KNBR has been using its hosts from remote locations; their homes. Nobody is in the studio because of the Coronavirus scare. It's a safe and thorough policy administered by Cumulus (which owns KNBR) suits. But a growing issue amid concern is about to hit the sports-talk radio giant: lack of funds.
KNBR is losing massive money. Its ads are down, way down. The revenue that pays the bills and assorted expenses, including salaries, is beginning to bleed red ink. And with dwindling money, comes the distinct possibility of layoffs, including hosts, producers, engineers and the like.
Right now, no one is talking. The money is still in the till as this virus and its economic toll is just beginning its deadly, financial chaos, in addition to its health situation. A present-day gauge is the only barometer to scale its nasty intervention and it's not pretty, as you can imagine.
*Another tipping point at KNBR: what happens if/when there's no sports to talk about? Right now, like the economic situation, there's a holding pattern. Nobody wants to talk, or more precisely, can't talk. Fortunately, for KNBR's sake, some ad and sponsorship money have been in the bank and are not subject to payback to the clients. For now. Here's the biggie: the Giants and their ads bring in millions to KNBR (which owns 5 % of the team) baseball season has already been put off for at least the middle of May but all signs indicate MLB is likely to alter its 2020 season beyond May; even the season would be in jeopardy if the current virus crisis deepens and it is.
*KGO Radio did a great service to the Bay Area by adding in weekend programming -both John Rothmann and Chip Franklin put in extra Saturday/Sunday shifts (Rothmann, last night, 5-8PM; Franklin, today, 5-7 PM) I give kudos to station, SF cluster boss, Doug Harvill, and PD, Lee Hammer, for their proper action. It's costing them lots of money to do so but they made their move anyway, a real community asset and nod to folks at home stuck in their house looking for information and an audio baby-sitter.
I'm greedy. I urge KGO (namely Cumulus) to add more time to the weekend. As this whole crisis worsens and gets more lethal, people need more info. It's beyond doing what's right, it needs to be done as the Bay Area is in the major hot zone. It's vital. Even a swamped FCC would agree.
*Back later.
Rich - show me an industry NOT bleeding money? Other than groceries. They're ALL dying.
ReplyDeleteI thought Sal at home was just some overblown gimmick,but even if you don't feel anything or don't think the virus is all that?...yeah,I don't want to be the one to give it to loved ones. So,me too with out only for food now if I can help it.
ReplyDeleteHopefully John Lund is the first to get the layoff notice.
ReplyDeleteNo room for a phony liberal talk show host.
We all know he is conservative inside and there is nothing wrong with that, but he is a complete fraud.
Playing to the liberal media in the Bay Area.
Just to avoid being boycotted.
Chipper Frankin is cut from the same cloth. When in San Diego he was all conservative. Just an act is all.
DeleteHow do you know what Chip Franklin is now. Can someone not change their outlook on things? I doubt he could fake his distaste for Trump as long as he has. Besides I heard explain one day how he became more liberal, it sound sincere.
DeleteI would decide what AM transmitters you will keep powered up...because PG&E is going to make you decide. In a few days Cum-U-Less will be outta cash to pay that power bill with...and you wont be able to kep them all running despite what Gavin say's.
ReplyDeletemake a choice...KGO? KNBR? one transmitter will have to be shut down for the sake of the others.
It sound like it's just a matter of time before radio shuts down. How long can you bleed for? Start by doing away with the KNBR early show... Murph and Mac!!! Two a.m. clowns. Mid day... Papa.. an arrogent P-ick!!! Afternoon, Tom, Mr. Immature and Rod.. Mr. I can't speak a normal sentence. Problem solved. Your out of the RED.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to talk sports when there are no sports to talk about. and The Sporting Green was a shadow of itself this morning.
ReplyDeleteKGO has become my lifeline.
ReplyDeleteTime for KNBR to bring back KFOG on 104.5 for now...
ReplyDelete