Radio is dead pt.2 (How Rick missed the exit.)

[SKIPPER]

Please note: This post is not personal. It is not intended to make anyone angry. It is only further debate about the industry we all love.

Appetizer:
Statistics are a wonderful thing to radio folks. It’s always fun to see how far they will go to bend, staple, fold and mutilate the latest research released.
Rick Peters posted:

“Just saw some research that would seem to contradict those of you who think that "radio is dead". In the most recent Arbitron, 84%(263,100 persons 12+) of the total population in Montgomery listened to one of the commercial radio stations during the week...and that doesn't count non-commericial or religious product. Is radio dead? Nothing used by 84% of the population on a weekly basis be considered dead.”

I agree that people listen to the radio. 263,100 people twelve plus is a quite the number. Rick has a point, lots of people turn on the radio.

Unfortunately, Rick missed the exit and drove past at 96.1 miles per hour. Indulge me for moment. I looked this up, it’s another statistic. This is from JohnsJohn.com

“The average person uses 20,805 sheets of toilet paper every year. That means if you're the average person, you personally used about 105 standard rolls of toilet paper in the last 12 months.”

Do you think the average person gets excited about using the toilet paper? Does using the toilet paper make the person so happy they call all their friends and urge them to use the same toilet paper? What about the Toilet Paper? Does it do more than just clean the butt or nose? Does the T.P. have the power change lives, inspire, be a partner and serve the greater good for the community? I think most T.P. just sits in the bathroom and waits for a customer. Most stations just play music and think they are serving the community. Here is another statistic from J.S.Inc. 89% of people asked said, "Yes, I'd like my favorite station to be more involved in the community" Only 14% said local radio and t.v. stations did enough for the community where they lived.

Meat & Potatoes:
Sure radio has people that listen, but today’s radio is not serving the listeners. We are suppose to serve the public. Serving the public is not just playing music. It’s being involved with the community. Corporations do the bare minimum. What ever the path of least resistance to get by the F.C.C. I’d have to ask Rick Peters what his stations have done to serve or excite the Montgomery listeners. Anything except weather coverage? I listen everyday and I don’t hear anything except the same old sweepers and liners and songs. It’s not just Rick’s stations, it’s everybody. The problem I have with Blue Water is that of all the stations in Montgomery they have a better shot at changing this than anyone else and they waste the opportunity. I have to ask Peters if he really cares about the listeners in Montgomery or is it just lip service? He isn’t running the stations with a corporate boss. Nobody tells him how to program the stations. He can pick the music if he likes. I’m sure within reason he can do whatever he wants with the stations. He has great talent. His people are wonderful. But... they just play music and take breaks. It’s not the jocks fault. It’s like my father says, “the person behind the wheel is the one who makes the turns.” Do something with your stations while you make money. Feed some people. Help some elderly pay their gas bill. Give your listeners a reason to respect you an want to be a part of your station. Stop being a jukebox and become a partner to the community. Just because you play music doesnt mean you can't tackle some issues. That’s when you become a radio station and not an I-Pod. That’s when you come back from the dead. I know Rick is mature enough for me to use him as an example. It's all of us. We need to work toward change.

 

[Braswell]

I won't try to quote you, in order to reply.

By God, you've got passion, and this business needs all the passion we can get.

You have clearly stated your opinions, but it wasn't done in a mean-spirited way. I wish that all participants would take the time to think through what they want to say, as you obviously did.

Don't mean to be a butt smoocher with this, just letting you know that you have a new listener. Yep, I've turned it up, and I've ripped the knob off. <P ID="signature">______________
Jay Braswell - Moderator
Atlanta/North Florida/South Carolina/Georgia Boards</P>

 

[johngarrett]

> I won't try to quote you, in order to reply.
>
> By God, you've got passion, and this business needs all the
> passion we can get.
>
> You have clearly stated your opinions, but it wasn't done in
> a mean-spirited way. I wish that all participants would take
> the time to think through what they want to say, as you
> obviously did.
>
> Don't mean to be a butt smoocher with this, just letting you
> know that you have a new listener. Yep, I've turned it up,
> and I've ripped the knob off.
>


Hey Skip--

I am not going to point fingers at Bluewater -- other than to say this:

WHATEVER I THINK OF RICK PETERS AND various other people in "management" -- they really do not serve the public -----except weather.

Unless PUBLIC SERVICE means playing alotta ERIC CLAPTON.

But then again-- none of the radio companies do-- I am not slamming them. Obviously they are doing enuff to keep the license--

and really -- WHAT ELSE IS THERE?

 

[sflaradioguy]

> > I won't try to quote you, in order to reply.
> >
> > By God, you've got passion, and this business needs all
> the
> > passion we can get.
> >
> > You have clearly stated your opinions, but it wasn't done
> in
> > a mean-spirited way. I wish that all participants would
> take
> > the time to think through what they want to say, as you
> > obviously did.
> >
> > Don't mean to be a butt smoocher with this, just letting
> you
> > know that you have a new listener. Yep, I've turned it up,
>
> > and I've ripped the knob off.
> >
>
>
> Hey Skip--
>
> I am not going to point fingers at Bluewater -- other than
> to say this:
>
> WHATEVER I THINK OF RICK PETERS AND various other people in
> "management" -- they really do not serve the public
> -----except weather.
>
> Unless PUBLIC SERVICE means playing alotta ERIC CLAPTON.
>
> But then again-- none of the radio companies do-- I am not
> slamming them. Obviously they are doing enuff to keep the
> license--
>
> and really -- WHAT ELSE IS THERE?
>

John, Skip....

