Mike McConnell leaving 700 WLW...

[redsfan1966]

I have to think there are more than a few Mike McConnell fans on this board, with WLW being such a big presence in the tri-state area...it is with much dismay (no sarcasm...I am serious) that I heard Mike is leaving to go to WGN in (ugh) Chicago. I have listened to Mike for most of my life (I go back to his 4 hour days...10 to 2) and have always found him to be a great listen. No, I don't agree with everything he espouses---but do think he possessed the most in the way of common sense and levelheadedness (is that even a word?) as opposed to most radio yakkers.

Plus, I always looked forward to the 11 am hour on Fridays for the "lighter topic" and of course, his Opening Day show; usually with Tracy Jones and recently with Eddie Fingers as well. I will miss him and wish him the best in Chicago. Unfortunately, though, WLW is not giving him a chance to say goodbye--they have said he will not be allowed to do a farewell show....

[George Anderson]

Wow

I have listened to McConnell daily for years now.

Thank God for internet radio.

I will follow him to WGN no doubt.

[redsfan1966]

That is the beautiful thing about the internet...we can now listen to anyone anywhere...but unfortunately Mikey will be discussing Chicago issues that I will have no clue about...

[macro]

Man, this is NOT good news! I guess I thought he'd be at WLW his entire career.

I don't get a good daytime signal to WLW, but I download his podcasts frequently. I can still do that from WGN, of course, but I'm not sure it will be the same with the local "flavor" being Chicago instead of Cincinnati. We shall see.

Big loss for WLW, regardless, though. McConnell is one of the best, as evidenced by his apparent following with his syndicated weekend show. I'll be surprised if they're able to replace him with anyone as good.

[redsfan1966]

Early odds on favorite to replace Mike---Scott Sloan. Sloanie is ok, but not really a good fit for the late morning slot...better suited for the night shift..

[Matt700wlw]

I'm glad I got an opportunity to produce his show for a while before I was let go. He and Willie.

He'll do great in Chicago.

He'll also be working for Randy Michaels again, and in one of the largest markets in the country..a win win for all.

[redsfan1966]

I am sure he will do great in Chi-town...and I do wish him well...just cant believe he wont be on "The Big One"...by the way, Matt...did you, Willie and Seg eat the Anthony-Thomas candy I brought you guys or just pitch them in the trash?? :D

[Matt700wlw]

When was that? I didn't get any candy! Seg probably ate them. :D:

[redsfan1966]

Oh, I begged Willie to let me and my wife sit in on a "Stooge Report" last summer...and I brought the candy as a gift to represent "Columbus"....hopefully Seggie enjoyed them...

[Matt700wlw]

I wasn't there last summer. I was laid off in late April of '09.

[redsfan1966]

Wait, it was before that, we came down before attending a live "Hot Stove League" show at the Reds HOF...you were there....the infamous Matt St---man..

[redsfan1966]

or as Willie would say, the infamous Matt St---kopf...

[Matt700wlw]

That's me. Lol.

[redsfan1966]

You seemed like you were having a lot of fun---best of luck in your future endeavors...

[Matt700wlw]

Thanks. It was a blast, but it was probably time to move on. :)

[Caveat Emperor]

Mike McConnell is a fantastic talk show host -- informed and opinionated without being a blowhard or egomaniac. His departure from WLW is a huge loss for the station, both financially and from a programming standpoint. He should be a great fit at WGN, where he'll have access to a huge metro area and the funding of Randy Michaels and the Tribune Co.

Though, if the rumors are true, McConnell might not be the only huge departure from WLW in the near future. The face of Cincinnati radio is changing rapidly, and not for the better IMO.

[Dom Heffner]

As long as Willie doesn't come to Tampa, he can go wherever he wants.

[Javy Pornstache]

As long as Willie doesn't come to Tampa, he can go wherever he wants.

Willie's in the running for a TV gig in Chicago.

[redsfandan]

Furman, Burbank, McConnell, ... Willie?

Wow, at this rate it won't be long 'til I'm only listenning to WLW for the broadcasts of Reds games.

[gilpdawg]

Terrestrial radio is a dying medium. Writing's been on the wall for awhile now. It's sad, but inevitable. I grew up listening to Burbank and then Sportstalk after school every day. Then the Reds game, then Andy Mac in the early years and Furman in the later years on Extra Innings. (I'm 32 for contextual sake) WLW is a shell of it's former self anyway.

