Maybe its me...

[LittleRascal]

...but all this talk about AAR going to WHLD is just a sort of reflection of Buffalo Radio: who cares?

I suppose to start a discussion about "the good old days" of Buffalo radio (and there are different markers for different generations on this board) is useless (kind of a "been there done that" discussion).

And to highlight the "corporatization" of radio's local sound is moot: it exists, its unlikely to change, deal with it type thing.

But as we look at it right now, is there ANY, and I mean any programming on Buffalo radio right now where we could legitimately say in years from now....that was quite a time? (Outside of those collecting a check from a radio station...that's an entirely different perspective...lets look at it as listeners).

This question is not meant to serve as a slam on any personalities per se. Most are limited by money, management and (if truth be told) their own lack of creativity, yes.

But there is no "must listen to" morning show or jock that has people talking or has a following that goes beyond the ratings book...some person or team that has a buzz.

Mind you, buzz is a tough thing to maintain I know. But I think even given the state of radio as detailed above...some folks on the air have the ability to stop "phoning it in" and do some really unique stuff.

But again, maybe there are shows I am missing and you all can point out the error of my ways. As always...I could be wrong.

<P ID="signature">______________
PETER
www.audioconnell.com
World Wide Voice Over Talent</P>

 

[Element9]

Re: Could Be Better Than We Think

>
> Mind you, buzz is a tough thing to maintain I know. But I
> think even given the state of radio as detailed above...some
> folks on the air have the ability to stop "phoning it in"
> and do some really unique stuff.
>
> But again, maybe there are shows I am missing and you all
> can point out the error of my ways. As always...I could be
> wrong.
>

An interesting supposition, but I'd offer that you are too close to the forest to see the trees. As am I. If we talked and more importantly, LISTENED, to some of the people who use, i.e., LISTEN to radio today, we might find that they do in fact, consider it special in ways we do not understand. Special in ways we take for granted.

Who says the WYRK morning show isn't funny? Who says Janet and the Pickle aren't entertaining? Who says Norton and Liederman aren't unpredictable? Who says Shredd & Ragan aren't on the cutting edge (no pun intended)? Who says WBEN isn't a compelling news-talk station?

The flip side of the 45 may be, as you suppose, listeners don't think radio is special at all.

Allow this theory: Radio broadcasting has MOMENTS that are special; as special to the listeners as to those who broadcast those moments. For example, on this, the 25^th anniversary of the shooting death of John Lennon, there are countless numbers of listeners who remember HEARING the news on radio, most likely on 97 Rock, WGR, WBEN or WBUF. And there will be stations that offer special broadcasts commemorating the anniversary and Lennon's life. Those broadcasts, concise or lengthy, will be special to many listeners.

Many of us remember exactly where we were an what we were doing when Kennedy was shot, when the space shuttle exploded upon take-off, when Saddam Hussein was captured and most memorably within the last five years, when commercial aircraft crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Radio may be in a malaise, but it continues to have its moments. Some of those moments do in fact, come during morning shows, but they can come at any time. I first heard of the Challenger catastrophe on WNYS, a CHR station, while surfing across the dial. A station not known for news, the person on the air did an extraordinary job of concisely informing the listener about what had happened.

For concert coverage, 97 Rock was the station that offered live broadcasts from the Summerfest stadium shows. WBUF, in its album rock and progressive era, was a dynamic station as well, often challenging WGRQ.

During the blizzard of '77, WKBW, WGR and WBEN served above and beyond the call, with WKBW, Dan Neaverth and its news department rising above all others.

Many of us may take radio for granted, but when it's LIVE and LOCAL, admittedly two critical components, it's still has the POTENTIAL for being an exciting and entertaining medium and providing special moments to the listener.

Today, WBEN, WGR, 97 Rock, WYRK, WHTT, WEDG and especially WNED-AM and WBFO offer compelling and noteworthy programming. 24-7? Not necessarily; but certainly when the call to action is sounded.

Jocks, producers and news people who phone it in are destined to be unemployed, regardless of the strictures of the format. Those that maintain the desire to inform, entertain and win, will survive and thrive.

 

[SirRoxalot]

You'll Miss Them When They're Gone

There are several shows that come to mind that I think are memorable.

You have to start with the Dean of Broadcasters, Dan Neaverth. I admit that he's no longer a "must hear" for me, but it will still mark the end of an era when he finally retires.

Another guy who carved a sizable nitch in Buffalo, and still delivers day after day is Harv Moore. Yeah, he does some silly, old-style stuff with his drop-ins and wild tracks, but he makes me laugh every time I tune him in. He takes me back to the good old days of Top 40 radio with some of his schtick.

Norton & Liederman are an institution. If anything, Liederman has extended Larry's career by years, and Larry has done a fine job of controlling the chaos of that morning show. It will be a dark day at 97-Rock when they call it quits.

Shredd & Ragan and Janet & Pickle are both mainstays for a generation younger than me. I don't really have a feel for their audience appeal and/or loyalty, or how they'd be missed if they left.

I don't listen to country radio, so I really can't comment there.

John Zak is still a great newsman, who I think is misused in his current role at WBEN.

I'm not sure if I'll be sad or relieved when Sandy Beach finally hangs up his headphones. I'm sure I'll be relieved when Tom Bauerle hangs up his.

Slick Tom Tiberi is a unique talent. Carl Russo deserves honorable mention. JP is so smooth he makes it sound easier than it is.

I'm sure I'll think of more people who memorable talents and have added to the fabric of our lives. We take many of them for granted because they're there every day, and have been there for a long time. Maybe we'll have to lose them before we appreciate their impact.

