Wease isn’t going to be very pleased when he and his morning crew move from the HSBC plaza over to Mill Street. Reliable sources have told me that a Vice President of Entercom was quoted as saying that Wease can forget having his own special studio like the one he current enjoys because there isn’t the space at Mill Street. Another highly placed source said that Entercom is going to take a “very close look” at the salaries paid to some WPXY announcers. One on-air announcer in particular who has bragged about his six-figure salary might find himself standing in line C at the unemployment office in the near future. Still no official word yet on who is planning to buy WRMM, Fickle and the Nerve, but security has been increased at the former CBS facilities. Recently a group of “buyers” managed to gain access to the radio stations and were inquiring as to who the new owners might be. They were ushered out the door and the standing order now is that nobody, without prior clearance, is admitted to the station to ask questions about the pending sale. One local buyer apparently has decided not to pursue the idea of purchasing WRMM, Fickle and Nerve. Apparently he lost his “nerve” after being shown the asking price for the three stations.
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Wease is going to be squeezed at new digs.
- Thread starter The Voice of Reason
- Start date
Newtonian Physics
I suspect that Brother Wease is going to discover the principle of the moving fulcrum. He used the leverage that he enjoyed by pitting CC against Entercom to create a sweet deal for himself & his posse. Now, Entercom has the long end of the stick.
Rumor has it that some of his habits preclude the retirement option, and that he'll likely have to adjust to the new reality. It will be interesting to see how gracefully he makes that adjustment.
As far as the price tag on WRRM, Fickle, & the Nerve, I'm guessing that the asking price is $60M+. Whether they get it or not is another story.
I suspect that Brother Wease is going to discover the principle of the moving fulcrum. He used the leverage that he enjoyed by pitting CC against Entercom to create a sweet deal for himself & his posse. Now, Entercom has the long end of the stick.
Rumor has it that some of his habits preclude the retirement option, and that he'll likely have to adjust to the new reality. It will be interesting to see how gracefully he makes that adjustment.
As far as the price tag on WRRM, Fickle, & the Nerve, I'm guessing that the asking price is $60M+. Whether they get it or not is another story.
S
slickkicker
Guest
First management never should've let Wease get away with all of the ceaseless demands. One former 'CMF P.D. told me years ago that the show could never leave Rochester and be a success. Imagine Wease doing his schtick in say Chicago or L.A.! It would never work so why pay Chicago or L.A. salaries? Management is at fault for not being realistic.
And second lets not forget that Wease is a great liason. The community relations combined with phenominal numbers served the show, and the station, well.
With that said Wease has insecurities that no salary, bonuses, bennies or comforts can quench. His handpicked O.M. will literally bend over backwards to appease. To many programming people within the halls at 'CMF, be it Leighton, Monroe Square or HSBC, (most of whom left long ago) there was plenty of resentment. He's had serious issues with female staffers and interns that were hushed over at considerable expense.
I'd get rid of Stan Main and let Wease, and others, sweat for there gig.
And second lets not forget that Wease is a great liason. The community relations combined with phenominal numbers served the show, and the station, well.
With that said Wease has insecurities that no salary, bonuses, bennies or comforts can quench. His handpicked O.M. will literally bend over backwards to appease. To many programming people within the halls at 'CMF, be it Leighton, Monroe Square or HSBC, (most of whom left long ago) there was plenty of resentment. He's had serious issues with female staffers and interns that were hushed over at considerable expense.
I'd get rid of Stan Main and let Wease, and others, sweat for there gig.
Long Hot Summer
And sweat they may. Entercom GM Mike Doyle has no reason to buckle to any demands made by Wease or his flank of sycophants. Some have speculated that Wease may try to powerplay himself to The Fox when his contract is up later this year, but it would seem that Clear Channel would likely not be interested in maintaining Wease's present deal, which includes an extraordinarily massive annual salary, his mortgage and children's tuition. Apparently CBS did hold the line, refusing to cover the notorious morning man's extracurricular activities. It's 3 to 1 that Wease gets renewed at Entercom, but not anywhere near what he's making now.
Well-placed sources say the ROI for the WCMF morning show isn't anything to crow about. In fact, it may be a loss leader in a very real sense of the phrase. Like Buffalo, Rochester isn't growing by leaps and bounds, and for every book that comes out showing The Fox and The Buzz stealing shares from WCMF, there's ample reason to believe that Wease may be employed by Entercom, but at a substantial reduction in salary and fringe benefits, including management not cow-towing to his every whim.
Imagine a GM looking across the desk at Wease and saying, "WBEE is killing you and our automated stations are gaining on WCMF every book. The Fox grinds out the hits and our competition is gaining on you. Here's what we think you're worth... Take it or leave it." Where's he gonna go? Buffalo? Philly? New York? L-A? Nobody knows him there, nor do they care. One can only hope the guy put some of that big cake he got over the years in the bank.
