> Something is really wrong with this picture. When you look
> at WMT-AM's history, and how stations like WHO, WCCO and WGN
> are faring in their respective markets, you gotta really
> realize something has gone badly wrong.
>
Yes, but I'm not sure it was recently. Up until Palmer bought WMT, the station was always about 20 years behind the times. They may have had strong 12+ numbers, but they always lagged considerably behind WHO 25-54. Their oldest listeners have passed on... and many of the older listeners have turned to KMRY. (The music on the Westwood One format KMRY is now running is quite similiar to what WMT was playing in the 70s and 80s.)
In a lot of markets, people who grew up on Top 40 started listening to news/talk stations once they hit their 40s. That's why WHO has always had pretty strong 25-54 numbers. But in CR a lot of them didn't because WMT was still catering to the old fogey audience, farmers, etc. For years, Jerry Carr's show was aimed right at the World War II generation, long after they were into the 55+ and 65+ demos.
> Also, you gotta notice that KXEL AM is remarkably strong in
> CR.
>
And this is also hurting WMT's numbers. Since I haven't seen the book I can only guess it's largely people bailing out of WMT at 11 to listen to Rush followed by Hannity.
> Not sure I would agree that KZIA is exactly headed for the
> toilet.
Exactly the same number they had in the previous book.
>