"Morale is low," says an KIRO staffer. "People come in wondering if this is the day they'll have their WRKO day."
He's talking about KIRO newsies after Entercom last month fired the entire news staff, and closed down the newsroom at WRKO, the Boston heritage station.
WRKO's news is now outsourced. (Rumors that it's generated from a newsroom in Pakistan are apocryphal.) Elimination of the news department, according to media reports, is part of an Entercom strategy to focus on its talk radio identity and build-up a stable of all-star hosts and personalities, .
(The seven fired from WRKO sent a holiday letter to their former colleagues urging them to “enjoy a few rounds on us” at the company Xmas party. “Some of our former salaries ... are helping to pay for your food and beverage.”) Cheers.
It was an earthquake in the industry that not only shook all Entercom properties, but newsrooms in general across the country, and KIRO in particular.
(A few days after the firings, there was an explosion in Danvers, Mass, a nearby town. More than 90 homes were damaged- a few entirely leveled. Fortunately, no one was hurt- WRKO had no one to cover it).
The KIRO newsroom, which has been one of the best in the country, has been plagued with loss of noon and evening news blocks; poor ratings books, talent leaving and not being replaced. The fear and loathing we reported between morning anchors, Gregg Hersholt and Jane Shannon has subsided after we exposed it, but, according to our source, the tension was probably job stress related.(maybe Gregg was stressed because Jane had a job). Lots of people went to bat for Jane, we're told.
KIRO's in a coma, according to our guy. "It's like a terminal patient. Nothing much happens day to day. It just withers away."
Nothing proactive has happened in months- there are still holes that need to be filled- even on-air. A year later, weeknights 9-12, still suffers the dulcet yet irritating tones of Frank Shiers more comfortable at his day job spinning oldies on KBSG.
Today's announcement of rerunning Dave Ross on the overnight was a good decision, but another punt.
Our guy says radio professionals are reticent to come to KIRO
because of the tentative nature of the station's future. A stealth
national search has been in place for a while to replace Tom Clendening
but it's come up short. "It's very secretive," he says, "some high ranking
people in the building are not in the loop because they are known as
his protectors.
"It's a matter of finding some poor sucker to take the job," he said.
The industry is in a free fall after the Clear Channel announced it's selling itself to a private-equity firm and seeks to sell off 448 radio stations to fund its leveraged buyout. CC is laying off (or "restructuring") wholesale both in talk and music all over the country.
Public radio companies have generated little confidence for stockholders in the last few years. Despite being profitable, generating lots of cash, and requiring relatively small amounts of capital investment, broadcasting's potential for growth is seen as poor. Which may or may not be just a perception- regardless, CC's decision is a consequence of that lack of confidence.
Radio & Records, a trade site is a graveyard of radio careers at the moment.
The ground beneath KIRO employees- especially the news folks- has gotten no more solid than it has for the last year, and doesn't look like it will any time soon.
How the hell does Clendenning last? When he's not screwing up the station he's trying to screw female employees.
Posted by: NoBS | December 14, 2006 at 07:11 AM
Here is a another word for Vinnie
english
Tink - Think .
Lasts night show had over 37 Auuuu, DoA ,and he wanted to Wiff us 9 times My God get this man some English lessions!
Take datt Vinne !
He will gladly pay you tuesday for a hamburger today!!!!
Posted by: Dale | December 14, 2006 at 07:55 AM
News ...
Does anyone actually turn to radio for news today?
Posted by: Stephen Schwartz | December 14, 2006 at 08:02 AM
Yes, Stephen, I think some people do get some of their news from radio. Don't you care to know what's happening when you are in the car? For some people drive time lasts quite a while. Don't be such a snob.
So it is all about Wall Street again. I'm beginning to think even Tom can't fix this . . . we have a seriously broken society. I know, pessimism, cynicism and skepticism.
So . . . ?
I hope Fisher Broadcaster holds tight. Good, bad or indifferent programming, at least they are ours.
Posted by: joanie | December 14, 2006 at 08:16 AM
it would be better for them if they had a WKRP day....
