WBLM vs Frank

[ThreeFer]

Let's do a little comparison.

WBLM: Longtime heritage names who don't spew endless slogans all day.
Frank: Imported from out of town hacks, who read liner cards.

WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen to.
Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated that means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of money". Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky, when two weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.

WBLM: Deep playlist and jocks that aren't afraid to throw on a deep cut.
Frank: Same 150 songs, can't decide if it's a classic rock or oldies station.

WBLM: Giving away highly coveted Rolling Stones tix for the holidays.
Frank: National contest. Weak. What happened to the payroll?

WBLM: Does what they do best all weekend too.
Frank: Same old tired theme weekends. Same 150 songs.

WBLM: Loyal to their staff for the most part.
Frank: Short leash. They've been on the air for what, a year, and how many jocks have they fired? Where's the continuity?

WBLM: Personality, heritage and tradition.
Frank: Cookie cutter carbon copy format, insert dial position and city here. Don't believe me, listen to their other Frank's.

I think the next ratings will show that the Frank craze is dying down. There are a lot of people in this market that would love nothing more to see Frank fail, so that things can get back to the way they were.

 

[BillyB_Bop]

Thank you, WBLM employee, for your unbiased take on things. Which one are you?

I'm not going to defend either station, but, I will say this: The last three ratings books clearly sent a message that the free wheeling style of the "old" WBLM was history. C'mon, let's look at the reality - they aren't even calling themselves The Blimp anymore. They chose to run from their heritage, and, now THEY (WBLM) are the ones playing "catch up". Will they win this Book? Maybe. But it's not because they're doing a better job "on air".

Oh, and in case you didn't know it, WBLM is owned by a huge, out of town company - if your REALLY think that programming decisions are being made locally at this stage of the game, I'll have a few tokes of what you're smoking!

Oh! It's the Holiday Season - though it may sound harsh, my post is purely professional. Best to you in this season of peace, love and joy.

BBB


> Let's do a little comparison.
>
> WBLM: Longtime heritage names who don't spew endless slogans
> all day.
> Frank: Imported from out of town hacks, who read liner
> cards.
>
> WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen to.
> Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated that
> means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of money".
> Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky, when two
> weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.
>
> WBLM: Deep playlist and jocks that aren't afraid to throw on
> a deep cut.
> Frank: Same 150 songs, can't decide if it's a classic rock
> or oldies station.
>
> WBLM: Giving away highly coveted Rolling Stones tix for the
> holidays.
> Frank: National contest. Weak. What happened to the
> payroll?
>
> WBLM: Does what they do best all weekend too.
> Frank: Same old tired theme weekends. Same 150 songs.
>
> WBLM: Loyal to their staff for the most part.
> Frank: Short leash. They've been on the air for what, a
> year, and how many jocks have they fired? Where's the
> continuity?
>
> WBLM: Personality, heritage and tradition.
> Frank: Cookie cutter carbon copy format, insert dial
> position and city here. Don't believe me, listen to their
> other Frank's.
>
> I think the next ratings will show that the Frank craze is
> dying down. There are a lot of people in this market that
> would love nothing more to see Frank fail, so that things
> can get back to the way they were.
>

 

[Eli Polonsky]

> WBLM: Deep playlist and jocks that aren't afraid to throw on a deep cut.
> Frank: Same 150 songs, can't decide if it's a classic rock or oldies station.

The format is "classic hits". It's neither classic rock or oldies. It's a hybrid of parts of both of those formats, limited to rock and pop/rock hits of the classic rock era without dipping into album cuts.

"Classic hits" is for listeners who want to hear the same short playlist of familiar tried and true hits over and over again and are turned off when they hear any "deep cuts" that they may not know, rather than classic rock listeners who may be somewhat more adventurous.

 

[Oldbones]

Well said! WBLM was coasting on it's heritage long before Frank came to town. Frank pretty much proved how weak that heritage had become. You don't debut at #1 when your competition is doing a good, or even passable job.

> Thank you, WBLM employee, for your unbiased take on things.
> Which one are you?
>
> I'm not going to defend either station, but, I will say
> this: The last three ratings books clearly sent a message
> that the free wheeling style of the "old" WBLM was history.
> C'mon, let's look at the reality - they aren't even calling
> themselves The Blimp anymore. They chose to run from their
> heritage, and, now THEY (WBLM) are the ones playing "catch
> up". Will they win this Book? Maybe. But it's not because
> they're doing a better job "on air".
>
> Oh, and in case you didn't know it, WBLM is owned by a huge,
> out of town company - if your REALLY think that programming
> decisions are being made locally at this stage of the game,
> I'll have a few tokes of what you're smoking!
>

 

[argytunes]

