When you listen to WVNA, and they refer to

Sad to say, Clear Channel has cut back their news operations nationwide. Most of their "news staffs," even in bigger towns, is one or two field reporters and a few in-studio readers (or, as the Brits more properly call them, "presenters.")

Of course, the newspapers cut back their staffs also. I wonder who's left gathering the news?

I used to do the news at WVNA when the main newscaster needed off. Unless the station is willing to pay for a team of reporters to cover the area, that's how news is gathered.

With a one person news room, that person checks the local papers and AP services for stories. Then, they re-write them in a easier to broadcast format. Sometimes the person will call people involved in the story, let's say police department spokesperson for example, and get sound bites for air.

You don't read right out a newspaper on the air unless you say first "In the Times Daily today....".

All most radio stations had, in the day, was a machine spiting out print from their wire service such as AP and Reuters amd maybe a reporter to cover local events. So, you expect something different, now?

quote:

Originally posted by interventor:
All most radio stations had, in the day, was a machine spiting out print from their wire service such as AP and Reuters amd maybe a reporter to cover local events. So, you expect something different, now?

VERY true... I remember back during "the day" that radio news was much better reporting than the Newspaper was... we used to joke about our paper getting their day-old news from the radio stations, lol.

TV stations still have that. A feed comes in with the story copy, satellite coordinates, and air time time for b-roll. Tape the b-roll, write the copy into the script, push play and read. You've got news.

By the way, the AP isn't free. They gather the news and stations pay for the right to distribute it. That's just how things work.

What ever happened to that Rex character that Charlie Ross replaced on the morning show with Jimmy Oliver and the Sydney kid?

Machine was called a teletype. Last one I saw was at the US State Department club in Seoul.

Yep, you used to could hear the teletypes going in old newscasts. I don't think anyone has used one in this country since the 60's or 70's. When I was at WOWL they had a more modern version of a teletype. It was a dot matrix printer connected to a telephone wire. I believe most places now use e-mail or other modern systems.

quote:

Yep, you used to could hear the teletypes going in old newscasts.

Actually, you still can on some newsradio station (1010 WINS out of NYC, for example).

Of course, it's just an audio clip that's played as background. I suspect a lot of the "teletype" noises we heard in years gone by was off of a 4-track cart.

Hello, all...

Brian Rickman here, Operations Manager for the Shoals Radio Group (which includes NewsTalk AM 1590, WVNA). I feel the need to respond to this string just to provide a bit of insight regarding how we gather news.

Our news reporters follow a number of different avenues when gatehring a story. Like all news organizations, we do, in fact, look to each other for information (radio looks to TV, TV looks to radio, newspaper looks to broadcast media, etc). As has been mentioned in this thread, we also utilize the AP wire when it comes to statewide stories (it is rare that a Shoals based story makes the wire). The internet is also a valuable tool. We follow these sources, compile the information and follow up with various local agencies, etc. when the story merits as such.

We often recieve information from our listeners as well that we will follow up and add to a news story should we feel it is appropriate.

We are also members of the Alabama Radio Network of radio stations (you can hear their broadcasts at the bottom of the hour on the station) and much of the news you hear on the air will originate from that organization. In fact, the majority of our news is gathered from this source.

We do staff a complete news department at the station: Frank Rodgers, Josh King and Farley Bright. I oversee their work.

We do not directly "lift" news stories from the Times Daily althuogh we certainly refer to the TD when compiling our stories...just as they surely refer to other news organziations themselves to construct their stories.

As far as the implication that our news department does not deliver "news as it happens", that is simply incorrect. We cover news stories 24 hours a day. When there is breaking news in the area, our staff has done an excellent job of getting the information to our lisetners quickly and efficiently.

While I would be misleading you if I indicated that we have a budget for reporters to be "on the beat". We do not. However, I believe that our staff does an excellent job of covering local news stories with the sources that we have made available to them.

We admire the work that the Times Daily does for our community. In fact, we have an excellent relationship with their parent company. In the end, we all have the same goal in mind: to inform the public. It is rare that we actually look to each other as "competition".

