KGO Afternoon News: End Of The Line?

[BossRadioDJ]

Rich Lieberman hints in his blog that KGO may pull the plug on its afternoon newscast -- something that has been rumored at length here.

Excerpting Rich's exclusive blogpost:

KGO Radio is planning on eliminating the 4 PM to 7 PM "Afternoon News" ... and replacing it with another talk program, accordinmg to multiple sources. One source told me the move is likely "sometime this year", but that its "definitely happening." ... The move would leave only the "Morning News" ... as KGO's sole news block in addition to its top/bottom hourly updates. KGO has been consistently top-rated in the Bay Area radio ratings, but in past Arbitron books, has lost ground to KCBS, its chief news rival. ... The sources maintained that eliminating the 4-7 news would save save a lot of money and "that's the name of the game these days."

 

[davideduardo]

Rich Lieberman hints in his blog that KGO may pull the plug on its afternoon newscast -- something that has been rumored at length here.

Excerpting Rich's exclusive blogpost:

KGO Radio is planning on eliminating the 4 PM to 7 PM "Afternoon News" ... and replacing it with another talk program, accordinmg to multiple sources. One source told me the move is likely "sometime this year", but that its "definitely happening." ... The move would leave only the "Morning News" ... as KGO's sole news block in addition to its top/bottom hourly updates. KGO has been consistently top-rated in the Bay Area radio ratings, but in past Arbitron books, has lost ground to KCBS, its chief news rival. ... The sources maintained that eliminating the 4-7 news would save save a lot of money and "that's the name of the game these days."

The issue goes far beyond saving money. While KQED and KCBS (simulcast) are consistently in the top 5 in 25-54, KGO generally hovers around 20th, with half the AQH audience share of either of the leading talk and news stations.

 

[LKellerIII]

Rich Lieberman hints in his blog that KGO may pull the plug on its afternoon newscast -- something that has been rumored at length here.

Excerpting Rich's exclusive blogpost:

KGO Radio is planning on eliminating the 4 PM to 7 PM "Afternoon News" ... and replacing it with another talk program, accordinmg to multiple sources. One source told me the move is likely "sometime this year", but that its "definitely happening." ... The move would leave only the "Morning News" ... as KGO's sole news block in addition to its top/bottom hourly updates. KGO has been consistently top-rated in the Bay Area radio ratings, but in past Arbitron books, has lost ground to KCBS, its chief news rival. ... The sources maintained that eliminating the 4-7 news would save save a lot of money and "that's the name of the game these days."

The issue goes far beyond saving money. While KQED and KCBS (simulcast) are consistently in the top 5 in 25-54, KGO generally hovers around 20th, with half the AQH audience share of either of the leading talk and news stations.

One listeners opinion: It would be easy to trash Citadel, and it's sad some people may lose their jobs. But really, this is about 10 years overdue, in my opinion. With KCBS's recent dominance, and the growing influence of KQED (NPR), KGO is really a third and unnecessary wheel in afternoon news.

Even in the 80s and early 90s, when I was a talk radio junkie and KGO was the only game in town, I'd usually tune out during the afternoon news. Not that I'm ill-informed by any means, but I always got my news elsewhere. In those days, there was also the Ed Baxter factor - an automatic tune-out for me.

 

[DavidKaye]

Even in the 80s and early 90s, when I was a talk radio junkie and KGO was the only game in town, I'd usually tune out during the afternoon news. Not that I'm ill-informed by any means, but I always got my news elsewhere. In those days, there was also the Ed Baxter factor - an automatic tune-out for me.

It's unfortunate to pull it at a time when the two afternoon anchors, Brett Burkhart and Chris Brecher are doing such a good job with interviews. Unfortunately, KGO didn't move fast enough to put them into place. As for the rest of the news block, of late they've been doing too many fluff stories lately. People around here want hard news, not fluff.

