Levin Adds Third Hour

[Signal_Faded]

So 'the great one' (insert tongue in cheek here) has added a third hour to his show and in turn ABC is calling and forcing stations to take it. Is it me or are these syndicators pushing their programming harder than ever before by forcing program directors to take additional programming. I really think Levin is walking a fine line here...I don't think his show has the brand penetration to start demanding these types of things. Will affiliates push back or just take it?

 

[livingfruitvirus]

So far all Citadel affiliates are taking the third hour.

 

[DaleGriffin]

If you are already running Levin either live or delayed it makes perfect sense to carry the last hour.

 

[Signal_Faded]

If you are already running Levin either live or delayed it makes perfect sense to carry the last hour.

I agree...to a point. I think my problem is that the syndicator is coming in and FORCING them to take it. Basically telling the PD that they now how to program their station. This is as much about Levin as it is other shows (Hannity for example) that are making additional requirements of their affiliates. I just don't get that!

 

[MikefromDelaware]

ABC has already done this before when Levin's show first went national. One station did refuse to take Levin's show back then (WDEL Wilmington, DE). The result was ABC pulled Hannity from WDEL and offered it to cross town rival WILM which did take the show along with Levin's show. WDEL made the decision to go live and local during the dayparts (airing local newscasts and local talk). The last ratings 12+ numbers has WDEL with better ratings than WILM that now airs a bunch of satellite talkers including Hannity/Levin. So there is one example of a PD (at WDEL) saying NO to ABC Radio and doing just fine. This was a large thread here in News/Talk back when this took place, so you can probably go back and find it for more details.

 

[Don62]

Levin's show - like Hannity's three hours of monotonous rage against Obama and the Democrats - should stand on its own. Not be forced by syndicators.

While I think Levin's show is good - maybe great - I listen occaisionally - I think one or two hours is enough. One prominent affiliate I know runs only one hour of Levin, then goes to Coast To Coast at 10 p.m. ET, which I think is a better all-around show and much more interesting than the political talkers.

Since when were local stations mere repeaters of outside programming (or stations)?

I would prefer great local talent, which is very available, given the subs I hear on some national shows and some of the great morning hosts in local stations.

One in an email to me the other day said he wished his station airs more local call-in shows. He too sees the sense of loss when a station becomes a repeater or translator with local news inserts for most of the day.

I hope some of these stations stand up and say no, much like some resisted paying extra for Rush. They ain't worth it.

 

[DaleGriffin]

Mike,

This isn't a cram down. If your running this at 6 PM EST my guess is you'd be thrilled to have an extra hour of a well known host. I am.

When you applied for a job you tried to get the best deal you could right? If the guy across the street offered you more wouldn't you take it. I would. If you offered your current outlet the same deal is that a "cram down" or smart business. I don't get these problems people have with the leveraging of content - other shows, more hours, weekend s programming and morning minutes and what not... it's basically a fresh promo. If you have a sales department worth a damn you can sell it.

Don,

Is there anything that has happened in the last 10 years that you do like. Every post is the same angry crap. Get over it.

 

[Don62]

Whatever you say, Dale.

And to think I was going to put in my post - but decided not to - that not having so many "cram downs" might lead to more openings for local hosts such as -- Dale Jackson.

Wow. Original thought there.

You'd think a "local host" might not be so defensive of the big national boys.

 

[MikefromDelaware]

Dale, it sure seems to me like a cram down. Say I'm the PD at my local news/talker. I am carrying the 2 hours of Levin so I could get Hannity's show (wasn't interested in Levin, but took the 2 hour show as Hannity is a ratings getter). Now they're upping the ante and demanding I take the extra hour (sort of like a black mailer, they just keep coming back at you demanding more and more). I'd prefer to not take that extra hour, but ABC has told me that if I don't take the third hour of Levin, they'll pull Hannity too from my station. To my ear that IS a cram down. ABC is shoving more Levin down my throat.

Frankly, I give WDEL a lot of credit for having the gonads to tell ABC Radio to shove off. I'm sure they realized that crosstown rival WILM would jump at the chance to get Hannity. Now WILM is getting a taste of that medicine as ABC is demanding that extra hour, just as they are demanding it of all their affiliates that carry Hannity. I'd love to see WILM tell ABC to take a hike and drop Hannity/Levin from their lineup leaving ABC without a station to take the Hannity/Levin cram down in Wilmington, DE (as WDEL is doing better than WILM in the 12+ ratings so why would they want to go back to airing ABC's lineup and having to put up with that cram down?). If enough stations had the gonads to do that, ABC would very quickly step back and
re-adjust their attitudes.

 

[DaleGriffin]

Dale, it sure seems to me like a cram down. Say I'm the PD at my local news/talker. I am carrying the 2 hours of Levin so I could get Hannity's show (wasn't interested in Levin, but took the 2 hour show as Hannity is a ratings getter). Now they're upping the ante and demanding I take the extra hour (sort of like a black mailer, they just keep coming back at you demanding more and more). I'd prefer to not take that extra hour, but ABC has told me that if I don't take the third hour of Levin, they'll pull Hannity too from my station. To my ear that IS a cram down. ABC is shoving more Levin down my throat.

As of today Premiere is Hannity's syndicator, Citadel only controls the distribution to other Citadel outlets so there is no Levin "cramdown." In the past there was, but I still don't see the problem.

