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'KB goes libtalk
- Thread starter gr8oldies
- Start date
M
mwebster
Guest
'KB goes progressive talk - Scuffle in Buffalo
This is interesting.
ABC/Citadel's WHLD 1270 starts progressive talk next Monday morning (calling itself "the voice of reason" - a radio tag used by former NYC mayor Ed Koch). The station has been running a partial schedule of "community-based" political talk and public affairs programs (including Pacifica Radio's Democracy Radio). Now a local "community" group, Niagra Indepedent Media (NIM), takes over the entire schedule.
Press release says Morning Drive will be local with former Entercom news director Ray Marks and the current host of a local labor talk program on WHLD, "Prospering In America," Alex Blair. The NIM group has also hired local hosts Joe Schmidbauer and Grady Hawkins of the long running local "Alt Press" program on WHLD to host the PM drive time segment. No word on what will happen with the rest of station's various "community-based" and Pacifica programming but one report says Niagara Independent Media will offer "community focused" shows through non-profit radiofreebuffalo (the group that has been doing local community-based progressive talk shows on WHLD on a brokered basis). Announcements from NIM say WHLD will take programming from AAR but the only program specifically mentioned is Al Franken.
Meanwhile, Entercom's WWKB 1520 does a surprise flip this afternoon, calling itself "Buffalo's Left Channel. Here's the line-up
6 am to 9 am Bill Press
9 am to 12 pm Stephanie Miller
12 pm to 3 pm Leslie Marshall (local)
3 pm to 7 pm Ed Schultz (hour one repeated)
7 pm to 10 pm Stephanie Miller (repeat)
10 pm to 1 am Lionel
Overnights Joey Reynolds (worked for KB in its heyday).
Leslie Marshall previously did middays on Entercom's WGR (now sports talk). She was worked in other major markets and lately has been doing fill in on syndicated shows (last month for Alan Colmes on Fox Radio).
Right now, Thom Hartmann appears to be odd man out.
Now we have a real PT horse race in a large market. This could be good for the progressive talk format, but possibly bad news for AAR. All this just in time for the winter Arbitron diary period. Let the games begin.
Buffalo is a strong market for talk radio but has not been fertile soil for syndicated hosts. Dominant talker WBEN (also Entercom) is generally into a double digit 12+ AQH (currently it hovers just below). Right now, the only national show cleared on WBEN is Rush. The rest are local, and the local shows tend not to be driven by political ideology. (A rim-shot AM talker with a fractional number takes Hannity, O'Reilly and Boortz.) The market also has NPR/APM/PRI news and information full time on AM and a CBS Free FM talker.
This is interesting.
ABC/Citadel's WHLD 1270 starts progressive talk next Monday morning (calling itself "the voice of reason" - a radio tag used by former NYC mayor Ed Koch). The station has been running a partial schedule of "community-based" political talk and public affairs programs (including Pacifica Radio's Democracy Radio). Now a local "community" group, Niagra Indepedent Media (NIM), takes over the entire schedule.
Press release says Morning Drive will be local with former Entercom news director Ray Marks and the current host of a local labor talk program on WHLD, "Prospering In America," Alex Blair. The NIM group has also hired local hosts Joe Schmidbauer and Grady Hawkins of the long running local "Alt Press" program on WHLD to host the PM drive time segment. No word on what will happen with the rest of station's various "community-based" and Pacifica programming but one report says Niagara Independent Media will offer "community focused" shows through non-profit radiofreebuffalo (the group that has been doing local community-based progressive talk shows on WHLD on a brokered basis). Announcements from NIM say WHLD will take programming from AAR but the only program specifically mentioned is Al Franken.
Meanwhile, Entercom's WWKB 1520 does a surprise flip this afternoon, calling itself "Buffalo's Left Channel. Here's the line-up
6 am to 9 am Bill Press
9 am to 12 pm Stephanie Miller
12 pm to 3 pm Leslie Marshall (local)
3 pm to 7 pm Ed Schultz (hour one repeated)
7 pm to 10 pm Stephanie Miller (repeat)
10 pm to 1 am Lionel
Overnights Joey Reynolds (worked for KB in its heyday).
Leslie Marshall previously did middays on Entercom's WGR (now sports talk). She was worked in other major markets and lately has been doing fill in on syndicated shows (last month for Alan Colmes on Fox Radio).
Right now, Thom Hartmann appears to be odd man out.
Now we have a real PT horse race in a large market. This could be good for the progressive talk format, but possibly bad news for AAR. All this just in time for the winter Arbitron diary period. Let the games begin.
Buffalo is a strong market for talk radio but has not been fertile soil for syndicated hosts. Dominant talker WBEN (also Entercom) is generally into a double digit 12+ AQH (currently it hovers just below). Right now, the only national show cleared on WBEN is Rush. The rest are local, and the local shows tend not to be driven by political ideology. (A rim-shot AM talker with a fractional number takes Hannity, O'Reilly and Boortz.) The market also has NPR/APM/PRI news and information full time on AM and a CBS Free FM talker.
Re: 'KB goes progressive talk - Scuffle in Buffalo
> Entercom's WWKB 1520 does a surprise flip this afternoon,
> calling itself "Buffalo's Left Channel. Here's the line-up
> 6 am to 9 am Bill Press
> 9 am to 12 pm Stephanie Miller
> 12 pm to 3 pm Leslie Marshall (local)
> 3 pm to 7 pm Ed Schultz (hour one repeated)
> 7 pm to 10 pm Stephanie Miller (repeat)
> 10 pm to 1 am Lionel
> Overnights Joey Reynolds (worked for KB in its heyday).
> Right now, Thom Hartmann appears to be odd man out.
Good lineup with local in the right daypart (as I've been suggesting), but the Steph Miller replay at night seems silly. I love her show, but isn't there anything better for evenings... Randi Rhodes, although a bit harsh, would be a good fit, even more so IMHO in the northeast.
> Entercom's WWKB 1520 does a surprise flip this afternoon,
> calling itself "Buffalo's Left Channel. Here's the line-up
> 6 am to 9 am Bill Press
> 9 am to 12 pm Stephanie Miller
> 12 pm to 3 pm Leslie Marshall (local)
> 3 pm to 7 pm Ed Schultz (hour one repeated)
> 7 pm to 10 pm Stephanie Miller (repeat)
> 10 pm to 1 am Lionel
> Overnights Joey Reynolds (worked for KB in its heyday).
> Right now, Thom Hartmann appears to be odd man out.
Good lineup with local in the right daypart (as I've been suggesting), but the Steph Miller replay at night seems silly. I love her show, but isn't there anything better for evenings... Randi Rhodes, although a bit harsh, would be a good fit, even more so IMHO in the northeast.
M
mwebster
Guest
Scuffle in Buffalo
WHLD has not posted their schedule, but I'd guess they'd put Randi in early evening (following their local PM drive show). KB appears to be an AAR-free zone - not even Hartmann (which two non-AAR progressive talkers in California do take). However, there is not a lot of syndicated PT product available live in the early evening - just Majority Report from AAR. I think Hartmann delayed or Garafolo/Seder live would be a better move for KB than Steph a second time.
Possibly Entercom did not want to go to AAR pre-flip fearing a possible leak to WHLD, already in negotiations with AAR. Entercom's effective pre-emptive strike puts HLD at a disadvantage out of the gate. Not only does KB have a better signal; now KB has the buzz. And HLD's "community" programming could put them at a real disadvantage in a competitive situation.
