Drudge: AAR down 1/3 in NYC

[fred flintstone]

Matt Drudge is out with the following:

Meanwhile, the just released radio Winter Book [Jan-Mar 2006] from ARBITRON shows AIR AMERICA in New York City losing more than a third of its audience -- in the past year!Among all listeners 12+, it was a race to the bottom for AIR AMERICA and WLIB as mid-days went from a 1.6 share during winter 2005 to a 1.0 share winter 2006. (You can see the report with Arbitron numbers on Drudge's website. He is claiming a 37.5% drop or a loss of 6/10th of a share point.)During PM drive, host Randi Rhodes plunged to 27,900 listeners every quarter hour, finishing 25th place in her time slot, down from 60,900 listeners every quarter hour in the fall.A network source says the radio ratings released today do not reflect the overall growth of the broadcast."The demos are better, and listeners trust AIR AMERICA to give them the real truth on issues and the Bush presidency," says the insider.

Note: The Winter book is not "just released." It is released at 5pm today. Mr. Drudge has demonstrated his journalistic ethics by breaking an embargo. And later today, we will get to see how well he does in the accuracy in reporting department.Meanwhile, "Dan" on the New York Radio Message Board refutes AAR's claim that they did well in the demos:

In 12+ they lost half their audience, dropping to a 0.8, from a 1.4 (A 42.86% drop of 6/10th of a share point. Dan's numbers are different from Matt's.)In 25-54, it was even worse. They dropped to a 0.7 from a 1.5. (A 53.33% drop of 8/10th of a share point.)In middays, Franken took a massive drop in 25-54, to a 1.0, down from a 2.1. (Down 52.3% or a drop of one and 1/10 share points.)Randi Rhodes ratings were a total disaster. Especially in 25-54, where she plunged to a 0.9, down from a 1.9 (A drop of 52.63% or a full share point)

If true, very curious. WLIB showed some improvement in the last NYC book. Their their 1st and 2nd Phase Trends numbers appeared to have been holding steady from the Fall. We shall see.

 

[JoshC]

Drudge has always broken embargoes. That's nothing new... and he's even stated on his show that he really doesn't care about embargoes at all. As far as accuracy... well, your more recent post proved he was right about the downturn, although his source underestimated it.The problem with Air America has simply been an issue of content. What's entertaining about hearing gunshots fired at sitting presidents and insults being thrown every which way? If I want to be depressed, I can think of ways to get to that state of mind that are a lot easier to handle than listening to that dreck.

 

[fred flintstone]

The problem with Air America has simply been an issue of content. What's entertaining about hearing gunshots fired at sitting presidents and insults being thrown every which way? If I want to be depressed, I can think of ways to get to that state of mind that are a lot easier to handle than listening to that dreck.

I think you've put your finger on a big part of their problem historically, although there has been improvement. Al needs to stay in front of live audiences. Randi needs a new producer, needs better treatment from management so: (1) she will be happy and (2) start focusing more on doing a good radio and less on kvetching, scoring debating points, taking cheap shots and influencing the next election.

 

[jcolletta275]

Good points. Another thing that would help is bring some other well-known names into the network's lineup. I don't know how competitive they can be with other networks, progressive or otherwise, in terms of pay, but if they can coax some prominent hosts their way, it might be to their benefit.

 

[dampier]

The problem with Air America has simply been an issue of content. What's entertaining about hearing gunshots fired at sitting presidents and insults being thrown every which way? If I want to be depressed, I can think of ways to get to that state of mind that are a lot easier to handle than listening to that dreck.

Oh yeah, because listening to Savage flick his Bic to light Mexican flags on fire, to Glenn Beck saying he's sick of the 9/11 families, and the religitalk from days gone by about how Clinton was a murderer was so much MORE entertaining.You never hear insults on right wing talk.... Spare me.

