pathetic tampa radio

[Kabrich]

No, you're right Randy. When given a choice of mediocre, watered down talent, or nothing, what does the audience do and where does it go? Those are the same kind of arguments Detroit made by building gas guzzlers and ignoring gas mileage. They were giving the people what they wanted. Of course, now that their short term thinking and lack of vision is catching up with them, the economic engine that used to drive the U.S. economy is on the verge of extinction.

Go ahead and keep telling your clients it's ok to gut their local content and grab the quick buck. It's what they want to hear and you're just giving the customers what they want, right?

You know what is comical - you just made my point for me.

The audience said they wanted quality - and moved away from "local" built in the USA. Detroit kept pushing "but we're USA" - they are "imports!".

They didn't care where it came from as long as it was quality - and shown by the numbers, radio is doing VERY well in Tampa Bay with the listeners, thank you very much.

When you don't even realize how you are making my points for me, I really question why you feel the need to have a "high IQ" local personality - or maybe that is the problem - the National Talent is "too smart" for your IQ.

 

[FiveStar]

Yes, Randy, you're right. You can fool all the people all the time. They're just stupid sheep and it's up to geniuses like you to figure that out. So why is radio bellyaching going broke if guys like you are so smart? Ohi, yeah, and I'm sure you're right that radio doesn't need anyone with talent anymore. Just pay as little as possible and when someone dares talk back to you, well there's the door.

Go ahead kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

 

[The Beave]

WFLA was #2 in the market in the ratings today. You think your Fargo station will even be in the Top 5? If I were a "Seattle Host" and could not make it into the Top 5 in Fargo, I think it's time to consider a real change of careers.

The book comes out in 2 weeks...

There is always Grand Forks if a Fargo jock can't cut the top 5. Just ask the CC'ers in North Dakota.

 

[Don62]

Don't tell me how great Fargo is....This is a Tampa thread.

So?
If that tiny town has more and arguably better NT talent that surpasses the once-great 970, it is on topic.

After all, Mike Siegel, that great Seattle host, works there now. He couldn't get into the front door at WFLA because the chicken-sh-t station says "announcers need not apply. We only do things the easy way."

WFLA was #2 in the market in the ratings today. You think your Fargo station will even be in the Top 5? If I were a "Seattle Host" and could not make it into the Top 5 in Fargo, I think it's time to consider a real change of careers.

Shows what little you know.
Siegel was as famous as a NT host in the northwest (was on CSPAN many times and hosted Coast to Coast) as Lassiter, and, like Lassiter, corporate radio losers didn't like him and felt they know better than their audiences. "We have all the power. We can keep good talent off the air."

You sound like the same type, more concerned about your own profits and to he-- with talent or the listeners.

Tampa is bigger in population, of course, but far below tiny Fargo in terms of NT radio quality.

That's indisputable.

 

[Ssummers]

I probably shouldn't chime in here, but, what the hell, no guts, no glory. I worked for Randy at Q for a brief time in 1986-87. I can tell you a couple of things about him, tho. He's one of the most knowledgeable broadcast professionals in the world. He knows his stuff. He helped me in ways he isn't even aware of, and, for that, I'm very grateful. At various and sundry times over the years, I've touched base with him or tried to touch base with him to get his take on a specific issue or situation. Most of the time, he provided an extemporaneous assessment that totally encapsulated the specific issue/situation and provided enough information for me to figure out the correct path to take without just giving me the answer. Again, I always appreciated that. It helps one learn. I will say, though, that Randy is not the most approachable guy and he will, without fail, give you what's on his mind without dressing it up or overusing tact. But that is, in my opinion, one of his virtues. Radio, by and large, is full of bullshitting divas looking to line their pocket. With Randy, you know you are getting the unexpurgated facts as he knows them. All Randy ever wanted to do (other than to have a kickass Super Bowl party) was win. Tons of people say they want to win, but, trust me...he means it. And he's willing to do everything he can think of to achieve the advantage. He lives and breathes radio and is always looking for the edge that will give him or his station(s) the advantage.

