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Portland Book

P

PeterB

Not a good day at Citadel.
BLM down, mornings down 25% A25-54.
CLZ down bad
CYY flat to down
JBQ flat
HOM up slightly overall.

Smiles and frowns at Saga
WPOR up big. Tied for #1 A25-54 with WFNK. Huge with W25-54
WGAN Held steady on previous big numbers
WMGX Flat. Morning Show down
WYNZ down bad. Worse book in market - barely even top 10 anything

Smiles and Bone-less at Nassau
WFNK steady. Tied for #1 A25-54, #1A18-49
Wolf - Up big 18-34 (ties for #2 in metro) & 18-49. Two country players?
Bone - Big Howard 18-34. Numbers disappear after that
 
just a couple of thoughts .... obviously a VERY country book ... it happens ... we see it in this market from time to time. the wolf has a history of big book/small book rinse and repeat. and por is well, por.

what about atlantic coast?? WRED was down ... not a shock at all given the dismal state of hip-hop right now. if the music is good they'll do ok. right now it's not.

pretty good for the WJBQ to hold steady considering that pop music is also in a slide right now. with mariah being the only big hitter with new stuff.

WCYY looked like they were #1 18-34 ... the only demo that matters to them.

WMGX might be breathing down WBLM's neck for the race to the bottom. two legends looking desperate.

Bone will cease to exist without howard.

Oldies will come back ... can't sell that format based on ratings anyway. it's the only player in town so it'll be fine.





> Not a good day at Citadel.
> BLM down, mornings down 25% A25-54.
> CLZ down bad
> CYY flat to down
> JBQ flat
> HOM up slightly overall.
>
> Smiles and frowns at Saga
> WPOR up big. Tied for #1 A25-54 with WFNK. Huge with W25-54
>
> WGAN Held steady on previous big numbers
> WMGX Flat. Morning Show down
> WYNZ down bad. Worse book in market - barely even top 10
> anything
>
> Smiles and Bone-less at Nassau
> WFNK steady. Tied for #1 A25-54, #1A18-49
> Wolf - Up big 18-34 (ties for #2 in metro) & 18-49. Two
> country players?
> Bone - Big Howard 18-34. Numbers disappear after that
>
 
If in fact Oldies did as poorly as people are saying, then there are DEFINITELY issues with this book. I have a hard time believing Oldies could drop, it's not like they've made any drastic changes. The Bone on the other hand, I think we all knew that was coming.

Any victories have an asterisk next to them.

Long live BLM.


> just a couple of thoughts .... obviously a VERY country book
> ... it happens ... we see it in this market from time to
> time. the wolf has a history of big book/small book rinse
> and repeat. and por is well, por.
>
> what about atlantic coast?? WRED was down ... not a shock
> at all given the dismal state of hip-hop right now. if the
> music is good they'll do ok. right now it's not.
>
> pretty good for the WJBQ to hold steady considering that pop
> music is also in a slide right now. with mariah being the
> only big hitter with new stuff.
>
> WCYY looked like they were #1 18-34 ... the only demo that
> matters to them.
>
> WMGX might be breathing down WBLM's neck for the race to the
> bottom. two legends looking desperate.
>
> Bone will cease to exist without howard.
>
> Oldies will come back ... can't sell that format based on
> ratings anyway. it's the only player in town so it'll be
> fine.
>
>
>
>
>
> > Not a good day at Citadel.
> > BLM down, mornings down 25% A25-54.
> > CLZ down bad
> > CYY flat to down
> > JBQ flat
> > HOM up slightly overall.
> >
> > Smiles and frowns at Saga
> > WPOR up big. Tied for #1 A25-54 with WFNK. Huge with
> W25-54
> >
> > WGAN Held steady on previous big numbers
> > WMGX Flat. Morning Show down
> > WYNZ down bad. Worse book in market - barely even top 10
> > anything
> >
> > Smiles and Bone-less at Nassau
> > WFNK steady. Tied for #1 A25-54, #1A18-49
> > Wolf - Up big 18-34 (ties for #2 in metro) & 18-49. Two
> > country players?
> > Bone - Big Howard 18-34. Numbers disappear after that
> >
>
 
> Long live BLM.

