Hitman, Revolution & Leann Womack

[Mike]

Hmmm, slow board the past few days, huh? Look, I'll make peace with Mrs. Nelson (let's just ignore each other) and we'll get back to radio.

In a post below, Steve Hilton said "I will be on this end every weekend from this point on Saturdays 3-7 and Sundays Noon-4...THANKS FOR ASKING! ... By the way, if you did catch the Saturday gig...constructive comments and input are appreciated Oh...I know I am asking for it on that!"

Okay, I'll bite. You sound very good, man--relaxed/comfortable, but energetic. No critique, at all--except that you might reconsider career choices--you were obviously born to be on the radio. You may want to chat with the PD there about fulltime possibilities--you'd sound great doing mornings there--maybe as part of a "morning team;" otherwise, don't dismiss future fulltime opportunities elsewhere in town. I've heard that some of these outfits are actually good places to work, as well. (I wasn't around when you were doing the Beaver thing, so this is the first I've heard your work--you're a solid jock).

But I can't resist a couple observations about WGMR--constructive. First, they've gotta lose the AC stuff. Leann Womack to Fitty Cent is a damn trainwreck--even if not played back to back. All other signs point to a fairly focused pop/hip-hop CHR. When the casual listener hits the button and hears "I Hope You Dance" (as I did today) it sends the wrong message--that's NOT what the station is about.

Second, it's time to retire the "Revolution" flip--for the same reason. They spent 10 years marketing "Revolution" as alternative, so now it conveys a message that doesn't square with the station's new reality. Deleting the word "revolution" and quickly moving to "101/WGMR" (good calls, by the way) would send the right signal. If they start now getting their imaging stuff re-cut, they could phase it in over a month or so--and be ready when the kids get back... and for the fall book.

[mrdjfreeze]

> Hmmm, slow board the past few days, huh? Look, I'll make
> peace with Mrs. Nelson (let's just ignore each other) and
> we'll get back to radio.
>
> In a post below, Steve Hilton said "I will be on this end
> every weekend from this point on Saturdays 3-7 and Sundays
> Noon-4...THANKS FOR ASKING! ... By the way, if you did catch
> the Saturday gig...constructive comments and input are
> appreciated Oh...I know I am asking for it on that!"
>
> Okay, I'll bite. You sound very good,
> man--relaxed/comfortable, but energetic. No critique, at
> all--except that you might reconsider career choices--you
> were obviously born to be on the radio. You may want to chat
> with the PD there about fulltime possibilities--you'd sound
> great doing mornings there--maybe as part of a "morning
> team;" otherwise, don't dismiss future fulltime
> opportunities elsewhere in town. I've heard that some of
> these outfits are actually good places to work, as well. (I
> wasn't around when you were doing the Beaver thing, so this
> is the first I've heard your work--you're a solid jock).

Alright I have to make a few comments. I usually like to sit back and simply read what others to have to say, but not this time. I would like to offer some "constructive comments" about Mr. Hilton. I think that you'll make a good addition to the Revolution. I think that, compared to others on that station, you sound pretty good. I don't know if the Revolution, however, really is your cup of tea. I also don't know that I agree that you're "born to be in radio," but to each is own. Let's just put it this way... I listened for the big "Hitman is back, premiere" and it definitely received more hype than it deserved. But then again, maybe it just shouldn't have received the hype and it would have sounded fine!
>
> But I can't resist a couple observations about
> WGMR--constructive. First, they've gotta lose the AC stuff.
> Leann Womack to Fitty Cent is a damn trainwreck--even if not
> played back to back. All other signs point to a fairly
> focused pop/hip-hop CHR. When the casual listener hits the
> button and hears "I Hope You Dance" (as I did today) it
> sends the wrong message--that's NOT what the station is
> about.
>
I couldn't agree more. The revolution is not focused at all with their music selection. Come on Steve! Work that magic you apparently have!
>
> Second, it's time to retire the "Revolution" flip--for the
> same reason. They spent 10 years marketing "Revolution" as
> alternative, so now it conveys a message that doesn't square
> with the station's new reality. Deleting the word
> "revolution" and quickly moving to "101/WGMR" (good calls,
> by the way) would send the right signal. If they start now
> getting their imaging stuff re-cut, they could phase it in
> over a month or so--and be ready when the kids get back...
> and for the fall book.
>
Just some constructive criticism... and that is all.

