The future of "The End"?

[Chris_Rose]

I don't mean to go off on a "rant" here, but since we're all so eager to see the station survive (in the interest of "good business") in spite of the fact that a person DIED, why not just plant our tongue firmly in cheek and call it, "The Late 108"? We could "stunt" with 24 hours of Grateful Dead music, commercial free of course.

Hey that's clever, isn't it? Howard Stern would be proud! We could jump 2 share points on the outrage alone! Besides, most of the listeners are probably too stupid to make the connection... right? This isn't about them anyway. Dots and spots baby! That's all that really matters. Gotta feed the corporate beast! The listeners are just a means to an end (pun intended).

Excuse my "emotionalism" but it seems that most of the jerks on this board are part of the problem. I fear for the future of radio. Our industry is indeed DOOMED!

 

[salesslap]

Since our industry is DOOMED, I guess it's a perfect time for you and all who think that way to get out...Seriously, though-I have found, much to my dismay, that many posters on this board are just like the 2% of the population who actually take the time to call in to a radio talk show while the other 98% of listeners never call. After a certain point you realize it's just the lunatic fringe who want to get their opinions out there in a self-serving manner. I have my suspicions that several posters on this board are not employed by, nor have EVER been employed in the great radio broadcasting industry. I believe that they found this site due to the unfortunate radio promotion gone-wrong. I long for the day when this board goes back to good 'ol boring insider info on the radio biz in Sac...
-salesslap

 

[radiovictim]

I started this thread hoping it would not turn into the morality debate that has overrun other threads. I'm not attempting to disregard the tragedy. I'm just asking your opinions from a programming standpoint. It is fairly obvious that those who are making this an emotional topic have not had any programming experience. A programmer would know that you can't just sit around and dwell on what has happened. You have to keep going on.

The question is simple and I'll ask it again to clarify the subject of this thread. Regardless of legal issues now being handled by the professionals - if you were the new PD or a consultant, who had nothing to do with anything that has happened, and it was your job to take the reigns, what would you do to help the station move forward?

 

[Chris_Rose]

A programmer would know that you can't just sit around and dwell on what has happened. You have to keep going on.

Actually, my friend, you have just described a computer. A real "programmer" would absolutely dwell on what has happened. He/she certainly would not simply go on as if it never happened.

To "dwell" is to "think". Once you take the "thought" process out of programming, you have reduced it to a set of metrics that any computer can handle. If it is just about determining what "demographic hole" needs to be filled, and what "format" can best fill that hole, you might as well simply pull a ranker and a playlist and plug in the requisite parameters to achieve the desired output. That way you can be sure to remove all of the "emotion" from the programming decision. In fact, what you are requesting could very easily be accomplished using Arbitron's PD Advantage and the back page from the latest copy of R&R.

Is that what you are looking for?

 

[SirRoxalot]

End It ASAP

Entercom has no good options. As long as there's a court case hanging over them, they can't say anything about this event without it coming up in court, so I'm sure the lawyers have told them not to say anything at all. That means no apologies, condolences, or anything that might help with PR side of this mess. Yet, saying nothing seems equally callous.

As unfair as it is to the rest of the staff, "The End" is done as a radio station. The name "The End" is just too ironic. Lose the name and the call letters ASAP, and focus on the frequency. Go "music intensive", and jock-free. Sponsors will likely be cancelling and/or not renewing contracts anyway. If a format switch was contemplated, it's time to start prepping. It will be a month, maybe two, before the furor dies down enough.

At some point, roll out the new product, with new call letters, a new slogan, new imaging, and new talent. It's possible that a long-time talent from the old station might survive if they were missed while they were away, or somebody might be able to emerge under a different name in a different shift.

Listeners generally aren't aware of who owns a radio station. A "new" radio station with a different approach might make it, even if the music is similar.

 

[Stage5Clinger]

Yes. "The End" should be just that. That branding needs to be changed asap. That would be a start to their recovery, if they can do such a thing at this point. I'm not sure though about a format change. We'll have to wait and see what the Zone does.

 

[cabradio]

Re: End It ASAP

Listeners generally aren't aware of who owns a radio station. A "new" radio station with a different approach might make it, even if the music is similar.

If listeners aren't aware, why would they need to change at all?

Are we that much of an unforgiving society, that people would boycott the station for what was an accident? It wasn't intentional. The people in position at the time of the event are now gone. The format doesn't have to suffer for the irresponsibility of the former staff (for not having a medic on site).

I guess I kind of agree with SirRoxalot on what to do though

I would say to go music intensive, jockless even for a month or so. That way, you don't have jocks saying things on the air that they shouldn't. Even replace the entire on air staff, (move innocent jocks to other markets if possible) so as to avoid that situation altogether. New staff sign paperwork stating the obvious...no discussion of the event etc. Screen calls, even 360 them, before airing them...Shake up the playlist a little...nothing dramatic. Give the station some fresh imaging...maybe a new voice, but not necessary. Find the best damned morning show you can to give the End a New Beginning...people will get over the outrage...their may be a dip in listenership for a short period, but they can weather the storm and rebound, as long as there is fresh talent that don't have an apologetic sound...you don't want to drag the tragedy out any longer. Not to sound callous, but most people will go on with living their own lives.

