Half of KOOL Morning Crew gets the Ax

[oldiesfan6479]

If there is any good news in this bad news, it is this:

R&R Street Talk (the blurb waaaay down at the bottom of their home page)
is reporting that Lee Bortel is being retained for weekends/swing at KOOL.

 

[KOOL Listener Lauren]

I got word from Garrett ("Garrett the Prize Boy") Friday afternoon that he was let go as well. Some, or many, may not know, but along with assisting with promotions, and being that energetic, sometimes crazy, but always likeable guy delivering prizes to listeners, he taped (I guess that wouldn't be the right word), edited, and produced videos for KOOL, KMLE, and KZON. He really does a great job. Best of luck, and thanks for making me play frisbee with you... ;D

If there is any good news in this bad news, it is this:

R&R Street Talk (the blurb waaaay down at the bottom of their home page)
is reporting that Lee Bortel is being retained for weekends/swing at KOOL.

It looks like AllAccess says the same. Definitely some bad news turned just a little bit better. Thanks!

 

[davideduardo]

Just months ago they canned several air staff then hired Steve Goddard for the late AM shift and "Kented" the evening shift. Steve is good but he can't be cheap and it hardly seems like late AM shift is a revenue biggie.

If by "Late AM" you refer to the hours after morning drive, you ae talking about what radio people call "middays" or "ten to three" in reference to the 5 hour 10 AM to 3 PM daypart. For many adult radio stations, it is the largesest revenue daypart (partly because it is 5 hours, not 4) because of the huge average listening. In the PPM, coming in 2 months, middays is a more listened to daypart than mornings.

[/quote]I also don't know what their revenues are but noticed, unfortunately, the big advertisers (incredibly annoying Bell Road Toyota among them) are still running their obnoxious ads as often as ever so it seems, unless the stations are cutting the spot costs, they're still making money.[/quote]

Some advertisers have not cut, most have. And most are looking for deals, or buying cheaper packages.

The major recession issues in Phx are real estate and the declining tax revenues - items I wouldn't expect to hit radio stations.

The problem is financial. Banks reduce lending, all economic activity scales back, from warehousing and shipping to retail and services. When you have 50,000 unemployed construction workers, there are probably a half million more whose jobs depend in part on the revenues those people created when employed... supermarkets, gas stations, even barber shops and office supply stores (the kids' school supplies) and so on. A major sector that collapses ripples through the whole community.

 

[justthenumbers]

I got word from Garrett ("Garrett the Prize Boy") Friday afternoon that he was let go as well. Some, or many, may not know, but along with assisting with promotions, and being that energetic, sometimes crazy, but always likeable guy delivering prizes to listeners, he taped (I guess that wouldn't be the right word), edited, and produced videos for KOOL, KMLE, and KZON. He really does a great job. Best of luck, and thanks for making me play frisbee with you... ;D

He is absolutely everything you described above...and an amazing softball player as well! Best of luck to you, Garrett.

 

[landtuna]

In the PPM, coming in 2 months, middays is a more listened to daypart than mornings.

I'll take your word for it but then why is virtually all station advertising for their morning shows? I always thought it was because in morning drive they had a captive audience of sorts.

Some advertisers have not cut, most have. And most are looking for deals, or buying cheaper packages.

Of course, but this would be the case nationwide and would not affect Phoenix more so than any other market. You specifically mentioned how bad things in Phoenix are and my reply was that, aside from the real estate glut (which doesn't usually have that much radio advertising that I've noticed) we're not much different, and in some ways more protected from recession due to the high end tourist dollars, from other markets - especially those with heavy manufacturing sectors.

 

[davideduardo]

In the PPM, coming in 2 months, middays is a more listened to daypart than mornings.

I'll take your word for it but then why is virtually all station advertising for their morning shows? I always thought it was because in morning drive they had a captive audience of sorts.

6 AM to 7 PM is where most revenue is produced. Probably 80% or better for many stations (and lots of the weekend and night spots you hear are bous spots intended to reduce the CPP on 6 A to 7 P buys to make them competitive.