What exactly do you think we should be doing? No, really. Let's hear some suggestions. You know, we do more than the "requirements" public service wise. Ask the Red Cross, Kiwanis, Cattlemen's Association, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc., etc.. WACV has 10 hours of local, community oriented talk per day.
I'll put our public service record up against anyone else in the business.

There's lots of talk on all of these boards about "serving the public". What do you mean? Here I am. Tell me something that is going to increase my relationship with the community and help me with ratings. But, BE SPECIFIC. I obviously don't know what I'm doing or Alice would have a 7 share. So, fill this board with your new concept. No, don't. Actually, send me a personal email, cause if you have the "next new thing" I want it personally. Let's not share it with Clear Channel and Cumulus. I'm the guy. Convince me that your concept will work...in fact, why don't you guarantee it for me?

Here's another offer for you. Go out and raise around 30 million dollars. Tell your investor that you've got the next new format and it's based on "serving the community" in a new and different way. Then, figure out how you're going to pay the 3.6 million in interest, plus the 2 million in operating expenses. First 30 million across my desk wins. You too can own radio stations - 4 to be exact.

Now, seriously....do you really think that if we knew as an industry what was going to resonate with the community in a new and compelling way we WOULDN'T do it? Hell, we're a bunch of lemmings as it is (evidence: Jack). Picking on me cause of the constraints of my funding, ratings, staffing, etc.. is kind of like picking on HBO for showing movies. Radio has always been a music medium (except for the occasional talk station), so we concentrate on music. Not going to appologize for it. And voice tracking isn't the issue either. Greg sounds more local on tracks than most of you sound live. So let's not condem the technology for our issues. And I guarantee you that Bluewater does more as a company than any of you do personally in the areas of public service. Just come read our public file someday.

Skipper, you've been bitching about corporate radio for as long as I've known you. I'll sell you the cluster. Go find someone to pay for it - 30 million and I'm out of here. Do better than me. You won't, cause your argument is flawed. It's not about public service. It's about fragmentation. Not pickin on you. It's just the way it is. Welcome to my world. Now, I got to go write a $120,000 interest check to my senior lenders.

RP

 

[gregdymon]

> John, Skip....
>
> What exactly do you think we should be doing? No, really.
> Let's hear some suggestions. You know, we do more than the
> "requirements" public service wise. Ask the Red Cross,
> Kiwanis, Cattlemen's Association, Boys and Girls Clubs,
> etc., etc.. WACV has 10 hours of local, community oriented
> talk per day.
> I'll put our public service record up against anyone else in
> the business.
>
> There's lots of talk on all of these boards about "serving
> the public". What do you mean? Here I am. Tell me

While I'm neither John or Skip, I would like to take a stab at this, because its something I'm passionate about as well.
1. Include public service as a requirement of employment of EVERY SINGLE STATION EMPLOYEE and give them the time on the clock to do some of it.
How much time is your staff not doing anything beneficial to the station while you're paying them? And besides, what's more important, just one more attempt at that prize winning spec spot, or building up an audience that trusts you and your committment to be a part of the community? (The answer is probably both!)

2. Pick a non commercial project you can "adopt" for the entire year.
I'm impressed by your list of charitables (Red Cross, Kiwanis, Cattlemens, etc), but what would happen if you adopted one of them for an entire year's worth of awareness campaigns, support drives, and participation all led by your station's staff? Do some research, find out what charitable in your community (preferably local and not a "franchise - Local Chapter of the American Red Cross type thing") needs the most help. Sit down with their leadership and say, "Look, we want to serve our community by helping your charitable organization. We're going to commit X hours a month of air time and X hours a month of volunteer time from our staff (and listeners) to provide your group as much help as we can to tell your story and help your group carry out its mission as well as develop a larger volunteer base in the next 12 months. We're committing to do everything we can to help you this year... now, we're gonna be quiet and let you tell us how you think we can best assist you in your mission for the next 12 months."
Once they pick their jaws up from the floor, dust their suits off from falling on the floor, and shake the gray matter back into position inside their skulls from the shock of it all, they'll probably ask for some time to think about it and get back with you... but that's a good thing! (Oh, take plenty of notes, and work with their staff to develop an annual calendar of promotions, commercials, projects and events to build that relationship with the charitable and the community.)
By the way.... it might take an entire year before the audience finally catches on and starts to respond.... probably because they expect you to tire of the connection and break it off... just keep it up and build the relationship. It WILL pay off.

3. Promote the heck out of your charitable committment. Not so much to brag about what you're doing, but to brag about the opportunity for your audience to participate and give back to the community they love.

4. Remember that by "adopting" a charitable, you shouldn't avoid working with other charitables in your community. Continue to do the things you did for Kiwanis, etc IN ADDITION to your work for the adopted charity.

Now, I will say, that since you mentioned your were a talk station, its much easier for you to "give lip service" than even a music station does... and, it SHOULD be easier for you to give actual service to the community... UNLESS you're programming a lot of satellite stuff... then, you're (can I say screwed?) messed up in the community service thing anyway!