He's not the warmest and fuzziest person I've ever known, but he doesn't get paid to be. He is, though, a nice guy at heart. Many may cringe at that comment (including him), but it's true.

 

[jefflaurence]

You can go whore yourself out at conventions

Yow..I feel so small..sorry..hey wait.....wait a minute I DO INFOMERCIALS!!! AND SLEAZY CAR SPOTS..Point well taken..but some of us don't have the luxury of being so sought after..some of us have to pay our family's bills, and make ends meet. Jeesh what an elitest thing to say. Sorry some of us don't measure up.

However you are so right about Kitchen Nightmares..failure can many times be connected directly to EGO.

Hmmm..makes you think.

 

[metromediocre]

Boys - BOYS!!

Let us calm down!

Jeff, you are great - always have been. Go buy yourself a new microphone and feel better.

Randolph, go buy yourself a new viper as long as Bob Neil still has a garage locally (it was a viper, right?)

Jeff, Randolph is probably one of the most analytical consultants available today - in fact - in demand! I must ponder for a moment however. If he is so busy and in demand, where does he find the time to post so much on this board? A consultant in radio today is no more than a ratings accountant. Numbers numbers and more numbers! Ask Randolph which station has the largest 25-54 female demo in Butte, and he would be able to provide a complete extrapolation in seconds. Impressive stuff. Yes I am serious! Radio stations rely on this stuff.

But whoever said a consultant needs to be a people-person?

Randolph is not known for his diplomatic approach or sensitive nature. I know this first hand. But he is a great radio tool. That is what a consultant is. Sometimes they get, as my great grandmother used to say, "bigger than their britches" - but some can handle the responsibility and trust that comes with having power - some can't. Egos are a stumbling block between being truly successful and respected or being fraudulently successful and feared.

It's all about radio I suppose - the creatures it creates and the creatures that have become mutants. And sadly, it doesn't seem to be that important anymore....thanks to the mutants.

 

[Kabrich]

Don't tell me how great Fargo is....This is a Tampa thread.

So?
If that tiny town has more and arguably better NT talent that surpasses the once-great 970, it is on topic.

After all, Mike Siegel, that great Seattle host, works there now. He couldn't get into the front door at WFLA because the chicken-sh-t station says "announcers need not apply. We only do things the easy way."

WFLA was #2 in the market in the ratings today. You think your Fargo station will even be in the Top 5? If I were a "Seattle Host" and could not make it into the Top 5 in Fargo, I think it's time to consider a real change of careers.

Shows what little you know.
Siegel was as famous as a NT host in the northwest (was on CSPAN many times and hosted Coast to Coast) as Lassiter, and, like Lassiter, corporate radio losers didn't like him and felt they know better than their audiences. "We have all the power. We can keep good talent off the air."

You sound like the same type, more concerned about your own profits and to he-- with talent or the listeners.

Tampa is bigger in population, of course, but far below tiny Fargo in terms of NT radio quality.

That's indisputable.

Also is indisputable that he is failing in Fargo.....and as I said....if you can't make it in Fargo - you can't make it anywhere.......sing it Frank.........

what a great talent....roflmao.

 

[Don62]

No, I am arguing that the public LIKES what WFLA is doing now compared to 15-18 years ago.

You say its medicore, watered down content. The audience says its better than it was back then.

Perhaps you are the one that is out of touch?

Says who? Evidence, please, since you know so much.

I think it's the opposite. The audience, if surveyed, would choose a mix of syndication and local, as evidenced by a call to Mark Larsen this a.m. The caller thanked 1040 for returning local talk. I've heard similar calls to that station.

Too bad the listeners to the smug incumbent WFLA can't call in and express their opinion on any of their shows. They're all farmed-out automated programs.

 

[John Waywoods]

I used to listen to FLA from morning until night when they had Lassitter in the line-up. I have not listened to FLA for months at a time. It is just a silly line-up.

