KGO Radio in Extreme CYA mode...*The Cumulus Market Manager who told a prominent advertising client rep that "we fucked up and are going back to talk" was not aware the rep had a prior business relationship with 415 Media and this blogger.
That same market manager got an internal reprimand from Cumulus' management in Atlanta for talking with me even though his response to my questions regarding a format change back to a talk hybrid was "no comment." The manger, Steve Sklenar, did not, and has not denied my initial story of KGO's plan to go back to a combination news and talk template based on an Atlanta station's current mix of local and national talk shows.
*415 Media was never "duped" nor "set up"--if so, then the subsequent story would be a heck of a lot better than Cumulus and KGO admitting it made a mistake. When you have lost as many listeners and advertisers as KGO/Cumulus has, to a point where you literally cannot give away free commercials to entice ad buyers to buy time on a station, then that situation speaks for itself.
*It has come to my attention that a late-night talk host spent a half hour on this subject early Saturday morning, and although did not mention my name nor 415 Media, made disparaging comments questioning the validity of my reporting and also, again, without mentioning my name nor this blog, uttered ad-homonym attacks against the "blogger."
It should be noted that this individual has been removed and re-assigned from two separate talk shows on KGO and a national show on KSFO. He has also been a recipient of criticism on his show from this blogger so the individual's selective indignation on this blogger and 415 Media should be taken with a grain of salt. Clearly, he has an axe to grind. There's a reason why the host has been relegated to the late-night/early-morning radio Siberia in which he broadcasts from and was born with no testicles. He will not be mentioned here nor in any comments as a public service.
*Back to the main event...415 Media stands by the story and believes a couple of scenarios may be in the making...To wit:
*Three separate individual sources with direct knowledge of the conversation between Sklenar and the prominent ad rep, (whose company continues to advertise on both KGO and KSFO), confirmed the account of what was said.
The conversation was not the only impetus behind my reporting but contributed to its conclusion and belief from here that KGO is planning a subtle re-branding away from its current platform to a hybrid of news and talk with a heavy emphasis on "live and local." Another publication agrees and is a widely respected trade in the broadcasting business.
*A local observer told me Cumulus may have been annoyed at 415 Media for exposing the coming changes and is now simply in "extreme CYA-mode"--after all, to clear things up and provide satisfactory answers to broadcast reporters who have called and inquired about my report, (so-called, legitimate news-gathering operations), Cumulus has not put out a press release denying the report nor calling any aspect of it, false.
*In fact, Cumulus refuses to even offer its own San Francisco/KGO staffers a memo on the report's veracity, or lack thereof. Confusion, bewilderment and internal strife over the report, (especially from the news department), could be alleviated with a simple memo. Even at that, there are some who believe Cumulus doesn't want to do that because by doing so, it would be an acknowledgment of my report and add credence to its original conclusion. Furthermore, management doesn't want to upset existing personnel in the news division. Such caring team players.
They're stuck.
*I don't think Cumulus is that dumb --stupid?, maybe to try to intentionally dupe me. FYI, I've heard a lot more theories and been exposed to possible dupes --all the way from country music formats, all-sports conduits, (essentially a KNBR3), all-syndicated news, talk, you-name-it, I've heard it.
A personal note: Frankly, some of you think I have a personal stake in all this. I do not. If KGO were to go oldies, fine. Maybe a radio medical station 24/7? Beautiful. The old KGO will never be back and from here, that was the final straw. The current format is an unmitigated disaster with revolving chiefs, a weekend circus with rent-a-host uncertainty, incompetent management with an Opps Mgr with one foot out the door. No wonder he wants to get the hell away. Matter of fact, nearly everyone in the building has flooded other outlets with resumes. One specific talk-show host has told me "I HATE MY JOB!" in regular texts and e-mails. That person is not alone. Even the Entertainer with the carnival act from 7-10 is nervous. Maybe he should take another trip to Ireland and Bakersfield. I can't wait to see him at the "All-Star" debate--that should be a blast. Can't wait.
*The 9-Noon weekday host is getting clobbered in the ratings, ironically, by the other guy with the fake name, opposite him, on KSFO. Deidra Lieberman, the ex-GM, quit in disgust. Lot's of smoke, folks.
We have much more to say but will follow up when the time comes and there's more to report.
*Follow me on Twitter
no worries rich......keep up the great reporting! I hope KGO goes back to talk...Frankly I think it's too late! Keep thinking about Gene Burns on his last day at KGO.....I will never forgive the DICK brothers!
