KIX

[MikeBratton]

Where to begin about the problems with Froggy?

Hmm... I guess I'll have to respond to these individually...

Poor signal;

You'd better believe it, and a poorly-placed 50K going against a well-placed 100K is called "stepping to the plate with a strike against you." But that's beyond well-known.

A really lame morning show that couldn't even produce enough bits for a best of show so they resorted to a countdown show on the weekends;

At this point I'll have to ask for your credentials (other than, of course, fronting the MGs) which allow you to make such a pronouncement.

A PD that wasn't allowed to do anything by the OM since the OM was convinced that programming the station just like the AC station was a good idea;

Seems like that OM is doing well for himself out in Denver.

In country.

A PD that had no PD experience or knowledge (Splash not Forest);

Splash, of course, was recruited to be the PD of Froggy even though he was a welder in a machine shop. Talk about a career change...

Bad imaging and liners (the wording not the execution by the talent);

Again, your credentials, please.

A fat guy dancing in a frog shirt; That awful yellow color on the logo, shirts, vans, etc.

Apparently, all memorable.

Having said all of that the Frog did a good job poking at the sleeping station known as KIX

KIX had their own awful show with Andy and Debbie;

Yeah, it was top-rated only because of diary-placement flukes. Over, and over, and over again. Imagine that!

Y&E have not been an improvement either run at the station (two self absorbed guys who are convinced that their syndication failure was not their fault);

Here again, we'll need some bona fides.

The Frog had good talent in Meep, Mama, whatever Chris Wade's frog name was,

That would be "David Hopperfield."

Rhonda, etc. (even Leaping Larry)

"Even." ;D

And you left out Luke Skyhopper... :

The Frog was destined to fail due to lack of corporate money for promotion and a programming and sales staff unaware of the needs of the audience

It didn't have as much corporate support as one could've wished for, but again, that's old news--and not every station enjoys unbridled corporate financial support.

As for the sales staff, they were the audience. They lived the lifestyle, and did a good job working with their clients.

You've made a lot of statements, Booker. We'll need to know why anyone should put any stock in them.

 

[CFKane]

Seems like that OM is doing well for himself out in Denver.

In country.


Well Mike, the OM did create nearly the exact same liner cards for both River, and Froggy. He's done well at KYGO, but not even his "philosophies" could bring down that kind of heritage. You should have seen his over reactions to the "Willie" station that signed on. (willie is the jack equivalent to country.) Some of those unnecessary reactions are still evident. "No Rules" playlists, putting Willie Nelson in the TV spot, equivalents to "Whatever" weekends, etc. When you're a huge station like KYGO, there's no need to respond, but he did.

If the OM does well there, it proves that a broken clock is still right, twice a day! He might think he did his best thinking at 20,000 feet, but at a mile, not so much! His singing in the halls didn't help matters here, either! Sorry to be harsh, but "by their deeds, you shall know them". Ask Bannister about his "deeds" sometime, and you'll see why I lost of respect there. I hope, for the sake of the KYGO airstaff, he's changed. I know Loan Sharks with more genuine integrity...

Also, Booker sounds like an ex-employee. Anyone who remembers "Leapin' Larry" would have to worked here, or been close by. He hinted at being a former coworker, or boss of mine in the past. Appreciate the earlier kudos, Mike. How you been these days? CFKane

 

[MikeBratton]

Seems like that OM is doing well for himself out in Denver.

In country.


Well Mike, the OM did create nearly the exact same liner cards for both River, and Froggy.

Oh, you are correct, sir! Who had to make sure they were in the right box at the right time?

He's done well at KYGO, but not even his "philosophies" could bring down that kind of heritage. You should have seen his over reactions to the "Willie" station that signed on. (willie is the jack equivalent to country.) Some of those unnecessary reactions are still evident. "No Rules" playlists, putting Willie Nelson in the TV spot, equivalents to "Whatever" weekends, etc. When you're a huge station like KYGO, there's no need to respond, but he did.

So I've heard. He's proactive (not the face cream Jessica Simpson sells), but that's his prerogative. You wouldn't be, I probably wouldn't be, but who knows? Perhaps he got his marching orders from someplace higher up the ladder.

If the OM does well there, it proves that a broken clock is still right, twice a day! He might think he did his best thinking at 20,000 feet, but at a mile, not so much! His singing in the halls didn't help matters here, either! Sorry to be harsh, but "by their deeds, you shall know them". Ask Bannister about his "deeds" sometime, and you'll see why I lost of respect there. I hope, for the sake of the KYGO airstaff, he's changed. I know Loan Sharks with more genuine integrity...

