Voices from the Past

The last few days have been quite interesting in the Phoenix radio world. 

Those of you who listen to Ankarlo have heard him chat about how much one of the political stations on AM has been talking about him and 92.3FM lately.  A few listeners have been emailing telling us that the two morning guys back on AM are talking about how their station is in "crisis" due to ratings.  And, apparently they're blaming a big part of their challenging times on Ankarlo.

According to the emails we've gotten, the hosts on the AM band are saying Ankarlo is copying their show.

When Ankarlo heard the claim he was rolling.  Afterall, he'll tell you he may have spent all of 10 minutes listening to stations other than Sports 620 on AM.

For those of us who listen to Ankarlo EVERY day the claim of plagiarism is nothing short of hilarious.

Why would ANYONE on FM seek to copy anything from the old-style AM political stations?  Especially when the old approach has clearly been struggling to remain relevant throughout this year.

Humor aside, the sheer amount of time these AM talk show hosts are apparently spending talking about their ratings trouble raise questions among listeners about exactly what is happening in Phoenix radio listening.  Allow me to give some background and maybe help us all understand why the "chatter" among these AM talk show hosts has shot up dramatically in recent days.

Here are the facts as I know them.  I've been in this town for roughly 18 months.  I know something of the history of the radio stations here, but I didn't live through it.  I think it's accurate to say there was a time when KTAR on AM sounded a little outdated.  Okay, a lot.  And, there was a time when 550am made a run.  In 2005 and 2006 550 on am did better than they had normally done in the past.  In fact, I would argue for a while they sounded better than KTAR on AM. 

But, clearly that day has passed.

KTAR was run by a different group of people during that period.  Those of us here now do things a little differently.

To the broader picture, though, the valley is in the middle of a dramatic shift of news/talk from AM to FM.  I make my living building great radio stations and that involves studying key indicators (like revenue and ratings, among other things).  On the ratings front, some interesting things have been happening. 

A year ago all of the news/talk/sports formated stations on AM had a combined rating share (in the target demo) of 11.2.  This year all those stations on AM have a 6.8.  Compare that with an 8.3 for the news/talk stations on FM.

But, it's not just about AM & FM.  It's about being innovative versus doing the same thing you did 10 years ago.  When you listen to news/talk/sports stations in this town it's clear which sports stations sound like they're still living in 1987 and which one is living in 2007.  The same is true for news/talk.  Some stations are clearly doing the same thing they did 3 or 4 years ago and one is moving into the future.

There's nothing wrong with using the same talking points all day every day on a radio station.  The fact is lots of stations did that 3-5 years ago.  It used to be popular.  And, successful.

That approach will still satisfy a small group of loyalists.  But, how many people do you know who like to talk about nothing but politics from 5am to midnight?  There are a few, but generally most of us prefer to hang with people with a little more excitement in their lives.  Those of us with kids frankly have a lot more on our minds all day than just Pelosi and Reid.

So, life moves forward and so do some news/talk stations in America.

While at the same time, others choose not to. 

That's their choice.  And, quite frankly, it's pretty cool every few months being able to switch over to the AM band for a moment, tune in an old-fashioned all-politics station and hear Voices from the Past.

Comments

[Joe Jacari]

ANYTHING is better than the following spent talkers: Leibowitz, Pat McFlufftalker, Gaydos-toastertalk, and Dead-boring Simons.

Ankarlo isn't too bad, but does't have the weight of someone who will stand up to the local political establishment, since he met with them and shook hands with the Mayor when he got to Phoenix (nod, nod, wink, wink).

Last thing we need is the continuation of a mini-government media complex, status-quo KTAR on FM that prevailed on AM.

A good, real conservative talker (which KTAR doesn't have) will be what it takes to compete with KFYI.

Sorry, but facts are facts.

Jazzy intros and thumping bumpers and sound effects are catchy but real, authentic talk will always win the day over the long haul, once the novelty wears off.

I see arrogance coming from KTAR because it has a veritable monopoly position on FM talk. Better watch it! Reality looms large and will make itself felt!

I see Russ Hill is creating the malleable Ankarlo in his middle-of-the-road, vanilla, bland image/vision. Ankarlo, better not try to pander to the flavor of the month or
to Russ' flawed vision! You might end up rebelling to try to get your power back and lose it all!

Please, no more Leibowitz...ever! He had his time at KTAR and always kissed Janet Napolitano's a**. He could have stood up to her and her inaction on the illegal alien situation, but he would only have a love fest with her and his fellow liberal travelers.

Leibowitz is lukewarm; therefore, we spit him out! His type of radio is cooked. Stick a fork in its buttocks!

Plus, he's really, really happy as VP of some unknown public relations firm.

Let Leibowitz begone from KTAR forever. Begone you little, fluffy, liberal Leibowitz putz muppet, you!

[George Ramirez]

I've switched back and forth between all the talk stations for years. KTAR used to sound like the station for Sun City but not any more. I agree with most of the other comments.

