CBs announced today that Gavin Spittle will take over as PD of Sportsradio 610. Gavin comes from Dallas where he was VP of programming for KRLD and The Fan. Sounds like he has what it takes to put 610 on top of sports radio in Houston.
-
Get involved.
We want your input!
Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.
After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.
After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/
Thanks in advance and have fun!
RadioDiscussions Administrators
NEW PD FOR SPORTSRADIO 610
- Thread starter iused2bsomebody
- Start date
P
purpledevil
Guest
From the voices coming out of the Dallas board....maybe not.
C
cowboyup
Guest
This guy lacks communication skills and it will be hard to understand your role. However, it has been really bad in Dallas lately because of Tom Bigby (google him if you don't already know) saying one thing and then many times Gavin saying another. With just Gavin running it and no Tom Bigby over his shoulder it might work. He was a fail in Dallas.
KILT had to do something; even if it was wrong. KGOW is beginning to irritate (if not kick) their *** a little bit. They just made the national news this past week, with an interview they had with Chad Ochocinco, of the Bengals last week.
In the interview, the already legendary #85 broke the news that he's going to be "twittering" his fans from the sidelines, this next season. It hit ESPN and USA Today, before it got the attention of the NFL. This guy has been trying his absolute best to find ways to get at the NFL, ever since he legally changed his name. KGOW was mentioned as the point of the interview, in the press.
It'll be interesting to see if the new guy can rally the troops at KILT; and stage any kind of comeback. After all, he's fighting the CBS corporate types, who can't even find their ***, much less hit it with both hands, too. KGOW isn't.
In the interview, the already legendary #85 broke the news that he's going to be "twittering" his fans from the sidelines, this next season. It hit ESPN and USA Today, before it got the attention of the NFL. This guy has been trying his absolute best to find ways to get at the NFL, ever since he legally changed his name. KGOW was mentioned as the point of the interview, in the press.
It'll be interesting to see if the new guy can rally the troops at KILT; and stage any kind of comeback. After all, he's fighting the CBS corporate types, who can't even find their ***, much less hit it with both hands, too. KGOW isn't.
KILT is like KTRH in some respects - syndicated crap plus a few local 'hosts', some of which have no business being on the airwaves. Both need a good housecleaning and fresh start with new owners, hopefully ones independent of the big corporate owners. That may happen soon enough for KTRH, with CC's imminent demise into bankruptcy.
Thank you for taking him.
[/quote]
Funny. It took waaaay too long for people in Dallas to realize this guy was out of his league...
Houston will chew him up and spit him out.
[/quote]
Funny. It took waaaay too long for people in Dallas to realize this guy was out of his league...
Houston will chew him up and spit him out.
stan said:
KILT does have some questionable on-air folks, but after John & Lance sign off at KGOW it's like a deserted landscape. The talent, or lack thereof is pitiful. The talk is heavy insider garbage and unlistenable voices. The topics are akin to discussions of paint drying and grass growing. John & Lance are excellent and that's where the ratings lie. KILT, to its credit does have good personalities spread through every daypart. Some are matched with real idiots, but they at least have them. I've posted before the KGOW needs a credible afternoon drive host like Charlie Palillo to get some legs in any other daypart besides AM Drive. I doubt KILT would make that move because Pallilo has been down the KILT road with CBS before. 790 is a ghost town with the exception of Pallilo and CC will probably dump that format along with Pallilo's salary sometime soon. I've also posted that KGOW needs to score a big coup like the Astros, Texans or Rockets along the lines of Fox getting the NFL in the early 90's. That move put the Fox Network on the map. KGOW needs a move like that. With their new nighttime array going up soon they might have a chance at the unthinkable. When this market settles out there should be no more than 2 sports stations and that's pushing it. Didn't even mention the Cumulus station on FM. That won't make it either.
S
sean1560
Guest
adguy said:
Adguy --
First, let me say that I agree with you about John and Lance. They are, without a doubt, the gold standard in sports talk in this marketplace and, to your point, that bears itself out in the ratings. The two of them are great. Period.