 

[brian5]

> > > I won't try to quote you, in order to reply.
> > >
> > > By God, you've got passion, and this business needs all
> > the
> > > passion we can get.
> > >
> > > You have clearly stated your opinions, but it wasn't
> done
> > in
> > > a mean-spirited way. I wish that all participants would
> > take
> > > the time to think through what they want to say, as you
> > > obviously did.
> > >
> > > Don't mean to be a butt smoocher with this, just letting
>
> > you
> > > know that you have a new listener. Yep, I've turned it
> up,
> >
> > > and I've ripped the knob off.
> > >
> >
> >
> > Hey Skip--
> >
> > I am not going to point fingers at Bluewater -- other than
>
> > to say this:
> >
> > WHATEVER I THINK OF RICK PETERS AND various other people
> in
> > "management" -- they really do not serve the public
> > -----except weather.
> >
> > Unless PUBLIC SERVICE means playing alotta ERIC CLAPTON.
> >
> > But then again-- none of the radio companies do-- I am
> not
> > slamming them. Obviously they are doing enuff to keep the
> > license--
> >
> > and really -- WHAT ELSE IS THERE?
> >
>
> John, Skip....
>
> What exactly do you think we should be doing? No, really.
> Let's hear some suggestions. You know, we do more than the
> "requirements" public service wise. Ask the Red Cross,
> Kiwanis, Cattlemen's Association, Boys and Girls Clubs,
> etc., etc.. WACV has 10 hours of local, community oriented
> talk per day.
> I'll put our public service record up against anyone else in
> the business.
>
> There's lots of talk on all of these boards about "serving
> the public". What do you mean? Here I am. Tell me
> something that is going to increase my relationship with the
> community and help me with ratings. But, BE SPECIFIC. I
> obviously don't know what I'm doing or Alice would have a 7
> share. So, fill this board with your new concept. No,
> don't. Actually, send me a personal email, cause if you
> have the "next new thing" I want it personally. Let's not
> share it with Clear Channel and Cumulus. I'm the guy.
> Convince me that your concept will work...in fact, why don't
> you guarantee it for me?
>
> Here's another offer for you. Go out and raise around 30
> million dollars. Tell your investor that you've got the
> next new format and it's based on "serving the community" in
> a new and different way. Then, figure out how you're going
> to pay the 3.6 million in interest, plus the 2 million in
> operating expenses. First 30 million across my desk wins.
> You too can own radio stations - 4 to be exact.
>
> Now, seriously....do you really think that if we knew as an
> industry what was going to resonate with the community in a
> new and compelling way we WOULDN'T do it? Hell, we're a
> bunch of lemmings as it is (evidence: Jack). Picking on me
> cause of the constraints of my funding, ratings, staffing,
> etc.. is kind of like picking on HBO for showing movies.
> Radio has always been a music medium (except for the
> occasional talk station), so we concentrate on music. Not
> going to appologize for it. And voice tracking isn't the
> issue either. Greg sounds more local on tracks than most of
> you sound live. So let's not condem the technology for our
> issues. And I guarantee you that Bluewater does more as a
> company than any of you do personally in the areas of public
> service. Just come read our public file someday.
>
> Skipper, you've been bitching about corporate radio for as
> long as I've known you. I'll sell you the cluster. Go find
> someone to pay for it - 30 million and I'm out of here. Do
> better than me. You won't, cause your argument is flawed.
> It's not about public service. It's about fragmentation. Not
> pickin on you. It's just the way it is. Welcome to my
> world. Now, I got to go write a $120,000 interest check to
> my senior lenders.
>
> RP
>

Wow...its a wonder your able to eat with 5.6 million in expenses a year. I am just guessing here but Bluewater is most likely not billing out 460k a month in advertising? From the outside looking in, I am guessing ACV is billing 25k to 30k a month, Jamz 50k to 75k a month, Bama 75k to 100k a month, and Alice 25k to 50k. Top dollar income would be 255k a month I am guessing.

As for Skipper and the whole public service thing, in a perfect world that is what radio stations would do. When the federal government created Cumulus, Clear Channel, Citadel, and all the other mega radio/media owners back in the 90's it became a real estate boom for radio. Station prices escalated to the point that the only way they could make a profit was to increase spots, raise advertising rates and cut staff. These aspects made it where it is impossible to serve the community unless the radio station can justify that an event will increase profits and promote the station.

Side note...Didn't Greg do a community event on Alice back in the fall that people could donate money and request a song for their donation? I can't imagine Bluewater made a dime off that but it did promote the station and Greg so it fit into part of the goal. Runoff effect is that new advertisers could have been listening during that period and invested part of their budget, so it could have met both goals of profits and promotion. Rick, was this how that event went? Did you get any new advertisers out of it?

Little groups like Bluewater are doing the best they can to keep their heads above the water. Voice tracking and automation are not that bad, it ensures that the guy laying the VT keeps his job. Sure there are other things that I wouldn't mind seeing on 96.1 but I don't have 30 million and Rick hasn't called or emailed me for my advice.