> Let's do a little comparison.
>
> WBLM: Longtime heritage names who don't spew endless slogans
> all day.
> Frank: Imported from out of town hacks, who read liner
> cards.
>
> WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen to.
> Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated that
> means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of money".
> Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky, when two
> weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.
>
> WBLM: Deep playlist and jocks that aren't afraid to throw on
> a deep cut.
> Frank: Same 150 songs, can't decide if it's a classic rock
> or oldies station.
>
> WBLM: Giving away highly coveted Rolling Stones tix for the
> holidays.
> Frank: National contest. Weak. What happened to the
> payroll?
>
> WBLM: Does what they do best all weekend too.
> Frank: Same old tired theme weekends. Same 150 songs.
>
> WBLM: Loyal to their staff for the most part.
> Frank: Short leash. They've been on the air for what, a
> year, and how many jocks have they fired? Where's the
> continuity?
>
> WBLM: Personality, heritage and tradition.
> Frank: Cookie cutter carbon copy format, insert dial
> position and city here. Don't believe me, listen to their
> other Frank's.
>
> I think the next ratings will show that the Frank craze is
> dying down. There are a lot of people in this market that
> would love nothing more to see Frank fail, so that things
> can get back to the way they were.
>

WHILE THE COMPARISONS ARE CERTAINLY INTERESTING...EACH STATION APPARENTLY IS FILLING SOME SORT OF A "LISTENER MUSIC REQUIREMENT?" WHAT GETS MORE TIRED THAN THE MUSIC IS THE SAME OLD SLUG-LINES FOR EACH....."WE PLAY AT LEAST 5 IN A ROW" OR "NO COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTIONS AT 9, NOON & 5!"

BACK IN THE PREHISTORIC RADIO DAYS (WHEN I WAS A JOCK) A PROGRAM DIRECTOR TOLD ME THAT IT ISN'T A SIN TO PLAY 2 OR MORE SONGS BACK-TO-BACK WITH BLASTING THE CALL LETTERS OF A RADIO STATION BETWEEN EACH SONG! I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT HE HAD A POINT FOR 2 REASONS:

1. A JOCK THAT KEEPS HIS (OR HER)MOUTH SHUT DIDN'T INTERRUPT THE FLOW OF THE MUSIC THE RADIO STATION WAS PLAYING
and
2. LISTENERS WHO HAPPENED TO BE SCANNING THE DIAL MIGHT LIKE A FEW CONSECUTIVE NON-INTERRUPTED TUNES ENOUGH TO STICK AROUND JUST TO FIND OUT THE CALL LETTERS OF THE RADIO STATION THAT WAS PLAYING SUCH TERRIFIC MUSIC?

MOST CONSULTANTS (OF COURSE) WOULD TELL YOU OTHERWISE! BUT "THAT'S MY STORY AND I'M STICKIN' TO IT!"

argytunes

 

[spoogie]

> Let's do a little comparison.

>
> WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen to.
> Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated that
> means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of money".
> Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky, when two
> weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.

Full fledged morning show? Cap'n and Celust? You're joking, right?
Try an actual morning show in Portland-
1. WMGX
2. WPOR
3. WJBQ

Mark Persky wasn't the only embarrassing thing about that whole deal.

 

[dudemont]

> > Let's do a little comparison.
>
> >
> > WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen to.
> > Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated that
> > means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of
> money".
> > Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky, when two
>
> > weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.
>
> Full fledged morning show? Cap'n and Celust? You're
> joking, right?
> Try an actual morning show in Portland-
> 1. WMGX
> 2. WPOR
> 3. WJBQ
>
> Mark Persky wasn't the only embarrassing thing about that
> whole deal.
>

If you want a real morning show, check out the WOLF. Dave and Michelle work really well together. Wait...the only thing those other shows have in common is they all have THREE people. Is that the criteria?

 

[radiopirate]

> > Let's do a little comparison.
>
> >
> > WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen to.
> > Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated that
> > means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of
> money".
> > Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky, when two
>
> > weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.
>
> Full fledged morning show? Cap'n and Celust? You're
> joking, right?
> Try an actual morning show in Portland-
> 1. WMGX
> 2. WPOR
> 3. WJBQ
>
> Mark Persky wasn't the only embarrassing thing about that
> whole deal.

Spoogie, for the record, EXACTLY where is it I can hear YOU on the air each morning? Or have you EVER worked on the air, let alone done a Morning Show? How many years were you in the business of preparing and executing a morning SHOW?
I only ask because you seem like you have an opinion on everything on this board, so it stands to reason a man of your caliber MUST BE highly sought after. I'll now pause to remove the tongue from my cheek, and patiently wait your witty retort. No doubt it will take some time since you are undoubtedly writing material and preparing tomorrow's show with your partners for your SHOW.

 

[radiopirate]