Mornings are important as that is where the day starts for most people, and the logic is that if you hook them there, they may be loyal the rest of the day... to some extent. In fact, with the PPM all hours in that 6A to 7 P are important, and in any case the pricing is based on listeners, not daypart.

Some advertisers have not cut, most have. And most are looking for deals, or buying cheaper packages.

Of course, but this would be the case nationwide and would not affect Phoenix more so than any other market. You specifically mentioned how bad things in Phoenix are and my reply was that, aside from the real estate glut (which doesn't usually have that much radio advertising that I've noticed) we're not much different, and in some ways more protected from recession due to the high end tourist dollars, from other markets - especially those with heavy manufacturing sectors.

That's just toally wrong. Major sectors fuel the local economy in different cities. The decline in the auto industry has almost killed Detroit; the construction and related industry as well as banking and automotive are killing Phoenix.

Phoenix has been hurt much more than most cities because it is still a growth based market that is now shrinking, and has much higher unemployment than the national average. All the unemployed in automotve, construction and banking don't spend... affecting retail and all other sectors.

 

[landtuna]

That's just toally wrong. Major sectors fuel the local economy in different cities. The decline in the auto industry has almost killed Detroit; the construction and related industry as well as banking and automotive are killing Phoenix.

Thanks for the explanation on the morning drive vs midday. It makes sense....sort of, although I have never seen a radio listener fail to hit the 'next' button as soon as a song they don't like came on. Don't know how that will hook a listener. I'm very forgiving of disliked songs but guilty of this too.

As far as the other comment regarding construction and automotive, that probably belongs in another thread but in summary....residential housing construction has taken a big hit in the Valley because houses aren't selling and there was a glut of new construction already on the market when the recession hit. But, that has not affected very much the commercial construction industry (my son's electrical company has more work than it can handle and shows no sign of declining any time soon). The majority of job losses in residential housing have been in the number of illegals and non-skilled employed. Other than lots of people heading back across the border it doesn't affect the mainstream economy too much.

We've had two major auto retailers close recently but they were not locally headquartered and failed nationwide. Seems this particular business is overbuilt as well.

Phoenix has been hurt much more than most cities because it is still a growth based market that is now shrinking, and has much higher unemployment than the national average. All the unemployed in automotve, construction and banking don't spend... affecting retail and all other sectors.

The Valley has grown, and continues to grow, at a very fast pace compared with most other metro areas, however, it still has a vibrant economy. There have been recession-related effects here as with most other areas (retail and housing are probably losing most right now) but we don't see the gloom and doom stories which affect areas with large manufacturing or specialized industries.

You have to keep in mind that in and out-migration have always been a large part of the culture of this area of the country since the end of WWII. It has been accelerated somewhat by the poor economy but we're still doing fine compared with most other places.

 

[KOOL Listener Lauren]

More good news: Lee is still broadcasting from remotes, because I just heard him this afternoon.

 

[landtuna]

On KOOL?

Cool! That'll keep him in Cheerios until something more stable comes along.

Now I'm gonna have to start scanning the dial searching for John Michaels. I'm assuming he will be heard as a 'specialty' broadcaster (traffic, sports, news, weather etc.) although I've love to hear him as a prime jock no matter what the format (well....almost).

 

[brian4]

Shocked about John Michaels getting the ax. When I first moved to Phoenix, I listened to KJZZ (liked NPR) and KOOL (liked Oldies) so I heard Michaels doing traffic on both stations.

He is a pro and I hope to hear that he'll be back on the airwaves soon.

 

[sony]

More good news: Lee is still broadcasting from remotes, because I just heard him this afternoon.

KLL - Yah, I called KOOL and spoke to Mike Patrick, he assured me that Lee was still with KOOL, and yes he was doing the remote from Sprouts today. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't hearing things and that Lee was live and not on memorex. It's so nice to call a radio station and actually get someone to answer the phones and be very nice on top of all of it.