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And sweat they may. Entercom GM Mike Doyle has no reason to buckle to any demands made by Wease or his flank of sycophants. Some have speculated that Wease may try to powerplay himself to The Fox when his contract is up later this year, but it would seem that Clear Channel would likely not be interested in maintaining Wease's present deal, which includes an extraordinarily massive annual salary, his mortgage and children's tuition. Apparently CBS did hold the line, refusing to cover the notorious morning man's extracurricular activities. It's 3 to 1 that Wease gets renewed at Entercom, but not anywhere near what he's making now.
Well-placed sources say the ROI for the WCMF morning show isn't anything to crow about. In fact, it may be a loss leader in a very real sense of the phrase. Like Buffalo, Rochester isn't growing by leaps and bounds, and for every book that comes out showing The Fox and The Buzz stealing shares from WCMF, there's ample reason to believe that Wease may be employed by Entercom, but at a substantial reduction in salary and fringe benefits, including management not cow-towing to his every whim.
Imagine a GM looking across the desk at Wease and saying, "WBEE is killing you and our automated stations are gaining on WCMF every book. The Fox grinds out the hits and our competition is gaining on you. Here's what we think you're worth... Take it or leave it." Where's he gonna go? Buffalo? Philly? New York? L-A? Nobody knows him there, nor do they care. One can only hope the guy put some of that big cake he got over the years in the bank.
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One More Thing...
It may not be up to Mike Doyle. Entercom Corporate may hand him a budget, and he may not have the option of raining dollars on Wease. There's no guarantee that Clear Channel is going to stay in the market, and they sure don't seem to be in the frame of mind to unload a bushel of cash for a guy who just came out of cancer treatment, and is already in his 60s. That would NOT look good for the bottom line.
It may not be up to Mike Doyle. Entercom Corporate may hand him a budget, and he may not have the option of raining dollars on Wease. There's no guarantee that Clear Channel is going to stay in the market, and they sure don't seem to be in the frame of mind to unload a bushel of cash for a guy who just came out of cancer treatment, and is already in his 60s. That would NOT look good for the bottom line.
Speaking of Entercom I got wind of some possible penny-pinching possibly coming to the Buffalo market, so I don't think Wease is going to get a lot of room to play in his new digs.
The days of those huge salaries and other perks are over with; unless of course your the CEO of Rochester's non-profit station where you can rake in big bucks and a nice set of wheels every few years. It would not surprise me if Wease has to take a huge pay cut. As someone else pointed out, what can he do about it? He's a big fish in a small pond, and that pond is drying up. If Entercom is going to dole out big money it will be for the morning crews on the Buzz and WBEE. Right now those two stations are Entercom's cash cows.
First, Voice of Reason, I want to say I enjoy most of your posts. You're obviously well informed of the goings-on in the Rochester market. But I must admit I'm tired of your constant harping on the salaries of the public broadcasters in Rochester. Okay, we get your point. We got it when you first posted your thoughts months ago. Your weaving in your comments again into this discussion on Brother Wease tells me you have some deep-seated issues with public broadcasting executives. Otherwise, why do you need to bring it up again? Not that I want to squelch discussion on this board. You're free to say what you want. But did you need make your point yet again in this thread? I don't know about others here. But I would respectfully suggest that you give it a rest!
Hmmm... what if Wease went to work for WXXI?! Imagine the bloat, VOR! You'd be aghast! OK... this is getting to sound conspiratorial. Almost as if Radknowski or Yezi had written it.
I keeeeed! Still, it makes for wonderful fantasy and whimsy... just a few of the wonderful elements that drive this board?
Oh yes, that and good, objective analysis and even-handed commentary.
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I keeeeed! Still, it makes for wonderful fantasy and whimsy... just a few of the wonderful elements that drive this board?
Oh yes, that and good, objective analysis and even-handed commentary.
-9-
Philip_Airtime said:
Phil,
The point I was making is simply that the days of announcers making big bucks like Wease are coming to an end. The reference to WXXI was to point out that Silverstein might be the last person (except the big shots at Entercom and Clear Channel) to make that kind of money; that's all. As for having some "issues" with WXXI paying their executives outlandish salaries for a non profit organization I have to say that it should concern you, I , and everyone else since its our tax dollars going into their pockets. But you've made your point and I won't bring up the issue again.
Is not Wease considered to be "the franchise" at WCMF? He's been doing mornings for about 22 years. How would the station do without him? And aren't the other jocks, like Dave Kane, making more money than the average bear? I guess the question is, will there be "right sizing" in all dayparts once Entercom takes over?
SpareChange said:
My guess is that when Entercom takes over these stations all salaries and perks, including Wease's, will be closely examined. I agree with others, where would Wease go if Entercom sends him packing? Clear Channel isn't about to spend that kind of money for just one announcer.