As for your take on the remainder of our daytime lineup, you're certainly entitled to your opinion and I don't begrudge anybody if they don't like nor enjoy what they're hearing. You can always (and it sounds like, you have) change the station. It's one of the benefits to listeners of having four sports stations in town, there should be something for everyone. (Like you, I agree it may not stay this way forever, but listeners can enjoy having all of these choices until change comes.) As for the "heavy insider garbage" on our station that you allude to, I'm not sure what you're referring to, but we'll just agree in general that our show is not your cup of tea.
I guess what I do take issue with is your constant citing of Charlie Palillo as some messiah and cure-all in the afternoon. I'll be the first to say Charlie is knowledgeable, credible, and a pro's pro; he's been in this business for 20 years. That said, if our show is akin to "paint drying and grass growing", then Sherwin Williams and the LawnBoy have been beating Charlie in the ratings for the 25-54 male demographic every month since the beginning of the year. I'm not sure if you knew this, but the numbers are right there.
You love Charlie, you don't like our show. We get it. But your tone makes it sound like there's a couple of drooling idiots doing an afternoon show on 1560 that no one is listening to. To the contrary, according to the ratings (which you brought up when touting John and Lance, so I think it's fair to use them to support my argument) our show is more listened to than Charlie's and has been for several months. (Not to mention that Charlie's had nearly 20 years in the market, and Harris and I just broke into the business less than two years ago, but I digress.)
If you're opinion is KGOW should deep six its current afternoon programming and insert Charlie, that's fine. Again, you're entitled to your opinion. I just wanted to point out that people actually do listen to our show; maybe -- GASP -- more than those that listen to Charlie.
Thanks,
Sean Pendergast
1560 The Game
"The Sean & John Show"
Actually Sean, I am a fan of yours. I feel honored to be smacked by the smack king. With that said, I am not a drooling fan of Pallilo. I just refer to him because he is knowledgeable and experienced and looking from the outside could be pryed loose from that pathetic station at anytime. Rich Lord is very good as are a couple of the younger guys at KILT IMHO. I am a big fan of sportstalk radio and listen to your show occassionally. With no disrespect intended toward you or John, I believe if you were paired with a more experienced partner your show would take off and then KGOW could set up for burying at least 2 of the other sports stations in town. I've been a KGOW listener and supporter since day 1, literally. As for a couple of "drooling idiots" in the afternoon, I was not refering to just your show. I love Hoffman's column, but his radio skills seem limited to me. Endless trivia and interviewing strippers just can't stand up to the competition in midday. Face it you are going up against Rome and Rush. When I was referring to the "unlistenable" I was refering to many of your supporting cast, not so much the hosts. As for John, I loved it when he was a guest and I love his college football takes. I have always found them the best in the market IMHO. As for a host, it's tough to listen to, for me anyway. These are just one man's opinion and I don't speak for anyone else. For the record I do come from media with over 20 years experience on the station and agency side so I do qualify these personal opinions.
D
dnuno
Guest
AdGuy,
Thanks for listening to our station. I am sure with your 20 years in advertising you can have a good opinion, as can a homeless man with no years in the business. We are all entitled to an opinion. Your background and opinion is intriguing to me personally though.
I have read your comments since our birth. Some I agree with some I don't. But overall I do read and digest what you say. I think it is good to see the various thoughts out there. We strive to improve and your sentiments are considered. That is what is different about 1560 The Game. We do listen. I do appreciate your support for most of 1560 The Game.
Since you made it known you were talking about mid days, let me say this. I know we are not your cup of tea. And luckily we don't do our show for you. But to say we don't stack up in mid days is not fair at all. In sports our time slot is 2nd. We are behind Rome, but close. He is a legend and an icon. He is a big reason I am in this business. And has also been in this market for a very long time.
Instead of focusing on what is bad, perhaps you could see where we are making strides. Our show has grown in numbers since the beginning. We have a passionate following and hope to improve with more time.
I invite you to come to one of our remotes one day to see. Maybe you could come to studio and meet the staff. We are open, and would love to meet you.
Remember when you think of 1560 The Game, don't just think of us as a radio station. We are much more than that, we are a community. We have a personal relationship with our listeners. We are a multimedia HOUSTON sports station, offering videos, blogs, message boards and hosts that want to meet EVERY listener. And no one gets athletes to open up and be themselves like us. And much of that is done from our supporting cast.
Please take me up on my invite. We promise no strippers on the air that day.
