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Insights From Arbitron Fly-In
Source: NTSAircheck.com -- Aug 23, 2007
Insights From Arbitron Fly-In: Firing up his Bluetooth while headed north on the New Jersey Turnpike, Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo called to offer some observations he took home from this year's annual consultant conference. "At this point, why there is any resistance to PPM (Portable People Meter) by any broadcaster is hard to comprehend," Sabo told NTS Aircheck Today. "And the idea that somehow PPM is not friendly to Talk formats is a myth; there's not a shred of evidence that shows that." Sabo said he did come away from the meeting more convinced than ever that, with PPM, it's all about the cume. "I'm glad radio is finally making the move to cume-based measurement. It's always been all about the cume, and PPM will confirm that. Only in radio would we drill down to the granular level in order to sell the smallest possible ratings numbers." In other news from Arbitron, the company reissued Houston PPM figures for the week of July 26 through August 1 after adjusting for a data-processing error discovered earlier this week (NTS Aircheck Today 8/21). Subscribers to Arbitron's PPM Weeklies service can download the revised H-Town numbers at www.tapmedia.com.
Liberal, Green And Proud: That could be the new mantra around the halls of Clear Channel progressive Talker KQKE/San Francisco beginning next Monday (8/27), as the station changes call letters to KKGN and unveils it's new "Green 960" identity. The station's lineup features Jones Radio Networks' nationally syndicated Ed Schultz, Stephanie Miller and Bill Press, along with Air America's Thom Hartmann, Randi Rhodes and Rachel Maddow. Commenting on the pending image update, longtime Bay Area radio veteran and KQKE PD Bob Agnew said, "This is a natural evolution for the station. We are in the most environmentally conscientious market in the country, and our listeners have let us know the depth of their concern and their desire to be part of the solution." Agnew says part of Green 960's mission will be to "motivate people on the need to recycle, sustain, preserve, and protect this place we call Mother Earth." On Monday the station also will debut Green Seed Radio, which it is billing as "the first daily prime-time radio program dedicated to environmental news and issues." Produced in conjunction with the Green Building Exchange, the daily 3-4pm show will feature news and information on green technology and businesses, as well as environmental tips and education.
Aaron Spielberg Named Starting QB At ESPN Radio/New York: Spielberg moves from Executive Producer - a role he's held since 2005 - to Program Director at ESPN Gotham City flagship WEPN. He'll take over for Mike Thompson, who recently moved up to SVP/New Media for the 24/7 Sports radio network. Spielberg joined ESPN Radio as a producer in 2004, following stints including FOX News Channel and WAMI-TV/Miami. "This is an exciting time for our station, and I'm delighted that [WEPN President/GM] Tim McCarthy and ESPN have entrusted me with this position," said Spielberg. "I'm thrilled to take on this new role at 1050, and look forward to making ESPN/New York your station of choice."
What Americans Really Think: Some fascinating insights into America on last night's Drew Carey-hosted Power Of Ten on CBS-TV. The new game show challenges contestants to guess the behaviors, opinions and lifestyle choices of the American public for the chance to win $10 million. Among the facts unveiled last night that are sure to become fast fodder for Talk radio shows this week: 79% of Americans believe a woman should take her husband's last name when she gets married; 80% of Americans would rather be "ugly and smart" vs. "good-looking and dumb"; 41% think Americans should be allowed to own automatic weapons; 71% say rap music is degrading to women; 57% think marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol; and (insert drum roll here) 58% of American men have flashed the middle-finger salute to a fellow motorist while driving.
AWRT Honors Smyth: American Women in Radio and Television have named Greater Media President/CEO Peter Smyth as the group's newest Honorary Trustee of the Foundation. Smyth oversees a group of 20 stations in Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit and New Jersey including News/Talkers WTKK/Boston; WCTC/New Brunswick, NJ; and Sports WPEN/Philadelphia. "I am honored to become a part the AWRT Trustee Board," said Smyth. "It is an outstanding organization that does a tremendous job in promoting the advancement of women in the radio and television industries."
Dennis Miller: "I Hope This Is My Last Job!" That's what the Westwood One syndicated talk host and comedian said in a recent one-on-one chat we'll feature in tomorrow's issue of NTS Aircheck Weekly (8/24). "I'm having a blast," commented Miller after nearly six months on the job and a reported 123 affiliates later. "Next to doing stand-up comedy -- which is still my first love -- it's my favorite job I've ever had." Read more about what Miller had to say about his radio show, his politics, his critics and his roots at Saturday Night Live in this week's NTS Aircheck Weekly, arriving in your inbox tomorrow.
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