 

[jcolletta275]

I didn't say that you didn't hear insults on right-wing talk shows. I can't stand Savage (although, at this point, I certainly don't mind him burning Mexican flags)... something I know I've pointed out to you and others here before. I also disagree with Beck on a variety of issues (although I find him quite entertaining at times). I also can't stand religious talk programs. We on the right certainly have our share of whackjobs.My point was that at Air America, all the hosts on the network seem to have a propensity for insults and mean-spirited bits. That isn't entertaining, it's just sick. Just as what those on the right who do the same thing is.

 

[kaysguy]

Matt Drudge is out with the following:And later today, we will get to see how well he does in the accuracy in reporting department.

Turns out he was accurate about it. AA is down everywhere, with negligible ratings in Minneapolis and DC and sinking in all markets EXCEPT Seattle and Portland.

 

[fred flintstone]

Turns out (Drudge) was accurate about it. AA is down everywhere, with negligible ratings in Minneapolis and DC and sinking in all markets EXCEPT Seattle and Portland.

No, Drudge was not accurate. He was right that WLIB's numbers are down but his numbers and percentages were wrong.And if you don't like progressive talk, for whatever reason, feel free to say so but don't make stuff up. Check your facts; maintain credibility.Progressive talk stations (in the top 25 markets) are UP OR UNCHANGED in Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Boston (compared to the Fall Book) and in San Francisco, Miami, Minneapolis, San Diego and Nassau-Suffolk (compared to the same rating period one year ago). I notice you chose to respond to an earlier thread, not a later thread which had accurate numbers for WLIB (not Drudge's guesstimates). You should also be aware that except for New York, all stations which carry programming from Air America Radio are owned and operated by Clear Channel, CBS Radio and other smaller companies. Weekdays between 6 am and 6 pm (four dayparts), most of the stations referred to above carry two programs from AAR, and two programs either local or from Jones Radio. Since you don't have breakdowns for individual shows or dayparts, it is not possible for you to say "AA" (initials which refer to an airline or a 12-step program, not a progressive talk radio network) is down. Be thankful I saw your post before Phil did (and really took it apart).

 

[FullMentalJackpot]

Turns out (Drudge) was accurate about it. AA is down everywhere, with negligible ratings in Minneapolis and DC and sinking in all markets EXCEPT Seattle and Portland.

No, Drudge was not accurate. He was right that WLIB's numbers are down but his numbers and percentages were wrong.And if you don't like progressive talk, for whatever reason, feel free to say so but don't make stuff up. Check your facts; maintain credibility.Progressive talk stations (in the top 25 markets) are UP OR UNCHANGED in Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Boston (compared to the Fall Book) and in San Francisco, Miami, Minneapolis, San Diego and Nassau-Suffolk (compared to the same rating period one year ago). I notice you chose to respond to an earlier thread, not a later thread which had accurate numbers for WLIB (not Drudge's guesstimates). You should also be aware that except for New York, all stations which carry programming from Air America Radio are owned and operated by Clear Channel, CBS Radio and other smaller companies. Weekdays between 6 am and 6 pm (four dayparts), most of the stations referred to above carry two programs from AAR, and two programs either local or from Jones Radio. Since you don't have breakdowns for individual shows or dayparts, it is not possible for you to say "AA" (initials which refer to an airline or a 12-step program, not a progressive talk radio network) is down. Be thankful I saw your post before Phil did (and really took it apart).

I'm a resident of new orleans and have been listening to radio for a long time. When we got Air america here i'll admit i wasn't to happy about it but it is preferable to some of the other local crap, and the constant sports blitzkrieg i'm encapsulated by. I've never had the impulse to try to understand teh ratings system or figure out how to navigate or interpret arbitron's main site. I must say this ratings situation is getting completely ridiculous.When i turn on fox news o reilly says every few months that air america is on it's death bed. When i go to the left-wing sites they say this is fallacious and AARis even beating rush, and making money. I havn't found the right link to view my local AAR wsmb ratings on the arbitron site. What is going on? where is the objective information. Ratings are either up or down. Why the sea-saw phenominon. Are the ratings data really that difficult to interpret that two politically incompatable parties can spin it one favorably or unfavorably for AAR ? Or is it as simple as seeing a + and knowing they are doing good or a - and realizing their days are numbered without a cash infusion ?