Final Thought - At this point radio can't go back to the way it was when it "served the communities". Radio at this time is just a fun vehicle that serves a purpose of (hopefully) making money for its stockholders and owners. Sad fact for the folks who remember radio before it was corporate, but it is true.

<P ID="signature">______________
Brian
</P>

 

[johngarrett]

> > > I won't try to quote you, in order to reply.
> > >
> > > By God, you've got passion, and this business needs all
> > the
> > > passion we can get.
> > >
> > > You have clearly stated your opinions, but it wasn't
> done
> > in
> > > a mean-spirited way. I wish that all participants would
> > take
> > > the time to think through what they want to say, as you
> > > obviously did.
> > >
> > > Don't mean to be a butt smoocher with this, just letting
>
> > you
> > > know that you have a new listener. Yep, I've turned it
> up,
> >
> > > and I've ripped the knob off.
> > >
> >
> >
> > Hey Skip--
> >
> > I am not going to point fingers at Bluewater -- other than
>
> > to say this:
> >
> > WHATEVER I THINK OF RICK PETERS AND various other people
> in
> > "management" -- they really do not serve the public
> > -----except weather.
> >
> > Unless PUBLIC SERVICE means playing alotta ERIC CLAPTON.
> >
> > But then again-- none of the radio companies do-- I am
> not
> > slamming them. Obviously they are doing enuff to keep the
> > license--
> >
> > and really -- WHAT ELSE IS THERE?
> >
>
> John, Skip....
>
> What exactly do you think we should be doing? No, really.
> Let's hear some suggestions. You know, we do more than the
> "requirements" public service wise. Ask the Red Cross,
> Kiwanis, Cattlemen's Association, Boys and Girls Clubs,
> etc., etc.. WACV has 10 hours of local, community oriented
> talk per day.
> I'll put our public service record up against anyone else in
> the business.
>
> There's lots of talk on all of these boards about "serving
> the public". What do you mean? Here I am. Tell me
> something that is going to increase my relationship with the
> community and help me with ratings. But, BE SPECIFIC. I
> obviously don't know what I'm doing or Alice would have a 7
> share. So, fill this board with your new concept. No,
> don't. Actually, send me a personal email, cause if you
> have the "next new thing" I want it personally. Let's not
> share it with Clear Channel and Cumulus. I'm the guy.
> Convince me that your concept will work...in fact, why don't
> you guarantee it for me?
>
> Here's another offer for you. Go out and raise around 30
> million dollars. Tell your investor that you've got the
> next new format and it's based on "serving the community" in
> a new and different way. Then, figure out how you're going
> to pay the 3.6 million in interest, plus the 2 million in
> operating expenses. First 30 million across my desk wins.
> You too can own radio stations - 4 to be exact.
>
> Now, seriously....do you really think that if we knew as an
> industry what was going to resonate with the community in a
> new and compelling way we WOULDN'T do it? Hell, we're a
> bunch of lemmings as it is (evidence: Jack). Picking on me
> cause of the constraints of my funding, ratings, staffing,
> etc.. is kind of like picking on HBO for showing movies.
> Radio has always been a music medium (except for the
> occasional talk station), so we concentrate on music. Not
> going to appologize for it. And voice tracking isn't the
> issue either. Greg sounds more local on tracks than most of
> you sound live. So let's not condem the technology for our
> issues. And I guarantee you that Bluewater does more as a
> company than any of you do personally in the areas of public
> service. Just come read our public file someday.
>
> Skipper, you've been bitching about corporate radio for as
> long as I've known you. I'll sell you the cluster. Go find
> someone to pay for it - 30 million and I'm out of here. Do
> better than me. You won't, cause your argument is flawed.
> It's not about public service. It's about fragmentation. Not
> pickin on you. It's just the way it is. Welcome to my
> world. Now, I got to go write a $120,000 interest check to
> my senior lenders.
>
> RP


SKIP-- RICK


AGREED-- LIKE I SAID-- I DONT KNOW DICK ABOUT RUNNING A STATION -- LET AL;ONE-- A CLUSTER--

I DO HOWEVER HAVE SUGGESTION THAT HAVE MORE TO DO WITH PROGRAMMING RATHER THAN YARD SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS--

BUT I AM DUMBASS WHO ATCUALLY TRIED TO GIVE RICK PETERS SUGGESTIONS:

HERE IS A GUY THAT PUTS THE OFFICE MANAGER ON THE MORNING SHOW ( NO OFFENSE CANDICE-- BUT I AM NOT AN OFFICE MANAGER EITHER )

SO -- IS RICK PETERS REALLY THE GUY YOU WANT TO TELL ALL YOUR SECRET STUFF TO?


>

 

[middlega]

> Not going to appologize for it.

Bravo.

It's about %$^@$#$% time somebody gave all of the "radio experts" that populate the forums here a reality check.

Your post did that (well, it tried anyway) and I applaud you for it.

