The Torch Has Been Passed

[bturner]

I agree with radiogooroo.  The News 92 listener is likely not the person in the high water...likely they heard to pick another route on News 92 and avoided the area entirely.  Or, they weren't fearless.

[radiogooroo]

... a true sign of despiration.... 

Oh, so anyone who dares speak out against anything KROI does is "desperate?"

Uh huh. 

I have friends working there, so I certainly hope they succeed.  That said, when I've tuned in, which admittedly hasn't been often, I haven't been impressed.  I find it hard to believe that I happened to tune in during the one and only segment where Billy Joe and Bubba calls were making it to air.  It was simply awful radio.  A good air talent could have improved those calls somewhat with a little interaction, but it just wasn't there.  If I were a regular listener, had simply seen the billboards and decided that was the moment where I would sample News 92, it would have probably been the last time I tried them.

At this point, I don't think KTRH has anything to feel "desperate" about.  Frankly, I think their re-imaging from "news talk" back to "news radio" was an overreaction.  Just because the "all news" option is there doesn't mean Houstonians will embrace it.  Like it or not, I don't believe most people want straight news with no spin, particularly here.

Take a look at the success of Fox News Channel.  Now consider the erosion of audience from the more traditional news outlets like the evening news on the big 3 networks.  If the supposedly unbiased approach isn't working on TV anymore, what makes you people think it will work on radio?

I think this format has very little chance of succeeding.  The initial numbers don't look promising.  Radio One pulled off a very cheap format and replaced it with a very expensive one that has so far failed to attract half the AQH shares of the old format.

People who want radio news with a left wing slant are already being super served by NPR.  News with a conservative slant might work, as it works for Fox News, but I can't see Radio One having the stomach for that.

I predict another cheap to operate music format on 92.1 by the end of 2012.  Given what RO has done in other markets, I don't think 92.1 JACK-FM is too far fetched.

[stan]

... a true sign of despiration.... 

I predict another cheap to operate music format on 92.1 by the end of 2012.  Given what RO has done in other markets, I don't think 92.1 JACK-FM is too far fetched.

I predict non-stop, 24 hours a day Michael Berry on 740 and 950 by the end of 2012.  Of course, some believe the Mayans end of world prediction of December 21, 2012, so we may be saved from this.

[radiogooroo]

I predict non-stop, 24 hours a day Michael Berry on 740 and 950 by the end of 2012.  Of course, some believe the Mayans end of world prediction of December 21, 2012, so we may be saved from this.

Michael Berry is being set up for syndication in the 8A-11A slot.  I'd guess he'll be a replacement for Glenn Beck in a lot of Clear Channel markets where Beck is failing.

I also predict Matt Patrick eventually taking Berry's afternoon slot on KTRH.

[gabigley1]

Which Clear Channel markets is Beck is failing in?

[radiogooroo]

Which Clear Channel markets is Beck is failing in?

Well, since they just moved him to the inferior 950 signal, I'd assume Houston is one of them.

[radiobop]

"I predict non-stop, 24 hours a day Michael Berry on 740 and 950 by the end of 2012.  Of course, some believe the Mayans end of world prediction of December 21, 2012, so we may be saved from this."

I'm thinking if that's the case, the Mayan prediction is coming true...nonstop Michael Berry would be the end of the [radio] world!  Check that, I forgot Clear Channel changed their name today...the end of the [media & entertainment] world!

[edriskill]

They've been on the air with the news format for what.. 2 months, and the expectation is perfection?  Already?  Good luck living up to that expectation in your own life.  I've heard steady improvement, and have no reason to believe they won't grow into an excellent local news station.  It will take some time, though.

[notmenoti]

I'm another who listened to 92.1 for information during the recent rain and flooding.  I hope 92.1 can thrive in Houston, and would like to see them buy some TV time.  92.1 is the only thing I listen to these days that is not on XM.

[Beaupre]

I too listened to News 92 FM during the Monday floods, and found it really comprehensive and helpful.  I've also enjoyed all their Texans coverage.  I thought it was thorough and very entertaining.  And as I listen more and more, I find what they do especially remarkable since I understand they're working out of small, temporary quarters.  I can't wait to hear what they do when the equipment's 100%.  Here's hoping though that they do some television advertising so people know they exist.  A handful of billboards is not nearly enough.