JP Peterson Departs NewsChannel 8 with Radio News...

[radiofree1]

JP Peterson did a nice job during his final NewsChannel 8 appearance on the 6P show tonight. He also finished things up with an interesting announcement: He is leaving his "Hot Lunch" gig on ESPN 1470 to begin at AM-1010 The Beast weekdays from 3-6P. I actually listened to his AM-1470 program regularly, despite the terrible signal. This is big news for 1010, and great news for sports radio listeners in Tampa Bay, because JP's radio show is damn good. He's knowledgeable, entertaining and provides good guests -- things we don't get here in Tampa Bay from local AM-620 programming, especially from JP's new 3-6P counterpart on The Sports Animal. The 1010 signal isn't great (anything beats 1470's), but I believe JP is strong enough to give Tampa Bay two legitimate sports radio options, even if 1010 keeps the Chix. I hope 1010 moves Bobby Fenton to mornings. That kid is smart and he is getting better and better. It will be interesting to see what happens over at AM-1470 and Scot Brantley's PM drive program. I listen to Scot as much as I can muster, but I don't hear many local advertisers. I guess it's a combination of show quality and signal quality. As Jerry Seinfeld said, "That can't be good for business." Genesis Communications may want to think about turning that station into a block party.

 

[cbsradioguy]

According to my sources, the "block party" coming to 1470 will not be much of a party. In fact, there has been no partying at Genesis for over a year. In my 9 years in the industry in this market, 14 years in other markets prior to that, plus another two years in my present market in Atlanta (thus I have no personal knowledge of the 1010/Peterson hiring), I have never heard anything to match the bizarre stories emanating from that company, the bastion of hamster powered radio signals.

To begin with, over several months during the past year or so, all of their account execs fled to greener pastures. Apparently, they have one seller, a total rookie, along with a sales manager who had been charged with a felony right before he was hired by Bruce Maduri. How that hiring comports with Maduri's "wear his religion on his sleeves" persona is beyond my comprehension abilities. Additionally, I know that sellers have had to take Genesis to court to collect moneys owed them when they left Genesis, and I also know that those sellers won in court. I am trying in vain to find quotes in the Bible that back up an effort to avoid paying people what they are owed.

I also know there was a mini-revolt against Maduri's wife (some kind of a psuedo VP), who had to make herself scarce to keep the workers at Genesis from fleeing at an even faster rate than they already were.

Last, I know that a couple of years ago under Jeff Lebhar, sales approached 200k per month, which is pretty amazing for hamster powered stations. My sources say that revenues at Genesis have sunk below 75k per month, and are soon to be less than that, for sure.

 

[sbe1]

Speaking of Genesis, who is this guy they are putting on between 9-10 AM weekdays? I hate to see them cut Boortz even more. They should get rid of that infomercial Dave Ramsey, and expand both Boortz and Dennis Miller.

 

[MusicMan11]

Tampa, FL…..Management at ESPN 1470 announced today that the JP Peterson Show has been cancelled. Peterson and management could not come to terms on a new agreement.

Kimo Gray, WHBO Operations Manager stated, “JP is a very talented sports personality but after 2 years it’s time to go in a different direction. We wish JP the best. We will be making an announcement on the new talent, shortly”.

Peterson’s radio show began in 2006 and aired from Noon to 2P, Monday through Friday. He recently ended his relationship with local television station News Channel 8. WHBO also carries Mike and Mike, Colin Cowherd, Mike Tirico and Scot Brantley.

WHBO ESPN 1470 is the sister station to News Talk AM 1040, WWBA. Both stations are locally owned and operated by Genesis Communications Of Tampa Bay, Inc. Genesis also owns WHOO ESPN 1080 and WAMT Talk Radio 1190 in Orlando as well as WIXC ESPN 1060 in Melbourne, FL.

For more information, contact Bill Freitas at 813-281-1040.