WNED Signs Agreement to Acquire WBFO

[x13thfloorrand]

consolidation has even bit the proverbial public radio bug....


BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Western New York Public Broadcasting Association and the University at Buffalo are pleased to announce today that WBFO-FM 88.7 will become a part of the WNED family of public radio and television stations.
copyright University of Buffalo website www.buffalo.edu

 

[Bob1370]

WBFO provides better coverage of the Buffalo/Niagara Falls market, even without its satellite signals in the Southern Tier, than WNED-AM ever will because of how restricted the 970 signal is to the east and west (and to a degree, to the south as well). So you have to think they'll consolidate all the staff and program resources at 88.7.

Having said that--what do they do with 970? Seems to me they have several choices. 1) Make it a pure talk and interview format station, with a mix of local shows and national talk, interview and other long-form spoken word programming, plus top-of-the-hour local news briefs but minus Morning Edition, All Things Considered and the other NPR news and info staples which would stay on FM. They could perhaps start the day with The Takeaway and move from that to talk programming in middays, afternoons and night using some national shows and a local or regional offering. There's plenty of material available, more than any one station can carry. 2) Bring back the jazz and cultural programs the old WEBR used to run as a public station after dark and on weekends, only make that their 24/7 format. 3) Sell it off to another broadcaster--I'd venture a guess that given the saturation of the market with religious material, it'd have to be some form of secular format, maybe a commercial talk alternative to WBEN and WWKB, with a signal that while far from perfect, would give better coverage than WECK was able to offer.

 

[theradiokid]

Or, they could go all 50's and 60's oldies, AKA WGVU in Grand Rapids, MI.

 

[Element9]

Western New York Public Broadcasting Association pays $4 million for WBFO and two repeaters, WOLN Olean and WUBJ Jamestown. Four million?!! Somebody call the cops.

It will be argued that WNYPBA can run WBFO more efficiently. The University at Buffalo will no longer have the burden of salaries and expenses associated with operating an FM radio station "that nobody listens to anymore because after all, it's 2011 and everybody knows it's all about new media, radio having gone the way of the typewriter."

I suppose there's some objective merit to this sale, as the press release glowingly indicates, but there may come a time when the decision to sell WBFO/WUBJ/WOLN comes back to bite UB in the buttock. WBFO is an outstanding vehicle for promoting the many assets of a fine public university. The radio station over the years provided fertile ground for the growth of many talented radio news and music professionals locally and nationally.

Kudos to WBFO General Manager, Mark Vogelzang for guiding WBFO through a major transition, thinning the herd and improving morale.

Feh.

 

[SirRoxalot]

WBFO certainly has gone through some changes since Mr. Vogelzang came onboard. I suspect the reason he was brought in was to either get WBFO to be revenue-neutral, or to move the station to a new owner. I'm guessing that revenue-neutral was not an option with the existing management and NY Education Department salary structure.

What will be interesting is to see what talent and programming makes the transition. Several people have already retired, or been released. If they combine the real talent at WBFO with the news department at WNED-AM, they'll have a chance to challenge WBEN. Eileen Buckley is a quality newsperson. Mark Scott has transitioned to "part time", but would be a quality add as well.

WNED will be much more aggressive in marketing the station. In part, they'll likely have an advantage of fewer hoops to jump through than WBFO had as part of a major university. In part, they won't have a budget from the university to prop them up. And, there will be the inevitable cost-cutting.

If you're Bert Gambini, do you give up the state university salary and benefits to make the jump to WNED? Will they pay him well enough? Does he have other options at the university as faculty or staff?

How about the weekend programming? Does WNED retain Blues on the weekend? Does Jim Santella want to put up with the transitional period that's bound to accompany the studio move, etc.? Will Anita West make the move? Especially if they decide to "renegotiate"?

Lots of questions. It's gonna take a while to get some answers.

 

[stratace05]

I am an avid listener of WBFO. They really do a quality job with their talent, news coverage and speciality proograms on the weekends like blues/jazz/etc. My worry once this moves into reality is that all the great programming and shows that WBFO has will all go away and it will become a WNED-AM simulcast. Nothing against 970 but I think the programs on 'BFO are geared to a younger demo and seem to be a good niche'. WNED has similar programming but also other speciality shows like A Prairie Home Companion and BBC Newshour...Sounds like Grandpa listening to me...It'll be interesting to see what gets sacrificed. I'm hoping it'll lead to something better but you guys know how these things usually turn out...