ReplyDeleteThey need to go local. The news reports especially on KSFO are an embarrassment. Today at the 10am local news the KSFO announcer referred to Oakland's mayor as "Juan Quan." Yes, apparently the anchor thought the mayor of Oakland was man named Juan Quan.
ReplyDeleteListen to the "unknown part timer" who has posted here frequently at the said station's 7-day-archive and listen to his rant at midnight about Rich and the 415 Media. It's a hoot. 30 minutes and worth of getting fired ... again.
DeleteMy weasels tell me this tripe-meister has been canned more than Nancy Pelosi's tuna income.
The guys blaming Rich and US for "expecting something from radio because they think we owe listeners something. What? What is it?"
I would blast this cretin for not knowing what he opens his pie-hole about.
This guy is not-ready-for Visalia, to be honest with you. Give him hell!
10:34, Can't find the 7-Day-Archive you're speaking of.
DeleteCan you post a link for us? Thanks!
Yes, 1:10. Here you go:
Deletehttp://www.kgoradio.com/page.php?page_id=241
Click on 12:00.
That will be $20, please. Thank you.
1:10...All I get is KAREL.
DeleteHow do you go later that that?
RICH....I found it, disregard last post please.
DeleteI heard the first hour early this am. He was offensive overall. But especially so when he discussed the former "old" hosts who were let go in Dec. 2011. He stated that no radio station can make it unless the younger demographic is targeted. I'll say no more except he is an idiot. In fact, most of the "new" hosts are in that same category. BTW, us baby boomers are the ones who buy the advertisers' products and there are a lot of us who not only have the wisdom of our experiences but don't feel entitled. I am embarrassed for KGOne radio and how it is now in a trash heap.
ReplyDeleteWhat he failed to mention is that "baby boomers" rarely listen to AM radio, so, targeting to young people will not be happening at KGO, unless they put on Howard Stern, Tom Leykis, Opie & Anthony, Don Geronimo, Stephanie Miller, Wanda Sykes and Mike Amatori for local flavor!
DeleteLarry Van Nuys, the news announcer is in Southern California. He's done shows with John Phillips, etc. so that is why he doesn't know the area and how to pronounce the names of people and places in the Bay Area. Also, what is Spencer Hughes real name? I thought he must be using a fake name when he's always talking about his Latino/Hispanic background.
ReplyDeleteTell you what. If Cumulus / KSFO is putting Larry Van Nuys in "training" and moves him over to KGO, I'll never turn the radio off. Larry is a legend from many years at KNX 1070 Newsradio in Los Angeles. Why he's not on KCBS here is beyond me. I've listened to Larry for years and no one does live call-in earthquake news better than Larry Van Nuys. What a voice. Be he still in the Southland phoning it in as so many do or here, Larry is fantastic. Yeah he misses a few times, but not much.
DeleteI think Hughes' name is "Silva", "Sven Silva" or
"José Hernandéz Ramirez de Hidalgo" or "Juan" something..
He is a good photographer, has a nice webpage, nice family, used to work for Fox Talk, KFBK, KGO, KSFO (now), did a weekend show on WRKO in Boston and phones it in from home with his home studio.
Other than that, a bit whacked conservative.
Spencer Hughes real name is Svein Silva when he first started working at KSFO Jack Swanson made him change his name because he was Gene Burn's producer & KGO's regular movie reviewer and sometimes afternoon reporter.
DeleteRich, you seemed disturbed that an unnamed early am host talked about your site without giving you direct recognition. Understandable. However, if he or she did actually name drop and clearly ID you, the host might then be worried about you suing for slander. I know very about the law, and lucky for me, I have not had to know much, but I do hear of individuals and corporations suing if someone wrongfully make them look bad in public. So discretion might have been the reason for their dancing around the topic. Plus, now you have me interested on who was talking this morning and what did they say. Hell, I may have to turn on the program next Friday night to catch the next episode of their Talker's Lament.....BY the way, you tossed around an idea I really liked. If there was a radio station that focused on health issues , but without becoming a product sales show, then I wouls listen. We were just talking about Dr. Dean. last week. I would like to hear somebody talk about natural remedies and minerals from available plants and whole foods. I do not, do not want to hear some stiltied fake dialog between host and pill pusher. I would listen to a show about YOGA or stretching (i.e. Joannie Greggins) no one has to see me bent up in embarrasing positions in the privacy of my apartment.