Then I guess they're going to need to ship it out to that place in Arizona where they sent Ted Williams' head.
 
> > Long live BLM.
>
> Then I guess they're going to need to ship it out to that
> place in Arizona where they sent Ted Williams' head.
>

Don't even try and tell me that when the Bone is far, far below BLM. Hey, got a new morning show yet?
 
> > > Long live BLM.
> >
> > Then I guess they're going to need to ship it out to that
> > place in Arizona where they sent Ted Williams' head.
> >
>
> Don't even try and tell me that when the Bone is far, far
> below BLM. Hey, got a new morning show yet?
>

After "channel surfing" more than a dozen Maine radio stations this morning between 8 and 9:30AM---I can completely understand why many listeners have opted for a satellite service, or to play their own CDs instead?

What was supposed to be "entertaining" in a local/regional radio station morning show LEFT ME COMPLETELY COLD (for the most part)!

Then again...I don't conform to the desired 18-49 year old demographic that most radio PD's "seem to be looking for?" [Kinda dumb since it's the 50+ group who seem to have a good chunk of money to spend for some of the products or services many of the stations advertised! But I digress...]

It's a shame some of the current radio station formats can't 'break out of their obligatory shells' and provide its listeners with something more than tired slug lines, screaming or boring jingles along with personalities who would rather 'talk and play with themselves' than relate to a few of their listeners?

Oh well.......feel free to carry on your "good" work???

argytunes
 
> > > Long live BLM.
> >
> > Then I guess they're going to need to ship it out to that
> > place in Arizona where they sent Ted Williams' head.
> >
>
> Don't even try and tell me that when the Bone is far, far
> below BLM. Hey, got a new morning show yet?
>
I would hope that with 25 years of heritage, and that massive signal, that BLM would be far ahead of the Bone. DUH! The Bone, at best, is a flanker station for WFNK. But isn't it funny to see how far the mighty have fallen?
 
> > > > Long live BLM.
> > >
> > > Then I guess they're going to need to ship it out to
> that
> > > place in Arizona where they sent Ted Williams' head.
> > >
> >
> > Don't even try and tell me that when the Bone is far, far
> > below BLM. Hey, got a new morning show yet?
> >
>
> After "channel surfing" more than a dozen Maine radio
> stations this morning between 8 and 9:30AM---I can
> completely understand why many listeners have opted for a
> satellite service, or to play their own CDs instead?
>
> What was supposed to be "entertaining" in a local/regional
> radio station morning show LEFT ME COMPLETELY COLD (for the
> most part)!
>
> Then again...I don't conform to the desired 18-49 year old
> demographic that most radio PD's "seem to be looking for?"
> [Kinda dumb since it's the 50+ group who seem to have a good
> chunk of money to spend for some of the products or services
> many of the stations advertised! But I digress...]
>
> It's a shame some of the current radio station formats can't
> 'break out of their obligatory shells' and provide its
> listeners with something more than tired slug lines,
> screaming or boring jingles along with personalities who
> would rather 'talk and play with themselves' than relate to
> a few of their listeners?
>
> Oh well.......feel free to carry on your "good" work???
>
> argytunes
>
with all due respect, what does your post have to do with the recent ratings? you continually harp about "slug lines" (do you mean positioning statements?) screaming or boring jingles (what exactly is a screaming jingle?) and personalities that talk to themselves instead of relating to a few of their listeners (I kind of get the feeling you might not be one of the people I want my jocks relating to!)

your negative vibe is really unwanted on this board. please find a way to be more positive.
 
Volleyball-

Don't waste your breath (or, er, typing fingers)- As you may recall, Argy already knows the answer to all our radio duldrums-but can't let us in on the secret-because we're all a bunch of idea theiving hacks.

