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KFWB/KNX, what's up?
- Thread starter newsradio
- Start date
Low ratings explanation for KFWB/KNX
This has been discussed here before.
Firstly, weather. With weather not a major concern to SoCal listeners, unlike in most other major urban metros, that is one consistent compelling story that draws N/T listeners elsewhere but not here.
Second - formatics. KNX is a mess (IMHO). When George Nicholas ran that place (at least for the period up to the couple years before being pushed out) the station was tight formatically, authoritative in its presentation, and predictable. N/T is a utility, with a large cume but a low TSL. Take away predictability and some of the cume goes elsewhere.
Third - KFI. The rise of KFI's listenership correlates with the fall of KFWB/KNX. KFI has a strong news brand in addition to an entertaining presentation of talk programming. A former KABC/KHJ air talent recently told me that KFI reminds him of the great Top 40 stations of yesterday in its presentation, simply without the music. Very few stations today can lay claim to such stature, and the existence of KFI pulls listeners that would otherwise be at KFWB, KNX, and KABC.
> Why do they always seem to trend so low in comparison to
> other news stations?<P ID="signature">______________
Peace is the word, and the Voice of the Peace is THE station, 24 hours a day. (Tribute to the VOP 1540 which broadcast for 20 years in the Eastern Mediterranean)</P>
This has been discussed here before.
Firstly, weather. With weather not a major concern to SoCal listeners, unlike in most other major urban metros, that is one consistent compelling story that draws N/T listeners elsewhere but not here.
Second - formatics. KNX is a mess (IMHO). When George Nicholas ran that place (at least for the period up to the couple years before being pushed out) the station was tight formatically, authoritative in its presentation, and predictable. N/T is a utility, with a large cume but a low TSL. Take away predictability and some of the cume goes elsewhere.
Third - KFI. The rise of KFI's listenership correlates with the fall of KFWB/KNX. KFI has a strong news brand in addition to an entertaining presentation of talk programming. A former KABC/KHJ air talent recently told me that KFI reminds him of the great Top 40 stations of yesterday in its presentation, simply without the music. Very few stations today can lay claim to such stature, and the existence of KFI pulls listeners that would otherwise be at KFWB, KNX, and KABC.
> Why do they always seem to trend so low in comparison to
> other news stations?<P ID="signature">______________
Peace is the word, and the Voice of the Peace is THE station, 24 hours a day. (Tribute to the VOP 1540 which broadcast for 20 years in the Eastern Mediterranean)</P>
Re: Low ratings explanation for KFWB/KNX
I think there is no longer room in LA for two co-owned full time news radio stations. One of them must go, and my vote would be for KFWB. Also, I think KNX's numbers a not representative, because they cover the entire Southern CA area, but ratings are only for LA. I always used to listen to KNX when I was in San Diego when I needed a news update that KFMB couldn't provide.
Come to think of it, every now and then, I still DX them here in Lubbock TX. But that's a different story...
> This has been discussed here before.
> Firstly, weather. With weather not a major concern to SoCal
> listeners, unlike in most other major urban metros, that is
> one consistent compelling story that draws N/T listeners
> elsewhere but not here.
>
> Second - formatics. KNX is a mess (IMHO). When George
> Nicholas ran that place (at least for the period up to the
> couple years before being pushed out) the station was tight
> formatically, authoritative in its presentation, and
> predictable. N/T is a utility, with a large cume but a low
> TSL. Take away predictability and some of the cume goes
> elsewhere.
>
> Third - KFI. The rise of KFI's listenership correlates with
> the fall of KFWB/KNX. KFI has a strong news brand in
> addition to an entertaining presentation of talk
> programming. A former KABC/KHJ air talent recently told me
> that KFI reminds him of the great Top 40 stations of
> yesterday in its presentation, simply without the music.
> Very few stations today can lay claim to such stature, and
> the existence of KFI pulls listeners that would otherwise be
> at KFWB, KNX, and KABC.
>
> > Why do they always seem to trend so low in comparison to
> > other news stations?
>
I think there is no longer room in LA for two co-owned full time news radio stations. One of them must go, and my vote would be for KFWB. Also, I think KNX's numbers a not representative, because they cover the entire Southern CA area, but ratings are only for LA. I always used to listen to KNX when I was in San Diego when I needed a news update that KFMB couldn't provide.
Come to think of it, every now and then, I still DX them here in Lubbock TX. But that's a different story...