ReplyDeleteHonestly? Really? I don't think Rich is disturbed at not being mentioned or 415 Media not be duly recognized whatsoever. Would YOU want to face Rich's well-documented wrath? I sure wouldn't No, I don't think Rich would really give a crap. If he can put up with Stan, he can put up with the several times fired "Unknown Part Timer" from midnight to 2am.
DeleteRich suing for slander? If Rich sued for every poop head that said something he didn't like, he'd own Cumulus by now. No, I don't think that's it. Dancing around the topic? Let me tell you, the podcast is up right now on KGO's web site. List to the midnight hour. It is so schlocky, Rich would laugh all the way to court if it was worth suing Talk about being "Duped", rich has his number. We notice he doesn't post here anymore because there is no meat left on that carcass after several posters scraed those bones ust a few weeks ago.
They aren't just dancing, they are filled with disco boogieing with this and to have that jerk being in the forefront of it on KGOne? Are you kidding. If that was my station and, he works with no produceer, I believer, I so have his ass in a sling come Tuesday morning, if Ron Escarsenza (Operations Mgs) listened to the podcast, he'd have a canary!
This is a blog you don't want to hear mentioned on KGOne, trust me.
It's so simple to find - go to the "7-day-archive" and punch up the 12 midnight podcast. The rant starts right after the news and goes non-stop except for traffic at 15. It's pretty strange. Would like to see you comments and those of others. Maybe he'll talk about it again tonight. It could be his last "show."
The podcast only lasts for 7 days, so get it while it's hot!
A 24/7 all medical radio station? Maybe in Santa Cruz, but not here.
Worried about being sued for slander/libel? Not likely. Who do you think has more money and more attorneys, Cumulus or Mr. Lieberman?
DeleteYou mean that Spencer Hughes rating are better than Ronn Owens?
ReplyDeleteNever thought I would see that happen.
KGO, the days of being the ratings leader are sadly over.
Spencer Hughes, from what I heard, is beating Ronn like a drum in the ratings. Has been since he was just filling in.
DeleteRich, Thank goodness you're attending the All-Star Debate! Please report back to us here. I don't even know the way to San Jose, it's just too far!
ReplyDeleteWe would love a play by play report from you on that debate here.
Sorry, no confirmation on Rich going to San Jose. It does, plus gas, cost $8.10 to get into the Montgomery Theater just for the debate, as it is. "At the end of the day" it's just not worth it, nor a draw. I'd rather see a drag queen perform. Oh, that's right. Karel is contemplating being there if KGO pays his espense to San Jose. No confirmation on that, either. He says he hasn't been offered pay-to-play as they have before.
Delete"Even the Entertainer with the carnival act from 7-10 is nervous. Maybe he should take another trip to Ireland and Bakersfield. I can't wait to see him at the "All-Star" debate--that should be a blast. Can't wait."
ReplyDeleteNOOOOOO! Please don't send the "Entertainer" to Bakersfield! Even though my ex lives there, she needs no creep like "her/him" in the neighborhood. Even though my ex and I are not in communicato, I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Send him to, oh, Tahatchapi, Mojave, the Queen Mary, Fresno, Tulare, somewhere. Send him to KSCO, they sure could use "something differen." There - that's Dave Michael's replacement in the afternoon. MZ can get rid of "The Traffic Lackey" that way. Can you imagine? Dave and "The Carpetbagging Entertainer" on KSCO? LOL!
Send the "Entertainer" to Palmdale to be Bunk Buddies with the
Delete"Pillow Case" Rapist!!
Oooooooh. Cruel, mean and, yet, refreshingly unique 2:08. Bunk Buddies. Very clever.
DeleteNow how are we enquiring minds going to discuss who it was that was born with no testicles without mentioning some names?
ReplyDeleteThink. Just think. Then, fill out the coupon provided. Send it to Current Resident, P.O. Box 810, Caracus, Venezuela. You might win.
DeleteIf kgo was a newspaper it would be on the bottom of a bird cage. No, not really, just kidding. It would be a mustard stain on a t-shirt. Kidding, just kidding, relax, kidding. No, it would be a turd in an un-flushed toilet. Just sitting there, stinking. Too heavy to float to ridged to flush. Stuck in-between. Trapped in toilet purgatory. The unknown.
ReplyDeleteOh wait a minute!!!! I’m having a Rod Serling moment….. Wait for it, Wait for it, it’s coming, I got it!!!! Working title is /Twilight turd. It’s about middle–age talk show host on the night shift who gets shit canned and ends up as a street sweeper telling stories to his broom handle for a living.
