What Happened to Joe Centanni - Rochester Rock Remembers?

[qman]

Re: Voice Tracking

Speaking of voice tracking, Fickle could use some help in that category.

I can't count how many times there’s been overlapping of commercials, or that the announcer is cut off in mid sentence, plus over modulation to the point of distortion.

What really sounds "bush league" is when the station runs promos for Marti in the Morning and the same promo runs back-to-back.

Is anyone at the station listening? :

I don't work for Fickle, But I can vouch for the fact that someone does. I was listening in the middle of the night once when two audio files were playing simultaeusly, when to my surprise the problem was resolved. Of course, this was during the Entercom days and Big Daddy Dave Beck was on the air for WBEE. Still somebody had to be listening at home because they caled Big Daddy to give him a heads up !I doubt he heard it on his own.

 

[100X]

Back to the original topic my friends and I were very disappointed with Legends decision to drop Joe's Saturday night oldies show. Do you guys realize you got rid of one of the best oldies shows on radio. This guy played some great stuff that we have not heard in years. Hope you reconsider your cuts and put the show back on the air! Tuned in the last two Saturdays and went back to my cd's. Now you are no longer special on Saturday nights. You sound like everyone else. We listened to Joe almost every Saturday night for the last three years and turned a lot of people on to that show. If you don't bring him back I hope someone does. It was to good of a program to just drop.

 

[Mark Giardina]

Back to the original topic my friends and I were very disappointed with Legends decision to drop Joe's Saturday night oldies show. Do you guys realize you got rid of one of the best oldies shows on radio. This guy played some great stuff that we have not heard in years. Hope you reconsider your cuts and put the show back on the air! Tuned in the last two Saturdays and went back to my cd's. Now you are no longer special on Saturday nights. You sound like everyone else. We listened to Joe almost every Saturday night for the last three years and turned a lot of people on to that show. If you don't bring him back I hope someone does. It was to good of a program to just drop.

Not to sound heartless, but how many good shows and talented people have been dropped by radio stations over the years?

What happened to Joe is not unusual in broadcasting and anyone who works, or did work, in that industry knows the pitfalls.

I am still somewhat puzzled why Joe was let go because of "budget cuts?" As I posted earlier, the payroll at Legends can't be that huge that the station couldn't afford to keep one more part-timer on board.

Maybe another station will pick up Joe's show, but I highly doubt it will be a commercial station. I suggest Joe try WGMC, or WRUR. Better yet contact someone from XM-Sirius if his show is as good as some people on here suggest. If one is going to look for a job, I say aim high.

 

[SirRoxalot]

I want to say one word to you. Just one word. Podcast.

 

[cee]

I want to say one word to you. Just one word. Podcast.

Good idea. I'll subscribe to such a podcast.

 

[Paul Jason]

Hey Guys! Been a long time since I've checked out this board, let alone posted here, but I feel compelled to do so. Being one of those part-timers at Legends that several of you have referred to, I can say that I do NOT do radio any longer for money. Yes, I get paid, but would do it for nothing more for the love of the art. I am sure that Joe Centanni feels the same way. Mr. Savage is right however with regard to Labor Laws. Joe will be missed, but I am sure he will surface again.

As the former morning guy at WKLX just as they flipped to Oldies, I can say that my years at that station will always be fondly remembered. WKLX did a lot of things the right way, but Legends is also doing some things the right way. I talk to more people who come to me and and say that LEGENDS is all they listen to these days. ALL day, everyday. I hear it popping up in businesses all over the city, and now in the surrounding towns and counties. I happen to think that the new jingle package sounds good. Disagree all you want, but the station now has the hotter sound it's needed. LOTS of new adds in Music as of late. LEGENDS has some of the most experienced talent is the city on staff too. I do it because I believe the station has the necessary tools to make some headway in this market. I know my good buddy Mike Vickers feels the same way. None of us do it for the money, but we do LOVE radio, we love the oldies and we will continue to do everything we can to make this station one that we can be proud of. I think that LEGENDS has been the target way too long by the armchair radio quarterbacks. Time to find a new target, which won't be hard because Rochester has several other stations in this market that really could use some help!

