WECK'S FUTURE: PICK DATE/NEW FORMAT

[GeorgeKramer]

Predictions (no wagering please) for when the flip takes place and what the new format will be.

I will begin:


DATE: Tuesday, July 5, 2011

FORMAT: Hispanic tunes run in conjunction with the Hispanics United of Buffalo organization, a group with some deep pockets who is looking for an AM frequency to play their music and host some talk shows/informational discussions.

 

[cee]

FORMAT: Hispanic tunes run in conjunction with the Hispanics United of Buffalo organization, a group with some deep pockets who is looking for an AM frequency to play their music and host some talk shows/informational discussions.

But WBBF 1120AM is still Hispanic(I just heard it online).

 

[SirRoxalot]

And why would they wait until July 5th?

 

[VoiceGuyJack]

Only Dick Greene knows for sure if he is going to scrap what he has (which doesn't seem to work) and move on. Making predictions on WECK's future format change (if any) is a path that has been traveled down before. However, if we are doing predictions today..I would go with Adult Standards (Sinatra, Big Band and Light Jazz) It's a format that has worked well in other markets and a niche that hasn't been filled since WADV and the old WEBR did it back in the 60's.

Stay tuned...and thanks for playing... "Formats of the Week".

 

[SirRoxalot]

Sorry, VGJ, that format's already been co-opted by WHLD, 1270 AM. They've got Harv Moore, a radio legend, voice-tracking. WECK also went that route during its heyday from 1981 to 2006, so that format hasn't exactly been ignored since the '60s.

Of course, WHLD is owned by Citadel. Ordinarily, I'd say the they could bury Dick Greene promotionally, but they're faced with the Cumulus deal which is apparently on track to close around Labor Day. Nobody knows what Cumulus is likely to do. Maybe they'll donate WHLD to Dick Greene.

 

[dukjupiter]

in the next couple of days they will start running a continuous loop of brad riter reminding us he is "THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR". hometown radio, you wont have to remind us anymore, now we are painfully aware of how the local talent does it . thanks for embarrasing buffalo. brad, you didnt have any relatives in mgt at the courier did you? bethlehem steel? ???

 

[SirRoxalot]

Now there's the pool. What formats will WECK stunt with?

 

[jefflaurence]

Seriously? How about Polish?

 

[SirRoxalot]

They could move to the Central Terminal.

 

[VoiceGuyJack]

Hi Rox...WHLD's format isn't exactly comparable to the old WADV or WEBR "Sound of the City" format. It was more Big Band, Jazz, Tony Bennett, Sinatra, Ella and Basie than what HLD is playing. Perhaps, you're too young to remember.
WHLD is all over the place musically. They tend to mix things from World War II to stuff from the late 60's.

The sound I"m talking about use to be called MOR or the American Songbook. It was a more stylish, sophisticated sound than WHLD is programming. It had a a sizable audience and to this day I hear from people who wish that format would return.

I know what your thinking. This will only appeal to the oldest demographic. Not true. If Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr and Josh Groban are selling there must be a market for that kind of music.

 

[VoiceGuyJack]

Jeff...Polish???? You have been gone too long...not many Polish speakers still in Buffalo...Many of the Polish, German and Italian families have homogenized into the "American family". Which in many ways is unfortunate because preserving our roots and holding onto our traditions is important.

 

[SirRoxalot]

I know what your thinking. This will only appeal to the oldest demographic. Not true. If Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr and Josh Groban are selling there must be a market for that kind of music.

l wish I was too young to remember the old WADV or WEBR. I will admit that they weren't radio choices that I made, but I was exposed to them.

The demos would still be seriously tilted toward 65-to-death. Even Buble, Harry, and Groben sing many songs that are newer than 1960. It would be nice to introduce another generation to the Great American Songbook. Rod Stewart and a host of others seem to be making serious money doing that.

 

[Radio_bored-Op]

"sports-Channel 12"
(watch out 'gr)

 

[bbb]

Does this all really mean that WECK's current format is going down the tubes and a format change is imminent?

