Former Gov David Peterson gets Own Radio Show on WOR

[HarrytheK1]

There is absolutely no reason to believe David Paterson works for less money than Steve Malzberg.

BTW, right now, Steve's salary is zero. It doesn't get smaller than that.

 

[Rusty Muck]

WOR got rid of Malzberg, because they didn't want his politics on the station anymore.

Let's remember we really don't know why Malzberg is being replaced, only the powers that be at WOR really know that.

It could have been personal differences, money, or a new slightly direction for the station after the death of Rick Buckley.

Buckley's daughter Jennifer has been in charge of sales at WOR, and she is probably intimately aware of the problems in attracting sponsors to "angry" talk shows. Some big money sponsors don't want any association with the anger and accusations.

No doubt Paterson will have a "kinder and gentler" show. (to quote former President George Bush, the father).

That kinder and gentler show will be easier to sell. And that may be all there is to it.

That's all well and good, I guess.

But the fact that Micheal Savage remains on their lineup, in the prime 6p-8p slot, makes absolutely no sense at all. And he clearly is THE most antagonistic, "angry" talk show out there, period. Angrier that Malzberg, and certainly angrier than Beck.

I could understand keeping lukewarm, under-performing hosts like Lou Dobbs and Mike Gallagher on the lineup, because they fit a "kinder, gentler" tone for an aged, dated AM station with 70-dead demos.

 

[TimeIsTight]

But the fact that Micheal Savage remains on their lineup, in the prime 6p-8p slot, makes absolutely no sense at all.

Something else we don't know is what kind of deal Savage's syndicators have with WOR, and how long that contract has to run.

Syndicators will pay to be able to offer their national advertising clients an audience in the number-one market, and they may make a long-term purchase commitment to make sure they keep the time slot. There are a few talk shows on the WOR schedule that are reported to fit this "syndicator pays" description.

The decision that Savage's show is too angry for a "kinder and gentler" WOR may already have been made, but the syndication contract still has to run out. You'll recall Malzberg's contract expires next month. Beck's dumping was blamed on ratings that weren't up to expectations.

By the way, WOR's morning show with John Gambling came in at number-8 in the August 6+ ratings, with an Average Quarter Hour number of 3.9. That's also a "kinder and gentler" talk show that has to be a lot easier to sell, has a wider appeal and doesn't tarnish the overall station brand in the minds of potential listeners who find angry talk offensive.

 

[scott5]

WOR got rid of Malzberg, because they didn't want his politics on the station anymore.

Let's remember we really don't know why Malzberg is being replaced, only the powers that be at WOR really know that.

It could have been personal differences, money, or a new slightly direction for the station after the death of Rick Buckley.

Buckley's daughter Jennifer has been in charge of sales at WOR, and she is probably intimately aware of the problems in attracting sponsors to "angry" talk shows. Some big money sponsors don't want any association with the anger and accusations.

No doubt Paterson will have a "kinder and gentler" show. (to quote former President George Bush, the father).

That kinder and gentler show will be easier to sell. And that may be all there is to it.

That's all well and good, I guess.

But the fact that Micheal Savage remains on their lineup, in the prime 6p-8p slot, makes absolutely no sense at all. And he clearly is THE most antagonistic, "angry" talk show out there, period. Angrier that Malzberg, and certainly angrier than Beck.

I could understand keeping lukewarm, under-performing hosts like Lou Dobbs and Mike Gallagher on the lineup, because they fit a "kinder, gentler" tone for an aged, dated AM station with 70-dead demos.

There is a big difference between Savage and all the others (Malzberg, Beck etc.) Savage is, aside from his politics, extremely intelligent, highly educated and very knowledgeable.

Malzberg never seemed to be the brightest guy around.

Also, Savage had a variety of subjects from literature to wine to nutrition. He's a wonderful story teller.

Malzberg is limited in his education, not very cultured, and not exactly the best IQ.

If I had to listen to Savage, I could ignore the politics and listen to the rest of the show, which could be warm and educational.

With Malzberg, you have none of that. Just Archie Bunker and his rants.

 

[butchfm]

Wonder if he will talk to anyone in........ NEW JERSEY!


SNL re:

 

[Rusty Muck]

But the fact that Micheal Savage remains on their lineup, in the prime 6p-8p slot, makes absolutely no sense at all.

Something else we don't know is what kind of deal Savage's syndicators have with WOR, and how long that contract has to run.

Syndicators will pay to be able to offer their national advertising clients an audience in the number-one market, and they may make a long-term purchase commitment to make sure they keep the time slot. There are a few talk shows on the WOR schedule that are reported to fit this "syndicator pays" description.

The decision that Savage's show is too angry for a "kinder and gentler" WOR may already have been made, but the syndication contract still has to run out. You'll recall Malzberg's contract expires next month. Beck's dumping was blamed on ratings that weren't up to expectations.

By the way, WOR's morning show with John Gambling came in at number-8 in the August 6+ ratings, with an Average Quarter Hour number of 3.9. That's also a "kinder and gentler" talk show that has to be a lot easier to sell, has a wider appeal and doesn't tarnish the overall station brand in the minds of potential listeners who find angry talk offensive.

For all we know, they probably made the same decision with Dobbs' show, and are playing the string out with both shows. It's not inconceivable IMO to see Micheal Smerconish scoot up to Dobbs' 2-4 slot.

What in the hell they would replace Savage with is anyone's guess. Dr. Joy Browne? Oof.