 

[Mark Giardina]

I think that LEGENDS has been the target way too long by the armchair radio quarterbacks. Time to find a new target, which won't be hard because Rochester has several other stations in this market that really could use some help!

Sitting here in my comfortable armchair, tossing around my football, I must commend you for your obvious loyalty to Legends.

Granted the station has picked up an audience and I'm sure it will continue to grow. Also granted there have been some razor-sharp criticism when it comes to the jingles the stations runs, along with the music rotation.

My biggest complaint is the lack of local news on a station whose format certainly calls for it since Legends is going after my generation. But the powers-to-be apparently don't think local news is that important.

However I find it interesting that weather and traffic is considered a key element in Legends format especially when a part of the time the weather forecast is wrong and traffic accidents have already been cleared up or haven't been announced yet leaving thousands of motorists idling on the expressway.

I happen to see more potential for Legends if given the opportunity. This isn't a slam against the staff currently working at the station. But I've been around the block long enough to have experienced first-hand stations with great formats and announcers come and go. And believe me the day is going to come when either Entercom or Clear Channel decide to copy the Legends format, especially if it starts taking audience away from their stations. When that happens Legends owners will either have to dig deeper into their wallets to be competitive or hoist the white flag of surrender.

 

[heydaybegone]

I think that LEGENDS has been the target way too long by the armchair radio quarterbacks. Time to find a new target, which won't be hard because Rochester has several other stations in this market that really could use some help!

Sitting here in my comfortable armchair, tossing around my football, I must commend you for your obvious loyalty to Legends.

Granted the station has picked up an audience and I'm sure it will continue to grow. Also granted there have been some razor-sharp criticism when it comes to the jingles the stations runs, along with the music rotation.

My biggest complaint is the lack of local news on a station whose format certainly calls for it since Legends is going after my generation. But the powers-to-be apparently don't think local news is that important.

However I find it interesting that weather and traffic is considered a key element in Legends format especially when a part of the time the weather forecast is wrong and traffic accidents have already been cleared up or haven't been announced yet leaving thousands of motorists idling on the expressway.

I happen to see more potential for Legends if given the opportunity. This isn't a slam against the staff currently working at the station. But I've been around the block long enough to have experienced first-hand stations with great formats and announcers come and go. And believe me the day is going to come when either Entercom or Clear Channel decide to copy the Legends format, especially if it starts taking audience away from their stations. When that happens Legends owners will either have to dig deeper into their wallets to be competitive or hoist the white flag of surrender.

Damn Mark..I don't like to quote your extended dissertations!! ( Savage started it) But you're right!! We don't have to get into the mechanics, but the mechanics have to be real. If they aren't real...don't play them out. I won't offend anybody here, you are all professionals...THE LISTENERS FIGURE IT OUT, sooner than later. I'm not specific to Legends (I can only stream it).

 

[qman]

First of all Mr. Gardina, Legends no longer airs traffic reports so for you to claim the inaccuracy of said reports is laughable. Also, we are pleased to have working with us two guys who are TOP OF THE LINE weather forecasters in this market in Josh Nichols and Kevin Williams. The forecasts are updated 3 times a day on a regular weather day and more often on an inclement day. So to suggest that the forecasts are "wrong" shows your ignorance. As for your assertion that Legends ignores local news, why are you not complaining about the lack of local news on The Zone, The Fox, CMF, and The Drive? I'm all for constructive criticism as long as it's accurate. Now back to the hits.

 

[qman]

By the way apologies for mis-spelling your name Mr. Giardina. Have a good day.

 

[heydaybegone]

Ouch!

 

[Mark Giardina]

First of all Mr. Gardina, Legends no longer airs traffic reports so for you to claim the inaccuracy of said reports is laughable. Also, we are pleased to have working with us two guys who are TOP OF THE LINE weather forecasters in this market in Josh Nichols and Kevin Williams. The forecasts are updated 3 times a day on a regular weather day and more often on an inclement day. So to suggest that the forecasts are "wrong" shows your ignorance. As for your assertion that Legends ignores local news, why are you not complaining about the lack of local news on The Zone, The Fox, CMF, and The Drive? I'm all for constructive criticism as long as it's accurate. Now back to the hits.

