T
TattooQueen
Guest
ceejay said:
Jackie was fired. She is still with The Big Time though
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Jackie was fired. She is still with The Big Time though
Curiously there are still commercials by Robin still running on sister station KGIL for a Lasik doctor whose name I will not attempt to spell here. I think that she also did these for KKGO as well. Anyway I appreciate the fact that there is a Country station here in LA as streaming out of town is not always convenient when I'm not at a computer. I just hope they don't overly tweak it because I thought that generally they were headed it the right direction but now there have been some sudden and jarring changes in course. If they do become a KZLA clone then I will have to revert to my computer alone for Country listening.
Jackie and Robin have both been let go and people speculate as to whether Shawn will be next, with a renewed contract it is doubtful he is leaving KKGO unless he were to quit.
I believe as the rumors state that perhaps they are gearing up for a change in the morning show, moving Shawn to another time slot at the station, but it is a game of rumor, speculation and waiting to see what happens.
KKGO plays country music, I appreciate having a station here in LA, I hope that they do not change the format to a more contemporary country station leaving out the classics (except for Sunday Nights) that they will stop repeating the same songs or artists every hour as there are ALOT of GREAT artists out there in the country music genre and I feel the station is missing out by only playing a select few... KKGO will make the choices that make it a stand out country music station with personalities and music that appeals to the masses, or people will listen to stations streamed via the internet, MP3 players, Ipods, CD's, or satellite radio to get the music they want...
I believe as the rumors state that perhaps they are gearing up for a change in the morning show, moving Shawn to another time slot at the station, but it is a game of rumor, speculation and waiting to see what happens.
KKGO plays country music, I appreciate having a station here in LA, I hope that they do not change the format to a more contemporary country station leaving out the classics (except for Sunday Nights) that they will stop repeating the same songs or artists every hour as there are ALOT of GREAT artists out there in the country music genre and I feel the station is missing out by only playing a select few... KKGO will make the choices that make it a stand out country music station with personalities and music that appeals to the masses, or people will listen to stations streamed via the internet, MP3 players, Ipods, CD's, or satellite radio to get the music they want...
I suppose their having not moved to replace the evening shift vacated when they slid Paul up after letting Todd go could mean something. It could mean that Shawn could move, and Paul return to evenings with a new morning host. Tonya could also go to a behind the scenes role. It is all part of what may being discussed as a result of their having hired that consultant. My central concern is the music. More variety with a greater depth of past hits (70's, 80's, 90's) with some older classics thrown in is what I'd personally prefer.
As for Robin I think that technically she was always an employee of Metro Traffic. She was unlike the usual case in the studio with Shawn as I believe that Nora Wells and the new morning traffic reporter are not. The usual procedure is for them to broadcast from a central location and thus be able to provide reports to multiple stations which costs each one less than having a dedicated person in their own studio. Go Country probably asked for a different person rather than keeping Robin in a reduced role. My objection here is that the new reporter is annoying and seems to be trying too hard to seem "country".
Overall I think Mr. Levine who has always supported more marginal formats (Jazz, Classical, Music of Your life, etc.) now sees a chance to have a more profitable operation. KGIL also seems to be trying to be more than it has in the recent past. He is back with jazz having received a contract to manage KKJZ so this may be what he sees as a chance to, at least in a limited way, compete with CC, CBS, and Citadel with whom he has always had issues. He's sort of like the 90 pound weakling who always got sand kicked in his face at the beach.
As for Robin I think that technically she was always an employee of Metro Traffic. She was unlike the usual case in the studio with Shawn as I believe that Nora Wells and the new morning traffic reporter are not. The usual procedure is for them to broadcast from a central location and thus be able to provide reports to multiple stations which costs each one less than having a dedicated person in their own studio. Go Country probably asked for a different person rather than keeping Robin in a reduced role. My objection here is that the new reporter is annoying and seems to be trying too hard to seem "country".