[4everluver]

> > Hmmm, slow board the past few days, huh? Look, I'll make
> > peace with Mrs. Nelson (let's just ignore each other) and
> > we'll get back to radio.
> >
> > In a post below, Steve Hilton said "I will be on this end
> > every weekend from this point on Saturdays 3-7 and Sundays
>
> > Noon-4...THANKS FOR ASKING! ... By the way, if you did
> catch
> > the Saturday gig...constructive comments and input are
> > appreciated Oh...I know I am asking for it on that!"
> >
> > Okay, I'll bite. You sound very good,
> > man--relaxed/comfortable, but energetic. No critique, at
> > all--except that you might reconsider career choices--you
> > were obviously born to be on the radio. You may want to
> chat
> > with the PD there about fulltime possibilities--you'd
> sound
> > great doing mornings there--maybe as part of a "morning
> > team;" otherwise, don't dismiss future fulltime
> > opportunities elsewhere in town. I've heard that some of
> > these outfits are actually good places to work, as well.
> (I
> > wasn't around when you were doing the Beaver thing, so
> this
> > is the first I've heard your work--you're a solid jock).
>
> Alright I have to make a few comments. I usually like to sit
> back and simply read what others to have to say, but not
> this time. I would like to offer some "constructive
> comments" about Mr. Hilton. I think that you'll make a good
> addition to the Revolution. I think that, compared to others
> on that station, you sound pretty good. I don't know if the
> Revolution, however, really is your cup of tea. I also don't
> know that I agree that you're "born to be in radio," but to
> each is own. Let's just put it this way... I listened for
> the big "Hitman is back, premiere" and it definitely
> received more hype than it deserved. But then again, maybe
> it just shouldn't have received the hype and it would have
> sounded fine!
> >
> > But I can't resist a couple observations about
> > WGMR--constructive. First, they've gotta lose the AC
> stuff.
> > Leann Womack to Fitty Cent is a damn trainwreck--even if
> not
> > played back to back. All other signs point to a fairly
> > focused pop/hip-hop CHR. When the casual listener hits the
>
> > button and hears "I Hope You Dance" (as I did today) it
> > sends the wrong message--that's NOT what the station is
> > about.
> >
> I couldn't agree more. The revolution is not focused at all
> with their music selection. Come on Steve! Work that magic
> you apparently have!
> >
> > Second, it's time to retire the "Revolution" flip--for the
>
> > same reason. They spent 10 years marketing "Revolution" as
>
> > alternative, so now it conveys a message that doesn't
> square
> > with the station's new reality. Deleting the word
> > "revolution" and quickly moving to "101/WGMR" (good calls,
>
> > by the way) would send the right signal. If they start now
>
> > getting their imaging stuff re-cut, they could phase it in
>
> > over a month or so--and be ready when the kids get back...
>
> > and for the fall book.
> >
> Just some constructive criticism... and that is all.
>
  i agree with you, mrdjfreeze....he acts like after all this time,
  the people will still remember him...well, guess what...they
  forgot about him as soon as he left...he acts like he was some
  big time jock in a major market...he's a little guy, in a little
  pond....and no one really cares that he's back on the radio
  except himself!!! the comment that i found funny was the guy
  who said "good luck in changing the revolution around"
  yea, one guy, doing one weekend shift is going to make a
  difference. give me a feakin' break!!! i've never heard bigger
  egos in my life, and i worked with some of the biggest!!!

[Mike]

(Yeah, he was right--he WAS asking for it)! But since I opened the thread, let me try to temper the discussion. Nobody seriously expects him to "change the Revolution around." My suggestions weren't for him to pass to the PD or GM--just ideas to toss up for general consideration. And I don't think anybody--including himself--suggested he was a "big time jock in a major market." None of us needs to be reminded that this ain't Philadelphia. But, yeah, he's a solid jock... and sounds capable of fitting into most any format in State College or Altoona.


>   i agree with you, mrdjfreeze....he acts like after all
> this time,
>   the people will still remember him...well, guess
> what...they
>   forgot about him as soon as he left...he acts like he was
> some
>   big time jock in a major market...he's a little guy, in a
> little
>   pond....and no one really cares that he's back on the
> radio
>   except himself!!! the comment that i found funny was the
> guy
>   who said "good luck in changing the revolution around"
>   yea, one guy, doing one weekend shift is going to make a
>   difference. give me a feakin' break!!! i've never heard
> bigger
>   egos in my life, and i worked with some of the biggest!!!
>

[babeontheair]

>

     There sure is a lot of armchair quarterbacking going on here! Correct me if I am wrong but it seems to me that Revolution has had its growing pains over the years but think about the following:

   It’s the only radio station in State College that the ownership did not “sell out” same family owns it that built it. Every other place was sold what two, three four times? I can imagine the family was offered a big check more then once over the years.  