 

[fred flintstone]

Because of Katrina, no ratings have been published for New Orleans since last summer. On the plus side, WSMB, the progressive talk staton in New Orleans is owned by Entercom. That means is sold to advertisers as part of package or even given away to advertisers who buy time on the company's other stations. Even when progressive talk stations don't do that well on their own, they can round out a sales package.

 

[FullMentalJackpot]

Because of Katrina, no ratings have been published for New Orleans since last summer. On the plus side, WSMB, the progressive talk staton in New Orleans is owned by Entercom. That means is sold to advertisers as part of package or even given away to advertisers who buy time on the company's other stations. Even when progressive talk stations don't do that well on their own, they can round out a sales package.

what about national averages ? is the channel in trouble ? competators and right wing sites seem to be of the consensus yes. AAR and Left wing sites will assert it's doing better then Rush. Is there an objective way to look at the numbers ?

 

[fred flintstone]

Arbitron data is for ADVERTISERS - not for bloggers or talk show hosts. Ratings don't matter. Making money matters. Claims have been made that certain AAR hosts have done better than certain better-known conservative hosts in specific demographic segments in certain markets. For example, AAR claims Randi Rhodes did better than Sean Hannity among men 25 to 54 in the New York market Fall book. Men 25 to 54 is a segment many advertisers will pay a premium to reach.If you are looking at numbers trying to answer the question "is AAR in trouble," then there is no objective way. You can find evidence - none of it very relevant in the real world - for whatever you want to prove.If you want a better indicator of AAR's health, listen to the spots. AAR shows have four spot breaks an hour. If you hear promotional announcements for other programs or public service announcements, that's unsold inventory. If you hear direct response advertising (it sounds like a 60 second informercial and asks you to call an 800 number or go to a website to order) that either low-rate or maybe even per inquiry (no money up front, the network/station gets a commission for each order). That's not a good sign.Bottom line: The company is ill-managed. Some shows do well; some do not. They have reportedly gone back to their "backers" for infusions of cash; not a good sign. They have demonstrated progressive talk is a viable format. Progressive talk radio, the format, will likely continue whatever happens to AAR, the company. Some current AAR hosts will probably be around a while, whatever happens to AAR, the company. But at some point, there will be a shake-out.

 

[dampier]

I'm a resident of new orleans and have been listening to radio for a long time. When we got Air america here i'll admit i wasn't to happy about it but it is preferable to some of the other local crap

Why would you be unhappy to have a different format radio station in your city? I never understand that thinking. I think among some right wingers (not you specifically) there is this great fear that libtalk stations will somehow ruin them by convincing people the talking points they hear on right wing talk in defending the party in power are lies and convert them to Democrats. That has to be the only reason. I don't listen to conservative talk stations, but the fact they exist doesn't bother me or make me unhappy.

I must say this ratings situation is getting completely ridiculous.When i turn on fox news o reilly says every few months that air america is on it's death bed. When i go to the left-wing sites they say this is fallacious and AARis even beating rush, and making money.

For the record, O'Reilly has predicted the imminent demise not less than 20 times on his programs, starting in 2004. He did it again last week. It is part of the Franken/O'Reilly fued. Typically O'Reilly brings on Brian Maloney, a failed right wing talk show host who has a certifiable obsession with AAR. They call him an "independent analyst" which is a joke, and often he brings his "sponsor" Michelle Malkin on with him. You then get baffled by the BS.AAR is doing okay with some shows, not well with others. Most stations are dumping the lower rated AAR shows, while maintaining affiliation, and replacing them with stuff from Jones (Stephanie Miller/Ed Schultz), WOR (Lionel), or local talk. AAR the company is trying to enter a business that is not easy to break into. Conservative talk has the conventional wisdom of being successful, so even low-rent me-too's will get a shot, while libtalkers have to usually fight their way on. I can't think of more than one or two conservative talk stations that will give a slot to a libtalker, so they have had to create a 24/7 format so a station can program it as all libtalk. That is not easy to do.In the end, I think there will be a libtalk format, and it will be filled with a variety of shows from different sources.

