of Directors to approve Cleveland as the Hall's site, not to
> mention is years at WMJI in the late 80's/early 90's, author
> of the Rock On Almanacs (I have a signed one!) AND the fact
> he was an intern to Alan Freed (so I've heard), are just a
> few of the reasons WMJI should hire him.

I agree, Norm would be great. But I have a feeling that a certain, high-strung control freak who oversees the CC programming in Cleveland would not stand for Norm's way of doing things. He knows the music, conducts interviews, and talks about the music. He tells stories. He likes to play some rarities. Everything that this certain programming executive is against on a music station.

Also, if it is true that Max Heywood is making $30 an hour for a six hour show, are you sure that Norm would put up with all of this for $180 a night before taxes? I'll guarantee you that CC will not spend a dime more for a weekend 7 to mid shift on an adult music station.
 
Re: Could WMJI come to the rescue?

> Also, if it is true that Max Heywood is making $30 an hour
> for a six hour show, are you sure that Norm would put up
> with all of this for $180 a night before taxes? I'll
> guarantee you that CC will not spend a dime more for a
> weekend 7 to mid shift on an adult music station.
>

6 hours? He's never there that long--either Saturday or Sunday. ;-) (hint-hint)
 
Norm N. Nite to WMJI? PLEASE!!!!!!!!

> I agree, Norm would be great. But I have a feeling that a
> certain, high-strung control freak who oversees the CC
> programming in Cleveland would not stand for Norm's way of
> doing things. He knows the music, conducts interviews, and
> talks about the music. He tells stories. He likes to play
> some rarities. Everything that this certain programming
> executive is against on a music station.
>
> Also, if it is true that Max Heywood is making $30 an hour
> for a six hour show, are you sure that Norm would put up
> with all of this for $180 a night before taxes? I'll
> guarantee you that CC will not spend a dime more for a
> weekend 7 to mid shift on an adult music station.
>

Some may bristle at what I'm about to say...Kevin is a good programmer. That's right, I said it. He didn't get to program WNBC at a young age because he said yes ALL the time. Unlike many of his Jacor/CC counterparts who have fallen out of favor throughout the company, he's still in C-Town. He gets results. We may not agree with them...but he gets them. Now...with that said...I'm sure Kevin realizes Norm is a "slam dunk". He's been in Cleveland since 1999, he's had time to learn the history of the market. Plus, having worked in NYC, he's more than familiar with Norm who started at WCBS part-time in 1969...but for reasons we may never know he may not (or he may, who knows) agree to hire Norm.

Norm would be affordable if you give him a flat rate, then with X number of other stations paying affiliate dues, make up the rest of his fee. In Raleigh, about a year before the station flipped...and a different PD (now at WGLD) we were toying with signing Jack Armstrong, who was NOT under contract. We were going to get 10 CC stations to sign on for a Countdown show (6 said yes before my PD left) which would have added $5k per station to his deal, not to mention any station he tracked. There are ways to come up with an attractive offer. CC has the means moreso than any other company.

Most importantly, Norm can be SOLD. Clients would line up to advertise on his show(s). Guarantee it. Personality radio attracts listeners, who can hear spots. Clients like that.<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by bigwoody on 06/08/05 11:58 PM.</FONT></P>
 
Re: Could WMJI come to the rescue?

> > I don't know if Meg is aware of WHO Norm is since she's
> not "into" the oldies
> > format.
>
>
> Not into the oldies format??? Does not know who Norm N.
> Nite is???
>
> Then what the f**k is she doing as PD of an oldies station?
>

Norm predates her by well over a decade at WMJI. I can't see him rejoining Majic - if WRMR/1420 was still around, maybe he could have landed there.

Meg is the PD at WMJI, as "bigwoody" as explained in the past, because:
1) Dave Popovich was supposed to concentrate on just WMVX, with half the pay. Only he refused.
2) WMJI is so well-drilled into the consciousness of Greater Cleveland that, hell, a monkey could be PD.

As long as Lanigan stays, there's no crisis. WMJI can run itself - though we've seen the consequenses, no doubt.

- nate81<P ID="signature">______________
Nathan Obral
University Partership Representative
Student Senate
Lorain County Community College, Elyria, Ohio

http://www.lorainccc.edu</P>
 
Re: Could WMJI come to the rescue?

> 2) WMJI is so well-drilled into the consciousness of Greater
> Cleveland that, hell, a monkey could be PD.
>
> As long as Lanigan stays, there's no crisis. WMJI can run
> itself - though we've seen the consequenses, no doubt.


Simple and true. When Lanigan goes so goes the revenue, the only thing keeping the station alive (sadly). After John (and Jimmy & Chip) retires I give the station 6 months (two books) before it flips. <P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by bigwoody on 06/09/05 12:48 AM.</FONT></P>
 
Re: Norm N. Nite to WMJI? PLEASE!!!!!!!!

>
> Some may bristle at what I'm about to say...Kevin is a good
> programmer. That's right, I said it. He didn't get to
> program WNBC at a young age because he said yes ALL the
> time. Unlike many of his Jacor/CC counterparts who have
> fallen out of favor throughout the company, he's still in
> C-Town. He gets results. We may not agree with them...but he
> gets them.

It depends on what you mean by "results". So far, the only real results that he can lay claim to is inflating WTAM, some would say at the expense of WMJI and WGAR cuts--especially "service" cuts- both stations' shares falling from mid-to-late 1990s levels pretty much directly proportunate to WTAM's growth. So, this is probably the "results" that Jacor/CC wanted and this is why he stays in Cleveland. Mix and MMS are still floundering (look at MMS's terrible Winter Book) and Kiss' numbers are not outstanding. I never met the guy, so I don't know, but past and present insiders told me that the John Gorman story on him in the Free Times was dead on, and that Lanigan loved it.


Now...with that said...I'm sure Kevin realizes
> Norm is a "slam dunk". He's been in Cleveland since 1999,
> he's had time to learn the history of the market. Plus,
> having worked in NYC, he's more than familiar with Norm who
> started at WCBS part-time in 1969...but for reasons we may
> never know he may not (or he may, who knows) agree to hire
> Norm.


Once again, I hope that Norm gets on MJI. BUT, I still have my doubts
since the current local programming head has a lousy track record in dealing with unique air personalities, and Norm's musical knowledge and focus (late 50s through the 60s) is the very segement which is being de-emphasised these days due to aging demographics.


>
> Norm would be affordable if you give him a flat rate, then
> with X number of other stations paying affiliate dues, make
> up the rest of his fee.


Again, I hope you're right because I am a fan, but it seems like CC would have to go to a lot of trouble to organize a network around a guy pushing 60 or so who talks a lot (a CC no-no in music-driven shifts) and who specializes in 40-year old titles which are being phased out across the country.



<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by HHH on 06/09/05 01:37 AM.</FONT></P>
 
Bill
IF Norm accepts, even for the interim, PLEASE be sure to get the news to ALL the media in Cleve/Akron.
 
> Bill
> IF Norm accepts, even for the interim, PLEASE be sure to get
> the news to ALL the media in Cleve/Akron.
>
Oh let me tell ya Chuck...
if The Sunday Oldies Jukebox ever gets our hands on NNN...other than his occassional guest shots...
you can be assured we'll tell all who'll listen...and a bunch who won't.
If we ever were so lucky...as Johnny Burnette said...
we'd all be "Dreamin'"
BTW...I dropped by your website:
http://chuckmatthews1.voice123.com/
Good stuff....!
(I wonder if the "rest of the week" (AlterNation) could afford you)?
UB
www.SundayOldiesJukebox.com
www.WeisingerEngineering.com
 
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