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Would CC cuts affect Boston?

raccoonradio

raccoonradio

The reductions in force have been said to affect small (-and medium?) markets--such as Sarasota,
Toledo, Albany, Syracuse)--but would there be some layoffs in programming, etc., here in Boston at
Clear Channel?

1200 and 1430 may not do well in ratings or bring in much money (some, but not much) but note how
well Kiss (#1) and Jam'n (#4) do. In some places, like Columbia SC, they are dumping music from an FM
to simulcast the news-talk AM.

But rest assured: as far as I can tell there is little chance we would be hearing "Talk 94.5" or "Talk 107.9"
here :) (that is, exc. for 107.9 HD-2 which // WXKS AM)
 
Wouldn't be surprised if WTAG (Worcester) takes another hit. They only have 2 local on air folks left (Jim Polito in the AM and Jordan Levy in the PM). The alleged local news is done by someone who is already out of state. Seems like the next logical step in CC scorched earth policy.
 
In the "Grand new ideas for boston..." thread a week or so ago I commented that radio needed to create content - not just redistribute national content as there will be many places to get national content (take your pick - SiriusXM, internet stream, smart phone app., etc.)

Here is Clear Channel - making money and yet nuking local shows on successful stations in the name of short term profit. 10 years from now when all those local stations have lost their listeners and the station values have dropped through the floor - Clear Channel will be doing a lot of asset write downs. I suppose the current owners don't plan to be around in 10 years so what do they care.

Seems like we need some tax code adjustments to stop executives from lining their pockets based on short term decisions.
 
The CC layoffs hit the Metro Traffic Boston office today which provides news, traffic, weather and sports reports to several markets. Several managers and air talent were laid off and the helicopter that is used for BZ traffic reports and TV reports has been grounded.
 
Diff. company but legendary jock Jim Ladd laid off in L.A. (Cumulus) Supposedly the inspiration for the song
"There goes the last DJ/ Who plays what he wants to play", etc. Have heard bits of his shows
from airchecks. Needless to say I prob. wouldn't agree with his politics (mostly) but he had a long
career and a film is in the works paying tribute to him, Laquidara, etc
 
When radio fires "The Last DJ," that's a sure sign that it's jumped the shark.
 
I've noticed that too about it affecting smaller markets, but not so much the bigger ones. Kiss and Jam'n have plenty of local programming, and the Matty in the Morning show has been a success for decades, and I would be very surprised if it was cancelled anytime soon. The Kiss Top 30 countdown is still popular as well. But now let's look at 96.1 WSRS in Worcester. I have to say that out of most CC stations I've heard, WSRS is one of the better ones. All programming is locally produced and programmed, except for the Delilah show at night, and It's Your Weekend with Jim Brickman on Sunday morning (which I was actually glad to hear on WSRS; it had been on Lite Rock 105 in Providence YEARS ago, and I didn't even know it was still on the air).

CC in Providence, however, is awful. Both B101 and Coast 93.3 are literally programmed like robots. I don't think they have any local on-air talent at all. If you go to visit the studios of CC during the day, it is likely that you won't find anyone behind the mic. I haven't listened to 94 HJY enough, but I think it's still pretty good. I think they have a show on Sunday mornings when they showcase a certain artist. I'm not sure if it's local, but it might be.
 
Not everywhere. I will be on Salem State radio this Sunday, 10 am-3 pm (local music, blues, and interviews of people on the street in Salem via cell phone, 91.7 FM)

We are local. We are live.

And we have "more power than 2 60 watt light bulbs!"
 
raccoonradio said:
Not everywhere. I will be on Salem State radio this Sunday, 10 am-3 pm (local music, blues, and interviews of people on the street in Salem via cell phone, 91.7 FM)

We are local. We are live.

And we have "more power than 2 60 watt light bulbs!"
Click to expand...

I'm using a pass from my local liberry to visit Salem for the Hudson River Valley School exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum (NOT in either Peabody or Essex; weird) on SATURDAY. Too bad.
 
True story: One of the writers for the Simpsons was in the area and decided to visit the Peabody Essex Museum, which is in Salem (the library for it is in Peabody) and they entered it into their GPS. This took
them to the city of Peabody, and they wondered where the heck the museum was. The GPS had the
voice of Homer Simpson on it. D'oh! Well, the city of Peabody heard about it and was nice enough to
show their fair city to the Simpsons writer, who perhaps eventually did find the Peabody Essex
Museum which is in neither Peabody nor Essex (Essex county yes but not Essex town) but in Salem.

I have to drive into Salem on Sunday. Yikes. (20 min to find a friggin' parking space for the Howlin
Wolf Mexican restaurant last Sun.--which by the way is great) :)
 
Had it been the voice of Bart Simpson, the GPS would probably direct you to the nearest Church of Scientology. ;D
 
vmorrison said:
The CC layoffs hit the Metro Traffic Boston office today which provides news, traffic, weather and sports reports to several markets. Several managers and air talent were laid off and the helicopter that is used for BZ traffic reports and TV reports has been grounded.
Click to expand...

Somewhere, Joe Green is spinning in his grave. Sorry to all those who were lopped off, and BTW, with the grounding of the helicopter, there are others who are not "in the business" that are now out of work as well (pilot, mechanic, etc.).
 
This time next year, Matty In The Morning and Romario and Pebbles will be released from their contracts. When you see that, the morning drive shifts will be all voicetracked, just like they are in Providence. Just you wait and see!
 
blackgold said:
This time next year, Matty In The Morning and Romario and Pebbles will be released from their contracts. When you see that, the morning drive shifts will be all voicetracked, just like they are in Providence. Just you wait and see!
Click to expand...

People have been predicting the end of Matty "next year" for about 15 years. Not happening. I'll put that with the "radio is dying" sentiment that haters have been spewing since the 50's.
 
blackgold said:
This time next year, Matty In The Morning and Romario and Pebbles will be released from their contracts. When you see that, the morning drive shifts will be all voicetracked, just like they are in Providence. Just you wait and see!
Click to expand...

That would be economic suicide. Even the current CC regime isn't THAT stupid.
 
See, here's the problem with a) one company owning all the traffic providers and b) a competitor company owning all of the traffic providers.

So the 'BZ helicopter is grounded. What good does that do anybody? Now the traffic reports will be less accurate and timely.

But, in CC's eyes, why the hell should they provide great traffic to WBZ and CBS? That's just listeners tuning away from their properties to hear traffic.

If it were a somewhat independent company, such as the old WW1 (yes, later on a subsidary of CBS, but still more independent of the parent company) then all stations are created equal. All are clients.

If I were GM of WBZ I'd get my own helicopter, sell the naming rights to pay for said helicopter, and tell CC to stick it where the moon doesn't shine.
 
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