Long post warning--sorry, everyone--blast away!
First, I'm a huge fan of the TRG show and enjoy it on the ride in to work daily. I"m a P1, slightly out of the demo based on age (I'm gettin' old, boys), but still a big fan.
Second, I should say I was in a relatively previous life a Top 10 market PD, working in 4 Top 10 markets over the course of my career; Rock, Classic Rock, AC, News/Talk. San Francisco, Washington DC, Atlanta, Houston. So, with humility and also concern, am offering up some thoughts. Which I know will get trashed here, but what the heck....
The TRG show is perhaps the best underperformer in town. All the elements are in place: a station that makes sense for them to work on, clearly defined roles for the cast, structure.
That being said, and it may not be their fault and also could be influenced by the nonsense they experienced working for Clear Channel--the show has degraded and is also tentative. Analysis (weigh in, everyone):
LARRY: clearly the anchor for the show. I can hear the prep and Larry, you deserve props for that; it's obvious you're working hard on content and good for you. BUT, the show veers, without obvious benchmarks day-to-day. It's unpredictable. I don't know what to expect, day to day, as a listener. Think about introducing some predictability as to what we can expect...it's not bad to do this; it provides a level of unconscious satisfaction to the listener--and if you can't do that, ok, but at least promote what we'll hear tomorrow AT THE SAME TIME i.e., if you're listening tomorrow morning at this time, you'll hear...." blah blah...whatever, but at least provide us reason to listen horizontally. Also. your brilliance blows by most listeners; you have to explain your thinking, and when you're explaining, you're losing. Simplify.
ERIC: You sir, are the smart one. That's your role. BUT, you need to be careful about it going all political. The danger here is getting into "talk radio" territory when in fact your audience isn't listening for talk radio. They're listening to LAUGH. Consider how you approach issues. Don't get too "pure" in approach--emphasize the absurdity and humor with issues, as opposed to trying to "make a point". See also the Larry comment above--you're too often talking over the head of your listener. I understand how that can happen and am not slamming you, ok?
TIM: pure total genius. Don't change a goddamm thing. If I was casting a morning show, I'd have my checkbook open for you.
STEVE: You have the HARDEST job, Steve, and I hope you're compensated appropriately. You have to walk the line between the: doofus/stunt-boy/sex addict/idiot who can't spell/pure ID (see Freud; not "I.D" but "ID" )/funny guy, and still maintain your credibility. I admire like hell your persistence and drive; the bar, the personal appearances, etc--you've got a niche, no question. But, your greatest strength is WHEN YOU LOOK LIKE A DUMMY, and you need to play to this and let Larry, Eric, and Tim ridicule you. HOWEVER, the strength includes being the "everyman", so your defense isn't about you, Steve, but rather that you represent the average shmo trying to make a living. Think about ways to present yourself so you represent the listener when confronted with Larry/Eric.
The show: while the roles are relatively clear, the purpose of the show seems to have changed. Why no more "In My Stall"? And where's the new bits? Homeless Karaoke may be a good one, but for me, I'm uncomfortable as time goes by laughing at what's obviously some poor sad sack who for reasons unknown including I"m sure their own weakness ended up literally unable to talk...wow, that's funny. Homeless derelicts aren't that funny, beyond maybe 15 seconds. Then it becomes sad and mean. C'mon, you're smarter than that, and you can do better.
Don't go soft on obvious targets. Next:
Guys, I love a good DUI lawyer as much as the next guy, but I BET any kind of research Cumulus would do would show that the George Stein segments are PPM tuneouts. Big time. For that matter, the guy with the financial advice, the Optimod Financial or whatever it is?--look, weekend radio is crowded with this kind of stuff, and there's no demand for it M-F, let alone with your demo, so why do it unless your sales department is demanding segments on your show? If THAT's the case (and it sure feels like it, listening)--fold it up and let it go.
Bottom line, I hear how hard you're trying, and there's a kernel of hugeness there--I wish you luck and hope like hell you get to keep going, because I love the show--just wish it was better, and I hope you have a PD you trust who can talk to you all like I just have--if not, well...I hope you have alternate plans available, because as much as I love the show and you think you're on the right track, the ratings aren't there, and the Dickey's aren't idiots, and at a certain point they'll pull the plug....I hope not. But would hope some of this makes some sense for you and is helpful for you as you approach 2010.