 

[junkmail]

It's funny to read this board when you guys try to chat economy. Phoeniix IS in a recession....everything trickles down...oil prices go up; gas prices go up. Gas prices go up; delivery charges go up. Delivery prices go up; food prices go up...etc etc etc
I know the people at KOOL. The firings are strickly about $$$$. From what I heard EVERYONE was in tears...including those actually DOING the firings.
I would think it would suck to be in radio right now...an emotional rollarcoaster. I just wish Tom and Maria great success. They are both strong personalities and if anyone can pull things back together it will be them.
Good Luck to Tom/Maria and KOOL mornings.

 

[landtuna]

Phoeniix IS in a recession

The discussion wasn't whether Phoenix is in recession (it is) but whether DE's assertion that Phoenix is in worse shape than other metro areas (it isn't - and in far better shape than some).

But, back to KOOL, it is very difficult for me to understand the rationale behind the VERY early switch to holiday music while at the same time firing core people who brought the recent high ratings to the station. These two decisions, among others, just don't make sense. Both decisions will drive down ratings (and one would presume, revenue) at the very time they are needed most.

And, assuming an engineer is still employed at KOOL, can they tell me why the HD1 internet feed is not volume-consistent?

 

[pattiwacki]

It's funny to read this board when you guys try to chat economy. Phoeniix IS in a recession....everything trickles down...oil prices go up; gas prices go up. Gas prices go up; delivery charges go up. Delivery prices go up; food prices go up...etc etc etc
I know the people at KOOL. The firings are strickly about $$$$. From what I heard EVERYONE was in tears...including those actually DOING the firings.
I would think it would suck to be in radio right now...an emotional rollarcoaster. I just wish Tom and Maria great success. They are both strong personalities and if anyone can pull things back together it will be them.
Good Luck to Tom/Maria and KOOL mornings.

It's funny to read this board when someone comes on trying to be an elite know-it-all.

 

[oldiesfan6479]

And, assuming an engineer is still employed at KOOL, can they tell me why the HD1
internet feed is not volume-consistent?

Although I've suspended for the most part listening to KOOL since they did the
"let's copy KESZ flip" : I have previously noticed the levels are also inconsistent
during local voicetracking, such as Goddard from 1-3pm. KOOL's jocks, when
live, ride their levels nicely--but not when the Audio Vault is in VT mode.

 

[KOOL Listener Lauren]

The station including the morning show has had so many wrenches thrown in their path this year, but fortunately it seems Kris Abrams and the rest HAVE been doing a great job not letting it hurt them too much.

Long-term damage of continuously breaking chemistry and starting things over? Listeners go elsewhere. I hope for the best outcome!

To add some humor at least, I wonder what that KOOL listener that started talking to me at Summer Splash thinks about this, or how it'll affect her listening-- we talked for half an hour and she started the conversation by telling me how "gorgeous" John is. ;D


For the record OldiesFan, when I did hear Lee do his remote, I was only listening to hear who was on and NOT for the "let's copy KEZ flip"...

 

[landtuna]

To add some humor at least, I wonder what that KOOL listener that started talking to me at Summer Splash thinks about this, or how it'll affect her listening-- we talked for half an hour and she started the conversation by telling me how "gorgeous" John is. ;D

That was John's wife....

 

[KOOL Listener Lauren]

To add some humor at least, I wonder what that KOOL listener that started talking to me at Summer Splash thinks about this, or how it'll affect her listening-- we talked for half an hour and she started the conversation by telling me how "gorgeous" John is. ;D

That was John's wife....

No, no... I know she wasn't. Or why else would I find it humorous?

 

[junkmail]

Why wouldn't KOOL "copy KEZ" they kick A#$%^*^% in the ratings in December with their Christmas music. Who wouldn't want a share of that? Pretty smart I think.

 

[oldiesfan6479]

Why wouldn't KOOL "copy KEZ"...

Because now you have two stations playing many of the same Christmas songs
over and over. Granted, KESZ will play some softer stuff that KOOL won't, and
KOOL some "more rockish" tunes that KESZ passes on, but there's all the stuff
"in the middle" that is being burned out on both.

Instead of McCartney's Wonderful Christmastime* four times a day, you get it
eight times a day (and maybe eight days a week too ).


*: It's the Brown Eyed Girl of holiday music.