I was considering deconstructing his comments, but really, what's the use. Sure radio needs some changes (and I think we're all aware of this)--but I think the ultimate point of this thread is that things are evening out in Portland radioland. And based on how I'm reading the numbers-most of the major players are hitting their demo. So congrats--

Also Citadel-please don't pull CLZ-I swear you have listeners-they just don't partake in the ratings biz. Wait, I mean, not that I listen to any station other than the one I work for...
 
> > > Long live BLM.
> >
> > Then I guess they're going to need to ship it out to that
> > place in Arizona where they sent Ted Williams' head.
> >
>
> Don't even try and tell me that when the Bone is far, far
> below BLM. Hey, got a new morning show yet?
>

Relax chief, I know what you're going through. I was born and raised a Milwaukee Brewers fan so I definitely know what rooting for a team that sucks is all about.
 
Oh well.......feel free to carry on your "good" work???
> >
> > argytunes
> >
> with all due respect, what does your post have to do with
> the recent ratings? you continually harp about "slug lines"
> (do you mean positioning statements?) screaming or boring
> jingles (what exactly is a screaming jingle?) and
> personalities that talk to themselves instead of relating to
> a few of their listeners (I kind of get the feeling you
> might not be one of the people I want my jocks relating to!)
>
>
> your negative vibe is really unwanted on this board. please
> find a way to be more positive.

Do you happen to remember a song called "THE BOXER" recorded by Simon & Garfunkel in the 60s? Let me quote you a line from it..."A Man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest!" It's obvious you can't handle a comment that doesn't pat you (or your radio station) on the head?

Unfortunately...this is the state of radio right now....and not EXCLUSIVE to just the BONE or BLM! Both have the potential to become great communicators, but it's easier to rely on their past (like Howard Stern or in the case of WBLM, some terrific radio promotions that no longer exist).

The GREATEST PLUS about radio (over every other medium) has been its ability to "communicate" one-to-one with its listeners. But lately, the trend has turned into "bad or foul mouth humor" which really isn't funny...or announcers babbling about nothing!

To answer your earlier question.

A screaming jingle is the type that's used on stations like WCYY. Aside from screaming at a listener, why does the jingle say about the radio station itself?

A slug line is the type of slogan a certain morning man from WMGX babbles, but does this as if he's reciting the alphabet. It's done too quickly...and the average listener misses its point entirely. [Of course this type of recitation isn't limited to WMGX].

Whether I personally relate to YOUR jocks isn't the issue. It really comes down to the number of your jocks who AREN'T RELATING to the number of listeners your radio station is trying to acquire.

argytunes
 
> Volleyball-
>
> Don't waste your breath (or, er, typing fingers)- As you may
> recall, Argy already knows the answer to all our radio
> duldrums-but can't let us in on the secret-because we're all
> a bunch of idea theiving hacks.

I appreciate the compliment....but not being employed by a specific radio station or group...perhaps I can listen a little more "objectively" than an announcer who gets his (or her) paycheck from a broadcast group?

And YES...almost every idea that a creative director or production person comes up with in this market is USUALLY "watered down" and cheapened! Tell me...do you think a listener who has been trying to "win a contest" and has been doing his or her best to be the correct caller....only wants to QUALIFY FOR THE PRIZE?
>
> I was considering deconstructing his comments, but really,
> what's the use. Sure radio needs some changes (and I think
> we're all aware of this)--but I think the ultimate point of
> this thread is that things are evening out in Portland
> radioland. And based on how I'm reading the numbers-most of
> the major players are hitting their demo. So congrats--

If a demo is all you're interested in....and not more advertisers or long-term listeners...then I GUESS you're succeeding?
>
> Also Citadel-please don't pull CLZ-I swear you have
> listeners-they just don't partake in the ratings biz. Wait,
> I mean, not that I listen to any station other than the one
> I work for...