The quality of news on most radio stations is just as poor as that on TV and in newspapers...partial facts, missing details, repetition of rumors in the race to be "first." Example: last night on Olbermann, Keith mentioned NuMEROUS times that Sen. Johnson had Not had a stroke, as was earlier reported by the Death Watch vultures on the news. Five minutes later, Joe Scarborough leads with the story " SEN. JOHNSON HAS HAD A STROKE!!! WILL THE REPUBLICANS BE ABLE TO TAKE BACK THE SENATE?????"
It was disgusting.
AM radio, and increasingly so on FM, spends so much time running commercials that they are driving the listening audience to sattelite radio.
Posted by: sparky | December 14, 2006 at 08:43 AM
Entercom's not too bright when it comes to the news-talk format. David Field just can't seem to get it right.
Posted by: sclub | December 14, 2006 at 09:41 AM
will this never end?
Posted by: perky | December 14, 2006 at 10:12 AM
Throwing xmas hams out of the KIRO chopper might put them back on top.
Posted by: coiler | December 14, 2006 at 10:25 AM
Is Tom Leykis doing "take me out James Lee style, Tom" sound effects yet? What a sick bastard. After The LACI PETERSON MURDER trial he was doing an anchor clanging off a boat followed by a splash and bubbles coming up, for those morons that requested "take me out Laci Peterson style Tom". Now the pathetic boob 18-25 men that call in are calling him "Dad"?
Posted by: Tommy008 | December 14, 2006 at 11:36 AM
I wish Tom were still on live in this market. KISW tape delay just ain't happenin'.
Posted by: lukobe | December 14, 2006 at 11:42 AM
"As God as my witness I thought pigs could fly!"....Les Nessman
ok it was turkeys, but this is Christmas, dangit.
Tom Leykis is a disturbed individual.
Posted by: sparky | December 14, 2006 at 11:56 AM
Some of us who can't spell because we are republicans still like to liston to the news via radio on our long drives to and from the job. That way it is easier to pay attention to the grandkids after getting home.
I like to liston to KIRO on the way to and KOMO on the way from work. The work radio gets tuned to 570, 770 and AA. Just music at home so as not to piss off the bride.
It was exclusive to KIRO in the 80's and early 90's. I am not sure when I started switching arround, but I am sure that others started to find new stations for news about the same time. KIRO just isn't as good anymore. I'm sure that the dipshits in mgmt have no idea who Bill Yend, Charlie Fiano or Wayne Cody is or was but they should extract their heads from their corporate rectal cavities and bring some good local talant back to Seattle.
Chance of that happening is similar to hitting lotto.
Posted by: Chucks | December 14, 2006 at 01:59 PM
disturbed yes, but a lot of what he says is true.
Posted by: mark | December 14, 2006 at 02:00 PM
yep. anyone listen to his comments regarding the Catholic priest sex scandal?
Posted by: lukobe | December 14, 2006 at 02:30 PM
I would perfer an indepth news cast with Tony Minor and ? Val? to the Ron & Don water boarding. Thank God for Rachael!
Posted by: Rich | December 14, 2006 at 04:58 PM
Entercom's not too bright when it comes to the news-talk format. David Field just can't seem to get it right.
Posted by: sclub
So, sclub, what should he do?
Rich, I think Rachel Maddow is as close to in-depth "news" as you're gonna get unless you move over the NPR.
Leykis? Yep. That's what people want . . . right?
Like I said, we are seriously broken. Let's ogle more 13-year old breasts and enjoy Tom and Mitch's pantie patter and we'll all be just fine.
Do you guys hear yourselves?
Posted by: joanie | December 14, 2006 at 08:22 PM
how much have you actually listened to leykis?
Posted by: lukobe | December 14, 2006 at 09:49 PM
I'M SICK OF SEEING 13 YEAR OLD BREASTS ON THE RADIO!
Posted by: perky | December 14, 2006 at 10:13 PM
Me, too, perky!
BTW, just how "perky" are they? "13-year old" perky?
Luk'e: Oh, "actually" more than this much but less than that much. I'd guess more than you but less than T-8.