 

[SirRoxalot]

WNY Public Broadcastings is MUCH better at fund raising. Maybe they can find "underwriters" for the old "On the Border" series, and some of the other programming that attracted that younger audience to WBFO. It should also be much easier for WBFO to partner with venues for live shows and to host things like debates and public forums. There are some events that might not rate the cost of TV production that would make excellent radio programming.

Let's face it, WBFO and the other FMs have MUCH better coverage of the market than 970 AM. Since FM is the ONLY radio on a lot of newer devices, it's pretty easy to guess where the bulk of the programming money will be spent. It wouldn't surprise me to see 970 evolve into a more ethnic-based community type station. There's more money to be made there than there is in repeating NPR content.

As Bob Dylan said, "The Times, They Are A-Changin'". There's a reference that even the old line granola-eating 'BFOers can identify with.

 

[TheBigA]

WBFO is an outstanding vehicle for promoting the many assets of a fine public university. The radio station over the years provided fertile ground for the growth of many talented radio news and music professionals locally and nationally.

Absolutely. However, as I wrote here when this sale was first being discussed, universities are no longer interested in things like providing cultural and educational resources for the community at large. In the old days, an educator was an educator 24/7. Now he's an educator when he's on the clock. It's a more narrow definition of the role of a university. Colleges may be in the education business, but it's a business nonethe less. So the free dissemination of culture via OTA radio doesn't fit with the role of the university. They can promote "the many assets of a fine university" with a static web page outlining the biographies of its faculty, or the facilities on its campus, hoping that you'll enroll and become a tuition paying student. That's a whole lot cheaper, and even in the world of education, cheap is good. I read many comments on these boards from people bemoaning the state of radio today, and how it used to be so much better and so much more about public service. As I often say: It's not just radio.

 

[Mark Giardina]

I've been out of the ballgame for quite a while so please excuse a dumb question.
What happens to the on-air and other staff now that WNED has acquired WBFO?

The reason for my asking is that while at WXXI I had the pleasure of knowing and working with (at times) some of the staff at both stations and would hate to see anyone get laid off because of consolidation.

 

[SirRoxalot]

Absolutely. However, as I wrote here when this sale was first being discussed, universities are no longer interested in things like providing cultural and educational resources for the community at large. In the old days, an educator was an educator 24/7. Now he's an educator when he's on the clock.

Just where do you derive such ideas? As a graduate of an institution known as an "education school", I have MANY friends in the academic world, both as administrators and faculty. Universities are no less interested in "things like providing cultural and educational resources for the community at large" now than they ever were. In fact, in the ever more competitive business of education, they're MORE interested in community outreach than ever before. The number of programs that encourage partnering with high schools and community groups to extend credit-bearing courses to their members is greater now than ever before.

The reason that WBFO was sold is simple. It cost the university precious dollars. WBFO wasn't even close to self-supporting, let alone a profit center. The reasons have to do with policies established by the State Education Department, the university, and station management. I've been told by potential underwriters that their corporate funding department was at least inflexible, if not downright inept.

If you don't feel that you're getting your money's worth from educators these days, you might want to look into staffing levels. There are fewer full time faculty now at most institutions than there were 10 years ago. Institutions trying to stretch dollars rely more and more heavily on adjunct faculty who simply don't have the same level of experience or program continuity to offer the same quality of education. Full-time faculty have the added burden of having education management duties thrust on them because the number of administrators has also been reduced. All of this is happening while enrollments continue to increase, and a greater number of programs are offered than ever before.

It not a lack of interest. It's a lack of money. Universities are making hard choices in these days of hiring freezes and funding cuts. Radio stations that operate like it's the 1970s are simply becoming a target at budget time.

 

[TheBigA]

Just where do you derive such ideas?

Among my professional activities, one is an occasional college professor. So my comments are based on experience. I thought my comments made it clear that the reason for this change in philosophy is money. As I said, the education business is a business. Just like broadcasting.

 

[SirRoxalot]

I don't know where you teach, or where you've taught, but I sure as Hell wouldn't hire anybody who'd write

"universities are no longer interested in things like providing cultural and educational resources for the community at large. In the old days, an educator was an educator 24/7. Now he's an educator when he's on the clock."

