Treat WXXI fairly in state budget

[TheBigA]

I'm not suggesting they do an actual high brow version of a local newscast with reporters, editors, etc. etc. I'm thinking more like one person doing the whole show,

I think it would take extremely dedicated viewers to sit through something like that. That's kind of like public access TV. There's a difference between putting something on TV and getting people to actually watch. If no one's watching, there's no point in going through the motions. That's why no one will do it. TV viewers have become very sophisticated in terms of what they'll sit down and watch at an appointed time. What you're talking about might be better for web casting. As for "(intelligent) viewers," good luck.

 

[SirRoxalot]

View from TheBigA

According to you, viewers are stupid, and there's no talent except for those few people syndicated nationally, and the only people who know what they're doing in broadcasting are the executives running major broadcasting companies. Broadcasting is a dying medium that anyway, so I guess it doesn't really matter.

The only question left is "Why do you bother posting here?" You must be a paid blogger. Who else would have the time?

 

[TheBigA]

According to you, viewers are stupid, and there's no talent except for those few people syndicated nationally,

Not true. That's a vast over-simplification of what I think. If you just read the posts I made today, I clearly say there IS local talent, but they're often not willing to work for the going rate. As for viewers, take a look at the most popular TV shows, and tell me how many serious news or public affairs shows do you see on this list.

The only question left is "Why do you bother posting here?" You must be a paid blogger. Who else would have the time?

A quick look at our posting statistics show that you've exceeded me by a rate of 4 posts to 1. And you ALWAYS insist on responding to my posts, whether they're directed at you or not. You've even sought out my posts in other groups. So how much do YOU get paid?

I post here in this specific group because there are often issues beyond local topics that I'm interested in. I post on this board because I'm an American who has a point of view, and message boards are a means of personal expression. In other words, for the exact same reason YOU post.

If you don't like what I say, you can just ignore me. I have no problem with that. In the meantime, your post was completely off topic and deserves to be removed.

 

[SirRoxalot]

As usual, you have a little problem with statistics. Yes, I have more posts, but I've been a member much longer than you have. Check the stats, and you'll find that you outpost me 2-1 since you've been a member.

As for local talent not being willing to work at the "going rate", you've posted in the past that the "going rate" should be VOLUNTEER wages - i.e. NOTHING.

As far as the popularity of news and public affairs shows is concerned, 60 Minutes is a Top 10 show. The CSI franchise is not exactly targeted at the lowest common denominator, yet all three shows make the Top 20. Ditto NCIS and Criminal Minds. The public broadcasting audience is more likely to seek issues based programming than most others.

Good programming will find an audience if given the chance.

 

[TheBigA]

As for local talent not being willing to work at the "going rate", you've posted in the past that the "going rate" should be VOLUNTEER wages - i.e. NOTHING.

I think I said that with regards to LPFM. But I believe in volunteerism for broadcasting. And involvement by the community in radio rather than paid professionals. That's why I support public broadcasting with both my time and money.

As far as the popularity of news and public affairs shows is concerned, 60 Minutes is a Top 10 show.

Uh huh, once again you chose the exception rather than the rule. The rest of the list includes such serious journalism as American Idol, Ugly Betty, My Name is Earl, and Survivor. And even 60 Minutes has done its share of mindless exploitation, interviewing celebrities and athletes to boost ratings. This is NOT a local guy sitting in a dark studio reading script and taking calls. This is a national network show with a huge budget.

The public broadcasting audience is more likely to seek issues based programming than most others.

Good programming will find an audience if given the chance.

That depends. When stations are fundraising, they dump all the regular stuff, and bring in Doo-wop specials and more popular fare. That should tell you something.

The point of broadcasting isn't to "find an audience." A cow farting will find an audience of the other animals nearby, regardless of the offense. But to attract an audience large enough to pay the bills is the point. Thus, the emphasis on more popular programming during pledge time.

As I pointed out, the Rochester area is home to a wide range of music and culture. Also home to a lot of industry. Those elements should lead to the creation of some programming that WXXI could either syndicate to other stations, or offer to the PBS system as a whole. At least submit a few proposals to the Nat'l Endowment for the Arts or Humanities. Even I've done that a few times.

 

[heydaybegone]

This is fun, can I take the ride again It's been a long time since i've seen any of those shows on the radio ???

 

[fybush]

As I pointed out, the Rochester area is home to a wide range of music and culture. Also home to a lot of industry. Those elements should lead to the creation of some programming that WXXI could either syndicate to other stations, or offer to the PBS system as a whole. At least submit a few proposals to the Nat'l Endowment for the Arts or Humanities. Even I've done that a few times.