>
> Good lineup with local in the right daypart (as I've been
> suggesting), but the Steph Miller replay at night seems
> silly. I love her show, but isn't there anything better for
> evenings... Randi Rhodes, although a bit harsh, would be a
> good fit, even more so IMHO in the northeast.
>
WHLD has not posted their schedule, but I'd guess they'd put Randi in early evening (following their local PM drive show). KB appears to be an AAR-free zone - not even Hartmann (which two non-AAR progressive talkers in California do take). However, there is not a lot of syndicated PT product available live in the early evening - just Majority Report from AAR. I think Hartmann delayed or Garafolo/Seder live would be a better move for KB than Steph a second time.
Possibly Entercom did not want to go to AAR pre-flip fearing a possible leak to WHLD, already in negotiations with AAR. Entercom's effective pre-emptive strike puts HLD at a disadvantage out of the gate. Not only does KB have a better signal; now KB has the buzz. And HLD's "community" programming could put them at a real disadvantage in a competitive situation.
>
> Good lineup with local in the right daypart (as I've been
> suggesting), but the Steph Miller replay at night seems
> silly. I love her show, but isn't there anything better for
> evenings... Randi Rhodes, although a bit harsh, would be a
> good fit, even more so IMHO in the northeast.
>
Nobody Listens to Libtalk... Except 2 Stations Fight For It
> Meanwhile, Entercom's WWKB 1520 does a surprise flip this
> afternoon, calling itself "Buffalo's Left Channel. Here's
> the line-up
> 6 am to 9 am Bill Press
> 9 am to 12 pm Stephanie Miller
> 12 pm to 3 pm Leslie Marshall (local)
> 3 pm to 7 pm Ed Schultz (hour one repeated)
> 7 pm to 10 pm Stephanie Miller (repeat)
More moaning and groaning in the Buffalo-Rochester board in the last week about how awful AAR shows are from the *usual suspects* and then wham, another 50kw blowtorch flips to libtalk, with TWO libtalk stations in the Buffalo market now. It's just more evidence of how much you can rely on people with an axe to grind about liberal talk when you compare it to actual reality.
Unfortunately for WWKB, they waited too long for AAR and WHLD moved in on that first. That leaves them stuck with Bill Press, who is virtually unlistenable and no Franken and Rhodes. But they get the fabulous Stephanie, as well as a nice new local show, followed by four hours of Schultz (blah). Entercom loves WOR's Lionel - it airs here in Rochester as well, and he's fun enough for late evening.
> Right now, Thom Hartmann appears to be odd man out.
Thats because he is still an unknown. Is he self-syndicating? That could be a major reason right there. Maybe he should try and angle his way in on weekends. That's how Entercom was introduced to Stephanie Miller and now she is running weekdays.
> Now we have a real PT horse race in a large market. This
> could be good for the progressive talk format, but possibly
> bad news for AAR. All this just in time for the winter
> Arbitron diary period. Let the games begin.
Chances are neither station will promote the new format (Entercom spends zippo here in Rochester on WROC) so I'll bet nobody even notices either station until word of mouth gets around.
> Buffalo is a strong market for talk radio but has not been
> fertile soil for syndicated hosts. Dominant talker WBEN
> (also Entercom) is generally into a double digit 12+ AQH
> (currently it hovers just below). Right now, the only
> national show cleared on WBEN is Rush. The rest are local,
> and the local shows tend not to be driven by political
> ideology. (A rim-shot AM talker with a fractional number
> takes Hannity, O'Reilly and Boortz.) The market also has
> NPR/APM/PRI news and information full time on AM and a CBS
> Free FM talker.
Buffalo also has great reception of stations in Toronto, including the CBC, so there are LOTS of choices.
> Meanwhile, Entercom's WWKB 1520 does a surprise flip this
> afternoon, calling itself "Buffalo's Left Channel. Here's
> the line-up
> 6 am to 9 am Bill Press
> 9 am to 12 pm Stephanie Miller
> 12 pm to 3 pm Leslie Marshall (local)
> 3 pm to 7 pm Ed Schultz (hour one repeated)
> 7 pm to 10 pm Stephanie Miller (repeat)
More moaning and groaning in the Buffalo-Rochester board in the last week about how awful AAR shows are from the *usual suspects* and then wham, another 50kw blowtorch flips to libtalk, with TWO libtalk stations in the Buffalo market now. It's just more evidence of how much you can rely on people with an axe to grind about liberal talk when you compare it to actual reality.
Unfortunately for WWKB, they waited too long for AAR and WHLD moved in on that first. That leaves them stuck with Bill Press, who is virtually unlistenable and no Franken and Rhodes. But they get the fabulous Stephanie, as well as a nice new local show, followed by four hours of Schultz (blah). Entercom loves WOR's Lionel - it airs here in Rochester as well, and he's fun enough for late evening.
> Right now, Thom Hartmann appears to be odd man out.
Thats because he is still an unknown. Is he self-syndicating? That could be a major reason right there. Maybe he should try and angle his way in on weekends. That's how Entercom was introduced to Stephanie Miller and now she is running weekdays.
> Now we have a real PT horse race in a large market. This
> could be good for the progressive talk format, but possibly
> bad news for AAR. All this just in time for the winter
> Arbitron diary period. Let the games begin.
Chances are neither station will promote the new format (Entercom spends zippo here in Rochester on WROC) so I'll bet nobody even notices either station until word of mouth gets around.
> Buffalo is a strong market for talk radio but has not been
> fertile soil for syndicated hosts. Dominant talker WBEN
> (also Entercom) is generally into a double digit 12+ AQH
> (currently it hovers just below). Right now, the only
> national show cleared on WBEN is Rush. The rest are local,
> and the local shows tend not to be driven by political
> ideology. (A rim-shot AM talker with a fractional number
> takes Hannity, O'Reilly and Boortz.) The market also has
> NPR/APM/PRI news and information full time on AM and a CBS
> Free FM talker.
Buffalo also has great reception of stations in Toronto, including the CBC, so there are LOTS of choices.
Re: Scuffle in Buffalo
> WHLD has not posted their schedule, but I'd guess they'd put
> Randi in early evening (following their local PM drive
> show).
That is what WROC does. They launch Randi live at 6:30pm and then rerun hours 1-3 during 7-10pm. It's not a good fit for Randi's show - she gears her whole show format to afternoon drive.
> KB appears to be an AAR-free zone - not even
> Hartmann (which two non-AAR progressive talkers in
> California do take). However, there is not a lot of
> syndicated PT product available live in the early evening -
> just Majority Report from AAR. I think Hartmann delayed or
> Garafolo/Seder live would be a better move for KB than Steph
> a second time.
AAR has likely signed exclusively with WHLD. Entercom may have some ratings results from Rochester where she has been running a few months live in the mornings and perhaps that explains their support for her show in two runs.
> Possibly Entercom did not want to go to AAR pre-flip fearing
> a possible leak to WHLD, already in negotiations with AAR.
> Entercom's effective pre-emptive strike puts HLD at a
> disadvantage out of the gate. Not only does KB have a
> better signal; now KB has the buzz. And HLD's "community"
> programming could put them at a real disadvantage in a
> competitive situation.
Actually, WHLD seemed to have the coup of landing AAR affiliation because Entercom waited too long. Bill Press in the mornings is settling for leftovers. KB does have a great signal, which means we can hear alternative shows in the car here in Rochester if WROC is boring me.
The "community programming" is stuff like Democracy Now which has a good audience with activists and younger college types. What is a nice thing to see in KB's own local early afternoon show instead of running the whole thing as a turnkey.