The people that hate Entercom for this event will attack them no matter what the format...they will come to the remotes, they will call in, they will make things difficult no matter what, is my guess. I could be wrong...but since it seems that would be the case, why tear apart the format? From my understanding it was a successful station...there doesn't seem any good reason to not just weather the storm.

When the appropriate time comes (after the settlement), place a thorough apology on the station's website (if legally advisable).

 

[radiovictim]

Actually, my friend, you have just described a computer. A real "programmer" would absolutely dwell on what has happened. He/she certainly would not simply go on as if it never happened.

To "dwell" is to "think". Once you take the "thought" process out of programming, you have reduced it to a set of metrics that any computer can handle. If it is just about determining what "demographic hole" needs to be filled, and what "format" can best fill that hole, you might as well simply pull a ranker and a playlist and plug in the requisite parameters to achieve the desired output. That way you can be sure to remove all of the "emotion" from the programming decision. In fact, what you are requesting could very easily be accomplished using Arbitron's PD Advantage and the back page from the latest copy of R&R.

Is that what you are looking for?

I certainly did not mean to offend anyone, particularly for having a heart. However, it is good business to plan and take the next step toward "recovery"... if that is indeed what is needed. To "dwell" would indicate inaction and it seems that isn't in the best interest here. There's got to be a way to make a decision that is both business savvy and morally acceptable. That's not to say that Entercom or anyone involved in this tragedy should ignore what has happened. Again, this question was posed as "where should the station go from here... from a programming perspective?"

 

[JeremyAndrews]

Re: End It ASAP

Listeners generally aren't aware of who owns a radio station. A "new" radio station with a different approach might make it, even if the music is similar.

If listeners aren't aware, why would they need to change at all?

Are we that much of an unforgiving society, that people would boycott the station for what was an accident? It wasn't intentional. The people in position at the time of the event are now gone. The format doesn't have to suffer for the irresponsibility of the former staff (for not having a medic on site).

I guess I kind of agree with SirRoxalot on what to do though

I would say to go music intensive, jockless even for a month or so. That way, you don't have jocks saying things on the air that they shouldn't. Even replace the entire on air staff, (move innocent jocks to other markets if possible) so as to avoid that situation altogether. New staff sign paperwork stating the obvious...no discussion of the event etc. Screen calls, even 360 them, before airing them...Shake up the playlist a little...nothing dramatic. Give the station some fresh imaging...maybe a new voice, but not necessary. Find the best damned morning show you can to give the End a New Beginning...people will get over the outrage...their may be a dip in listenership for a short period, but they can weather the storm and rebound, as long as there is fresh talent that don't have an apologetic sound...you don't want to drag the tragedy out any longer. Not to sound callous, but most people will go on with living their own lives.

The people that hate Entercom for this event will attack them no matter what the format...they will come to the remotes, they will call in, they will make things difficult no matter what, is my guess. I could be wrong...but since it seems that would be the case, why tear apart the format? From my understanding it was a successful station...there doesn't seem any good reason to not just weather the storm.

When the appropriate time comes (after the settlement), place a thorough apology on the station's website (if legally advisable).

That's already been done. Whenever I listen its always music, liners, music, liner, music, jingle, music, liner. The DJs hardly ever talk.

 

[PhilGalasso]

I would take the station dark for a week or two, then return to the air with a completely new set of call letters, new imaging, and a different format. The Top-40 format could possibly be moved to another station in the cluster, especially if any of the cluster's stations are currently struggling.

 

[network]

Excuse my "emotionalism" but it seems that most of the jerks on this board are part of the problem.

So people are "jerks" because they are disagreeing with you. How old are you? [EDIT]

I fear for the future of radio. Our industry is indeed DOOMED!

[EDIT] Those who were responsible for this were dealt with by the station. I am sure they all knew that being fired was the least -- and beginning -- of their problems.

I have not read one response where someone stated they are not remorseful over the death of this young woman and mother. [EDIT]

[EDIT--inflammatory.]

 

[qskyradio]

I'm not in Sacramento and am unfamiliar with the market make-up, but I agree with the posters who've suggested the station drop the calls, the "End" moniker and the format altogether, that is if the FCC doesn't yank the license first. While those are drastic strategic changes, they're absolutely necessary. I really can't recall a radio incident that has received this much press. The public knows about it and the public is furious. Radio has received a whole slew of bad press over the past five years and this only adds fuel to the fire. Dump the format and start fresh. Go dark for a day or a weekend and just start over. I'm sure clients are bailing every hour. Whether you agree or disagree with the ramifications of the incident, I don't know how one could logically feel that this same radio station can feasibly compete for listeners or ad dollars given what has happened.

 

[SirRoxalot]

Re: End It ASAP

Listeners generally aren't aware of who owns a radio station. A "new" radio station with a different approach might make it, even if the music is similar.

If listeners aren't aware, why would they need to change at all?