Glenn Beck- was entertaining for a while. Now just basically Limbaugh with a sped up (drama queen) voice.
Limbaugh- I can do his show because I know his stance on everything. He is not as creative as he used to be. However, for years he was amazing.
Schnitt- The worst ever. This show is for people that never even attended junior college. I don't mean to insult folks without advanced degrees but this guy does not research anything. It seems to me that he listens to Limbaugh and runs it through his head whether he agrees or not or whether his advertisers would agree or not, then wings it.

 

[Don62]

Don't tell me how great Fargo is....This is a Tampa thread.

So?
If that tiny town has more and arguably better NT talent that surpasses the once-great 970, it is on topic.

After all, Mike Siegel, that great Seattle host, works there now. He couldn't get into the front door at WFLA because the chicken-sh-t station says "announcers need not apply. We only do things the easy way."

WFLA was #2 in the market in the ratings today. You think your Fargo station will even be in the Top 5? If I were a "Seattle Host" and could not make it into the Top 5 in Fargo, I think it's time to consider a real change of careers.

Shows what little you know.
Siegel was as famous as a NT host in the northwest (was on CSPAN many times and hosted Coast to Coast) as Lassiter, and, like Lassiter, corporate radio losers didn't like him and felt they know better than their audiences. "We have all the power. We can keep good talent off the air."

You sound like the same type, more concerned about your own profits and to he-- with talent or the listeners.

Tampa is bigger in population, of course, but far below tiny Fargo in terms of NT radio quality.

That's indisputable.

Also is indisputable that he is failing in Fargo.....and as I said....if you can't make it in Fargo - you can't make it anywhere.......sing it Frank.........

what a great talent....roflmao.

It's more like the corporate radio owners in Seattle don't want him on the air... They've done this in many markets.
Like Ken Hamblin in Denver and David Gold in Dallas.

Both are great hosts but the immature managers are too jealous and hold irrational grudges.

Research your facts before spouting off information of which you know nothing about.

 

[Kabrich]

No, I am arguing that the public LIKES what WFLA is doing now compared to 15-18 years ago.

You say its medicore, watered down content. The audience says its better than it was back then.

Perhaps you are the one that is out of touch?

Says who? Evidence, please, since you know so much.

I think it's the opposite. The audience, if surveyed, would choose a mix of syndication and local, as evidenced by a call to Mark Larsen this a.m. The caller thanked 1040 for returning local talk. I've heard similar calls to that station.

Too bad the listeners to the smug incumbent WFLA can't call in and express their opinion on any of their shows. They're all farmed-out automated programs.

Actually, I don't care what you think - can I make it any clearer?

I've heard the public - and that is all I care about.

They have spoken and the evidence, as you call it, has been posted in earlier posts in this thread.

It's no wonder you are out of touch if you can't read the "evidence" posted in this thread. And clearly you just dont get it, if you think the listeners are choosing Mark Larsen and WWBA.

WFLA is second 12+ in the Arbitron.....WWBA is essentially second.....from the bottom.

 

[Kabrich]

Don't tell me how great Fargo is....This is a Tampa thread.

So?
If that tiny town has more and arguably better NT talent that surpasses the once-great 970, it is on topic.

After all, Mike Siegel, that great Seattle host, works there now. He couldn't get into the front door at WFLA because the chicken-sh-t station says "announcers need not apply. We only do things the easy way."

WFLA was #2 in the market in the ratings today. You think your Fargo station will even be in the Top 5? If I were a "Seattle Host" and could not make it into the Top 5 in Fargo, I think it's time to consider a real change of careers.

Shows what little you know.
Siegel was as famous as a NT host in the northwest (was on CSPAN many times and hosted Coast to Coast) as Lassiter, and, like Lassiter, corporate radio losers didn't like him and felt they know better than their audiences. "We have all the power. We can keep good talent off the air."

You sound like the same type, more concerned about your own profits and to he-- with talent or the listeners.

Tampa is bigger in population, of course, but far below tiny Fargo in terms of NT radio quality.

That's indisputable.

Also is indisputable that he is failing in Fargo.....and as I said....if you can't make it in Fargo - you can't make it anywhere.......sing it Frank.........

what a great talent....roflmao.