Posted by: joanie | December 14, 2006 at 11:10 PM
13-year-old breasts? Sick. Doubt he's into those--no room to sign his name. Now, breast implants that were put in 13 years ago--that's something else entirely. Not to my taste but for some reason to many men's out there. (I don't get it.)
I actually used to listen to Leykis quite a bit--if you've listened to him more than me, I'm impressed!
Posted by: lukobe | December 14, 2006 at 11:29 PM
Be impressed, Lukobe. Not only more but longer . . .
Posted by: joanie | December 14, 2006 at 11:52 PM
who's that I hear on KIRO this fine windy evening?
yes - it's the one and only Bryan Styble!
I'm hoping they give him another chance - he was getting better toward the end of his last stint.
I have come to miss Styble - his neurotic style is a good fit for overnight.
I'll certainly take him over Dave "Greg Nickels is my co-pilot" Ross re-runs.
Posted by: spambutcher | December 15, 2006 at 02:19 AM
Spambutcher ! you have been drinking the Styblehead cool aid ! Styblehead radio its not funny ! its just wrong!!!!!!! You to are a sick man ! hooty hoo !
Posted by: Brian | December 15, 2006 at 06:22 AM
We will be back tonight at 7:00 pm ,and will have Vinnie on the radio, and we will be counting Vinnie English
Wiff you/ With you
diss / this
datt/ That
boof/ Both
tink/think
and we are sure there will be a hole lot of !!!!
DoA, Au, Au, DoA
Posted by: Dale | December 15, 2006 at 07:25 AM
"Bill Yend, Charlie Fiano or Wayne Cody is or was but they should extract their heads from their corporate rectal cavities and bring some good local talant back to Seattle."
Wayne Cody is dead..His motto for sports was "if you don't know, guess"
leykis is a showman...his listeners are the disturbed ones...his schtick makes sense if you are intellectually lazy.
Posted by: pena | December 15, 2006 at 09:11 AM
Pena
I know Cody is dead, so is Charlie. My point is the need for local talent with a diverse point of view that inspires thought and entertains. Not raise the dead.
Posted by: Chucks | December 15, 2006 at 12:41 PM
Regarding Leykis, thank you Pena. But what does that say about most of the radio market?
Earlier we discussed Leykis and T-8 described his move from programming for us regular folk (and being unsuccessful) to that which sells . . .
Tom Hartmann was out there at one time and Portland picked him up. There must be others . . .
BTW, is anybody else sick of stormtalk? Dave spent too much time on it and now Ross Reynolds of the Conversation is (was) doing it. I never care about storms. How many times can you hear about back-up generators and power outages without getting BORED.
Posted by: joanie | December 15, 2006 at 02:08 PM
BTW, Wayne was "milk and cookies" radio. But certainly better dan da NY guy.
Posted by: joanie | December 15, 2006 at 02:09 PM
hear about that woman who drowned in her madison valley home, though? now THAT's a story...
Posted by: lukobe | December 15, 2006 at 02:15 PM
Sparky, did you know your picture is on page 44 of the Crutchfield Holiday 2006 catalog?
Posted by: joanie | December 15, 2006 at 02:27 PM
Did KIRO dump Bob Brinker?
Posted by: alkipug | December 16, 2006 at 01:23 PM
The storm coverage was ok, except for the idiotic statement by several stations that told people, no doubt without power, to log online to get more infomation. Isn't that what a 'full-service' station or one that use to be is for?
Posted by: coiler | December 16, 2006 at 03:41 PM
P O W E R !!!!! At last!!!
im guessing its a Dalmation, am I right, joanie???
Posted by: sparky | December 16, 2006 at 04:44 PM
No, and I don't mean to be catty. It is a human but one who needs a shave! He looks like a merry old customer service guy.
I sit in a little hollow of perfect power all the time. Never have power problems. Still can't get KBTC from Tacoma/Centralia on cable. I wonder if Michael is finding out where all the leaks are in his new not-so-little not-so-ticky-tacky box!