Thanks
David Nuño
Sports Director
1560 The Game
[email protected]
Thanks for listening to our station. I am sure with your 20 years in advertising you can have a good opinion, as can a homeless man with no years in the business. We are all entitled to an opinion. Your background and opinion is intriguing to me personally though.
I have read your comments since our birth. Some I agree with some I don't. But overall I do read and digest what you say. I think it is good to see the various thoughts out there. We strive to improve and your sentiments are considered. That is what is different about 1560 The Game. We do listen. I do appreciate your support for most of 1560 The Game.
Since you made it known you were talking about mid days, let me say this. I know we are not your cup of tea. And luckily we don't do our show for you. But to say we don't stack up in mid days is not fair at all. In sports our time slot is 2nd. We are behind Rome, but close. He is a legend and an icon. He is a big reason I am in this business. And has also been in this market for a very long time.
Instead of focusing on what is bad, perhaps you could see where we are making strides. Our show has grown in numbers since the beginning. We have a passionate following and hope to improve with more time.
I invite you to come to one of our remotes one day to see. Maybe you could come to studio and meet the staff. We are open, and would love to meet you.
Remember when you think of 1560 The Game, don't just think of us as a radio station. We are much more than that, we are a community. We have a personal relationship with our listeners. We are a multimedia HOUSTON sports station, offering videos, blogs, message boards and hosts that want to meet EVERY listener. And no one gets athletes to open up and be themselves like us. And much of that is done from our supporting cast.
Please take me up on my invite. We promise no strippers on the air that day.
Thanks
David Nuño
Sports Director
1560 The Game
[email protected]
R
RadioSalesVet
Guest
1560 The Game is the reason I hate sports radio in Houston. You guys will kill sports radio in Houston. Good work you bums. Hey Sean and Nuno, if you spent as much time writing on these boards as you did preparing for your show then 1560 would have something good.
D
dnuno
Guest
Its an opinion. I'm glad he made an account to do that. Hmmm, I wonder who he is.
Oh well. My one post that took 12 minutes from my day is keeping me from preparing a show. I need to do background checks on our strippers. Be back later!
Oh well. My one post that took 12 minutes from my day is keeping me from preparing a show. I need to do background checks on our strippers. Be back later!
S
sean1560
Guest
RadioSalesVet said:
RadioSalesVet (if that is your real name) ---
To be fair, I made my post at 1:27 in the morning, just after finishing grueling show prep for today's show. "Bums" is a great word by the way. I feel like I'm in a corner pub on the south side of Philly in, like, 1972. Bums? Can't wait until you drop a "Jiminy Crickets" on me.
Adguy --
Regarding your follow up post to mine. I appreciate your clarifying your stance on things. I'm aware of your background in the business, as I know you've pointed it out on these boards before. I appreciate your listening, even if it's just periodically. And to Nuno's point, if you ever want to stop up by the station, feel free. Thanks.
Ok, gotta get back to work! Sports radio in Houston isn't just gonna kill itself, YA KNOW!! Busy, BUSY, BUSY!!!
SP
David,
Thanks for the invite. I will take you up on that one day time permitting. At the moment I am a slave to my business and getting away is tough. I will call you though. As stated in my reply to Sean, my opinions are just that; my opinions. I'm speaking for no other. You can tell I am a fan of The Game and have been since day one. I have always applauded your strategy of developing a "community" of listeners and advertisers. It worked very well for Dan Patrick of KSEV fame. I left the business when the group I was working for condensed into "a corporate pile of dung". These dungpiles will no doubt bury ALL of their stations nationwide in due time. That is quite apparant. I've been predicting for years that the scale will gravitate back to local ownership someday and what your station is doing as well others (KSEV is a good example) will lead the pack in this movement. It all comes down to CONTENT. You guys have some terrific content and relationship with well known sports figures and I have no doubt that you will expand that over time. Every station like yours will experience the growing pains, but those that survive will thrive. I'm just being honest to MY opinions. There's nothing personal intended. I have a strong belief that KGOW will be one of those stations that will lead the way in taking back local ownership in the media.
