Exultant! Radio Has Been Saved! Hallelujah!

[Element9]

Bow down all ye surfs, all ye Clear Channel knaves who have been displaced and cast aside, for your talent and work pale in comparison to exposure on American Idol. Clear Channel has saved the day. Now radio shall rise up and prosper. God bless us, every one.

Clear Channel gets even more of Ryan Seacrest.This was a renewal John Hogan simply had to get - Seacrest is the linchpin of top-rated and top-billing CHR KIIS-FM, Los Angeles, the star of the syndicated daily "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" that airs on many Clear Channel (and other) stations, and the anchor of Premiere's weekly "American Top 40." So is $60 million over the next three years worth it to Hogan? You bet. The New York Times reports the expanded contract goes beyond just the Pentagon-size numbers. (Seacrest's expiring three-year deal is worth perhaps $35 million.) Seacrest will help CC develop new on-air and digital content. He'll joint-venture with Clear Channel for a potential new "record label, music publishing business and live concert series", says the Times. (Don't you see echoes of Dick Clark's career here? Seacrest has studied the hero of "American Bandstand.") And the highly entrepreneurial Seacrest has the rights to sell some advertising in his shows and (says the Times) to "embed his own marketing partners into the programming."

 

[SirRoxalot]

Seacrest gets another $25-million. I wonder how many people Clear Channel will cut to pay for him?

 

[heydaybegone]

And here are the items that AREN'T going to happen within the confines of the contract....so don't get excited ;D

Seacrest will help CC develop new on-air and digital content

highly entrepreneurial Seacrest has the rights to sell some advertising in his shows

embed his own marketing partners into the programming."

The paycheck is fine...why work for more? (others will do it for him)

HDBG

Note: Well OK...his marketing partners may show...like Scope ???

 

[heydaybegone]

And may I also note....
Seacrest is NOT the saving grace of Radio....(enter your own opinions here)

Christmas is 25 days away....we wish you a merry christmas...

HDBG

 

[SRP]

Bow down all ye surfs, all ye Clear Channel knaves who have been displaced and cast aside, for your talent and work pale in comparison to exposure on American Idol. Clear Channel has saved the day. Now radio shall rise up and prosper. God bless us, every one.

Seacrest gets another $25-million. I wonder how many people Clear Channel will cut to pay for him?

Boy, you two are a couple of rays of sunshine! You remind me of the old men I used to see at the VFW post grumbling about how the "good ol' days" were great while the white-haired organist belts out "Lady of Spain".

 

[Nick Gerard]

I'm not really a Seacrest fan myself, however, in an interview with Oprah several months ago he said the following which ratcheted him up 100 percent on my respect meter:

"I knew I could control one thing, and that is my time and my hours and my effort and my efficiency," he says. "I would get up and go to high school. After high school, I would play sports—not great at them—but I would play sports, and then I would go to a radio station and intern until midnight at night and then get up and do it again."

I wish I'd had that kind of insight into what I could control earlier in my own career. It's so obvious, I wonder how I missed it. Bravo to Ryan Seacrest for recognizing it so early on.

Nick Seneca

 

[SirRoxalot]

SRP, YOU talk about POSITIVE? Most of what we hear from you are personal attacks, not additions to the discussion. How about expressing thoughts on IDEAS, not people. If you think that the Seacrest deal is good for radio in general, and Clear Channel in particular, spit it out, and tell us why. Otherwise, you're just another guy at the VFW bitchin' about "those old guys at the bar".

 

[JustPastBuffalo]

I'm not really a Seacrest fan myself, however, in an interview with Oprah several months ago he said the following which ratcheted him up 100 percent on my respect meter:

"I knew I could control one thing, and that is my time and my hours and my effort and my efficiency," he says. "I would get up and go to high school. After high school, I would play sports—not great at them—but I would play sports, and then I would go to a radio station and intern until midnight at night and then get up and do it again."

I wish I'd had that kind of insight into what I could control earlier in my own career. It's so obvious, I wonder how I missed it. Bravo to Ryan Seacrest for recognizing it so early on.

Nick Seneca

Gee, I wonder if he spent any time studying? Seacrest's diligence aside, plenty of radio people have worked just as hard, not to be as lucky and as generously rewarded.

Given equal talent (and in Seacrest's case, good looks) luck has a lot to do with success, as do hype, ego and shameless self-promotion. Seems everybody is a brand these days. And being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right people have benefited more than a few of us by way of a friend might have been our advocate or pointed us in the direction of a job.

