My previous blog post about the upcoming lineup changes to FM News/Talk 92.3 KTAR has generated a tremendous amount of email.
If you have not read the previous post, please scroll down below and read it first so you know what I'm talking about here.
I'd like to address some of your comments, concerns, and questions.
Let me begin by acknowledging the dozens of emails I've gotten from those of you who have written to express your appreciation for advance notice of the changes and a full explanation of the reasons behind it. I simply can't respond to every note, so I'll do it here. Thanks for your messages.
I've received many notes about our addition of a talk show host in the afternoon commute hours. The most common question has been from people wondering if Mac is similar to Ankarlo. The answer is that he is similar when it comes to owning local issues, having strong opinions, leaning conservative, and hosting a show that is not exclusively about politics. He's different in the same way all people are unique. I am convinced people who like Ankarlo will enjoy Glenn Beck and Mac Watson.
I need to also make it clear that Mac is relocating to Phoenix. He has worked in Richmond, Virginia the last three years, but is moving to the Valley to host this show. It will be local. His show from 3-7pm weekdays will originate from the KTAR studios.
Some of you have expressed concern about KTAR-FM being less local with the addition of syndicated host Glenn Beck from 12-3pm. I understand your concern. The fact of the matter is KTAR-FM is adding 3 hours of syndicated programming in this move.
I can assure you KTAR-FM will continue being the dominant station in the Valley when it comes to locally produced programming focused on issues important to those of us who live here.
A comparison might be helpful. After the lineup changes, KTAR-FM will have 14 hours of local programming each week day. The news/talk station in town with the nearest amount of local content to us has only 50% of that amount. I don't say that to brag. In fact, I have lamented on this blog before the lack of local broadcast content on most radio and TV stations across this country.
Like the vast majority of you, I have no problem with a syndicated show here or there, but most of a station's content should be local. I am grateful to be able to program such a station. I talk daily with many people in my same position at stations around the country that are not able to maintain local programing levels due to changing economics.
Let me also comment about the issue of what stations do during the hours they run syndicated content. We have structured our agreement with the syndicators of Glenn Beck to leave no confusion about our intent to break in anytime breaking news happens locally. It was important to us to not have a syndication deal, like most of them are structured, that limits the ability to provide breaking news coverage during network shows.
Another concern about syndication that only a couple of you have addressed, but may be shared by some who aren't speaking up. You've wondered why we are not running Glenn Beck live. That's because his program is fed down during the morning hours at a time when we would not be willing to air it on KTAR-FM.
So, we will be delaying the broadcast, just as most stations in this market do with any network programming they air. It's common knowledge that Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage, Clark Howard, & even Glenn Beck are aired tape delayed in Phoenix right now. None of them are aired live right now.
Let's see, what else have I been asked.
Oh, yes, Detour Dan will continue to fly in the afternoons. There's no change to his traffic reports in afternoons.
And, some of you have sought an update on progress in finding Paul Harvey a new home. I called ABC today to ask about progress in finding a new station for his reports in Phoenix. They informed me they're working hard on it, but haven't yet been able to firm anything up. I'm absolutely confident they will be able to find him a new home. I'll let you know when there's news to report.
And, finally, to those of you who have written in to ask if Glenn Beck's show is anything like his TV program on CNN each night, my answer is no. I think is radio show is much better. Not that the TV show is bad, it's just he's a fantastic radio talk show host and television just doesn't allow him to be as personable and funny as his radio show does. Just my opinion.
That's it for now. More updates to come. Keep the emails coming. I appreciate hearing your complaints, questions, praise, etc.
second the motion on the Phil Henry Show. What a complete bore!
Posted by: Allen | March 25, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Who in gawd's name would actually log onto a site like this to complain that a talk host has an opinion?
Some of these posts are beyond ridiculous.
If I was a Program Director for a radio station and someone like Art below said the following:
"Your latest hosts are back to being to opinionated it was so so much better when you let the call-ins voice their opinions without the host arguing with them."
My reply would be: Dear sir, anyone that listens to talk radio and complains because a talk show host has an opinion and is not a neutral, do-nothing blob--like Skiebo--should not even be listening to talk radio, much less leaving the security of his house.
I love reading the posts on this site just for the sheer absurdity of some of these people.
These are the type of listers that prefer David Leibowitz radio. Point illustrated.
Another indication that KTAR is moving in the "right" direction is that it's losing these dumb -ss listeners. Who need them?
Does a station really want a dead-souled listener who prefers a talk show host without an opinion? What friggen' planet are these liberal loons living on, anyway?
Gawd damn...
