Hook FM says goodbye!

[djmattshady]

Hello all,

It's Matt "PK" Baldridge and yes, I'm looking for my next radio gig! As of November 1st, Three Trees Communications turned over the operations of 95.3 (WJYF) and 102.1 (WWWD) Hook FM to EMF (the parent company of K-Love and Air-1). I didn't see this coming even as their GM! We were currently working on the sale of 88.5 (WVDA) to EMF due to finacial concers within the company but this move really killed a great station format and concept (Hook FM) that I built from scratch.

I happen to know that the common thought among the "powers that be" at Three Trees Communications is that this is good news that 95.3 and 102.1 will stay in the hands of Christian broadcasters. My problem is that neither K-love or Air-1 are local formats. There is no local DJ's... no local information... no fun... it's what I call "stale radio". One thing I strived to accomplish with Hook FM is to break the regular "Christian radio" mold and prove that Christianity is not boring... it's a blessing! This is why The Off The Hook Morning Show with JJ, Rachel and myself along with The Afternoon Hook Up with Nugget was so listener interactive. We wanted to include our listening audience and entertain day in and day out with local news, weather, events and games! All of this is what I feel Middle and South Georgia were hungry for.

Three Trees Communications is left with WTIF AM (Talk Radio) and WTIF FM (Christian AC) in Tifton Ga. I'm not sure what they are going to do with the FM format now that K-Love is the exact same format too! I look for either a format switch or a sale of the stations soon! What a shame. Back to "boring and dry" Christian radio choices. No local presence. No way for local ministries to spread the word about their events. No fun and uplifting entertainment. No local employment for MANY who poured their lives into the business and ministry of Hook FM. Watching the people who I hired, trained, and developed close friendships with lose their jobs has brought much pain to my life. I wish I had a way to help them but I can barely help myself right now. Let's just say we were shown the door with cheer!

To all of you who listened to Hook FM, THANK YOU!!! I have produced and posted two pieces of audio onto my MySpace page (www.myspace.com/pkonair) that I hope you will take time to listen to and enjoy. The first track is titled "PK Bad Day Remix". This is a remix I did of Daniel Powters hit song Bad Day. It features amazing sound clips from the last Off The Hook Morning Show. The second track is titled "A Look Back". This is a mix of some of the best of The Off The Hook Morning Show! I hope both tracks blesses you as much as it did me as I produced them.

I also want to send a "shout out" to a few great friends within our format who helped out Hook FM greatly. People such as Rick Welke (who really knows how to make your station not suck - www.thepassiongroup.net), Joe Szymanski (www.joethevoiceguy.com), Sean Bailey (www.thevrn.com) and "C-Dub" Chris Chicago (www.myspace.com/theviberadionetwork).

I still have no "hot leads" as to where I'll end up next in this crazy career of radio. I welcome any leads and/or references! I've considered hanging it up and doing something else. I don't know what else I'd be good at though. Feel free to share any ideas you might have! Ha ha ha. On second thought, I might be scared to hear what you all might think I would be good at!

Thank you for your time and God bless!

**************************
Matt Baldridge
AKA PK "The Preachers Kid"

FORMER General Manager
Three Trees Communications
WWWD / WJYF / WTIF AM & FM

www.myspace.com/pkonair

229-805-7270 cell

**************************

 

[CONSultant]

I'm so sorry to hear about that. I really appreciated your music mix when I was down on the southside.

 

[ponderosa777]

Hi PK

We are certainly sad to see HOOK FM leave Middle Ga! We had waited sooo long for an awesome Christian Radio station that provided fresh music that the kids and I loved. I remember tuning into your station in South Ga while traveling to Fla many times. When you started 102.1 in Middle Ga it was exactly what we were praying for. I will always remember the awesome times I shared with my kids at events like Four Nights in Oct, Wake up Perry, and the concert at Harvest Cathedral. Your energy and excitement was always contagious to the kids!! That all love you!