Finally, simply for the record, we are no longer owned by Clear Channel. Our cluster of radio stations (which also includes WLAY-AM/FM, Rock 105.5 The Big Dog, Star 94.9 WMSR and V101.5) are all owned by URBan Radio Broadcasting. We are not nearly the monolith that Clear Channel is. We operate a handful of stations mostly in the Deep South and believe very strongly in a local commitment.

Thanks for the opportunity to clear the air, as it were!

Brian Rickman

I worked there about 10 years ago under a different operations manager. It sounds like things have changed quite a bit for the better. Good job.

Thanks for taking the time, Brian.

quote:

Originally posted by brianrickman:
Hello, all...

Brian Rickman here, Operations Manager for the Shoals Radio Group (which includes NewsTalk AM 1590, WVNA). I feel the need to respond to this string just to provide a bit of insight regarding how we gather news.

Our news reporters follow a number of different avenues when gatehring a story. Like all news organizations, we do, in fact, look to each other for information (radio looks to TV, TV looks to radio, newspaper looks to broadcast media, etc). As has been mentioned in this thread, we also utilize the AP wire when it comes to statewide stories (it is rare that a Shoals based story makes the wire). The internet is also a valuable tool. We follow these sources, compile the information and follow up with various local agencies, etc. when the story merits as such.

We often recieve information from our listeners as well that we will follow up and add to a news story should we feel it is appropriate.

We are also members of the Alabama Radio Network of radio stations (you can hear their broadcasts at the bottom of the hour on the station) and much of the news you hear on the air will originate from that organization. In fact, the majority of our news is gathered from this source.

We do staff a complete news department at the station: Frank Rodgers, Josh King and Farley Bright. I oversee their work.

We do not directly "lift" news stories from the Times Daily althuogh we certainly refer to the TD when compiling our stories...just as they surely refer to other news organziations themselves to construct their stories.

As far as the implication that our news department does not deliver "news as it happens", that is simply incorrect. We cover news stories 24 hours a day. When there is breaking news in the area, our staff has done an excellent job of getting the information to our lisetners quickly and efficiently.

While I would be misleading you if I indicated that we have a budget for reporters to be "on the beat". We do not. However, I believe that our staff does an excellent job of covering local news stories with the sources that we have made available to them.

We admire the work that the Times Daily does for our community. In fact, we have an excellent relationship with their parent company. In the end, we all have the same goal in mind: to inform the public. It is rare that we actually look to each other as "competition".

Finally, simply for the record, we are no longer owned by Clear Channel. Our cluster of radio stations (which also includes WLAY-AM/FM, Rock 105.5 The Big Dog, Star 94.9 WMSR and V101.5) are all owned by URBan Radio Broadcasting. We are not nearly the monolith that Clear Channel is. We operate a handful of stations mostly in the Deep South and believe very strongly in a local commitment.

Thanks for the opportunity to clear the air, as it were!

Brian Rickman

GREAT job explaining that!!! thanks!!!! I think you guys do a good job. WVNA is a great station, and a pillar of our community!!!

No problem! Happy to provide my two cents. I enjoy reading the forums and will try to contribute more often!

All the best,
Brian Rickman

I'm glad to hear Frank is still there. He's a good guy and very intelligent. I worked with him on the AM side. There were a few nights in the beginning where he had to come back because I messed something up, but he was always pretty patient with me. He's one of those characters you meet in life that you always remember, good to hear he's doing well.

It's sad but WVNA AM has become one of the most unprofessionally run radio stations in the area, a far cry from it's past high quality. I listen to coast to coast am at night at 11 and their newscast which is usually 2 or 3 days old runs on top of the network program feed which gives you a terrible headache. The network feed of the program also runs at the same time as the network news feed. This happens almost every night. They need to hire a computer programmer as apparently it is all automated. Apparently no one from the station monitors that time of night.

quote:

Originally posted by immolate99:
What ever happened to that Rex character that Charlie Ross replaced on the morning show with Jimmy Oliver and the Sydney kid?

He was let go.

quote:

Originally posted by EvilGenius:
It's sad but WVNA AM has become one of the most unprofessionally run radio stations in the area, a far cry from it's past high quality. I listen to coast to coast am at night at 11 and their newscast which is usually 2 or 3 days old runs on top of the network program feed which gives you a terrible headache. The network feed of the program also runs at the same time as the network news feed. This happens almost every night. They need to hire a computer programmer as apparently it is all automated. Apparently no one from the station monitors that time of night.