Overall I think Mr. Levine who has always supported more marginal formats (Jazz, Classical, Music of Your life, etc.) now sees a chance to have a more profitable operation. KGIL also seems to be trying to be more than it has in the recent past. He is back with jazz having received a contract to manage KKJZ so this may be what he sees as a chance to, at least in a limited way, compete with CC, CBS, and Citadel with whom he has always had issues. He's sort of like the 90 pound weakling who always got sand kicked in his face at the beach.
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shirleyschmidt
Guest
Many of you already know that they brought in a consultant (Charlie Cook).
In the next few weeks you will see additional changes. Yes, some contracts were renewed but not as wished. Rumor has it that Shawn is moving to a new time slot and yes, Robin and Jackie are gone.
You will see more changes in music format in streamlining music and less classics. Rotation of newer hits will increase.
As I have always said, if KKGO got rid of Shawn Parr, then they would be shooting themselves in the foot. You will not find too many people in the industry who is a great cheerleader of a station as you will find in Shawn. PERIOD. I am a firm believer that Shawn is and was extremely instrumental in getting KKGO this far – once he was on board (meaning that others ensure that KKGO flipped). Shawn in the afternoons is a good time slot for him and bringing in a morning show with mass appeal can help the falling ratings.
The countryboards will most likely be removed completely, meaning shut down in the next couple of weeks. I am sure that 105 sees those boards, and most of the people on it, as nothing but negative, and does not want to associate with the people who fought to get country back on that board. That would be a good enough reason for their latest move of cutting the association with KKGO’s board. With the new upcoming changes, there will only be more complaints on the countryboards, so I can see them breaking the ties early. However, countryboards was NEVER meant to be a 105 board.
As for Radio56… if indeed they work at KKGO, one has to wonder why all the leaks. We already know there are others from KKGO that were on the boards under several names that causing some havoc.
In the next few weeks you will see additional changes. Yes, some contracts were renewed but not as wished. Rumor has it that Shawn is moving to a new time slot and yes, Robin and Jackie are gone.
You will see more changes in music format in streamlining music and less classics. Rotation of newer hits will increase.
As I have always said, if KKGO got rid of Shawn Parr, then they would be shooting themselves in the foot. You will not find too many people in the industry who is a great cheerleader of a station as you will find in Shawn. PERIOD. I am a firm believer that Shawn is and was extremely instrumental in getting KKGO this far – once he was on board (meaning that others ensure that KKGO flipped). Shawn in the afternoons is a good time slot for him and bringing in a morning show with mass appeal can help the falling ratings.
The countryboards will most likely be removed completely, meaning shut down in the next couple of weeks. I am sure that 105 sees those boards, and most of the people on it, as nothing but negative, and does not want to associate with the people who fought to get country back on that board. That would be a good enough reason for their latest move of cutting the association with KKGO’s board. With the new upcoming changes, there will only be more complaints on the countryboards, so I can see them breaking the ties early. However, countryboards was NEVER meant to be a 105 board.
As for Radio56… if indeed they work at KKGO, one has to wonder why all the leaks. We already know there are others from KKGO that were on the boards under several names that causing some havoc.
C
ceejay
Guest
shirleyschmidt said:
KKGO has no control whatsoever over countryboards.com. Kevin owns that site and has said nothing about shutting it down.
Maybe 56 is Jackie...... maybe thats why she got fired! What's she got to lose, now? She still has a job with Whitney, doesn't she? ...... just a thought.
I do not think that Kevin (the owner of countryboards.com ) will take the boards down. Kevin has been REALLY good to the board members and it was meant to be a country music discussion forum and hopefully it can get back to that without it being linked to KKGO, Perhaps another station will co-brand with it, perhaps MANY stations will. I have faith that Kevin will keep those boards up as long as HE can, it is alot of work to maintain the boards without assistance and I believe that he will continue to run them and keep them for the members... Call it wishful thinking as ALOT of people I am friends with are on those boards...