 

[sflaradioguy]

> > John, Skip....
> >
> > What exactly do you think we should be doing? No, really.
>
> > Let's hear some suggestions. You know, we do more than
> the
> > "requirements" public service wise. Ask the Red Cross,
> > Kiwanis, Cattlemen's Association, Boys and Girls Clubs,
> > etc., etc.. WACV has 10 hours of local, community
> oriented
> > talk per day.
> > I'll put our public service record up against anyone else
> in
> > the business.
> >
> > There's lots of talk on all of these boards about "serving
>
> > the public". What do you mean? Here I am. Tell me
>
> While I'm neither John or Skip, I would like to take a stab
> at this, because its something I'm passionate about as well.
>
> 1. Include public service as a requirement of employment of
> EVERY SINGLE STATION EMPLOYEE and give them the time on the
> clock to do some of it.
> How much time is your staff not doing anything beneficial to
> the station while you're paying them? And besides, what's
> more important, just one more attempt at that prize winning
> spec spot, or building up an audience that trusts you and
> your committment to be a part of the community? (The answer
> is probably both!)
>
> 2. Pick a non commercial project you can "adopt" for the
> entire year.
> I'm impressed by your list of charitables (Red Cross,
> Kiwanis, Cattlemens, etc), but what would happen if you
> adopted one of them for an entire year's worth of awareness
> campaigns, support drives, and participation all led by your
> station's staff? Do some research, find out what charitable
> in your community (preferably local and not a "franchise -
> Local Chapter of the American Red Cross type thing") needs
> the most help. Sit down with their leadership and say,
> "Look, we want to serve our community by helping your
> charitable organization. We're going to commit X hours a
> month of air time and X hours a month of volunteer time from
> our staff (and listeners) to provide your group as much help
> as we can to tell your story and help your group carry out
> its mission as well as develop a larger volunteer base in
> the next 12 months. We're committing to do everything we can
> to help you this year... now, we're gonna be quiet and let
> you tell us how you think we can best assist you in your
> mission for the next 12 months."
> Once they pick their jaws up from the floor, dust their
> suits off from falling on the floor, and shake the gray
> matter back into position inside their skulls from the shock
> of it all, they'll probably ask for some time to think about
> it and get back with you... but that's a good thing! (Oh,
> take plenty of notes, and work with their staff to develop
> an annual calendar of promotions, commercials, projects and
> events to build that relationship with the charitable and
> the community.)
> By the way.... it might take an entire year before the
> audience finally catches on and starts to respond....
> probably because they expect you to tire of the connection
> and break it off... just keep it up and build the
> relationship. It WILL pay off.
>
> 3. Promote the heck out of your charitable committment. Not
> so much to brag about what you're doing, but to brag about
> the opportunity for your audience to participate and give
> back to the community they love.
>
> 4. Remember that by "adopting" a charitable, you shouldn't
> avoid working with other charitables in your community.
> Continue to do the things you did for Kiwanis, etc IN
> ADDITION to your work for the adopted charity.
>
> Now, I will say, that since you mentioned your were a talk
> station, its much easier for you to "give lip service" than
> even a music station does... and, it SHOULD be easier for
> you to give actual service to the community... UNLESS you're
> programming a lot of satellite stuff... then, you're (can I
> say screwed?) messed up in the community service thing
> anyway!
>
Great post and I certainly appreciate the your thoughts. I've done this "adopt a charity" idea before. In fact, in Miami we created a charity called the Majic Childrens Fund. We promoted it year round - we created events specifically to raise money for this charity. IT was (and still is 15 years later) a great success. BUT...it did not raise ratings or revenue one point or one dollar. Of course, that's not why we did it. We did it because we saw a need and decided to fill it.

But, the topic of conversation here is how radio would be "saved" if it would do more in the way of community service. That's not going to happen. We devote much time an attention to the community. I believe we are good corporate citizens in Montgomery. We are there when the storms come. We are there when a charity needs to bring in it's year (United Way in 2005). We are always ready to be a part of this community and lend a hand. BUT, there is no direct correlation between community invovment and ratings or Rick and Bubba would have a .9 instead of what, a 7 share? It's a syndicated show from out of town.

First and foremost, what drives our business is the ability to be on a paying basis. For all this talk about public service, Bluewater is not a charity. I get no price fixes from the goverment - re: Big Sugar. The government doesn't pay me not to run spots - re: farming being paid not to grow. I don't get any low interest small business loans - and we shouldn't. It's a for profit business first and our business is pretty simple - deliver bodies (ratings) to advertisers for a price. We do that with music (3 out of 4). Someone have a better way to program that will deliver better numbers...I'll listen. But remember, unlike John or Skipper or most of you on this board...I have my entire life savings on the line as well as the investment of over 18 million dollars from my lenders, equity partners and previous owners. I've put my money where my mouth is. I'm in this for real, win or lose. We're just not going to "take your word" on it. Prove that you have a better way to success and anyone in my position would be foolish not to listen. I'm still waiting.

In the meantime, here's another Eric Clapton song.