I havn't found the right link to view my local AAR wsmb ratings on the arbitron site. What is going on? where is the objective information. Ratings are either up or down. Why the sea-saw phenominon. Are the ratings data really that difficult to interpret that two politically incompatable parties can spin it one favorably or unfavorably for AAR ? Or is it as simple as seeing a + and knowing they are doing good or a - and realizing their days are numbered without a cash infusion ?

Talk radio ratings are jumping all over the place lately. Suddenly ratings will jump and then fall, and then return to where they were before. I don't know why.As far as New Orleans goes, Randi Rhodes spends a lot of time talking about Katrina. She is still raising money to build Habitat Houses for displaced residents down there.

 

[fred flintstone]

Why would you be unhappy to have a different format radio station in your city? I never understand that thinking.

Me neither. Apparently live-and-let-live and different strokes are alien concepts for a lot of people in this country. If I don't like something, I don't listen to/watch/read it. Some people's mantra seems to be if I don't like it, you can't listen to/watch/read it. There's that lawyer in Florida who spent his mornings listening to Howard Stern so he could make complaints to the FCC. There's that preacher in Mississippi who organizes protests and boycotts whenever he sees something contrary to his idea of "family values." There's the whole politically correct crowd who want to stamp out anything that anybody, anywhere could possibly be offended by (as Steve Allen once pointed out, you can't be funny without offending SOMEBODY). We have the occasional brouhaha on various local boards who think the music they don't like shouldn't be on the radio (dance music, rock, rap, hip-hop, whatever). There is a self-righteous streak in the American character, probably derived from religion, which compells some people to seek to shove their own viewpoints and preferences down the throats of others.. And as a result we have people who want talk shows they don't listen to - possibly have never listened to - not to exist.

 

[FullMentalJackpot]

It's a fair question about my disapointment. I failed to mention the exact topography of radio we have here, or had. At one point in time we had 3 stations. They were mostly saturated with right wing talk like hannity, and rush. The more interesting shows were more controversial, like o reilly who i enjoy because of his constantly changing format. Dr. laura, who was more entertainment then anything(essentially like watching a train wreck happening). I disagree with both hosts on many issues, more so with dr. laura. On other issues i agree with these hosts. When air america came along both these shows were erradicated and i got franken and all them. Needless to say i did not enjoy his format at all. However my alternatives were few and far between. i got to pick betwwen the sycophantic Sean hannity show, where female callers tell sean how wonderfull he is for what seems like an eternity or Rush who is a obvious shill for the republican party. Other options were local shows that are so insanely boring and focus to much on local politics. Now all i have is Neil Boortz. I find myself even listening to micheal savage and lauging at his insanity. That's about the extent i can listen to. For whatever reason producers have ellected to have a "food show". Yes we have a 3 hour radio show about food. Then at around 6 to 7 all the stations sync up and do sports. completely neutralizing any entertainment value the radio could provide. 3 radio stations simultaneously playing minor league baseball games or discussion about the saints team. I don't know how many microseconds i could sustain a show discussing the implications of keeping Donovan McNabb or trading him, yes they actually discuss stuff like this.I find myself listening to AAR often enough. It's better then most of the stuff we have. there is , however only so long i can tolerate a discussion of bush lieing or bush looking like a simeian(sp?). I wish AAR could have taken over rushes and hannities spot, and eliminated a few local shows.

 

[fred flintstone]

Sorry for misunderstanding your point. You are one of the few people I've run into here who listens to such a diversity of talk radio programming - including hosts with whom you disagree.As far as the stations AAR signs up, beggars can't be choosers.

 

[FullMentalJackpot]

Heck i even listen to some that offend me. Dr. laura probably being the most offensive show i've ever listened to.

 

[jcolletta275]

Dr. laura probably being the most offensive show i've ever listened to.

I'll second that