I am no longer a member of countryboards.com but still read them from time to time and on occasion enjoy the banter between the members as well as posts made about the country music artists, stations etc.
I would hope they will always remain up and running...
I am no longer a member of countryboards.com but still read them from time to time and on occasion enjoy the banter between the members as well as posts made about the country music artists, stations etc.
I would hope they will always remain up and running...
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shirleyschmidt
Guest
Well the countryboards will not be making any money. It's too much to keep them up and running, even for Kevin.
It's not about being nice.
It costs money to host a website plus have the bandwidth to accommodate all the visitors. While attached to 105 they had a good amount of traffic to warrant advertising from clients but now that's not the case. The traffic just isn't there anymore and will decrease as well. Plus the original reason for the board is gone.
You need more than 25 people on there to turn anything over.
They'll be other places to meet country people.
It's not about being nice.
It costs money to host a website plus have the bandwidth to accommodate all the visitors. While attached to 105 they had a good amount of traffic to warrant advertising from clients but now that's not the case. The traffic just isn't there anymore and will decrease as well. Plus the original reason for the board is gone.
You need more than 25 people on there to turn anything over.
They'll be other places to meet country people.
C
ceejay
Guest
nmoore6676 said:
How, exactly is he going to accomplish that, if he turns it into another KZLA? Country fans left KZLA in droves. Most of the ones who stuck around, did so, because of the familiar voices of their beloved DJ's who came into their lives on a daily basis. They were what was missed most, by many after the flip. Most people had just been putting up with the repetitive Country Pop spins, because there was nothing else!
From what I understand, Todd Baker was history the minute Charlie Cook signed on. He was arguably the most popular personality on that station. What kind of business is that?
Shawn Parr, while not perfect, worked tirelessly along with Robin Banks, promoting this station. Look what they have done to him, the irrepressably exuberent, Shawn Parr...... with, yet, more to come!
Look what they did to Brian Douglas, a great guy, who worked so hard, and may I say..... thanklessly for this station.
GOOD GRIEF!!At this point, I might even welcome a country station from CC! The Evil E (emmis) is still out of the question, though.
Shutting up, now. Don't even remember what my original intent was..... just venting, I guess! Sorry. :-[
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shirleyschmidt
Guest
ceejay said:nmoore6676 said:
How, exactly is he going to accomplish that, if he turns it into another KZLA? Country fans left KZLA in droves. Most of the ones who stuck around, did so, because of the familiar voices of their beloved DJ's who came into their lives on a daily basis. They were what was missed most, by many after the flip. Most people had just been putting up with the repetitive Country Pop spins, because there was nothing else!
From what I understand, Todd Baker was history the minute Charlie Cook signed on. He was arguably the most popular personality on that station. What kind of business is that?
Shawn Parr, while not perfect, worked tirelessly along with Robin Banks, promoting this station. Look what they have done to him, the irrepressably exuberent, Shawn Parr...... with, yet, more to come!
Look what they did to Brian Douglas, a great guy, who worked so hard, and may I say..... thanklessly for this station.
GOOD GRIEF!!At this point, I might even welcome a country station from CC! The Evil E (emmis) is still out of the question, though.
Shutting up, now. Don't even remember what my original intent was..... just venting, I guess! Sorry. :-[
I find it interesting that Levine is spending money on a consultant in the first place. Though personally, I would see money being well spent in the promotions department, but at least he seems to me making an effort in trying to "improve" the station's appeal. Many listeners may not agree.
As for "Look what they are doing to Shawn," it is nothing more than what happened at KZLA before. Shawn is a great radio personality that brings in a lot of listeners, but does not truly fit the morning show format. Not sure listeners or Parr fans would want the change in him required for a morning show personality. What most people love about Shawn (and correct me if I am wrong), is his spontaneity, and hyper energy that he can throw through the radio. What he has been able to do at KKGO was be more himself (for better or worse) and that many people enjoy.