 

[sflaradioguy]

> > > > I won't try to quote you, in order to reply.
> > > >
> > > > By God, you've got passion, and this business needs
> all
> > > the
> > > > passion we can get.
> > > >
> > > > You have clearly stated your opinions, but it wasn't
> > done
> > > in
> > > > a mean-spirited way. I wish that all participants
> would
> > > take
> > > > the time to think through what they want to say, as
> you
> > > > obviously did.
> > > >
> > > > Don't mean to be a butt smoocher with this, just
> letting
> >
> > > you
> > > > know that you have a new listener. Yep, I've turned it
>
> > up,
> > >
> > > > and I've ripped the knob off.
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Hey Skip--
> > >
> > > I am not going to point fingers at Bluewater -- other
> than
> >
> > > to say this:
> > >
> > > WHATEVER I THINK OF RICK PETERS AND various other people
>
> > in
> > > "management" -- they really do not serve the public
> > > -----except weather.
> > >
> > > Unless PUBLIC SERVICE means playing alotta ERIC CLAPTON.
>
> > >
> > > But then again-- none of the radio companies do-- I am
> > not
> > > slamming them. Obviously they are doing enuff to keep
> the
> > > license--
> > >
> > > and really -- WHAT ELSE IS THERE?
> > >
> >
> > John, Skip....
> >
> > What exactly do you think we should be doing? No, really.
>
> > Let's hear some suggestions. You know, we do more than
> the
> > "requirements" public service wise. Ask the Red Cross,
> > Kiwanis, Cattlemen's Association, Boys and Girls Clubs,
> > etc., etc.. WACV has 10 hours of local, community
> oriented
> > talk per day.
> > I'll put our public service record up against anyone else
> in
> > the business.
> >
> > There's lots of talk on all of these boards about "serving
>
> > the public". What do you mean? Here I am. Tell me
> > something that is going to increase my relationship with
> the
> > community and help me with ratings. But, BE SPECIFIC. I
> > obviously don't know what I'm doing or Alice would have a
> 7
> > share. So, fill this board with your new concept. No,
> > don't. Actually, send me a personal email, cause if you
> > have the "next new thing" I want it personally. Let's not
> > share it with Clear Channel and Cumulus. I'm the guy.
> > Convince me that your concept will work...in fact, why
> don't
> > you guarantee it for me?
> >
> > Here's another offer for you. Go out and raise around 30
> > million dollars. Tell your investor that you've got the
> > next new format and it's based on "serving the community"
> in
> > a new and different way. Then, figure out how you're
> going
> > to pay the 3.6 million in interest, plus the 2 million in
> > operating expenses. First 30 million across my desk wins.
>
> > You too can own radio stations - 4 to be exact.
> >
> > Now, seriously....do you really think that if we knew as
> an
> > industry what was going to resonate with the community in
> a
> > new and compelling way we WOULDN'T do it? Hell, we're a
> > bunch of lemmings as it is (evidence: Jack). Picking on
> me
> > cause of the constraints of my funding, ratings, staffing,
>
> > etc.. is kind of like picking on HBO for showing movies.
> > Radio has always been a music medium (except for the
> > occasional talk station), so we concentrate on music. Not
>
> > going to appologize for it. And voice tracking isn't the
> > issue either. Greg sounds more local on tracks than most
> of
> > you sound live. So let's not condem the technology for our
>
> > issues. And I guarantee you that Bluewater does more as a
> > company than any of you do personally in the areas of
> public
> > service. Just come read our public file someday.
> >
> > Skipper, you've been bitching about corporate radio for as
>
> > long as I've known you. I'll sell you the cluster. Go
> find
> > someone to pay for it - 30 million and I'm out of here. Do
>
> > better than me. You won't, cause your argument is flawed.
>
> > It's not about public service. It's about fragmentation.
> Not
> > pickin on you. It's just the way it is. Welcome to my
> > world. Now, I got to go write a $120,000 interest check to
>
> > my senior lenders.
> >
> > RP
> >
>
> Wow...its a wonder your able to eat with 5.6 million in
> expenses a year. I am just guessing here but Bluewater is
> most likely not billing out 460k a month in advertising?
> From the outside looking in, I am guessing ACV is billing
> 25k to 30k a month, Jamz 50k to 75k a month, Bama 75k to
> 100k a month, and Alice 25k to 50k. Top dollar income would
> be 255k a month I am guessing.
>
> As for Skipper and the whole public service thing, in a
> perfect world that is what radio stations would do. When
> the federal government created Cumulus, Clear Channel,
> Citadel, and all the other mega radio/media owners back in
> the 90's it became a real estate boom for radio. Station
> prices escalated to the point that the only way they could
> make a profit was to increase spots, raise advertising rates
> and cut staff. These aspects made it where it is impossible
> to serve the community unless the radio station can justify
> that an event will increase profits and promote the station.
>
>
> Side note...Didn't Greg do a community event on Alice back
> in the fall that people could donate money and request a
> song for their donation? I can't imagine Bluewater made a
> dime off that but it did promote the station and Greg so it
> fit into part of the goal. Runoff effect is that new
> advertisers could have been listening during that period and
> invested part of their budget, so it could have met both
> goals of profits and promotion. Rick, was this how that
> event went? Did you get any new advertisers out of it?
>
> Little groups like Bluewater are doing the best they can to
> keep their heads above the water. Voice tracking and
> automation are not that bad, it ensures that the guy laying
> the VT keeps his job. Sure there are other things that I
> wouldn't mind seeing on 96.1 but I don't have 30 million and
> Rick hasn't called or emailed me for my advice.
>
> Final Thought - At this point radio can't go back to the way
> it was when it "served the communities". Radio at this time
> is just a fun vehicle that serves a purpose of (hopefully)
> making money for its stockholders and owners. Sad fact for
> the folks who remember radio before it was corporate, but it
> is true.
>

Ain't nobody getting rich in Montgomery at Bluewater. Not the equity partners, not the staff, and certainly not me. That's not why I got back into the business. I created this project cause I thought it was time to try and do a "mom and pop" against the two corporate giants. My goal was to try and recreate the days of being able to go down the hall to get decisions made, and having everyone involved in the building. Seems to be working. No one has left as of today (two year anniversary in two weeks) to go work for Cumulus or Clear Channel. Something about the project must appeal to someone.