Posted by: Joe Jacari | November 01, 2007 at 06:49 AM
I am sorry to say that I feel your programming is going the wrong way. I enjoy Paul Harvy as a institution and the small amount of time he takes makes the day. Your latest host are back to being to opinionated it was so so much better when you let the call-ins voice their opions without the host arguing with them.
You just can't leave a good thing alone, and change for change sake is not good.
Posted by: Art | October 31, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Notice the nice jump in ratings?
What have I been saying?
Steady on, Russ, steady on!
Don't listen to the screaming libs.
Ha, ha. Nice. Told you!
Posted by: Joe Jacari | October 22, 2007 at 04:27 PM
Russ, you really do not know your audience at all. The only person you have been polling is yourself and the only people Beck and Watson complement must be you. I have lived here all my life except for when I went to college and KTAR has been my chosen station for news, traffic and weather. I can no longer listen to your station. Even the few minutes it takes to get to the news is too hateful and ugly for me to listen. Ankarlo was bad enough but I tolerated him. Beck and Watson are not even tolerable. Their spouting serves no purpose except to incite and breed further hate. They are not a solution to anything they are part of the problem. I will get my information from other sources. Even Pat MacMahon probably cannot save you now. Goodbye.
Posted by: Vicki | October 15, 2007 at 09:10 PM
NODACK SAID: What I enjoyed about the old KTAR was that it was mostly talk without a bias towards left or right, at least that I can tell.
RESPONSE: Not until I came on this board have I seen or heard the same song and dance in various forms: "I enjoyed KTAR without a bias toward left or right."
The truth is, KTAR was moderate liberal, wishy-washy; however, it could be classified as slanting left-wing socially & politically. McBland is a left-winger trying to play moderate, and Leibowitz was a vacuous middle-of-the-road leftist that always had liberal Governor Napolitano on, and didn't hold her feet to the fire on critical issues like illegal aliens.
Talk radio is a super-charged arena and the top talkers are all conservatives of one stripe or another.
Just because you are a person that hasn't choosen sides on the great issues of the day, and is lukewarm on things like abortion, doesn't mean everyone else is.
That's Leibowitz nonsense. Leibo isn't against abortion. Are you kidding? Since when did Leibo ever take a stand for America and conservative values?
When have you heard ANYONE say, outside of the constant barrage of fake postings on this site, that, "I don't want left or right just non-biased talk." That's a sure recipe for McBland-style, Leibosheist- genre radio.
That's why I, and many others, never used to listen to KTAR until now. Now they've grown a pair of b-lls and are taking a stance.
You're going to tell me a good talk host is neither right nor left?
Come on man. Quit the Leibo-Skiebo-Weibo Shuffle and get real...Leibo's never coming back. His era was the '90s. He'd have to reinvent himself. I'd love to see it, Leibo a big anti-illegal alien conservative, but it will never happen.
In my opinion, David Leibowitz loathes conservatives and traditional conservative values. He thinks he's better than them, and smarter than them.
KTAR was smart to ditch him. It was smart to align their hosts to reflect good, wholesome values.
Besides, conservative radio is cool. Leibowitz radio is square, nerdy, non-committal and blase.
Let Leibo toil for his bread next to the illegal aliens he so loves, cutting lawns and blowing leaves.
At least it will keep him off the radio and prevent his ideas from polluting the airwaves.
It's good not to hear Janet Napolitano on the radio being thrown softball questions now that Leibo is gone.
I love Leibo gone off the airwaves. It makes me cozy and warm.
Posted by: Joe Jacarii | October 15, 2007 at 07:11 PM
What I enjoyed about the old KTAR was that it was mostly talk without a bias towards left or right, at least that I can tell.
What I don't enjoy is political bashing. When a show's sole purpose is to bash the other political party, completely blowing off real issues, then it instantly becomes crap to me.
I want to be informed and I want to discuss the topics without any bias from the host.
I've listened to Mac now a few times as long as I could and he is another Rush Limbaugh wannabe. Rush is the last person I want to hear from besides maybe Ann Coulter so. I got their message a long time ago. Right winged Republicans are gods chosen political party and everybody else deserves to die. That pretty much sums it up. Just serve it cold with a lot of self rightest, pompous, arrogant belittlement and you have a hit show.
Sorry, I have better things to do like change the air in my tires.
Posted by: Nodack | October 14, 2007 at 09:26 PM
Well, looks like I'm the last one standing on this particular posting...
Yay!
Posted by: Joe Jacarii | October 10, 2007 at 01:11 PM
COMMENT: No thanks. I'm off to Sirius satellite radio never to return.