> WHLD has not posted their schedule, but I'd guess they'd put
> Randi in early evening (following their local PM drive
> show).
That is what WROC does. They launch Randi live at 6:30pm and then rerun hours 1-3 during 7-10pm. It's not a good fit for Randi's show - she gears her whole show format to afternoon drive.
> KB appears to be an AAR-free zone - not even
> Hartmann (which two non-AAR progressive talkers in
> California do take). However, there is not a lot of
> syndicated PT product available live in the early evening -
> just Majority Report from AAR. I think Hartmann delayed or
> Garafolo/Seder live would be a better move for KB than Steph
> a second time.
AAR has likely signed exclusively with WHLD. Entercom may have some ratings results from Rochester where she has been running a few months live in the mornings and perhaps that explains their support for her show in two runs.
> Possibly Entercom did not want to go to AAR pre-flip fearing
> a possible leak to WHLD, already in negotiations with AAR.
> Entercom's effective pre-emptive strike puts HLD at a
> disadvantage out of the gate. Not only does KB have a
> better signal; now KB has the buzz. And HLD's "community"
> programming could put them at a real disadvantage in a
> competitive situation.
Actually, WHLD seemed to have the coup of landing AAR affiliation because Entercom waited too long. Bill Press in the mornings is settling for leftovers. KB does have a great signal, which means we can hear alternative shows in the car here in Rochester if WROC is boring me.
The "community programming" is stuff like Democracy Now which has a good audience with activists and younger college types. What is a nice thing to see in KB's own local early afternoon show instead of running the whole thing as a turnkey.
M
mwebster
Guest
The question is can the market support two?
Et tu, Phillip? You, too, have picked up the RW snide reference for progressive talk!
>
> Unfortunately for WWKB, they waited too long for AAR and
> WHLD moved in on that first. That leaves them stuck with
> Bill Press, who is virtually unlistenable and no Franken and
> Rhodes. But they get the fabulous Stephanie, as well as a
> nice new local show, followed by four hours of Schultz
> (blah). Entercom loves WOR's Lionel - it airs here in
> Rochester as well, and he's fun enough for late evening.
What is it with you and AAR? A mismanaged company with a shoddy on-air product, and you keep talking like they are the gold standard.
Apparently Franken, Rhodes (bumped to post-PM drive) and Laura Flanders on the weekends are the only stations WHLD has said specifically it is taking. Not Jerry. Not Janeane. Not Malloy. Not Reilly and Maddow. And they are also taking three shows from Pacifica and continuing the local shows produced by community activist groups (which should really drive people over to KB). AAR is part-time here (sort of like it was in Providence and Philly).
I would agree, however, that Press' show needs work. When I have listened, it's just been Press and his co-host rambling. They need some producers (there must be a middle ground between no back-up and Franken's "bloated" over-paid staff) creating bits and setting up interviews. I know Hartmann's not nasty enough or bloviated enough for you, but his show is well produced and he has a consistent stream of interesting guests (both on his local and national shows).
> Thats because he is still an unknown. Is (Hartmann)
> self-syndicating? That could be a major reason right there.
> Maybe he should try and angle his way in on weekends.
You haven't been paying attention here in class. AAR's so-called "syndication division" (i.e., the guy from Democracy Radio) is selling the show. And they have placed "Best of Hartmann" on their regular feed Saturday and Sunday. The only way it makes sense for Hartmann to have signed with AAR is because an exit strategy for Franken is in place.
>
> Buffalo also has great reception of stations in Toronto,
> including the CBC, so there are LOTS of choices.
>
Much as I enjoy CBC Radio One - especially "As It Happens," IMHO the best interview program in radio - I see them as an alternative to public radio more than commercial progressive talk.
What will really be interesting is when a New York station flips to progressive talk against WLIB.
Et tu, Phillip? You, too, have picked up the RW snide reference for progressive talk!
>
> Unfortunately for WWKB, they waited too long for AAR and
> WHLD moved in on that first. That leaves them stuck with
> Bill Press, who is virtually unlistenable and no Franken and
> Rhodes. But they get the fabulous Stephanie, as well as a
> nice new local show, followed by four hours of Schultz
> (blah). Entercom loves WOR's Lionel - it airs here in
> Rochester as well, and he's fun enough for late evening.
What is it with you and AAR? A mismanaged company with a shoddy on-air product, and you keep talking like they are the gold standard.
Apparently Franken, Rhodes (bumped to post-PM drive) and Laura Flanders on the weekends are the only stations WHLD has said specifically it is taking. Not Jerry. Not Janeane. Not Malloy. Not Reilly and Maddow. And they are also taking three shows from Pacifica and continuing the local shows produced by community activist groups (which should really drive people over to KB). AAR is part-time here (sort of like it was in Providence and Philly).
I would agree, however, that Press' show needs work. When I have listened, it's just been Press and his co-host rambling. They need some producers (there must be a middle ground between no back-up and Franken's "bloated" over-paid staff) creating bits and setting up interviews. I know Hartmann's not nasty enough or bloviated enough for you, but his show is well produced and he has a consistent stream of interesting guests (both on his local and national shows).
> Thats because he is still an unknown. Is (Hartmann)
> self-syndicating? That could be a major reason right there.
> Maybe he should try and angle his way in on weekends.
You haven't been paying attention here in class. AAR's so-called "syndication division" (i.e., the guy from Democracy Radio) is selling the show. And they have placed "Best of Hartmann" on their regular feed Saturday and Sunday. The only way it makes sense for Hartmann to have signed with AAR is because an exit strategy for Franken is in place.
>
> Buffalo also has great reception of stations in Toronto,
> including the CBC, so there are LOTS of choices.
>
Much as I enjoy CBC Radio One - especially "As It Happens," IMHO the best interview program in radio - I see them as an alternative to public radio more than commercial progressive talk.
What will really be interesting is when a New York station flips to progressive talk against WLIB.
Re: 'KB goes progressive talk - Scuffle in Buffalo
> Good lineup with local in the right daypart (as I've been
> suggesting), but the Steph Miller replay at night seems
> silly. I love her show, but isn't there anything better for
> evenings... Randi Rhodes, although a bit harsh, would be a
> good fit, even more so IMHO in the northeast.
It appears Randi is one of the two AAR shows (announced) being picked up by WHLD/1270's LMA operators.
They mention a local PM drive show, so that'd likely push Randi to evenings, maybe late PM drive (if the local show airs, say, 3-5 PM).
-OA<P ID="signature">______________
Ohio Media Watch - <a target="_blank" href=http://ohiomedia.blogspot.com>http://ohiomedia.blogspot.com</a></P>
> Good lineup with local in the right daypart (as I've been
> suggesting), but the Steph Miller replay at night seems
> silly. I love her show, but isn't there anything better for
> evenings... Randi Rhodes, although a bit harsh, would be a
> good fit, even more so IMHO in the northeast.
It appears Randi is one of the two AAR shows (announced) being picked up by WHLD/1270's LMA operators.
They mention a local PM drive show, so that'd likely push Randi to evenings, maybe late PM drive (if the local show airs, say, 3-5 PM).
-OA<P ID="signature">______________
Ohio Media Watch - <a target="_blank" href=http://ohiomedia.blogspot.com>http://ohiomedia.blogspot.com</a></P>
M
mwebster
Guest
Re: Scuffle in Buffalo
>
> AAR has likely signed exclusively with WHLD.
>
No. FCC rules. If a station does not take a show, a network or syndicator is free to offer it to another station. All weekday shows except Franken and Rhodes are up for grabs.
