• Get involved.
    We want your input!
    Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.

    After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
    If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.

    After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
    https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/

    Thanks in advance and have fun!
    RadioDiscussions Administrators

The Short-Term Future for Steve & Vikki

RoddyFreeman said:
Randy Kabrich used to consult all of the Cox AC's, but I don't think he does work for Cox anymore except possibly some small projects for Bob Neil.

Good to know.

Knowsnews2 said:
Actually Roddy, I'm not commenting because there is nothing to comment about. I've said it before on here; it's easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize a decision when you've never been in the position to make such a decision.

This was a business move. You have two on-air personalities, each making a whole lot of money, and the company decided not to pick up the option on their contracts. That's all. No different than a football team cutting a star player rather than paying a ton of cash to keep him.

Steve & Vikki are great people to work with. But, given the current economy and the current state of radio, paying mid six figures to hold on to them was deemed to costly. Again, simply a business decision.

It's even simplier than your post.

Kelly and Alpha's ranked #9 P25-54 on B98 prior to their departure. The January 2010 ratings have S&V in #10 place and the average demo of their show is 10 years older than the rest of the station. S&V would have been renewed if they were in the Top 5, but why spend 7 figures for 10th place?

On another topic, A very good article in USA Today concerning Leno and the Tonight show. Just swap out Leno's name and "prime time debacle" to "Star 94 debacle" - and its a pretty interesting read of the last 2 years at B98, in my opinion.

Tuesday on 'Tonight Show': Palin pops in, Leno mails it in
Robert Bianco, USA TODAY

http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2010-03-02-leno-review_N.htm

It's as if he never left.

Or refuses to leave, depending on how happy you are to have Jay Leno back as host of NBC's Tonight Show.

Whether Leno is happy as well is hard to judge; all that's clear is he's not particularly straining to keep the job now that he has it again. Monday's monologue was detached, tired and short on laughs; Tuesday brought more of the same, including some of the same jokes and targets, from Russian Olympians to Toyotas, airlines and George Bush.

Certainly anyone who thought Leno might have learned a lesson from his prime-time debacle, The Jay Leno Show— a show that failed in no small measure because Leno was too hidebound to improve, or even tweak, his act for prime time — has by now been disabused of that notion.

Instead, what he has done is sort of solder the two shows together. It's the old Tonight format, complete with a Tonight desk, plopped onto the uncomfortably oversized, opposite-of-intimate new Jay Leno stage.

If nothing else, be grateful for the return of that desk, which gives Leno a bit of distance from his guests and allows him to read off questions and laugh at jokes without having to pretend to engage in conversation. Though to be fair, it's doubtful anyone could have really held a conversation with his first guest, an astoundingly hyper Jamie Foxx.

On the guest front, at least, things did improve Tuesday with Sarah Palin. It wasn't exactly a challenging interview, and her follow-up stand-up routine was perhaps more brave than amusing. But there's no doubt Palin gave the show a flash of life.

Yes, there are people who watch and love Leno — about 6.6 million tuned in Monday, though that's likely to drop to the 4 million to 5 million combined average of his late-night and prime-time shows. Yet even for them, isn't there an air of desperation to this whole, sad project? A going-through-the-motions feeling of retreat instead of advance?

And for those who might wonder, that feeling has nothing to do with some trumped-up war between Leno and Conan O'Brien, or Leno and David Letterman, and all to do with Leno's own failure to re-energize the format. What you have is a show that now simply seems to be too small for its platform — and sadly adrift. Which won't, of course, stop it from sailing on again tomorrow, just as it did for 17 Leno-led years.

Here's to the next 17. Wake America when they're over.


[EDIT-link added by Radio-Info as a courtesy]
 
Kabrick has a fair viewpoint. But there's always a "latest rating" to argue why the management is right and everybody else hasn't seen the light. So here's a question. What did Cox do to improve the brand?
Come on, they bought a well known brand. They did they predictable and mechanical "fly them to filmhouse to do a tv spot and give away money" routine (kinda silly when don't they have a tv studio in that building, so why spend all that money to go film a, well, sorry I changed points).
Randy used the illustration about an NFL team guys if they don't perform. But not before bringing in coaches and doing everything possible to help the talent.
Just a thought here guys but does anybody know if Cox, with all their input, research and consultants actually sat and said "ok, try this, delete that, go this way, go that way."
I believe S&V are on their 3rd pd since being hired (first was on the way out the door upon arrival). Amidst pd changes, GM changes, PPM introduction, and economy flucuations, it all seems like another jumpy, nervous decision based more on emotion than facts. It's just safe the blame the economy and their salaries. Few PDs really understand brand management. It's not exactly like radio people studied under Proctor and Gamble corporation. Their research is a hyper generated Arbitron and a phone call from the boss in Tampa.
 