As I said, listeners generally aren't aware of who owns a radio station, but they'd better be aware of who's on the radio station, its call letters, its slogan, and its imaging. That's what will need to be changed.

I would take the station dark for a week or two, then return to the air with a completely new set of call letters, new imaging, and a different format. The Top-40 format could possibly be moved to another station in the cluster, especially if any of the cluster's stations are currently struggling.

The FCC takes a very dim view of going dark with a station. You're required to notify that you're going dark, and there had better be a technical reason (lost tower, transmitter, coax). That would not preclude you from stunting - a week-long countdown clock, looping the same song over and over, "Polkas on Parade" - you know the drill. Those stunts are usually used to burn off former listeners, so you'd only do that if you were completely changing the format and looking for a new audience. "The End" was 11th in the market (12+). Depending on the demos, blowing it up and going after a different audience with a different approach may not be their worst move.

Moving the format to another frequency in the cluster has risks because you're messing up two radio stations. You have to assume that you're rebuilding two stations from the ground up. Unless you've got a complete loser in your cluster, you'll need as much revenue as you can get from clustermates while you try to weather this storm. Advertisers are aware of who owns radio stations. They have to put the company name on the check. Some of them may not want to be associated with Entercom for a while.

 

[Chris_Rose]

Would people take a different view of this travesty if "The End" had sponsored a "beer guzzling" contest that resulted in death? There are far too many people here that seem willing to give Entercom a pass on this one. In my estimation, they are not deserving of an opportunity to "re-brand" this frequency. At least until they demonstrate they are capable of running a responsible broadcast organization.

More and more information is surfacing that indicates the perpetrators of this stunt were fully aware of the inherent risks and dangers associated with extreme water consumption. Entercom must accept responsibility for what they allowed to happen. Firing 10 people is a start, but it is by no means sufficient.

The more I learn about this situation, the more criminal the act seems. License revocation may end up being the least of Entercom's concerns. They would do well to come up with some public show of contrition that demonstrates their level of remorse. To my knowledge, Mancow has shown more legitimate concern over what has occurred than has Entercom.

You know you're in trouble when Mancow becomes the moral barometer against which your corporation is being measured. (SEE: http://www.talkradionetwork-fm.com/responsibleradio.pdf)

 

[SirRoxalot]

Mancow, Moral Arbiter?

BWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA!

Mancow, Looking for TV Facetime to Promote Himself and His Syndicated Show?

Now THAT I believe.

Not to say that he may not be outraged at the stupidity of this particular stunt, but he is hardly blameless. The gratuitous shots toward "satellite radio" should have tipped you off as to his real motive.

Click here for an example of Mancow's Elevated Discourse

 

[Chris_Rose]

YES! Mancow as "moral arbiter". Regardless of his "real motive", he's doing more to help bring healing to this awful situation than you, I or Entercom...

Mancow said, “I want to set up a fund for this woman, I want to collect money for this
woman’s family, three kids left behind.” Mancow is extending an invitation to the radio
community to help in both raising funds for the family and the creation of his new
organization the “Foundation For Responsible Radio.” Mancow said on the air this
morning, “Our industry and its stupidity did this.” Mancow promised further information
would be available soon on his web site www.mancow.com.

Laugh if you want to, but regardless of what you may think of Mancow personally, none of his stunts ever resulted in death. By the way, he's right when he says, “Our industry and its stupidity did this.” The question is, where do we go from here?

 

[Radio-X]

Number 1:

Obviously, the longer the station goes without doing anything in regards to this, the less of a chance of anything (name change, call change, etc.) happening.

Number 2:

If I was calling the shots, The station would remain the same until all this somewhat goes to the wayside. Then I would check the numbers. If the station continues to do well money-wise and ratings wise, perhaps just a name change and/or a drawing-style promotion for something big to regain the public's listenership and trust. If it's looking bad, I'd say make a big change and swap formats with another property, with CHR leaving 107.9 and going elsewhere with a new name...

Radio-X

 

[radiovictim]

This would be my "to do" list (many of these ideas were borrowed from previous posters):

1. Go jockless (and commercial free if possible) for two weeks
2. Take website down
3. Get new station name/calls/logo
4. Produce new imaging w/new voices
5. Create new website that looks entirely different than its predecessor
6. Hire someone who knows how to do an inoffensive/music intensive morning show (They actually have someone in their sales department who would be perfect for this. I wonder if they know it.)
7. Launch with new name, logo, imaging, calls, and morning show and the return of Alicia and Chris
8. First big promotion/stunt... would be something to benefit charity.

 

[shooty]

Someone in their sales department?
Curiosity killed the cat, but do you care to share a name?

 

[radiovictim]

Someone in their sales department?
Curiosity killed the cat, but do you care to share a name?

I don't know if I should share a name. This person may not want to be put up for discussion. However, it's not uncommon knowledge that they've got a relatively new AE who was a huge success as a morning show host in Chico - even received a key to the city from the mayor. She's probably the only AE at Entercom with any on-air experience. Then again, the $$$ and "stability" of a sales job might be enough to keep her where she is. If I were in that building, I'd be opening some dialogue to gage her interest.