> > Let's do a little comparison.
> >
> > WBLM: Longtime heritage names who don't spew endless
> slogans
> > all day.
> > Frank: Imported from out of town hacks, who read liner
> > cards.
> >
> > WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen to.
> > Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated that
> > means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of
> money".
> > Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky, when two
>
> > weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.
> >
> > WBLM: Deep playlist and jocks that aren't afraid to throw
> on
> > a deep cut.
> > Frank: Same 150 songs, can't decide if it's a classic rock
>
> > or oldies station.
> >
> > WBLM: Giving away highly coveted Rolling Stones tix for
> the
> > holidays.
> > Frank: National contest. Weak. What happened to the
> > payroll?
> >
> > WBLM: Does what they do best all weekend too.
> > Frank: Same old tired theme weekends. Same 150 songs.
> >
> > WBLM: Loyal to their staff for the most part.
> > Frank: Short leash. They've been on the air for what, a
> > year, and how many jocks have they fired? Where's the
> > continuity?
> >
> > WBLM: Personality, heritage and tradition.
> > Frank: Cookie cutter carbon copy format, insert dial
> > position and city here. Don't believe me, listen to their
>
> > other Frank's.
> >
> > I think the next ratings will show that the Frank craze is
>
> > dying down. There are a lot of people in this market that
>
> > would love nothing more to see Frank fail, so that things
> > can get back to the way they were.
> >
>
> WHILE THE COMPARISONS ARE CERTAINLY INTERESTING...EACH
> STATION APPARENTLY IS FILLING SOME SORT OF A "LISTENER MUSIC
> REQUIREMENT?" WHAT GETS MORE TIRED THAN THE MUSIC IS THE
> SAME OLD SLUG-LINES FOR EACH....."WE PLAY AT LEAST 5 IN A
> ROW" OR "NO COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTIONS AT 9, NOON & 5!"
>
> BACK IN THE PREHISTORIC RADIO DAYS (WHEN I WAS A JOCK) A
> PROGRAM DIRECTOR TOLD ME THAT IT ISN'T A SIN TO PLAY 2 OR
> MORE SONGS BACK-TO-BACK WITH BLASTING THE CALL LETTERS OF A
> RADIO STATION BETWEEN EACH SONG! I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT HE HAD
> A POINT FOR 2 REASONS:
>
> 1. A JOCK THAT KEEPS HIS (OR HER)MOUTH SHUT DIDN'T INTERRUPT
> THE FLOW OF THE MUSIC THE RADIO STATION WAS PLAYING
> and
> 2. LISTENERS WHO HAPPENED TO BE SCANNING THE DIAL MIGHT LIKE
> A FEW CONSECUTIVE NON-INTERRUPTED TUNES ENOUGH TO STICK
> AROUND JUST TO FIND OUT THE CALL LETTERS OF THE RADIO
> STATION THAT WAS PLAYING SUCH TERRIFIC MUSIC?
>
> MOST CONSULTANTS (OF COURSE) WOULD TELL YOU OTHERWISE! BUT
> "THAT'S MY STORY AND I'M STICKIN' TO IT!"
>
> argytunes
>
Argy when I started out in radio we also would seque 2 records w/o interruption, but in today's radio landscape we've learned it's all about recall when playing the Arbitron game. So we can't afford to miss an opportunity to present our call letters, station name or positioning statement to the listeners. There can be no doubt in their minds as to which station they're listening to. Especially in Portland where Classic Hits, Classic Rock and Oldies are so prevelant. A missed opportunity to mention your name could result in a diary keeper assuming they're listening to someone they're not. No station wants that kind of result come book day. Think it's bad now, just wait until the PPM takes affect.

 

[radiopirate]

> Let's do a little comparison.
>
> WBLM: Longtime heritage names who don't spew endless slogans
> all day.
> Frank: Imported from out of town hacks, who read liner
> cards.

BLM: The Rock You Live On
BLM: The cockpit of love
BLM: Maine's Original Rock Station

All sound like "slogans."

Frank: 20 song music marathons everyday at 9, noon, and 5.

Sounds like their telling the listeners what they do and when they do it.


> WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen to.
> Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated that
> means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of money".
> Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky, when two
> weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.

BLM: Fun is one of those words that's subjective. If you enjoy listening to Herb and Celeste talk about her pregnancy all morning, or ramble aimlessly about
the nuances of the day then that's fun. To others they'd rather visit the dentist.
Frank: More Music Morning Show. No it's not a laugh a minute, nor am I subjected to a lot of idle chatter. Some people may say it's FUN to hear music
in the morning. As I recall this morning "show" or lack there of, has been #2 in the Portland ratings the last 2 books.



> WBLM: Deep playlist and jocks that aren't afraid to throw on
> a deep cut.
> Frank: Same 150 songs, can't decide if it's a classic rock
> or oldies station.

BLM: Deep playlist=unfamiliar songs=tuneout.
Frank: Plays only the biggest testing songs to insure everytime a listener turns them on they hear a song they know.



> WBLM: Giving away highly coveted Rolling Stones tix for the
> holidays.
> Frank: National contest. Weak. What happened to the
> payroll?


BLM: Stones tickets. Not a bad give-away .
Frank: I'd rather have a $1000...be it a national contest or not...then I can buy my own tickets...or not.


> WBLM: Does what they do best all weekend too.
> Frank: Same old tired theme weekends. Same 150 songs.


BLM: That's why lose on the weekend.
Frank: Tired or not they seem to work for them. They are always #1 or 2 on weekends.


> WBLM: Loyal to their staff for the most part.
> Frank: Short leash. They've been on the air for what, a
> year, and how many jocks have they fired? Where's the
> continuity?


BLM: Loyal or just afraid to try new things and bring in people that could shake things up? Oh yeah, they might have to PAY THEM.
Frank: Change is this business is inevitable. It looks like when someone
isn't working out they find someone who will.