I fully understand that education is a business, but the opinion that you've expressed here is just plan wrong. It's disproved daily by virtually every institution of higher education in this area. Maybe it's different where you are, but you're surely not talking about the vast majority of educators and institutions in Buffalo, NY.

 

[SirRoxalot]

BTW, ITT Tech and their ilk might operate that way, but I'm talking about fully accredited institutions.

 

[TheBigA]

BTW, ITT Tech and their ilk might operate that way, but I'm talking about fully accredited institutions.

I wouldn't know about ITT or University of Phoenix, or for-profit instititutions. But I imagine you're right.

 

[Mike_Saffran]

A couple of much-needed clarifications:

There are fewer full time faculty now at most institutions than there were 10 years ago. Institutions trying to stretch dollars rely more and more heavily on adjunct faculty who simply don't have the same level of experience or program continuity to offer the same quality of education.

That’s only partially true, Rox. Indeed, more and more institutions rely on adjunct faculty today compared with a decade ago; however, because many of those adjuncts hold full-time positions within their fields, they’re typically more experienced and knowledgeable — particularly about current practices — than some full-time faculty. “Contingent” faculty members (adjuncts) might not have the research experience of those who went straight from graduate school to full-time teaching (perhaps without spending a day of their life actually working in the field), but most provide very high-quality instruction.

BTW, ITT Tech and their ilk might operate that way, but I'm talking about fully accredited institutions.

I wouldn't know about ITT or University of Phoenix, or for-profit instititutions. But I imagine you're right.

“For profit” doesn’t necessarily mean “unaccredited.” The for-profit University of Phoenix, the largest private university in the United States with 438,000 students (who, incidentally, collectively receive a billion dollars in federal student aid annually), is a full-fledged, accredited university.

Ironically, in an earlier remark, TheBigA said, “...the education business is a business. Just like broadcasting.” That’s very true. And just like the sea change experienced by “old media” (including radio, TV and print) in recent years, higher education also faces major change and formidable challenges.

I work for a highly regarded, traditional, private non-profit institution (recognized this week as “A Great College to Work For”—so I hope it sticks around for a while); however, I can appreciate the niche filled by the for-profits, many of which offer greater access, demand-driven courses and programs (ideally affording graduates solid employment opportunities) and, frequently, convenient online classes.

It’s all part of higher ed’s need to adapt — which includes changing attitudes. Sounds kind of like radio, doesn’t it?

 

[TheBigA]

It’s all part of higher ed’s need to adapt — which includes changing attitudes. Sounds kind of like radio, doesn’t it?

Exactly. Your post reminded me that I once worked at a station similar to WNED, which is what is called a "community licensee." That is a non-commercial station that is not affiliated with a college, state, or other major funding source. I knew people at WBFO, and their world is about to change. There is a stability provided by being a university licensee. Not as much with the community licensees. It helps that WNED has a TV station associated with it. It would be far worse if this was a radio-only operation.

But Rox mentioned that WBFO was not a money-maker for the U of B. That will change now that it's run by a community licensee. There will be more fund-raisers, and there may be some programming changes to attract funding. We did four a year, and they each ran 10 days. Plus there were the silent campaigns, and the corporate work. There was a direct relationship between the programming we ran and ability of those shows to raise money from listeners. If a host had a generous fan base, his show got the better time slot. That's democracy, folks. I don't know which programs raise the most now at WBFO, but those that do will get more airtime. Those that don't won't.

 

[DonaldKBoswellBlows]

SirRoxalot,

You are incorrect on a bunch of posts:

1. WNY Public Broadcasting is NOT better at fundraising, they actually suck at it. WBFO will and already is losing members since the announcement because there are a whole lot of supporters who work at UB, that love and support it but won't anymore due to the sale.

2. WBFO was really close to self supporting and could have easily been with a few tweaks with increasing membership, underwriting and cutting a few expenses. UB never went down that road to even try. VP Henderson was only interested in helping Donald K. Boswell get the station as a payback. President Tripathi is only interested in getting the $4 million to build his downtown Medical Campus, that's the carrot that was dangled in front of him to agree to sell the station.

3. The Corporate Underwriting that you say was inept isn't! The department only has one full-time Underwriter and he busts his ass selling Underwriting in the hard Buffalo Market.

4. WBFO had been doing really well financially if you looked at the numbers on their website, but having high priced consultants for multiple positions can tank a bank account really fast.

