The Zone heads in a new direction

[yourmom]

How bout yes. If the average audience knew it was fake, I don't think they would listen. The average listener chooses not to listen to a certain show for more petty reasons than a Guy faking being "fabulous". Faking a complete person is more than a jock changing their last name. You aren't looking at this from listening eyes, you are looking at it with industry eyes I don't like cookies, I like Ice Cream.

 

[RadioSpaz]

Very true. How can they care if they're not listening? Honestly, I don't know anyone who can stand that lame joke the Zone calls a "morning show".

Speaking of unlistenable things on the Zone, does the PD ever listen to his weekend part-time staff? Well, one in particular. Without naming names (because my intention is not to personally insult the individual) it is more pleasing to hear nails down a chalkboard than a jock who yells into the mic during phoners and breaks, tries to sound cool by speaking in an indifferent tone, not to mention tries far too hard to be funny and by doing so, falls way short.

Sorry. Had to vent. It's just so sad.

Funny, you're still listening.

My guess is that you have a production or sales job, if you're even employed anywhere, which I'm guessing you're likely not. Prove me wrong. Btw, those weekenders, at least the two that are left, have been on for over year, and if you had access to the numbers you'd know that the numbers on those shows are some of the highest at the Zone. Consistently top ten, in the target demos, and number 1, 2, or 3 in a few of the critical ones. And looking back on your previous posts, that's been one of your biggest arguements in the past. Numbers. So in addition to you still listening, so are the majority of diary holders. You may think that someone on their air is unlistenable, but you still are and so are the people spending money.

Not sorry. Had to vent.

 

[radiovictim]

Funny, you're still listening.

Actually, I'm not listening during those times.

My guess is that you have a production or sales job, if you're even employed anywhere, which I'm guessing you're likely not. Prove me wrong.

Again, sorry to disappoint you, but you're wrong on all fronts and I don't feel the need to "prove you wrong". I am confident in my abilities and my "numbers" show that I am very able, thanks.

Btw, those weekenders, at least the two that are left, have been on for over year, and if you had access to the numbers you'd know that the numbers on those shows are some of the highest at the Zone. Consistently top ten, in the target demos, and number 1, 2, or 3 in a few of the critical ones. And looking back on your previous posts, that's been one of your biggest arguements in the past. Numbers.

No offense, but as anyone who knows the business knows... weekend numbers don't mean a whole lot so there's really not any clout to that argument. As far as previous posts of mine focusing on numbers... I honestly don't recall to which posts you may be referring. True - good numbers are great for jocks, programmers and sales... but great programming is what those who love radio long for, as well... if not more.

You may think that someone on their air is unlistenable, but you still are and so are the people spending money.

Please refer to the first response.

Not sorry. Had to vent.

Not sure why you're so ruffled about my comments. Perhaps you know the people whom I mentioned and are feeling protective. If so, sincere kudos to you. There's not a lot of loyalty among peers in this business anymore. Maybe you're new to the scene and haven't devoloped the skin for critiques yet - which isn't necessarily a bad thing so don't take that as a slant. Again, I'm not sure why the defensive reaction but I maintain my aforementioned views from the standpoint of "quality programming". It's my professional opinion - no more and no less.

 

[Radio Rey]

Being 1 of those 2 jocks your mentioning...just wanted to know what you think I could do to become better?

Many times, someone can identify a problem fairly easy...but fail to provide any solution. Any suggestions?

 

[radiovictim]

RR - I truly mean no personal offense and it is the delivery of two people in particular who rub me the wrong way enough to make me tune out. The morning show is offensively character-driven and annoying. It makes me long for the days when entertainment was born of being relatable and "real" for the most part. Yes, there have always been jocks who "play a part" but to truly gain loyalty with listeners and provide quality programming, I feel it is necessary to be fairly grounded. I equate it to comedy that goes for the easy f-bomb laugh vs. intelligent humor. That's not to say that silliness doesn't have it's place. It does... in moderation. That is just my personal preference.

As for advice... IMHO, the most important thing a jock should ask him/herself is "will what I am about to say matter to or engage my listener and why?" Every break, no matter how large or small, should be well thought out and deliver quality content, beit for the purpose of humor, being relatable or imparting information... but it must be for the benefit of the listener. Talking for the sake of filling time until one hits the post is a waste of breath if the words have no significance. Many jocks have a tendancy to make it all about them, particularly if the phones are slow, and that excludes rather than includes listeners.

I'm certainly far from perfect myself but I feel that more jocks should prep and put thought into their performance. Though this may seem to take away from the spontenaity many of us love, it really doesn't. A well planned break executed by a talented jock can still sound spontaneous and be far more effective than constantly making off the cuff comments... but it takes a lot more work. Also, it still leaves room for spontenaity from both the jock and listeners without running as much of a risk of veering off course and/or jumping the shark.