 

[LexLuthor]

Re: You'll Miss Them When They're Gone

> There are several shows that come to mind that I think are
> memorable.
>
> You have to start with the Dean of Broadcasters, Dan
> Neaverth. I admit that he's no longer a "must hear" for me,
> but it will still mark the end of an era when he finally
> retires.
>
> Another guy who carved a sizable nitch in Buffalo, and still
> delivers day after day is Harv Moore. Yeah, he does some
> silly, old-style stuff with his drop-ins and wild tracks,
> but he makes me laugh every time I tune him in. He takes me
> back to the good old days of Top 40 radio with some of his
> schtick.
>
Harv is outstanding, but the master is doing afternoons on 1520.
Is there a more entertaining original Top 40 guy than Jack Armstrong?
His energy, content, production values and comedy is totally entertaining
for those of us who remember great personality Top 40 radio. I agree with
the comments regarding the other personalities mentioned here.

> Norton & Liederman are an institution. If anything,
> Liederman has extended Larry's career by years, and Larry
> has done a fine job of controlling the chaos of that morning
> show. It will be a dark day at 97-Rock when they call it
> quits.
>

> Shredd & Ragan and Janet & Pickle are both mainstays for a
> generation younger than me. I don't really have a feel for
> their audience appeal and/or loyalty, or how they'd be
> missed if they left.
>
> I don't listen to country radio, so I really can't comment
> there.
>
> John Zak is still a great newsman, who I think is misused in
> his current role at WBEN.
>
> I'm not sure if I'll be sad or relieved when Sandy Beach
> finally hangs up his headphones. I'm sure I'll be relieved
> when Tom Bauerle hangs up his.
>
> Slick Tom Tiberi is a unique talent. Carl Russo deserves
> honorable mention. JP is so smooth he makes it sound easier
> than it is.
>
> I'm sure I'll think of more people who memorable talents and
> have added to the fabric of our lives. We take many of them
> for granted because they're there every day, and have been
> there for a long time. Maybe we'll have to lose them before
> we appreciate their impact.
>

 

[LittleRascal]

Re: Could Be Better Than We Think

> Who says the WYRK morning show isn't funny? Who says Janet
> and the Pickle aren't entertaining? Who says Norton and
> Liederman aren't unpredictable? Who says Shredd & Ragan
> aren't on the cutting edge (no pun intended)? Who says WBEN
> isn't a compelling news-talk station?

Its interesting because as I was writing my original thread, three names came to mind: Shred & Ragan for general orginality (but not the wide buzz of say, their frequency predecessors Taylor and Moore); Jackson Armstrong a totally cool fun on air persona/attitude (among the best in the country but a totally strong and generally ingnored frequency) then Janet and Nick for longevity (save for a relatively brief separation).

> Allow this theory: Radio broadcasting has MOMENTS that are
> special; as special to the listeners as to those who
> broadcast those moments.

I think maybe that sums up what I was looking for/thinking about: moments...only more of them...in a row...unique stuff that creates buzz....and from the perfomers stand point that is TOUGH to do perfectly everyday (in truth, it probably doesn't happen anywhere). However, they signed on to entertain so entertain they must. Additionally, the buzz the performer creates has to be supported by the 'tude, positioning and overall sound of the station...that too is a huge part of the equation...usually well outside the performers sphere of influence.

> Jocks, producers and news people who phone it in are
> destined to be unemployed, regardless of the strictures of
> the format. Those that maintain the desire to inform,
> entertain and win, will survive and thrive.

They sure do thrive...Rocky Allen comes to mind. Maybe it was just a bad bagel that got me contemplating but I can't help thinking there's not as much "wow" now as there was....and I was just hoping there could be.
<P ID="signature">______________
PETER
www.audioconnell.com
World Wide Voice Over Talent</P>

 

[mike704]

> ...but all this talk about AAR going to WHLD is just a sort
> of reflection of Buffalo Radio: who cares?

While I'm no longer living in Buffalo and haven't in quite some time I can relate to your statement on a national level. Today there are so many ways we can be entertained. For me growing up it was TV (2,4,& 7) no VCR's no DVD's and AM RADIO. These forms of entertainment are still there but now often get a smaller slice of our time.

I may be a bit biased since Buffalo was my home but I think the market was one of the best when it comes to personality radio. Is it still? I'm not sure. What I heard on my last visit sounded like every other market but I'm sure there are some diamonds in the rough.

What I have found from talking to a co-worker who is fairly cose to my age is that what we think makes for "good radio" is vastly different. He got into radio later than I did and didn't have the benifit of hearing the great talent that was so plentiful in Buffalo broadcasting.

My greatest fear is tomorrows talent and programmers are learning about radio from what they are hearing now. They will likely immitate it. They don't have the benifit of hearing what turned me on to radio.

Think about this: When was radio the most creative? When the money men wern't looking. In the late '50's early '60's radio was thought to be over, the attention was on TV the new wonder. Just keep the radio station on the air pal. The creative types did that and more! Then in the late '60's the FM's were not making money until someone let the kids in and progressive rock radio was born. This is in no way an insult to what was already there I think we could use a station like WADV from what little I've heard (I didn't have FM back then).

Now I know people who work at a radio station all like to eat and pay their bills but I don't think any talent on the air ever went into radio with the idea they were going to make a lot of money. It was for the love of the business, the music,or news, or to entertain and the drive to make a difference in peoples lives.

In any case radio will grow and change. Naturally we hope it will be for the better!


MikeM