Ran into him awhile back--and yes, he seems to have mellowed a great deal since those days. We had our disagreements from time to time, but that was then. I think the folks in Denver have a good boss.

Also, Booker sounds like an ex-employee. Anyone who remembers "Leapin' Larry" would have to worked here, or been close by. He hinted at being a former coworker, or boss of mine in the past. Appreciate the earlier kudos, Mike. How you been these days? CFKane

It's quite a tale. Fire me off an e-mail, and I'll give you the scoop. You can write me at [email protected].

 

[BookerT]

As I've mentioned before the "Booker T" is from my high school, not the band. Although I do like Time Is Tight more than Green Onions.

I hope you didn't think my rant about the imaging was a slam on your work (or Brian Sands). I was commenting on the actual written copy that sounded the same as the copy for the AC station. Joel seemed convinced that both stations were best programmed the same way. I don't know if it made it easier for him to keep track of everything or if he was as clueless as he seemed to be regarding Froggy.

Sorry, I forgot all about Luke Skyhopper.

The morning show was awful. It sounded like a mother and her teenage son taking a college course stepping into a studio for the very first time. It sounded that way everyday.

And yes I am an ex-employee of the Sinclair company in Memphis.

 

[MManley561]

I think it's apparent that we all have opinions as to the demise of Froggy . However, Larry, I take exception to your personal attack against Joel Burke. You can discuss, criticize and rip his management style or radio strategies all day long (like Booker T)...that's your perogative, but your back-handed slap at his "philosophies" (which I take as his personal religious beliefs) is uncalled for.

You may not have gotten anything out of the time under his guidance, but I found Joel to be an excellent teacher and leader. Stern..yes. Uncompromising...sometimes. Caring...always, though you couldn't always tell. He wanted things done his way. He wasn't there to make friends. He was there to make a winning radio station, which he did with WRVR. And from everything I saw, whether I agreed with him or not, he stood by his principles...both as a man and as a manager. I respect him, and, believe me, I am not alone.


Kay Manley

 

[CFKane]

Well, I am sorry I offended you Kay. I really am. The "philosophies", really wasn't what you think I was saying. That would be a slap to me as well, as we share the same beliefs. Trust me, he now knows exactly why I said what I said. You might not be alone in your admirations, but I know I am not alone in my thoughts. If I offended you, of all people, my utmost apologies. You are someone I know, without question, where you stand, and this furthers that. On Joel, we can agree to disagree, but you are the last person I wanted to offend, and for that, I beg your pardon. CFKane

 

[Tenn Radio Boy]

Oh ye great radio sages of Memphis radio...let's not talk about what will never be, let's talk about what might be when CBS finally reveals the buyer for the Memphis market.

Questions for the ages:
1. Will somebody finally do something with FM 100 to make them have greater ratings success? Purging tired old out of tune talent? Format switch?

2.

 

[Tenn Radio Boy]

Oh ye great radio sages of Memphis radio...let's not talk about what will never be, let's talk about what might be when CBS finally reveals the buyer for the Memphis market.

Questions for the ages:

1. Will somebody finally do something with FM 100 to make them have greater ratings success? Purging tired old out of tune talent? Format switch?

2. What about it's weak sister FM. Will they finally give up the ghost of that lame format? No signal, no listeners, what is the point?

3. What will they do with the AM? Does anybody want to spend a dime on an AM, no matter what heritage call letters they might be?

On the subject of KIX. Why is anyone suprised about their ratings success. It's Spring, country always does well in Spring. It's Memphis, you never know how many diaries will end up in caucasian hands. Just because they don't have any direct competition, their biggest competitor is themselves, not getting lazy or complacent and getting up every morning with a passion for what they do, whatever that is.

As I write this, I am sitting in a hotel room in California with my trusty laptop. I am not listening to radio, but enjoying my own MP3 playlist. If I want news about the city, I got to the commercial appeal website. If I want weather about Memphis, I got to another website.

Being entertained by a group of guys with high school humor is not my idea of good morning radio.
Give me info about my financial portfolio, good stocks to buy, credible news, gas prices, war overseas, etc.
I have the intellect and capacity to entertain myself. I don't need mindless dribble about something that will not affect me in any way or being the 106th caller to qualify to win a grand prize and get a 10 gift certficate from somewhere across town.

When I get a chance to listen to Y&E, there are no better or no worse than anything else on radio. They do a good job in attempting to entertain morning commuters. They have a tough job in a quickly changing environment. Lot of choices, lots of opportunity for individuals to control their own media experience.