As of late, I must say that I've heard very good performances on the Zone from Keith and Lil' C. Though Keith sounds a bit more unplanned, he still keeps it relevant, intelligent and knows when to call it quits. Lil' C does an excellent job with pop culture/relatable content. He also has honed the rare skill of making his listeners a major part of his show. I've only heard one other part timer on the Zone and I am also impressed with that person's performance. This jock seems to know what to say, when to say it and when to stop all while having an energetic and "realistic" delivery.

There are so many things to discuss while air checking a jock but working on one thing at a time is the most effective way to improve. Again, I feel the best starting point for anyone is to ask oneself "will what I am about to say matter to or engage my listener and why?"

Finally, I do apologize if I've insulted anyone. I realize it's easy to critique without offering alternative suggestions, particularly while remaining anonymous. It's one of the things that's always driven me crazy about the job and you helped me to remember that my glass house shatters just as easily as the next.

 

[dudeonthedial]

Recently the Zone had a job posting on R&R and AllAccess looking for weekend talent so maybe the powers do feel the same way as you do but just can't find anyone to work for a few dollars an hour. Across the market I dont know any weekend talent that I could see the Zone scoop up and Sacramento is not your melting pot of undiscovered talent waiting for the chance. Also, weekend talent are most of the time liner jocks that are just learning so when some of them (not you RR) try to be funny or cute they usually fall flat on their face. Music can make people listen on the weekend and deal with a semi talented jocks but jocks that try to be more memorable then the music usually fail and wind up Radio board members...

 

[Radio Rey]

RV- No offense taken whatsoever. I appreciate you taking the time to explain your position and the advice/suggestions you made. I will be the first to admit that I don't plan my show/breaks as much as I should, which in turn might create some unlistenable breaks.

As far as the morning show goes... everyone is going to have an opinnion. And though I disagree with your's, I respect it, though I do hope when the book comes out your proven wrong

Again, I sincerly appreciate you taking time to give your feedback and invite you, and anyone else, to keep the critques coming. It's one of the best ways for me to keep learning.

 

[Brooke Davis]

Hi friends and others,

It's been brought to my attention that there are some strong opinions pointed at our station in the recent past, so I'd like to pitch in my thoughts, even though I'm nothing but a lowly weekend jock there.

The morning show needs time to develop. Those guys were just recently thrown together, and will take a little time to find their groove with each other. They didn't even know each other before they got going, for gumby's sake. I think they sound great, regardless whether someone is gay, straight or otherwise. At least the guys on the show allow Regan to talk, and don't belittle, degrade, and mock her like RAD do to poor Dawn. She must be rackin' in the major bucks to put up with those haters. Give it some time, or don't.

The station in general has gotten a thousand times better in the last year since Z started, but we're going through the same thing that the Wolf has had to deal with. Going up against stations that haven't had any one challenge them in awhile. And we don't buy big fat billboards like other like Y92 have done, which btw haven't done them any good if you've seen their crappy numbers. It's been a tough road, but the jocks and music are a hella lot better than they were a couple of years ago.

Also, it seems some folks on here doesn't like my show. I know it's me they're talking about because of the comments made. RV, I don't take your opinions personally, because they are hollow to me and mean absolutely nothing in the scheme of things. My ratings are always very high in the key demographic women 25-54, number 1 in fact in this past year, and if you had the numbers you'd know that. My PD loves me, and and the only comments he's had in the last few airchecks is that I say "and" too much, fyi. And contrary to your beliefs, my audience thinks I'm funny. The phone never stops ringing when I'm on to attest to that, even at 7am. I may sound loud to you, but it because have a lot of energy. I love my job and it shows in my delivery, however nail-on-the-chalkboardy you may think I sound. I'm may not be your cup o' tea, but then not much is in our market according your past posts. I'm on the air 7 days a week in this market, so I must be doing something that most everyone (including my bosses) that listens likes, except you.

For some reason, this site is not a kind place for women. Cristine Craft can speak to that fact, as she is constantly trying to defend herself to the nameless people that bash her on here as well. But I'd like to see ya'll get on here in your real names and speak from the heart as she and I have done.

All my love,

Brookie

 

[ChuckUFarly]

I just heard a rumor from a very valid , reputable source that the New "Gay" guy on the morning show is actually Budman of former Budman and Booger KSFM fame. I don't think the audience would be pleased to know they are being hoodwinked

Wait...Budmans GAY??? Hey yourmom guess what...The audience doesn't give 2 s's about who is doing what so long as they are entertained. Geez dude grow a sense of humor...BTW hows that overactive bladder? And to whomever said that "Hill Jordan got promoted...lol who the hell cares? It's market 6,000 Trust me, that outfit will find soon enough how full of crap that chick is. Maybe they'll be lucky enough to have her get liquored up at a station event and get arested trying to make love to a barstool...Maybe they should just let her do her show live from AA every week! Keep in mind she was promoted at the zone too until they wised up!