> This has been discussed here before.
> Firstly, weather. With weather not a major concern to SoCal
> listeners, unlike in most other major urban metros, that is
> one consistent compelling story that draws N/T listeners
> elsewhere but not here.
>
> Second - formatics. KNX is a mess (IMHO). When George
> Nicholas ran that place (at least for the period up to the
> couple years before being pushed out) the station was tight
> formatically, authoritative in its presentation, and
> predictable. N/T is a utility, with a large cume but a low
> TSL. Take away predictability and some of the cume goes
> elsewhere.
>
> Third - KFI. The rise of KFI's listenership correlates with
> the fall of KFWB/KNX. KFI has a strong news brand in
> addition to an entertaining presentation of talk
> programming. A former KABC/KHJ air talent recently told me
> that KFI reminds him of the great Top 40 stations of
> yesterday in its presentation, simply without the music.
> Very few stations today can lay claim to such stature, and
> the existence of KFI pulls listeners that would otherwise be
> at KFWB, KNX, and KABC.
>
> > Why do they always seem to trend so low in comparison to
> > other news stations?
>
E
encino134
Guest
Re: Low ratings explanation for KFWB/KNX
> This has been discussed here before.
> Firstly, weather. With weather not a major concern to SoCal
> listeners, unlike in most other major urban metros, that is
> one consistent compelling story that draws N/T listeners
> elsewhere but not here.
>
> Second - formatics. KNX is a mess (IMHO). When George
> Nicholas ran that place (at least for the period up to the
> couple years before being pushed out) the station was tight
> formatically, authoritative in its presentation, and
> predictable. N/T is a utility, with a large cume but a low
> TSL. Take away predictability and some of the cume goes
> elsewhere.
>
> Third - KFI. The rise of KFI's listenership correlates with
> the fall of KFWB/KNX. KFI has a strong news brand in
> addition to an entertaining presentation of talk
> programming. A former KABC/KHJ air talent recently told me
> that KFI reminds him of the great Top 40 stations of
> yesterday in its presentation, simply without the music.
> Very few stations today can lay claim to such stature, and
> the existence of KFI pulls listeners that would otherwise be
> at KFWB, KNX, and KABC.
>
> > Why do they always seem to trend so low in comparison to
> > other news stations?
>
When KNX stop broadcasting the nightly drama hour their goal was to focus in on
news and do away with non news programming. So why did they go and add the food show and computer show which to me is non essential news programming?
> This has been discussed here before.
> Firstly, weather. With weather not a major concern to SoCal
> listeners, unlike in most other major urban metros, that is
> one consistent compelling story that draws N/T listeners
> elsewhere but not here.
>
> Second - formatics. KNX is a mess (IMHO). When George
> Nicholas ran that place (at least for the period up to the
> couple years before being pushed out) the station was tight
> formatically, authoritative in its presentation, and
> predictable. N/T is a utility, with a large cume but a low
> TSL. Take away predictability and some of the cume goes
> elsewhere.
>
> Third - KFI. The rise of KFI's listenership correlates with
> the fall of KFWB/KNX. KFI has a strong news brand in
> addition to an entertaining presentation of talk
> programming. A former KABC/KHJ air talent recently told me
> that KFI reminds him of the great Top 40 stations of
> yesterday in its presentation, simply without the music.
> Very few stations today can lay claim to such stature, and
> the existence of KFI pulls listeners that would otherwise be
> at KFWB, KNX, and KABC.
>
> > Why do they always seem to trend so low in comparison to
> > other news stations?
>
When KNX stop broadcasting the nightly drama hour their goal was to focus in on
news and do away with non news programming. So why did they go and add the food show and computer show which to me is non essential news programming?
J
John_U
Guest
Speaking of Food News
> When KNX stop broadcasting the nightly drama hour their goal
> was to focus in on
> news and do away with non news programming. So why did they
> go and add the food show and computer show which to me is
> non essential news programming?
>
My pet peeve is the recipe segment at 4:35 on both KNX and KFWB (there's a gotcha). It is the middle of drive time news and they go off and do "What's for dinner". I go off to another station right then and there and don't come back. In fact knowing it's coming, I leave early (right after the 4:30 headlines). That segment sounds like the news version of Jack - "train wreck".
John
> When KNX stop broadcasting the nightly drama hour their goal
> was to focus in on
> news and do away with non news programming. So why did they
> go and add the food show and computer show which to me is
> non essential news programming?
