WAYV did not can their entire staff. Apparently, just the part time jocks on the Big 80s weekends. Ironically, when things are going well, there is no doubt that management takes credit for the ratings. One bad book; however, and it's time to point fingers and make changes! It's very sad in this day and age that radio has become so cut throat and impersonal.
Local radio, especially niche shows like the Big 80s weekend, NEED personality. Shows like this depend on the local, "personal" touch, shoutouts to the community, interactive contests, etc... WAYV did it so well. Now that they are another variation of the ipod, why listen? I would venture to say that the ratings will drop further as just an 80s jukebox.
I've been a loyal listener since '04 and know that many of the callers and listeners will miss the unique feel of this program. It was like the old days of radio when local listeners could call in, hear their requests and maybe even hear their name on the radio.
Why does radio need to be so structured that personality is no longer part of the experience. It's not just WAYV, but the industry in general that is taking this approach. I think local owners are missing the mark. Local radio is not satellite. Why in the world would you take a positive edge that you have over other forms of radio and and scrap it?
DJs Don O'Brien and Brett D did a fine job for many years and there is no reason why they are gone. They have simply become the most recent statistics of impulsive management by crisis. Instead of immediately letting the jocks go, why not look at other possible reasons for a drop in ratings? Perhaps LONG, 5-10 minute clusters of commercials? Could greed on the part of owners possibly have something to do with station hopping and ultimately ratings??? Perhaps a playlist that is too narrow? There are so many GREAT 80s songs. How many Madonna songs can you stomach in one day? If you want to mix 80s dance into the format, there is so much music beyond Madonna. Just check the billboard dance and R&B charts. Again, these are factors beyond the jocks control. They were simply the messengers, and very good messengers at that! I'm very sorry to see them go as they were simply scapegoats for issues that likely lie with management. Unfortunately, management will never look in the mirror. The guys making decisions at the top often do so without the benefit of input from others. Once you get to a certain level in management, it may be hard to remember where you came from or worse yet, consider that you are part of the problem.
Dropping the ax when ratings go down is not the answer. Saving a few dollars an hour going to automation is penny wise and pound foolish. I would venture to say that ego had more to do with management decisions than common business sense. There is no doubt in my mind that another smart PD will scoop these guys up and continue with the live, Big 80s tradition in Atlantic County. If it were my call at a competing station, I would have sealed the deal and would have had Don O and Brett D on the air and out doing live remotes under new call letters this past weekend!