An awesome guy you may want to contact is Ken Mayfield. He was my Youth Pastor in Macon, Ga in the late 70's. I still remember going to WBML radio station helping him spin early Amy Grant and Andre Crouch Music. I ran into Ken in the late 90's while living in Charlotte. He was General Manager of an awesome growing station there. He is now working with His Radio Network.

http://www.hisair.net/interviews/radiointerview.mayfield.htm

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Also, when you pass through Charlotte, NC visit MorningStar Fellowship (http://www.morningstarministries.org) at the restored Heritage USA location in Fort Mill, SC. Awesome Worship with Leonard Jones and Suzy Yaraei. Spend some time soaking in the Lord and get refreshed. The Lord has an awesome plan for you. Rest, relax, trust in Him and watch His miracles!!!!

God Bless,
Troy DeRosa
WR, Ga

 

[JimmyJames]

Best wishes Matt, loved your station. I'm tired of vanilla from EMF spreading like kudzu.

 

[lash]

EMF, the Clear Channel of Christian Radio.

 

[anotherguyTN]

I know this has been hashed out in the KOKF thread ad nauseum, but selling to EMF is better than falling into the hands of some group that won't do anything with CCM, especially an anti-CCM group.

 

[radioelizabeth]

EMF, the Clear Channel of Christian Radio.

Considering CC is a rather (understatement) successful company...I'd say that's a high compliment for any broadcast company.

 

[lash]

Please...They are destroying radio. Hardly a success story. Selling 448 stations, not developed, and only 10% of their total revenue says a lot for their company.

Those folks employed by them, certainly should remain loyal. But please take a look around in medium to smaller markets, and you can see where they truly lack the experience and know how to operate radio stations.

Just because you can afford to buy a lot of radio stations, doesn't make you good at running them.

My problem with EMF is. They go on air and BEG for money, even getting specific with certain towns, specific stations or translators, and make threats that they will turn them off if they don't receive more donations.

Yet they have a continuous line of credit to buy more, and more, and more. An independent station like HOOK FM was far better than a satt. station from California.

My hats off to PK and everyone at the Hook, for a job well done.

Now feel free to go back and voice track different shifts for all your Clear Channel affiliates

 

[JimmyJames]

CC may be great at slick major market stations but they had no passion for small market radio and what made it special. Or for that matter, unique major market radio either. They weren't a radio company.

 

[radioelizabeth]

Please...They are destroying radio. Hardly a success story. Selling 448 stations, not developed, and only 10% of their total revenue says a lot for their company.

Are you actually suggesting that CC or EMF is not successful? I think you might just not understand certain types of business models. Certainly every company has areas of improvement...but to suggest that Clear Channel is unsuccessful? Or EMF for that matter?


Those folks employed by them, certainly should remain loyal. But please take a look around in medium to smaller markets, and you can see where they truly lack the experience and know how to operate radio stations.

That can be said of most small to medium market stations.

Just because you can afford to buy a lot of radio stations, doesn't make you good at running them.

It does, however, make you successful.


My problem with EMF is. They go on air and BEG for money, even getting specific with certain towns, specific stations or translators, and make threats that they will turn them off if they don't receive more donations.

Threats? They make appeals and state the circumstances. Again, it might be advantageous to actually understand the business model.


Yet they have a continuous line of credit to buy more, and more, and more. An independent station like HOOK FM was far better than a satt. station from California.

Far better off for who? Your opinion is what it is, an opinion...but to suggest that the station is better off? Or do you mean the community...if you mean the community, I beg to differ. I'd say it goes to what the listeners will decide. Period.

My hats off to PK and everyone at the Hook, for a job well done.

Now feel free to go back and voice track different shifts for all your Clear Channel affiliates

That is a good idea....if a jock is talented enough to do it...go for it. Unless there is some sarcasm in your post? I'm asking because I'm not quite sure? If so, just in case, I'd like to hear more about your issue with voice tracking? If not...and it was simply a suggestion, it isn't a bad one.

I'm in bold.