>
My pet peeve is the recipe segment at 4:35 on both KNX and KFWB (there's a gotcha). It is the middle of drive time news and they go off and do "What's for dinner". I go off to another station right then and there and don't come back. In fact knowing it's coming, I leave early (right after the 4:30 headlines). That segment sounds like the news version of Jack - "train wreck".
John
Re: Low ratings explanation for KFWB/KNX
> I think there is no longer room in LA for two co-owned full
> time news radio stations. One of them must go, and my vote
> would be for KFWB. Also, I think KNX's numbers a not
> representative, because they cover the entire Southern CA
> area, but ratings are only for LA. I always used to listen
> to KNX when I was in San Diego when I needed a news update
> that KFMB couldn't provide.
Perhaps so, but to what? They missed out on libtalk, there's enough mainstream talk, and God knows the market is oversaturated with sports. Fabulous 980?
> I think there is no longer room in LA for two co-owned full
> time news radio stations. One of them must go, and my vote
> would be for KFWB. Also, I think KNX's numbers a not
> representative, because they cover the entire Southern CA
> area, but ratings are only for LA. I always used to listen
> to KNX when I was in San Diego when I needed a news update
> that KFMB couldn't provide.
Perhaps so, but to what? They missed out on libtalk, there's enough mainstream talk, and God knows the market is oversaturated with sports. Fabulous 980?
Z
zumahans1
Guest
David G. Hall, that's what
> Why do they always seem to trend so low in comparison to
> other news stations?
>
Listen to KCBS on 740 at night.
That's what KNX used to be.
Instead, we get the Vickies' guffaws and anti-intellectual asides.
Even if they were funny, interesting and compelling - which they surely are not - they would still be anti-news.... and news is what KNX used to be all about.
The KNX audience has left for KPCC, KCRW and XM.
If the non-commercial NPR stations were in the ratings, KNX/KFWB would be even worse off.
> Why do they always seem to trend so low in comparison to
> other news stations?
>
Listen to KCBS on 740 at night.
That's what KNX used to be.
Instead, we get the Vickies' guffaws and anti-intellectual asides.
Even if they were funny, interesting and compelling - which they surely are not - they would still be anti-news.... and news is what KNX used to be all about.
The KNX audience has left for KPCC, KCRW and XM.
If the non-commercial NPR stations were in the ratings, KNX/KFWB would be even worse off.
H
heywhatsupglenn
Guest
Re: Low ratings explanation for KFWB/KNX
> > I think there is no longer room in LA for two co-owned
> full
> > time news radio stations. One of them must go, and my vote
>
> > would be for KFWB. Also, I think KNX's numbers a not
> > representative, because they cover the entire Southern CA
> > area, but ratings are only for LA. I always used to listen
>
> > to KNX when I was in San Diego when I needed a news update
>
> > that KFMB couldn't provide.
>
> Perhaps so, but to what? They missed out on libtalk, there's
> enough mainstream talk, and God knows the market is
> oversaturated with sports. Fabulous 980?
>
Missed out? The .4 that KTLK is getting shows that lib talk won't work in L.A.. Most of the liberals are still stuck listening to the non-stop lies of NPR and aren't ready for another station to constantly lie to them (as Air America does)...
KFWB's biggest mistake was taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Also, at almost the same time, when KFWB was hanging in limbo a couple of years ago (if it was going to have to be sold to comply with FCC rues), they did not invest much in the station. That is where KFWB started losing it.
David G. Hall, as another poster pointed out, is the other major problem. He's made a MESS of KNX.
He should listen to KOMO 1000 (Seattle) for ways to make the station sound more exiting but still keep its news integrity.
But both KFWB and KNX still make a nice chunk of cash. They are underperforming in both sales and ratings but not enough to blow either of them up. And, just like Clear Channel and it's FM stations Wall of Women, you open yourself up to competition if you do.
> > I think there is no longer room in LA for two co-owned
> full
> > time news radio stations. One of them must go, and my vote
>
> > would be for KFWB. Also, I think KNX's numbers a not
> > representative, because they cover the entire Southern CA
> > area, but ratings are only for LA. I always used to listen
>
> > to KNX when I was in San Diego when I needed a news update
>
> > that KFMB couldn't provide.
>
> Perhaps so, but to what? They missed out on libtalk, there's
> enough mainstream talk, and God knows the market is
> oversaturated with sports. Fabulous 980?