You wonder if any of these showbiz heavyweights in their quieter hours ever ponder the question, "How the did I get here? Man, even with all my hard work, I am one lucky SOB!"

Given today's news that Seacrest will be a Clear Channel "spokeman," he's likely to be one of the many front men for the company, joining Bob Pittman in the PR trenches and shucking on Wall Street.

SirRox's speculation about job cuts at Clear Channel can't be dismissed, especially in light of rumors that arose last month pointing to the possibility of another round of layoffs, most of which were expected to come in the company's "back office." In today's environment, a lost job is a tragedy whether it's a bookkeeper, traffic person or PM drive jock. It's especially egregious (IMHO) when a guy (or woman) makes $60 million while thirty people who made $60 thousand are put out on the street.

When all's said and done, Seacrest appears to be America's next Howard Stern, albeit a younger, cleaner version with an equally high if not greater profile. Hence, the $60 million. It may not be right, but it is what it is. Them whats got, gets. God bless the child who's got his own.

 

[SRP]

SRP, YOU talk about POSITIVE? Most of what we hear from you are personal attacks, not additions to the discussion. How about expressing thoughts on IDEAS, not people. If you think that the Seacrest deal is good for radio in general, and Clear Channel in particular, spit it out, and tell us why. Otherwise, you're just another guy at the VFW bitchin' about "those old guys at the bar".

OK, since you asked:

1. It's a great deal for Seacrest for obvious reasons.
2. It's a great deal for CC because Seacrest will drive not only terrestrial radio but - along with Bob Pittman - develop new ways for CC's stations to reach listeners outside of AM & FM signals. Ever hear of Pandora?
3. Finally - it's a great deal for radio because a major player has decided to INVEST IN TALENT. Isn't everybody these days saying radio doesn't do that anymore?

As to your "personal attack" assertion - all I can say is pot, meet kettle.

When all's said and done, Seacrest appears to be America's next Howard Stern, albeit a younger, cleaner version with an equally high if not greater profile.

More like America's next Dick Clark - which is especially fitting considering Seacrest has all but inherited "New Years Rockin' Eve" from Mr. Clark.

 

[Debaser]

SRP, YOU talk about POSITIVE? Most of what we hear from you are personal attacks, not additions to the discussion. How about expressing thoughts on IDEAS, not people. If you think that the Seacrest deal is good for radio in general, and Clear Channel in particular, spit it out, and tell us why. Otherwise, you're just another guy at the VFW bitchin' about "those old guys at the bar".

*like*

 

[chas108]

Finally - it's a great deal for radio because a major player has decided to INVEST IN TALENT. Isn't everybody these days saying radio doesn't do that anymore?

Sorry...I disagree. A major player has decided to invest in ONE talent, syndicated nationwide. If CC had decided to invest $60 million in developing compelling LOCAL content, then that would be something to celebrate.

Music Radio is in a sad but unnecessary place...where compelling local talent is rarely being inspired much less developed. The few stations that make the investment are starting to reap the rewards. Over time they will differentiate themselves by their success. Yes, new ways must be developed to reach an audience outside AM/FM...web content, podcasts, apps etc. I just don't see where the best digital content will ever compensate for a mediocre air product. And Ryan Seacrest distilled for national consumption just strikes me as mediocre.

SirRox's speculation about job cuts at Clear Channel can't be dismissed, especially in light of rumors that arose last month pointing to the possibility of another round of layoffs, most of which were expected to come in the company's "back office." In today's environment, a lost job is a tragedy whether it's a bookkeeper, traffic person or PM drive jock. It's especially egregious (IMHO) when a guy (or woman) makes $60 million while thirty people who made $60 thousand are put out on the street.

Well put Jim and SirRox. CC can talk "back office cuts" all they want...that's just another job an already overburdened "front office" is going to have to take on.

There comes a point where the effort to eliminate inefficiency only creates new inefficiencies. I believe that's where Clear Channel finds themselves.

 

[TheBigA]

Sorry...I disagree. A major player has decided to invest in ONE talent, syndicated nationwide. If CC had decided to invest $60 million in developing compelling LOCAL content, then that would be something to celebrate.

First of all, I'd venture to say the total CC talent budget is greater than $60 million. Ryan was the one who invested in developing his talent, not some company. He invested in himself, and it is paying off. Everyone in radio can learn from that. If you sit on your butt waiting for your employer to pay you what you think you deserve, you'll always be disappointed. And as the US education system proves every day, you can't spend your way to compelling local talent. The only thing the money does is temporarily prevent a competitor from stealing him.