 

[radioelizabeth]

CC may be great at slick major market stations but they had no passion for small market radio and what made it special. Or for that matter, unique major market radio either. They weren't a radio company.

And there is definitely a difference in major market and small market radio.

They are a successful company.

 

[djmattshady]

Yet they have a continuous line of credit to buy more, and more, and more. An independent station like HOOK FM was far better than a satt. station from California.

Far better off for who? Your opinion is what it is, an opinion...but to suggest that the station is better off? Or do you mean the community...if you mean the community, I beg to differ. I'd say it goes to what the listeners will decide. Period.

Radio Elizabeth,

It shocks me that you are suggesting that the listening audience of Hook FM (our community) is better off with EMF's programming instead of ours! Upon the request of some of our listeners, I recently posted the 2005 Christmas Wishes promotion on my MySpace site. I was humbled when I received these requests. The reason listeners wanted the audio posted was they found encouragement when listening to these Christmas Wishes being granted! This was a promotion that Hook FM did that affected LOCAL listeners in our community! I ask that you take just a couple of minutes to stop by my MySpace site and give it a listen:

www.myspace.com/pkonair

You will also find other "best of" material and even a tribute to Hook FM with audio clips of OUR COMMUNITY sharing their hearts about what Hook FM meant to them. Once you've been educated on this matter I'd like to ask you if you still think that the listening audience of Hook FM is better off with EMF's programming instead of ours?!?

To be honest, I'm quite ill after reading your comments. I visit this board among many others while looking for a new gig. I read of great talents such as Kurt Wallace facing similar situations as I am during this Christmas season and instead of lifting up jobless talents and helping them find a new gig, you choose to sing the praises of EMF and CC and other companies such as them! Well Merry Christmas to you too.

To everyone else, I am still looking for a new gig. I also have a home studio, so I'm avail for VT work too! Please visit my MySpace site to learn more about me and feel free to contact me if you have any leads!

God Bless,

**************************
Matt Baldridge
AKA PK "The Preachers Kid"

FORMER General Manager
Three Trees Communications
WWWD / WJYF / WTIF AM & FM

www.myspace.com/pkonair

[email protected]

229-402-0458 cell

**************************

 

[lash]

If you consider securing funding to buy as many stations as you want a success, than yes they are a success.

But at what sacrifice? They destroyed many medium and small market stations, let hundreds of employees go, moved stations from smaller towns to larger markets, and in a lot of cases, they have proven they can't program a station, let alone make money. Again they have downsized again, and are selling 448 stations, prior to selling the company themselves. Your looking at the mass number of stations they owned, and not the bottom line. They failed!

EMF? Please. They go and buy existing local FM's and put them on a national bird. I never said I didn't think K-Love and Air One weren't well programmed. But I'm a traditionalist when it comes to removing a local station like Hook FM, and placing something on a network.

And I was being sarcastic concerning voice tracking.

 

[lash]

Let me share a success story. Elizabeth, the company you currently work for. South Central Communications Corp. Surrounded by CC and Cumulus stations, your properties are both extremely strong.

 

[radioelizabeth]

Let me share a success story. Elizabeth, the company you currently work for. South Central Communications Corp. Surrounded by CC and Cumulus stations, your properties are both extremely strong.

South Central is an amazing company. I am not comparing success stories in this thread.

WJXA and WCJK are incredible success stories. It's a priviledge to be a part of the group here.

And I am not suggesting that Cumulus or CC or Bonneville or any other company does not have their success stories as well.

But for anyone to suggest the CC is unsuccessful and that a comparison to them is an insult...it is just absurd.

There are so many factors into what makes a station strong in any given market...any group can claim success or failure...and it is just nuts to hear some say that EMF is the "big bad Christian CC".

All it takes is a step back and perspective to see...that is a compliment by any measure.

 

[radioelizabeth]

If you consider securing funding to buy as many stations as you want a success, than yes they are a success.