>
> Actually, WHLD seemed to have the coup of landing AAR
> affiliation because Entercom waited too long. Bill Press in
> the mornings is settling for leftovers. KB does have a
> great signal, which means we can hear alternative shows in
> the car here in Rochester if WROC is boring me.
>
Notice WHLD is going local in morning (and afternoon) drive. Press is not that good, granted, but neither is Reilly/Maddow split show. Buffalo is big on local talk and Entercom may live to regret pinching pennies and not going local in morning drive from the get-go.
> The "community programming" is stuff like Democracy Now
> which has a good audience with activists and younger college
> types. What is a nice thing to see in KB's own local early
> afternoon show instead of running the whole thing as a
> turnkey.
>
Apparently, WHLD will carry Pacfica's Democracy Now, Flashpoints and Free Speech Radio News. They also said they will continue at least some of the local activist shows Radio Free Buffalo runs on WHLD. This has the makings of disaster. Some activist shows are terrible. Each contingent has its own axe to grind and staff can be constantly at war (if WBAI is any example). And if any of these local shows get cut (or "censored), watch out. The real scuffle could be internal.
>
> AAR has likely signed exclusively with WHLD.
>
No. FCC rules. If a station does not take a show, a network or syndicator is free to offer it to another station. All weekday shows except Franken and Rhodes are up for grabs.
>
> Actually, WHLD seemed to have the coup of landing AAR
> affiliation because Entercom waited too long. Bill Press in
> the mornings is settling for leftovers. KB does have a
> great signal, which means we can hear alternative shows in
> the car here in Rochester if WROC is boring me.
>
Notice WHLD is going local in morning (and afternoon) drive. Press is not that good, granted, but neither is Reilly/Maddow split show. Buffalo is big on local talk and Entercom may live to regret pinching pennies and not going local in morning drive from the get-go.
> The "community programming" is stuff like Democracy Now
> which has a good audience with activists and younger college
> types. What is a nice thing to see in KB's own local early
> afternoon show instead of running the whole thing as a
> turnkey.
>
Apparently, WHLD will carry Pacfica's Democracy Now, Flashpoints and Free Speech Radio News. They also said they will continue at least some of the local activist shows Radio Free Buffalo runs on WHLD. This has the makings of disaster. Some activist shows are terrible. Each contingent has its own axe to grind and staff can be constantly at war (if WBAI is any example). And if any of these local shows get cut (or "censored), watch out. The real scuffle could be internal.
M
mwebster
Guest
OA: Right again
RadioDailyNews:
<blockquote>On February 13, 2006 Buffalo will be home to the first community-based commercial progressive station in the country on WHLD AM 1270. The station will feature Air America Radio with Al Franken, Randi Rhodes, and Laura Flanders; Pacifica programming including Democracy Now, Flashpoints, and Free Speech Radio News; as well as local programming promoting a diverse and spirited dialog on important issues.</blockquote>
Local schedule tentatively shaping up as follows:
6-9 Ray Marks-Alex Blair (Local)
9-10 Democracy Radio (Probably)
10-12 TBA*
12-3 Al Franken
3-6 Joe Schmidbauer-Grady Hawkins (Local)
6-630 TBA
630-7 Free Speech Radio News (Probably)
7-11 Randi Rhodes (Probably)
11-12 Flashpoint (Probably)
* "Commpunity" programs currently air in this time period.
RadioDailyNews:
<blockquote>On February 13, 2006 Buffalo will be home to the first community-based commercial progressive station in the country on WHLD AM 1270. The station will feature Air America Radio with Al Franken, Randi Rhodes, and Laura Flanders; Pacifica programming including Democracy Now, Flashpoints, and Free Speech Radio News; as well as local programming promoting a diverse and spirited dialog on important issues.</blockquote>
Local schedule tentatively shaping up as follows:
6-9 Ray Marks-Alex Blair (Local)
9-10 Democracy Radio (Probably)
10-12 TBA*
12-3 Al Franken
3-6 Joe Schmidbauer-Grady Hawkins (Local)
6-630 TBA
630-7 Free Speech Radio News (Probably)
7-11 Randi Rhodes (Probably)
11-12 Flashpoint (Probably)
* "Commpunity" programs currently air in this time period.
Re: The question is can the market support two?
> Et tu, Phillip? You, too, have picked up the RW snide
> reference for progressive talk!
I've -always- called it libtalk. I called it that the day AAR signed on. I agree with those who consider it shorthand for "liberal talk radio." I don't see it as an insult.
The shorthand for "conservative talk radio" is "lies."
> What is it with you and AAR? A mismanaged company with a
> shoddy on-air product, and you keep talking like they are
> the gold standard.
You are the guy with the anti AAR fixation. What did they do to you anyway? Did Franken steal your puppy or something?
Sorry, but when people think of libtalk, they still think of AAR. That isn't a statement on the overall quality of all their shows - you know my favorite is Jones' Stephanie Miller followed by Randi Rhodes. Al Franken can get on my nerves too. But I don't see the "tragedy" that people like Brian Baloney keep hoping and wishing to befall Air America, much like his own career.
> Apparently Franken, Rhodes (bumped to post-PM drive) and
> Laura Flanders on the weekends are the only stations WHLD
> has said specifically it is taking. Not Jerry. Not
> Janeane. Not Malloy. Not Reilly and Maddow. And they are
> also taking three shows from Pacifica and continuing the
> local shows produced by community activist groups (which
> should really drive people over to KB). AAR is part-time
> here (sort of like it was in Providence and Philly).
Yeah, and some people on the Buffalo board accused WHLD of being in bed with the far left elements only. Without Malloy and Majority Report, that falls apart. From what I can tell, WHLD is a brokered operation who is taking a chance on two AAR shows. I don't know what they do on weekends. I also still don't understand this thing about bumping Randi to post-drive. If this woman continues to beat Hannity in some markets and gains clout, she should achieve Big Ed status and start clamping down on all the time shifting on the east coast.
As far as Pacifica goes, I still can't figure that out. They are non-commercial, so I wonder who is paying for this. Pacifica programs are strictly for the "meat is murder" crowd and is too fringy left even for me, but they seem to draw very young activist audiences so maybe that works, I don't know.
> I would agree, however, that Press' show needs work. When I
> have listened, it's just been Press and his co-host
> rambling.
Really, it's awful. The woman from Center for American Progress was barely tolerable as a guest segment on Franken, but to have her as co-host is just wayyyy too much. She's lousy. The whole thing is disjointed and disorganized, and nobody wants to hear that at 6am in the morning, except if it acts as an alarm clock to drive people out of bed to turn it off.
> They need some producers (there must be a middle
> ground between no back-up and Franken's "bloated" over-paid
> staff) creating bits and setting up interviews.
You're buying into the unconfirmed Unequalizer reports about that. Miller was laughing her ass off over that entire story, which she said was so outrageously nonsensical that she's amazed anyone would have accepted it as fact. No producer anywhere is paid the amount Brian claims Franken's staff is getting. Not even close.
> I know Hartmann's not nasty enough or bloviated enough for you, but
> his show is well produced and he has a consistent stream of
> interesting guests (both on his local and national shows).
It suddenly dawns on me Hartmann might be great as an early morning alternative to Press' show. He doesn't have enough oomph for midday, but perhaps his show would work a-la NPR's Morning Edition first thing in the morning. It would have to be time-shifted though.
