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How in the world does "The LINK" do it?

D

Dirty Diana

Guest
I have enormous respect for The LINK. It's one of the most demographically focused sations in Charlotte.

BUT how are they paying all of these people? It's a blood bath of Salary slashes elsewhere in the nation and here in Charlotte for that matter. Anybody know what they're billing over there?
 
I would think Bob and Sheri are close to paying for themselves based on affiliates alone. They are down several from what they used to be, but it's still a great deal around the country.

Candy and Potter can't be paid but so much. They're not the caliber that the other two shows are. Not that they aren't good, but they are no Bob and Sheri. The biggest cost would be Matt & Ramona I'd think... that is a pretty complex produced show with not many affiliates outside of the Link.
 
Di, I would respond but I wouldn't even know where to start. I posted a few months back regarding this exact topic and some "guy" about had a heart attack since he loved the Link so much. If you care to search for 107.9 in the search you will see the thread.

I, too, respect the jocks but I wonder the same thing Di...and more.
HHaze
 
The way I see it: A lot of people here dislike the Link, some to the point of outright bashing it every chance they get. I don't understand that. Everyone here constantly talks about how radio should try something different and not be voicetracked all the time. The Link does exactly that, and everyone jumps on them as the worst station in Charlotte. Holly just expressed an opinion on it and we're all entitled to those. I just don't understand that handful of people who, every chance they get, say the Link should be flipped to something else. To what? Another AC/Country/CHR/Urban station with voicetracks sent from somewhere in the midwest?

I live on the other side of the state but have been listening to Bob and Sheri for years on local affiliates, and for a short while we had the entire Link schedule on an affiliate. They're long gone, but I now stream the Link most days while I work -- it passes the time and it keeps me entertained. I'm a big talk radio fan but even I can only tolerate so much of Laura Ingraham and Neal Boortz bitching.

That's my two cents. I'll step off the soapbox now :).
 
Thanks for your entry.
I do admire that the Link has stuck to their guns. I think what Di was asking is with all the CChannel cutbacks and stations literally slashing talent (Jack Anthony, Tony Hayes, etc) how in the world does the Link keep it rolling like they do? I am not sure which format would work for them...but it seems Charlotte is fair game for some competition...the Fox has no competition really...I think we all agree that the Ride,or whatever they are calling themselves at 95.7,can't compete with the Big Ole Hairy. The Beat and Kiss are competitors but then again not so much..Beat is farrrrr more urban. K and Lite are a close close battle with their format..I know, I live it. The END was SOOOO great in their infancy...truly one of a kind..not sure what happened there. And then you have the Link which is just odd man out and some love that about the Link. As for formats that it could/should become.... We have no "oldies" station. We have no 70, 80's format or a JACK format...and I really think those would do well here. Charlotte is lacking in selection, no question.
The biggest shame about the Link is they have a great company and some great talent not being utilized to their utmost potential. And that's about all I can say without getting people riled up.
 
I wasn't really replying to the original topic post as much as I was replying to the "Link sucks!" posts that always come later in these topics.

Yes, Charlotte is missing a few formats, but would any of these have the originality that 107.9 has now? I like radio stations that try to be different and I think the Link is onto something good.

As to the original question: That is the difference between a company that doesn't care about its product and one that does. The Link is really still operating as it did under JPC. From the outside it doesn't appear LFS changed anything since they were selling the stations anyway. We'll see what Greater Media does, but I have a feeling they bought the Link as a programming resource to spread to their other stations in the northeast.
 
Whether we posters like or dislike the LINK is immaterial-it's all about annual cashflow. I dare say it's making good money, or LF (and JP before them) would have made changes long ago. As is pointed out above, Charlotte is a unique market in that there's more viable music formats than there are FM's to put 'em on.
 
Let's not forget the Link has had this personality talk model for years, even before bringing in Candy & Potter - middays used to be half-hosted by Pam ("Coach") Stone, the other three hours being either music or farmed-out syndicated programming from sister stations (remember Cindy & Ray on delay tape?). Anyway, if I recall correctly, Pam was asked to expand her show from two hours to four; she respectfully declined, and I think they looked for someone would could do four hours (C&P) and that's why they're on the air. Pam ironically, now does one four hour show a week on Saturdays.
 
Even if you like or dislike The Link, btw I hate it but I'm a mid-30's guy, I heard their billings are incredible. Even though the 12+ numbers are in the tank, they must have strong female ratings.
 
It must be the great company part...seriously...because I know A TON of great people and great voices and great talent..behind the mic and beyond and it has nothing to do with how a station functions properly these days. I think we all knew great people and management were there, what we were wondering is how does it stay swinging with just that.
 
I am not a LINK fan, but i RESPECT their unique concept. My question was strictly about CASH. They gotta be paying Candy and Potter over 6 figures. Where can i get a midday job paying 6 figures? Top 10 markets maybe?
 
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