Ron Kuby Speaks Out

[BACKnUSSR]

In short, it's not about politics, it's about money.... Only time will tell if Farid's gambit pays off. Game on.

Do you have any idea what you're talking about? Why drag in a supposed Farid bonus and Imus salary? And Phil is a pro, he'll do more than "look comfortable," he'll thrive with a heritage morning show.

To answer the question, yes, I do know what I'm talking about, from a number of vantage points. Bonus and salary figures were mentioned because there isn't a Citadel employee from Portland to San Francisco who isn't following what's going on at WABC. Indirectly, it affects all employees of the company.

Actually it doesn't. Imus' success at WABC in itself isnt the end all be all for Citadel.
For instance, it wont even affect the billing at PLJ.

 

[Bobby Cann]

I must disagree as I think if IMUS doesn't work, Citadel may not exist down the road, which will directly effect each and every Citadel employee.

If Citadel doesn't start performing, the money men behind the scene will demand payment in some form. If the stations owned are worth more than the company, then stations will be sold, which will effect the employees who use to work for Citadel.

A public company like Citadel must answer to the Wall Street Gods...this is not about radio, it's about business and finance!

 

[BACKnUSSR]

I must disagree as I think if IMUS doesn't work, Citadel may not exist down the road, which will directly effect each and every Citadel employee.

If Citadel doesn't start performing, the money men behind the scene will demand payment in some form. If the stations owned are worth more than the company, then stations will be sold, which will effect the employees who use to work for Citadel.

A public company like Citadel must answer to the Wall Street Gods...this is not about radio, it's about business and finance!

There's no way that the Imus program or even WABC itself will singlehandedly sway the company one way or the other.
The money Imus is being paid by Citadel is an amount less than their stations in Oklahoma City bill. Keep it in perspective.

 

[Element9]

Cann and Lawson make legitimate points regarding Imus, Suleman's bonus and Citadel-ABC's long term viability, especially as Mr. Suleman has enlisted the services of brokers to divest between $75 and $175 million worth of Citadel's properties, most likely clusters in smaller markets. Citadel was a medium market player that muscled its way into the majors and may not be able to navigate the choppy waters ahead. As LAwson noted, Wall Street seems unimpressed. Imus may be but a ripple in that sea, but tidal waves often begin with such a ripple. The point regarding Citadel employees watching the horizon rings true. John Rook, programmer and radio executive in his own right, looks at Citadel with a jaundiced eye on his website. Scroll down to his comments about the USS Citadel. He may have an axe to grind, but his observations have merit.

-9-

 

[BACKnUSSR]

Cann and Lawson make legitimate points regarding Imus, Suleman's bonus and Citadel-ABC's long term viability, especially as Mr. Suleman has enlisted the services of brokers to divest between $75 and $175 million worth of Citadel's properties, most likely clusters in smaller markets. Citadel was a medium market player that muscled its way into the majors and may not be able to navigate the choppy waters ahead. As LAwson noted, Wall Street seems unimpressed. Imus may be but a ripple in that sea, but tidal waves often begin with such a ripple. The point regarding Citadel employees watching the horizon rings true. John Rook, programmer and radio executive in his own right, looks at Citadel with a jaundiced eye on his website. Scroll down to his comments about the USS Citadel. He may have an axe to grind, but his observations have merit.

-9-

Its ALL about Citadel making a return on profit. The ABC Radio deal has a huge impact on the company and will make or break its future. But Don Imus? Its not a major factor. Did the CBS stock blip at all because of him? Nope.
Don is a big part of WABC and I have all of the confidence in the world that Phil and the rest of the folks will insure that he meshes well into the stations success. But one station (even if that station is WABC) doesnt play enough of a part in Citadel's overall picture to move the needle much. Why hasn't this same discussion been taking place regarding Scott & Todd or Mark & Brian, both morning shows owned by Citadel bringing down large $$? Only Imus matters to the company finances? C'mon.