> You haven't been paying attention here in class. AAR's
> so-called "syndication division" (i.e., the guy from
> Democracy Radio) is selling the show. And they have placed
> "Best of Hartmann" on their regular feed Saturday and
> Sunday. The only way it makes sense for Hartmann to have
> signed with AAR is because an exit strategy for Franken is
> in place.
I'm still gravitating to the theory that Randi would become the AAR star in a post-Franken world. I had forgotten about the self-syndicating arm of AAR (I suspect I'm not alone), so thanks for reminding me.
I would say it's good news for Hartmann to be on weekends because that seems to be the staging and testing ground for new weekday talent. That's how Stephanie launched here.
> Much as I enjoy CBC Radio One - especially "As It Happens,"
> IMHO the best interview program in radio - I see them as an
> alternative to public radio more than commercial progressive
> talk.
CBC Radio One is outstanding. If only our public radio sounded more like that. I love As It Happens, and their morning news/info/variety show is entertaining and quirky too, far more interesting than Ms. Inside the Beltway Diane Rehm who isn't even trying anymore. I agree with your assessment of it being an NPR alternative.
> What will really be interesting is when a New York station
> flips to progressive talk against WLIB.
I wonder what candidates there are for that other than maybe WOR? I can't see a network O&O doing it.
> Et tu, Phillip? You, too, have picked up the RW snide
> reference for progressive talk!
I've -always- called it libtalk. I called it that the day AAR signed on. I agree with those who consider it shorthand for "liberal talk radio." I don't see it as an insult.
The shorthand for "conservative talk radio" is "lies."
> What is it with you and AAR? A mismanaged company with a
> shoddy on-air product, and you keep talking like they are
> the gold standard.
You are the guy with the anti AAR fixation. What did they do to you anyway? Did Franken steal your puppy or something?
Sorry, but when people think of libtalk, they still think of AAR. That isn't a statement on the overall quality of all their shows - you know my favorite is Jones' Stephanie Miller followed by Randi Rhodes. Al Franken can get on my nerves too. But I don't see the "tragedy" that people like Brian Baloney keep hoping and wishing to befall Air America, much like his own career.
> Apparently Franken, Rhodes (bumped to post-PM drive) and
> Laura Flanders on the weekends are the only stations WHLD
> has said specifically it is taking. Not Jerry. Not
> Janeane. Not Malloy. Not Reilly and Maddow. And they are
> also taking three shows from Pacifica and continuing the
> local shows produced by community activist groups (which
> should really drive people over to KB). AAR is part-time
> here (sort of like it was in Providence and Philly).
Yeah, and some people on the Buffalo board accused WHLD of being in bed with the far left elements only. Without Malloy and Majority Report, that falls apart. From what I can tell, WHLD is a brokered operation who is taking a chance on two AAR shows. I don't know what they do on weekends. I also still don't understand this thing about bumping Randi to post-drive. If this woman continues to beat Hannity in some markets and gains clout, she should achieve Big Ed status and start clamping down on all the time shifting on the east coast.
As far as Pacifica goes, I still can't figure that out. They are non-commercial, so I wonder who is paying for this. Pacifica programs are strictly for the "meat is murder" crowd and is too fringy left even for me, but they seem to draw very young activist audiences so maybe that works, I don't know.
> I would agree, however, that Press' show needs work. When I
> have listened, it's just been Press and his co-host
> rambling.
Really, it's awful. The woman from Center for American Progress was barely tolerable as a guest segment on Franken, but to have her as co-host is just wayyyy too much. She's lousy. The whole thing is disjointed and disorganized, and nobody wants to hear that at 6am in the morning, except if it acts as an alarm clock to drive people out of bed to turn it off.
> They need some producers (there must be a middle
> ground between no back-up and Franken's "bloated" over-paid
> staff) creating bits and setting up interviews.
You're buying into the unconfirmed Unequalizer reports about that. Miller was laughing her ass off over that entire story, which she said was so outrageously nonsensical that she's amazed anyone would have accepted it as fact. No producer anywhere is paid the amount Brian claims Franken's staff is getting. Not even close.
> I know Hartmann's not nasty enough or bloviated enough for you, but
> his show is well produced and he has a consistent stream of
> interesting guests (both on his local and national shows).
It suddenly dawns on me Hartmann might be great as an early morning alternative to Press' show. He doesn't have enough oomph for midday, but perhaps his show would work a-la NPR's Morning Edition first thing in the morning. It would have to be time-shifted though.
> You haven't been paying attention here in class. AAR's
> so-called "syndication division" (i.e., the guy from
> Democracy Radio) is selling the show. And they have placed
> "Best of Hartmann" on their regular feed Saturday and
> Sunday. The only way it makes sense for Hartmann to have
> signed with AAR is because an exit strategy for Franken is
> in place.
I'm still gravitating to the theory that Randi would become the AAR star in a post-Franken world. I had forgotten about the self-syndicating arm of AAR (I suspect I'm not alone), so thanks for reminding me.
I would say it's good news for Hartmann to be on weekends because that seems to be the staging and testing ground for new weekday talent. That's how Stephanie launched here.
> Much as I enjoy CBC Radio One - especially "As It Happens,"
> IMHO the best interview program in radio - I see them as an
> alternative to public radio more than commercial progressive
> talk.
CBC Radio One is outstanding. If only our public radio sounded more like that. I love As It Happens, and their morning news/info/variety show is entertaining and quirky too, far more interesting than Ms. Inside the Beltway Diane Rehm who isn't even trying anymore. I agree with your assessment of it being an NPR alternative.
> What will really be interesting is when a New York station
> flips to progressive talk against WLIB.
I wonder what candidates there are for that other than maybe WOR? I can't see a network O&O doing it.
Re: Nobody Listens to Libtalk... Except 2 Stations Fight For It
> More moaning and groaning in the Buffalo-Rochester board in
> the last week about how awful AAR shows are from the *usual
> suspects* and then wham, another 50kw blowtorch flips to
> libtalk, with TWO libtalk stations in the Buffalo market
> now. It's just more evidence of how much you can rely on
> people with an axe to grind about liberal talk when you
> compare it to actual reality.
Right, and those with a chip on their shoulder who bring up the issue when it wasn't even an issue on this board. Most of us like libtalk like we like any other kind of talk: some hosts more than others, some a lot, some not at all. There are some naysayers but guess what, there are plenty of folks with an attitude that the world is out to get libtalk and we have to champion every tiny success and act all put out.
> Unfortunately for WWKB, they waited too long for AAR and
> WHLD moved in on that first. That leaves them stuck with
> Bill Press, who is virtually unlistenable and no Franken and
> Rhodes. But they get the fabulous Stephanie, as well as a
> nice new local show, followed by four hours of Schultz
> (blah). Entercom loves WOR's Lionel - it airs here in
> Rochester as well, and he's fun enough for late evening.
Lionel is a talent, and while Malloy has some experience at huge stations, he's a bit too outrageous for most markets. I'd still slot him overnight to catch an insomniac fringe element, but in this case, you've gotta stick with Joey Reynolds (although if I were WOR, I'd pull the show and make it local). And as much as folks want to bash those who don't like libtalk, these same people love to rail against any host that isn't practically a card-carrying socialist. Ed Schultz is the format leader, isn't going anywhere, and is apparently doing better than anything else stations could put in his daypart.
> Thats because he is still an unknown. Is he
> self-syndicating?
Thom Hartmann is an AAR syndication product. The only one so far, in fact.
> Chances are neither station will promote the new format
> (Entercom spends zippo here in Rochester on WROC) so I'll
> bet nobody even notices either station until word of mouth
> gets around.
