WBLF Hits Front Page!

[mountaineer]

Did y'all see the article in today's Centre Daily Times? Can't buy that kind of promotion--front page with pics! Safe to say that the news-hounds in the rag business get off on news-talk radio, huh? Interesting lineup with the locals in the morning... conservative Rush... and progressive Thom Hartmann. Looks like they're shooting for a balanced menu. Will it work? Can the right and left co-exist at one spot on the dial?

 

[shilton]

> Did y'all see the article in today's Centre Daily Times?
> Can't buy that kind of promotion--front page with pics! Safe
> to say that the news-hounds in the rag business get off on
> news-talk radio, huh? Interesting lineup with the locals in
> the morning... conservative Rush... and progressive Thom
> Hartmann. Looks like they're shooting for a balanced menu.
> Will it work? Can the right and left co-exist at one spot on
> the dial?
>
It could work now. Depends on how the wind blows. At the moment, our President is not so much in favor, so people may tune in to hear the opposite side of the fence.

Look at Hannity and Colmes on Fox News...its a great balance of both views. May be just what we need to get the rest of the County listening since not everyone is as conservative as some of us are.

I still think ultimately someone will have to sink however. The pool just ain't big enough for 3 Talk Based Outlets even if one is more Sports-Aimed. Don't discount Rush's abilities. When MAJ had him on years ago, he commanded some good response...plus advertisers LOVE to buy his program. At one time, WMAJ had nearly ever car dealer in town on because of Rush.

This could get interesting.
Hitman

 

[killawatt]

Congratulations to cub reporter, Adam, for getting a front page story. It’s too bad broadcasters aren’t as interested in the print media and don’t do feature pieces on the CDT’s numerous changes in its top staff and its turn-over rate. True investigative reporting, forget about Ray Gricar – this is Pulitzer Prize winning stuff.

> Did y'all see the article in today's Centre Daily Times?
> Can't buy that kind of promotion--front page with pics! Safe
> to say that the news-hounds in the rag business get off on
> news-talk radio, huh? Interesting lineup with the locals in
> the morning... conservative Rush... and progressive Thom
> Hartmann. Looks like they're shooting for a balanced menu.
> Will it work? Can the right and left co-exist at one spot on
> the dial?
>

 

[Newbie]

Don't discount Rush's
> abilities. When MAJ had him on years ago, he commanded some
> good response...plus advertisers LOVE to buy his program.
> At one time, WMAJ had nearly ever car dealer in town on
> because of Rush.

And that's the bottom line. No one gives a damn about any kind of quality radio whether it's good local features or great syndicated talking heads, it's MONEY everyone cares about. And that all depends on whether or not you can sell it. And unfortunately, Rush can only be divided among so many in a small market.

A few people will tune in here and there because they can't tune in the other stations for a while and then after hearing what I think they'll hear, they'll go back to NPR, WRSC and WMAJ. Those who live on the other side of Seven Mountains will stay with WIEZ.

In summary...who cares?

 

[Spackler]

> Don't discount Rush's
> > abilities. When MAJ had him on years ago, he commanded
> some
> > good response...plus advertisers LOVE to buy his program.
>
> > At one time, WMAJ had nearly ever car dealer in town on
> > because of Rush.
>
> And that's the bottom line. No one gives a damn about any
> kind of quality radio whether it's good local features or
> great syndicated talking heads, it's MONEY everyone cares
> about. And that all depends on whether or not you can sell
> it. And unfortunately, Rush can only be divided among so
> many in a small market.
>
> A few people will tune in here and there because they can't
> tune in the other stations for a while and then after
> hearing what I think they'll hear, they'll go back to NPR,
> WRSC and WMAJ. Those who live on the other side of Seven
> Mountains will stay with WIEZ.
>
> In summary...who cares?
>


Too often, quality radio = low ratings = no sales = format change.
I've noticed over the years that stations that people most often describe as high quality are often really narrowly targeted, niche, whatever you want to call it. I think the reason the satellite radio customers really love the product is that they can get a narrowly targeted "station" that plays just the stuff they love. If you put most of those stations on the dial, they'd have a rabid fan base but a small overall audience in any individual market, at least as measured by Arbitron.

What does this have to do with anything? Beats me.

 

[shilton]

>
> And that's the bottom line. No one gives a damn about any
> kind of quality radio whether it's good local features or
> great syndicated talking heads, it's MONEY everyone cares
> about. And that all depends on whether or not you can sell
> it. And unfortunately, Rush can only be divided among so
> many in a small market.
>
Well, it IS advertisers who keep radio stations on the air, so yes it is very important to have a product that appeals to them as well.

Heck, when WGMR had Bob and Tom, the show had one heck of a following, but advertisers would not touch it with a ten foot pole, plus once the station made its move totally to CHR, the show did not fit any longer but it was destined to be dropped long before that.

