PIGEON DROPPINGS

[hoosier45guy]

OK then Mr. Mouse.

WKLU takes $2-$3m in revenue out of this market with the product they have now. They can [and should be] profitable with that share of market revenue. I didn't say insanely profitable, but in the black. The big difference between this operator, and the larger corporations in this market are that the goals are different. Corporate radio enjoyed 40-50% operating margins for years, and leveraged accordingly. The margins aren't there now; the level they're leveraged can't be sustained. Oasis is much smaller in scale, both in income and debt leveraged. Their operating margin at KLU might not be what it was when the ratings were better, and rates across the market were firm, but I'll bet they have positive operating margin, or are damn closer to positive operating margin than other operators leveraged up to their eyeballs.

Wouldn't what you say about the WKLU situation also apply to the other independent operator in town, WTTS?

 

[radioho]

Am I on crack? I guess that about sums up what everyone on this board thinks of my observations regarding the business side of WKLU.

I would be offended by all your negative remarks if I didn't realize there wasn't a stitch of radio business sense among any of you. It's amusing to me that all of you are so consumed by personal axes to grind. You aren't willing to listen to observations based in years and years of experience owning and operating radio businesses. There's no free flow of thought or exchange of idea here, unless it is completely negative leaning. Partisan politics aren't as bad as the solitary negative tone everyone posts here.

If you don't know the difference between cap expense and operational expense, Bad debt and sales credit, OI and net income, then don't show your ignorance. WKLU takes $2-$3m in revenue out of this market with the product they have now. They can [and should be] profitable with that share of market revenue. I didn't say insanely profitable, but in the black. The big difference between this operator, and the larger corporations in this market are that the goals are different. Corporate radio enjoyed 40-50% operating margins for years, and leveraged accordingly. The margins aren't there now; the level they're leveraged can't be sustained. Oasis is much smaller in scale, both in income and debt leveraged. Their operating margin at KLU might not be what it was when the ratings were better, and rates across the market were firm, but I'll bet they have positive operating margin, or are damn closer to positive operating margin than other operators leveraged up to their eyeballs.

You obviously must be working in the building (or you are ANOTHER anonymous name for ownership) to have access to the profit/loss statement. If not, you can't really speak with any authority on the subject, since you use those figures as proof the station knows what it's doing.

you say

You aren't willing to listen to observations based in years and years of experience owning and operating radio businesses.

that pretty much AGAIN narrows it down and tells us who you are. If you are a station owner, as you say, why would you be here defending WKLU?

Pointing out the obvious isn't grinding an axe - it's called opinion - obviously you have one, why can't we?

 

[Ann Tenna]

Am I on crack? I guess that about sums up what everyone on this board thinks of my observations regarding the business side of WKLU.

I would be offended by all your negative remarks if I didn't realize there wasn't a stitch of radio business sense among any of you. It's amusing to me that all of you are so consumed by personal axes to grind. You aren't willing to listen to observations based in years and years of experience owning and operating radio businesses. There's no free flow of thought or exchange of idea here, unless it is completely negative leaning. Partisan politics aren't as bad as the solitary negative tone everyone posts here.

If you don't know the difference between cap expense and operational expense, Bad debt and sales credit, OI and net income, then don't show your ignorance. WKLU takes $2-$3m in revenue out of this market with the product they have now. They can [and should be] profitable with that share of market revenue. I didn't say insanely profitable, but in the black. The big difference between this operator, and the larger corporations in this market are that the goals are different. Corporate radio enjoyed 40-50% operating margins for years, and leveraged accordingly. The margins aren't there now; the level they're leveraged can't be sustained. Oasis is much smaller in scale, both in income and debt leveraged. Their operating margin at KLU might not be what it was when the ratings were better, and rates across the market were firm, but I'll bet they have positive operating margin, or are damn closer to positive operating margin than other operators leveraged up to their eyeballs.

