The immediate spin is that Luckoff "resigned." Sure, if you believe that I got a great bridge to sell you.
Luckoff was set to retire within the year, according to a broadcast source who spoke to me, but in no way was his abrupt departure an amicable move. He was unceremoniously forced out early, almost similar in the manner of one Tony Savadore, the KNBR GM who was let go by Cumulus last year.
With Luckoff' leaving, KGO faces several more ominous developments, among them:
1. The inevitable removal of the 4-7PM Afternoon News, (as reported by me)
2. The eventual leave, "resignation", buyout of several more longtime station talent: remember, it was Luckoff who negotiated the very generous severance package to news anchor, Rosie Allen, among others.
3. The status of Ronn Owens: Owens contract runs through 2013 and has told me he intends to be there 'till the end, but what if Citadel, (KGO's ailing corporate owner) offers a buyout? Stay tuned.
4. A station source who didn't want to go on the record says morale is "horrible"--this latest move can't help.
There's a format change coming there, something big.
ReplyDeleteIf Citadel thinks it can hang on to KGO's advertiser base and enviable cash flow while dumping all the stuff that makes the station great, they are in for a rude awakening. I've seen this movie before. Best wishes to Mickey Luckoff. He's the last of very special breed of radio leaders.
ReplyDelete> There's a format change coming there, something big.
ReplyDeleteNo, there isn't. They need a few younger voices. They need an FM signal. But they are still the big dog when the Bay Area wants Talk radio. KGO is the station the other Talk also-rans want to be.
"KGO is the station the other Talk also-rans want to be."
ReplyDeleteYes, but does Citadel know that, or are we headed to all syndication? Who's idea was it to have Mark Williams (his tea was too strong even for the Tea Party) on as fill-in for Ray T.?
With regard to Williams v. Taliaferro, I wondered the same thing myself. I couldn't believe they actually did that.
ReplyDeleteI'll also say I don't think Ray will stick around. He's not a young man and now won't have Mickey backing him up.
The country is trending back to the center right. Maybe whoever picks up the mantle from Mickey will bring in a moderate but literate and intelligent conservative like Doug McIntyre.
The bernie ward fiasco really hurt KGO and its credibility. People liked Bernie but KGO did nothing I thought to stop the whole fiasco. I don't have the data to prove it but am sure KGO started to slide after the ward implosion.
ReplyDeleteListened to KGO since the 60's... kudos to Mickey Luckoff for providing compelling radio for all these years...we are seeing a great station morph into who knows what...probably the same crap that the other 95% of the mediocare station pass of as broadcasting. UGH!
ReplyDeleteI use to listen to Bernie but was let down by what he did. A shame. But I started to cut back on my KGO listening before that. Politics was just making me angry. If it wasn't the host, it was the emails and callers blasting back without an intelligent discussion.
ReplyDeleteWhich is why I enjoy John Rothmann or Gene Burns and not Ray T. Even if I might be on the same side of the aisle politically as Ray T., a monologue and preaching makes for boring radio. Dr. Bill as well.
But would an audience respond to intelligent conversation? One would hope so, especially in this market, but so much media lately is geared to the extreme view and sensationalism for ratings.
Adding an FM signal is interesting but I'm fine getting them on AM. Getting some young blood is interesting and I can handle moderate conservatives as well (I tend to think as KGO as mostly Liberal with the Conservatives going to KSFO).
Here is a radical thought: what about A's games on KGO? It worked for them with the Niners for many years and the Athletics really need a strong signal and a regular home. A little sports talk to round out the issues of the day (as Gene calls them).
KGO has gone downhill for the last couple years. Ray is absolutely losing it and who do they bring in to cover for him while he's out??? A TEABAGGER!
ReplyDeleteWTH??? I hate to see Mickey go. He is a class act and will be missed. They can buy out some of those guys though. Ed, Ray & "Dr." Bill need to go.
I must agree that the end is near for the Afternoon news. I only wonder how they can continue the traffic product people want in the afternoon in a talk format...I don't think it's impossible, but it's tricky. A few more thoughts...are Ed Baxter's days numbered? He's got to be expensive and while he's been on vacation they have been cycling through a lot of their news talent. I believe Ronn has a no cut contract and will be on the air through 2012 (or is it 2013? I've heard 2012.). Absolutely agree that younger voices are needed...I think all the M-F hosts are within 15 years of the same age. What about shows hosted by two people (more expensive, I know!) or time slots with multiple hosts depending on the day of the week?
ReplyDeleteWeep not for Mickey Luckoff. He's an excellent manager and will find another job if he wants one, although perhaps not at the same omnipotent level. The days of fiefdoms are long gone in today's radio business. He has enjoyed a rich and rewarding tenure as leader of a legendary radio station. His achievements have been recognized and lauded. Plus he has been handsomely compensated for many, many years. Nothing lasts forever in broadcasting but Luckoff's run lasted longer than most.
ReplyDelete