KTAR blows. So long!
Posted by: Sirius Listener Now
RESPONSE: Yawn...and don't let the dial hit you in the a-- on the way out!
Posted by: Joe Jacarii | October 01, 2007 at 01:43 PM
No thanks. I'm off to Sirius satellite radio never to return.
KTAR blows. So long!
Posted by: Sirius Listener Now | October 01, 2007 at 01:48 AM
"JIM" SAYS: Lots of comments, both pro and con - all pretty predictable. The drastic changes on the eve of the Fall 'sweeps' show signs of despiration. Were the averages going that poorly?
RESPONSE: What no-body could predict; however, was your condescending tone nor your sophisticated analysis, based on your Leibowitz-calibur experience in the radio business. Thank you for your "professional" opinion.
"JIM" SAYS: So now we have yet another political talkfest, but on FM! No wonder that overall time spent listening continues to fall.
RESPONSE: And your comments are not predictable? Your anti-right-wing-based political talk show bias is much evidenced, as is your lack of appreciation of having the novelty of the genre in full stereo sound. More importantly, your unwillingness to give it a chance at success are at best uninspiring, and a vain attempt at self-fulfilling prophecy.
"JIM" SAYS: You're going to need lots of listeners jumping off the KFYI/KKNT/KFNX/KETC AM band. I really feel for the Sales department that will be charged with 'making budget' with the numbers and street talk being generated. I do wish you lots of luck.
RESPONSE: Thank you for your generous words of wisdom, Grasshopper, not to mention your dime store economic synopsis. Perhaps listeners will do what I do and switch back and forth because now they have an alternative. As for the "Street talk being generated," you've hit the nail squarely on the head! People are talking and--(libs) like you--are listening.
New motto: "People KTAR listening. Why KTARen't you?"
However, where I really disagree is on YOU! you need the luck, not KTAR. You need very much luck. And I, likewise, really feel for YOUR sales department, as they try to hawk your intellectual short-order pastries to a surfeited market full of liberal, intellectually-half-baked pastry dough masquerading as insightful social, political (and otherwise) commentary.
Have a nice day Mr. Detractor...
Posted by: Joe Jacarii | September 28, 2007 at 08:10 AM
Lots of comments, both pro and con - all pretty predictable. The drastic changes on the eve of the Fall 'sweeps' show signs of despiration. Were the averages going that poorly? So now we have yet another political talkfest, but on FM! No wonder that overall time spent listening continues to fall. You're going to need lots of listeners jumping off the KFYI/KKNT/KFNX/KETC AM band. I really feel for the Sales department that will be charged with 'making budget' with the numbers and street talk being generated. I do wish you lots of luck.
Posted by: Jim | September 27, 2007 at 05:05 PM
I greatly miss being able to catch up on the local news during my commute home in the evenings. I miss my morning discussions with my co-workers as we talked about Paul Harvey's "Rest of the Story" and "News and Comment" we all listened to while we drove in to work. I work with some very intelligent people who can think for themselves. A little local opinionated talk radio is good for getting conversations going; however, I don't need an entire day of hosts telling me what to think, and explaining why other opinions are wrong. I wish you success with your changes but I guess I no longer fit into your target demographic. I'll continue to listen during my morning commute but I'm sorry to have to say goodbye to KTAR after the morning news.
Posted by: Sheryl | September 24, 2007 at 11:28 PM
Sorry about not hearing Paul Harvey, you old cronies. Wah Wah Wah! If you want to hear him, get on your shuttle bus to the library and listen on the Internet. No, that's not tin can and wire. Glenn Beck is the fresh air we need. Don't forget to check the air pressure on the tires of your walkers. Don't be late for your "Early-Bird Specials".
Posted by: Ben Doever (Young Whippersnapper) | September 24, 2007 at 05:45 PM
Our local radio programs are trying to go up-town. Is CBS or someonr controlling this change????? I listened mostly to Paul Harvey but I guess I'll put my religious music back on the player and drop KTAR.
Posted by: Helen Cain | September 24, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Add my name to the list of listeners bailing out. I've had it with all the paid screamers. I've listened to KTAR for several years to get the local slant on things and now all I get is a bunch of Rush want-to-be's who pander to the far right.
Posted by: Brown Eyed Devil | September 21, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Randy:
That was quite a sophisticated piece for a 28 year old. Keep up the good work and perhaps, like Leibo, you can write for the AZ Republic. Very well written!
For Russ to do what you want, he's got to halt the direction of the good ship 92.3, change direction from the Moon to Jupiter and Mars, after it's embarked on its voyage of destiny.
