I'm not active on the boards. But I wanted to post this, to head off any rumors and otherwise bad information -- not as if that ever happens here -- especially with regard to Genesis Communications.
I turned in my notice yesterday at NewsTalk 820. This came as no surprise to Genesis, as I informed them that I was going make a decision whether or not to continue around the first week of December. We were unable to come to terms on a deal moving into 2010. I was slated for vacation to start on 12/21 through the end of the year, so Friday, 12/18 will be my last show on NewsTalk 820.
Bruce Maduri and I are departing on most excellent terms. Otherwise, I wouldn't be staying on until the 18th. It has been a great 7 1/2 year run on NewsTalk 1040 & 820 -- my second longest gig next to 14 years at WFLA/WFLZ. You don't stay somewhere for that length of time if you don't like the people you're working for. The Maduri's have been very good to me. Those of you who know me personally, know I have other business interests, so I'm doing this on my own terms.
There is not one station, TV or radio in Tampa Bay, that is billing what it was in 2006. The total radio revenue for this market is down 46%. The cost per gross rating point, the number that determines rates, has plummeted from $175 to $112. These are the worst days we have seen for our industry. I would defy any of the posters on this board to operate a private, family owned station group, in Florida no less, in this business climate. Genesis is doing what they need to do and I respect their position.
I will always be proud of what we pulled off in the morning on both 1040 & 820 with very marginal pre sunrise sticks. Half the year, half my show, didn't cover half the metro. Yet our ratings to revenue ratio would have you wetting your pants, or worse. But now it's 2009-10. Archie Bell & The Drells said it best -- "...do the tighten up." (Marvelous Marvin would have me remind you that was Atlantic Records, 1968)
I will be shopping for a new venue, for my own show or as a team member of a new or existing show. When I left WFLA 10 years ago, I said I would come back for a morning gig and did. I really like the morning thing a lot. Very special thanks to Dan York, who was a stellar producer and Mike Reeves who recently jumped in. Mike and I are having a blast in the morning. I sure wish we could continue this, as I'm very close to converting him to Libertarian. Keep an eye on Reeves -- he's right for this talk thing, big time.
I welcome any input from the board, but I don't get in here a lot. (Yorkie keeps me informed) There is no need to be nasty or read anything into this. It's simply business. I will announce any developments on my web site. Be well and Merry Christmas!
Mark Larsen
www.themorningmagazine.com
p.s. Who the hell is "Smedge?"
I turned in my notice yesterday at NewsTalk 820. This came as no surprise to Genesis, as I informed them that I was going make a decision whether or not to continue around the first week of December. We were unable to come to terms on a deal moving into 2010. I was slated for vacation to start on 12/21 through the end of the year, so Friday, 12/18 will be my last show on NewsTalk 820.
Bruce Maduri and I are departing on most excellent terms. Otherwise, I wouldn't be staying on until the 18th. It has been a great 7 1/2 year run on NewsTalk 1040 & 820 -- my second longest gig next to 14 years at WFLA/WFLZ. You don't stay somewhere for that length of time if you don't like the people you're working for. The Maduri's have been very good to me. Those of you who know me personally, know I have other business interests, so I'm doing this on my own terms.
There is not one station, TV or radio in Tampa Bay, that is billing what it was in 2006. The total radio revenue for this market is down 46%. The cost per gross rating point, the number that determines rates, has plummeted from $175 to $112. These are the worst days we have seen for our industry. I would defy any of the posters on this board to operate a private, family owned station group, in Florida no less, in this business climate. Genesis is doing what they need to do and I respect their position.
I will always be proud of what we pulled off in the morning on both 1040 & 820 with very marginal pre sunrise sticks. Half the year, half my show, didn't cover half the metro. Yet our ratings to revenue ratio would have you wetting your pants, or worse. But now it's 2009-10. Archie Bell & The Drells said it best -- "...do the tighten up." (Marvelous Marvin would have me remind you that was Atlantic Records, 1968)
I will be shopping for a new venue, for my own show or as a team member of a new or existing show. When I left WFLA 10 years ago, I said I would come back for a morning gig and did. I really like the morning thing a lot. Very special thanks to Dan York, who was a stellar producer and Mike Reeves who recently jumped in. Mike and I are having a blast in the morning. I sure wish we could continue this, as I'm very close to converting him to Libertarian. Keep an eye on Reeves -- he's right for this talk thing, big time.
I welcome any input from the board, but I don't get in here a lot. (Yorkie keeps me informed) There is no need to be nasty or read anything into this. It's simply business. I will announce any developments on my web site. Be well and Merry Christmas!
Mark Larsen
www.themorningmagazine.com
p.s. Who the hell is "Smedge?"