All I was offering was some friendly advise. And thanks by the way for correctly spelling my last name. I didn't get yours by the way. Mind telling everyone who you are so I can spell it correctly?

Oh so Legends got rid of traffic reports too? Another budget cut to save the station money I take it. Odd because I heard one of your announcers talking about a traffic problem one morning on the expressway when in fact there wasn't one. So pray tell where did she get that information from; the tooth fairy?

As for the weather forecasts, they are never 100% accurate, no matter who is reporting them. No offense was meant to Mr. Williams and his team at TV 10.

Now for the concept of local news. The Zone, Fox, WCMF and Drive are not going after people of my generation; Legends is. And as someone who knows a lot more about this market than you do, I can be "accurate" in saying that if the station did offer local news Legends' audience might grow even more. But hey who listens to me? I can remember back in the early 1980s having a discussion with my station manager as to why a county formatted FM station would work in the Rochester market when this person insisted it would not . Guess who was right about that one? ;D

As for going back to play the "hits", if that means playing the same 500 songs over and over again, then play away my friend, play away!

 

[qman]

Mr. Giardina: my last name constantly gets mis-spelled so that's why i roll with a pseudonym. As for you knowing this market more than me, I've been on the air for 30 years in Rochester. Just because the majority of it was in Christian Radio doesn't make it any less relevant than other radio so I know this market as well as anyone. As for why we don't do traffic anymore, it's because of the accuracy issue you raised in your post. As for the report you cited, not sure where the information came from. Finally, what the hell is a COUNTY station? Thank you.

 

[Mark Giardina]

Mr. Giardina: my last name constantly gets mis-spelled so that's why i roll with a pseudonym. As for you knowing this market more than me, I've been on the air for 30 years in Rochester. Just because the majority of it was in Christian Radio doesn't make it any less relevant than other radio so I know this market as well as anyone. As for why we don't do traffic anymore, it's because of the accuracy issue you raised in your post. As for the report you cited, not sure where the information came from. Finally, what the hell is a COUNTY station? Thank you.

My My My aren't we a bit touchy! And you say you work for a Christian Radio operation? Apparently tolerance is something they forgot to teach you at Sunday school because your posts are coming across as being quite hostile towards me while all I have done is extend some friendly advice.

Anyways I meant to write COUNTRY. Sorry if misspelling a word upsets you that much. (It must be that tolerance issue again).

Regarding your "excuse" for not providing me with your last name, I'm sorry but that is a cop-out and you know it. But in a show of "tolerance" on my part, please go ahead and take a shot at writing down your last name. With the name like Giardina I'm pretty good at guessing difficult names.

Also if you been on the air for 30 years in Rochester, I might know you since I've been in this market longer than that and I’ve actually worked at some radio stations that actually had a large audience.

Now you have a good day, okay?

 

[Paul Jason]

WOW! Guess I have been missing all of the fun on this post lately. QMAN.... Settle Down buddy... I can see that Mr. G really gets you going. I love you man. You are one my Good Buddies at Legends. You know that right? Don't let all of this get to you! The Station SOUNDS GOOD! TSL is through the roof. When I'm on the air, the request lines ring off the hook. I am hearing us everywhere I go! That is no accident. As for the music, I am playing and hearing new additions all the time. As a matter of fact, in some ways it sounds similar in ways to our old WKLX Rotation, minus the standards of course. I do however agree that News would be an important addition to morning drive to become of full-service FM, but for now it is what it is, poor economy and all. Just know that Paul Jason, Mike Vickers, Tom Noonan, RJ, Jay Mathews, Mark, Maggie, and KB along with yourself will continue to help the numbers grow! Just remember that you are helping to make a difference everyday, while many others who are NOT in Radio, have NEVER been in Radio, or PREVIOUSLY worked in Radio ARE NOT. Some may think that they may know more than you. They don't! Stay the course man, and stay calm. It's not good for your blood pressure! ;D

Posted Proudly by Paul Jason
WLGZ, Legends 102.7FM!