You can spend and spend on developing local talent, but if the audience doesn't want it, or prefers to play the negative reality TV game where it votes off people they don't like, you're wasting your time. And that seems to be where we are now. People have their "favorites." You can't develop talent just as a record label can't teach someone how to be an entertainer. People either like you or they don't.

Keep in mind that Ryan IS a local talent in LA, PLUS he's a syndicated talent. His deal is pretty unique compared to other high priced folks like Rush, Imus, and Hannity.

 

[Yeziknoradio]

I'm viewing this as Clear Channel getting out of the radio business and into the content provider business.

 

[Philip_Airtime]

You wonder if any of these showbiz heavyweights in their quieter hours ever ponder the question, "How the did I get here? Man, even with all my hard work, I am one lucky SOB!"

That's a great point, Jim. I often wonder if Rush Limbaugh has this thought. Here was this run-of-the-mill 1970s Top 40 disc jockey, who floated from one job to another. He was like any other talent of that time period. But then in 1988, Rush launches a syndicated, nationwide talk show and a star is born. Why Rush and not someone else? Was it being in the right place at the right time? Yes, I'm sure he works hard. He's a very talented broadcaster. He knows how to do a top notch talk radio program. But there are so many others out there like him. Yet, Rush is a national star, at the top of his profession. There has to be a bit of luck associated with it. Anyway, thanks for a thoughtful post.

As to this thread, I always wonder how Ryan Seacrest fits all of his commitments into a 24 hour day -- a daily radio show, a weekly radio show, American Idol and whatever else he does. It makes me tired just thinking about it. I would think he has a tremendous support staff that allows him to do what he does!

 

[TheBigA]

As to this thread, I always wonder how Ryan Seacrest fits all of his commitments into a 24 hour day -- a daily radio show, a weekly radio show, American Idol and whatever else he does. It makes me tired just thinking about it. I would think he has a tremendous support staff that allows him to do what he does!

That's where some of the money goes. The name Dick Clark has come up in this thread, and I had a chance to attend a seminar a long time ago where he talked about his career. He started dick clark productions over 40 years ago, and began hiring his own staff of writers, producers, engineers, publicists, and everything else. All of these top talents are simply the tip of the iceberg. That's often what people do once they get money...they spend it, quite often on staff who can help them get the job done.

 

[SRP]

I'm viewing this as Clear Channel getting out of the radio business and into the content provider business.

You'd be wrong.

They're ADDING to their radio business, not getting out of it. Like any smart company does.

 

[SirRoxalot]

It's pretty clear that with the addition of Pittman, and the extension of duties in Seacrest's contract, that Clear Channel is expanding in the content provider business. That's far from the dumbest move that a radio company can make at this point.

Let's face it, the winds of change are blowing in the delivery of entertainment - both in audio and video. Any smart company would do well to invest in talent - and not just national talent. Interestingly, Apple is making it more difficult for local stations to create iPhone apps and make them available through iTunes. Steve Jobs is very protective of any potential revenue stream, and doesn't like any potential competition that he can't directly control. I'm sure that he'd love to extract some money from local stations who create iPhone apps.

 

[JustPastBuffalo]

You can spend and spend on developing local talent, but if the audience doesn't want it, or prefers to play the negative reality TV game where it votes off people they don't like, you're wasting your time. And that seems to be where we are now. People have their "favorites." You can't develop talent just as a record label can't teach someone how to be an entertainer. People either like you or they don't. Keep in mind that Ryan IS a local talent in LA, PLUS he's a syndicated talent. His deal is pretty unique compared to other high priced folks like Rush, Imus, and Hannity.

Stimulating thread we have here, with good observations. As to the local talent angle, Buffalo is so unique, having an abundance (although fewer as a result of cutbacks) of people on the radio who are "from here." To a large extent, this applies to TV as well. "Irv, Tom and Rick," Irv Weinstein, Tom Joles and Rick Azar, the three amigos who reigned on Channel 7 for... what? easily two decades? There's Channel 2's Kevin O'Connell, former Buffalo radio guy turned local TV weatherman, then LA weatherman and later returning to his roots here. Maria Genero is another radio-to-TV-Buffalo-to-major-market-back-to-Buffalo personality.

I was about to write that Buffalo is unlike any other market in America when it comes to the number of local people on the air, but I suspect somebody from Cleveland or Milwaukee would offer the same or at least put up good argument.

Seacrest may be "local to LA" and that's a tribute to him, especially in Market #2. And as to Buffalonians in the majors, there are those Western New Yorkers who moved on to bigger things, most notably Randy Michaels and Tom Langmyer each a WGR alumnus, the late Rod Roddy, Jefferson Kaye and numerous others.