You're lucky if anyone is EVER there. Very few live broadcasters, most shows are syndicated, and also, on the weekends, when it sounds like someone is there, they're not. They've usually voicetracked (recorded) their show. If they do the weather, but don't give a current temp, odds are, it's not live, it's Memorex.

quote:

Originally posted by NashBama:
...It sounds like things have changed quite a bit for the better. Good job.

Well, you might want to chat with the on air folks of Star 94, many whom were forced out or fired before and after they were sold to Urban.

Since that group bought this cluster, only two good things have resulted. 1450 WLAY Shoals-only format during the week and blues on the weekend is fantastic. Surprised Big River didn't think about that. And two, they let Randy Paul go. Karma can be a female dog at times.

Thanks for the info Rick. My co-workers and I listen to Q107 very night at work, and enjoy it. Perhaps you can answer a question for us: Why is it that most stations play the same songs every day? How is it determined which songs will be broadcast? Is there a certain list of songs, including Lou Reed's "Take a walk on the wild side", the Who's "Momma's got a squeeze box", Phil Collins "I can feel it coming in the air tonight song", and the one that all rock/favorites radio stations seem to play at least once a day, Lee Michael's "Alright now"? Oftentimes I will call the station with a request for some less commonly played songs, and the DJ will say that they don't have that (like I've called and requested that they play some Elvis Costello and the DJ said they only have "Watching the Detectives". It's like they play the same 30 or 40 songs all the time. I understand there must be some kind of formula for the most popular songs, but I personally enjoy hearing other songs by the groups that you play, like it seems they play the same one or two Credence songs, but it would be nice to hear some of their other songs. I realize it probably sounds like I'm complaining, but as I said, we really enjoy listening to your station at work, but would enjoy it even MORE if Q107 would play more variety.

Another thing, tonight Q107 played The Carpenters song "Close to You". I realize someone may have called in and requested this song, but I don't think it really falls in the genre of "classic rock".....

Another thing I always wondered about is how do the artists whose songs you play get paid? Do they get a check for 50 cents each time you play one of their songs?

Anyways, not sure if you'll have the time to reply to this, but I'd appreciate it if you would. Rock ON Rick!

Rick:
Why was the morning talk show, hosted by the young lady who does in the know for comcast cancelled a couple of years ago. She talked about local news in a discussion format, and allowed callers to give their opinions...
I was told the general manager at that time, stated the people of the shoals was not interested in things like that...
Was that you...?
Would you be open to another talk show in the mornings?
I must admit, you may be doing it now, as far as I know, as I quit listening to your station after the cancellation.

I wish 105.5 had a website like kix 96 and QLT where i could listen to the radio on the net. I hate getting outta my chair to turn the stereo on lol.

Just get hold of the latest Times Daily and keep it on hand as you listen to the WVNA news that day and you can make up your own mind how much of the news the station airs is derived from the TD.

Brian Rickman is full of crap! They ran off everyone at Star that MADE that station and the "Fat Guy" is an idiot. Looks like ya'll shot yourself in the foot and no one I know will even give Star the time of day anymore. So much for being a "community" station. Their DJs were all from this community and had been at STAR for a number of years........so much for loyalty. Why don't you tell everyone the whole story, Brian??????

Wow. Lots of feedback and questions. I'll be happy to answer as many as possible.

First, thanks for the heads up regarding the technical glitch on WVNA-AM. We'll get it together and repair the issue that you've been hearing before Coast to Coast AM during the overnight hours.

Regarding syndication on WVNA-AM, you are correct. Practically all of the programs that we air on that station are syndicated. Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Ed Schultz, Dave Ramsey, Free Talk Live and the aforementioned Coast to Coast AM all originate elsewhere. This is fairly common on NewsTalk stations around the country. I'm sure that it's understood that if we took Rush off the air (while some would surely cheer) our ratings would, most likely, plummet. And, our revenue would slip as well. So, syndication is practically a fact of life in the News Talk business.

I would love to consider a live and local talk show in the morning. We currently offer a two hour block of news from 6am until 8am but would certainly consider a live and local host if the right person came along.