It's more like the corporate radio owners in Seattle don't want him on the air... They've done this in many markets.
Like Ken Hamblin in Denver and David Gold in Dallas.

Both are great hosts but the immature managers are too jealous and hold irrational grudges.

Research your facts before spouting off information of which you know nothing about.

ROFLMAO - Radio will put on pigs farting if it will get an audience.

If you don't believe me, read the other 1000 posters on the Tampa Board.

If these people got numbers, they would be on the air.

Just several posts ago you said, where's the evidence.

You have failed to give any here to support any of your claims. Again, if they are not in the Top 5 in Fargo, then why do I care? If Fargo has LESS of its population listening to radio than in Tampa, why do I care about Fargo. In fact, as LESS people listen to the radio in Fargo, a Radio GOD like your idols should find it easier to win there. Instead, they are beaten by the same old "jukebox" stations, ROFLAMO.

Spin it however you want it, but your opinion means nothing. The audience has spoken - and that's all that matters.

 

[FiveStar]

Close every restaurant except for Taco Bell and offer only "health food" on the menu and guess what? People will probably eat at Taco Bell and the people who bought and closed all the competitors or renamed the Taco Bell and gave them all the same "health food" menu will no doubt brag about how they figured out what the people wanted and gave it to them. Of course, they won't be anywhere to be found if people decide after a while that they want variety with some hamburgers and french fries and some other non health food items and Taco Bell goes broke because people get going.

Radio is fast becoming irrelevant to today's younger and more desirable demographics. All you have to do is read TRI, Radio-Info. and All Access,.

Yep, you've helped make radio what is today Randy. Obviously you're proud of it. God I'm glad I never worked for you. 30 years ago when I started in radio, the program directors had one of two talents, they were either real good at a** kissing or they were the loudest screamers. Those who combined the talents went on to become consultants. Amazing how things never change.

 

[metromediocre]

This really has been one of the more interesting threads ever on this board - especially when Kabrich crawls out of the woodwork LOL. The exterminator failed I guess. Just joking Randy - SMILE!

When I stared in radio in 1972, I carried 45rpm records into the studio in old wooden kitchen drawers. I actually played "Billy Don't Be A Hero" at least 500 times a week. I was cured after therapy. But then, the DeFranco Family put me away again. In those days, we played shit...I mean really bad stuff. I remember one legendary record promoter offering me tickets to see a concert if I would play Melanie's Roller Skate Song - "Brand New Key". The concert was great by the way.

Research was more or less based on gathering results from telephone calls made to local record stores and getting their top 10 selling 45s and 5 top lps. This went on for so long...too long. And it also created wildly self-important personalities who thought they could run the station, forgetting that it is a business. Interestingly, if you look back at many of the super radio talents that emerged from the late 50's and 60's, they really had no competition. Most major cities had 8 or so AM stations and you could be the worst DJ on the air and still have a huge pulse audience. Fragmentation was not an issue then.

But as more and more stations appeared - the FM revolution so to speak, it became very necessary to begin looking at radio as a real business and not a toy. Things had to change - and new research methods and numbers crunching was needed.

Consultants provide that crunching. It has become much more of a mathematical science now to produce ratings and revenue. While it's true that a lot of the on-air passion is gone from the business, consultants like Randy Kabrich have a passion for looking at the numbers and from those numbers arriving at a conclusion that may help make a station successful.

BUT - as any science experiment will illustrate, if you keep poking and prodding the laboratory rat, it will eventually die. And that is my concern about the business. The constant streamlining and cost-cutting and experimentation has sent the lab rat into a coma. I think there is a fine line between keeping a product attractive to listeners while at the same time making it profitable and competitive in a radio market. That is the challenge.

The people are the determining factor. And if focus groups indicate that people want singing farting Pigs on a station, then why not create a singing farting pig format?

Years ago you would just throw a format on the air and hope a lot - NOW at least research is your first line of defense. That's why people like Randy Kabrich exist.