> WBLM: Personality, heritage and tradition.
> Frank: Cookie cutter carbon copy format, insert dial
> position and city here. Don't believe me, listen to their
> other Frank's.

BLM: Longevity doesn't mean better. It BLM's case they got complacent and got their butt handed to them on a platter.
Frank: They've taken a tried and true format from Portland and executed it successfully in other markets. Much like Clear Channel did with the KISS brand a few years ago. Reviewing my PD handbook I see where stations have been doing that since the start of modern day radio.


I think the next ratings will show that the Frank craze is
> dying down. There are a lot of people in this market that
> would love nothing more to see Frank fail, so that things
> can get back to the way they were.
>
It may die down and things may shuffle a bit. It's inevitable that eventually Frank will stop it's growth and level off. We've started to see that. But, things will never be the same in the Portland market. If Frank drops in the ratings, those corporate hacks you mentioned will surely just get out the check book and spend what it takes to win. Can that be said for the other groups in this market? I wonder.

 

[spoogie]

> > > Let's do a little comparison.
> >
> > >
> > > WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen to.
>
> > > Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated that
>
> > > means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of
> > money".
> > > Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky, when
> two
> >
> > > weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.
> >
> > Full fledged morning show? Cap'n and Celust? You're
> > joking, right?
> > Try an actual morning show in Portland-
> > 1. WMGX
> > 2. WPOR
> > 3. WJBQ
> >
> > Mark Persky wasn't the only embarrassing thing about that
> > whole deal.
>
> Spoogie, for the record, EXACTLY where is it I can hear YOU
> on the air each morning? Or have you EVER worked on the air,
> let alone done a Morning Show? How many years were you in
> the business of preparing and executing a morning SHOW?
> I only ask because you seem like you have an opinion on
> everything on this board, so it stands to reason a man of
> your caliber MUST BE highly sought after. I'll now pause to
> remove the tongue from my cheek, and patiently wait your
> witty retort. No doubt it will take some time since you are
> undoubtedly writing material and preparing tomorrow's show
> with your partners for your SHOW.
>
Got more time on the mic and in this market than you do, jackball.

And what are your qualifications, Doctor Radio?

 

[radiopirate]

> > > > Let's do a little comparison.
> > >
> > > >
> > > > WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen
> to.
> >
> > > > Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated
> that
> >
> > > > means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of
> > > money".
> > > > Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky, when
>
> > two
> > >
> > > > weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.
> > >
> > > Full fledged morning show? Cap'n and Celust? You're
> > > joking, right?
> > > Try an actual morning show in Portland-
> > > 1. WMGX
> > > 2. WPOR
> > > 3. WJBQ
> > >
> > > Mark Persky wasn't the only embarrassing thing about
> that
> > > whole deal.
> >
> > Spoogie, for the record, EXACTLY where is it I can hear
> YOU
> > on the air each morning? Or have you EVER worked on the
> air,
> > let alone done a Morning Show? How many years were you in
> > the business of preparing and executing a morning SHOW?
> > I only ask because you seem like you have an opinion on
> > everything on this board, so it stands to reason a man of
> > your caliber MUST BE highly sought after. I'll now pause
> to
> > remove the tongue from my cheek, and patiently wait your
> > witty retort. No doubt it will take some time since you
> are
> > undoubtedly writing material and preparing tomorrow's show
>
> > with your partners for your SHOW.
> >
> Got more time on the mic and in this market than you do,
> jackball.
>
> And what are your qualifications, Doctor Radio?
>
Well then please, by all means, share your resume oh illustrious one. We're all waiting to be dazzled by your brilliance. Yet you post nothing but drivle and the same old tired cliche's.

I'm still waiting to listen to YOUR show, or look at your resume, and ratings history.

Truth be told your're nothing more than a two-bit hack that never had a job outside this market. You've been fired by every company in town and now can't get a radio job. So you work at some dead-end job that you used to turn your nose up at when you were getting free drinks as a semi-celebrity. You're bitter about days gone by and these young punks that have taken over your beloved radio and turned it into a business instead of some way to hack free concert tickets and pick up chicks that were never quite as hot as you liked to believe they were. You're the kind of guy that has a few too many, goes home and listens to his old airchecks, telling yourself that you're better than anyone onthe air today...and you could prove it if they'd just give you a chance.

I pity you.

 

[spoogie]

