My silly take ...
This is just the next phase. First, it's a Cumulus cost cutting move. They didn't want to buy out Ronn Owens two-years left contract, so, they'll turn the screws in this hybrid format until he's had enough or he hangs in for the two years as his contract expires.
Next, it's demographics. The quality of a Burns, Rothman, Gross, Tillem, Wattenberg go beyond, unfortunately, the pale of revenue growth. "Old angry white guys" -- though much beloved -- aren't attracting new listeners in any demo, let alone the 25-54 at KGO. Talifiero wore out his welcome long ago, in my opinion.
Thirdly, it's cost cutting to keep a liberal base "corralled" to an "as needed" breed. So, that includes the liberal "taste" that the Bay Area neeeds with Thurston, Karel (who should be long gone soon, actually) and the standard bearer, Christine Craft, who, though we differ politically -- is tops in that genre. However, Michael Finley will still be around and that leaves Christine to be the key utility for fill in, with Thurston relegated to mid-Saturday morning and Karel in "Radio Siberia" -- the lowest ranked daypart on radio -- let alone just weekend radio. Plus, he's "scale" and makes less than anyone else on KGO. (He made the statement on his weak syndicated show this past week that he only makes $22,000 a year doing weekends on KGO. Ssid it right there on his webcast.) Misinformed narcissism at it's best, but, give him credit ... he's a lot more 25-54 oriented than those let go.
I miss Gene Burns most, followed by Rothman and Gross and even Wattenberg, who Karel also blasted and laughed at on his syndicated misadventure for all the world to see last week. He detests the man, except that Dr. Bill is worth millions and doesn't need the money. Karel desperately does. And it's not because of his open gayness. That doesn't bother me. He just can't make it happen, demo or not. "At least I wasn't fired this time!" as he stated last week on his weekday show. He won't be long for the world at KGO without solid gains. In that daypart.... good luck.
Copeland approaches legendary notice as an established talker and comedian. His being black is also a plus and it's good to see Copey stand on his own, still, on KGO.
Gil is good to stay at ABC Radio News ... maybe, or, he'll find something quickly. Burns ... if he had his own studio at home could end up anywhere, health permitting, with no moving and no travel. The "Dining Out" show is a classic and I think Gene's views have legs to make him a part of radio for a time. I miss him.
I already like Spencer Hughes and he knows the station(s), the market and has faced liberals via KSRO in the past and has a good track record.
I worry for Mike Amatori. The new "voice" is decent, but the creativity of Mike is not there and I hope Cumulus keeps its sense by keeping Mr. Mike onboard. A great guy.
I think the next stop will be for a mating of a Cumulus FM once the hybrid format kicks in and earns it's keep ... and over a relatively short period of time. While I am not a Thurston fan, I understand her legend and need to be part of the liberal side and find herself to be an entertaining part of the mix. I would rather take Christine, however, on a regular basis. She has no reason to belittle herself by doing Karel's shift, that's for sure. I wish Tillem were still on KGO. I thought he was great. And no Leo LaPorte? Talk about talking with the right demo. I don't understand that move. And adding KNBR voices makes no sense, unless they just haven't found a host yet. Maybe they'll put Joe Starkey in the weekend slot...or more.
The jury is just way out on Doug MacEntire. A cost cutting move for four hous if there was one.
Greg Jarrett's on the beach now that he's been dropped from mornings at WGN. Wonder if he'll come back to KGO ...
No more Lloyd Lindsay Young, either, I'm hearing. Traffic will now need some help and, hopefully, Stan Burfod will be a part of the mix. We'll know tomorrow ...
It's the new KGO. The Bay Area's News & Information Station. KGO - 810.
Good luck!