Of course, being a "mom and pop" has it's drawbacks. Like having to make payroll every two weeks whether you like it or not...and without a corporate war chest to bail you out. But hey, no complaints here. I'm pretty proud of the "B" team as John has described it before. And right now, I'll bet that Kandi has a higher name recognition than John in the market (Actually, I know since we just got back some major research). Not bad for a "business manager".

BTW, If I had 5.6 million in revenue, I'd already have sold it to someone else. Cause that's what it's going to take to make this project a success...and my numbers are based on what someone who'd buy the cluster would have to bill in order to float the note and the rate of return for equity.
We don't need to bill that to be successful, but your projections for billing are closer than not to accurate. You must be in the business.

And, final thought...that event of Greg's.... Not a penny to Bluewater. We didn't even have the checks made out to us. But as I recall, at the time, John Garrett called it "self serving". Can't win either way with some of these guys. So, why even try.

 

[johngarrett]

Love you,

John

 

[johngarrett]

You guys write too much stuff!

Doesn't anybody go to Kokipelli's anymore?!?!

John

 

[SKIPPER]

sure john, we're going tonight if you want to join us.... rick peter's is lost..he doesn't get... it's about community service and being in touch with montgomery.... he's lost...i give up... you can lead a mule to water but you can't make him drink... call me mr. jury foreman.....LOL

 

[brian5]

> Love you,
>
> John
>

How sweet, Yuhas is sending love notes out! Did you send some flowers and candy with that note? Just kidding.<P ID="signature">______________
Brian
</P>

 

[brian5]

> Ain't nobody getting rich in Montgomery at Bluewater. Not
> the equity partners, not the staff, and certainly not me.
> That's not why I got back into the business. I created this
> project cause I thought it was time to try and do a "mom and
> pop" against the two corporate giants. My goal was to try
> and recreate the days of being able to go down the hall to
> get decisions made, and having everyone involved in the
> building. Seems to be working. No one has left as of today
> (two year anniversary in two weeks) to go work for Cumulus
> or Clear Channel. Something about the project must appeal to
> someone.
>
> Of course, being a "mom and pop" has it's drawbacks. Like
> having to make payroll every two weeks whether you like it
> or not...and without a corporate war chest to bail you out.
> But hey, no complaints here. I'm pretty proud of the "B"
> team as John has described it before. And right now, I'll
> bet that Kandi has a higher name recognition than John in
> the market (Actually, I know since we just got back some
> major research). Not bad for a "business manager".
>
> BTW, If I had 5.6 million in revenue, I'd already have sold
> it to someone else. Cause that's what it's going to take to
> make this project a success...and my numbers are based on
> what someone who'd buy the cluster would have to bill in
> order to float the note and the rate of return for equity.
> We don't need to bill that to be successful, but your
> projections for billing are closer than not to accurate. You
> must be in the business.
>
> And, final thought...that event of Greg's.... Not a penny to
> Bluewater. We didn't even have the checks made out to us.
> But as I recall, at the time, John Garrett called it "self
> serving". Can't win either way with some of these guys. So,
> why even try.
>

I used to be in the radio business...I haven't touched a board or cracked a mic since early 2001. I've always had a good second sense for how a station is programmed, how much its revenue is, etc. Second sense didn't pay well enough for what I wanted.

Rick, If you ever need an old fashioned board op or a fill in guy for the weekend shoot me an email and I will send you my tel# or call you back at one you send me.

Brian Harris
[email protected] <P ID="signature">______________
Brian
</P>

 

[sflaradioguy]

> sure john, we're going tonight if you want to join us....
> rick peter's is lost..he doesn't get... it's about community
> service and being in touch with montgomery.... he's lost...i
> give up... you can lead a mule to water but you can't make
> him drink... call me mr. jury foreman.....LOL
>
Skip,

NO, you don't get it. Everytime you crack the mic. you lose listeners. Not cause you're a bad jock, but because people are listening FOR MUSIC. That's not my opinion. That has been reseached over and over and over again. In fact, we can show you how many listeners tune out at each commercial. We study this stuff. We are always looking to understand what the audience is missing. Unfortunatly, it's vitually impossible to ascertain a need for something that doesn't exist yet. The most listened to XM channels have no jocks (fact). It ain't about adding non-music elements. That point of view is self serving (you're a jock). I get it. I've always gotten it. But, you're right...no sense in continuing this conversation. Glad you're happy at Cumulus.