For what it's worth here is what I think will happen. Wease's 'crew' will be thinned out eventually just leaving Wease. Once Wease's numbers tank, Entercom will let him go. Meanwhile the company will have some younger person in the wings waiting to host CMF's morning show for far less money that Wease makes. At PXY, some of the high paid talent outside of morning drive will be replaced by voice-tracking automation. By the time this occurs however fewer people will be listening to terrestrial radio anyways so it really doesn't matter to the general public what happens.
S
slickkicker
Guest
Whew this brings back some memories. When I first dealt with WCMF Wease was doing the late night shift and in a few months would be installed into AM drive. This was probably around 1985 (maybe late 1984) and the station had never really had a high profile morning show before and probably wasn't expecting much. There was alot of Buffalo talent in the building since I recall that John Hager, Larry Norton and Janet Merrian were there. Both 97 Rock and WZIR had left the airwaves in 84 and 83 respectively. Dave Kane was APD and Scott Spezzano was doing afternoons or had just left for a job in Boston. It was about 18 months after WMJQ gave up the Superstars rock format that was torched by Trip Reeb and consultant Jeff Pollack. WCMF was Pollacks' first client and Reeb, who later spent many years as GM of KROQ in L.A., was PD.
WCMF was very successful even though nobody wanted to work there. After Reeb left they went through one programmer after another, some not even lasting a year. One guy I spent some time with flatly told me that he didn't think he'd even unpack. Another guy squandered his "interim" title. In late 86 or 87 Stan Main came to town and nobody I knew thought he'd last either. After about a year or so it became pretty clear that Stan was clicking. One thing that was definitely clicking so to speak and that was The Brother Wease Morning Circus.
Both Stan and Wease offered stability and then the ratings came out bigger than ever and by 1988 WCMF owned not only 25-54's but even beat 'PXY in one book 18-34's. About one in six people were tuned into the station not only in AMD but throughout the entire broadcast week. I remember looking at one ARB and my jaw dropped.
We have to keep it into perspective that even though WCMF has always had some successes, some of which were incredible, it was at one time a revolving door for folks who padded there resume, flamed out or just plain moved on. One constant was Wease, Dave Kane and others. It got to the point where most everyone relied on the morning show for there job and commisions.
Both Wease and Kane are incredibly lucky as well. I thought Dave was going to get fired and trashed years ago for something that he, and few others, knows about. Wease of course has had his well publicized issues. Both of these individuals should remember come contract negotiations that they're incredibly fortunate. I had reservations about Dave untill he came down to earth a bit and became a really great guy once he got married and became a father. I'm not too high on Wease however. Outside of his circle he basically could've cared less about other staffers and made many (wink,wink) feel somewhat uncomfortable. I've had opportunities to work with his show and have passed on it.
WCMF was very successful even though nobody wanted to work there. After Reeb left they went through one programmer after another, some not even lasting a year. One guy I spent some time with flatly told me that he didn't think he'd even unpack. Another guy squandered his "interim" title. In late 86 or 87 Stan Main came to town and nobody I knew thought he'd last either. After about a year or so it became pretty clear that Stan was clicking. One thing that was definitely clicking so to speak and that was The Brother Wease Morning Circus.
Both Stan and Wease offered stability and then the ratings came out bigger than ever and by 1988 WCMF owned not only 25-54's but even beat 'PXY in one book 18-34's. About one in six people were tuned into the station not only in AMD but throughout the entire broadcast week. I remember looking at one ARB and my jaw dropped.
We have to keep it into perspective that even though WCMF has always had some successes, some of which were incredible, it was at one time a revolving door for folks who padded there resume, flamed out or just plain moved on. One constant was Wease, Dave Kane and others. It got to the point where most everyone relied on the morning show for there job and commisions.
Both Wease and Kane are incredibly lucky as well. I thought Dave was going to get fired and trashed years ago for something that he, and few others, knows about. Wease of course has had his well publicized issues. Both of these individuals should remember come contract negotiations that they're incredibly fortunate. I had reservations about Dave untill he came down to earth a bit and became a really great guy once he got married and became a father. I'm not too high on Wease however. Outside of his circle he basically could've cared less about other staffers and made many (wink,wink) feel somewhat uncomfortable. I've had opportunities to work with his show and have passed on it.
slickkicker said:
Back in 1972 I purchased my first car, a Volkswagon equiped with something called FM stereo radio. I was tuning around the FM dial when a little red light suddendly appeared on my radio and out comes blasting Cheech and Chong's Earache My Eye. That was my introduction to WCMF. This was long before Wease and when the station was located in a cramp space on the second floor of a building located on a street off Culver Road near Main Street.
A year later, as I decided to seek a career in radio I went to WCMF to apply for a job. No luck but I was given a tour of the place.