 

[Brooke Davis]

Wait...Budmans GAY??? Hey yourmom guess what...The audience doesn't give 2 s's about who is doing what so long as they are entertained. Geez dude grow a sense of humor...BTW hows that overactive bladder? And to whomever said that "Hill Jordan got promoted...lol who the hell cares? It's market 6,000 Trust me, that outfit will find soon enough how full of crap that chick is. Maybe they'll be lucky enough to have her get liquored up at a station event and get arested trying to make love to a barstool...Maybe they should just let her do her show live from AA every week! Keep in mind she was promoted at the zone too until they wised up!

LMFAO!!!!

 

[LatinoPride]

I am shocked by the lack of professionalism in the Sacramento market. I realize that nobody named me sheriff in here, but as a 30 year radio vet, and a consultant, I feel the need to offer this bit of advice once again:

Do not share your station business on a message board. I have never worked for a radio station that didn't have its talent sign a confidentiality agreement. If you are talking about things you've heard in meetings, the "true" feelings of the program director, etc, you run the risk of your words being used against you on your way out the door.

These rooms should be used for discussion about radio. What happens far too often is that people come here to defend themselves. It doesn't matter how many times somebody tells you that you or your station suck. If you use these boards as a way to make yourself feel better about your talent, then you are going down the wrong path. Fast!

Brooke, I have never heard you because I am out of the area, but if you are on the weekend. My guess is that you are a newbie to the business. If so, you shouldn't worry about or talk about ratings. This is not a knock on you, but outside of family and friends, very few people actually turn on a radio station to hear a personality in a music format. That's even more true for a weekend jock.

Again, that isn't a knock on you. Just look at your career and ask yourself "where do I want to be in a year"? Then simply focus on your goal and try to achieve it! In my experience, a PD who cares about the weekend numbers of a part time jock, on the weekend (and touts the success of the numbers), is a PD I wouldn't want to work for.

Keep up the good work. Bug your PD for air checks. When he seems to busy to air check you, stay in his face and make him understand that you're working for him to make his station sound incredible and that you want his help in doing so.

If you need a self esteem boost or help with brushing off mean spirited comments on a radio message board...go into therapy.

 

[yourmom]

First off SLO is Market 172..............down there none the less.

2nd.....I don't get the overactive bladder gag

and 3rd......maybe I am wrong. It seems that no one is on my side on this, and thats not the first time. Although I am curious, this whole topic sure has a lot of newcomers to this site. I wonder if a lot of zone employees are making sure they don't get spoken badly about.

So allow me to re-word my first statement if it pleases the court
...........When I grew up listening to radio I enjoyed hearing interesting stories about everyday life from the Morning Jocks....I enjoy non music mornings..........."had" I found out that my "Favorite DJ" was in fact lying about everything I heard I would stop listening. It's my opinion that good morning radio stems from a honest connection between Listeners and Jocks....................I might be old fashioned...............and if "Reynaldo's" listeners don't care.......then.....how did you put it? S on me.

 

[Radio Rey]

LP, thank you for your insight. Though your comments may not have been directed at me, per se. I wanted to point out that in my postings I'm very cautious on not divulging any inside information or making slanderous remarks. For me these boards are a way to learn about different markets, strategies, trends and tendencies in the industry. When RV posted his opinions on my performance, I took that as an opportunity to learn.
This post isn't intended to be perceived as defensive but rather to cover my backside ;D

 

[djj]

I am shocked by the lack of professionalism in the Sacramento market. I realize that nobody named me sheriff in here, but as a 30 year radio vet, and a consultant, I feel the need to offer this bit of advice once again:....
...Brooke, I have never heard you because I am out of the area, but if you are on the weekend. My guess is that you are a newbie to the business. If so, you shouldn't worry about or talk about ratings. This is not a knock on you, but outside of family and friends, very few people actually turn on a radio station to hear a personality in a music format. That's even more true for a weekend jock.

I am not necessarily defending Brooke here, but IMHO, that last paragraph is untrue, LP. People DO turn on a radio station to hear a personality in a music format. Witness Don Bleu on KIOI San Francisco, Steve Michaels on KCEZ Chico, several syndicated shows like The Rise Guys (albeit with less music), and (until a year ago) Paul and Phil on KGBY, plus some weekenders like Dick Bartley (syndicated)...