But consider the men and women who've stayed in Buffalo and those who returned to carve their names on the Buffalo radio tree. Janet Snyder started in Buffalo and later moved to Z-100 New York. She came home to Buffalo and has anchored mornings at Kiss for decades. Beach, Bauerle and John Zak at WBEN; Norton, John "JP" Piccilo, recently re-hired Slick Tom and Russo at 97 Rock. Clay Moden has become a morning institution at WYRK. Bill Lacy for years at WBEN now at WHTT; and guys like Al Wallack and Mark Scott with Mark Wozniak, mainstays at WNED and WBFO respectively. Joe Chille has been with WJYE for at least 30 years (rumor is he came with the transmitter) and as is often noted, Roger Christian has been a fixture at 102.5 through three sets of call letters. I haven't even mentioned the weekend jocks. It's amazing.

Rochester posters will no doubt note the same instances in that market.

The preponderance of good local talent may be the reason many of us on these boards so fervently argue the value of and preference for "live and local" talent. Very likely, it's in our DNA.

There's another thing about Buffalo radio stations... so many of them sound "so damn Buffalo." Consultant Fred Jacobs once remarked that he enjoyed coming to Buffalo to listen to radio because the stations here had a certain character and sounded unlike those he heard in so many other markets. It was a compliment.

 

[cee]

Gee, I wonder if he spent any time studying? Seacrest's diligence aside, plenty of radio people have worked just as hard, not to be as lucky and as generously rewarded.

Good points here. But kids, seriously --- if you don't study, figuring show biz is your future life, you're engaging in a Vegas style gamble. And yes, many people have worked hard and it didn't pay off. Hard work is BUT one important factor.

Jim, as to your last post where you mention all the Buffalo mainstays still working after all these years. I notice, of course, your name cannot be put on that list - why? Answer is radio sucks and there's no rhyme or reason why some top talents are never unemployed and a consummate pro like yourself is no longer actively working in the business(not to mention many other talented people, some who might be reading this). Of course, it's like that in other businesses too. Times are changing - and for the worst. Lots of good men and women lose their careers and there just aren't enough jobs out there and then that's it. They just hustle to keep the wolves from their door.

I, for one, won't be shamed for one nanosecond into buying into this All American work ethic, pick yourself up off your bootstraps cause there's plenty of opportunities in this great nation of ours crap. Uh, 1966 called - it wants it's bromide back. Thinking that those of us shown the door have nobody to blame but ourselves is just a disconnect from reality(and perhaps some braggadocio from the more fortunate among us). I'll wager most of the ex radio folks reading this put their heart and souls into their former careers. Not enough? What? Were we supposed to work in our every waking hour and possibly train ourselves to work in our sleep?

 

[chas108]

The preponderance of good local talent may be the reason many of us on these boards so fervently argue the value of and preference for "live and local" talent. Very likely, it's in our DNA.

There's another thing about Buffalo radio stations... so many of them sound "so damn Buffalo." Consultant Fred Jacobs once remarked that he enjoyed coming to Buffalo to listen to radio because the stations here had a certain character and sounded unlike those he heard in so many other markets. It was a compliment.

This Pittsburgher enjoys driving thru Buffalo and hearing, in particular, Kiss and 'YRK. (Then again my background is Top 40 and Country)

I think DB once noted that the proximity to, and influence of Canada may be a factor in your continued talent level. Also, I really admire the people who've stuck around Buffalo as your market rank has collapsed from Top 20 back in the 60's to #53 today. I know Syracuse is much smaller, but 25-30 years ago there was some great radio going on there...today when I go to CNY it's an entertainment ghetto that validates every allegation people like Jerry DelColliano make about the death of the medium. From my limited perspective, I get the impression that many medium and even larger markets are more like Syracuse than Buffalo.

As for Buffalo TV...Christmas 1993 I was caught in a whiteout on the Thruway at Fredonia and had to take refuge in the local Kmart. So we wander back to the TV aisle and what do I see but Tom Joles on Channel 7 doing a weather cut-in? Talk about a flashback to when I lived 1968-70 in Niagara Falls Ont, and Irv, Rick and Tom were my parents' choice. (Not to mention Tom's role as Commander Tom on Rocketship 7, as I was in 7th grade at the time.)

Anyway I'd love to see some People Using Radio percentages crunched between markets like Buffalo vs markets where VT/liner cards are more the norm.