I'm not certain why the previous program was cancelled. This was before my time. I have heard a number of complimentary things about her program, though. I have never heard it myself, however.

Thank you for the compilments regarding 1450, WLAY-AM. That station is very important to us and, personally, it's been a labor of love to highlight the music written and recorded here. We're hopeful that we'll continue to grow the station and the format.

The website for Rock 105.5, The Big Dog (and all of our other stations, for that matter) is on the way! We are in the process of getting it ready now. Should just be a month or so and we'll have streaming, our own message boards and the works!

I've already addressed the original post. Doing so again would, of course, be redundant. For those who are curious, I would recommend following the poster's recommendation. Listen and judge for yourself.

I'll answer the gentleman's question regarding the music on most radio stations in a seperate post because it is a bit of a lengthy response.

Finally, no one has ever been "forced out" of any of our radio stations. While it would be unethical of me to discuss a former employee and the circumstances by which they exited the company, suffice to say we have never had a "plan" to run off prior members of the staff. In fact, a number of staff members from Star 94.9 pre-URBan Radio Broadcasting are happily employed at our radio stations. In fact, those who remain with us far outnumber those that have left after the purchase. The ratings for the radio station continue to indicate that Star 94.9 is one of the most popular destinations on the air in the area. Enough said.

Brian Rickman

<First, thanks for the heads up regarding the technical glitch on WVNA-AM. We'll get it together and repair the issue that you've been hearing before Coast to Coast AM during the overnight hours.>

Thanks Brian for you guys giving this some attention, I enjoy listening to coast to coast and other programs on WVNA-AM but the local stuff and the network feeds running at the same time can be nerver wracking lol. Thanks again for looking at it.

And now...to address the issue of how music is selected for most radio stations...

Foremost, I should stress that our company does not own Q-107. Big River Broadcasting operates that historic radio station. So, I cannot speak for them. However, I can provide insight regarding how "most" stations determine their playlists (including our own).

Many radio stations "test" music with a focus group of listeners from its "target demographic". For example, a radio station has a specific "target" in mind to reach. It might be Women 18 to 25 years old. So, in order to get a good read on what those women might want to listen to, the radio station would recruit a large group of women in this age group to join the station for "test". These are called "auditorium tests" (because they are usually conducted in auditoriums!)

When the listeners are gathered together, they will be played "hooks" of several songs that the station's Program Director has selected. These are usually 30 seconds to 1 minute long and are usually comprised of the song's chorus or "hook". The listeners are then asked whether they LOVE this song, LIKE this song, HAVE NO OPIINION of this song or HATE this song. Additionally, they will be asked how FAMILIAR the song is to them and whether or not they are tired of hearing this song (or if they can't get enough of it). The listeners write their opinions on a score card not unlike what you probably used to take standardized tests in high school (remember your #2 pencil?!).

Once the test is complete, the results will be tallied and that will typically comprise the station's core library of songs.

In order to keep this research fresh, many stations will conduct what is called "call out" research. This is typically done a weekly basis and via (gulp) telemarketing of sorts (although we're not selling anything). We'll call listeners who have signed up on our websites and agreed to participate in music tests such as this and we'll go through a similar "auditorium test", alebit on the phone and with CURRENT songs. This is how many stations determine how long they play new songs.

All of this is coupled with what we hear from listeners on the request lines, in public at appearances and on message boards just like this one! Yes, your opinion does matter (at least at our stations!)

As far as formats are concerned...here are the most common and who they are usually targeted toward:

AAA (Adult Album Alternative - usually geared toward upwardly mobile Men and Women in their 30s with at least some higher education. There are currently no AAA stations in our area).

Active Rock (Aimed squarely at young men. This is what most might call a "heavy metal" station. It's loud and in your face. We don't have one of those around here.)

Adult Contemporary (Some folks would refer to this as a "Soft Rock" station. Some unkind folks might call it "elevator music". These stations are usually aimed at older Women. You'll often hear these stations while you're waiting in a dentist's office. The River out of Huntsville boasts this format.)

Alternative (Intended to reach young adults who enjoy music that is somewhat "left of center". There are no Alternative stations in the area)

CHR (This stands for "Contemporary Hit Radio". It is what some people might call a "Top 40" station. It plays only current popular music. Very little classic stuff here. This format is usually targeted toward young Women and teenagers. Star 94.9 is a CHR station).

