EXCLUSIVE
KGO Radio is planning on eliminating the 4 PM to 7 PM "Afternoon News", (anchors Bret Burkhart and Chris Brecher) and replacing it with another talk program, accordinmg to multiple sources. One source told me the move is likely "sometime this year", but that its "definitely happening."
The move would leave only the "Morning News" (with Ed Baxter and Jennifer Jones-Lee) as KGO's sole news block in addition to its top/bottom hourly updates. KGO has been consistently top-rated in the Bay Area radio ratings, but in past Arbitron books, has lost ground to KCBS, its chief news rival.
The sources maintained that eliminating the 4-7 news would save save a lot of money and "that's the name of the game these days." KGO is owned by Citadel Broadcasting, which filed bankruptcy last year amid loads of debt.
Attempts to reach KGO for comment were unavailable at press time.
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For years, I would listen to Ed Baxter & Rosie Allen on the KGO Afternoon News; it then became a revolving door of personalities, and along the way I lost interest. It makes financial sense that one call-in host will cost less than producing a news program.
ReplyDeleteI think you should apply for that new host's job, Rich!
As long as it isn't a sports talk show that sniffs Nelly's jock from 4 to 7.
ReplyDeleteYes, I went there.
I wonder if they will shuffle schedules or search for someone new? Ray T isn't moving since he's just too radical for the daytime. I do like John Rothmann and Gene Burns. Would they both side up and let Pat Thurston have the 10pm to 1am slot?
The media business as we know it is collapsing.
ReplyDeleteF-U...posting rumors that effect people lives...to what end? Shame on you.
ReplyDeleteHmm...would be a good place to groom a replacement for Ronn...who, I believe, is only contracted until sometime in 2012, but I would expect will work a bit longer. The times have a similar feel...9 to 12 people are transitioning from life to work and 4 to 7 people art transitioning from work to life...And KGO management must have listened to HOURS of demos while looking for repacements for Bernie and Karel...
ReplyDeleteMove Gene from 7PM to 10PM slot to 4PM to 7PM and have Christine Kraft from 7PM to 10PM.
ReplyDelete