Well, I'm sure the many years of experience and that sophomore E-con class you took have obviously paid off handsomly for you; however, despite the wonderful margins Oasis operates at, and the sky-rocketing revenues you fantasize they are pulling in, they are suffering even more from this downward spiral of both the economy and the radio industry than many of the big corporate stations at which you so eagerly scoff.
Russ Oasis is in the radio business for the same reason as everyone else-to make money. His big payoff comes when he sells the station to one of those evil corporate giants for many times his original purchase price. Problem is he waited too long as he stroked his ego trying to beat Q95 at their own game. WKLU's value peaked several years ago and has been in a freefall ever since as their ratings continue to drop book after book. While all the big evil stations like Q95 and WFMS are also seeing their revenues and value fall, they have been bringing in $20 million or more annually to go along with their higher purchase prices, but what kills Oasis's deal is the millions he spent rebuilding the studios and transmitter facilities. At this point in time, he can't recoup that. He's stuck with this turd for quite awhile, and who knows if values will ever get back up to what he could have demanded had he sold WKLU 5 years ago. Face it, the exhalted Russ you apparently bow down to F'd up bigtime, he lost himself many millions of dollars. That kind of gambling is capitalism at its finest.

 

[cold_coffee]

The reason that some people never get ahead is because they scorn those who are successful and tell themselves that getting ahead and being successful is somehow a sell-out. Thanks, but I want to be like the guys who are successful.

 

[radioho]

The reason that some people never get ahead is because they scorn those who are successful and tell themselves that getting ahead and being successful is somehow a sell-out. Thanks, but I want to be like the guys who are successful.

Sounds great. Let us all know when you actually become successful. We're all waiting.

 

[mouseman]

Very strong post cold_coffee.

Ann Tenna, you do show some business sense - You're right, there's no market for Russ to sell at a premium, if that's his intent. However, that's not his only "payday." He can [note I say can, not is; I don't know what kind of operation they run, but they could be ok with these revenue levels] still operate in the black or pretty close with $2-$3mil in annual revenue, pay down his long term debt service, live handsomely, and wait for the market to come back for the big cash out, if he wants. And, no, not a sophmore E-con class - 28 years in the industry. Here's a question for you: wouldn't you like to be in his shoes? Oh, it's easier to stand on the sideline and crack on someone you don't like, don't respect, or even despise if they have done you personal harm. No risk there. But, character assassinations aside, wouldn't you like to have the financial options Russ has? Honestly?

radioho, who shot JFK? You are a classic "conspiracy theorist." 8) This Oasis subject blindfolds your brain like those who annually trek to Roswell looking for the one undiscovered clue of an alien coverup. I'm not in the building. I'm not Oasis in yet another disguise. But I can comment on their business from experience in market, and 3rd party information gatherers who compile this market information. I do agree with you that everyone has a right to speak on these opinion pages - where we part ways is that you piss and bemoan any other opinion than yours.

hoosier45guy, my observation regarding WTTS, if you're really interested, is that they are suffering worse than WKLU revenue-wise, and probably are at a real low point in their historicals. Having said that, current ownership has had this station long enough that he probably doesn't have anywhere the long term debt service of Russ, or anyone else in the market, if any debt leverage at all. They can operate on less, and probably have much less to operate on, so it's probably not the cash cow it once was, or TS was expecting at this point.

Folks, glad to engage in some lively chat. I recall this all started when someone noted WKLU's ratings tumble, and I suggested it didn't necessarily mean the financial disaster for that operation some here thought [or hoped]. At the end of the day, you have your opinions, and I have my thoughts. Beyond that, I wish you all well, and hope that the passion you display here also drives your efforts at your profession. If so, our industry will ultimately again thrive, and you will enjoy long successful careers. [pretty cheeky I realize, but I mean it anyway]

 

[radioho]

Very strong post cold_coffee.

Ann Tenna, you do show some business sense - You're right, there's no market for Russ to sell at a premium, if that's his intent. However, that's not his only "payday." He can [note I say can, not is; I don't know what kind of operation they run, but they could be ok with these revenue levels] still operate in the black or pretty close with $2-$3mil in annual revenue, pay down his long term debt service, live handsomely, and wait for the market to come back for the big cash out, if he wants. And, no, not a sophmore E-con class - 28 years in the industry. Here's a question for you: wouldn't you like to be in his shoes? Oh, it's easier to stand on the sideline and crack on someone you don't like, don't respect, or even despise if they have done you personal harm. No risk there. But, character assassinations aside, wouldn't you like to have the financial options Russ has? Honestly?

radioho, who shot JFK? You are a classic "conspiracy theorist." 8) This Oasis subject blindfolds your brain like those who annually trek to Roswell looking for the one undiscovered clue of an alien coverup. I'm not in the building. I'm not Oasis in yet another disguise. But I can comment on their business from experience in market, and 3rd party information gatherers who compile this market information. I do agree with you that everyone has a right to speak on these opinion pages - where we part ways is that you piss and bemoan any other opinion than yours.

hoosier45guy, my observation regarding WTTS, if you're really interested, is that they are suffering worse than WKLU revenue-wise, and probably are at a real low point in their historicals. Having said that, current ownership has had this station long enough that he probably doesn't have anywhere the long term debt service of Russ, or anyone else in the market, if any debt leverage at all. They can operate on less, and probably have much less to operate on, so it's probably not the cash cow it once was, or TS was expecting at this point.