     Everybody knows that years ago they had staff shortcomings and technical issues. I have been in the studio and seen its top notch and no expense sparred. I have been told by an engineering buddy that sold some of the tower site equipment to them that they have put a lot into assuring them being more then competitive. New main transmitter and Omnia processing with a digital STL.

    Wow I sound “geeky’ there! They keep there staff, I am close to one of the sales reps there and she has been there something like seven years. You don’t see that a lot in our business.  They seem very pro active with local retail.

    It was a no brainer for them to switch to CHR from a format that was dead a long, long time ago. They did it at the exact right time too! We could nip at each other over AC songs and what you or I or whoever thinks but it seems that they are trying to daypart and be a little softer during the day.

    103 does sound great! Everything about it sounds great. Forever has a style that will give them the ability to compete, but not threaten at all Revolution. Forever builds the numbers then gets gobs of national cash. Revolution depends on local retail and that makes them promotion oriented. They have to get results for their advertisers. If they don’t get the results they don’t get the orders. They don’t sit by the fax and take orders. Hilton back on the air, he sounds fine. You guys ripping on him sound jealous or inadequate.  OK boys rip it apart but seriously don’t bring up twenty years ago unless you want to post a picture of yourself with that stylish mullet you had during the same era.    



     
 Hmmm, slow board the past few days, huh? Look, I'll make
> peace with Mrs. Nelson (let's just ignore each other) and
> we'll get back to radio.
>
> In a post below, Steve Hilton said "I will be on this end
> every weekend from this point on Saturdays 3-7 and Sundays
> Noon-4...THANKS FOR ASKING! ... By the way, if you did catch
> the Saturday gig...constructive comments and input are
> appreciated Oh...I know I am asking for it on that!"
>
> Okay, I'll bite. You sound very good,
> man--relaxed/comfortable, but energetic. No critique, at
> all--except that you might reconsider career choices--you
> were obviously born to be on the radio. You may want to chat
> with the PD there about fulltime possibilities--you'd sound
> great doing mornings there--maybe as part of a "morning
> team;" otherwise, don't dismiss future fulltime
> opportunities elsewhere in town. I've heard that some of
> these outfits are actually good places to work, as well. (I
> wasn't around when you were doing the Beaver thing, so this
> is the first I've heard your work--you're a solid jock).
>
> But I can't resist a couple observations about
> WGMR--constructive. First, they've gotta lose the AC stuff.
> Leann Womack to Fitty Cent is a damn trainwreck--even if not
> played back to back. All other signs point to a fairly
> focused pop/hip-hop CHR. When the casual listener hits the
> button and hears "I Hope You Dance" (as I did today) it
> sends the wrong message--that's NOT what the station is
> about.
>
> Second, it's time to retire the "Revolution" flip--for the
> same reason. They spent 10 years marketing "Revolution" as
> alternative, so now it conveys a message that doesn't square
> with the station's new reality. Deleting the word
> "revolution" and quickly moving to "101/WGMR" (good calls,
> by the way) would send the right signal. If they start now
> getting their imaging stuff re-cut, they could phase it in
> over a month or so--and be ready when the kids get back...
> and for the fall book.
>

[shilton]

> (Yeah, he was right--he WAS asking for it)! But since I
> opened the thread, let me try to temper the discussion.
> Nobody seriously expects him to "change the Revolution
> around." My suggestions weren't for him to pass to the PD or
> GM--just ideas to toss up for general consideration. And I
> don't think anybody--including himself--suggested he was a
> "big time jock in a major market." None of us needs to be
> reminded that this ain't Philadelphia. But, yeah, he's a
> solid jock... and sounds capable of fitting into most any
> format in State College or Altoona.

First week out of the box, my voice was pretty hoarse due to a bad cold and I was learning my "sweet spot" with the equipment, so week 1 did not sound as solid as I had hoped, but I was pretty pleased all the same.  Week 2, I felt went better and we will improve from here.  Cut me a break guys...I am rusty!  Its been a while...and you are right...I am on the air now FOR MYSELF!  I went back to do it because I was asked and I wanted to do it to see if I still could after all this time.  Thankfully its like a bike...once you learn, you don't forget.  I can also have tons of fun knowing that this is NOT my full time gig, so I don't have to worry if the bottom falls out tomorrow or anything like that.