Citadel should keep CLZ....but eliminate a few of the players and especially the LOUSY JINGLES that buffer the music!

argytunes
>
 
> > Volleyball-
> >
> > Don't waste your breath (or, er, typing fingers)- As you
> may
> > recall, Argy already knows the answer to all our radio
> > duldrums-but can't let us in on the secret-because we're
> all
> > a bunch of idea theiving hacks.
>
> I appreciate the compliment....but not being employed by a
> specific radio station or group...perhaps I can listen a
> little more "objectively" than an announcer who gets his (or
> her) paycheck from a broadcast group?
>
> And YES...almost every idea that a creative director or
> production person comes up with in this market is USUALLY
> "watered down" and cheapened! Tell me...do you think a
> listener who has been trying to "win a contest" and has been
> doing his or her best to be the correct caller....only wants
> to QUALIFY FOR THE PRIZE?
> >
> > I was considering deconstructing his comments, but really,
>
> > what's the use. Sure radio needs some changes (and I think
>
> > we're all aware of this)--but I think the ultimate point
> of
> > this thread is that things are evening out in Portland
> > radioland. And based on how I'm reading the numbers-most
> of
> > the major players are hitting their demo. So congrats--
>
> If a demo is all you're interested in....and not more
> advertisers or long-term listeners...then I GUESS you're
> succeeding?
> >
> > Also Citadel-please don't pull CLZ-I swear you have
> > listeners-they just don't partake in the ratings biz.
> Wait,
> > I mean, not that I listen to any station other than the
> one
> > I work for...
>
> Citadel should keep CLZ....but eliminate a few of the
> players and especially the LOUSY JINGLES that buffer the
> music!
>
I can't recall ever hearing a jingle on CLZ, but I do think they need a huge upgrade in the imaging dept., better air talent and a few basic formatic issues need to be addressed (going straight from a spot into music sounds very unprofessional)
 
> > > Volleyball-
> > >
> > > Don't waste your breath (or, er, typing fingers)- As you
>
> > may
> > > recall, Argy already knows the answer to all our radio
> > > duldrums-but can't let us in on the secret-because we're
>
> > all
> > > a bunch of idea theiving hacks.
> >
> > I appreciate the compliment....but not being employed by a
>
> > specific radio station or group...perhaps I can listen a
> > little more "objectively" than an announcer who gets his
> (or
> > her) paycheck from a broadcast group?
> >
> > And YES...almost every idea that a creative director or
> > production person comes up with in this market is USUALLY
> > "watered down" and cheapened! Tell me...do you think a
> > listener who has been trying to "win a contest" and has
> been
> > doing his or her best to be the correct caller....only
> wants
> > to QUALIFY FOR THE PRIZE?
> > >
> > > I was considering deconstructing his comments, but
> really,
> >
> > > what's the use. Sure radio needs some changes (and I
> think
> >
> > > we're all aware of this)--but I think the ultimate point
>
> > of
> > > this thread is that things are evening out in Portland
> > > radioland. And based on how I'm reading the numbers-most
>
> > of
> > > the major players are hitting their demo. So congrats--
> >
> > If a demo is all you're interested in....and not more
> > advertisers or long-term listeners...then I GUESS you're
> > succeeding?
> > >
> > > Also Citadel-please don't pull CLZ-I swear you have
> > > listeners-they just don't partake in the ratings biz.
> > Wait,
> > > I mean, not that I listen to any station other than the
> > one
> > > I work for...
> >
> > Citadel should keep CLZ....but eliminate a few of the
> > players and especially the LOUSY JINGLES that buffer the
> > music!
> >
> I can't recall ever hearing a jingle on CLZ, but I do think
> they need a huge upgrade in the imaging dept., better air
> talent and a few basic formatic issues need to be addressed
> (going straight from a spot into music sounds very
> unprofessional)
>
Absolutely , keep WCLZ one of the last decent stops on the dial musically , and remember "Arbitroll" ratings are accurate + or - 100%
weeder
 
I love stiring this pot with argy, so here we go...

> Tell me...do you think a
> listener who has been trying to "win a contest" and has been
> doing his or her best to be the correct caller....only wants
> to QUALIFY FOR THE PRIZE?

And you would suggest instead....what? "Ok here's a trip to see the Rolling Stones in London. Caller number nine right now is a winner!" Right. Qualifying to win a prize has been going on for decades. What would you do?

> Citadel should keep CLZ....but eliminate a few of the
> players and especially the LOUSY JINGLES that buffer the
> music!