Which is how most of these stations promote themselves. I was speaking to the PD of a CC libtalker and how they used a lot of "grassroots" promotion. Let's face it, conservatives can take radio aimed at their ideology for granted, but many of those interested in libtalk are following the development of format. Besides, talk radio in general gets little promotion. In Phoenix, the only significant campaigns I see are a a few scattered billboards for CC's KFYI promoting Rush and the local PM talkers... of course, those are given to the station until CC Outdoor can sell the space. Salem has a few transit ads and an occassional front-of-bus board. In Las Vegas, I can't recall any radio advertising at all, and in Tucson and Albuquerque, I see ads for only one station. A long way to say that talk radio isn't getting huge campaigns.
> > fertile soil for syndicated hosts. Dominant talker WBEN
> > (also Entercom) is generally into a double digit 12+ AQH
> > (currently it hovers just below). Right now, the only
> > national show cleared on WBEN is Rush. The rest are
> local
You're forgetting Joy Browne and Coast to Coast, which covers 10p-5am.
> > and the local shows tend not to be driven by political
> > ideology. (A rim-shot AM talker with a fractional number
> > takes Hannity, O'Reilly and Boortz.) The market also has
> > NPR/APM/PRI news and information full time on AM and a CBS
> > Free FM talker.
Am I forgetting something? WBUF's brief flirtation with hot talk ended months ago with a flip to Jack, and Don and Mike, IIRC, are cleared on CC's "hot talk" (in reality, a sports station) AM.
> More moaning and groaning in the Buffalo-Rochester board in
> the last week about how awful AAR shows are from the *usual
> suspects* and then wham, another 50kw blowtorch flips to
> libtalk, with TWO libtalk stations in the Buffalo market
> now. It's just more evidence of how much you can rely on
> people with an axe to grind about liberal talk when you
> compare it to actual reality.
Right, and those with a chip on their shoulder who bring up the issue when it wasn't even an issue on this board. Most of us like libtalk like we like any other kind of talk: some hosts more than others, some a lot, some not at all. There are some naysayers but guess what, there are plenty of folks with an attitude that the world is out to get libtalk and we have to champion every tiny success and act all put out.
> Unfortunately for WWKB, they waited too long for AAR and
> WHLD moved in on that first. That leaves them stuck with
> Bill Press, who is virtually unlistenable and no Franken and
> Rhodes. But they get the fabulous Stephanie, as well as a
> nice new local show, followed by four hours of Schultz
> (blah). Entercom loves WOR's Lionel - it airs here in
> Rochester as well, and he's fun enough for late evening.
Lionel is a talent, and while Malloy has some experience at huge stations, he's a bit too outrageous for most markets. I'd still slot him overnight to catch an insomniac fringe element, but in this case, you've gotta stick with Joey Reynolds (although if I were WOR, I'd pull the show and make it local). And as much as folks want to bash those who don't like libtalk, these same people love to rail against any host that isn't practically a card-carrying socialist. Ed Schultz is the format leader, isn't going anywhere, and is apparently doing better than anything else stations could put in his daypart.
> Thats because he is still an unknown. Is he
> self-syndicating?
Thom Hartmann is an AAR syndication product. The only one so far, in fact.
> Chances are neither station will promote the new format
> (Entercom spends zippo here in Rochester on WROC) so I'll
> bet nobody even notices either station until word of mouth
> gets around.
Which is how most of these stations promote themselves. I was speaking to the PD of a CC libtalker and how they used a lot of "grassroots" promotion. Let's face it, conservatives can take radio aimed at their ideology for granted, but many of those interested in libtalk are following the development of format. Besides, talk radio in general gets little promotion. In Phoenix, the only significant campaigns I see are a a few scattered billboards for CC's KFYI promoting Rush and the local PM talkers... of course, those are given to the station until CC Outdoor can sell the space. Salem has a few transit ads and an occassional front-of-bus board. In Las Vegas, I can't recall any radio advertising at all, and in Tucson and Albuquerque, I see ads for only one station. A long way to say that talk radio isn't getting huge campaigns.
> > fertile soil for syndicated hosts. Dominant talker WBEN
> > (also Entercom) is generally into a double digit 12+ AQH
> > (currently it hovers just below). Right now, the only
> > national show cleared on WBEN is Rush. The rest are
> local
You're forgetting Joy Browne and Coast to Coast, which covers 10p-5am.
> > and the local shows tend not to be driven by political
> > ideology. (A rim-shot AM talker with a fractional number
> > takes Hannity, O'Reilly and Boortz.) The market also has
> > NPR/APM/PRI news and information full time on AM and a CBS
> > Free FM talker.
Am I forgetting something? WBUF's brief flirtation with hot talk ended months ago with a flip to Jack, and Don and Mike, IIRC, are cleared on CC's "hot talk" (in reality, a sports station) AM.
Re: The question is can the market support two?
> Yeah, and some people on the Buffalo board accused WHLD of
> being in bed with the far left elements only. Without
> Malloy and Majority Report, that falls apart. From what I
> can tell, WHLD is a brokered operation who is taking a
> chance on two AAR shows. I don't know what they do on
> weekends. I also still don't understand this thing about
> bumping Randi to post-drive. If this woman continues to
> beat Hannity in some markets and gains clout, she should
> achieve Big Ed status and start clamping down on all the
> time shifting on the east coast.
NO ONE can do that. Rush is delayed on WHAM, WBAP, and others. Hannity is delayed on more... the fact that he's live in so many big cities is thanks to his syndicator's ownership of stations. Maybe more stations will want her live, but Schultz appeals to a wider ideological sample and certainly is a talent. Having him in PMD allows for a greater cume, while Rhodes' different talents play well in early evenings, where she can possibly draw in a greater audience of more "true believers" when talk radio (and radio in general) listening is down, as well as offering a good counterprogram to boring evening talk and sports on bigger talk stations. I would guess that more people see Randi as "appointment radio", whereas people who are pushing buttons while driving home will listen to Schultz because of his talent and populist approach.
> Yeah, and some people on the Buffalo board accused WHLD of
> being in bed with the far left elements only. Without
> Malloy and Majority Report, that falls apart. From what I
> can tell, WHLD is a brokered operation who is taking a
> chance on two AAR shows. I don't know what they do on
> weekends. I also still don't understand this thing about
> bumping Randi to post-drive. If this woman continues to
> beat Hannity in some markets and gains clout, she should
> achieve Big Ed status and start clamping down on all the
> time shifting on the east coast.
NO ONE can do that. Rush is delayed on WHAM, WBAP, and others. Hannity is delayed on more... the fact that he's live in so many big cities is thanks to his syndicator's ownership of stations. Maybe more stations will want her live, but Schultz appeals to a wider ideological sample and certainly is a talent. Having him in PMD allows for a greater cume, while Rhodes' different talents play well in early evenings, where she can possibly draw in a greater audience of more "true believers" when talk radio (and radio in general) listening is down, as well as offering a good counterprogram to boring evening talk and sports on bigger talk stations. I would guess that more people see Randi as "appointment radio", whereas people who are pushing buttons while driving home will listen to Schultz because of his talent and populist approach.
Re: 'KB goes progressive talk - Scuffle in Buffalo
> It appears Randi is one of the two AAR shows (announced)
> being picked up by WHLD/1270's LMA operators.
>
> They mention a local PM drive show, so that'd likely push
> Randi to evenings, maybe late PM drive (if the local show
> airs, say, 3-5 PM).