 

[Mark Giardina]

Paul-

If you go back far enough on this board you will read for yourself that when Legends changed format from religion to its current format, I was one of the first to sing its praises. In fact my wife listens to Legends all the time in her car. It was only when the station kept on playing the same artists every other day that I chimed in with the warning that unless the playlist was expanded there was the risk of losing audience. Now you tell me was I being hostile for making those remarks or helpful?

You even noted that it would be an addition to have local news on Legends, and that is what I've been saying for years. Even if the station hired a part-timer early mornings, it would improve the station's audience. Why someone would think I am being negative for suggesting something positive is a mystery to me. Yes I was critical of the weather and traffic, but I explained why. Qman answered the question about the demise of traffic because it was inconsistent and incorrect. For that I say “good job.” I rather hear nothing than inaccurate traffic information.

I've said all I am going to say about Legends plus I don't want your friend to undergo a coronary over this.

Again my best wishes to you and the rest of the Legends staff. And with that I bid you a found farewell.

 

[Paul Jason]

Thank you Mark! I totally understand what you are saying. Yes, we do not want anything to happen to QMAN. With regard to the music, trust me when I tell you that the rotation grows weekly! I am diggin' that! Thanks for you constructive criticism over the course of the posts, and thank your wife for me for being an avid listener.

Best!

Paul Jason

 

[outch]

WOW! Repeat after me gang "it's only radio" deep breath. It seems to me that the (thread) has been lost this was about Joe Centanni, and his show. How great he was, Yes! he was. But wait, there was no news in his show How can any station or show be good without NEWS!!!! I read and read and read these posts and its like kids fighting in a sand box. All the News people touting news or the lack of it what do you expect from ex-news hounds? If the station played Punk Rock Opera it would need news to be in the loop. As for another station going in the Legends direction, what is new about that its the name of the game. Just because a company has more money it don't make them any better, they just have more money (to underpay their staff) Not to mention they wll have research people based on the west coast telling us in western New York what we want to hear on the air. Sorta like asking gman what Gairdinas favorite song is then asking Mark what gmans favorite tune is Then make it LAW. That is the crux of research, why not ask me what my favorite tune is, Naw!! that would make too much sense I might add that reasearch is not cheap. When your staff has experience, and your phones work playing the right stuff is a no brainer. Problem is that alot of staff these days are sooooooo young they have no idea what song they are playing. What ever it says on the screen is what they will say, (even a misprint) Now back to the thread The reason that Joe was sooooo good is because his generation of radio cared, had heart, and really loved radio. It was a labor of love. Legends has put together a staff of people that really love what they do and it is not even a little Fake. All the money in the world, all the signal power or research out there will match real love for RADIO. Joe Centanni is the poster boy for love of his work and it shows. I have been all over this country living the life of a gypsy for a long time and I am proud to say have never changed what I do and never will. 3am or 3pm one listener or 1000, they get 110% of my energy. I have been let go lots!! Why? because I stay true to what brought me here. Remember its only radio every word I ever spoke on the air is still bouncing around in the ionosphere and if by chance I should ever hear it again I want to be proud of what I hear

 

[qman]

Ok ok It's all good. Paul, thanks for caring and having my back!! Mr. Giardina, I hold no malice towards you and I DO respect your opinions. I happen to be passionate about what I do and who I work for and at least 75% of what I read on these boards is negative toward the statinn I care about. Yes we could do better and we should have this and not have that. The bottom line is people are listening and enjoying our product. If I came off antagonistic, I apologize. Hope we can still be friends. Peace!

 

[Mark Giardina]

Mr. Giardina, I hold no malice towards you and I DO respect your opinions. I happen to be passionate about what I do and who I work for and at least 75% of what I read on these boards is negative toward the statin I care about. Yes we could do better and we should have this and not have that. The bottom line is people are listening and enjoying o. Hopoeur product. If I came off antagonistic, I apologize. Hope we can still be friends. Peace!

I never considered us not to be friends and know very well about your passion for the station that you work at because, believe it or not, I shared that passion for radio for many years myself.

Good luck and continued success!