Thanks for the invite. I will take you up on that one day time permitting. At the moment I am a slave to my business and getting away is tough. I will call you though. As stated in my reply to Sean, my opinions are just that; my opinions. I'm speaking for no other. You can tell I am a fan of The Game and have been since day one. I have always applauded your strategy of developing a "community" of listeners and advertisers. It worked very well for Dan Patrick of KSEV fame. I left the business when the group I was working for condensed into "a corporate pile of dung". These dungpiles will no doubt bury ALL of their stations nationwide in due time. That is quite apparant. I've been predicting for years that the scale will gravitate back to local ownership someday and what your station is doing as well others (KSEV is a good example) will lead the pack in this movement. It all comes down to CONTENT. You guys have some terrific content and relationship with well known sports figures and I have no doubt that you will expand that over time. Every station like yours will experience the growing pains, but those that survive will thrive. I'm just being honest to MY opinions. There's nothing personal intended. I have a strong belief that KGOW will be one of those stations that will lead the way in taking back local ownership in the media.
I'm going to give my opinion here too since everyone else is...
First let me say, this thread is about to be bombarded by Secret Society. If you don't believe me, go look at all of David Baron's posts in his blog on chron.com that even come close to referencing to anything talk radio related.
1560 The Game got it right. There's a reason their numbers are growing. And no, I'm not a radio industry veteran, but I am a small business owner and I know a successful strategy when I see it.
I'm 31 years old and I've been listening to John and Lance since I was about 22; almost 10 years. Yes, they are the gold standard here in Houston and I'd put them up against many national hosts. They are both funny, they have great chemistry together, they're knowledgeable and they both have contacts that they can call upon for insider info. It's a great mix and it's worked well for a long time.
I love listening to Nuno and I think he does a great job together with Hoffman. I think Hoffman is a great interviewer, a natural actually, and he does a great job of bringing the complexity of some sports down to an "everyman's" level. I don't like Hoffman's politics however, and I think he gets off onto his political tangents too often, but Nuno does a good job of keeping the show in check. Nuno is a workhorse and it shows during his shows. He brings in great guests, he's a great interviewer, he's funny in a dry way and he keeps things moving along. His new awkward endings to interviews is classic.
And then there's Sean & John. Nothing better describes them than lightening in a bottle. I remember thinking when they first came on the radio that there's no way they'd make it but I'd give it a shot because I knew of Seanie in the smackoff and I had listened to John during football season for years. After a month, you could see dramatic growth as a duo and in the industry. Two years later, they sound like old radio pros. That's what happens when you put smart people together and tell them to figure things out. These days, Sean & John are actually my favorite show on the station. Dudes are extremely intelligent, they know their stuff, they're funny, they have insider info and they've been involved in sports beyond the jr high level, which isn't the case for most sports talk radio rubes.
They got the community thing right too. Every listener that I know have tried at least one or two companies that advertises with them and have had overwhelmingly positive experiences. Go ask the listeners of 610 or 790 how many of the advertisements they respond to and see what kind of answer you get. They further reinforce it by being open to listeners. When you boil it down, its radio, its a business and they're in it to make money...1560 has figured it out. If they end up pulling off a coup and winning broadcast rights to one of the major sports franchises here in town, its all over but the shouting.
If anyone here listens to Rush, you know he's been running a small marketing campaign recently where he urges new listeners to tune in to his show for 6 weeks straight before passing judgement on the show. I encourage everyone here to do the same with 1560. If you're in their target market, I promise you will not go back to what you were listening to.
First let me say, this thread is about to be bombarded by Secret Society. If you don't believe me, go look at all of David Baron's posts in his blog on chron.com that even come close to referencing to anything talk radio related.
1560 The Game got it right. There's a reason their numbers are growing. And no, I'm not a radio industry veteran, but I am a small business owner and I know a successful strategy when I see it.
I'm 31 years old and I've been listening to John and Lance since I was about 22; almost 10 years. Yes, they are the gold standard here in Houston and I'd put them up against many national hosts. They are both funny, they have great chemistry together, they're knowledgeable and they both have contacts that they can call upon for insider info. It's a great mix and it's worked well for a long time.
I love listening to Nuno and I think he does a great job together with Hoffman. I think Hoffman is a great interviewer, a natural actually, and he does a great job of bringing the complexity of some sports down to an "everyman's" level. I don't like Hoffman's politics however, and I think he gets off onto his political tangents too often, but Nuno does a good job of keeping the show in check. Nuno is a workhorse and it shows during his shows. He brings in great guests, he's a great interviewer, he's funny in a dry way and he keeps things moving along. His new awkward endings to interviews is classic.
