Chick Rawker

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Reaction (said in my best Hacksaw voice)

I didn’t think I would be writing again so soon, but the official word about Mikey (formerly of KIOZ) going to KBZT came down yesterday. I spent a lot of time reading reactions from both sides of the equation. I know a lot of long time listeners of KBZT are unhappy and feel somewhat betrayed (especially with this coming on the heels of Halloran’s contract not being renewed.) While I understand that completely, I also understand why it had to be done.

For those of you who don’t keep up with the industry news, the parent company of KBZT recently had some changes to their management here in SD - a new GM. Now think back over the past 7 years - did you ever really hear about their old GM? Um, no. And I think it is telling that the announcement via All Access has his quotes before Garett’s. Draw your own conclusions as you may. The bottom line is that decisions were made that will either make or break this station. The morning ratings at KBZT have always been their weakness. I can see why someone coming into the situation would want to fix that pronto.

Now as far as this Mikey character ("shock jock turned born-again Christian") - I’ve never listened to his show and I don’t think I ever will. I don’t begrudge anyone their belief system, but at the same time, I’m not down with media personalities making their relationship with God a central part of their schtick.

Garett is making assurances that the rest of the day will be business as usual. “There are no plans to adjust what we do on the radio station after 10 a.m. If I had the money to put up a billboard, it would say, ‘Mikey in the mornings, music all day and night.’” (My note - well, except Halloran, but yeah.) I will continue to support KBZT during the music part of their programming because I still think that they are the best option available in terrestial/commercial radio.

That being said, I didn’t touch on satellite radio in my last post because it wasn’t really relevant to my discussion. I will discuss now because I thought it was interesting that Halloran was a guest on Tony Hawk’s satellite radio show yesterday. I was only able to catch about 30 minutes of his on air time - nothing earth shattering and way more talking then I am used to hearing on satellite. The whole time I was listening, I thought, “wouldn’t it be great to have Hal on satellite?” I’ve been debating biting the bullet on getting satellite radio because I enjoy it so much when I am on the road. If he actually got a show, I would totally be down with listening there. Whatever happens with Hal (check out this week’s Reader for some ideas on what is next), I’m sure it will be interesting. Some people have bounced the idea of him going back to 91x, but I don’t see that - mostly because of the economics. So we shall see.

Reaction (said in my best Hacksaw voice)

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