> > > > > Let's do a little comparison.
> > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to listen
>
> > to.
> > >
> > > > > Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly translated
> > that
> > >
> > > > > means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out of
> > > > money".
> > > > > Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky,
> when
> >
> > > two
> > > >
> > > > > weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.
> > > >
> > > > Full fledged morning show? Cap'n and Celust? You're
> > > > joking, right?
> > > > Try an actual morning show in Portland-
> > > > 1. WMGX
> > > > 2. WPOR
> > > > 3. WJBQ
> > > >
> > > > Mark Persky wasn't the only embarrassing thing about
> > that
> > > > whole deal.
> > >
> > > Spoogie, for the record, EXACTLY where is it I can hear
> > YOU
> > > on the air each morning? Or have you EVER worked on the
> > air,
> > > let alone done a Morning Show? How many years were you
> in
> > > the business of preparing and executing a morning SHOW?
> > > I only ask because you seem like you have an opinion on
> > > everything on this board, so it stands to reason a man
> of
> > > your caliber MUST BE highly sought after. I'll now pause
>
> > to
> > > remove the tongue from my cheek, and patiently wait your
>
> > > witty retort. No doubt it will take some time since you
> > are
> > > undoubtedly writing material and preparing tomorrow's
> show
> >
> > > with your partners for your SHOW.
> > >
> > Got more time on the mic and in this market than you do,
> > jackball.
> >
> > And what are your qualifications, Doctor Radio?
> >
> Well then please, by all means, share your resume oh
> illustrious one. We're all waiting to be dazzled by your
> brilliance. Yet you post nothing but drivle and the same old
> tired cliche's.
>
> I'm still waiting to listen to YOUR show, or look at your
> resume, and ratings history.
>
> Truth be told your're nothing more than a two-bit hack that
> never had a job outside this market. You've been fired by
> every company in town and now can't get a radio job. So you
> work at some dead-end job that you used to turn your nose up
> at when you were getting free drinks as a semi-celebrity.
> You're bitter about days gone by and these young punks that
> have taken over your beloved radio and turned it into a
> business instead of some way to hack free concert tickets
> and pick up chicks that were never quite as hot as you liked
> to believe they were. You're the kind of guy that has a few
> too many, goes home and listens to his old airchecks,
> telling yourself that you're better than anyone onthe air
> today...and you could prove it if they'd just give you a
> chance.
>
> I pity you.
>

Thanks for your pity--boy, you nailed me right on the head. It'a almost as if you were looking in the mirror when you wrote your lil' diatribe. (BTW, it's spelled "drivel.") Now, please, enthrall me (and the rest of us waiting with baited breath) with YOUR radio acumen, hot stuff. Or are YOU the lonely board op listening to some nationally syndicated show waiting for YOUR chance to show 'em how it oughtta be done?

 

[argytunes]

>
> > BACK IN THE PREHISTORIC RADIO DAYS (WHEN I WAS A JOCK) A
> > PROGRAM DIRECTOR TOLD ME THAT IT ISN'T A SIN TO PLAY 2 OR
> > MORE SONGS BACK-TO-BACK WITH BLASTING THE CALL LETTERS OF
> A
> > RADIO STATION BETWEEN EACH SONG! I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT HE
> HAD
> > A POINT FOR 2 REASONS:
> >
> > 1. A JOCK THAT KEEPS HIS (OR HER)MOUTH SHUT DIDN'T
> INTERRUPT
> > THE FLOW OF THE MUSIC THE RADIO STATION WAS PLAYING
> > and
> > 2. LISTENERS WHO HAPPENED TO BE SCANNING THE DIAL MIGHT
> LIKE
> > A FEW CONSECUTIVE NON-INTERRUPTED TUNES ENOUGH TO STICK
> > AROUND JUST TO FIND OUT THE CALL LETTERS OF THE RADIO
> > STATION THAT WAS PLAYING SUCH TERRIFIC MUSIC?
> >
> > MOST CONSULTANTS (OF COURSE) WOULD TELL YOU OTHERWISE!
> BUT
> > "THAT'S MY STORY AND I'M STICKIN' TO IT!"
> >
> > argytunes
> >
> Argy when I started out in radio we also would seque 2
> records w/o interruption, but in today's radio landscape
> we've learned it's all about recall when playing the
> Arbitron game. So we can't afford to miss an opportunity to
> present our call letters, station name or positioning
> statement to the listeners. There can be no doubt in their
> minds as to which station they're listening to. Especially
> in Portland where Classic Hits, Classic Rock and Oldies are
> so prevelant. A missed opportunity to mention your name
> could result in a diary keeper assuming they're listening to
> someone they're not. No station wants that kind of result
> come book day. Think it's bad now, just wait until the PPM
> takes affect.

UNFORTUNATELY...YOUR ARGUMENT IS MORE ARBITRON-ORIENTED THAN LISTENER ORIENTED. DO YOU THINK THE AVERAGE LISTENER GIVES A S**T ABOUT ARBITRON? BESIDES..WHAT PERCENTAGE OF ARB DIARIES ACTUALLY GO OUT TO A HOUSEHOLD? [WE KNOW THAT INDIVIDUALS CONNECTED WITH A RADIO OR TV STATION AREN'T GONNA BE OFFERED ONE]. SO UNLESS THE NUMBER HAS CHANGED A GREAT DEAL, I'M WILLING TO BET PEOPLE HOLDING DIARIES ARE STILL PART OF A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE?

WHILE I CAN CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND 'TOUTING YOUR CALL LETTERS AND FREQUENCY DURING A RATINGS PERIOD, I WONDER IF THE 'AVERAGE LISTENER' GETS ANNOYED BY THE CONSTANT VERBAL BLASTING DURING 'NON-RATING PERIODS?? WOULDN'T YOU THINK A LISTENER MIGHT ACTUALLY ENJOY HEARING 2 OR MORE SONGS IN A ROW WITHOUT A LOT OF "CALL LETTER CLUTTER?'

