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Trouble at KYW traffic

makemeamatch said:
Perusing the web tonight I found an article about union problems at KYW traffic. Being in a union myself, it sounds like some unreasonable stuff going on which is why we need unions in this country. Here's the article:
http://phillymediawatch.blogspot.com/2009/03/rough-going-at-metroshadow-traffic.html
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Unfortunately, people are redundant at Shadow/Metro. KYW could rip-and-read the same information, which can be gathered by cameras, sensors, and other outlets covering the same information. I think we can live without the feel of 'ancillary service' and roll it up into news. Traffic.com is in the process of or has implemented traffic information services distributed to mobile devices. And they were looking for TV people a little while ago.
 
Traffic cameras on the internet and TV don't help me when I am stuck on the highway, flipping through stations to hear a traffic report.
 
Nick said:
Traffic cameras on the internet and TV don't help me when I am stuck on the highway, flipping through stations to hear a traffic report.
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And a disembodied voice does? Even if they suggest an alternate route, how are you going to get to it if you're stuck? You'll either A) exit at the next possible, or B) find out what was causing the delay when you get to that point.

A mobile device with real-time information-via wi-max or mobile handheld- is more helpful ahead of time.
 
When driving around New York City, trying to cross the Hudson, I listen to the traffic reports well in advance. "40 at the Lincoln, 15 at the Holland, 60 at the GWB" is really helpful, and I save a ton of time taking the Holland tunnel, or going up to the Tappan Zee bridge. Same thing helps for the Philly area. If they announce an accident on 295, I can jump over to the Turnpike and avoid getting stuck.
And if I do get stuck, I get restless. I want to hear how long I will be stuck for, as well as why I'm stuck, and also which lanes are closed so I can switch out of that lane if I'm in it. If I am stuck in traffic in NJ, I tune in to 101.5 and listen to whatever is on (and sometimes like it to listen to 101.5 even after I get moving again)
 
Radio traffic reports have become passe with all the new technology out there that not only tells you in real time what the traffic problems are, but suggestions for alternate routes. Why wait to hear traffic on the 2's, 1's or 8's, when you can find out the information in real time? Old media simply doesn't understand that we live by our own schedules in today's world, not when they tell us to. I am sympathetic to people keeping their jobs in our current economic landscape, and I certainly have no great feelings towards Westwood One, a poorly run company who just axed a distant relative of mine after 22-years from a VP position, but like toll takers on the highways, having people announce traffic reports will one day soon become extinct. Now we have various add-on devices that provide real-time traffic, but soon enough they'll be built in to each car and that will take care of providing the information.
 
When real time traffic is ubiquitous in cars, that means that Internet access will also be ubiquitous in cars. Therefore, drivers will be listening to Internet radio.

But today, almost every commuter from NJ to Manhattan listens to WCBS or WINS to decide which tunnel to take.
 
I understand why Sam Clover's inability to say "KYW" may be a pet peeve to some people, but the guy does a good job giving the traffic info, and that's really what's important. I don't care if he can't say the station calls, as long as he tells me where to avoid. IMO, he does a good job at that.
 
Nick said:
When real time traffic is ubiquitous in cars, that means that Internet access will also be ubiquitous in cars. Therefore, drivers will be listening to Internet radio.

But today, almost every commuter from NJ to Manhattan listens to WCBS or WINS to decide which tunnel to take.
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Doesn't Clear Channel send traffic data to subscribing navigation systems using its FM signals? No internet necessary.
 
650AM said:
Yes, I know there is trouble there, Sam Clover still cannot say KAY-WHY-DOUBLE-YOU...just "K-B."
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While we're on the subject of elocution pet peeves of CBS Radio/Philadelphia personnel: Can anyone explain why WPHT's Cheryl Anne Kennedy always puts one HELL of an emphasis on her middle name?
 
I find most traffic reports to overestimate delays. A 5 mile backup is really a 4 mile backup. 30 inbound at the Lincoln is really 20. Heavy traffic on the Turnpike is moving at 50 mph, not 20 mph.
When you get stuck in traffic outside rush hour, what station do you turn to?
 
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