Thanks

 

[GeorgeKramer]

I was told the WBFO on-air talent will likely NOT be retained.

Too bad. WBFO's reporters and anchors have always done nice work despite a limited staff and resources.

I hope those folks can land on their feet. Maybe one or two of them can latch on over at WBEN to help make up for last year's loss of Barbara Burns and this year's loss of Rachel Kingston. A female voice other than Susan Rose doing news on 930 AM would be refreshing.

 

[JustPastBuffalo]

Buffalo News columnist/jazz/media critic Jeff Simon weighs in with a few opinions about WBFO and some thoughts from his Facebook friends: http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/columns/jeff-simon/article509386.ece.

I agree with those in Simon's column and this thread who opine that WBFO serves the community in ways the present UB administration may not understand or appreciate. I couldn't disagree more with those who say WBFO's news offering is lacking. And I've long thought those who continually and capriciously bashed WBFO's jazz programming and the efforts of certain WBFO jazz hosts were off base. (Like so many fans of rock music in the 60s and 70s; interview twenty people and you'll get twenty different opinions of what constitutes "good" rock bands and musicians.) I'm not a "serious" jazz person, but I appreciate the art form. I've listened to Toronto's 91.1 Jazz FM for years and appreciate the breadth of music as well as the casual, well-informed but non-condescending attitude of Jazz FM's hosts.

Having been through a consolidation of two (commercial) news radio stations, my experience yields the opinion that WNYPBA is unlikely to operate both WNED-AM and WBFO in "news mode" for any number of reasons. (Last I checked, NPR does not offer a sports format.) WNED-AM and WBFO are fine stations and I'm a listener. Change is likely once the sale is finalized. WBFO may be chosen to carry the mantle of "news station." Both stations are staffed by dedicated professionals and I wish all parties well. Hopefully upheaval is not part of the transition.

 

[Philip_Airtime]

I've purposely held back from contributing to this thread because of my close association with WBFO. But after this morning's Jeff Simon article, I must speak out. Simon is a little, little man. I've always found him to be pretentious and sometimes unreadable. It saddens me that so many fine writers at the Buffalo News are accepting buy-outs while this little man continues to prattle on each week. Yes, I'm taking what some might see as an unfair shot at Simon. And the only reason I'm taking it is because of his unwarranted personal attack on David Benders. David is a man of integrity who has done so much to keep WBFO running through the years. He's the programmer who oversaw the transition of WBFO from a student operation with no listeners to a station that has topped 100,000 in *** audience in some books over the past ten years. And it was David Benders who actually protected jazz, allowing it to continue in a prominent role on WBFO through 2010. Believe me, another programmer would have dropped it ten years ago. I'm proud to work with David. And I'm proud to call him a friend. And I will defend him from such trash as I read in today's Buffalo News. Shame on you, Margaret Sullivan, for allowing a writer to engage in such unfair and unsubstantied garbage.

Now, Simon, you're deluded if you think WNED is going to bring back jazz. DELUDED, I say. Jazz is no longer a viable radio format. I enjoy jazz. I, too, tune in 91.1. I still listen to Doug Blakely at night on WBFO. And my CD collection probably has more jazz CDs than the average person. But WBFO would have a fraction of the audience it has today if it was a primarily jazz outlet. Are there any radio professionals reading this who would disagree?

No, Simon, WNED will be maintaining the NPR programming as it is currently airing on WBFO. What this actually does is protect the full-time classical service at 94.5. The folks at WNED are smart radio people. They read the same public radio research as we do. For years, we were waiting for the day when WNED would add NPR programming at 94.5, just as dozens of other classical stations have done. Fortunately, they never did so. They'll now have an FM outlet for NPR. So, classical music listeners win. And NPR News listeners win.

Simon has continually bashed WBFO for its format change in February 2010 to all talk. He criticizes the duplication. What he doesn't tell his readers is that WBFO was the first to air Morning Edition and All Things Considered. And much of the rest broadcast day, except for one hour of On Point at 10am, has different programming. And you know what, Simon, it appears the audience prefers the new programming. We've had two of the most successful fundraisers in the station's history. So, what does that tell you!

One more snipe in your article that I take offense with, Simon. The "bland" community reporting you refer to actually captured the top AP award in New York State in 2006 and 2008. WBFO has also been honored with regional Murrow awards and nearly a dozen national public radio journalism awards. So, we must be doing something right.