As Whitney’s show is through Dial Global, KKGO doesn’t touch that (Thank you very much) and would not touch Jackie over there.
For Los Angeles, the overall consensus is that to attract more listeners you need to spin the newer top 40 hits. Personally I disagree as the many people I have met and spoken with over the years love having classics mixed with that format. They have been loving the new KKGO and most likely will leave when, and if, a top 40 format is chosen. They don’t like hearing Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney 3 times an hour and this is not KZLA with the KZLA talent. There are many other places to go to today and repeative songs is on no one's list to hear.
Before I would change the format, I would have done promotions for the new station. Right now I would state almost none has been done. Many people STILL DO NOT know KKGO is out there yet. Keychains, pens and bumper stickers does not make a promotion. Getting good locations at events country western oriented is NECESSARY. Making a splash at those events is vital. You have Shawn Parr (and had Todd) who can get a crowd going. That’s like having a super power in your back pocket. Having a little booth with two people sitting there is not a promotion. Get them to get out, walk around, approach people. You have to be proactive. I don’t see that happening. Even the Bud girls approach people.
Do a PR stunt or something that catches the media’s eyes. Again, you have Shawn. Can I ask what KKGO is waiting for?
If Saul Levine wants to have a more profitable operation he also needs to consider promoting the station wisely. And he needs to remember good and happy talent costs (many radio executives need to remember that).
KZLA became a family with its listeners and had a built-in audience because of its longevity. However, nearing the end Emmis stopped injecting money into the station and it showed. Many eggs were placed into one basket with the billboard campaign. When they did not get the numbers they wanted from that campaign, they went elsewhere. There is too many new formats and media solutions for promotions to be bundled into one format.
KKGO is still experiencing growing pains. Unfortunately, listeners are paying the price and so is some talent.
R
RadioBillLA
Guest
ceejay said:
ceejay said:How, exactly is he going to accomplish that, if he turns it into another KZLA? Country fans left KZLA in droves. Most of the ones who stuck around, did so, because of the familiar voices of their beloved DJ's who came into their lives on a daily basis. They were what was missed most, by many after the flip. Most people had just been putting up with the repetitive Country Pop spins, because there was nothing else!
From what I understand, Todd Baker was history the minute Charlie Cook signed on. He was arguably the most popular personality on that station. What kind of business is that?
Shawn Parr, while not perfect, worked tirelessly along with Robin Banks, promoting this station. Look what they have done to him, the irrepressably exuberent, Shawn Parr...... with, yet, more to come!
I think that he can within the audience limitations of Country create a good station without formulating another KZLA. He will never get in the top tier overall because of the numerous issues and trends in this market that have been amply discussed elsewhere on these boards. Since he moved the country to FM it can if properly programmed make more money than he would have made continuing with Classical or reverting back to Jazz.
My personal feelings will always be to have a strong resentment about the jettisoning of Todd Baker. The point you have made about Shawn and Robin being such strong advocates and now being split up and maybe even that Shawn's tenure could be in limbo is well taken. Obviously I'm not a paid consultant but I can say as a listener and fan that I'm not pleased by the trend that is being revealed so far.
Maybe the fact that the ratings were stagnating and even slipping a little have them scared but I thought they were doing well and Tonya seemed to be doing good with the music when they started so maybe the money spent wasn't a real good investment. I want a country station but not another KZLA. I went to the web before and have picked up some good tips from people here of other sources. I have a computer set up and hooked to my stereo already so I'm ready to go if the need be.
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ceejay
Guest
RadioBillLA said:ceejay said:
Wow...... sounds like you and BusinessOfSurvival are part of the replacement crew. I heard they were bringing in someone from the FROG station. Will he be the new producer?
And what is your roll.... not cheerleader, I hope!
I always thought Shawn was great in the mid day slot with Peter Tilden w/ Buzz and Ashley in the morning. Good entertainment, even if you did have to listen the same songs over and over. They made it less annoying.
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shirleyschmidt
Guest
Radiobill,
As a listener I am sure that does not matter.
