🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <scotwitt.22.001F033C@interaccess.com> you write:
>In article <CpEuy4.EpJ@obdient.chi.il.us> blair@obdient.chi.il.us (Doug Blair) writes:
>
 [ text of my post Re: "I think you need to show up in the ratings for
   at least one book to be a personality" deleted ]
>

>1. Emoticons are supposed to indicate jokes, tongues in cheek and satirical 
>posts. If you didn't see them, perhaps you ought to make an appointment. If I 
>hurt Jim's feelings, I'm sorry. What was supposed to be a joke was obviously 
>misread by at least one person.

There were no smileys in your original posting. My apologies also if I
misunderstood.  I merely meant to take issue with your claim that one
needs to show up in ratings to be a "personality."  You can even be a
personality if no one listens to you.  In fact, that happens a lot.

>2. If you know anything at all about radio, you'll know 12+ numbers mean 
>squat. The only thing 12+ numbers sell is pimple cream and newspaper columns 
>or stories.

Ahem.

Before we make further fools of ourselves in public perhaps I should tell
you something about myself.  I *DO* know quite a bit about broadcasting, 
ratings and radio programming.

1993 was my last year as on air talent - I've been on the air at commercial 
stations for 27 years, the last 11 as a Chicago radio "personality" of sorts.
I don't know anything about your listening habits, but if the call letters 
WFYR, WMET, WRXR, Z-95, Q101 or Y108 mean anything to you then chances are 
you've heard me at least once or twice.  There is a 4.3 share with my name 
on it in the 1987-88 Z95 12+ midday books, and it was (thank you) in double
digits in that station's target demos.  Q101's afternoon drive in 1990-
91 was also double digits in target demographics, and that was me too.

I worked with your station's morning talent, Donna Mullen, for a about a 
year at Q101.  Ask her about Doug Blair.  Perhaps she can give you some 
opinion of the validity of my claims of expertise.

(And in case you're wondering, I've set radio aside to work on computer
 networking at Motorola.  *Lots* more interesting to me these days.)

On the issue of 12+ numbers only selling pimple creams and newspaper
articles, I agree.  It does stand to reason that a station that performs
well in the overall demographic (12+) will do better in the age/sex/
socio-economic/geographic areas that the station is designed for. For
example, Jim McNicholas' station is #11 overall, but in its target
demographics (25-54 women) it is #5.  No one would argue that WGCI
and WGN attract the same audience, yet their 12+ numbers are almost
the same.  Each is more successful in their target demos.  However it
should be obvious that a station that does well 12+ is doing *very*
well in its targeted demographics, so the 12+ numbers have so have
*some* meaning.

>3. If you knew anything about Arbitron ratings, you'd also know that WBEZ is 
>one of the most highly rated, cume, TSL and quarter hour'ed public radio 
>station in the country (if not the top)...you'd also know there are actually 
>two books of ratings....the raw ones that include public stations and the one 
>the commercial outlets subscribe to.  And you're wrong, big shot. ALL of the 
>public radio personalities you mentioned have shown numbers...BIG numbers.

I know about WBEZ.  I'm a member.  But these numbers are only in the special 
version of the Arbitron reports that WBEZ purchases.  The data is not 
released to other stations or to the public and it is not included in the 
Arbitrend data, nor does WBEZ purchase the right to use these figures to 
substantiate audience claims.  Hence my claim that Arbitron has never 
*published* Aaron Freeman's or Garrison Kielor's names.  

By the way, I never meant to dispute that public radio draws a huge
audience.  The collective appeal of public radio (NPR in particular)
seems to be about a 7.0 share consistantly in most major markets, and
is a bit higher in smaller cities. I was just trying to come up with 
some examples of interesting radio personalities whose appeal frequently 
goes unnoticed.  Incidentally, they never published Howard Stern's name
here either :-).  Or Sig Sakowitz.  Or Nick Joseph.  Or those creative
programmers at WABT....

>4. As for you, Mirster Blair, I'm suprized at your obvious lack of knowledge 
>and willingness to present that ignorance in a public forum. 

And as for you, Mirster Witt, I'm suprised at your lack of knowledge about 
the market and the players.  I don't know how long you've been at the 
College Of DuPage's radio station, but anyone in the medium should know who's 
on the other stations.  Since we've mentioned Jim McNicholas, did you 
know that before he started mornings on Y107.9, he did the midday show on 
Y108 (incidentally the same transmitter), "Doin' It In The Burbs," for 
*seven years*, less than ten miles from your studio?  He has been on stage
to MC at least a dozen concerts and charitable shows in your own school's 
theatre!  He's a well-known figure in suburbia, and prior to that he catered 
to a national audience on AM-1000 WCFL.  A definate hard working Chicago area 
"personality," and now he's on a station making it big time.  As the News 
Director of a suburban station you should know about characters like him.


Enough about Jim.  I admit he's a personal friend of mine, and your job
is *news* not *radio*.  I really don't want to beat you up just for
not knowing one jock.  Well, two, counting me.  I am somewhat envious
of your seat on the RTNDA board.  That alone indicates your credentials 
and dedication to the industry, and I'm certain that your professional 
reporting skills are comensurate with that position and honor.  WDCB
has one of the presets on my radio - gives me something to listen to
during the WBEZ pledge breaks!


Been There.  Done That.

Doug Blair

-- 
Doug  _           _  _             _    Doug Blair
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