turnitupnow said:
Kabrick has a fair viewpoint. But there's always a "latest rating" to argue why the management is right and everybody else hasn't seen the light. So here's a question. What did Cox do to improve the brand?
Come on, they bought a well known brand. They did they predictable and mechanical "fly them to filmhouse to do a tv spot and give away money" routine (kinda silly when don't they have a tv studio in that building, so why spend all that money to go film a, well, sorry I changed points).
Randy used the illustration about an NFL team guys if they don't perform. But not before bringing in coaches and doing everything possible to help the talent.
Just a thought here guys but does anybody know if Cox, with all their input, research and consultants actually sat and said "ok, try this, delete that, go this way, go that way."
I believe S&V are on their 3rd pd since being hired (first was on the way out the door upon arrival). Amidst pd changes, GM changes, PPM introduction, and economy flucuations, it all seems like another jumpy, nervous decision based more on emotion than facts. It's just safe the blame the economy and their salaries. Few PDs really understand brand management. It's not exactly like radio people studied under Proctor and Gamble corporation. Their research is a hyper generated Arbitron and a phone call from the boss in Tampa.

Cox hired a person who's only job was to work with S&V. The person had been very succesful in working with other talent that had bombed in Atlanta (remember Jack Murphy?) and built him into a winning franchise now. He had also done work for the same people that worked to develop the Q100 morning show. What's the old saying about leading a horse to water (which might explain why the S&V departure is so different than the K&A departure) - and why half the show has been offered future employment. But then again, according to Roddy Freeman, wtf do I know? ::)
 
I am still waiting for the start of the Tuesday Night PPM Symposium/Smackdown events at the local Hooter's. Randy Kabrich and Neil Millman break down all the facts with guest judge Southside Steve Rickman.
 
Cox hired a person who's only job was to work with S&V. The person had been very succesful in working with other talent that had bombed in Atlanta (remember Jack Murphy?) and built him into a winning franchise now. He had also done work for the same people that worked to develop the Q100 morning show. What's the old saying about leading a horse to water (which might explain why the S&V departure is so different than the K&A departure) - and why half the show has been offered future employment. But then again, according to Roddy Freeman, wtf do I know? Roll Eyes

And I said that when and where?
 
RoddyFreeman said:
Cox hired a person who's only job was to work with S&V. The person had been very succesful in working with other talent that had bombed in Atlanta (remember Jack Murphy?) and built him into a winning franchise now. He had also done work for the same people that worked to develop the Q100 morning show. What's the old saying about leading a horse to water (which might explain why the S&V departure is so different than the K&A departure) - and why half the show has been offered future employment. But then again, according to Roddy Freeman, wtf do I know? Roll Eyes

And I said that when and where?

RoddyFreeman said:
Randy Kabrich used to consult all of the Cox AC's, but I don't think he does work for Cox anymore except possibly some small projects for Bob Neil.

Clearly I have no first hand knowledge of anything......
 
Kabrich said:
RoddyFreeman said:
Cox hired a person who's only job was to work with S&V. The person had been very succesful in working with other talent that had bombed in Atlanta (remember Jack Murphy?) and built him into a winning franchise now. He had also done work for the same people that worked to develop the Q100 morning show. What's the old saying about leading a horse to water (which might explain why the S&V departure is so different than the K&A departure) - and why half the show has been offered future employment. But then again, according to Roddy Freeman, wtf do I know? Roll Eyes

And I said that when and where?

RoddyFreeman said:
Randy Kabrich used to consult all of the Cox AC's, but I don't think he does work for Cox anymore except possibly some small projects for Bob Neil.

Clearly I have no first hand knowledge of anything......


I clearly didn't say "wtf do you know." Nor would I ever have said or thought that about you when it comes to radio. A poster above me identified you as a Cox person, and a higher-up at Cox had told me that you weren't consulting their stations anymore.

But since you seem to have taken that as criticism of your expertise, which it certainly was not meant to be, please set the record straight. Are you still consulting the Cox AC's?
 
Kabrich is right about the attempt to get S&V up to date and on the ball. And he's right about the "lead a horse to water" part of it. If you're talent, and you're being told you need to change things by numerous people who are in a position to control your paycheck, and you don't do it....well, then. Yiz gits what yiz deserves.

Actually, Kabrich is right about a lot of things.
 
ck dexter haven said:
Kabrich is right about the attempt to get S&V up to date and on the ball. And he's right about the "lead a horse to water" part of it. If you're talent, and you're being told you need to change things by numerous people who are in a position to control your paycheck, and you don't do it....well, then. Yiz gits what yiz deserves.

Actually, Kabrich is right about a lot of things.