In my particular job, I work at home instead of commuting to an office in a high-rise. Therefore I have lots of other choices for information and entertainment at my fingertips except the radio in the car.

It's a crazy world out there in radio-land. Lot of discussion about things that are low in the pecking order of life, at least for me.

Let's see;
God
Family
Country
Health
Financial Security

Where is morning radio in this list?

 

[MikeBratton]

As I've mentioned before the "Booker T" is from my high school, not the band. Although I do like Time Is Tight more than Green Onions.

I hope you didn't think my rant about the imaging was a slam on your work (or Brian Sands). I was commenting on the actual written copy that sounded the same as the copy for the AC station. Joel seemed convinced that both stations were best programmed the same way. I don't know if it made it easier for him to keep track of everything or if he was as clueless as he seemed to be regarding Froggy.

Well, the mystery deepens.

No, I noticed that you took particular pains not to slam Mr. Sands, Mr. Edwards, or my own self.

I don't know if either of your options regarding Joel would be the actual answer. My impression, over the years, was that he had a preference on how to run both stations, and carried out that preference. If I ever find myself in such a situation as his again, I would appreciate having that much latitude given to me.

Sorry, I forgot all about Luke Skyhopper.

Most people say that...

The morning show was awful. It sounded like a mother and her teenage son taking a college course stepping into a studio for the very first time. It sounded that way everyday.

The Froggy morning show had two very disparate personalities trying to develop a show, and working at it every day. I am blessed to be able to consider both of them friends, though they probably don't have as high an opinion of each other--and that's not exactly privileged information. While I've lost touch with Judy, unfortunately, Jeremy and I still stay in touch, though he's doing his thing every afternoon in Pittsburgh.

They had their moments, though. And a lot of them. I have a number of them on tape...

And yes I am an ex-employee of the Sinclair company in Memphis.

I left Charles Foster my AOL e-mail earlier. Shoot me a line and divulge your identity, if you don't mind. I'm quite curious.

 

[MikeBratton]

Oh ye great radio sages of Memphis radio...let's not talk about what will never be, let's talk about what might be when CBS finally reveals the buyer for the Memphis market.

Has it been bought already?

I'm behind the times... guess I should stop working up that business plan.

And you think I'm kidding...

Questions for the ages:

1. Will somebody finally do something with FM 100 to make them have greater ratings success? Purging tired old out of tune talent? Format switch?

Not to hold anything against anyone on Onion Avenue (there's an ancient reference), but I'm hoping for a format switch.

2. What about it's weak sister FM. Will they finally give up the ghost of that lame format? No signal, no listeners, what is the point?

Generating revenue, I believe. Doesn't it do that?

3. What will they do with the AM? Does anybody want to spend a dime on an AM, no matter what heritage call letters they might be?

For current and future owners: Other than what I'd do with the AM, don't touch the format! Classic Country on an AM just sounds right!

On the subject of KIX. Why is anyone suprised about their ratings success. It's Spring, country always does well in Spring. It's Memphis, you never know how many diaries will end up in caucasian hands. Just because they don't have any direct competition, their biggest competitor is themselves, not getting lazy or complacent and getting up every morning with a passion for what they do, whatever that is.

I... No comment.

As I write this, I am sitting in a hotel room in California with my trusty laptop. I am not listening to radio, but enjoying my own MP3 playlist. If I want news about the city, I got to the commercial appeal website. If I want weather about Memphis, I got to another website.

Being entertained by a group of guys with high school humor is not my idea of good morning radio.
Give me info about my financial portfolio, good stocks to buy, credible news, gas prices, war overseas, etc.
I have the intellect and capacity to entertain myself. I don't need mindless dribble about something that will not affect me in any way or being the 106th caller to qualify to win a grand prize and get a 10 gift certficate from somewhere across town.

That's "drivel," although I would presume one could "dribble" a basketball mindlessly.

And we do live in a heterogeneous society, you know. Not everyone shares your predilections--even those of us who are so intellectual our brains glow in the dark...

When I get a chance to listen to Y&E, there are no better or no worse than anything else on radio. They do a good job in attempting to entertain morning commuters. They have a tough job in a quickly changing environment. Lot of choices, lots of opportunity for individuals to control their own media experience.

In my particular job, I work at home instead of commuting to an office in a high-rise. Therefore I have lots of other choices for information and entertainment at my fingertips except the radio in the car.

It's a crazy world out there in radio-land. Lot of discussion about things that are low in the pecking order of life, at least for me.

Let's see;
God
Family
Country
Health
Financial Security

Where is morning radio in this list?

That would be number five.