WHEN YOU'RE IN A RATING BOOK---THE CONCEPT IS NECESSARY! BUT UNLIKE LARGER CITIES (LIKE BOSTON, NY, LA, ETC.)...MAINE USUALLY HAS ONLY 2 BOOKS THAT MEAN ANYTHING TO ADVERTISERS----AND THAT'S DURING A FEW WEEKS IN THE SPRING & A FEW WEEKS IN THE FALL.

AND AS YOU AND I BOTH KNOW, THE DESIRED HOUSEHOLDS SELECTED TO FILL OUT A DIARY AREN'T EXACTLY SCIENTIFIC!

argytunes

 

[Oldbones]

Dude, in case no one told you...your shiftlock key is on. You don't need to shout.

You're right...most people neither know nor care about Arbitron. The whole idea of getting your calls/handle out there between every song is all about awareness. Just like a good commercial gets the business' name out there, a good station wants everyone to know who they're listening to. If you'd actually been in this biz as long as you claim to have, you'd know that many/most listeners have no clue who they're listening to. Back in my jock days there were countless times someone would call the hitline and request some song that wasn't even in our format. When I'd say we didn't play that one, they'd INSIST they'd heard us play it a few hours ago, since we were "the only station they listen to". Obviously, they'd been listening to a competitor and thought it was us.

It makes no sense to change format for the book (ie-hammering calls in the spring & fall, then doing lots of cold segues during the winter & summer). Consistency is a good thing.

>
> UNFORTUNATELY...YOUR ARGUMENT IS MORE ARBITRON-ORIENTED THAN
> LISTENER ORIENTED. DO YOU THINK THE AVERAGE LISTENER GIVES A
> S**T ABOUT ARBITRON? BESIDES..WHAT PERCENTAGE OF ARB DIARIES
> ACTUALLY GO OUT TO A HOUSEHOLD? [WE KNOW THAT INDIVIDUALS
> CONNECTED WITH A RADIO OR TV STATION AREN'T GONNA BE OFFERED
> ONE]. SO UNLESS THE NUMBER HAS CHANGED A GREAT DEAL, I'M
> WILLING TO BET PEOPLE HOLDING DIARIES ARE STILL PART OF A
> VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE?
>
> WHILE I CAN CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND 'TOUTING YOUR CALL LETTERS
> AND FREQUENCY DURING A RATINGS PERIOD, I WONDER IF THE
> 'AVERAGE LISTENER' GETS ANNOYED BY THE CONSTANT VERBAL
> BLASTING DURING 'NON-RATING PERIODS?? WOULDN'T YOU THINK A
> LISTENER MIGHT ACTUALLY ENJOY HEARING 2 OR MORE SONGS IN A
> ROW WITHOUT A LOT OF "CALL LETTER CLUTTER?'
>
> WHEN YOU'RE IN A RATING BOOK---THE CONCEPT IS NECESSARY!
> BUT UNLIKE LARGER CITIES (LIKE BOSTON, NY, LA, ETC.)...MAINE
> USUALLY HAS ONLY 2 BOOKS THAT MEAN ANYTHING TO
> ADVERTISERS----AND THAT'S DURING A FEW WEEKS IN THE SPRING &
> A FEW WEEKS IN THE FALL.
>
> AND AS YOU AND I BOTH KNOW, THE DESIRED HOUSEHOLDS SELECTED
> TO FILL OUT A DIARY AREN'T EXACTLY SCIENTIFIC!
>
> argytunes
>

 

[argytunes]

> Dude, in case no one told you...your shiftlock key is on.
> You don't need to shout.

SORRY...BUT I'VE NEVER BOUGHT INTO THE ARGUMENT ABOUT SHOUTING. I USE CAPS MERELY TO DISTINGUISH MY COMMENTS FROM YOURS. [WHOEVER CAME UP WITH THAT "SHOUTING RULE" WAS PROBABLY A 'COMPUTER CONTROL FREAK?']
>
> You're right...most people neither know nor care about
> Arbitron. The whole idea of getting your calls/handle out
> there between every song is all about awareness. Just like
> a good commercial gets the business' name out there, a good
> station wants everyone to know who they're listening to. If
> you'd actually been in this biz as long as you claim to
> have, you'd know that many/most listeners have no clue who
> they're listening to. I BEGAN IN 1969...TOOK A FEW BREAKS ON OCCASION...BUT MY OVERALL TALLY IN RADIO & TV IS MORE THAN 30 YEARS. I'VE WORKED ALL FORMATS (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RAP AND HIP-HOP)!


A LOT OF LISTENERS ONLY WANT THE TUNES...NOT THE CLUTTER FROM SOMEBODY SCREAMING ONE-LINERS IN THEIR FACES. AND IF YOU THINK I'M 'SCREAMING AT YOU' HERE...LISTEN TO SOME OF THE TERRIBLE 'SCREAMERS' WHO ARE ON THE AIR RIGHT NOW!