Why is the fact Shawn is a good cheerleader for the station important? Because he brings in listeners, gets people wanting to hear more, and because he gets people involved in the station. When listeners feel a kin to someone they become more of a part of the station and become the stations advocates (AKA - Word of mouth). The reason for a local station is the local feel. Shawn can make that happen with one arm tied behind his back.
What Shawn does for a station he works at you can't put advertising dollars too. If you inspire him and he is wanting to take something on, get out of his way. He is a power house.
Attend something like stagecoach and run into Shawn Parr, there's a great chance you will walk away wanting to know more about KKGO if you never knew the station was there. He can be lots of fun and drum up excitement even in the most uninspired people.
If you don't understand the value of having someone like that on board, then I can't really explain it to you.
As a listener I am sure that does not matter.
Why is the fact Shawn is a good cheerleader for the station important? Because he brings in listeners, gets people wanting to hear more, and because he gets people involved in the station. When listeners feel a kin to someone they become more of a part of the station and become the stations advocates (AKA - Word of mouth). The reason for a local station is the local feel. Shawn can make that happen with one arm tied behind his back.
What Shawn does for a station he works at you can't put advertising dollars too. If you inspire him and he is wanting to take something on, get out of his way. He is a power house.
Attend something like stagecoach and run into Shawn Parr, there's a great chance you will walk away wanting to know more about KKGO if you never knew the station was there. He can be lots of fun and drum up excitement even in the most uninspired people.
If you don't understand the value of having someone like that on board, then I can't really explain it to you.
R
RadioBillLA
Guest
shirleyschmidt said:
Shirley, You make great points. However the bottom line is on air results; ratings and revenue. Mr. Parr has never delivered any.
He'll endorse, show up at the carnival, night club, whatever much to the delight of the usual crowd.
The facts are he has never been a ratings getter.
Many suspect Country can't get arbs in LA. I suspect if properly presented it can happen. KZLA and now KKGO have been in a ratings wasteland for years. It's surprising Mr. Levine would hire the same crew that sunk KZLA?
The selection of Charlie Cook is a step in the right direction.
B
C
ceejay
Guest
shirleyschmidt said:
Oh, my, shirleyschmidt...... how ironic is this? You've now been put in a position where you are defending Shawn Parr.
Go figure.......... I'm just sayin'
shirleyschmidt said:
Yay! You're a listener again!
(just messing with you)
ceejay said:shirleyschmidt said:
Oh, my, shirleyschmidt...... how ironic is this? You've now been put in a position where you are defending Shawn Parr.
Go figure.......... I'm just sayin'
I like seeing people defend Shawn. He's great and I do think he can generate ratings.
He's my family's favorite DJ and probably would llisten to any country station he goes to (I guess as long as I can tune it in).
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shirleyschmidt
Guest
RadioBillLA said:
Your points are good too. And it is strange to hire those who did not succeed elsewhere in the same market. However, Like KZLA, promotions are sucking (oh was that an unprofessional word - LOL). The last year of KZLA and now KKGO have placed no money behind promoting, and "branding" the station in the marketplace. That also makes rating go down as we have all witnessed. ow it appears that KKGO will be a ditto copy in music as KZLA, the exact downfall is occuring.
Oh well. Can't say it wasn't predicted by a few months ago.
S
shirleyschmidt
Guest
ceejay said:shirleyschmidt said:
Oh, my, shirleyschmidt...... how ironic is this? You've now been put in a position where you are defending Shawn Parr.
Go figure.......... I'm just sayin'
You semi lost me there. Never have I said that Shawn Parr was not a good radio personality. I see nothing ironic about my posts. What am I missing?
I have said I don't think he is a morning guy no matter how much he wishes to be one. Personally, I don't hang with the man nor would I, but I have never said anything different than he is a talent. Sure there would be things about his show I would change, and I am sure that if Cook does more than music, gets involved with the actual talent and show, he will do the same.
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