And indeed, my colleagues at WXXI have done - and continue to do - just that. Current national productions coming from State Street include Second Opinion and the Rochester International Jazz Festival, as well as Assignment: The World, now in its 51st year of continuous educational service to the nation's middle schoolers. There's also the performance series "On Stage," which is distributed regionally, and the daily "Homework Hotline" that's seen on PBS stations all over New York state.

It would be nice to think that all that production could come out of a thinly-staffed warehouse somewhere, but it takes studios and people and equipment and money. Yes, there's a lot at State Street by way of production facilities, but at least in my experience, it's all being used on a very, very regular basis. (Or if it's not, then maybe someone can explain why I can never seem to find an open studio when it comes time to do "Mixed Media" every week?)

Usual disclaimer - I speak for myself and not for WXXI; furthermore, I have nothing to do with any of the productions mentioned above except for having pinch-hit once as host of "Assignment: The World," and having appeared on that show once at the age of 11 or so.

 

[aaronread]

I'm not suggesting they do an actual high brow version of a local newscast with reporters, editors, etc. etc. I'm thinking more like one person doing the whole show,

This harkens back to a somewhat-spirited discussion I had with Dan Kennedy on his "Media Nation" blog back in December. His contention was, as I understand it, that a local radio call-in talk show could be done "on the cheap" with perhaps a host and a producer and nobody else. If kept in a proper scope, such a show could be done and done well enough to reap the benefits of a local show where people could call in and talk/chat/vent about whatever was going on that day. The obvious parallel Dan was making is that commercial talk radio (specifically on WBZ) does this all the time. Granted, a lot of those shows are terrible, but some are pretty good...even if they're political shows that espouse views that he (and no doubt myself) don't agree with.

Now, this was about the great bloodbath at NPR back in December that meant Day 2 Day and News & Notes were canceled, and that meant an hour-long "hole" in the mid-afternoon schedule at WBUR. My contention was that WBUR would not and could not do such a "low-budget/ultra-local" show because then it'd sound just like WBZ...something WBUR rather goes out of its way to avoid.

But I also cited other reasons. First of all, the obvious: commercial radio usually needs only 25 to 35 minutes of actual content per hour; the rest is commercials, promos and other fluff. Public radio, if it follows the standard NPR clock, never needs less than 51 minutes of actual content. That's a major difference. Second, most one-man-shows on commercial talk radio can, and often do, rely heavily on the host's own personality and monologues to fill the time if the guest or the callers are weak. Public radio audiences usually won't tolerate that.

Granted, I'm talking about public RADIO, and this thread is about public TELEVISION. I think a lot of it is pretty transferable, though...except that TV is even more expensive because there's just more people involved, and thus more salaries. You need someone to be host, someone to direct/run the mixer, someone to man the camera, and someone for makeup. And to be blunt, I would posit such a show would not be of terribly high quality; nobody to screen calls? Nobody to report/write news? Nobody to find/book guests? I mean, you could sit in a bathrobe in front of a webcam and read the newspaper and that's technically a "one man news show" but I doubt it'd have any viewers.

 

[Element9]

Most of us gravitate to talk radio to be informed and entertained, sometimes insulted and outraged. NPR and its member stations in Buffalo, WNED-AM and WBFO do more of the former. WGR and WBEN do more of the latter. WECK is still in its formative stages and like its sister station in Lockport, presents itself as a hometown, over-the-backyard-fence talk station, with the exception of Dennis Miller, who I find eminently too hip for the room, and Neal Bortz who, talented as he is, sounds better south of the Mason-Dixon line.

If somebody actually believes talk radio can be done by a one-man-show, it's likely the result will be one-man-show ratings. WBZ Boston is a better station than has been described in parts of this thread. It's doubtful their talk show hosts are wingin' it through the day, especially competing with uber conservative WRKO.

NPR stations, like their commercial counterparts, are getting a dose of the real world economy, not that they haven't tasted it in previous years. But this economy is like no other, generating daily upheaval and ripples of fear. NPR affiliates have held their own thus far, but it's likely they will face serious declines in listener-membership drives this year. We can only hope not. Given the choice of being insulted by commercial talk radio stations or informed by NPR affililiates, I'd choose the latter.

 

[SirRoxalot]

More Programming Ideas

I find it odd that public radio has largely ignored local colleges and universities as a programming resource. In Buffalo, Kevin Hardwick gets a fair amount of ink for his weekly show on WBEN that invites local newsmakers in to discuss local issues. The result is often a spirited debate. I find it hard to believe that there aren't other professors with connections to interesting guests, not to mention their own points of view that listeners might find interesting. Seems to me that it would be a win-win for any public station and the colleges in question.

