WSJS/WZTK Curtis takeover happening.

[XTalker]

Curtis takes over on Valentines day! Two staffers not hired from CBS crew - Wanda Daubenmeyer (Controller/Business Manager) and Marty Holbrook (Promotions Director/WMFR Program Director). As of the change, all others staying. Chances are good there could be other changes down the line, but those are apparently the only two who will receive the CBS severence package.

 

[allnews]

I'd heard some speculation about the fate of GM Tom Hamilton. With WZTK expected to move into WSJS's Winston-Salem studios, will they need two GMs? Since Bill Whitley succeeded former WSJS GM (and long time Hamilton compatriot) Howard Nemenz at 101, could that indicate the future at WSJS?

 

[XTalker]

Who knows at this point. I suspect one GM in place following transition. Whitley could move back to Durham rather than move to WS. Doubt Nemenz is in the picture at all.

I am really surprised that Centennial was not in the bidding for SJS - particularly considering the selling price.

 

[MaskMan]

I think Howard's holding out for an FM. I think he really would like to have an FM in the GSO market. They may be the ones that eventually acquire WKRR/WKZL. It just excites the heck out of me to see local broadcasters becoming big players! I LOVE it! Go Curtis! Go Centennial!

 

[allnews]

Didn't he HAVE an FM in the GSO market (WZTK)? And why he doesn't he have it any longer?

 

[XTalker]

Howard left ZTK (Curtis) to head up operations and acquisitions for Centennial! While they would certainly want an FM in the GSO market, I sure thought they would be after SJS. Howard approached CBS on several occasions.

 

[MaskMan]

I was kind of hoping Centennial would bid for WSJS too. Oh well, without hearing an explanation directly from Howard, we just won't know why they didn't.

I've got to say that while I'm cheering-on Curtis as a local broadcaster, I'm a little concerned at how frugal they are. I've heard some horror stories about the equipment and facility at WZTK. I'm sure they're all thrilled to be moving to Fifth and Summit! I just hope they treat WSJS with the dignity it deserves. Personally, I would trade "all the resources" of CBS to work with a group of entrepenurial broadcasters like I know work for Curtis. They're going to have a ball!

 

[allnews]

I've got to say that while I'm cheering-on Curtis as a local broadcaster, I'm a little concerned at how frugal they are. I've heard some horror stories about the equipment and facility at WZTK. I'm sure they're all thrilled to be moving to Fifth and Summit! I just hope they treat WSJS with the dignity it deserves. Personally, I would trade "all the resources" of CBS to work with a group of entrepenurial broadcasters like I know work for Curtis. They're going to have a ball!

That was what I was alluding to in the other thread.

CBS knows news and talk, and does support that format with its resources. If you're an O&O you can call up CBS News and get them to do about anything you need, anywhere in the world...chase down a local politician or story...something that gives you lots of "oomph" in the news arena. You also get to work with world-class broadcasters, get their advice and help on matters...from news, to talk, to programming, to equipment and I-T. That's invaluable to any newsroom. Personally, I'd take that over the other.

 

[XTalker]

I suspect WSJS will retain the resources of at least the CBS network. Compensation deal is sweet. That certainly gives the stations access to those resources.

Although Curtis did not seem to take advantage of the ZTK/WPTF connection, I would think the state news resources will be stronger, particularly in the areas of state government. It just depends if the local egos in each station can make it work to their advantage. Turft protection is a dangerous thing when trying to take advantage of synergy.

While the Burlington facility of WZTK leaves a lot to be desired, other Curtis stations - ones that have been profitable for a long time, are well equipped! I suspect ZTK will become more profitable (they had a huge hill to climb) in the coming months.

Also look for some personnel changes over the next six months. Things will be calm for a while, but it is my feeling there will be some consolidation of duties and a few more folks will find themselves looking.

 

[allnews]

Here's something to consider for all those celebrating the "localization" of WSJS. Apparently the penny-pinching has started.

There's word that the change in medical insurance resulted in rates going up 600% for some employees At last word, one had quit and at least another has turned in notice.

This was one thing I hinted about when I mentioned the resources of CBS in another post. Having been through such a change, I know that local operators often cut benefits to save bucks. Medical insurance is traditionally a target. If you're not getting paid much to start with, it's hard to eat the increase in rates.

Many times long time employees have their salaries cut drastically. I know of one case where an experienced employee, well-known in the market, was cut 40%. No reason, other than "you're making too much."

 

[MaskMan]

Yikes! Salary cuts AND medical insurance going up 600%! Hope those folks know to check with Blue Cross/Blue Sheild. They have individual programs that might be cheaper than their premiums through Curtis. Yeah, it's not much fun during a takeover and it will be a while before things settle down. I definitely think there will be "penny-pinching" with Curtis. No doubt.

 

[dittohead1]

Yikes! Salary cuts AND medical insurance going up 600%!.

Don't forget a significant reduction in paid vacation time.

 

[allnews]

The salary cut I mentioned was not associated with CMG. I was referring to another local takeover and the subsequent fallout as an example of what can sometimes happen. (Just wanted to clarify the point).

 

[XTalker]

It is a shame the employee quit rather than, as others suggest, looked into an alternative for insurance. Blue Advantage is particularly reasonably for young people. Not so reasonable when you get into your 50s and 60s!

CBS offered one of the best insurance packages in the industry! It is an expensive plan that the company provided for the employee.

The problem is the same operator doesn't have the buying power of a major corporation. There is a bill before Congress that would alllow small businesses to buy health insurance through trade associations (like the NAB, or NCAB) and take advantage of the buying power of a large group. Bill has some support, but needs more. It would even let individuals or people who are self employeed to purchase at group rates!

 

[dittohead1]

I have to question the wisdom of a PD/PM Driver taking PRESIDENT'S DAY OFF five (5) days after another company acquired their station. JEEZUS, McBride...ACT like you want to keep your job.

 

[XTalker]

My understanding the Curtis has a policy that says if you are air talent, and you work on a holiday, too bad! No comp day.

 

[catbird]

My understanding the Curtis has a policy that says if you are air talent, and you work on a holiday, too bad! No comp day.

That's right. I've worked for CMG and none of the air talent was comped for working holidays. Only place I ever worked where that was true.

 

[errandboy]

Check with some 96rock staff about holidays. I believe the entire air staff was off over Thanksgiving and Christmas while the station was in auto-pilot "shuffle" mode.

 

[allnews]

My understanding the Curtis has a policy that says if you are air talent, and you work on a holiday, too bad! No comp day.

Another point for the folks celebrating the CMG takeover of WSJS. Higher out of pocket costs for medical benefits, no comp day for holidays worked... Sounds like MOST people would want that....

 

[quadraphonic]

No offense but there is an analogy I've heard 100 times in The Outside World here:
if the people working there would have done a better job of making money then Curtis wouldn't have been able to buy it because it wouldn't have been for sale, would it? So is it reeeeeealy Curtis Media's fault how they feel?