Hey guys I'm not disagreeing with you (even with Randy's tone at times I know he's misunderstood and is a good guy) but I'm trying to clarify some presumed facts.
I can't put a finger on the guy supposedly hired full time as a consultant to Steve and Vikki and who (by your implication) found significant resistance. Now Jeff McHugh was the PD for a while, but terminated well before Thanksgiving. Having been a consultant with Randy Lane maybe that's where the term consultant is used. But he was the PD and according to Jeff worked well with Steve, while also working with the River. Now the latest PD also works with, what, the Beat. And the Kiss PD also does the River? Kind of a weird mix...
Then Tom Palavita from tampa would come in some, but not often.
So I hope there is not a campaign here to backpeddle mysterious reasons why S&V had to go.

Truth is. The only stations with higher numbers were the R&B stations. WSB FM with the management changes and new younger sales team did seem to have a challenge maximizing revenue to the numbers wsb fm has.

But...call me crazy...with all the dollars invested in Atlanta why not spend more time trying to improve fm's doing far worse than B98 vs all the change at B98 with no clear plan B and risk involved.
But to be real honest, and I do appreciate the loyal friendships coming out of Tampa, you might be hard pressed to say with legit info that a consultant was hired to reinvent steve mccoy and he resisted.

If that consultant exists, maybe he can help Neil Boortz
 
turnitupnow said:
ck dexter haven said:
Kabrich is right about the attempt to get S&V up to date and on the ball. And he's right about the "lead a horse to water" part of it. If you're talent, and you're being told you need to change things by numerous people who are in a position to control your paycheck, and you don't do it....well, then. Yiz gits what yiz deserves.

Actually, Kabrich is right about a lot of things.


Hey guys I'm not disagreeing with you (even with Randy's tone at times I know he's misunderstood and is a good guy) but I'm trying to clarify some presumed facts.
I can't put a finger on the guy supposedly hired full time as a consultant to Steve and Vikki and who (by your implication) found significant resistance. Now Jeff McHugh was the PD for a while, but terminated well before Thanksgiving. Having been a consultant with Randy Lane maybe that's where the term consultant is used. But he was the PD and according to Jeff worked well with Steve, while also working with the River. Now the latest PD also works with, what, the Beat. And the Kiss PD also does the River? Kind of a weird mix...
Then Tom Palavita from tampa would come in some, but not often.
So I hope there is not a campaign here to backpeddle mysterious reasons why S&V had to go.

Truth is. The only stations with higher numbers were the R&B stations. WSB FM with the management changes and new younger sales team did seem to have a challenge maximizing revenue to the numbers wsb fm has.

But...call me crazy...with all the dollars invested in Atlanta why not spend more time trying to improve fm's doing far worse than B98 vs all the change at B98 with no clear plan B and risk involved.
But to be real honest, and I do appreciate the loyal friendships coming out of Tampa, you might be hard pressed to say with legit info that a consultant was hired to reinvent steve mccoy and he resisted.

If that consultant exists, maybe he can help Neil Boortz

The decision to not take the option year on S&V was made the day Jeff McHugh left the building.

And if you want to get technical, K&A had higher ratings on B98 than S&V did on Star 94 at the same time.
 
RoddyFreeman said:
Kabrich said:
RoddyFreeman said:
Cox hired a person who's only job was to work with S&V. The person had been very succesful in working with other talent that had bombed in Atlanta (remember Jack Murphy?) and built him into a winning franchise now. He had also done work for the same people that worked to develop the Q100 morning show. What's the old saying about leading a horse to water (which might explain why the S&V departure is so different than the K&A departure) - and why half the show has been offered future employment. But then again, according to Roddy Freeman, wtf do I know? Roll Eyes

And I said that when and where?

RoddyFreeman said:
Randy Kabrich used to consult all of the Cox AC's, but I don't think he does work for Cox anymore except possibly some small projects for Bob Neil.

Clearly I have no first hand knowledge of anything......


I clearly didn't say "wtf do you know." Nor would I ever have said or thought that about you when it comes to radio. A poster above me identified you as a Cox person, and a higher-up at Cox had told me that you weren't consulting their stations anymore.

But since you seem to have taken that as criticism of your expertise, which it certainly was not meant to be, please set the record straight. Are you still consulting the Cox AC's?

If your source in Cox told you that I was not consulting them, then who I am to question your great wisdom and insight into this Industry?
 
Well done Kabrich! I thought the same thing watching Leno Mon and Tues. I was hoping Jay take advantage of his second chance with guns a blazin... but was disappointed that it was the same ol Jay.
 