 

[zzzz1973]

> > sure john, we're going tonight if you want to join us....
> > rick peter's is lost..he doesn't get... it's about
> community
> > service and being in touch with montgomery.... he's
> lost...i
> > give up... you can lead a mule to water but you can't make
>
> > him drink... call me mr. jury foreman.....LOL
> >
> Skip,
>
> NO, you don't get it. Everytime you crack the mic. you lose
> listeners. Not cause you're a bad jock, but because people
> are listening FOR MUSIC. That's not my opinion. That has
> been reseached over and over and over again. In fact, we
> can show you how many listeners tune out at each commercial.
> We study this stuff. We are always looking to understand
> what the audience is missing. Unfortunatly, it's vitually
> impossible to ascertain a need for something that doesn't
> exist yet. The most listened to XM channels have no jocks
> (fact). It ain't about adding non-music elements. That
> point of view is self serving (you're a jock). I get it.
> I've always gotten it. But, you're right...no sense in
> continuing this conversation. Glad you're happy at Cumulus.
>

I have gone past being amazed at the art of bridge-burning that's on this board by critical,close-minded,underarm-sniffing jocks that think the world revolves around them.
<P ID="signature">______________
"Nothing but blues and Elvis,and somebody else's favorite song...."</P>

 

[gregdymon]

> NO, you don't get it. Everytime you crack the mic. you lose
> listeners. Not cause you're a bad jock, but because people
> are listening FOR MUSIC. That's not my opinion.

I'm glad opinions are like armpits.... everyone's got a couple and they all stink! This is an unsupportable opinion, however. If they're listening for MUSIC then why aren't they ALL buying iPods, or mp3 players, and throwing away their radios altogether? Its because yes, they want music, BUT they also want a human connection. A human who shares similar experiences, who knows some of the same people, who goes to the same places, who is affected by the past three months of no rain just like I am, (or by the latest tropical storm that landed on my back porch last week - or the fact that Birmingham weathermen wouldn't know a correct snow/sleet/freezing rain prediction if it landed in their lap!).

They want a human.... weather its voice tracked or live. Do they want music? Of cour... well... not necessarily. have you noticed the number of talk stations popping up on former music FMs?

The ONLY thing that distinguishes your radio station from my iPod is the HUMAN FACTOR. If you think they're listening for the music, then just get rid of ALL humans, hire a jingle company to produce jingles for all of your advertisers, and play music wall to wall, with ABSOLUTELY NO HUMAN INTERACTION and call me after your next book.... when you're ready to sell and sell fast!

 

[sflaradioguy]

> > NO, you don't get it. Everytime you crack the mic. you
> lose
> > listeners. Not cause you're a bad jock, but because people
>
> > are listening FOR MUSIC. That's not my opinion.
>
> I'm glad opinions are like armpits.... everyone's got a
> couple and they all stink! This is an unsupportable opinion,
> however. If they're listening for MUSIC then why aren't they
> ALL buying iPods, or mp3 players, and throwing away their
> radios altogether? Its because yes, they want music, BUT
> they also want a human connection. A human who shares
> similar experiences, who knows some of the same people, who
> goes to the same places, who is affected by the past three
> months of no rain just like I am, (or by the latest tropical
> storm that landed on my back porch last week - or the fact
> that Birmingham weathermen wouldn't know a correct
> snow/sleet/freezing rain prediction if it landed in their
> lap!).
>
> They want a human.... weather its voice tracked or live. Do
> they want music? Of cour... well... not necessarily. have
> you noticed the number of talk stations popping up on former
> music FMs?
>
> The ONLY thing that distinguishes your radio station from my
> iPod is the HUMAN FACTOR. If you think they're listening for
> the music, then just get rid of ALL humans, hire a jingle
> company to produce jingles for all of your advertisers, and
> play music wall to wall, with ABSOLUTELY NO HUMAN
> INTERACTION and call me after your next book.... when you're
> ready to sell and sell fast!
>
You missed the whole point and I'm not surprised. It's a fact that there is tune out immediately when music stops. This IS NOT SOMEONES opinion. It's been proven over and over. A large majority of the audience is listening SOLEY for music. ITS TRUE. Sorry you don't like it. But, it just dawned on me that most of you don't have the foggiest idea what you're talking about and cannot back up any of your opinions with FACTS. I never meant to suggest no people on the radio. I've got live jocks on every station and they COST ME MONEY. We don't throw away money. Those jocks are there because they are important. But, this whole concept of public service bringing in listeners is just simple b.s.. Being part of the community is key, but you can do that by giving away donuts every morning. You do that by sponsoring the girls softball team. You do that at the Rodeo and the Fair. All the rest is mindless meanderings by jocks with too much time on their hands and an over inflated view of their place in the business.

 

[gregdymon]

BOY!!!! I Hope your jocks don't know about this board!

> You missed the whole point and I'm not surprised. It's a
> fact that there is tune out immediately when music stops.
> This IS NOT SOMEONES opinion. It's been proven over and
> over. A large majority of the audience is listening SOLEY
> for music. ITS TRUE. Sorry you don't like it. But, it just
> dawned on me that most of you don't have the foggiest idea
> what you're talking about and cannot back up any of your
> opinions with FACTS. I never meant to suggest no people on
> the radio. I've got live jocks on every station and they
> COST ME MONEY. We don't throw away money. Those jocks are
> there because they are important. But, this whole concept
> of public service bringing in listeners is just simple b.s..
> Being part of the community is key, but you can do that by
> giving away donuts every morning. You do that by sponsoring
> the girls softball team. You do that at the Rodeo and the
> Fair. All the rest is mindless meanderings by jocks with
> too much time on their hands and an over inflated view of
> their place in the business.
>