Pat Ward out as WAZL GM

[dmer]

I was disturbed to read in the paper (Standard Speaker) that Pat Ward was a victim of "corporate downsizing" by Route 81. It seemed to me he was instrumental in bringing WAZL together as a local station again and I am at a loss to understand why they let him go. I'm starting to wonder if Route 81 will go the way of other radio conglomerates and consolidate services. It certainly couldn't be due to a lack of advertising. Everything they do is "sponsored" or "brought to you by." Certainly it's to early to say what will happen to Route 81 in the future and the revived local stations they own. All I can say is be cautiously optimistic that local radio will continue with WAZL, WNAK, etc. but at the same time don't be surprised if somewhere down the road they suddenly get more national programming or start simulcasting some other station. I'm trying not to be pessimistic, but with what's happened to local radio in the past you can't help but be a little cynical.