Cumulus Forces Music Onto Regular Guys Morning Show

[upstate29651]

The music speaks to their P1's, 18-34M.  There's no issue here.

G

It really does not matter what music they choose. I tune in for TRGs to LOL, and I do not want music. Any music.

Right now, I switch to another station when they play music then come back later. Sooner or later I'll just quit coming back at all.

Is that an issue?

 Most personality-driven morning shows break for music.  This is not uncommon or unheard of.  I'd suggest getting used to it.


G

[Just Hank]

This can't be good news for TRG.  I know their show has gotten stale, but I don't see the logic in adding Godsmack and Five Finger Death Punch every hour--unless Cumulus just wants to tank the ratings even further and then clean house when TRG's contract expires.

The music speaks to their P1's, 18-34M.  There's no issue here.
G

Seems like a pretty big issue to Larry/Cumulus since Larry has played the Stern card for years by claiming that music would upset the oh-so-delicate chemistry of their show.  Like Rodney Ho said, this argument only works when the ratings support it.  Now Cumulus isn't satisfied, so TRG has gone from no music to Active Rock to Classic Rock all in a span of 48 hours.   It looks like a majority of their older fans are upset, the draw for the 18-34s (Active Rock) has been dropped after one day, and Larry mentioned at least twice this morning that there is a fierce battle going on about how the show should proceed.

Heckuva way to run a railroad...

[borderblaster]

PPM is no doubt the reason. If people are tuning out long talk segments, then that's why they're shortening them and adding music.

[acheron82]

Bottom Line:

TRG has three years w/ rock 100.5.  The station and the morning show has seen rating drops.  What are the solutions for this??  I see lots of comments about how its a mess but no solutions.  Do you work on saving the station as a whole or just the morning show??  What about the format of the show and the station for that matter.

My Solution:  Either become a TRUE classic rock station with a large library playing some deeper cuts and sticking with it for longer than 6 months..............or.............. Can 99x at 98.9 and bring alternative rock to 100.5; Call Leslie Fram and see if she needs a job and have her program the station and keep TRG in the mornings. 

Unless there is something I don't know, TRG is here to stay for three more years and while it may not be the best morning show in Atlanta, it sure beats some of the syndicated shows.  Also, lets not forget that TRG is syndicated... not that this matters but figured I would add that as well.

So... I posted my solution.  Why or why not and what would be your solution??  Remember you Program Director wannabes; I believe the "real" PD's of the radio stations read this discussion blog so let your star shine bright.  GO!

[RoddyFreeman]

I don't think Leslie needs a job .

[ArtyBoy]

The Regular Guys just sent out a Tweet with a link to their Facebook page saying the music is OFF the morning show as of tomorrow (Thursday 2/2) morning. They say the Facebook complaints and e-mails from fans worked.

Vinny Bucci is coming out to my place to tape a podcast interview which I will post sometime this weekend.

[jackiechiles]

The Regular Guys just sent out a Tweet with a link to their Facebook page saying the music is OFF the morning show as of tomorrow (Thursday 2/2) morning. They say the Facebook complaints and e-mails from fans worked.

Vinny Bucci is coming out to my place to tape a podcast interview which I will post sometime this weekend.

Did they happen to say that Southside Steve is ready to retract his statement that 'Journey is the best rock band of all time'?

[DashRiprock]

 Most personality-driven morning shows break for music.  This is not uncommon or unheard of.  I'd suggest getting used to it.

G

Looks like I won't have to. I have to say that I'm very impressed with the way Cumulus listened to their listeners. Well done to the exec that changed course on this one.

[acheron82]

You know Dashriprock, I was thinking the same thing. 

[ck dexter haven]

Problems with the show IMO (disagree away), which leads management to be concerned, and maybe rightfully so:

• Lack of character focus, especially Steve, who used to be the real rep of the clueless, under-performing "redneck" segment of the audience--not so much anymore, Mr. limo driven all over Atlanta this weekend/come to my bar.  More "in my stall" and less "I'm late to work because I'm so over-worked/over-paid".  Shut up about it.
• Dumb and wasteful time spent on characters and segments that make no sense: George Stein, and Oxygen Financial.  Please. Larry, we get you get to stay at George's St. Martin house.  Shut up about it.
  
• Vinnie Bucci miked up?  As entertaining as my left hemmorhoid

Could go on and on...but these are basics that lead to your management buds at CC going...hmmm.  C'mon.  Work harder.  And Steve?  It's all gonna end soon, unless you figure this out.

btw. Tim is the purest radio talent here, along with Larry.  Together, they could KILL.