Jingles on WCLZ? Afraid not. Maybe you are hearing something else and just calling it a jingle.

Argy since you are annonymous, I have no idea about your experience with radio. From what I can gather you are anti-corporate, anti-jock talk, anti-jingles, anti-liner radio. Portland radio also does not suck as much as you seem to think it does. Feel free to say "I told you so" if my company should ever go belly up and I'm out on the street though. Until then, I'll just amuse myself by continuing to read your rants.

Jeff Parsons
 
> A screaming jingle is the type that's used on stations like
> WCYY. Aside from screaming at a listener, why does the
> jingle say about the radio station itself?



you're confused. WCYY doesn't use jingles. but yeah the SWEEPERS scream at the listener ..... the MUSIC screams at the listener .... lots of sweet wonderful screaming!!

you wouldn't get it ..... you're not cool and 18-34.

maybe that's why you're so bitter.
 
>
> Argy since you are annonymous, I have no idea about your
> experience with radio. From what I can gather you are
> anti-corporate, anti-jock talk, anti-jingles, anti-liner
> radio. Portland radio also does not suck as much as you seem
> to think it does. Feel free to say "I told you so" if my
> company should ever go belly up and I'm out on the street
> though. Until then, I'll just amuse myself by continuing to
> read your rants.
>
> Jeff Parsons
>
If you listened to radio back in the '70's, you know who Argy is.
If you've only listened in, say, this millenium, you've probably
no idea who he is.
 
> I love stiring this pot with argy, so here we go...

Aren't there two R's in the word: STIRRING????
>
> > Tell me...do you think a
> > listener who has been trying to "win a contest" and has
> been
> > doing his or her best to be the correct caller....only
> wants
> > to QUALIFY FOR THE PRIZE?
>
> And you would suggest instead....what? "Ok here's a trip to
> see the Rolling Stones in London. Caller number nine right
> now is a winner!" Right. Qualifying to win a prize has
> been going on for decades. What would you do?

If a listener goes through all the trouble of trying to "qualify" for the big trip to London and GETS THROUGH....the least a radio station can do is slip him or her..."a rolling stones" CD for their trouble!

2 reasons:

1. The odds of winning the GRAND PRIZE are incredibly slim...and the person who has become the "correct caller" gets something for his or her trouble...and
2. After a while...the callers who wish to TRY AND WIN start to get frustrated and STOP CALLING! Simply because IT'S IMPOSSIBLE to qualify for anything!
>
> > Citadel should keep CLZ....but eliminate a few of the
> > players and especially the LOUSY JINGLES that buffer the
> > music!
>
> Jingles on WCLZ? Afraid not. Maybe you are hearing
> something else and just calling it a jingle.

I'll listen again....it's very possible I'm mistaking WCLZ for some other station? (Then again...who doesn't since so many sound the same???).
>
> Argy since you are annonymous, I have no idea about your
> experience with radio.

Too bad....because You and I worked together at a Portland radio station several years ago! But I don't expect you to remember me? Let's just say that I had a great deal of respect for your broadcast philosophy when you were getting started!

From what I can gather you are
> anti-corporate, anti-jock talk, anti-jingles, anti-liner
> radio. Portland radio also does not suck as much as you seem
> to think it does.

The only thing I'M ANTI....IS ANTI-BAD RADIO! And sorry, Jeff...there are a lot of stations in this market that are 'treading on their past reputations' instead of seriously listening to the product that they're "pumping out!!"

There are some very good corporate companies out there...(I know because I've worked for a couple)...who understand that radio ISN'T JUST SELLING OR FILLING UP AIR TIME! But judging from the way many of them have over-economized (by eliminating staff and cheapening their product)...can you blame me for being a little cynical?

Jock-Talk...? I like a jock who is reacting to his or her listeners...and honestly has something to say that a listener can relate to? Unfortunately, many wish to "babble" for the sake of hearing him (or her)self talk! A few spout off slogans or promote shows they don't know anything about! If YOU HONESTLY LISTEN...there's plenty of this going on right now.