Good luck!
First, I'm a huge fan of the TRG show and enjoy it on the ride in to work daily. I"m a P1, slightly out of the demo based on age (I'm gettin' old, boys), but still a big fan.
Second, I should say I was in a relatively previous life a Top 10 market PD, working in 4 Top 10 markets over the course of my career; Rock, Classic Rock, AC, News/Talk. San Francisco, Washington DC, Atlanta, Houston. So, with humility and also concern, am offering up some thoughts. Which I know will get trashed here, but what the heck....
The TRG show is perhaps the best underperformer in town. All the elements are in place: a station that makes sense for them to work on, clearly defined roles for the cast, structure.
That being said, and it may not be their fault and also could be influenced by the nonsense they experienced working for Clear Channel--the show has degraded and is also tentative. Analysis (weigh in, everyone):
LARRY: clearly the anchor for the show. I can hear the prep and Larry, you deserve props for that; it's obvious you're working hard on content and good for you. BUT, the show veers, without obvious benchmarks day-to-day. It's unpredictable. I don't know what to expect, day to day, as a listener. Think about introducing some predictability as to what we can expect...it's not bad to do this; it provides a level of unconscious satisfaction to the listener--and if you can't do that, ok, but at least promote what we'll hear tomorrow AT THE SAME TIME i.e., if you're listening tomorrow morning at this time, you'll hear...." blah blah...whatever, but at least provide us reason to listen horizontally. Also. your brilliance blows by most listeners; you have to explain your thinking, and when you're explaining, you're losing. Simplify.
ERIC: You sir, are the smart one. That's your role. BUT, you need to be careful about it going all political. The danger here is getting into "talk radio" territory when in fact your audience isn't listening for talk radio. They're listening to LAUGH. Consider how you approach issues. Don't get too "pure" in approach--emphasize the absurdity and humor with issues, as opposed to trying to "make a point". See also the Larry comment above--you're too often talking over the head of your listener. I understand how that can happen and am not slamming you, ok?
TIM: pure total genius. Don't change a goddamm thing. If I was casting a morning show, I'd have my checkbook open for you.
STEVE: You have the HARDEST job, Steve, and I hope you're compensated appropriately. You have to walk the line between the: doofus/stunt-boy/sex addict/idiot who can't spell/pure ID (see Freud; not "I.D" but "ID" )/funny guy, and still maintain your credibility. I admire like hell your persistence and drive; the bar, the personal appearances, etc--you've got a niche, no question. But, your greatest strength is WHEN YOU LOOK LIKE A DUMMY, and you need to play to this and let Larry, Eric, and Tim ridicule you. HOWEVER, the strength includes being the "everyman", so your defense isn't about you, Steve, but rather that you represent the average shmo trying to make a living. Think about ways to present yourself so you represent the listener when confronted with Larry/Eric.
The show: while the roles are relatively clear, the purpose of the show seems to have changed. Why no more "In My Stall"? And where's the new bits? Homeless Karaoke may be a good one, but for me, I'm uncomfortable as time goes by laughing at what's obviously some poor sad sack who for reasons unknown including I"m sure their own weakness ended up literally unable to talk...wow, that's funny. Homeless derelicts aren't that funny, beyond maybe 15 seconds. Then it becomes sad and mean. C'mon, you're smarter than that, and you can do better.
Don't go soft on obvious targets. Next:
Guys, I love a good DUI lawyer as much as the next guy, but I BET any kind of research Cumulus would do would show that the George Stein segments are PPM tuneouts. Big time. For that matter, the guy with the financial advice, the Optimod Financial or whatever it is?--look, weekend radio is crowded with this kind of stuff, and there's no demand for it M-F, let alone with your demo, so why do it unless your sales department is demanding segments on your show? If THAT's the case (and it sure feels like it, listening)--fold it up and let it go.
Bottom line, I hear how hard you're trying, and there's a kernel of hugeness there--I wish you luck and hope like hell you get to keep going, because I love the show--just wish it was better, and I hope you have a PD you trust who can talk to you all like I just have--if not, well...I hope you have alternate plans available, because as much as I love the show and you think you're on the right track, the ratings aren't there, and the Dickey's aren't idiots, and at a certain point they'll pull the plug....I hope not. But would hope some of this makes some sense for you and is helpful for you as you approach 2010.
Good luck!