Yes, most personalities listed above are syndicated and/or "AM-drive," but if you've ever listened to these jocks/jockettes, they garner very good audience participation. So if that is not an example of people tuning into a station to hear a personality in a music format, I dunno what is...

With regards to that statement, I would assume you meant those under age 40 don't tune to a music station to hear a personality. That may hold true, but I listen to a few Sacto FM stations in my travels, and when I tune to Brooke on Da Zone, she seems to have good interaction with the callers. It's a nice way to start a Saturday schedule, if I may say, and there seem to be some 20- and 30-somethings listening and calling in. Perhaps that's an exception...

It's also worth remembering that personalities are not being created in quantity like they were 30 or 40 years ago, when on Top-40 and MOR radio, everyone was a personality at a station. Witness KNBR 68, with Frank And Mike starting the schedule chock-full of personalities like Ron Lyons and Carter B Smith; and KFRC 610, with Dr. Don Rose leading a great airstaff until 1986. Locally, look at KROY 1240, which still featured top-notch air talent on many time slots well into the '70s. The "bottom line mentality" - and some would say consultants - eroded such cultivation of air talent...and the listeners just, well, deal with the results: including jock-less airshifts and little, if any, personality...

Again, that isn't a knock on you. Just look at your career and ask yourself "where do I want to be in a year"?...

From my perspective, this statement is no longer valid for radio - and probably several other - careers, with the "bottom line mentality" having taken over...
Most cynics, especially experienced pros, will tell you that one should be grateful to make it through another year at the same place they're working. It's no fun having a Damacles Sword over one's head, especially a) these days, and b) in smaller markets where the advertising dollars aren't there...
And I used to think the printing and title insurance businesses would be "safe" for the long-term employee. Fuhgeddaboudit!...

If you need a self esteem boost or help with brushing off mean spirited comments on a radio message board...go into therapy.

If so, I wonder who'll be left to post messages on Radio-Info.com ;D
--jay

 

[LatinoPride]

Just to clarify...my comments were not directed at any one person.

Why would a "30 year vet" post on message boards? I have a passion for this industry. I know that only people in the radio industry (past or present) read these boards. Why not give out something to make people think? My way isn't the only way. I don't know it all. Take my advice or leave it.

 

[BusinessOfSurvival]

I have to agree with LatinoPride. Station employees should resist posting, especially the boastful weekend gal.

This board is similar to the taboids, and most BONAFIDE celebrities pay them no attention. You might follow their lead.

 

[ContactLenz]

BOS...

Tell that to Curt Schilling, Gilbert Arenas, and a bevy of music stars and even "bonafide" folks of fame who blog regularly and respond to bloggers and blogs.

Agree or not, this form of communication is not just relegated to losers, the bitter, and disenfranchised, though many of those types lurk, post, and add nothing to the forum or debate.

Having said that though, folks should be responsible for there opinions, to which we are all entitled to have our own view, but we are not entitled to our own facts, which often many ranting bloggers try to paint their opinions as such.

Folks should not disclose proprietary info of their station, but can, using intelligent language and analogies share info and insight for good discourse.

And like you, I feel many of these boards are like the "National Enquirer" of our business, but even with the Enquirer, there is often a grain of truth to be found...that is if you can shift through the 99% of hyperbole and BS in which it is surrounded.

With most everything in life, especially on these forums/boards, take the info with a grain of salt, not as gospel. Even the Gospel isn't taken as Gospel by all its believer's.

 

[djj]

...And like you, I feel many of these boards are like the "National Enquirer" of our business, but even with the Enquirer, there is often a grain of truth to be found...that is if you can shift through the 99% of hyperbole and BS in which it is surrounded...

True...remember the N.E.'s 1995 picture of O.J. Simpson's wearing the "ugly a**"
Bruno Magli shoes that he'd supposedly never worn...
;D

...With most everything in life, especially on these forums/boards, take the info with a grain of salt, not as gospel. Even the Gospel isn't taken as Gospel by all its believer's.

Could not have said it any better...

And I wonder what happened to ChuckUFarly's comment posted 6/11, which
prompted LP's response above on the same day...Chuck's comment "disappeariated"...
--jay

 

[yourmom]

I replied to farley's latest moronic remarks, and the next thing I know it was removed along with his...........without any notification. Big Brother strikes again. Usually after a while they move it to "Take it outside" this time they just deleted it. In my post I said Latino can give any advice he wants, and that CUF needs to pipe down

 

[rickradio]

And I wonder what happened to ChuckUFarly's comment posted 6/11, which prompted LP's response above on the same day...Chuck's comment "disappeariated"...
--jay

In all likelihood, it was expunged by the MBE, Jay.