My error. I seem to have trouble mentally placing these two in the same market... maybe because it seems odd that two stations are doing the same format without any fighting for the relatively slim pickings programming-wise.
If WHLD isn't running Springer (and they'd be well-advised not to), 'KB could do as CC did with it's now-defunct FM libtalker in Texas, which ran Springer-Miller back to back.
> It appears Randi is one of the two AAR shows (announced)
> being picked up by WHLD/1270's LMA operators.
>
> They mention a local PM drive show, so that'd likely push
> Randi to evenings, maybe late PM drive (if the local show
> airs, say, 3-5 PM).
My error. I seem to have trouble mentally placing these two in the same market... maybe because it seems odd that two stations are doing the same format without any fighting for the relatively slim pickings programming-wise.
If WHLD isn't running Springer (and they'd be well-advised not to), 'KB could do as CC did with it's now-defunct FM libtalker in Texas, which ran Springer-Miller back to back.
Re: Scuffle in Buffalo
> Actually, WHLD seemed to have the coup of landing AAR
> affiliation because Entercom waited too long. Bill Press in
> the mornings is settling for leftovers. KB does have a
> great signal, which means we can hear alternative shows in
> the car here in Rochester if WROC is boring me.
Well, if Entercom wanted to push, they'd have a good chance at getting AAR presuming they ran a certain number of hours. AAR is on several Entercom stations like WWTQ, WSMB, and others, and with the prospect of more coming, the network would be wise to listen to them.
> The "community programming" is stuff like Democracy Now
> which has a good audience with activists and younger college
> types.
Basically no one an advertiser wants to reach. Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to the show. I'm going to run it on my off-campus Part 15, and that's the kind of outlet it belongs on. Putting it on a commercial station in an (almost) top-50 market is throwing away a full hour of commercial inventory and precludes a TOH newscast.
Which leads me to ask, which news service will each station use? AAR News or something else?
> Actually, WHLD seemed to have the coup of landing AAR
> affiliation because Entercom waited too long. Bill Press in
> the mornings is settling for leftovers. KB does have a
> great signal, which means we can hear alternative shows in
> the car here in Rochester if WROC is boring me.
Well, if Entercom wanted to push, they'd have a good chance at getting AAR presuming they ran a certain number of hours. AAR is on several Entercom stations like WWTQ, WSMB, and others, and with the prospect of more coming, the network would be wise to listen to them.
> The "community programming" is stuff like Democracy Now
> which has a good audience with activists and younger college
> types.
Basically no one an advertiser wants to reach. Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to the show. I'm going to run it on my off-campus Part 15, and that's the kind of outlet it belongs on. Putting it on a commercial station in an (almost) top-50 market is throwing away a full hour of commercial inventory and precludes a TOH newscast.
Which leads me to ask, which news service will each station use? AAR News or something else?
M
mwebster
Guest
Re: The question is can the market support two?
>
> Sorry, but when people think of libtalk, they still think of
> AAR. That isn't a statement on the overall quality of all
> their shows - you know my favorite is Jones' Stephanie
> Miller followed by Randi Rhodes. Al Franken can get on my
> nerves too. But I don't see the "tragedy" that people like
> Brian Baloney keep hoping and wishing to befall Air America,
> much like his own career.
>
Fair enough. AAR is Coke. Jones is Pepsi. A lot of people say "Coke" automatically. I happen to prefer Pepsi.
>
> From what I
> can tell, WHLD is a brokered operation who is taking a
> chance on two AAR shows. I don't know what they do on
> weekends. I also still don't understand this thing about
> bumping Randi to post-drive. If this woman continues to
> beat Hannity in some markets and gains clout, she should
> achieve Big Ed status and start clamping down on all the
> time shifting on the east coast.
>
See below.
>
> Really, (Press) is awful. The woman from Center for American
> Progress was barely tolerable as a guest segment on Franken,
> but to have her as co-host is just wayyyy too much. She's
> lousy. The whole thing is disjointed and disorganized, and
> nobody wants to hear that at 6am in the morning, except if
> it acts as an alarm clock to drive people out of bed to turn
> it off.
>
I wouldn't go so far as "awful." He doesn't look good compared to Steph, granted. Compared to Mark Reilly, he's not so bad. Maddow shows some promise and Press does need to get his act together to compete for clearances.
>
> You're buying into the unconfirmed Unequalizer reports about
> that. Miller was laughing her ass off over that entire
> story, which she said was so outrageously nonsensical that
> she's amazed anyone would have accepted it as fact. No
> producer anywhere is paid the amount Brian claims Franken's
> staff is getting. Not even close.
>
I don't believe something because Maloney says it. I don't disbelieve it either. The statement about Franken's bloated staff is plausible and consistent with what was shown in the HBO documentary. $600K does sound steep for one producer. He's been fired, so what? You can't say you've worked in radio until you've been fired at least once. It's part of the game.
In all fairness, Maloney attacks progressive talk. You attack conservative talk. I don't see much difference. You're playing the same game.
>
>
> It suddenly dawns on me Hartmann might be great as an early
> morning alternative to Press' show.
>
Good point. I don't know if you've had a chance to hear Hartmann's local show, but to my ear he works much better on his morning show than on his national show.
>
> I'm still gravitating to the theory that Randi would become
> the AAR star in a post-Franken world.
>
She "beat" Hannity in one demographic segment in New York. But as far a getting clearances - especially live clearances, he competition is Ed Schultz, not Sean. We don't know what her margin was among 25 to 54 year old males. And while I probably agree with Randi more than with Ed, Schultz' style likely plays better outside the big cities of the Northeast. The producer Randi brought with her from Florida somehow ended up the program director after the big shake-up at AAR. And he is not doing his job with Randi. She has some bad habits. She whines. She rambles. Some of her bits don't work. The show needs a tighter reign.
>
>
> I wonder what candidates there are for that other than maybe
> WOR? I can't see a network O&O doing it.
>
It occured to me that this is the second large market in which Entercom has flipped a music station to progressive talk with another progressive talk station in (or about to be in) the field. First Sacramento. Now Buffalo. More to come?
The only class A AM stations still playing music are WSM, Nashville and KWKH, Shreveport - both Country stations and probably not likely candidates. The last two to drop music were WSAI, Cincinnati and WWKB, Buffalo - now both progressive talk.
In New York, WOR is mess with management almost as inept as AAR. With a smart operator, progressive talk on WOR featuring some solid local programming could be a good move. 1560 AM is now leased to Radio Disney but that deal could be up in the air now. 1050 carries ESPN Radio; ESPN stays with Disney and the station goes to Citadel, so it could also be in play. And then there's always - dare I say it - FM.
>
> Sorry, but when people think of libtalk, they still think of
> AAR. That isn't a statement on the overall quality of all
> their shows - you know my favorite is Jones' Stephanie
> Miller followed by Randi Rhodes. Al Franken can get on my
> nerves too. But I don't see the "tragedy" that people like
> Brian Baloney keep hoping and wishing to befall Air America,
> much like his own career.
>
Fair enough. AAR is Coke. Jones is Pepsi. A lot of people say "Coke" automatically. I happen to prefer Pepsi.
>
> From what I
> can tell, WHLD is a brokered operation who is taking a
> chance on two AAR shows. I don't know what they do on
> weekends. I also still don't understand this thing about
> bumping Randi to post-drive. If this woman continues to
> beat Hannity in some markets and gains clout, she should
> achieve Big Ed status and start clamping down on all the
> time shifting on the east coast.
>
See below.
