Posted by Doug Scherer on September 21, 2005 at 12:19:05:
In Reply to: Re: Jack holding steady in Chicago More posted by Brian on September 21, 2005 at 10:36:32:
Ain't that the truth. Other than the radio-info.com boards (lots of speculation and heresay mixed in with information), there is no real place for a Chicagoan to vent about media. Because I follow media in both markets (NY being my birthplace, Chicago being my home), this was a natural stop for me. So I'm appreciative to Allan for starting the main board in the first place (and opening up this second board, to which Bob has done a very good job of moderating).
That being said, I don't mind the format so much as it's executed in Chicago, mainly because I still have the choice of the Internet stream while at work or at home to hear the format and heritage jocks (little more troublesome on the commute, since I don't have an HD receiver, but I'll live--it's not like Chicago doesn't have other radio choices). But the backlash in NY is certainly understandable.
However, I do liken it somewhat to WLS' switch out of music to talk in 1989--the ratings continued to tank for awhile, and they were on the verge of a switch (going full circle) to a country format. Part of their problem was the execution of the format--only the morning-drive people (holdovers from the music format) had any experience with Chicago politics/personalities, the others were imported from other markets and thus had no connection to the city. Once they made adjustments, toning down some of the edge and adding people who actually lived and worked in the market, the ratings started to stabilize and then ascend.
Granted, it's not the same as pulling the plug on a successful station without warning (WLS as a music station was dying a slow, painful death--but the switch to talk was sudden with no real chance to say goodbye). But there are some parallels. I'm not supporting or railing the format switch, but it seems that adjustments can still be made (for both WCBS-FM and WJMK). Whether that comes to fruition is anybody's guess.
Sorry for rambling.
Doug