KTAR: Then and Now

[KOHS]

Back on March 22, 2007, KTAR PD Russ Hill wrote a post titled, I vote... no politics [1] Here is a snippet from that post:

I was doing a few job interviews today for positions at KTAR. I got into a conversation with one of the candidates about how KTAR is different from other "talk" stations in Arizona. My response was the one I give all the time: local, multiple viewpoints, respectful, and no talking points.

So many news and talk stations across America are now dominated by cookie cutter shows. All the hosts are ultra conservatives and talk about nothing but politics. What a bore. That type of talk was the way to go back during most of the 90s. But, the world has changed. Most of us are bored to tears with republicans spewing their nonsense and democrats promoting their tired propaganda. The truth is somewhere in the middle.

Today, however, KTAR is touting Talk The Vote with a heavy emphasis on politics. [2] Moreover, respectful is not the first word that comes to mind when I hear Ankarlo talking politics (e.g.- immigration) with callers, newsmakers and politicians. Additionally, both Ankarlo and Mac Watson sound extremely conservative when they talk politics. With the addition of syndicated conservative talkers like Glenn Beck, Rusty Humphires and now Talk The Vote, I think Russ really wants to be KFYI.

Am I wrong? Is this just another case of bashing KTAR and Russ Hill? Or is there some substance to the criticism that KTAR is backsliding on its vote for no politics. Discuss. ;D

[1] http://ktarpd.typepad.com/memo_to_management/2007/03/i_vote_no_polit.html

[2] http://www.ktar.com/?nid=378

 

[KMGX]

KOHS: You nailed it perfectly. When KTAR made the move to FM, some of the comments made by management included KTAR's continued emphasis on LOCAL news, along with the usual array of hosts that won't talk exclusively about politics--which I always translated to "more toaster talk". It seems that the emphasis on news is virtually out the window and all the LOCAL hosts, save the abomination that is 7-10pm are "cookie cutter". Mind you, I'm not shedding a tear for the decrease in snewz blocks or the demise of Paul Harvey from their lineup. I even applauded loudly when they added Phil Hendrie. All of that being said, I can see why the P1 KTAR listener would be extremely disappointed with the product that's being put forth.

I was the first to say "I have never heard of Mac Watson, so give him a chance", I have listened to him when I get a chance and if that isn't "cookie cutter", then I don't know what is. His show is hampered more by KTAR still desperately trying to squeeze news, traffic and weather into an interactive talk show. So, while I am not a huge fan of Mac, I could certainly see his frustration, along with the frustration of the audience in trying to listen to a show that is interrupted constantly.

Glenn Beck is the right guy at the wrong time. I hate tape delay, and I really hate 5 hour delays--so it seems almost senseless to bother with his show, although it is an alternative to El Rushbo.

Personally, I think KTAR is a far more competitive station than they were at this point last year. This competitive nature seems to have come at the cost of their integrity and loyal contingent of listeners.

 

[j henry waugh]

They've become KFYI-lite or KFYI-2… …seems to be a shortsighted strategy dividing up an ever shrinking pool of listeners, as the drift to iPod/net/satellite/etc.… will sweep away the rest of the listeners who don't subscribe to "victim radio" philosophy…

How about simply airing newsmakers and letting the callers query them themselves… …let the host moderate the debate/discussion… …make in instructive/informative/provocative/ without resorting to silly "toaster talk"…