What kind of ratings bump would justify paying jocks?

[KeyDemo]

.......... In the environment of low demand radio groups are less likely to invest in talent on flanking stations in a cluster like KNDD or KBKS or KBSG or KQMV. Better to shore up your performing stations and automate the flankers.  When demand is high clusters will take risks and bring in talent for long term parameter plays.   For now groups are supporting the winning stations and downsizing the losers.  In my humble view, this is just a cycle and nothing more.

So, with quarter after quarter showing incredibly decreasing revenues, what's a GM to do?  Voicetrack with part time only jocks (no benefits).  Or does it pay to go with syndication? (if it is compelling?)  To me, the VT option will be weak but will have more local ties, option #2 (again if truly compelling) can cost less than paying voice trackers and potentially be more entertaining, but then your shy on the local element.

Again, what's a GM/PD to do?

Prof, do ya think Seattle will ultimately give in a go after more syndication?   "Just fade it up......"

[SandyG]

I am not from Seattle but find this thread to be true in many other markets. If people just want music in the AM, why don't they just listen to their iPod or a CD? I feel that people WANT to hear talk and "bits" in the AM and be entertained. Why does a station like JACK or even KJR-FM have no AM show? Put up a 100K and make the pay ratings and revenue based. Like they do in sports. Smaller base pay with lots of bonus cash! Just my thoughts.

[mightymoose]

Why does JACK or KJR-FM have no morning show?  I think the short answer is that they're making a better return on their investment with no morning show.  Sad commentary on the biz isn't it. But as others have said on this board lots of morning shows are tired, yappy, tedious affairs.

KJR-FM hasn't had a good morning show since Charlie & Ty left.  Pat Cashman's a nice guy but was a ratings killer for KJR.  I don't listen to JACK because it's boring as hell.  And SandyG, I do listen to my iPod quite often in the car.  When I need a traffic report I go to KOMO.  When I need a little variety or want to know what local jocks are doing I dial around a bit. The only morning show I would listen to with regularity would be Bob Rivers & Company.

Now who was it that, earlier in this string, was throwing around $100,000 figures for jock salaries?  I want to work for that company!