Back in my jock days there were
> countless times someone would call the hitline and request
> some song that wasn't even in our format. When I'd say we
> didn't play that one, they'd INSIST they'd heard us play it
> a few hours ago, since we were "the only station they listen
> to". Obviously, they'd been listening to a competitor and
> thought it was us.

I'M SURPRISED YOU DIDN'T GIVE 'EM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT? ALL YOU NEEDED TO DO WAS TELL THE THE CALLER "BECAUSE WXYZ PLAYS SO MUCH MUSIC, THE JOCKS AREN'T PERMITTED TO REPEAT SONGS UNLESS 6 HOURS OR MORE ELAPSE BETWEEN THE LAST TIME THE SONG WAS PLAYED!"


> It makes no sense to change format for the book
> (ie-hammering calls in the spring & fall, then doing lots of
> cold segues during the winter & summer). Consistency is a
> good thing.

UNTIL IT MAKES SOME LISTENERS MAD ENOUGH TO TURN YOUR RADIO STATION OFF AND SWITCH TO CD'S OR SOME OTHER SOURCE? AND WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE YOUR ADVERTISERS WHO THINK THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE LISTENING TO THEIR SPOTS???

argytunes

 

[jparsons]

> Oh, and in case you didn't know it, WBLM is owned by a huge,
> out of town company - if your REALLY think that programming
> decisions are being made locally at this stage of the game,
> I'll have a few tokes of what you're smoking!

Just because a station is owned by a huge out of town company doesn't necessarily mean that decisions aren't being made locally. Smoke 'em if you've got 'em.

Jeff Parsons
WJBQ

 

[spoogie]

> > Oh, and in case you didn't know it, WBLM is owned by a
> huge,
> > out of town company - if your REALLY think that
> programming
> > decisions are being made locally at this stage of the
> game,
> > I'll have a few tokes of what you're smoking!
>
> Just because a station is owned by a huge out of town
> company doesn't necessarily mean that decisions aren't being
> made locally. Smoke 'em if you've got 'em.
>
> Jeff Parsons
> WJBQ
>

And at this point of the game, if you're not owned by a huge, out-of-town compnay, you are more than likely at a serious disadvantage.

 

[radiopirate]

> >
> > > BACK IN THE PREHISTORIC RADIO DAYS (WHEN I WAS A JOCK) A
>
> > > PROGRAM DIRECTOR TOLD ME THAT IT ISN'T A SIN TO PLAY 2
> OR
> > > MORE SONGS BACK-TO-BACK WITH BLASTING THE CALL LETTERS
> OF
> > A
> > > RADIO STATION BETWEEN EACH SONG! I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT HE
>
> > HAD
> > > A POINT FOR 2 REASONS:
> > >
> > > 1. A JOCK THAT KEEPS HIS (OR HER)MOUTH SHUT DIDN'T
> > INTERRUPT
> > > THE FLOW OF THE MUSIC THE RADIO STATION WAS PLAYING
> > > and
> > > 2. LISTENERS WHO HAPPENED TO BE SCANNING THE DIAL MIGHT
> > LIKE
> > > A FEW CONSECUTIVE NON-INTERRUPTED TUNES ENOUGH TO STICK
> > > AROUND JUST TO FIND OUT THE CALL LETTERS OF THE RADIO
> > > STATION THAT WAS PLAYING SUCH TERRIFIC MUSIC?
> > >
> > > MOST CONSULTANTS (OF COURSE) WOULD TELL YOU OTHERWISE!
> > BUT
> > > "THAT'S MY STORY AND I'M STICKIN' TO IT!"
> > >
> > > argytunes
> > >
> > Argy when I started out in radio we also would seque 2
> > records w/o interruption, but in today's radio landscape
> > we've learned it's all about recall when playing the
> > Arbitron game. So we can't afford to miss an opportunity
> to
> > present our call letters, station name or positioning
> > statement to the listeners. There can be no doubt in their
>
> > minds as to which station they're listening to. Especially
>
> > in Portland where Classic Hits, Classic Rock and Oldies
> are
> > so prevelant. A missed opportunity to mention your name
> > could result in a diary keeper assuming they're listening
> to
> > someone they're not. No station wants that kind of result
> > come book day. Think it's bad now, just wait until the PPM
>
> > takes affect.
>
> UNFORTUNATELY...YOUR ARGUMENT IS MORE ARBITRON-ORIENTED THAN
> LISTENER ORIENTED. DO YOU THINK THE AVERAGE LISTENER GIVES A
> S**T ABOUT ARBITRON? BESIDES..WHAT PERCENTAGE OF ARB DIARIES
> ACTUALLY GO OUT TO A HOUSEHOLD? [WE KNOW THAT INDIVIDUALS
> CONNECTED WITH A RADIO OR TV STATION AREN'T GONNA BE OFFERED
> ONE]. SO UNLESS THE NUMBER HAS CHANGED A GREAT DEAL, I'M
> WILLING TO BET PEOPLE HOLDING DIARIES ARE STILL PART OF A
> VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE?
>
> WHILE I CAN CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND 'TOUTING YOUR CALL LETTERS
> AND FREQUENCY DURING A RATINGS PERIOD, I WONDER IF THE
> 'AVERAGE LISTENER' GETS ANNOYED BY THE CONSTANT VERBAL
> BLASTING DURING 'NON-RATING PERIODS?? WOULDN'T YOU THINK A
> LISTENER MIGHT ACTUALLY ENJOY HEARING 2 OR MORE SONGS IN A
> ROW WITHOUT A LOT OF "CALL LETTER CLUTTER?'
>
> WHEN YOU'RE IN A RATING BOOK---THE CONCEPT IS NECESSARY!
> BUT UNLIKE LARGER CITIES (LIKE BOSTON, NY, LA, ETC.)...MAINE
> USUALLY HAS ONLY 2 BOOKS THAT MEAN ANYTHING TO
> ADVERTISERS----AND THAT'S DURING A FEW WEEKS IN THE SPRING &
> A FEW WEEKS IN THE FALL.
>
> AND AS YOU AND I BOTH KNOW, THE DESIRED HOUSEHOLDS SELECTED
> TO FILL OUT A DIARY AREN'T EXACTLY SCIENTIFIC!
>
> argytunes
>
Argy, unfortunate as it may be, the Arbitron game is what we live an die by. You have to play the game if you want to win.