>
Missed out? The .4 that KTLK is getting shows that lib talk won't work in L.A.. Most of the liberals are still stuck listening to the non-stop lies of NPR and aren't ready for another station to constantly lie to them (as Air America does)...
KFWB's biggest mistake was taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Also, at almost the same time, when KFWB was hanging in limbo a couple of years ago (if it was going to have to be sold to comply with FCC rues), they did not invest much in the station. That is where KFWB started losing it.
David G. Hall, as another poster pointed out, is the other major problem. He's made a MESS of KNX.
He should listen to KOMO 1000 (Seattle) for ways to make the station sound more exiting but still keep its news integrity.
But both KFWB and KNX still make a nice chunk of cash. They are underperforming in both sales and ratings but not enough to blow either of them up. And, just like Clear Channel and it's FM stations Wall of Women, you open yourself up to competition if you do.
H
heywhatsupglenn
Guest
Re: David G. Hall, that's what
> > Why do they always seem to trend so low in comparison to
> > other news stations?
> >
> Listen to KCBS on 740 at night.
>
> That's what KNX used to be.
>
> Instead, we get the Vickies' guffaws and anti-intellectual
> asides.
>
> Even if they were funny, interesting and compelling - which
> they surely are not - they would still be anti-news.... and
> news is what KNX used to be all about.
>
> The KNX audience has left for KPCC, KCRW and XM.
>
> If the non-commercial NPR stations were in the ratings,
> KNX/KFWB would be even worse off.
>
KNX/KFWB listeners tend to be more conservative. I don't think Ultra-liberal NPR is where the bulk of their listeners have gone. XM and Sirius have lower penetration rates in Los Angeles than most major cities (and they just don't have many subscribers anyway). So they are not a factor at all.
I do agree w/ David G. Hall. He's an idiot who has ruined KNX.
Infinity - with the exception of the Jack format - has made some of the most stupid decisions of any major broadcaster. But nothing beats Infinity Fresno or Austin where it's Howard Stern in the morning and spanish or hip-hop the rest of the day. D-U-M-B!
> > Why do they always seem to trend so low in comparison to
> > other news stations?
> >
> Listen to KCBS on 740 at night.
>
> That's what KNX used to be.
>
> Instead, we get the Vickies' guffaws and anti-intellectual
> asides.
>
> Even if they were funny, interesting and compelling - which
> they surely are not - they would still be anti-news.... and
> news is what KNX used to be all about.
>
> The KNX audience has left for KPCC, KCRW and XM.
>
> If the non-commercial NPR stations were in the ratings,
> KNX/KFWB would be even worse off.
>
KNX/KFWB listeners tend to be more conservative. I don't think Ultra-liberal NPR is where the bulk of their listeners have gone. XM and Sirius have lower penetration rates in Los Angeles than most major cities (and they just don't have many subscribers anyway). So they are not a factor at all.
I do agree w/ David G. Hall. He's an idiot who has ruined KNX.
Infinity - with the exception of the Jack format - has made some of the most stupid decisions of any major broadcaster. But nothing beats Infinity Fresno or Austin where it's Howard Stern in the morning and spanish or hip-hop the rest of the day. D-U-M-B!
Re: Low ratings explanation for KFWB/KNX
Glenn hits the nail on the head with the "missed out on libtalk" comment. Are they also missing out on Dance and AAA, because you know those audiences aren't being served either? Gimme a break. It never ceases to amaze me that people think what *they* are missing is what the market is missing.
As far as KNX/KFWB, the raings started really tanking for both of them as soon as David G Hall came along and tinkered with well established, clocks, weekend shows, and insisting on incessant drivel and small talk between stories. Chart the ratings before and after and see.
At the time I thought he was a great hire for two stations who were starting to trend downward and needed to be freshend up. But almost every move he has made has contributed to muddying up the presentation and making it confusing for listeners.
I actually think that a lot of those listeners have gone to KFI, which has the most respected news department of all of the non-news stations. KFI has really taken it up a notch since DGH left and Robin Bertolluci took over. XM is great, I've had it for years, but a significant news presence they do not have. They have simulcasts of Fox and CNN Headlines, neither of which are tailored to a radio audience.
> Missed out? The .4 that KTLK is getting shows that lib talk
> won't work in L.A.. Most of the liberals are still stuck
> listening to the non-stop lies of NPR and aren't ready for
> another station to constantly lie to them (as Air America
> does)...