Seems like most everybody here agreed that Bill O's show and Lorraine were not very good (I've only listened to a little of both, and they weren't for me).

So, isn't there a good chance that Brad knows what's good radio and what isn't, and is revamping everything?

I love Brad's show and the Yankees, and it would kill me have both go away. It's the rest of the hours that need to be made more interesting, IMO.

 

[SirRoxalot]

I don't think that most people know, or honestly care, what happens at WECK. I'm more inclined to think that this is a large tweak.

 

[GeorgeKramer]

Quick thought on a revised lineup that Dick can put together rather quickly and present to Brad when he returns from his trip:

6am-9am Good Morning Buffalo with Tom and Corey... and BRAD!
9am-12pm The Dan Patrick Show
12pm-1pm Corey and WNYMedia.net contributors
1pm-4pm Dennis Miller
4pm-7pm Nick Mendola and a new face (Dan Cave formerly of WGR? Another former WGR staffer?)

The new face doesn't necessarily add to the payroll since Loraine and Bill O are gone. It's a part-timer who helps make Nick breathe some new life into the sports/general talk format of WNY that is very stale since Schopp and Bulldog AND Sandy Beach are obviously mailing it in.

I'm an "older guy" but notice I am not upset at all that Bill O is gone. They need younger folks on the air, especially since Sandy Beach is no spring chicken.

 

[leelee]

I concur with that lineup. I'd rather put Mendola on in that 10-12 slot, I think local sports talk against Cowherd is essential. And Nick doing a general talk show during rush hour... eh. Although, I don't know what WECK could put there instead.

 

[Radknowski]

Jeff...Polish???? You have been gone too long...not many Polish speakers still in Buffalo...Many of the Polish, German and Italian families have homogenized into the "American family". Which in many ways is unfortunate because preserving our roots and holding onto our traditions is important.

Sweet Dyngus, it's a good think Aunt Helen, Sophie and Uncle Oskie don't read this board. At least, I don't think they read this board. Then again, I've always wondered about that Midnight Skulker guy. Hmmmm...

 

[Nick Mendola]

Midnight to 6a: Only Buddy Holly songs
6a-10a: Art Wander w/ co-host my infant son
10a-Noon: This message board, translated into German, then read aloud with applause and a laugh track
Noon-3: Me
3-6: Best of Me
6: Channel 2 news
630-9: Brad and Scott Wilson
9-11:30: Best of Brad and Scott
11:30-11:32: Angry voicemails
11:32-11:33: Best of angry voicemails
11:33-Midnight: Best of Best of Me

12 share. Easy

 

[Element9]

That is a funny post, Nick. No [sarcasm] tag. Wander may be a little weak, but your son will carry him. Unfortunately, if that line-up did a 1 share Persons 12+, it would be more successful than what's happened up until now. I have no dog in the fight and I hope you folks make something of it. Just seems you're swimming against a strong current. There's only so much you can expect from "The Little Engine That Could," which is a wonderful and encouraging book that your son probably loves. It's a bit brighter than Shel Silverstein's adorable but sad "The Giving Tree." I had a chance to listen to the morning show a few days ago and felt sympathetically bad for the players. Loraine is gone, but the show still struggles. Tom Donahue is a network caliber news voice. He'd be sensational on WBEN, WNED-AM or WBFO. But that's the problem. Those stations offer programming that's far more compelling and attractive than what you offer. Your station is like "Dick's Discount Grocery" next to Wegman's, Tops and Aldi. It's an unenviable position. Admittedly, I don't have answers. I don't even have suggestions. And what difference would it make. At least you're working, doing something you enjoy and collecting a paycheck. If nothing else it's a good place to refine your skills, hone your talent and cut some good airchecks. Who knows, in two years, you and others could be in a major market or national. Crazier things have happened. You might strike oil. Good luck. Again, no [sarcasm] tag.