It's totally pathetic that Scott Sloan is hosting extra innings. Good radio guy, good host. Not a sports guy. Clear Channel is so cheap they can't even get a baseball guy to host a baseball show. Pathetic.

[OldRightHander]

When I started driving I was mostly local but I got XM for those times when I went out of town. I now don't even listen to local radio when I'm home. I have the XM in the vehicle and in the house. I think the only time I even had 700 on recently was to listen to a Reds game the other day. I think I'm probably not the only person who has gone the way I have regarding radio.

[Caveat Emperor]

Terrestrial radio is a dying medium. Writing's been on the wall for awhile now. It's sad, but inevitable.

See, I don't get this part -- it's a phrase you hear repeated constantly, but the facts on the ground don't really line up.

People still commute to work everyday, and the overwhelming majority of them do it inside of a car (especially in cities like Cincinnati with few mass transit options). Those people are a captive audience -- they can't read, they can't watch television, they can't browse the internet, etc. Radio still has the ability to reach those people and COULD reach those people if they did a better job of offering compelling content.

The death of radio is far from "inevitable" -- it's just a process that has been hastened by mass ownership and self-inflicted wounds.

[redsfan1966]

^^^Very well stated, Caveat Emperor:thumbup:

[redsmetz]

So McConnell is gone effective immediately, according to the Enquirer. Clear Channel won't permit him back on the air.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100608/ENT11/306080073/McConnell-dishes-on-WLW-departure

[Eric_the_Red]

See, I don't get this part -- it's a phrase you hear repeated constantly, but the facts on the ground don't really line up.

People still commute to work everyday, and the overwhelming majority of them do it inside of a car (especially in cities like Cincinnati with few mass transit options). Those people are a captive audience -- they can't read, they can't watch television, they can't browse the internet, etc. Radio still has the ability to reach those people and COULD reach those people if they did a better job of offering compelling content.

The death of radio is far from "inevitable" -- it's just a process that has been hastened by mass ownership and self-inflicted wounds.


And more of those captives are opting for iPods/mp3 players and satellite radio. I listen to mostly podcasts during my drives. (No commercials.)

I don't think radio is on it's death bed, but as technology continues to expand, i could see radio going the way of the dinosaur and newspapers.

[Unassisted]

WLW is an anomaly for a market its size. Nowhere else does the biggest news-talk station in a market that small have local talent covering anything but the AM drive and PM drive hours. The rest of the schedule is covered with the most popular syndicated shows. The schedule of 610 WTVN in Columbus is the most likely future at WLW. (Its web site is down this morning or I'd provide a link.)

[Chip R]

WLW is an anomaly for a market its size. Nowhere else does the biggest news-talk station in a market that small have local talent covering anything but the AM drive and PM drive hours. The rest of the schedule is covered with the most popular syndicated shows. The schedule of 610 WTVN in Columbus is the most likely future at WLW. (Its web site is down this morning or I'd provide a link.)


That seems to be what they have done with the local sports talk stations and even then only one has a local host doing afternoon drive time. Everything else during the day is syndicated.

[savafan]

I'm saddened by this. I enjoyed listening to McConnell here at work.

[Caveat Emperor]

WLW is an anomaly for a market its size. Nowhere else does the biggest news-talk station in a market that small have local talent covering anything but the AM drive and PM drive hours. The rest of the schedule is covered with the most popular syndicated shows. The schedule of 610 WTVN in Columbus is the most likely future at WLW. (Its web site is down this morning or I'd provide a link.)

Clear Channel already owns a 50,000 watt news-talk station that runs syndicated programming -- 55KRC has all of the "heavy hitter" talkers (Beck, Rush, Hannity, Savage). I'm hoping they keep all of them on there and keep local programming on WLW.

WLW is an anomaly, but it's been a tremendously successful anomaly for precisely the reason I was talking about earlier: it offers compelling, live, local content. Instead of being an anomaly, it should be a standard-bearer for how a radio station should be run. Personalities were given the time and resources to develop loyal listener bases and (just as importantly) regular guest lists. They've successfully kept people like me away from podcasts because they offer a better alternative that I need only flip my radio on to hear. And, it's not just me -- WLW has been the #1 station in the market since I was a kid, and guys like McConnell and Willie were huge cash cows for the station.