 

[TheBigA]

Re: More Programming Ideas

I find it odd that public radio has largely ignored local colleges and universities as a programming resource.

Wow...I don't know if I can agree with that generalization. That may be true in Buffalo, but not most other places.

I think a lot of it depends on the relationship that exists between the radio station and the area institutions. I was at a community licensee that was located near five major universities, and we utilized many of the facilities and experts available for our regular radio shows. They were unique institutions, and helped make our presentation unique and credible.

I can't be specific, but I recall some incredible connections between public radio stations and universities around the country, from WHA in Madison WI, WGUC at the University of Cincinnati, and WOSU at The Ohio State University.

I know that when I was at NPR, I often called on the radio stations located at major universities around the country for assistance in getting experts on subjects for our national radio shows. Some of those experts even went on to become regulars at NPR, as hosts and commentators.

 

[The Voice of Reason]

Getting back to the original subject, the state of New York is not about to use any federal stimulus monies to shore up the budgets for public broadcasters. Therefore you can expect to see cuts in personnel and programs by mid summer when most stations begin their fiscal year.
This isn't the first time these stations have had to trim their work force. If you remember back in the early 1990s when Mario Cuomo cut funding to public broadcasting, a number of layoffs occurred. Eventually, as the economy improved, some stations were able to bring their employment levels back to where they were. At a few stations however instead of hiring talent, the emphasis was placed on hiring middle management. That's where the problem exists today at WXXI. Too many chiefs, and not enough Indians. Even one of the most die-harded supporters I know believes that WXXI is waist deep in management.
Silverstein and company can beg and cajole all they want, they will not see state funding return to the level of last year. They can have every member of their Board of Directors on TV begging for money, but it will fall on deaf ears in Albany. Even having the local state delegation on 1370 Connection won't help. The station, like many businesses and educational institutions, will have to come to realize that the well has run dry and there is no money tree.

 

[TheBigA]

At a few stations however instead of hiring talent, the emphasis was placed on hiring middle management. That's where the problem exists today at WXXI. Too many chiefs, and not enough Indians. Even one of the most die-harded supporters I know believes that WXXI is waist deep in management.

That's a common approach at public and government entities. Talent can be hired on a contract basis, and charge it to the budget of a specific project. During the Reagan administration, the government cut back on the number of federal employees, but made up for the work with outside contractors. That way they didn't have to pay benefits, and the contract was tied to the specific budgeted project. However, such an arrangement requires project managers to track the budgeting and progress on the project.

I expect commercial broadcasters (and many other for-profit businesses) will begin to use this approach as we begin to recover from this current crisis. That way, companies aren't stuck with huge pension obligations, and long-term employees who are difficult to fire.

 

[SirRoxalot]

Re: More Programming Ideas

I find it odd that public radio has largely ignored local colleges and universities as a programming resource.

Wow...I don't know if I can agree with that generalization. That may be true in Buffalo, but not most other places.

Well, since this is the BUFFALO/NIAGARA FALLS/ROCHESTER board, the fact that it "may be true in Buffalo" might seem pertinent, huh? We have a wealth of local colleges and universities, yet it appears that public broadcasting underutilizes the talent found in those institutions, either in the form of expert commentators or hosts. WBFO does utilize some of its "local talent", but I believe that more could be done in that area to create compelling programming and promote meaningful discussion of the problems faced by the Niagara Frontier.

 

[TheBigA]

Re: More Programming Ideas

I find it odd that public radio has largely ignored local colleges and universities as a programming resource.

If you re-read your statement, as quoted above, it wasn't specific to Buffalo.

 

[SirRoxalot]

Re: More Programming Ideas

I find it odd that public radio has largely ignored local colleges and universities as a programming resource.

If you re-read your statement, as quoted above, it wasn't specific to Buffalo.

But it IS on the Buffalo/Niagara Falls/Rochester Board, which NORMALLY deals with LOCAL issues, n'est ce pas? If it was a GENERAL comment, it would be on the Public Radio/Non-Commercial or Coast-to-Coast boards, where your GENERAL observations might be more appropriate. That's why I post GENERAL observations on GENERAL boards, and LOCAL observations on LOCAL boards.

