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What happened to the Hook?

B

brian.marchand

I saw WJYF 95.3 in the Valdosta area is now with the www.klove network. I guess its an LMA and happened recently. What happened to the Hook. What is WWWD 102.1 in Macon now doing that was simulcasting the Hook? Why was this done? Not making enough money I guess? How will this effect the other stations 3 trees owns - WTIF 107.5 and WVDA 88.5. WTIF had recently flipped to contemporary christian and maybe was because they new they were going to LMA the Hook?

Matt Baldridge worked at the Hook and posts here so maybe he can give some answers I was hopping. - thanks
 
brian.marchand said:
I saw WJYF 95.3 in the Valdosta area is now with the www.klove network. I guess its an LMA and happened recently. What happened to the Hook. What is WWWD 102.1 in Macon now doing that was simulcasting the Hook? Why was this done? Not making enough money I guess? How will this effect the other stations 3 trees owns - WTIF 107.5 and WVDA 88.5. WTIF had recently flipped to contemporary christian and maybe was because they new they were going to LMA the Hook?

Matt Baldridge worked at the Hook and posts here so maybe he can give some answers I was hopping. - thanks
Click to expand...

One thing is for sure, the Hook's website isn't working anymore. That probably means 102.1 The Hook probably went away, too. Either way, that means fewer opportunities not only for new people to enter into radio, but also for experienced air personalities to find on-air work. Still, that's another subject for another time and place.
 
Hello all,

It's Matt "PK" Baldridge and yes, I'm looking for my next radio gig! As of November 1st, Three Trees Communications turned over the operations of 95.3 (WJYF) and 102.1 (WWWD) Hook FM to EMF (the parent company of K-Love and Air-1). I didn't see this coming even as their GM! We were currently working on the sale of 88.5 (WVDA) to EMF due to finacial concers within the company but this move really killed a great station format and concept (Hook FM) that I built from scratch.

I happen to know that the common thought among the "powers that be" at Three Trees Communications is that this is good news that 95.3 and 102.1 will stay in the hands of Christian broadcasters. My problem is that neither K-love or Air-1 are local formats. There is no local DJ's... no local information... no fun... it's what I call "stale radio". One thing I strived to accomplish with Hook FM is to break the regular "Christian radio" mold and prove that Christianity is not boring... it's a blessing! This is why The Off The Hook Morning Show with JJ, Rachel and myself along with The Afternoon Hook Up with Nugget was so listener interactive. We wanted to include our listening audience and entertain day in and day out with local news, weather, events and games! All of this is what I feel Middle and South Georgia were hungry for.

Three Trees Communications is left with WTIF AM (Talk Radio) and WTIF FM (Christian AC) in Tifton Ga. I'm not sure what they are going to do with the FM format now that K-Love is the exact same format too! I look for either a format switch or a sale of the stations soon! What a shame. Back to "boring and dry" Christian radio choices. No local presence. No way for local ministries to spread the word about their events. No fun and uplifting entertainment. No local employment for MANY who poured their lives into the business and ministry of Hook FM. Watching the people who I hired, trained, and developed close friendships with lose their jobs has brought much pain to my life. I wish I had a way to help them but I can barely help myself right now. Let's just say we were shown the door with cheer!

To all of you who listened to Hook FM, THANK YOU!!! I have produced and posted two pieces of audio onto my MySpace page (www.myspace.com/pkonair) that I hope you will take time to listen to and enjoy. The first track is titled "PK Bad Day Remix". This is a remix I did of Daniel Powters hit song Bad Day. It features amazing sound clips from the last Off The Hook Morning Show. The second track is titled "A Look Back". This is a mix of some of the best of The Off The Hook Morning Show! I hope both tracks blesses you as much as it did me as I produced them.

I still have no "hot leads" as to where I'll end up next in this crazy career of radio. I welcome any leads and/or references! I've considered hanging it up and doing something else. I don't know what else I'd be good at though. Feel free to share any ideas you might have! Ha ha ha. On second thought, I might be scared to hear what you all might think I would be good at!

Thank you for your time and God bless!

**************************
Matt Baldridge
AKA PK "The Preachers Kid"

FORMER General Manager
Three Trees Communications
WWWD / WJYF / WTIF AM & FM

www.myspace.com/pkonair

229-805-7270 cell

**************************
 
Thanks for the reply. I think its good they stayed christian music. But for you to lose what you worked for and put your life into and believed in is not easy. I hope the best for you. God is always in control even through the hard times in our lives.

I still wondered if 102.1 in Macon was K-Love or Air1 since I live in IL. It's a hobby of mine to follow what's going on. Air1 is actually one of my favorite internet stations to listen to with no christian chr/rock music here.

And with EMF buying both WJYF and WWWD I wonder if they are even buying WVDA anymore. I guess we have to wait for the FCC sales application.
 
Yeha I worked along side Matt Baldridge at The Hook for over 1 and a half years of my life. I poured all I had into it... Things were tough and still are.... I pray that someone local would buy WJYF WWWD...

For all of those who listened we really tried to do our best there to make it fun and uplifting.....
 
To all who were affiliated with the "Hook" stations...

Sorry to hear about what has happened with the stations. For the record, as a longtime broadcaster, I was impressed with the overall sound of the format. I thought it was well-produced and executed, and, if it had been truly given a chance, could have really developed its niche, especially here in Central Georgia.

I wish all of you displaced by this move all the best this holiday season. Congratulations on a valiant effort with "The Hook". It's a good concept. PK, maybe you can make it work somewhere where you'll get the support you need to make it work.

Plus... I thought the Scion you guys wrapped with your logo was tricked!

Thanks!
David Nolin
Cumulus Broadcasting of Macon
TDO
 
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