The world does not revolve around you, but you're like most of the posters in here with a similar desire for the old school KTAR.
You, sir, are a potted plant.
My advice to Russ is to not waiver, falter, or divicate but build the conservative station of the future.
God speed soldier...
Posted by: Joe Jacarii | September 21, 2007 at 07:23 AM
Well, my drive home sounded the same today as it has all week -- disjointed bits of rambling, stuttering, and dead air peppered between news, traffic and weather, chunks of ad time, and the one caller who got through in 40 minutes of listening. Not the way to do "talk" radio. I'd much rather have news and traffic in that part of my day.
With regard to the "talk" element in general, I'm only 28, and really "discovered" KTAR just a few years ago, and I've never even heard one of "Leibo's" shows. Frankly, I could care less about a host's political or social views -- conservative, liberal, it doesn't matter to me. I just want to hear good discussions led by smart people who are talented/skilled hosts (and I don't get that from Mac). I enjoy being able to both agree and disagree with what I hear -- it just keeps me thinking.
At the end of my work day, however, I don't want to have to "think" anymore, and would really just like to hear what happened in the state, country, and world, while Dan navigates for me. It's just the new afternoon drive FORMAT that doesn't sit right with me. There's just too much stuff in there to be truly effective at any of it.
I'll tune in on my way home in a month or so to see if anything's changed. Thanks for hearing my concerns, Russ.
For the record, I have never posted anything here under a name other than the one you see on this post.
Posted by: Randy | September 20, 2007 at 10:41 PM
You people need a life. Here you are moaning about how you've listened for 36 years and now you're leaving KTAR. You think they will miss you? What a bunch of losers.
Ankarlo and Glen Beck are my favorites.
Posted by: Melinda T. | September 20, 2007 at 09:41 PM
I couldn't stand all that boring news in the afternoons. I like the new changes on the station.
Posted by: Hernando | September 20, 2007 at 09:39 PM
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE GLENN BECK! HE IS THE BEST TALK SHOW HOST ON ANY RADIO STATION. THIS NEW GUY AFTER HIM IS PRETTY HILARIOUS TOO.
GREAT MOVE KTAR!!
Posted by: Susan Moon | September 20, 2007 at 09:38 PM
Ditto to Captain Howdy. I have been a listener for 30+ years and have always enjoyed the local, informational talk. Glen Beck can't seem to finish a sentence without stammering. Why these people think they have to dream up controversy to further their causes is beyond me. Everyone enjoys give and take discussion, but the ranting and raving coming out of your station now is nothing but a "turn-off". The noon time and the ride home are not the times to present this type of programming. We're trying to relax and unwind, as with your former format.
Posted by: Steve Elcock | September 20, 2007 at 08:42 PM
The new format (specifically during afternoon rush hour) is terrible; please don't subject the working populace to "talk". Very unfortunate. I sent a more detailed emal to your website. People are leaving in droves.
Posted by: Jim Stoll | September 20, 2007 at 06:18 PM
You guys just keep giving me fewer and fewer reasons to listen.
If I wanted 'talk' I'd turn on one of those other stations with the syndicated shows. I wanted LOCAL discussions.
KTAR was LOCAL, now it's not.
And the news hole just keeps getting smaller and smaller.
Detour Dan is about the only thing keeping me during evening drive time. Now if KJZZ's traffic reports weren't so stale, I'd change completely.
USE GAYLE MORE, she's great. Dump Darryl and Mac and bring in some LOCAL people that aren't whiners, and give us back the news.
Your new tag should be "FM 92.3 KTAR, Whiners with a little news".
Posted by: Walter | September 20, 2007 at 04:45 PM
it's good that mac is moving here. i never did care much for syndicated radio shows. i'd rather listen to opinions on local issues. which brings up a concern i've had for years now of commuting this city every damned day! does detour dumbass actually live here?! his traffic reports are such nonsense that i don't even bother listening when he comes on. i can remember sitting in traffic at a dead stand still on the I-17 and detour dumbass telling everyone "it's clear sailing on the 17 all the way from thunderbird to the stack! really? was i on the wrong I-17? his reports are always about an hour late and not even close to accurate. the valley is far too big for one person to be constantly updating every 10 minutes the traffic situation for the whole city. so please, let him tell us what the traffic is like outside his apartment window in lincoln nebraska and get a couple of helicopters or planes in the air over the town so we can have "real" up to date reports. that's the only complaint of the station is that guy.
Posted by: udo4accept | September 20, 2007 at 02:55 PM