 

[smedge2006]

Speaking of local talk, Daniel Ruth is coming back to weekend radio... on WWBA...

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/aug/03/me-preparing-to-be-warmly-welcomed-back-to-the-tal/

Sure, it gets 1040 a little ink. But I think this is a mistake. There was already a local show in the slot. The host was rough, but making progress. Developing talent is what the weekend is all about IMHO. If you've heard Dro Silva's weekday show, it's clear that he's trying to advance talk radio style into the 21st century -- and that 1040 has decided (if only inadvertently) to try and grow beyond the red-meat Savage fan base. Picking up Ruth is winding back the clock, I think -- not because he's someone the red-meaters would declare a "liberal", but because his shows are slow-paced and sleepy.

 

[FiveStar]

Well, sometimes there's more to a switch like that than just saying "we're bringing in Dan Ruth, you're fired". It could have been there was a mutual agreement. (I know, I know "mutual agreement" usually means "they asked me to leave and I agreed) Just sayin'. Besides, WWBA is in a position where with zero promotions budget they need whatever p.r. they can get.

I'm not going to say that I'll seek out Dan Ruth, but I will say that there are plenty of talkers that I go out of my way to avoid.

 

[The Beave]

Consultants provide that crunching. It has become much more of a mathematical science now to produce ratings and revenue.

That "rocket science" has created boring radio, and little personality if any.

Bring us back the days of "Good" radio. I'm trying to confince the NAB to bring their conference to Tampa so the attendees can hear how crappy the market is.

 

[Don62]

Speaking of local talk, Daniel Ruth is coming back to weekend radio... on WWBA...

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/aug/03/me-preparing-to-be-warmly-welcomed-back-to-the-tal/

Sure, it gets 1040 a little ink. But I think this is a mistake. There was already a local show in the slot. The host was rough, but making progress. Developing talent is what the weekend is all about IMHO. If you've heard Dro Silva's weekday show, it's clear that he's trying to advance talk radio style into the 21st century -- and that 1040 has decided (if only inadvertently) to try and grow beyond the red-meat Savage fan base. Picking up Ruth is winding back the clock, I think -- not because he's someone the red-meaters would declare a "liberal", but because his shows are slow-paced and sleepy.

Who did Ruth replace?
I think I heard the original guy once or twice. He wasn't that bad.

 

[Kabrich]

Close every restaurant except for Taco Bell and offer only "health food" on the menu and guess what? People will probably eat at Taco Bell and the people who bought and closed all the competitors or renamed the Taco Bell and gave them all the same "health food" menu will no doubt brag about how they figured out what the people wanted and gave it to them. Of course, they won't be anywhere to be found if people decide after a while that they want variety with some hamburgers and french fries and some other non health food items and Taco Bell goes broke because people get going.

Radio is fast becoming irrelevant to today's younger and more desirable demographics. All you have to do is read TRI, Radio-Info. and All Access,.

Yep, you've helped make radio what is today Randy. Obviously you're proud of it. God I'm glad I never worked for you. 30 years ago when I started in radio, the program directors had one of two talents, they were either real good at a** kissing or they were the loudest screamers. Those who combined the talents went on to become consultants. Amazing how things never change.

Its quite clear you never worked for me. Anyone that knows me knows I refuse to kiss anyone's ass and never am shy to speak my mind. In the famous word of Jack Nicholson, "you can't handle the truth"

TRUTH

WWBA has a 1.1 share overall. WWBA has a 0.8 in the morning.

TRUTH

The local morning show IS UNDERPERFORMING THE RADIO STATION and IS DRAGGING THE NUMBERS DOWN FOR THE STATION.

The station's SYNDICATED SHOWS have better ratings than the LOCAL SHOWS on WWBA (and elsewhere).

It really isn't hard to understand.

People want good radio no matter where it come from - and there are simply not enough great radio hosts in the USA to do it locally.

If local hosts underperform National Hosts, then yes, Radio will save money and use National Hosts. It's no different than any other Industry....Get More....Pay Less.