Talk 910, has been auditioning various hosts to fill its 10 AM-1 PM slot. A decision is expected sometime in the next few weeks but I've got the final three favorites, according to a local broadcast source familiar with the probable pecking order.
The "live and local" mantra is a key to the eventual winner; it's highly unlikely that Clear Channel would make an out-of-market hire but nothing surprises me anymore.
The 3 finalists, according to my source--
1. John Rothmann: the former KGO Radio talk host and frequent fill-in at Talk 910 is the odds-on favorite. Rothmann has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the Middle East, politics, Presidential Elections and current events. He's also a terrific interviewer and would make for an outstanding three hours of informative and entertaining radio.
1. John Rothmann: the former KGO Radio talk host and frequent fill-in at Talk 910 is the odds-on favorite. Rothmann has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the Middle East, politics, Presidential Elections and current events. He's also a terrific interviewer and would make for an outstanding three hours of informative and entertaining radio.
2. Ed Baxter: Baxter spent over three decades as an anchor at KGO and did some sporadic fill-in both at KGO and 910 AM as a talk host. He also recently launched a website with content from Bay Area TV and Radio talent. I loved Baxter as a news anchor; I'm not so sure if I could listen to him as a talk host three hours a day--not a knock on Ed, just my own opinion.
3. Spencer Hughes: The weakest link, and the least-likely choice. Hughes has been all over the talk map bouncing from station to station. His most recent foray was at KSFO where he chose to resign rather than being fired. I'm not a fan of this guy; his annoying style, the faux outrage, the constant mumbling has never quite caught on with me yet Hughes keeps getting jobs. And keeps getting fired too. Go figure.
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I would prefer them in the order that you presented. However, I will not listen to ANYONE do a three hour monologue.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that the no-call policy is that of the station. I can't imagine a host/ess not wanting some give-and-take. I've never heard it explained, but I'm not interested in hearing it.
I second many of the bloggers here, John Rothman definitely John Rothman, and he does take calls and seem to always have plenty of callers, so I don't think it is totally the stations policy, also I believe although I haven't listened for months Dr. Bill Wattenberg takes calls, and yes can we please, please get rid of Joel and Corey, perhaps give that time slot to Ed Baxter, I don't even know if Ed wants a steady job, he has been retired for several years, there is a difference between filling in a few days for a few weeks and working 3 hours five days a week. Spencer Hughes is desperate to get the slot, I hope he doesn't he can be okay once in awhile, but not on a steady basis. I just don't have much confidence in 910's programming decisions.
Deleteno calls? The talk910.com website lists a 1-800 number, and i dialed just now and hear a screener.
Deleteit's been a real treat to hear Rothmann inn the 9-12 slot. i always appreciate his well thought out positions and his calm demeanor even when under fire. it's good to be talked to like an adult without the the hyperbole that is available most everywhere else on the AM dial.
ReplyDeleteI second everything here.
DeleteJohn Rothmann is my choice. He is intelligent and treats his callers with respect.
ReplyDeleteHis topics are great and I would be a regular listener if he gets that time slot.
If John Rothman comes up short, can he at least continue to fill in??? By the way, he's hard to stump where it comes to American History and American Presidents! Go ahead, try to stump him in that department. You can't do it!
ReplyDeleteI'd like Rothman and Baxter to share the spot, but on different days. I like them both for different reasons. Rothman is a gold mine of information on the Middle East and U.S. history. He's interesting but much too serious to hear every day. It's kind of like "the sky is falling" type personality. Ed is upbeat and can tackle a broad range of topics and keeps it entertaining. He is pretty good at interviewing. I'd like Ed 3 days and John 2. While I'm at it, I'd like them to take Joel and Corey off because they just are not entertaining although I like the format with the right people. Unfortunately, when you write a comment about the programming, I think it goes directly to Corey.
ReplyDeleteI also like both John and Ed. Any combination of the two would be fine with me. I think I remember Rich saying that the advertisers didn't like it when they did the rotating hosts when Gene Burns fell ill after it was named as his show. Too bad -- the listeners want to hear them both.
DeleteRothman is a real pro, he should be the man who wins this runoff. I would never listen to Hughes his voice and manner really grates on me.
ReplyDeleteHow about John Rothmann from 12:00 to 3:00 and moving the awful Cory and Joel to 10:00 to 12:00? Better yet just fire them as the only show on radio as bad as they are is those morning morons from Sacramento on 910.
ReplyDeleteEd Baxter is great with the news, but I won't listen to him as a host everyday.
Spencer Hughes? Please..... The guy is a total asshole.
Usually I don't listen to 910 but what a pleasant surprise to hear John Rothman, a professional broadcaster. Definitely would slot him 10 to 1. Then replace Joel and Corey, can't believe that a major market station rolls these two out with a straight face.
ReplyDeleteI'd tune in to Rothman, he's very good.
ReplyDeleteBaxter, give me a break. Not sharp enough for good tal radio, too many 'umms' .
YES! I can't stand the staccato speaking with excessive number of, umm, ahhh, well, sigh, pauses, etc. Drives me nuts!
DeleteI know most people still think of them as "Clear Channel", but 'iHeartMedia" is the new shade of lipstick on the pig.
ReplyDeleteIs Dan Dibley in the running?
ReplyDeleteYou have got them in the wrong order. Hughes is the most entertaining of the three, Baxter is ok. Rothman is smart, just too boring for every day. He works better as a fill in.
ReplyDeleteRothman is hands down the top choice , Baxter was a news reader not a talk show host. And Hughes is just a JOKE, he has been all over the radio dial and a nobody!
ReplyDeleteIt may come down to which one will work cheaper.
ReplyDeletePlease don't let it be Hughes. PLEASE don't let it be Hughes
ReplyDeleteHughes is nothing compared to Rothman and Baxter(both real pros!) It would be a real step backward for them to pick a nobody hack like Hughes.
ReplyDeleteThis station has a history of fucking bonehead moves. It should be Rothmann, but they will probably go with Hughes. They have Hughes on this week twice so far and he is awful. Then Rothmann is great and he isn't on the schedule for the week.
ReplyDeleteHughes needs to rent a space at a flea market and hawk his stuff....not on the air all the time.
ReplyDeleteHe has such great potential but never found himself. Sad.
It should absolutely be John Rothmann. If management of KKSF reads 415 Media, please take note that John is a consummate pro, makes for compelling and appointment radio, and has impactful brand recognition in the SFO market!
ReplyDelete