But at what sacrifice? They destroyed many medium and small market stations, let hundreds of employees go, moved stations from smaller towns to larger markets, and in a lot of cases, they have proven they can't program a station, let alone make money. Again they have downsized again, and are selling 448 stations, prior to selling the company themselves. Your looking at the mass number of stations they owned, and not the bottom line. They failed!

I would not agree this company has failed. And don't suggest what I'm looking at. I'm seeing bigger pictures and understanding there are thousands of factors involved in every company and individual markets, groups, managers, so much...It is ridiculous to consider CC a failure. They clearly have succeeded. Now, whether you agree with their business model, mission, goals, or results...that is one thing...but they cannot be called a failure.

EMF? Please. They go and buy existing local FM's and put them on a national bird. I never said I didn't think K-Love and Air One weren't well programmed. But I'm a traditionalist when it comes to removing a local station like Hook FM, and placing something on a network.

Again, it sounds like this is personal preference issue to you. There is a loyalty that you have for a certain style of programming...and I'm guessing you prefer local regardless? Let me suggest that local is NOT always the best choice. Every situation is different...but compelling and quality radio beats local everyday. If what is coming from that frequency is what the listener wants...then that is good radio...regardless of whether it is network or not.

And I was being sarcastic concerning voice tracking.

So you do have issue with Voice Tracking. I'd like to hear why.

 

[radioelizabeth]

Yet they have a continuous line of credit to buy more, and more, and more. An independent station like HOOK FM was far better than a satt. station from California.

Far better off for who? Your opinion is what it is, an opinion...but to suggest that the station is better off? Or do you mean the community...if you mean the community, I beg to differ. I'd say it goes to what the listeners will decide. Period.

Radio Elizabeth,

It shocks me that you are suggesting that the listening audience of Hook FM (our community) is better off with EMF's programming instead of ours!


Please read what I wrote again. I stated I disagreed with the opinion that one was "better off". I said it goes to what the listeners decide, period. Makes no difference whether that is local or network...whether that is the programming that was coming or is coming...what matters is simply what they want.


Upon the request of some of our listeners, I recently posted the 2005 Christmas Wishes promotion on my MySpace site. I was humbled when I received these requests. The reason listeners wanted the audio posted was they found encouragement when listening to these Christmas Wishes being granted! This was a promotion that Hook FM did that affected LOCAL listeners in our community! I ask that you take just a couple of minutes to stop by my MySpace site and give it a listen:

I'm not sure what it is you want to accomplish by having me visit this page? I'm not seeing what you are pitching here? Or how many listeners you are talking about requesting or impacting. Was this research? Were these calls, emails? Are we talking about 100? 1000? 100% of your listeners?

You will also find other "best of" material and even a tribute to Hook FM with audio clips of OUR COMMUNITY sharing their hearts about what Hook FM meant to them. Once you've been educated on this matter I'd like to ask you if you still think that the listening audience of Hook FM is better off with EMF's programming instead of ours?!?

Again... you need to read my post again. And please don't suggest that I'm uneducated here. It is of course, very common for listeners to be loyal to their stations...in no way did I suggest that your listeners were not impacted by your programming or that they would not be impacted by it's departure. But let's not suggest that EMF's programming is far worse, by saying the Hook's is far better. The comparison is lacking on actual research at this point. What we do know is that the only thing that matters is what the listeners in the community want. And EMF may very well be able to meet and exceed the needs your listeners have, and new ones as well.

I can tell you, as a 36 year old female... I personally enjoy EMF's programming...that is subjective of course...but...considering their success...I would not say I'm alone in that.


To be honest, I'm quite ill after reading your comments. I visit this board among many others while looking for a new gig. I read of great talents such as Kurt Wallace facing similar situations as I am during this Christmas season and instead of lifting up jobless talents and helping them find a new gig, you choose to sing the praises of EMF and CC and other companies such as them! Well Merry Christmas to you too.