Once you have a product you cannot sell, you are doomed to go bankrupt, sell out or swap formats...whatever you gotta do to make it fly.

And who said Rush is NOT quality radio. Rush has been around an eternity and is certainly one of the best known names in broadcasting (especially Talk Radio) whether you like him or not. The guy's a goldmine. The only thing that'd be better is if they could follow up Rush with O'Reilly, but WRSC's got him for the time being anyway.

I still insist this will be interesting to watch if the station sells itself to the public and to the advertisers well.

One local morning show and NO Newsteam to speak of, sure won't keep WRSC afloat forever if BLF goes into the game with a local oriented newsteam, some solid programming and strong sales.

But that is just my personal opinion. I could be very wrong also.
Hitman

 

[listner2]

> > Don't discount Rush's
> > > abilities. When MAJ had him on years ago, he commanded
> > some
> > > good response...plus advertisers LOVE to buy his
> program.
> >
> > > At one time, WMAJ had nearly ever car dealer in town on
> > > because of Rush.
> >
> > And that's the bottom line. No one gives a damn about any
>
> > kind of quality radio whether it's good local features or
> > great syndicated talking heads, it's MONEY everyone cares
> > about. And that all depends on whether or not you can
> sell
> > it. And unfortunately, Rush can only be divided among so
> > many in a small market.
> >
> > A few people will tune in here and there because they
> can't


> > tune in the other stations for a while and then after
> > hearing what I think they'll hear, they'll go back to NPR,
>
> > WRSC and WMAJ. Those who live on the other side of Seven
> > Mountains will stay with WIEZ.
> >
> > In summary...who cares?
> >
>
>
> Too often, quality radio = low ratings = no sales = format
> change.
> I've noticed over the years that stations that people most
> often describe as high quality are often really narrowly
> targeted, niche, whatever you want to call it. I think the
> reason the satellite radio customers really love the product
> is that they can get a narrowly targeted "station" that
> plays just the stuff they love. If you put most of those
> stations on the dial, they'd have a rabid fan base but a
> small overall audience in any individual market, at least as
> measured by Arbitron.
>
> What does this have to do with anything? Beats me.
>
Right-O! Remember what market we are in. This market is so spoiled. Just because there isn't much local talk, dosent mean this market is a "wasteland". Try going to Johnstown, Williamsport, Altoona. You will not hear the quality and quanity of radio we have in this market in those markets. Credit for that goes to the programmers in this market giving a damn. When you go outside this market, you will not hear the quality of radio we have in Centre county until you get to a major market. Those of you who disagree don't get out much.

 

[asmeltz]

Here's some extra material that didn't get into the story:
http://blogs.centredaily.com/centresquawker/2005/09/in_a_crowded_ma.html

> > > Don't discount Rush's
> > > > abilities. When MAJ had him on years ago, he
> commanded
> > > some
> > > > good response...plus advertisers LOVE to buy his
> > program.
> > >
> > > > At one time, WMAJ had nearly ever car dealer in town
> on
> > > > because of Rush.
> > >
> > > And that's the bottom line. No one gives a damn about
> any
> >
> > > kind of quality radio whether it's good local features
> or
> > > great syndicated talking heads, it's MONEY everyone
> cares
> > > about. And that all depends on whether or not you can
> > sell
> > > it. And unfortunately, Rush can only be divided among
> so
> > > many in a small market.
> > >
> > > A few people will tune in here and there because they
> > can't
>
>
> > > tune in the other stations for a while and then after
> > > hearing what I think they'll hear, they'll go back to
> NPR,
> >
> > > WRSC and WMAJ. Those who live on the other side of
> Seven
> > > Mountains will stay with WIEZ.
> > >
> > > In summary...who cares?
> > >
> >
> >
> > Too often, quality radio = low ratings = no sales =
> format
> > change.
> > I've noticed over the years that stations that people most
>
> > often describe as high quality are often really narrowly
> > targeted, niche, whatever you want to call it. I think the
>
> > reason the satellite radio customers really love the
> product
> > is that they can get a narrowly targeted "station" that
> > plays just the stuff they love. If you put most of those
> > stations on the dial, they'd have a rabid fan base but a
> > small overall audience in any individual market, at least
> as
> > measured by Arbitron.
> >
> > What does this have to do with anything? Beats me.
> >
> Right-O! Remember what market we are in. This market is so
> spoiled. Just because there isn't much local talk, dosent
> mean this market is a "wasteland". Try going to Johnstown,
> Williamsport, Altoona. You will not hear the quality and
> quanity of radio we have in this market in those markets.
> Credit for that goes to the programmers in this market
> giving a damn. When you go outside this market, you will not
> hear the quality of radio we have in Centre county until you
> get to a major market. Those of you who disagree don't get
> out much.
>

 

[keystonejock]

WBLF Predictions

WBLF's night signal is only 70 watts. You have stronger lightbulbs in your living room lamps. During the winter, Byers & Tor won't be able to hear themselves on South Atherton Street til morning drive is half over; reverse it for the local sports show in PM Drive. It's a huge competitive disadvantage: they've gotta be able to hear you before they can listen to you.