Classic Hits (I'm going to make a joke here. In the radio industry, many people refer to this format as "Rock Music for people who don't like Rock Music". That's a joke. I feel the need to qualify that because WQLT has this format! Just some good natured fun. Truth is, this format targets the lucrative 25-54 demographic; usually Men and Women equally. This format is not as "agressive" as the other Rock formats but it's not as "sleepy" as an Adult Contemporary radio station.)

Classic Rock (I guess this one explains itself. It is targeted toward Men. Usually these stations don't play any music recorded after 1985.)

Country (This one is pretty obvious. Country stations are usually targeted to be very family friendly and reach a wide variety of listeners. This is why there are two of these stations in the market. Our WLAY-FM and Big River's Kix 96).

Mainstream Rock (Like all Rock stations, this format is targeted to Men. A Mainstream Rock station plays BOTH Classic Rock and New Rock music. Rock 105.5, The Big Dog -WVNA FM- is one of these).

NewsTalk (Lots of news, lots of talk, lots of syndication. This is format we've been discussin this thread. It is targeted at Adults 35 and up. Usually the listeners to these radio stations are financially stable and well educated/read. Notice that many advertisements on these stations are about investing, real estate, fine cars, etc. Of course, WVNA-AM has this format. So does WBCF-AM.)

Oldies (Sadly, this format is sort of disappearing nationwide. Although, it should be noted that New York City just signed on a NEW Oldies station...so, we might see a trend back to it. These stations are targeted at the 40+ crowd and play pop hits from the 50s,60s,70s and even the 80s. There are no Oldies stations in our market).

Urban AC (This is an R&B radio station targeted at African Americans in the 35-54 lifegroup. On these stations you'll hear a lot of Earth Wind & Fire, Barry White and the like. Big River used to operate an Urban AC radio station on their AM frequency. They recently flipped formats, however).

Urban (You might call this a "Hip Hop" or "Rap" station. This is aimed at young, upwardly mobile African Americans and, frankly, teenagers as a whole. In our market, we own the Urban staiton. This is V101.5)

There are more formats and sub-formats (Hot AC, Rhythmic CHR, Classic Alternative and several others) but this post is long enough already.

I hope that this was helpful! If I wasn't specific enough...just let me know. I'll be happy to respond, as long as I don't reveal and "trade secrets" of course! ha!

All good, bluesman! While we compete with the guys at Big River for ratings and advertising dollars, there are enough listeners for all of us! Otherwise, one of us would have went out of business a long time ago! ha!

Brian

quote:

Originally posted by brianrickman:
...Finally, no one has ever been "forced out" of any of our radio stations. While it would be unethical of me to discuss a former employee and the circumstances by which they exited the company, suffice to say we have never had a "plan" to run off prior members of the staff. In fact, a number of staff members from Star 94.9 pre-URBan Radio Broadcasting are happily employed at our radio stations. In fact, those who remain with us far outnumber those that have left after the purchase. The ratings for the radio station continue to indicate that Star 94.9 is one of the most popular destinations on the air in the area. Enough said.

Brian Rickman

The staff you are refering to are the sales and office staff. On air, all are gone, save for Joey, who is now on The Big Dog. Kathy Raye, who did middays and had a pretty good following, was only offered the "opportunity" to read news from 6A - 10A, so, feeling that she was being forced out by some whom she had previously worked with when she was at WLAY, she promptly turned in her two weeks notice. She has since landed at KIX96. Chris Michaels, the former program director at Star, was let go when he wanted to step down as PD and remain on-air only. Luckily, he landed at Q107. Chip Valentine was offered the chance to be co-PD, left on vacation, and returned to no program director position at all, and was later let go, as well. So, sales and office staff, plenty still there. Folks that the audience tuned in to listened to, gone.

Thanks for the info. I was not aware of that.