>
> KFWB's biggest mistake was taking on the Los Angeles
> Dodgers. Also, at almost the same time, when KFWB was
> hanging in limbo a couple of years ago (if it was going to
> have to be sold to comply with FCC rues), they did not
> invest much in the station. That is where KFWB started
> losing it.
>
> David G. Hall, as another poster pointed out, is the other
> major problem. He's made a MESS of KNX.
> He should listen to KOMO 1000 (Seattle) for ways to make the
> station sound more exiting but still keep its news
> integrity.
>
> But both KFWB and KNX still make a nice chunk of cash. They
> are underperforming in both sales and ratings but not enough
> to blow either of them up. And, just like Clear Channel and
> it's FM stations Wall of Women, you open yourself up to
> competition if you do.
>
Glenn hits the nail on the head with the "missed out on libtalk" comment. Are they also missing out on Dance and AAA, because you know those audiences aren't being served either? Gimme a break. It never ceases to amaze me that people think what *they* are missing is what the market is missing.
As far as KNX/KFWB, the raings started really tanking for both of them as soon as David G Hall came along and tinkered with well established, clocks, weekend shows, and insisting on incessant drivel and small talk between stories. Chart the ratings before and after and see.
At the time I thought he was a great hire for two stations who were starting to trend downward and needed to be freshend up. But almost every move he has made has contributed to muddying up the presentation and making it confusing for listeners.
I actually think that a lot of those listeners have gone to KFI, which has the most respected news department of all of the non-news stations. KFI has really taken it up a notch since DGH left and Robin Bertolluci took over. XM is great, I've had it for years, but a significant news presence they do not have. They have simulcasts of Fox and CNN Headlines, neither of which are tailored to a radio audience.
> Missed out? The .4 that KTLK is getting shows that lib talk
> won't work in L.A.. Most of the liberals are still stuck
> listening to the non-stop lies of NPR and aren't ready for
> another station to constantly lie to them (as Air America
> does)...
>
> KFWB's biggest mistake was taking on the Los Angeles
> Dodgers. Also, at almost the same time, when KFWB was
> hanging in limbo a couple of years ago (if it was going to
> have to be sold to comply with FCC rues), they did not
> invest much in the station. That is where KFWB started
> losing it.
>
> David G. Hall, as another poster pointed out, is the other
> major problem. He's made a MESS of KNX.
> He should listen to KOMO 1000 (Seattle) for ways to make the
> station sound more exiting but still keep its news
> integrity.
>
> But both KFWB and KNX still make a nice chunk of cash. They
> are underperforming in both sales and ratings but not enough
> to blow either of them up. And, just like Clear Channel and
> it's FM stations Wall of Women, you open yourself up to
> competition if you do.
>
H
heywhatsupglenn
Guest
Re: Low ratings explanation for KFWB/KNX
> Glenn hits the nail on the head with the "missed out on
> libtalk" comment. Are they also missing out on Dance and
> AAA, because you know those audiences aren't being served
> either? Gimme a break. It never ceases to amaze me that
> people think what *they* are missing is what the market is
> missing.
>
> As far as KNX/KFWB, the raings started really tanking for
> both of them as soon as David G Hall came along and tinkered
> with well established, clocks, weekend shows, and insisting
> on incessant drivel and small talk between stories. Chart
> the ratings before and after and see.
>
> At the time I thought he was a great hire for two stations
> who were starting to trend downward and needed to be
> freshend up. But almost every move he has made has
> contributed to muddying up the presentation and making it
> confusing for listeners.
>
> I actually think that a lot of those listeners have gone to
> KFI, which has the most respected news department of all of
> the non-news stations. KFI has really taken it up a notch
> since DGH left and Robin Bertolluci took over. XM is great,
> I've had it for years, but a significant news presence they
> do not have. They have simulcasts of Fox and CNN Headlines,
> neither of which are tailored to a radio audience.
>
> > Missed out? The .4 that KTLK is getting shows that lib
> talk
> > won't work in L.A.. Most of the liberals are still stuck
> > listening to the non-stop lies of NPR and aren't ready for
>
> > another station to constantly lie to them (as Air America
> > does)...
> >
> > KFWB's biggest mistake was taking on the Los Angeles
> > Dodgers. Also, at almost the same time, when KFWB was
> > hanging in limbo a couple of years ago (if it was going to
>
> > have to be sold to comply with FCC rues), they did not
> > invest much in the station. That is where KFWB started
> > losing it.