They like everyone else in this world are trying to get the best deal available. They have leverage and they use it. Hannity and Rush can do whatever they want, the success of the shows dictates they can.

Look at Savage's syndication he use to require 8 out of show minutes, I know for a fact it cost him at least on clearance. That requirement is gone. Therefore his stroke was not what they thought it was and they had to tweak their agreement.

Frankly, I give WDEL a lot of credit for having the gonads to tell ABC Radio to shove off. I'm sure they realized that crosstown rival WILM would jump at the chance to get Hannity. Now WILM is getting a taste of that medicine as ABC is demanding that extra hour, just as they are demanding it of all their affiliates that carry Hannity. I'd love to see WILM tell ABC to take a hike and drop Hannity/Levin from their lineup leaving ABC without a station to take the Hannity/Levin cram down in Wilmington, DE (as WDEL is doing better than WILM in the 12+ ratings so why would they want to go back to airing ABC's lineup and having to put up with that cram down?). If enough stations had the gonads to do that, ABC would very quickly step back and
re-adjust their attitudes.

12+ ratings are a beauty contest, tell me about revenue and M 25-54s.

I asked you a specific question...

When you applied for a job you tried to get the best deal you could right? If the guy across the street offered you more wouldn't you take it. I would. If you offered your current outlet the same deal is that a "cram down" or smart business?.

 

[DaleGriffin]

Whatever you say, Dale.

And to think I was going to put in my post - but decided not to - that not having so many "cram downs" might lead to more openings for local hosts such as -- Dale Jackson.

Wow. Original thought there.

No it's not an original thought, I think you only had one of those 40 years ago and it was...

Don62: Everything sucks, back in my day things were better. I walked uphill both ways to the radio station, but they paid us in gold bars and the owners and listeners loved us.

You'd think a "local host" might not be so defensive of the big national boys.

I am not interested in trashing other to benefit myself Don. I just don't think they are these big bad monsters you paint them as. Rush and Hannity bring ears and dollars, when they stop doing that they will lose their leverage.

 

[Don62]

Whatever you say, Dale.

And to think I was going to put in my post - but decided not to - that not having so many "cram downs" might lead to more openings for local hosts such as -- Dale Jackson.

Wow. Original thought there.

No it's not an original thought, I think you only had one of those 40 years ago and it was...

Don62: Everything sucks, back in my day things were better. I walked uphill both ways to the radio station, but they paid us in gold bars and the owners and listeners loved us.

You'd think a "local host" might not be so defensive of the big national boys.

Hey, cut out the ad-hominom attacks here.
You sound like a crankly old man, older than me.

And where do you get off saying I am in my 60s?
I'm probably your age, pal.
Knock off the attitude.

Try to have an original thought once in a while instead of picking fights with everyone.

BTW, you're not Hannity's spokesman or agent. After all, he's or his syndicators are going to want part of your daypart in the future.

 

[DaleGriffin]

Whatever you say, Dale.

And to think I was going to put in my post - but decided not to - that not having so many "cram downs" might lead to more openings for local hosts such as -- Dale Jackson.

Wow. Original thought there.

No it's not an original thought, I think you only had one of those 40 years ago and it was...

Don62: Everything sucks, back in my day things were better. I walked uphill both ways to the radio station, but they paid us in gold bars and the owners and listeners loved us.

You'd think a "local host" might not be so defensive of the big national boys.

Hey, cut out the ad-hominom attacks here.
You sound like a crankly old man, older than me.

And where do you get off saying I am in my 60s?
I'm probably your age, pal.
Knock off the attitude.

Try to have an original thought once in a while instead of picking fights with everyone.

BTW, you're not Hannity's spokesman or agent. After all, he's or his syndicators are going to want part of your daypart in the future.

I believe you forgot to tell me to get off your lawn.

 

[willcail]

If Levin is such a great radio talker then why is ABC Radio forcing affiliates to carry his show and now a newly added third hour?


Oh wait if they want Hannity they have to carry a third rate talker.

 

[DaleGriffin]

If Levin is such a great radio talker then why is ABC Radio forcing affiliates to carry his show and now a newly added third hour?


Oh wait if they want Hannity they have to carry a third rate talker.

ABC doesn't syndicate Hannity anymore except to their talk stations.

So this tired argument can't be used anymore.

 

[willcail]

Still applies. If a station want's Hannity they must carry Levin.

 

[Signal_Faded]

Still applies. If a station want's Hannity they must carry Levin.

I didn't think this tactic was used anymore since Hannity has gone with the Citadel/Premiere deal.

Let's for a minute say that Hannity has no bearing in this...the question I ask is simple..."what makes a syndicator think that they can FORCE a programmer to take additional programming?"

If the show is good maybe I want more...but maybe I ma happy with having just two hours of Levin and then go to something else that I am equally as happy with. I would rather not cut back the surrounding programming but ABC is forcing my hand. Is that fair?

 

[DaleGriffin]

Still applies. If a station want's Hannity they must carry Levin.

They also require a shrine to Hannity in your lobby.

If Hannity is not getting good rating you are required to change the shows surrounding him.

We are just making stuff up right?

 

[dustintv]

How many stations other than WABC are currently airing the third hour? Other Citadel stations such as WBAP, WMAL, KABC etc. still showing they are still airing just two.

 

[DaleGriffin]

It hasn't started yet.