By the way, I never held myself out as a major market jock, although I did weigh very carefully at one time my direction in life and I decided my family was more important to me than my hopes of seeing the big time. I never tried for big markets, but I did audition for gigs in a few decent markets.  In a few instances I was shot down and I also rejected an offer or 2.  It was a personal choice.  The week I was left go from 103, I was offered positions in a few cities as well (again NONE BIG MARKET)...so I am not blowing my own horn...just saying I had choices and I made the one that was right for me at the time.

That is all I felt I needed to say about that issue...if you like my sound...good...if you don't...well...good!  I guess that's what makes me me and you you!  We all have our own sounds and identities and I feel comfy with mine on the air.  It worked very well once.  If It does not work twice, well I had fun doing it all the same.

By the way.  I don't mind Leann Womack.  I think one of the first things you tend for forget is that top 40 IS an excentric mix of tunes...that's what makes it so great.  its only when programmers lose sight of that and try to hone in on one type of music that their stations seem to fail.  The music you play has to be reflective of what the market is buying at that time...and well...people are buying Womack AND Fiddy at the moment  But I'd agree the 2 should not be played back to back!

Anyway...my 2 cents and thanks for listening even if you no like!  At least you were curious enough to see what I was all about.

Steve

[Iamtheradioman]

Well I can't say that I'm surprised that everyone would think that Steve is tuting his own horn. I for one think that Steve makes a great addition to the Revolution. I have a feeling that changes are going to be made. Scottie 2 Hottie is gone, Steve And DC are gone. Who is the Revolution's biggest rival....Hot 103? Maybe! I mean come on they are still doing adopt a pet Thursday and expect people to buy into it. Beaver, Hot, Whatever you wanna call it made a huge hole for Revolution and they captolized on it, still are, and still will be in the fall. Yeah the imaging has gotten stale, the music could use a little tweak here and there, and Revolution as the slogan has got to go. But overall there jock line up has really come to life. Maybe the girl in midday has to tune in a little bit. Then you got AJ who has been there as long as I can remember who sounded good when they were Alternative and sounds better now that they are CHR. Add the girl at night and Hilton to the mix and you have a major player. Ok so rip me apart. I know you will.

[Spackler]

> the girl in midday has to tune in a little bit. Then you got
> AJ who has been there as long as I can remember who sounded
> good when they were Alternative and sounds better now that
> they are CHR. Add the girl at night and Hilton to the mix
> and you have a major player. Ok so rip me apart. I know you
> will.
>

Here's a bit of unsolicited advice for AJ - SLOW DOWN. SLOW DOWN, SLOW DOWN, SLOW DOWN. It isn't a race. Speak slower and more clearly, and do not shout. Speak to me like you would if you ran into me on the street corner and we were having a conversation. It's amazing how much better you would sound just making these minor changes.

Steve also sounds better when he takes it a little slower.

[Spackler]

>
>    It’s the only radio station in State College that the
> ownership did not “sell out” same family owns it that built
> it. Every other place was sold what two, three four times? I
> can imagine the family was offered a big check more then
> once over the years.  

A station changing hands isn't necessarily "selling out". Radio is a business, and businesses change hands.

Cary Simpson himself in recent years has sold WIYQ (now Hot 99), WBLF, and WKMC. There is no shame in it. He's a business man.

Having said that, I have a great amount of respect for Mr. Simpson and the Simpson family. Cary Simpson is a true broadcaster and is tremendously dedicated to serving the public through stations like WTRN. He is one of the most genuine and nicest people you could ever hope to meet, and has forgotten more about radio than most of us will ever hope to know.

[babeontheair]

> > WIYQ was sold around 1987 as was WBLF that was a long long time ago. I agree with all you say having worked for him ad then his son both. AMN did not own WKMC till recently and never did well with it from what I understand.   > >    It’s the only radio station in State College that the
> > ownership did not “sell out” same family owns it that
> built
> > it. Every other place was sold what two, three four times?
> I
> > can imagine the family was offered a big check more then
> > once over the years.  
>
> A station changing hands isn't necessarily "selling out".
> Radio is a business, and businesses change hands.
>
> Cary Simpson himself in recent years has sold WIYQ (now Hot
> 99), WBLF, and WKMC. There is no shame in it. He's a
> business man.
>
> Having said that, I have a great amount of respect for Mr.
> Simpson and the Simpson family. Cary Simpson is a true
> broadcaster and is tremendously dedicated to serving the
> public through stations like WTRN. He is one of the most
> genuine and nicest people you could ever hope to meet, and
> has forgotten more about radio than most of us will ever
> hope to know.
>