 

[radiopirate]

> > > > > > Let's do a little comparison.
> > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > WBLM: Full fledged morning show that's fun to
> listen
> >
> > > to.
> > > >
> > > > > > Frank: More Music Morning show? Roughly
> translated
> > > that
> > > >
> > > > > > means "we've run out of ideas" or "we've run out
> of
> > > > > money".
> > > > > > Not to mention the media fanfare for Mark Persky,
> > when
> > >
> > > > two
> > > > >
> > > > > > weeks after he was suddenly gone. Embarassing.
> > > > >
> > > > > Full fledged morning show? Cap'n and Celust?
> You're
> > > > > joking, right?
> > > > > Try an actual morning show in Portland-
> > > > > 1. WMGX
> > > > > 2. WPOR
> > > > > 3. WJBQ
> > > > >
> > > > > Mark Persky wasn't the only embarrassing thing about
>
> > > that
> > > > > whole deal.
> > > >
> > > > Spoogie, for the record, EXACTLY where is it I can
> hear
> > > YOU
> > > > on the air each morning? Or have you EVER worked on
> the
> > > air,
> > > > let alone done a Morning Show? How many years were you
>
> > in
> > > > the business of preparing and executing a morning
> SHOW?
> > > > I only ask because you seem like you have an opinion
> on
> > > > everything on this board, so it stands to reason a man
>
> > of
> > > > your caliber MUST BE highly sought after. I'll now
> pause
> >
> > > to
> > > > remove the tongue from my cheek, and patiently wait
> your
> >
> > > > witty retort. No doubt it will take some time since
> you
> > > are
> > > > undoubtedly writing material and preparing tomorrow's
> > show
> > >
> > > > with your partners for your SHOW.
> > > >
> > > Got more time on the mic and in this market than you do,
>
> > > jackball.
> > >
> > > And what are your qualifications, Doctor Radio?
> > >
> > Well then please, by all means, share your resume oh
> > illustrious one. We're all waiting to be dazzled by your
> > brilliance. Yet you post nothing but drivle and the same
> old
> > tired cliche's.
> >
> > I'm still waiting to listen to YOUR show, or look at your
> > resume, and ratings history.
> >
> > Truth be told your're nothing more than a two-bit hack
> that
> > never had a job outside this market. You've been fired by
> > every company in town and now can't get a radio job. So
> you
> > work at some dead-end job that you used to turn your nose
> up
> > at when you were getting free drinks as a semi-celebrity.
> > You're bitter about days gone by and these young punks
> that
> > have taken over your beloved radio and turned it into a
> > business instead of some way to hack free concert tickets
> > and pick up chicks that were never quite as hot as you
> liked
> > to believe they were. You're the kind of guy that has a
> few
> > too many, goes home and listens to his old airchecks,
> > telling yourself that you're better than anyone onthe air
> > today...and you could prove it if they'd just give you a
> > chance.
> >
> > I pity you.
> >
>
> Thanks for your pity--boy, you nailed me right on the head.
> It'a almost as if you were looking in the mirror when you
> wrote your lil' diatribe. (BTW, it's spelled "drivel.")
> Now, please, enthrall me (and the rest of us waiting with
> baited breath) with YOUR radio acumen, hot stuff. Or are
> YOU the lonely board op listening to some nationally
> syndicated show waiting for YOUR chance to show 'em how it
> oughtta be done?
>

Obviously by your response I'm not too far off track! My comments hit pretty close to home Spoogie?

Anyone that will sit and nitpick the slip of a finger and point out an insignificant misspell is someone that needs to boost their own ego.

I could sit and think of clever things to say, but my mom taught me a valuable lesson a long time ago, and it's certainly helped me over the years: you can't win an argument with an idiot. And as far as I can tell you are the biggest idiot I've run across on this board.

So until next time, open another can of beer, and keep telling yourself "I was somebody. I was good. I'd still be on the air if those damned kids in corporate radio hadn't run me off." Close your eyes and dream about "the good old days."