Folks, glad to engage in some lively chat. I recall this all started when someone noted WKLU's ratings tumble, and I suggested it didn't necessarily mean the financial disaster for that operation some here thought [or hoped]. At the end of the day, you have your opinions, and I have my thoughts. Beyond that, I wish you all well, and hope that the passion you display here also drives your efforts at your profession. If so, our industry will ultimately again thrive, and you will enjoy long successful careers. [pretty cheeky I realize, but I mean it anyway]

Likewise I have no problem with your opinion. just looked like you were basing it on figures as fact, which you can't do unless we know those facts to be true.

And yes, any of these posts individually can come across as sour grapes, jealousy, etc., HOWEVER...

You MUST go back and view the history of posts on here when Radioho, cold coffee, and Old skool are involved. THEN you'll understand the context of annatenna's, ho's, and other posts of regulars on this board.

This started when the owner started posting here and INSULTED EVERYONE else in this market (proof is the history of posts on this forum) when he was on top of the world pulling in a 5 rating.

After he was exposed, he changed to different screen names (like the one on this thread java-man) and STILL gives himself credit in the third person. Casual viewers of this board may not be aware of that, but WE are, so THAT is why we are quick to respond.

Point is, if you're going to self-promote, then do it as yourself, not anonymous screen name(s) - THEN it would be sour grapes for us to criticize.

 

[radiobrat]

Ok let's do the math (w/my 15 years of experience) can we agree that wklu has 12 units per hour available - (3 breaks 4 units each)
Competitvely I am seeing $25 per :60 take out the PI's and let's assume they are performing at a 75% sell - out, I seriously doubt but just for the fun of it let's use that number.
Now let's also assume they charge that ($25) 6a-10p (16 hours 6 days a week) if you have to remind me there are 7 days go do something else, as most who are reading and understand this know I'm being generous ok here we go
12 (units) x 16 (hours x 6 (days) = 1152 x .75 (%) = 864 x $25 = $21,600 x 4.3 (avg Wks per month) = $92,880 x 12 (months) = 1,114,560. I certainly do not profess these numbers to me accurate - I'm willing to bet they are closer that mouseman's. Now mouseman w/your 28 years of experience you must know it's costs at least 100k per month to run that station, my professional opinion even more. Even if Pidge is tied to some ratings comp plan. Go ahead use my formula plug in your own numbers. Create a reverse cpp, do the math however you like it still equals a monthly loss.

 

[ChiefEngineer]

$92,000? Not what Miller Kaplan shows. You don't have to work there to see the revenue in most cases.

And wouldn't we all like to be in his shoes? Emmis is collectively worth $38 million total if you value their stock at .22 cents as it is. Does this make Jeff unhappy? I hope he's buying up all his outstanding stock like everyone else. If he took one month's corporate profit he could do that... Less than a year just Indianapolis stations profit....

Most disc jockeys agree they could do better than ANY owner. My father was the dumbest man on the face of the earth until I was 26. Then he got a little smarter every year. same with owners. How old are the biggest gripers? 21? 22?

Russ is doing well or he couldn't host a reunion and look at those studios!

 

[mouseman]

Well said Cheif Engineer...well said.

 

[radiobrat]

Well said? No offense Chief, my point isn't to say the faciliries aren't nice nor do i wish I had the owners' money. If my numbers are wrong ok. You say that's not hwat Mk says - what do they say? And once agaion I'm not referring to historical numbers I'm talking about actual reveune for 2009, I am quoting costs per spot I have seen on buys. I'll stand by my numbers, you keep throwing smoke screens

 

[hoosier45guy]

There's more money in Oldies than any of the other format suggestions that have been posted here. Even though the station trended down the most recent book, I suspect the station has had more advertisers [and ad revenue] since Pidge was added, regardless of ratings.
The station is exclusive in the format in the market, has good demos advertisers want, and Pidge is a heritage piece of broadcasting in the market with a following both in advertisers as well as listeners - that all means more revenue than another contemporary format of any ilk.