WCMF has come a long way in the past 30 plus years. As for WCMF's future, who knows? In fact who knows what the future of radio will be in five, 10, or 30 years from now? I sure don't. Do you?
In The Year 20-45, If Radio Is Still Alive...
Thirty five years ago, you were playing music on QRK-Rusco turntables. Production was done on reel to reel and cartridges. Personalities were still very much part of the CHR, AC landscape. Music on AM radio was still viable. The Fairness Doctrine still cast a shadow on how talk radio was articulated.
Operators and announcers were licensed, having to possess an FCC Third, Second or First Class Radio license or permit ("pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission") to stand or sit behind a microphone. Station ID's were made every thirty minutes. Transmitter readings were taken religiously. Radio transmitters were the size of a small boxcar.
Thirty five years prior to that, bands, orchestras and singers were the source of music entertainment. Radio was predicated on news and entertainment personalities.
In 1942, men went to work dressed in full suits, some wore tuxedos, standard-issue black please, women wore dress suits. Thirty years later, it was suits, sport coats... some jocks wore jeans.
Fast forward to 2042: All content on music radio will originate on a pre-programmed thumb drive which will be plugged into a micro console by a guy dressed in scivvies... sitting at home.
Seriously. What comes out of your speakers in 2042 will be transmitted by cell phone, WiFi and perhaps some technological breakthrough we cannot even imagine because some math and science whizkid now in third grade hasn't quite perfected it.
Think about this: In '72, did you ever think, even in your wildest drug or alcohol induced imagination, that music could originate from a smaller than cigarette pack box with no moving parts?
Seriously. You remember radio in 1972? Thirty five years have past. It's dramatically changed. Add thirty-thirty five years and apply the same formula and catalyst for change.
In 2077-2082, there's every likelihood that radio as we know it, won't exist at all. I won't be hangin' drywall and inhaling paint thinner for a livin'. Uncle Oskie will no longer (sadly) hack up half a lung by 8 o'clock, having smoked the remnants of the previous day's bad cigar.
Oh, and if you're 50... you'll be 85... if you still have a pulse... You youngbloods will be around 60. You cannot imagine how quickly time passes, so this post is but a lame joke and means very little to you, but have a nice day just the same.
Somewhere in the distance, Zager & Evans are singing... and the 'bloods are thinking, "who the hell are Zagnuts and Even?"
Thirty five years ago, you were playing music on QRK-Rusco turntables. Production was done on reel to reel and cartridges. Personalities were still very much part of the CHR, AC landscape. Music on AM radio was still viable. The Fairness Doctrine still cast a shadow on how talk radio was articulated.
Operators and announcers were licensed, having to possess an FCC Third, Second or First Class Radio license or permit ("pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission") to stand or sit behind a microphone. Station ID's were made every thirty minutes. Transmitter readings were taken religiously. Radio transmitters were the size of a small boxcar.
Thirty five years prior to that, bands, orchestras and singers were the source of music entertainment. Radio was predicated on news and entertainment personalities.
In 1942, men went to work dressed in full suits, some wore tuxedos, standard-issue black please, women wore dress suits. Thirty years later, it was suits, sport coats... some jocks wore jeans.
Fast forward to 2042: All content on music radio will originate on a pre-programmed thumb drive which will be plugged into a micro console by a guy dressed in scivvies... sitting at home.
Seriously. What comes out of your speakers in 2042 will be transmitted by cell phone, WiFi and perhaps some technological breakthrough we cannot even imagine because some math and science whizkid now in third grade hasn't quite perfected it.
Think about this: In '72, did you ever think, even in your wildest drug or alcohol induced imagination, that music could originate from a smaller than cigarette pack box with no moving parts?
Seriously. You remember radio in 1972? Thirty five years have past. It's dramatically changed. Add thirty-thirty five years and apply the same formula and catalyst for change.
In 2077-2082, there's every likelihood that radio as we know it, won't exist at all. I won't be hangin' drywall and inhaling paint thinner for a livin'. Uncle Oskie will no longer (sadly) hack up half a lung by 8 o'clock, having smoked the remnants of the previous day's bad cigar.
Oh, and if you're 50... you'll be 85... if you still have a pulse... You youngbloods will be around 60. You cannot imagine how quickly time passes, so this post is but a lame joke and means very little to you, but have a nice day just the same.
Somewhere in the distance, Zager & Evans are singing... and the 'bloods are thinking, "who the hell are Zagnuts and Even?"
S
slickkicker
Guest
I should quantify and correct an ARB book that I referred too here. Sometime in the late 80's, perhaps 1987 or 1988, WCMF beat WPXY in FEMALE 18-34's. It happened once.
slickkicker said:
Well now that both stations are owned by the same company it doesn't really matter who beats who does it?
Ah for the days when there was competition. :'(
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