 

[Philip_Airtime]

Thanks, Rox, for acknowledging that WBFO does tap University at Buffalo professors (as well as faculty from other colleges) as experts on local issues. WNED-AM does so as well. But to expand the role of professors into hosting requires that they be good broadcasters. And there's the rub! WBFO has had a few professors doing shows through the years. One, the late Bob Rossberg, was so good that he was able to nationally distribute his weekly show on music from the swing era. But other shows hosted by professors, quite frankly, weren't very good, despite their good intentions! Like Dr. Rossberg, Kevin Hardwick is a rare talent -- a college professor who is also a good radio broadcaster. (Hmmm! Dr. Rossberg's "Sound of Swing" used to air from 10-12noon on Sundays!) I don't know Kevin personally. I've interviewed him on the phone a couple of times. But when you hear the quality of his show, one can only conclude that he puts in hours of time preparing for it and scheduling guests. It's appointment listening for anyone interested in local politics. Kudos to WBEN for finding a place for him. Could the two public stations identify professors who could perform at that level? I would be foolish to say no. But there are so many other considerations, from deciding which program to take off to put a new one on to finding the financial resources in a tough economy to make sure the show sounds as good as it can. So, I think we're in agreement on the concept. It's just that its implementation, at least in my opinion, is the challenge.

 

[Bob1370]

"This harkens back to a somewhat-spirited discussion I had with Dan Kennedy on his "Media Nation" blog back in December. His contention was, as I understand it, that a local radio call-in talk show could be done "on the cheap" with perhaps a host and a producer and nobody else. If kept in a proper scope, such a show could be done and done well enough to reap the benefits of a local show where people could call in and talk/chat/vent about whatever was going on that day."

We've been doing just that, every weekday, two hours a day, for 21 years now. So, yes, it can be done, and hopefully we're doing our share of contribution to public knowledge and public dialogue. And yes, in answer to another observation by Sir RoxAlot, the local and regional colleges and universities of western and central New York have proven to be a very rich resource of expertise in the manner of guests to help explain the issues we discuss every day.

 

[listener-in]

Interestingly enough, the TV critic of the Globe and Mail has an article today suggesting that the CBC bigwigs follow the example of RTE in Ireland. In response to a revenue shortfall, "...there would be pay cuts, with the higher paid, higher-profile staff taking a larger percentage cut. In fact, most of the top names and personalities on RTE radio and TV, and RTE executives, have already agreed to take a 10-per-cent pay cut for this year."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090309.ADOYLE09/TPStory/Entertainment/columnists

Public radio & TV stations should do likewise, with NPR and PBS following suit and passing part of the savings on to the member stations in the form of reduced charges for their programs. I guarantee, from witnessing one layoff after another in a business (not in the broadcasting sector) where layoffs were the first rather than the last resort, that product quality and employee morale are harmed more by laying off and pushing ever-more work onto fewer shoulders than by more equitable ways of sharing the pain.

If RTE's example were followed publicly enough for listeners and viewers to be aware of it, they might be little more willing to make or raise contributions at fund-raising time.

I eagerly await an announcement from State Street.

 

[The Voice of Reason]

Interestingly enough, the TV critic of the Globe and Mail has an article today suggesting that the CBC bigwigs follow the example of RTE in Ireland. In response to a revenue shortfall, "...there would be pay cuts, with the higher paid, higher-profile staff taking a larger percentage cut. In fact, most of the top names and personalities on RTE radio and TV, and RTE executives, have already agreed to take a 10-per-cent pay cut for this year."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090309.ADOYLE09/TPStory/Entertainment/columnists

Public radio & TV stations should do likewise, with NPR and PBS following suit and passing part of the savings on to the member stations in the form of reduced charges for their programs. I guarantee, from witnessing one layoff after another in a business (not in the broadcasting sector) where layoffs were the first rather than the last resort, that product quality and employee morale are harmed more by laying off and pushing ever-more work onto fewer shoulders than by more equitable ways of sharing the pain.

If RTE's example were followed publicly enough for listeners and viewers to be aware of it, they might be little more willing to make or raise contributions at fund-raising time.

I eagerly await an announcement from State Street.

Unfortunately you will be waiting a very long time if you hope to see the top brass from State Street take a pay cut. I base this on information someone told me that a few years ago, when it was announced that no pay raises would be given out, this person later discovered that not only did management get a huge pay raise, but also a bonus. That right there proves they're only interested in their own financial gains.
What I also find interesting is the tactic WXXI is using, similar to school districts when its time to pass bloated budgets. "Its for the kids"; in this case referring to educational programming like Homework Hotline. As I understand Homework Hotline is funded in part by donations from the teacher's union. How come the RTA doesn't chip in a few more bucks to keep this program running? The layoffs and programs cuts are coming! Paterson and the state isn't about to hand over 1.7 million dollars to WXXI while cutting funding for more vital services and raising taxes. And the management at the station isn't about to take a pay cut. As one employee told me "some good hard working people will be let go while the untouchables stay put."