Here's the top half dozen advertisers I have heard on Oldies this past week: Wal-Mart, Bare Escentuals, Rich Dad, Amberlen, Physicians Mutual and Save on Drugs. Local = NO. Know who Pigeon is = NO. Paying whore rates = BINGO!

 

[Timewarp]

Can't we just wish a guy the best of luck? Is that really so hard to do?

 

[radioho]

Can't we just wish a guy the best of luck? Is that really so hard to do?

I'm so TIRED of everybody that disagrees with something on here being declared to be a disgruntled employee or jealous.

And which "GUY" are you talking about? Pidge? I haven't seen ONE post on here where ANYONE has said ANYTHING negative about Pidge. Quite the opposite, it's the only thing that station has done since it's move to Castleton that actually made ANY sense.

Where is it written that because you inherit millions and buy a radio station that you automatically are RIGHT and everyone else is stupid because they are not wealthy? Money has NOTHING to do with radio other than giving you the ability to buy a station. All the money in the world from a dead business partner cannot buy knowledge on how to run a business - especially an entertainment business. It only gives you the ability to do what you want without regard to profit, ability or credibility.

JUST because the jock is working doesn't mean he's the best for the job. Just because you own a station does not mean it's run properly - as has been proven time and time again in the history of radio in this market.

Not agreeing with YOU means we are jealous or are only here to BASH this industry in general?

GROW UP! If you cannot take criticism then GET OUT OF THE PUBLIC EYE and go to the bean-counter side of the business.

ANY entertainer or owner of an entertainment business needs thick skin. Coming on here complaining about COMPLAINTS is the height of hypocracy.

 

[mouseman]

Radioho,
As I said earlier....I do agree with you that everyone has a right to speak on these opinion pages - where we part ways is that you piss and bemoan any other opinion than yours.

 

[radioho]

Radioho,
As I said earlier....I do agree with you that everyone has a right to speak on these opinion pages - where we part ways is that you piss and bemoan any other opinion than yours.

I'm responding to those that say, "why don't we all just get along and stop bemoaning the business." That's like saying why doesn't Israel just stop harrassing Hamas and try to get along. Unless you know the back story, you can't place blame, or tell someone he's 'disgruntled, jealous, trouble-maker, etc.'

 

[salespro1]

back story the logo shirt - very memorable remote kick it!!! city of license man and see ya at the next Springsteen show accepting apologetic emails is cool....gooooooooo!!!!

 

[aircheck king]

14th???? What 12 +???

I have talked to lots of folks that work for or have worked for Russ, and he seems to be one of those guys that loves the business. Reminds me of Bill Shirk who also seemed to just love the idea of radio and the magic it has to offer. Shirk was loved and hated by many in our city back in the 90's. Then he would do something like break out of a grave six feet underground.... or live inside of cube of ice for a week. Constantly pulling eyes and ears toward his stations. I'm not suggesting that Russ get into doing illusions, but by putting on Adam Ritz after all of his trouble, hiring the beloved Jay Baker, and then finding the money to hire Pidge (and finding even more money for the marketing) is proof that his is into the game. His coworkers say he is not a bad person or a stupid businessman by any means. He would probably like to kick your ass if you're competing with him though. My guess is that he couldn't give a **** that radioho or any of the posters here like or dislike him. :'(

 

[radioho]

Reminds me of Bill Shirk who also seemed to just love the idea of radio and the magic it has to offer. Shirk was loved and hated by many in our city back in the 90's. Then he would do something like break out of a grave six feet underground.... or live inside of cube of ice for a week. Constantly pulling eyes and ears toward his stations.

Owning a station with constantly declining ratings (and how many format changes?) simply means you have the means to own it, but not the know-how to sustain any sort of audience.

... but by putting on Adam Ritz after all of his trouble, hiring the beloved Jay Baker, ...is proof that his is into the game.

Is that BEFORE he fired them, or AFTER he fired them?

and then finding the money to hire Pidge (and finding even more money for the marketing) is proof that his is into the game.

Again, what do you base this 'success' on? Ratings? Think again. The ratings have dropped since Pidge was added.

It was brilliant for X103, Q95 and WIBC to hire these three WHEN they were popular, how does hiring unemployed jocks, only to turn around and fire them for TALKING TOO MUCH register as a 'success?'

My guess is that he couldn't give a **** that radioho or any of the posters here like or dislike him.

Then why does he post on here with multiple user names - on THIS VERY THREAD?

 

[hoosier45guy]

I hoped when I started this thread that the legend himself might end up visiting here.

Which user names are Russ Oasis?