 

[Michael Rivers Kramer]

Even in the 80s and early 90s, when I was a talk radio junkie and KGO was the only game in town, I'd usually tune out during the afternoon news. Not that I'm ill-informed by any means, but I always got my news elsewhere. In those days, there was also the Ed Baxter factor - an automatic tune-out for me.

It's unfortunate to pull it at a time when the two afternoon anchors, Brett Burkhart and Chris Brecher are doing such a good job with interviews. Unfortunately, KGO didn't move fast enough to put them into place. As for the rest of the news block, of late they've been doing too many fluff stories lately. People around here want hard news, not fluff.

It's too bad Citadel is without an FM in the market.

 

[travisl5678]

anybody that does want news in the afternoon goes to KCBS anyway,KQED has a short newscast during all things considered as well as traffic updates

 

[recto101]

Even in the 80s and early 90s, when I was a talk radio junkie and KGO was the only game in town, I'd usually tune out during the afternoon news. Not that I'm ill-informed by any means, but I always got my news elsewhere. In those days, there was also the Ed Baxter factor - an automatic tune-out for me.

It's unfortunate to pull it at a time when the two afternoon anchors, Brett Burkhart and Chris Brecher are doing such a good job with interviews. Unfortunately, KGO didn't move fast enough to put them into place. As for the rest of the news block, of late they've been doing too many fluff stories lately. People around here want hard news, not fluff.

I noticed that the 6pm editions seems to have the most fluff on KGO-AM even as far back when Pete Wilson was ending his talk show for ABC7News that night the teasers had fluff at the end

 

[radio dx]

Does this mean less reporters on the streets and cheaper in studio shows and feeds programing?

 

[secret]

Rich Lieberman is a blogger and as such, can write anything without the burden of accuracy. As to his credibility, who knows? The blog entry states that he got his information from three people in KGO management. I can guarantee that anyone at KGO in a position to know about this alleged plan would never discuss it with anyone inside or outside the station, especially someone like Lieberman,whose "job" is to publish rumors.

 

[BossRadioDJ]

The part of the rumor that Rich didn't report is that KGO management is thinking that Larry King might be up for grabs, and they can scoop him up and really zero in on that younger demo during that PM news block...

San Francisco, CA (#4)
March '10 ARBITRON Feb 10 Mar 10
KCBS-AM (News) 6.6 5.8
KOIT-FM (AC) 5.4 5.6
KGO-AM (N/T) 5.6 5.4
KQED-FM (N/T) 4.5 5.1
KYLD-FM (Top 40/R) 4.1 3.9

 

[DyingMedium]

Used to be quite a show in the afternoons...Burkhart, while a pro, just doesn't have the personality to host drive-time shows, IMO.

I remember when KGO used to battle it out with KCBS for stories, which made for some top notch reporting...

And, Secret...I laugh at either your Naivete, or your smokescreen. People talk about stuff (even super duper muy imporante stuff) outside the office all the time. And, if you're KGO, the only way you're going to catch KCBS in the PM news game is to spend money...and that ain't happenin'.

 

[coppersmom]

burkhart doesn't have the chops? you mean he doesn't crack endless stupid penis jokes? that's right he doesn't...I love the afternoon news in the current form..chris brecher is a smart cookie, long time journalist and lawyer..who actually knows what she is talking about when a story ..involves the legal system..

 

[ampmod]

Rich Lieberman is a pretty poor source...and perhaps an even worse "writer". You honestly think anyone in a position of authority at KGO is going to spew to this guy? While KGO clearly needs a shot of adrenalin, it's hardly on death's door. I too, think they need a stronger anchor in PM drive. (John Bristow might have been a better choice.) Shame they let Greg Jarrett go. They also have not recovered from the loss of Pete Wilson and Bernie Ward. Those shifts are both being held down by competent, but not compelling hosts. Their strengths lie with Ronn Owens and Gene Burns... but that may not be enough to carry them through.

