The New Ken Charles is...

[aunti-terrestrial]

Since it's not about good radio programming anymore, I can understand how a radio guy would be at a distinct disadvantage. Don't worry, I'm sure we will see more GM's just like this in the future; as Clear Channel steps up its attempts to lobby the FCC for a larger station-cap in the top ten markets, I've no doubt that politicians all over the country will find radio management has suddenly opened up to them as a brand-new career field.

Congratulations to Mr. Berry, as it's nothing personal and my words should not be construed as a criticism of him. I don't know the person and have never heard him. That said, I do find it quite dangerous when any big business payrolls a city politician. Considering the name of the cluster is Clear Channel Radio Houston, and all of the employees are people who have made radio their careers, I'm sure it is something of an unpleasant surprise to those people to hear that their "radio experience places them at a distinct disadvantage" in their company's esteem, or that their company considers their efforts, contributions, and product to be of minimal importance to the larger landscape.

[bobbybooey]

This just in, folks:  Radio is changing.  Those who rely on the "I've been doing this for 25 years so this is how it should be done" school of thought are in for a rude awakening as people turn to new media and radio tries to hang on.

[Disillusioned]

I find this "either/or" mentality disconcerting.  "Either" you're thrilled that someone with no real radio experience to speak of is moving into a powerful position in a top 10 market cluster, "or" you're a dinosaur who doesn't get that radio is changing, and you clearly cannot evolve with it.  I think intelligent and experienced radio folks know it's a lot more complicated than that.

What did you say, aunti?...
"radio experience places them at a distinct disadvantage"

You're right, interesting message.  I'm just sayin'....

I have no idea how this will all play out.  It should be interesting!

[truthsayer]

looking at Mr. Berry and his resume it appears the goal was not a programmer but a manager. 

I would say if that is the case, the choice was a wise choice. 

[purpledevil]

Hopefully the result of this will be the return of news programming to NewsRadio 740. Best of luck to Councilman Berry.

[aunti-terrestrial]

Also, if it's not too much to daydream, if Mr. Berry is a Buzz/Arrow fan who hates liner cards, this honeymoon wave when he can speak no wrong in the building is the time to pipe up and authoritize. Just a thought. *grinning*

P.S. No, that was not really a word before South Park.

[ApolloXVIII]

Either/Or

You bring up a good point. It shouldn't be an either/or. But 90% of the time it is. Even the "progressive" old school radio folks lean on the crutch of experience at the first sign of instability.

Screaming "Hey we stream!" and "I know what a blog is!" or "my morning show has a Myspace page!" is hardly what I am talking about when I say progressive.

[adguy]

Knowing CC as we all do, you look at Berry's credentials and here's what you get:  A smart guy schooled as lawyer, moneyed in real estate and successful in politics with loads of connections.  That's what CC looked at no doubt.  He's good on air and from what I know from 3rd hand sources, he is a dynamic leader.  If there's one thing the Houston cluster is in dire need of, it's real leadership.  Every department is mired in low morale and feels that their bosses are out to get them.  As we all know it's been like that for years.  Exterminating Ken Charles and managers like him is a good start if CC is truly focused on getting better employee output.  That's the polyanish view.  The more realistic view is that Eddie Martini got close to Berry and sees him as a connection to big Houston social and business players that will look at CC in positive light and bring in more $$'s.  I've been around those types for 25 years in the business.  Everytime those moves happen for those very reasons it fails.  As for bringing back all news to KTRH, you can forget that.  Too much expense.  Remember, we are in the age of expense and employee cutting.  Why do think eBay is so successful.  All those former employees are finding incomes selling on eBay.  Conservative talk is an ideal expense savings format with locked in high disposeable income demographics.  Let's see what Berry does.  It WILL be interesting.

[Fo-Fo-Fo-Hye]

I've got to say, I'm interested in the outcome of this. There are a lot of interesting points made in this thread. The "old style" of doing things isn't going to accomplish anything. The medium is changing and we can all either adapt to it, or go get real jobs. Obviously Michael isn't in the same role as Ken. It's in an Operations role. There's a difference. I say (woo-hoo, look at me being positive) let's see what he can do before we take a dump on him. Maybe he's got ideas that are outside the box.... and we could all use some of those.

[Seansvoice]

This just in, folks:  Radio is changing.  Those who rely on the "I've been doing this for 25 years so this is how it should be done" school of thought are in for a rude awakening as people turn to new media and radio tries to hang on.

That's why I'm glad it ain't my problem anymore.

Radio has come to resemble the picture Hunter S. Thompson once painted of the music business. To wit:
"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."