Wait a minute? You are ill because while some slammed EMF and CC, I chose to keep it in perspective and NOT be negative? I never once put down those who are without work right now. Now, I appreciate that you are in a situation right now that may have clouded your perspective in reading my post...but I think your comments here are a little negative in and of themselves, especially for someone looking for work...seems to me, you'd want to keep some options open. After all, EMF or CC or someone who is positive about both those companies may be calling...would you want them to read these words before the interview?

To everyone else, I am still looking for a new gig. I also have a home studio, so I'm avail for VT work too! Please visit my MySpace site to learn more about me and feel free to contact me if you have any leads!

And I'd like to mention this statement as well "to everyone else". Have you considered that you just shut me out of your network to find this work with that statement? Did it occur to you that I could be of assistance?

You see, I was not negative toward you. I was positive about those that you feel injured by at this time. That does not make me the bad guy...that simply makes me someone who isn't resorting to taking a side.

I hope you will step back a bit...re read my statements in this thread...and consider that.

I'm in bold.

 

[lash]

I've had the pleasure of having Elizabeth state her opinions to my face in person. So this forum is a nice change of pace.

First: I'm not against all forms of satt. I was with CHRSN for 5 years. Our stations were half life and half network. CHRSN applies for frequencies, translators and builds them from the ground up. EMF goes and buys local stations, and flips them to the bird. BIG difference.

Local is the only way radio will survive against Satt. radio, internet, ipods etc. Aren't you reading what the experts are saying?

In Nashville on Monday, hundreds and perhaps thousands will be turning out to talk, discuss and debate the FCC against Chear Channel wanting to own more stations in markets. I've shared already how they've destroyed the industry. I will be one of them in attendance. And your invited as well.

I salute PK and other broadcasters like him. Who have proven how to do local radio the right way. I understand why he feels ill about it. What he and his staff did was destroyed in one day by EMF, and their deep pockets.

PK...I will say this. I emailed both you and Rick, and offered to step in and help. I never received a response. Perhaps your stations could have been bought, and saved.

 

[radioelizabeth]

I've had the pleasure of having Elizabeth state her opinions to my face in person. So this forum is a nice change of pace.

I'd love to snap back with something witty...but I will give you the benefit of the doubt and believe you were not inserting an insult into a sentiment.

First: I'm not against all forms of satt. I was with CHRSN for 5 years. Our stations were half life and half network. CHRSN applies for frequencies, translators and builds them from the ground up. EMF goes and buys local stations, and flips them to the bird. BIG difference.

So, because EMF does things differently than CHRSN, EMF is doing it wrong? You know...some would suggest that CHRSN has plenty of issues of their own. Everyone has different missions and visions. To suggest CHRSN's way is "better" is again...subjective. Unless you are simply showing differences and not implying anything more? Please elaborate on your actual views...

Local is the only way radio will survive against Satt. radio, internet, ipods etc. Aren't you reading what the experts are saying?


Actually... "local" is never enough. It's about giving her what she needs and what she has said she wants. I have no issue against local radio. But to suggest local is enough in and of itself is false. It is about meeting her needs and desires and making radio something she wants. Consumer driven again...and that includes a lot more than just being the local guy in town.


I salute PK and other broadcasters like him. Who have proven how to do local radio the right way. I understand why he feels ill about it. What he and his staff did was destroyed in one day by EMF, and their deep pockets.

AH...so the blame goes to EMF...no...if you have issue with the station being sold...then the direction of that disappointment needs to go to the SELLER, not buyer.

 

[lash]

I leave it at this. Days after you addressed me in person, you were gone from CHRSN.

Explain? Hmmm, trying to figure out what part of this is not sinking in.

Christian company A builds stations from scratch, in most cases bringing Christian radio to a market for the first time. In most cases they have local live morning shows. Sometimes afternoons too!

Christian company EMF buys existing local stations and replaces them with canned California, repetitive formats, and begs for more money several times a year, so they can go by more local stations and replace them.

Clear Channel has moved dozens and dozens of radio stations from small towns serving their markets, to larger markets to build their clusters.

Clear Channel has put thousands of people out of work in the radio business.

How is this a success?? Wake up!