It's sad that corporate doesn't seem to value this -- love them or hate them, Willie and McConnell were the type of voices that make a community unique. I hope the goal will be to find replacements who don't necessarily ape the style of either man, but who can deliver the same type of content and entertainment without resorting to more syndicated garbage.

[Reverend Doo-Rag]

Does there exist any "vaults" of past podcasts? I would love to stock up on some if I have to go without McConnell for a while.

[fearofpopvol1]

And more of those captives are opting for iPods/mp3 players and satellite radio. I listen to mostly podcasts during my drives. (No commercials.)

I don't think radio is on it's death bed, but as technology continues to expand, i could see radio going the way of the dinosaur and newspapers.

Yep, it's true. Radio isn't dead (yet), especially in Middle America, but it is a shadow of its former self and its audience will continue to decrease.

There are a lot of reasons for the demise of radio...but it definitely started with the Telecommunications Act passed in 1996. If you're unfamiliar, read up on it. It damaged radio permanently. Clear Channel benefited from it and ruined a lot of great radio stations as a result. Problem is, advertisers continue to pull out of radio ads, which forces stations with thin margins to cut budgets and allow for cheaper salaries and mediocre personalities.

As a result of that, people have found and continue to find alternatives, like CDs, podcasts and mp3 players.

Radio will die when the buck stops and the buck keeps getting smaller. It's just a matter of time and radio will be dead.

[gilpdawg]

See, I don't get this part -- it's a phrase you hear repeated constantly, but the facts on the ground don't really line up.

People still commute to work everyday, and the overwhelming majority of them do it inside of a car (especially in cities like Cincinnati with few mass transit options). Those people are a captive audience -- they can't read, they can't watch television, they can't browse the internet, etc. Radio still has the ability to reach those people and COULD reach those people if they did a better job of offering compelling content.

The death of radio is far from "inevitable" -- it's just a process that has been hastened by mass ownership and self-inflicted wounds.
Oh, "dead" is hyperbole. I should say irrelevant. When every car on the lot can pick up wi-fi and you can get wi-fi almost everywhere, which will happen in the next few years, that's ballgame for terrestrial radio. It won't die, but it will be suffering on life support. However, you are correct, content is king. If they were offering something beside the same old, same old, people wouldn't be flocking to things like Pandora or Slacker in droves.

And I haven't even mentioned podcasts/iPods yet.

[OldRightHander]

The content won't die, just that the means of broadcasting it will continue to change. I still listen to radio every day but it's XM and not the local stuff. It's kind of like newspaper publishers who still think they're in the printing stuff on paper business and not the news publishing business.

[bucksfan2]

The content won't die, just that the means of broadcasting it will continue to change. I still listen to radio every day but it's XM and not the local stuff. It's kind of like newspaper publishers who still think they're in the printing stuff on paper business and not the news publishing business.

With XM/Sirius hovering in and around bankruptcy I don't know what the future for satellite radio will look like. Also factor into the equation that it isn't free. I have Sirius radio, got it free for 6 months when I bought my car, and ponied up the cash after words. But I still do listen to my local stations from time to time. I will listen to WLW for the Reds games, Bengals games, Bearcat games, and local sports programming. I mainly continued Sirius to keep ESPN radio all the time, Mad Dog Radio, and CNBC radio. Also OSU affiliates in the Cincinnati area are pretty poor, especially for basketball, so it is nice to have the local broadcast over sirius.

As long as basic radio is free to is listeners it will still have a market. I don't envision it any different from where it is now. There are a lot of people who refuse to pay for something they can get for free.

[Sea Ray]

Unless Wi Fi becomes a free service, local radio will have market. I have found the local talent to be underwhelming so I find myself listening more and more to syndicated radio when in the car. That said, I do enjoy Mike and will miss him. I also like Willie sans his Stooge Report which screams "filler" so I hope he stays

[OldRightHander]

I see radio heading the same direction tv did. When I was growing up most people I knew didn't have cable and the reason would usually be along the lines of not wanting to pay for something that's free. Now I don't know too many people who don't have cable or satellite, mostly due to the fact that a lot of things that used to be on broadcast tv are only found on cable, like many sporting events. The local channels are still there, but most of the local interest programming is the nightly news. I think that's where radio is headed. The local stations will always be there, but they'll be relegated to national programming with some local news and local sports broadcasts, while just about everything else worth listening to will be found on satellite. People got used to paying for tv programming. Why should it be any different for radio?