And then there's Sean & John. Nothing better describes them than lightening in a bottle. I remember thinking when they first came on the radio that there's no way they'd make it but I'd give it a shot because I knew of Seanie in the smackoff and I had listened to John during football season for years. After a month, you could see dramatic growth as a duo and in the industry. Two years later, they sound like old radio pros. That's what happens when you put smart people together and tell them to figure things out. These days, Sean & John are actually my favorite show on the station. Dudes are extremely intelligent, they know their stuff, they're funny, they have insider info and they've been involved in sports beyond the jr high level, which isn't the case for most sports talk radio rubes.
They got the community thing right too. Every listener that I know have tried at least one or two companies that advertises with them and have had overwhelmingly positive experiences. Go ask the listeners of 610 or 790 how many of the advertisements they respond to and see what kind of answer you get. They further reinforce it by being open to listeners. When you boil it down, its radio, its a business and they're in it to make money...1560 has figured it out. If they end up pulling off a coup and winning broadcast rights to one of the major sports franchises here in town, its all over but the shouting.
If anyone here listens to Rush, you know he's been running a small marketing campaign recently where he urges new listeners to tune in to his show for 6 weeks straight before passing judgement on the show. I encourage everyone here to do the same with 1560. If you're in their target market, I promise you will not go back to what you were listening to.
Personally I can't wait until John & Lance start at 6am (even though they'll probably hate it) so I don't have to listen to 740 News all the time on my drive to work. I really like CP but not sure he would fit in at 1560. I think Wexler would be a better addition. Any chance?
Re: station preferences, I'm not a hater so I'll say I like a lot of the content (but not all) on both 1560 and 610. Most of the time I prefer 1560. I've tried CP's station but very rarely stay there very long. For example whenever 1560 plays The Rock intro around 5pm I immediately switch the dial and check out the competition. According to Seany though, more people like it than dislike it so it ain't going anywhere. Also for every funny Raheel bit, there are three more where I change the channel. To each his own.
p.s. Never, I mean EVERRRRRR, do I change the channel when SEC Guy shows up.
Re: station preferences, I'm not a hater so I'll say I like a lot of the content (but not all) on both 1560 and 610. Most of the time I prefer 1560. I've tried CP's station but very rarely stay there very long. For example whenever 1560 plays The Rock intro around 5pm I immediately switch the dial and check out the competition. According to Seany though, more people like it than dislike it so it ain't going anywhere. Also for every funny Raheel bit, there are three more where I change the channel. To each his own.
p.s. Never, I mean EVERRRRRR, do I change the channel when SEC Guy shows up.
Yeah, John & Lance at 6:00 is a good thing. I'm in the office by 6:15 every day and those are 45 long minutes listening to "The Monsters" (cue 'scream' sound effect) while waiting for John & Lance to hit the air.
CP is the only one that gets any of my attention on 790 otherwise but I think H-Town is right--his style probably wouldn't fit at 1560. He'd definitely need a co-host.
Wexler is great on 610 and is my choice at night when I'm out walking the dog. We'll see if that changes when the 1560 night signal gets fired up.
CP is the only one that gets any of my attention on 790 otherwise but I think H-Town is right--his style probably wouldn't fit at 1560. He'd definitely need a co-host.
Wexler is great on 610 and is my choice at night when I'm out walking the dog. We'll see if that changes when the 1560 night signal gets fired up.
I agree with you guys regarding Wexler. He is good and would fit nicely on 1560. Adam Clanton, IMO, is the next REAL star in the making at 610. The way 610 is going these days, they won't hang on to him. CP could adjust to The Game, but would The Game be able to adjust to CP?
Super Dan, what you described with Advertisers and Listeners' participation is what I described when I mentioned the formula KSEV used. The "secret society" is a great way to go. You are correct on the effectiveness of such a formula. Give 1560 credit for developing that strategy and sticking to it. It is paying off.
Super Dan, what you described with Advertisers and Listeners' participation is what I described when I mentioned the formula KSEV used. The "secret society" is a great way to go. You are correct on the effectiveness of such a formula. Give 1560 credit for developing that strategy and sticking to it. It is paying off.
- Status