> >
> > David G. Hall, as another poster pointed out, is the other
>
> > major problem. He's made a MESS of KNX.
> > He should listen to KOMO 1000 (Seattle) for ways to make
> the
> > station sound more exiting but still keep its news
> > integrity.
> >
> > But both KFWB and KNX still make a nice chunk of cash.
> They
> > are underperforming in both sales and ratings but not
> enough
> > to blow either of them up. And, just like Clear Channel
> and
> > it's FM stations Wall of Women, you open yourself up to
> > competition if you do.
> >
>
KFI sounds great. The best way I would describe it is conservative-leaning, political Hot Talk. I wish more stations would do this format. Many stations air Rush or Sean or O'Reilly but no station that I know of packages their entire station as much "in your face" as KFI does. It takes managment that has "balls" to allow your talent to create the kind controversy as KFI does. Too bad so many other talk radio station managers around the USA are such wimps.
I was in Las Vegas this week and even on KDWN callers mention John & Ken and KFI. Not the only out-of-Los Angeles market where I've heard them mentioned before. BTW, AM 720 K-Dawn has to be the worst talk station in a top 50 market. So much potential but what a mess (listen to this station next time and you'll never complain about KNX again). Infinity's Las Vegas 840 KXNT isn't much better except they do have all the top national talk hosts, Rush, Dr. Laura, Sean and O'Reilly.
KABC just doesn't have the "attitude" that KFI has. And that is why it isn't the winner in this market (not to mention KABC's poor programming management team).
KFWB or KNX would probably be better off doing what they are trying at CNN and Headline News. One or the other has news (for now only in late afternnon/primetime) but not both at the same time. They could do this 24/7 at KFWB/KNX. Fox-style host Nancy Grace, has helped Headline News move from 4th to 3rd of the 4 national news channels. They each could use some KFI style talk shows instead of food, computer or business news to get back on track.
> Glenn hits the nail on the head with the "missed out on
> libtalk" comment. Are they also missing out on Dance and
> AAA, because you know those audiences aren't being served
> either? Gimme a break. It never ceases to amaze me that
> people think what *they* are missing is what the market is
> missing.
>
> As far as KNX/KFWB, the raings started really tanking for
> both of them as soon as David G Hall came along and tinkered
> with well established, clocks, weekend shows, and insisting
> on incessant drivel and small talk between stories. Chart
> the ratings before and after and see.
>
> At the time I thought he was a great hire for two stations
> who were starting to trend downward and needed to be
> freshend up. But almost every move he has made has
> contributed to muddying up the presentation and making it
> confusing for listeners.
>
> I actually think that a lot of those listeners have gone to
> KFI, which has the most respected news department of all of
> the non-news stations. KFI has really taken it up a notch
> since DGH left and Robin Bertolluci took over. XM is great,
> I've had it for years, but a significant news presence they
> do not have. They have simulcasts of Fox and CNN Headlines,
> neither of which are tailored to a radio audience.
>
> > Missed out? The .4 that KTLK is getting shows that lib
> talk
> > won't work in L.A.. Most of the liberals are still stuck
> > listening to the non-stop lies of NPR and aren't ready for
>
> > another station to constantly lie to them (as Air America
> > does)...
> >
> > KFWB's biggest mistake was taking on the Los Angeles
> > Dodgers. Also, at almost the same time, when KFWB was
> > hanging in limbo a couple of years ago (if it was going to
>
> > have to be sold to comply with FCC rues), they did not
> > invest much in the station. That is where KFWB started
> > losing it.
> >
> > David G. Hall, as another poster pointed out, is the other
>
> > major problem. He's made a MESS of KNX.
> > He should listen to KOMO 1000 (Seattle) for ways to make
> the
> > station sound more exiting but still keep its news
> > integrity.
> >
> > But both KFWB and KNX still make a nice chunk of cash.
> They
> > are underperforming in both sales and ratings but not
> enough
> > to blow either of them up. And, just like Clear Channel
> and
> > it's FM stations Wall of Women, you open yourself up to
> > competition if you do.
> >
>
KFI sounds great. The best way I would describe it is conservative-leaning, political Hot Talk. I wish more stations would do this format. Many stations air Rush or Sean or O'Reilly but no station that I know of packages their entire station as much "in your face" as KFI does. It takes managment that has "balls" to allow your talent to create the kind controversy as KFI does. Too bad so many other talk radio station managers around the USA are such wimps.