And who would the main character be? Inside sources say…………..
Um, would that be the gay blade himself? The Zorro of way off the radar scope liberalism, the red carpet entertainer who has done stand-up before a crowd of less than 20 patrons> That character? Do I win a ticket to the All-Stars Debate?
DeleteSo, I listened to Mr. Weintraub's defense of the Cumulus programming decisions and his upset that fellow employees were unnecessarily troubled by bogus rumors of another format change.
ReplyDeleteWell, let's examine a few facts:
(a) KGO, pre-Atlanta, was making money and providing a valuable service to the Bay Area by employing talented talk show hosts who could lend analysis and opinion to the issues of the day. The audience was large, devoted, and skewed old.
(b) KGO now essentially duplicates the news service available on another, far more successful AM station, is likely losing money, and has lost 1/2 its audience....an audience which probably STILL skews old. (who in Atlanta thought that news would attract youth?)
(c) This blog asserts that KGO's management is ready to change back to a talk format. This assertion may or may not be true.
(d) If untrue, KGO management need only send a memo to staff to quell their fears about their future. This, we are told, has not happened.
Finally, Mr. Weintraub asks if a radio station owes its listeners anything.
You bet it does!
We, the people, allow the owners of the radio station to use a part of our spectrum to entertain and enlighten us. In addition, we expect our stations to help protect us during emergencies. We, the people, don't care if the stations using our spectrum make money or not. A well run station, operated as a hobby, is fine by us. A station which programs only to a narrow group of the public is fine by us. Even a station which has an older audience is fine by us.
Finally, if Atlanta really wants to attract a younger audience, may I suggest an all Spanish talk format with teenage and 20-something hosts. Ole!
Thank you for saving me the time to debunk every stupid comment made by that jet-lagged Casey Bartholomeu imitator. This moronic prick sounded so bitter that he is relegated to that shitty time slot he currently is stuck on. Did you guys catch that part? His rant sounded eerily similar to the ucsb virgin. The lowest points were when this nobody, like the loser troll he is, mocked the great hosts that were fired. Conversely he seemed to celebrate their demise and the fact he is now on the mic means in his screwed up head that he's better than they were? Whaaaat!!?? The funniest part was his attempt to soil Rich and his blog by saying Rich was somehow "duped" and "set up". What is this? The Dickies are now running covert counterintelligence operations against a blog and this nobody in the Siberia time slot is privy to the inside machinations? Yeah right. If anything I'm pissed at Rich that due to my curiosity I had to listen to the amateur who is desperately trying to sound like Casey Bartholomeu yet again. Yuck!
DeleteSuch anger!
DeleteRich has never been soiled. Not that I know. Crapped on? Yes, but he has deflected it well.
DeleteIndeed "such anger". Casey Weintraubtholomeu is full of anger. Baby is mad he's on a time slot he doesn't deserve. Baby thinks he's prime time. Baby thinks every twenty something with an iPhone is hanging on his every word.
DeleteIt's DAVID WEINTRAUB. Casey Bartholomew is another fill-in. He did for Langan last night. Weintrabut does Sat & Sun midnight to 2.
DeleteThe unnamed idiot is indeed Dave Weintraub who obviously looks up to Casey Bartholomeu since he copies his voice inflections and delivery. The claim he makes that Rich was "duped" makes absolutely no sense. His faux indignation that he's standing up for his coworkers sounds disingenuous. This dude seems to have an obvious complex. Is he short? Memo to David Bartholomeu: you're not in management dude!
DeleteWhen and if KGO goes back to talk. Dr. Bill and Ray should be in the line up. Ratings will head north in no time.
ReplyDeleteWattenburg is already in syndication and on KKSF 910. Even thouugh he still does the show from the Sierras, he's not coming back to KGO. He's already in the market on 910 and in a bunch of other markets already.
Deletefact is KGO was perfect just the way is was. Something for everyone. My preference ...Rothman and Tillum!
DeleteI saw Mr Weintraub's publicity photo at the KGO website.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you need to take his comments serious. He is wearing . . . . . . a t-shirt?
Somewhere Herb Caen is recoiling in disgust.
Yeah, that should do him in.
DeleteAs will mark zuckerberg's hoodie.
Rich,
ReplyDeleteJust listened to his show because of this. What does he mean that you were duped? Why don't you call his show and set record straight? Do you think he has the guts to have you on?