Inside your radio said:
Well done Kabrich! I thought the same thing watching Leno Mon and Tues. I was hoping Jay take advantage of his second chance with guns a blazin... but was disappointed that it was the same ol Jay.
IIRC the “same ol Jay” managed to keep most of Carson’s audience for umpteen years and was #1 in his time slot when he was “forced out for younger talent” to the 10 AM slot. If Conan had done such a great job, it would be Jay Leno whose contract was being bought out.
 
secondchoice said:
Inside your radio said:
Well done Kabrich! I thought the same thing watching Leno Mon and Tues. I was hoping Jay take advantage of his second chance with guns a blazin... but was disappointed that it was the same ol Jay.
IIRC the “same ol Jay” managed to keep most of Carson’s audience for umpteen years and was #1 in his time slot when he was “forced out for younger talent” to the 10 AM slot. If Conan had done such a great job, it would be Jay Leno whose contract was being bought out.

Once again, this post shows why its so comical to read the rambles of those who know nothing about broadcasting (btw, Leno NEVER was in the 10AM spot - but why would I think your post had any accuracy anyway?).

Clearly there is much about Network TV that escapes you.
 
OK! You got me on a typo it should have been 10PM (I was in a huury and did not read what I typed sorry). There is there is a difference in time slots. What works at 12:30AM apparently did not work at 11:30 PM and the 11:30PM did not work at 10 PM. If Conan (who I liked to watch) was doing well in the ratings at 11:30 pm why he out is? IIRC the 10 PM Leno show was going to save NBC money but a lot of the affiliates’ 11PM newscasts were getting hurt by the poor lead in. How many radio stations are try to save some money by going cheap on the talent?
 
The decision to not take the option year on S&V was made the day Jeff McHugh left the building.

And if you want to get technical, K&A had higher ratings on B98 than S&V did on Star 94 at the same time.
[/quote]

Wow.
One of the most interesting comments ever on all the threads about S&V. I find you're usually dead on accurate so I'm not going to dispute it.
I brought it up only no one inside seemed to recall a full time consultant being hired to "help McCoy." McHugh was PD of WSB FM as part of his
total position. Even his leaving seemed sudden leaving some doubt as to his goals and accomplishments.

I hope you understand with what seemed suddenness of the termination of S&V, combined with some limbo time as to what is next on the morning
show many might suddenly assume this made no sense. Seriously without questioning the comment one might think about loud "well if Jeff McHugh left
before Thanksgiving while not make a morningshow change then and put K&A back on instead of now?" Maybe the answer is S&V wasn't really helping nor hurting B98
all that much. And with Vikki invited and accepting an offer to stay, the brand must not be permanently damaged goods.
There seems a sector who wants to rally a return of K&A. They might even research the thought.

Maybe this whole thing was a tipping point for me. A lot of people have been tossed around or tossed aside by the new radio.
Sometimes lots of management everywhere who were never on the air but are addicted to studying arbitron details are making faster decisions
affecting more people and company's. I have met few talent anywhere who felt or sensed corporations wanted their talent to improve through
coaching and input. It always seems cheaper to let a brand sit, stagnate, then start over with a new and cheaper flavor.
Only a few special stations like WSB AM still invest heavily in talent. Everybody else gets it cheap from a syndicator.
We say radio is cheap.
Truth is few in management understand or bother to respect talent. It's like asking "do you want coke or pepsi?"
Who cares, they're both the same, right?
I wish more people could focus on facts vs attacks on this board. But when a board has mixed comments from radio enthusiastists and radio professionals,
at times it's hard to seperate who to take seriously. It's still a small business where people come and go but bridges don't
need to be burned.
Hey if a Jack Murphy, who had a very limited run here, can reinvent himself, so can anybody who wants to.
 
Maybe I'm completely off base, but I can't help but think of when WGST broke up Randy & Spiff in similar manor. Each had success (although Spiff may dispute that) separately for a while until they were reunited at True Oldies. Could Steve and Vicky be destined for the same?
 
Let's get serious about Jeff McHugh. His resume is/was empty. He has done very little in radio of any note. McHugh was a mistake right out of the box. He had no credibility with the talent he was hired to worked with. The guy was mocked by everyone who dealt with him. McHugh's lack of knowledge of Atlanta and radio was one of the few rallying points in the building over the last two years. While Jeff knew little about the city or the market or S and V's track record, it didn't prevent him from being a know-it-all. Give Cox management credit for blowing him out very quickly. Perhaps most amazing for this quirky, self professed "mass mail expert"------ he has been hired in St. Louis. Most laughable his personal website that was no smoke and just a few mirrors of himself.
 
A couple of questions...

With Vickie coming back without Steve is there likely to be listener anger toward her much like what has been spewed forth to Leno by Conan fans?

Also, I know S&V have been business partners for 20 plus years. With Steve getting the heave ho and her staying, what might this do their friendship?
 
Status
This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.


Back
Top Bottom