>
> Really, (Press) is awful. The woman from Center for American
> Progress was barely tolerable as a guest segment on Franken,
> but to have her as co-host is just wayyyy too much. She's
> lousy. The whole thing is disjointed and disorganized, and
> nobody wants to hear that at 6am in the morning, except if
> it acts as an alarm clock to drive people out of bed to turn
> it off.
>
I wouldn't go so far as "awful." He doesn't look good compared to Steph, granted. Compared to Mark Reilly, he's not so bad. Maddow shows some promise and Press does need to get his act together to compete for clearances.
>
> You're buying into the unconfirmed Unequalizer reports about
> that. Miller was laughing her ass off over that entire
> story, which she said was so outrageously nonsensical that
> she's amazed anyone would have accepted it as fact. No
> producer anywhere is paid the amount Brian claims Franken's
> staff is getting. Not even close.
>
I don't believe something because Maloney says it. I don't disbelieve it either. The statement about Franken's bloated staff is plausible and consistent with what was shown in the HBO documentary. $600K does sound steep for one producer. He's been fired, so what? You can't say you've worked in radio until you've been fired at least once. It's part of the game.
In all fairness, Maloney attacks progressive talk. You attack conservative talk. I don't see much difference. You're playing the same game.
>
>
> It suddenly dawns on me Hartmann might be great as an early
> morning alternative to Press' show.
>
Good point. I don't know if you've had a chance to hear Hartmann's local show, but to my ear he works much better on his morning show than on his national show.
>
> I'm still gravitating to the theory that Randi would become
> the AAR star in a post-Franken world.
>
She "beat" Hannity in one demographic segment in New York. But as far a getting clearances - especially live clearances, he competition is Ed Schultz, not Sean. We don't know what her margin was among 25 to 54 year old males. And while I probably agree with Randi more than with Ed, Schultz' style likely plays better outside the big cities of the Northeast. The producer Randi brought with her from Florida somehow ended up the program director after the big shake-up at AAR. And he is not doing his job with Randi. She has some bad habits. She whines. She rambles. Some of her bits don't work. The show needs a tighter reign.
>
>
> I wonder what candidates there are for that other than maybe
> WOR? I can't see a network O&O doing it.
>
It occured to me that this is the second large market in which Entercom has flipped a music station to progressive talk with another progressive talk station in (or about to be in) the field. First Sacramento. Now Buffalo. More to come?
The only class A AM stations still playing music are WSM, Nashville and KWKH, Shreveport - both Country stations and probably not likely candidates. The last two to drop music were WSAI, Cincinnati and WWKB, Buffalo - now both progressive talk.
In New York, WOR is mess with management almost as inept as AAR. With a smart operator, progressive talk on WOR featuring some solid local programming could be a good move. 1560 AM is now leased to Radio Disney but that deal could be up in the air now. 1050 carries ESPN Radio; ESPN stays with Disney and the station goes to Citadel, so it could also be in play. And then there's always - dare I say it - FM.
Re: The question is can the market support two?
> In New York, WOR is mess with management almost as inept as
> AAR. With a smart operator, progressive talk on WOR
> featuring some solid local programming could be a good move.
> 1560 AM is now leased to Radio Disney but that deal could
> be up in the air now. 1050 carries ESPN Radio; ESPN stays
> with Disney and the station goes to Citadel, so it could
> also be in play. And then there's always - dare I say it -
> FM.
Don't expect Radio Disney to go away; LMAed from the New York Times or not. Although I have said before and still believe that if someone came in with a number, obviously a mere fraction of the Citadel figures, to buy Disney's mostly inferior RD AM facilities, they would give up the whole thing. With XM and Sirius going into the minivans and SUVs that middle- and upper-class mothers drive with their kids, and those two demographics not very likely to listen to AM, especially when a loop antenna is needed, I don't see why Disney couldn't focus it's efforts on the less expensive distribution methods of satradio and DirecTV. But be warned... many of the Radio Disney facilities are downright awful.
> In New York, WOR is mess with management almost as inept as
> AAR. With a smart operator, progressive talk on WOR
> featuring some solid local programming could be a good move.
> 1560 AM is now leased to Radio Disney but that deal could
> be up in the air now. 1050 carries ESPN Radio; ESPN stays
> with Disney and the station goes to Citadel, so it could
> also be in play. And then there's always - dare I say it -
> FM.
Don't expect Radio Disney to go away; LMAed from the New York Times or not. Although I have said before and still believe that if someone came in with a number, obviously a mere fraction of the Citadel figures, to buy Disney's mostly inferior RD AM facilities, they would give up the whole thing. With XM and Sirius going into the minivans and SUVs that middle- and upper-class mothers drive with their kids, and those two demographics not very likely to listen to AM, especially when a loop antenna is needed, I don't see why Disney couldn't focus it's efforts on the less expensive distribution methods of satradio and DirecTV. But be warned... many of the Radio Disney facilities are downright awful.
Re: 'KB goes progressive talk - Scuffle in Buffalo
> If WHLD isn't running Springer (and they'd be well-advised
> not to), 'KB could do as CC did with it's now-defunct FM
> libtalker in Texas, which ran Springer-Miller back to back.
No way that happens, for at least two reasons:
* 'KB has to run Steph live in middays (9-noon). Period. There's no other option. Not only is she one of the better libtalk shows, but like Rush Limbaugh for former home station KFBK/Sacramento, she's got a local twist...being born and raised in the Buffalo area, in specific, Lockport. (You should hear her try to talk like a Western New Yorker, it's funny!) Now, granted, she isn't about to change her show or anything, but it's something 'KB can hang onto for promotional reasons if nothing else. The market visit, if nothing else, will be fun.
* I should listen to him lately, but I'm not convinced picking up Springer would be a good idea for 'KB. And with what I presume is a local show in early afternoons (ex-WGR host Leslie Marshall), there's no room for him anyway. He's not getting on WHLD, either, unless they squeeze him in before Franken somehow. And 'HLD has the existing AAR relationship now. With KRPT, they were getting Springer through Clear Channel, not AAR.
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> If WHLD isn't running Springer (and they'd be well-advised
> not to), 'KB could do as CC did with it's now-defunct FM
> libtalker in Texas, which ran Springer-Miller back to back.
No way that happens, for at least two reasons:
* 'KB has to run Steph live in middays (9-noon). Period. There's no other option. Not only is she one of the better libtalk shows, but like Rush Limbaugh for former home station KFBK/Sacramento, she's got a local twist...being born and raised in the Buffalo area, in specific, Lockport. (You should hear her try to talk like a Western New Yorker, it's funny!) Now, granted, she isn't about to change her show or anything, but it's something 'KB can hang onto for promotional reasons if nothing else. The market visit, if nothing else, will be fun.
* I should listen to him lately, but I'm not convinced picking up Springer would be a good idea for 'KB. And with what I presume is a local show in early afternoons (ex-WGR host Leslie Marshall), there's no room for him anyway. He's not getting on WHLD, either, unless they squeeze him in before Franken somehow. And 'HLD has the existing AAR relationship now. With KRPT, they were getting Springer through Clear Channel, not AAR.
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It's CNN News For New Libtalker WWKB
> Entercom likes CNN News.
And indeed, that's what I heard WWKB/1520 running tonight at 8 PM, via back-off-the-stick skywave here in Northeast Ohio. I'm guessing WHLD will run AAR's product.
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> Entercom likes CNN News.
And indeed, that's what I heard WWKB/1520 running tonight at 8 PM, via back-off-the-stick skywave here in Northeast Ohio. I'm guessing WHLD will run AAR's product.
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