Liners are GREAT...if the person saying 'em REALLY BELIEVES THEM? But once again, you've got people at your station (along with the ones CITADEL doesn't own) who are reciting liners by rote! The tone of their voices doesn't convince me that they understand the station they're supposed to be promoting! I'm not suggesting that announcers suddenly become "car dealer showroom hucksters" and overhype a product. But a little more sincerity certainly couldn't hurt?


Feel free to say "I told you so" if my
> company should ever go belly up and I'm out on the street
> though. Until then, I'll just amuse myself by continuing to
> read your rants.

Look! If you ONLY want to listen to "positive comments" about anything CITADEL (or any other company) does...I guess you shouldn't read anything I contribute?

But I'd like to add one last comment (for those who are convinced I'm negative).

After more than 30 years of working in a terrific profession (RADIO), I've formed positive and negative opinions about the business. I've saved my on-air, production, and writing work because I know I can upgrade and recycle some of it in the future.

I completely understand that RADIO IS A BUSINESS. However...it has become considerably easier for people who don't know ANYTHING about how radio works to "buy and sell properties" on the same day...eliminate professionals using the excuse of "we have to cut our costs" (even when a professional is handling as many as 4 or 5 different jobs)...and pumping out a product that either sounds tired or...thanks to a consultant who is only around to pick up a check...VERY CONTRIVED!

Don't your listeners and advertisers DESERVE BETTER?
>
> Jeff Parsons/ARGYTUNES
>
 
> If a listener goes through all the trouble of trying to
> "qualify" for the big trip to London and GETS THROUGH....the
> least a radio station can do is slip him or her..."a rolling
> stones" CD for their trouble!
>
> 2 reasons:
>
> 1. The odds of winning the GRAND PRIZE are incredibly
> slim...and the person who has become the "correct caller"
> gets something for his or her trouble...and
> 2. After a while...the callers who wish to TRY AND WIN start
> to get frustrated and STOP CALLING! Simply because IT'S
> IMPOSSIBLE to qualify for anything!

Well I can't speak for other stations, but any time we qualify someone for a grand prize, they receive a prize for being the correct caller. I would be VERY suprised if we were the only station in town that does this. The odds of winning the lottery are incredibly slim, but people will play it every day for years in hopes of winning. Why? It's fun becuase there's the chance you MIGHT win! Also, you know as well as I do that contest players are a very select group of people and only a fraction of a station's listening audience.

> Too bad....because You and I worked together at a Portland
> radio station several years ago! But I don't expect you to
> remember me? Let's just say that I had a great deal of
> respect for your broadcast philosophy when you were getting
> started!

Then I'd love to know who you are, since the only Portland radio station I've worked at since 1996 is WJBQ. Previous to that I did two years at WRED, and before that I worked at several stations in the Bangor area. If you don't want to post here on the board your identity, feel free to email it to me at the station.
>
> Look! If you ONLY want to listen to "positive comments"
> about anything CITADEL (or any other company) does...I guess
> you shouldn't read anything I contribute?

No in fact I think negative comments should be posted here, but I feel they would be better accepted with more constructive informed criticisim, rather then blanket statements of how radio today is awful. When I say informed, I mean know the station you are talking about. eg. there are no jingles on WCLZ and Tim's partners on WMGX are Jaime and Eva, not Liz. Spend time actually listening to these stations you post about.

Don't get me wrong Argy, I do agree with you on some points you make. Radio does have its problems. I just think your input would be better served to fix the problems you see with radio by taking a different approach in your posts. You come across as a bitter, out of work jock who yearns for the old days, rather then someone who sees problems with the business and is able to offer suggestions to fix them.
 
> Don't get me wrong Argy, I do agree with you on some points
> you make. Radio does have its problems. I just think your
> input would be better served to fix the problems you see
> with radio by taking a different approach in your posts.
> You come across as a bitter, out of work jock who yearns for
> the old days, rather then someone who sees problems with the
> business and is able to offer suggestions to fix them.

IMO, you just described a majority of this site, my friend. ;)
 
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