Seems like WLAY-FM has had some employee shuffling, also, Kevin Wharton was taken off WLAY FM and sent to WJOR against his wishes. He was then brought back to replace Randy Paul. Cyndi Summers has worked every slot and I even hear her on WLAY AM in the mornings. Why would you move someone who was doing so well on mornings to midday? Sounds like some "forcing out" was attempted. Both Kevin and Cyndi have been with WLAY for years and obviously are loyal and care about the station and its history. Management needs to appreciate these hard workers and reward them rather than making it harder for them to establish a consistent following.
One last thought on WVNA AM - the problems with programming and the same news being run on consecutive days happens throughout the day. A complete overhaul needs to be done.
And Brian, your arrogrance shines through in your posts, and do you really think that we are naive enough to believe that no one is ever "forced out"? Why don't you try to "force out" Fat Guy? It's obvious he wouldn't be missed.

Radio changes pretty frequently, those who work in it know that nothing is permanent. Stations change format, ownership, and staff at the drop of a hat. It's just the nature of the business and those who work in radio understand that.

From what it sounds like, it's a totally different station than when I worked there. We were strictly classic rock, nothing modern. The Shoals needs a good station that's not country or (gag) soft rock.

moelarrycheez, you are EXACTLY right and have their number. Brian, you're a liar. Talk to any of the former on-air guys and hear their horror stories of how they were treated after being acquired by URBan. I personally know of some who didn't not resign, they were fired and for no reason. Star is lucky that AL is a no-fault state and can fire without cause. Else, they would be up to their eyeballs in law suits. Not only are you lying when you say "no one was forced out", why don't you tell everyone how you didn't pay them any earned vacation days or other benefits when you fired them? Also, now I understand that Acoiya has also been fired. As far as the ratings go, everyone knows that the ratings are not what they used to be and no one understands why you would fire someone who had the highest ratings for their time slot! Chip's show was one of the highest rated in the area and you expect me to believe that Fat Guy has maintained those numbers? Get real! No one I know can stand to listed to him. ZYP is the new way to go!

quote:

Originally posted by JaneYIS:
...Kevin Wharton was taken off WLAY FM and sent to WJOR against his wishes. He was then brought back to replace Randy Paul. Cyndi Summers has worked every slot and I even hear her on WLAY AM in the mornings...

In all fairness to Brian, Kevin's move to WJOR was all Randy Paul. After he fired Kathy Raye for, what I'm told, no other reason than he didn't like her, he moved Kevin to JOR. IMHO, it was an attempt to force Kevin to quit by making him drive 30+ miles, knowing full well his eyesite isn't all that good anymore. As far as Cyndi, she's not totally innocent in all this. As part of management, she was involved in all of this, too. She just knew how to play the game better than good ol' RP.

quote:

Originally posted by moelarrycheez:

quote:

Originally posted by JaneYIS:
...Kevin Wharton was taken off WLAY FM and sent to WJOR against his wishes. He was then brought back to replace Randy Paul. Cyndi Summers has worked every slot and I even hear her on WLAY AM in the mornings...

In all fairness to Brian, Kevin's move to WJOR was all Randy Paul. After he fired Kathy Raye for, what I'm told, no other reason than he didn't like her, he moved Kevin to JOR. IMHO, it was an attempt to force Kevin to quit by making him drive 30+ miles, knowing full well his eyesite isn't all that good anymore. As far as Cyndi, she's not totally innocent in all this. As part of management, she was involved in all of this, too. She just knew how to play the game better than good ol' RP.

"RIVAL" Stations at work here???? lol

quote:

Originally posted by brianrickman:

The website for Rock 105.5, The Big Dog (and all of our other stations, for that matter) is on the way! We are in the process of getting it ready now. Should just be a month or so and we'll have streaming, our own message boards and the works!


Brian Rickman

Thanks.... looking forward to the site and streaming..... I still miss WRCK... Rocks in my head.

Absolutely, Kindred. Which is why I'm finished with this conversation. With all due respect to the majority of posters here, I'm going to sign out and call it a day.

All the best,
Brian Rickman

One bit of local radio trivia, bluesman I'm sure you probably know this sounds like you know Page, but the way she got on the air was she won a contest at the radio station to be a DJ.

I hate that petty drama ruined a good conversation, but it happens. From what Brian has posted, there have been some positive changes that have been made since I was last there 10 years ago. However, you can't make everyone happy, especially in broadcasting.

I'll give a listen next time I'm in town, thanks for posting.