 

[FMSales]

Oh ye great radio sages of Memphis radio...let's not talk about what will never be, let's talk about what might be when CBS finally reveals the buyer for the Memphis market.

Questions for the ages:

1. Will somebody finally do something with FM 100 to make them have greater ratings success? Purging tired old out of tune talent? Format switch?

2. What about it's weak sister FM. Will they finally give up the ghost of that lame format? No signal, no listeners, what is the point?

3. What will they do with the AM? Does anybody want to spend a dime on an AM, no matter what heritage call letters they might be?

On the subject of KIX. Why is anyone suprised about their ratings success. It's Spring, country always does well in Spring. It's Memphis, you never know how many diaries will end up in caucasian hands. Just because they don't have any direct competition, their biggest competitor is themselves, not getting lazy or complacent and getting up every morning with a passion for what they do, whatever that is.

As I write this, I am sitting in a hotel room in California with my trusty laptop. I am not listening to radio, but enjoying my own MP3 playlist. If I want news about the city, I got to the commercial appeal website. If I want weather about Memphis, I got to another website.

Being entertained by a group of guys with high school humor is not my idea of good morning radio.
Give me info about my financial portfolio, good stocks to buy, credible news, gas prices, war overseas, etc.
I have the intellect and capacity to entertain myself. I don't need mindless dribble about something that will not affect me in any way or being the 106th caller to qualify to win a grand prize and get a 10 gift certficate from somewhere across town.

When I get a chance to listen to Y&E, there are no better or no worse than anything else on radio. They do a good job in attempting to entertain morning commuters. They have a tough job in a quickly changing environment. Lot of choices, lots of opportunity for individuals to control their own media experience.

In my particular job, I work at home instead of commuting to an office in a high-rise. Therefore I have lots of other choices for information and entertainment at my fingertips except the radio in the car.

It's a crazy world out there in radio-land. Lot of discussion about things that are low in the pecking order of life, at least for me.

Let's see;
God
Family
Country
Health
Financial Security

Where is morning radio in this list?

If it's not important, why the lengthy post?

 

[Tenn Radio Boy]

I admit, it was a bit wordy. But all the same, radio is changing and folks that are in the business as I am must change with it or become greeters at Wal-Mart.

 

[MManley561]

Larry, I wasn't offended at all. On the contrary...if you don't like Joel, that's ok by me. We can't like everybody or the same people. I'm sure there are other co-workers & bosses you like that I don't and vice versa. It's just the way of the world. But a fairly logical discussion about Froggy had gotten too personal and that didn't seem right. I trust that you will also defend those you feel deserve it.

Kay

 

[CFKane]

I certainly do defend others here, and you'd be one of them! You're "good people" Kay, and about the last person, I would ever want to offend. CFKane

 

[BookerT]

Kay Manley is one of the best people I've had the pleasure to meet in Memphis radio! Big fan of Kay.

I agree that Joel, as well as all management boss types, will not be liked by all that work for them. Any beef that I had with him is long gone (even if my ranting brought up supressed memories).

Mike, I won't reveal my identity yet. It's more fun (and childish) to keep the Booker T identity hidden away in the Orange Mound Cave.

 

[Meepster]

For some odd reason, I feel compelled to add my two cents' worth about Joel Burke.

I am someone who has sat in many an "aircheck session" one on one with Joel, (I did evenings and afternoon drive during my time there) and I have heard stories of others' horrific experiences in those same sessions.

I must say I never had one of those "horrific" sessions. As I recall, most were productive and very much on an even keel. He told me when a break was good and he told me when one was not so good. He also pointed out why he felt each was what it was.
I have had several occasions to see things the opposite way Joel did, but I never recall any big arguments or his trying to "intimidate" me in any way.
(Some of you know me, and would know that I do not respond to that very well anyway)

If I disagreed, I'd tell him...whether it did any good for me to disagree is another matter.
When he asked my opinions on something or someone-I was just completely honest.

I have heard many stories from former co-workers refering to intimidation, public berating, temper tantrums, and etc. on Joel's part. I've heard that many of these things happened quite often. I was there a lot over the span of the several years I worked in the building, and he never did those things to me, nor to anyone in my presence.

I'm not saying my former co-workers did not have the experiences they say they had(-stories have been corroborated to me by more than one person-)I'm just stating the fact that it never happened to me.

BTW-If anyone had paced around me with a baseball bat whilst yelling at me, I'd have tried my best to make that person do their best impression of a candy apple using that bat as the most obvious prop, before they got to the second sentence of their rant. But that's just me.

Just sharing...
Meep!