I was in Las Vegas this week and even on KDWN callers mention John & Ken and KFI. Not the only out-of-Los Angeles market where I've heard them mentioned before. BTW, AM 720 K-Dawn has to be the worst talk station in a top 50 market. So much potential but what a mess (listen to this station next time and you'll never complain about KNX again). Infinity's Las Vegas 840 KXNT isn't much better except they do have all the top national talk hosts, Rush, Dr. Laura, Sean and O'Reilly.
KABC just doesn't have the "attitude" that KFI has. And that is why it isn't the winner in this market (not to mention KABC's poor programming management team).
KFWB or KNX would probably be better off doing what they are trying at CNN and Headline News. One or the other has news (for now only in late afternnon/primetime) but not both at the same time. They could do this 24/7 at KFWB/KNX. Fox-style host Nancy Grace, has helped Headline News move from 4th to 3rd of the 4 national news channels. They each could use some KFI style talk shows instead of food, computer or business news to get back on track.
Re: Low ratings explanation for KFWB/KNX
>
> As far as KNX/KFWB, the raings started really tanking for
> both of them as soon as David G Hall came along and tinkered
> with well established, clocks, weekend shows, and insisting
> on incessant drivel and small talk between stories. Chart
> the ratings before and after and see.
KFWB's problem is baseball. Dodgers ball tanks ratings, especially on a news station. KNX has actually improved in 25-54, being currently at the highest level in that demo that it has been in in the last year and a half.
>
> As far as KNX/KFWB, the raings started really tanking for
> both of them as soon as David G Hall came along and tinkered
> with well established, clocks, weekend shows, and insisting
> on incessant drivel and small talk between stories. Chart
> the ratings before and after and see.
KFWB's problem is baseball. Dodgers ball tanks ratings, especially on a news station. KNX has actually improved in 25-54, being currently at the highest level in that demo that it has been in in the last year and a half.
Z
zumahans1
Guest
Re: David G. Hall, that's what
> KNX/KFWB listeners tend to be more conservative.
Really? What makes you say that?
If anything, given the sorry state of commercial radio. I would think KNX/KFWB is one of the few places left for liberals to listen to AM radio.
> I don't
> think Ultra-liberal NPR is where the bulk of their listeners
> have gone.
The ratings show great growth for NPR - and your gratutiotous slam is not true. Recent polls show NPR to be the most-trusted radio netowrok in the nation for conservatives and liberals alike (the Pew poll).
> XM and Sirius have lower penetration rates in Los
> Angeles than most major cities .
Any documentation on this theory? I would think that, given the large percentage of foreign-language programming on LA's FM band, crowding out formats like AAA and KNAC, along with higher incomes in the LA market than the rest of the country, that XM/Sirius would have higher penetration here.
> David G. Hall is an idiot who has ruined
> KNX.
>
Stipulated.
> But nothing beats Infinity Fresno or Austin where it's
> Howard Stern in the morning and spanish or hip-hop the rest
> of the day. D-U-M-B!
I would say the weekend talk programming on KNX and happy talk AM/PM drive ranks right up there.
>
> KNX/KFWB listeners tend to be more conservative.
Really? What makes you say that?
If anything, given the sorry state of commercial radio. I would think KNX/KFWB is one of the few places left for liberals to listen to AM radio.
> I don't
> think Ultra-liberal NPR is where the bulk of their listeners
> have gone.
The ratings show great growth for NPR - and your gratutiotous slam is not true. Recent polls show NPR to be the most-trusted radio netowrok in the nation for conservatives and liberals alike (the Pew poll).
> XM and Sirius have lower penetration rates in Los
> Angeles than most major cities .
Any documentation on this theory? I would think that, given the large percentage of foreign-language programming on LA's FM band, crowding out formats like AAA and KNAC, along with higher incomes in the LA market than the rest of the country, that XM/Sirius would have higher penetration here.
> David G. Hall is an idiot who has ruined
> KNX.
>
Stipulated.
> But nothing beats Infinity Fresno or Austin where it's
> Howard Stern in the morning and spanish or hip-hop the rest
> of the day. D-U-M-B!
I would say the weekend talk programming on KNX and happy talk AM/PM drive ranks right up there.
>
- Status