 

[Gregg]

These days, does any talk station in a big market do an afternoon news block, if they also have an all-news competitor? I believe KSL Salt Lake City, still does an afternoon drive newsblock but they have no all-news station in the market. Does KIRO, Seattle, still do an afternoon newsblock?

It's a shame but NYC is the only market now with two all-news stations. At one time Chicago, Washington and briefly Philadelphia had competing all-news stations, and Los Angeles lost KFWB only a few months ago. SF still has two stations for all-news in AM and PM drive, although the PM newsblock may be going if the poster is correct.

How long has it been since KGO did a noon newsblock?




Gregg
[email protected]

 

[DavidKaye]

burkhart doesn't have the chops? you mean he doesn't crack endless stupid penis jokes? that's right he doesn't...I love the afternoon news in the current form..chris brecher is a smart cookie, long time journalist and lawyer..who actually knows what she is talking about when a story ..involves the legal system..

Chris Brecher and Brett Burkhart are the two best anchors KGO has had in years...decades even. They're both extremely smart, articulate, ask the right questions, and are both news hounds. It's unfortunate that KGO's news direction has veered off into infotainment like the national ABC newscast.

What I'd like to hear is 50-minute talkshows with 5 minutes of network and 5 minutes (times approximate) of local delivered by the existing news staff throughout the day and into early evening. In that way they can boost their reputation for news up several notches, while maintaining their talkshows.

 

[travisl5678]

These days, does any talk station in a big market do an afternoon news block, if they also have an all-news competitor? I believe KSL Salt Lake City, still does an afternoon drive newsblock but they have no all-news station in the market. Does KIRO, Seattle, still do an afternoon newsblock?

It's a shame but NYC is the only market now with two all-news stations. At one time Chicago, Washington and briefly Philadelphia had competing all-news stations, and Los Angeles lost KFWB only a few months ago. SF still has two stations for all-news in AM and PM drive, although the PM newsblock may be going if the poster is correct.

How long has it been since KGO did a noon newsblock?




Gregg
[email protected]

KLIV is all news

 

[rcoryell]

I hate to see Rich Lieberman quoted as some sort of well-connected and authoritative expert on Bay Area media. It just ain't the case. Seems like he's a nice enough fella, albeit with a propensity to sensationalize third-hand gossip. Heck, he might even guess right once in a while. So might we all. But expert? Insider? Nope.

 

[Madmansam]

These days, does any talk station in a big market do an afternoon news block, if they also have an all-news competitor? I believe KSL Salt Lake City, still does an afternoon drive newsblock but they have no all-news station in the market. Does KIRO, Seattle, still do an afternoon newsblock?

It's a shame but NYC is the only market now with two all-news stations. At one time Chicago, Washington and briefly Philadelphia had competing all-news stations, and Los Angeles lost KFWB only a few months ago. SF still has two stations for all-news in AM and PM drive, although the PM newsblock may be going if the poster is correct.

How long has it been since KGO did a noon newsblock?




Gregg
[email protected]

KLIV is all news

But Is KLIV a real threat to KCBS? I don't seem to think so.

 

[LKellerIII]

KLIV is all news

But Is KLIV a real threat to KCBS? I don't seem to think so.

Hardly. It's been decades since I even tried to tune in 1590 - it was a good Top 40 station in the 70s. But even then, the signal was really spotty in San Francisco or the central and northern East Bay. Marin and north - forget it.

 

[davideduardo]

Hardly. It's been decades since I even tried to tune in 1590 - it was a good Top 40 station in the 70s. But even then, the signal was really spotty in San Francisco or the central and northern East Bay. Marin and north - forget it.

Going back some time, just about 100% of KLIV's AQH listenership is in Santa Clara County. Considerable research shows that about 95% of the in home and at work listening in big metros occurs inside the 10 mV/m contour of an AM... and for KLIV, the 10 does not even cover all of Santa Clara County daytime, and at night it is worse. KCBS (simulcast) has about 25 times the listenership.