[Curtis Kelly]

You summed up exactly why I no longer listen to KFYI. I used to listen to them in the mornings but I enjoy being able to get the news and then Ankarlo when I get to work now. It's so much better.

[Captain Howdy]

Russ, such blather.

McBland does entire one hour shows talking to sponsors about their product, and this is supposed to be quality radio?

Add in the fact that one of the guys he talked to, from LifeLock is under investigation and has a criminal past.

KTAR could be good, but, Ankarlo is a xenophobe blowhard, McBland is boring as hell, and Gaydos is just sad.

So, don't be breaking your arm from patting yourself on the back.

[Randy]

I think I finally "get" what you are trying to do at KTAR, and I really am enjoying it. I get my news in the mornings and afternoons (just the way I like it), and then the "entertainment" (sometimes political, sometimes not) in between.

It's not super-serious, hardcore political debates (to whom the vast majority of radio listeners can't relate, anyway). It's great just being given the chance to think about important issues from various perspectives, and not be told what to think or believe. I definitely enjoy being able to both agree and disagree with your hosts -- thanks for not just rehashing the same political agenda every day, which is all I ever heard on that other station -- that's what keeps 92.3 on my radio presets.

That's my best guess about what you're going for -- other than the news slots, your content is mainly driven as thought-provoking entertainment, not pushing an agenda. I still have to take every one of your hosts with a grain of salt, and really just like to tune in to hear what everyone's talking about.

Ankarlo is a keeper. We don't see eye to eye every day, but he keeps me thinking, and is a great host. He definitely does his homework!

Pat seems to be the king of quick-thinking -- no matter the topic, he asks good questions and keeps the ball rolling.

Gaydos is as entertaining as he is ignorant -- good fun at the end of the day.

The news shows are just fine -- leave them alone. Detour Dan rocks -- best traffic reporting in all of AZ (both TV and radio included) He talks so fast to cram it all in, but I hear every word!

When does Gayle Bass get her own show? She seems very smart, speaks her mind without being rude or compromising her integrity, and has a great radio voice!

Keep up the good work.

[Russ Hill]

Thanks, James. Done.

[Alethia]

I LOVE ANKARLO! Good job hiring him!
Keep up the honest, thought-provoking talk.

[James]

"But, clearly that day has past."

I know KTAR is not in publishing, but if you're going to publish the printed word on the Web, please edit your content. That day has passed, so it is in the past.

Thank you.

[brian]

Keep up your wonderful programing, no wonder KFYI is beating you in the ratings, turn the lights out and go home your station is boring, boring, boring. Just cause you moved the station to FM does not make it any better it is still the same Boring station that existed on AM. And to the person who thinks Pat McMahon is innovative, he use to be in mornings but Barry Young put Pats lights out, and as for as Gaydos is concerned he is a big CRY BABY and should be fired..... I do not know how any respectable programer could give him a radio show. But then again KTAR HAS NO TALENT to speak of except for Simmons.

[brian]

are you people nuts, just caused you moved to FM does not make you better you are still way bellow in the ratings that that am station HA HA, not wonder you are loosing listeners who wants to hear your boring station.

[vic]

I feel like John boy in the Waltons because even though I have Sirius radio I am glued to Ankarlo all morning. I have listened to the other station and when they started the KTAR slamming it was a turn off. Young is condescending and rude. I'm glad the rest of Az. is turning you on.

[Neal]

I'm 37 years old and have lived in the valley for 4 years. I am so glad to finally have something other than 550am to listen to. Finally I can hear you in the building that I work at. Love your station.

[L. Jaskoski]

Yeah, KTAR sure has been getting "innovative" with guys like McMahon, Gaydos, and Simons in their lineup. Ankarlo is the only guy worth listening to, and he can be insufferable at times.

[JShope]

I think there is overlap in the talk shows, especially since it is the slow summer months for politics. I don't listen to Jacobs or Young enough to know if it's true, but I don't even care.

I like Ankarlo. Of course, I also like Ted Simons, Michael Medved, and Hugh Hewitt. The rest of the hosts are just there to give these guys a break.

[Renee]

You go Ankarlo. I love your show and agree with the first guy. I laughed so hard this morning when you took the advise of the AM station and changed your format. You and the entire crew had me rolling on the floor. I sometimes listened to Barry only because there was no choice, boooooring. Then when self absorbed Rush came on I changed the station.

I love your show. Keep up the good work and welcome to the valley. You are a breath of fresh air.

[Bob Summers]

I used to listen to Barry Young on KFYI. I never thought he was good but there was no other choice. Now I have a choice. I haven't listened to AM since.

[Matt]

Interesting blog. I just want the facts and I don't really it it's an "old-style AM" or if Ankarlo only listens to 620 on AM cause I really doubt that. Just give me the facts

[Robin norris]

Clearly you guys give yourself way too much credit. It's really to bad that KTAR has gone so far to the right. We want news and blaanced non-biased discussion not editorial rhetoric which is all Ankarlo is. The only difference between am and fm is the frequency its on not necessarily the quality of its content.