Some Rush fans will drift up the dial from 670, though in some parts of Centre County WIEZ has the stronger signal (with 5,000 watts on 670, that signal goes from New York to Maryland). Some RSC fans will shift, too, but many will stay where they are--the ones who really love Rush already left. As a result, Rush may have little impact.

The one hit they may have on their hands is the liberal talk show at 3 PM with Thom Hartmann. He's been one of liberal radio's breakout stars. And there's nothing like it in this market. Bet your buddies that Hartmann whips Rush by big margins, and you'll walk away with the cash.

 

[jff110]

Re: WBLF Predictions

There is a reason there is no liberal talk on the air here. There aren't many liberals here. Given that, and the fact that Hartmann will be going head-to-head with All Things Considered, I wouldn't expect much from him in terms of ratings.

I hope WBLF kicks ass. I like what they're trying to do. But, as you say, the signal will be a huge handicap.

> WBLF's night signal is only 70 watts. You have stronger
> lightbulbs in your living room lamps. During the winter,
> Byers & Tor won't be able to hear themselves on South
> Atherton Street til morning drive is half over; reverse it
> for the local sports show in PM Drive. It's a huge
> competitive disadvantage: they've gotta be able to hear you
> before they can listen to you.
>
> Some Rush fans will drift up the dial from 670, though in
> some parts of Centre County WIEZ has the stronger signal
> (with 5,000 watts on 670, that signal goes from New York to
> Maryland). Some RSC fans will shift, too, but many will stay
> where they are--the ones who really love Rush already left.
> As a result, Rush may have little impact.
>
> The one hit they may have on their hands is the liberal talk
> show at 3 PM with Thom Hartmann. He's been one of liberal
> radio's breakout stars. And there's nothing like it in this
> market. Bet your buddies that Hartmann whips Rush by big
> margins, and you'll walk away with the cash.
>

 

[Newbie]

> And who said Rush is NOT quality radio.

No one as far as I can tell...

 

[inthemorining]

> > > Don't discount Rush's
> > > > abilities. When MAJ had him on years ago, he
> commanded
> > > some
> > > > good response...plus advertisers LOVE to buy his
> > program.
> > >
> > > > At one time, WMAJ had nearly ever car dealer in town
> on
> > > > because of Rush.
> > >
> > > And that's the bottom line. No one gives a damn about
> any
> >
> > > kind of quality radio whether it's good local features
> or
> > > great syndicated talking heads, it's MONEY everyone
> cares
> > > about. And that all depends on whether or not you can
> > sell
> > > it. And unfortunately, Rush can only be divided among
> so
> > > many in a small market.
> > >
> > > A few people will tune in here and there because they
> > can't
>
>
> > > tune in the other stations for a while and then after
> > > hearing what I think they'll hear, they'll go back to
> NPR,
> >
> > > WRSC and WMAJ. Those who live on the other side of
> Seven
> > > Mountains will stay with WIEZ.
> > >
> > > In summary...who cares?
> > >
> >
> >
> > Too often, quality radio = low ratings = no sales =
> format
> > change.
> > I've noticed over the years that stations that people most
>
> > often describe as high quality are often really narrowly
> > targeted, niche, whatever you want to call it. I think the
>
> > reason the satellite radio customers really love the
> product
> > is that they can get a narrowly targeted "station" that
> > plays just the stuff they love. If you put most of those
> > stations on the dial, they'd have a rabid fan base but a
> > small overall audience in any individual market, at least
> as
> > measured by Arbitron.
> >
> > What does this have to do with anything? Beats me.
> >
> Right-O! Remember what market we are in. This market is so
> spoiled. Just because there isn't much local talk, dosent
> mean this market is a "wasteland". Try going to Johnstown,
> Williamsport, Altoona. You will not hear the quality and
> quanity of radio we have in this market in those markets.
> Credit for that goes to the programmers in this market
> giving a damn. When you go outside this market, you will not
> hear the quality of radio we have in Centre county until you
> get to a major market. Those of you who disagree don't get
> out much.
>

I beg to differ...the quality in Williamsport is much better than State College by far. You have market veterans here Gary Chrisman,Ken Sawyer, Lou Kolb, Tom Turner,Ted Minier, Ian Emerson,Ted Bennett, John O'Neill,Gail Bair, Jacob Michaels etc....these are all outstanding personalities. Much of them with 15 plus years in the market.....Tom Morgan on Y106..Shawn Carey 94kx..Marc Lawrence 94kx......The state college market wishes folks like this move there......just sit back and think over the past 2 years how many people have LEFT the meat grinder revolving door SC market......so leave Billtown out of the wasteland and look out the window.