BTW, Mike is back! Malloy starts on KPTK Monday night at 11 pm. I wonder how his profanely passionate personality will sell post-election?
Posted by: joanie | December 16, 2006 at 06:01 PM
uh joanie....why does a picture of a guy who needs a shave remind you of me??????????????????
I am neither a guy Or in need of a shave, dear.
Posted by: sparky | December 16, 2006 at 06:08 PM
One more thing, Sparky. You'll appreciate this. Trying to find interesting radio today found me watching this week's stream of The Young Turks shows.
Ben is gone so Jill is sort of sitting in. I got through a program and a half before I'd had enough. She does serious damage to that show! She constantly interrupts. Watching her is like watching Alicia Silverstone in "Clueless." If they want to be taken seriously, they have got to keep her off air.
Posted by: joanie | December 16, 2006 at 06:11 PM
His name was Sparky! I know you don't look like a dalmation either! Geez! Besides, dalmations can't type.
Besides, neither one of us knows for sure that the other is really a woman - right? We could be foolin' everybody on this blog . . . isn't that intriguing?
BTW, glad you've got power and things are back to normal.
Posted by: joanie | December 16, 2006 at 06:16 PM
I cannot stand Jill, but I am not a Gen Xr. She sounds like someones bitchy girlfriend who has tagged along and whines about everything.
Oh ok..you didnt say his name was Sparky. :-)
(Checking front of shirt--yep, Im a girl.)
Posted by: sparky | December 16, 2006 at 06:23 PM
Personally, I'm glad there's "storm-watch" coverage. When the snow hit a couple weeks ago, there was "least-effort" KIRO with Cisco, Bob Brinker, and Tom Douglas. Uh, sorry, information, please?
This time they're being a news station with a commitment to the community. All except for Frank Shiers, who, in the Monson spot, was telling folks without power to go to 710KIRO.com for information. Very smart. Then, would get out his Thomas Guide to try and locate caller locations ("I know that area" and "I don't remember that being there...") while the callers were trying to get something out. For Frank, it's all about him. Then, later, having probably been admonished for talking about himself or the concept of "radio being the chat around the fire" garbage, started saying "I don't want this to be 'Too Much Frank...'" A bit late for that realization, buddy.
Posted by: Justin Atheropinion | December 17, 2006 at 04:54 PM
I hope Bob Brinker is still going to be on KIRO...
Posted by: lukobe | December 17, 2006 at 06:40 PM
I'm not against informational storm talk. We need that.
I just get tired of the infinite number of anecdotal personal stories. It was like hearing everybody's family Thanksgiving story in November. I guess it is just personal taste.
Posted by: joanie | December 17, 2006 at 07:17 PM
Air America news via the NYT....
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/18/business/media/18air.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1166415219-Zz5x8ZH7t+D9jtoemFW14w
Posted by: Thom | December 17, 2006 at 08:16 PM
Good approach but KIRO operates these days with a B-Team of Shiers types. Time to get an A-Team.
Posted by: sclub | December 17, 2006 at 10:33 PM
Tommie, just read the article. I think it bodes well for liberal talk. Sounds like AA was poorly run. This new Drobny venture, Nova M, will probably do a lot better and perhaps attract better programming.
Interesting to note that Schultz will air opposite Franken if Franken returns to radio. I can't imagine Schultz beating him; but, then, Schultz might be loved by middle Americans east of the Cascades.
Sure sounds like a lot of amateurs went on a shopping spree at AA.
Posted by: joanie | December 17, 2006 at 11:45 PM
I would be interested to know how much is the fault of Liz Winstead, in that she was part of the initial team to set up the on-air talent for
Air America, and she was instrumental in putting the "comedian" bent on the original line up. Her friend, Marc Maron, crashed and burned on both shows they tried him on. She herself quit her own show when AA hired Jerry Springer, citing creative differences.
Posted by: sparky | December 18, 2006 at 07:30 AM
The article said they had a hundred employees when ten (was it ten?)would have done.
I wonder how experienced their sales people were?
Just sounds amateurish from the get-go.
Posted by: joanie | December 18, 2006 at 10:16 AM