[redsfandan]

With XM/Sirius hovering in and around bankruptcy I don't know what the future for satellite radio will look like. Also factor into the equation that it isn't free. I have Sirius radio, got it free for 6 months when I bought my car, and ponied up the cash after words. But I still do listen to my local stations from time to time. I will listen to WLW for the Reds games, Bengals games, Bearcat games, and local sports programming. I mainly continued Sirius to keep ESPN radio all the time, Mad Dog Radio, and CNBC radio. Also OSU affiliates in the Cincinnati area are pretty poor, especially for basketball, so it is nice to have the local broadcast over sirius.

As long as basic radio is free to is listeners it will still have a market. I don't envision it any different from where it is now. There are a lot of people who refuse to pay for something they can get for free.
Only if there's someone willing to pay the bills.
I see radio heading the same direction tv did. When I was growing up most people I knew didn't have cable and the reason would usually be along the lines of not wanting to pay for something that's free. Now I don't know too many people who don't have cable or satellite, mostly due to the fact that a lot of things that used to be on broadcast tv are only found on cable, like many sporting events. The local channels are still there, but most of the local interest programming is the nightly news. I think that's where radio is headed. The local stations will always be there, but they'll be relegated to national programming with some local news and local sports broadcasts, while just about everything else worth listening to will be found on satellite. People got used to paying for tv programming. Why should it be any different for radio?
Same here. I remember there being only 3 channels on tv. Now? Too many. Local tv could become public access cable channels and it might not take long.

But what local content could sustain local radio stations?

[RBA]

Rumor: Bill Cunningham going to WGN Chicago too.

[Joseph]

Rumor: Bill Cunningham going to WGN Chicago too.

And why not. They surely pay better, but more importantly they will put him on a 'stage' akin to the ego he espouses.

[savafan]

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2010/06/11/wgn-radio-also-waiting-for-cunningham-decision/

WGN Radio Also Waiting For Cunningham Decision

[Matt700wlw]

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2010/06/11/wgn-radio-also-waiting-for-cunningham-decision/

WGN Radio Also Waiting For Cunningham Decision

The answer will come this week.

[Sea Ray]

The answer will come this week.

I gotta believe it's a harder question for Willie. He has a wife with a job in Cincinnati and can't move to Chicago. He was raised here whereas McConnell did not. And how well will Willie's schtick go over in Chicago? How will the Democrat machine deal with him hammering them everyday?

[redsfandan]

I gotta believe it's a harder question for Willie. He has a wife with a job in Cincinnati and can't move to Chicago. He was raised here whereas McConnell did not. And how well will Willie's schtick go over in Chicago? How will the Democrat machine deal with him hammering them everyday?
Some good points. I think I'd rather have McConnell but maybe Willie will stick around. Willie bashing a certain national politician might not go over quite as well in THAT city. He'd likely have a bigger paycheck and more exposure but there could also be some downside with that move for him.

[medford]

There are enough people in Chicagoland that do not like Obama, and/or do not like Dems for Willie's schtick to work. On top of that, there are enough people in Chicagoland that love Obama and/or love Dems that will listen to Willie so they can call in and bash him for what he says. Talk radio is pretty much a conservative format, supported in much greater numbers by conservatives. I'm guessing WGN radio in Chicago is mostly a conservative base to begin with. Why this happens, I don't know, I've heard all the theories and reason, but its backed up by seeing Air America repeatedly fail despite large investements by a couple of liberal supporters.

Anyhoo, sad day for me indeed. I used to love Steve Czaban on the drive in the mornings, wouldn't miss McConnell if I could help it, Willie was ok, his schtick was often entertaining, though I often had to take what he said w/ a grain of salt, and Burbank and the boys were always entertaining on the ride home. Now Czab is off the air nationally, replaced by Steven A Smith (who is better than I originally thought, but rarely listened to), no Mike, Willie (perhaps) which is just OK, and Eddie & Tracy which I can't stand.

Thankfully, Brian Thomas is still around, Sloanie is OK and I can catch 1530 on the ride home. Nationally syndicated is OK, but there are lot of times you want to hear about local issues, local events, local problems. I can only listen to Sean Hanity bash the president so often before I finally say "OK, I get it, you don't like him or his ideas, and while I agree with you more than I dissagree, can't we talk about something else". I think that is why, as mentioned earlier, the Friday Lighter topic was so great.

[Chip R]

Anyhoo, sad day for me indeed. I used to love Steve Czaban on the drive in the mornings, wouldn't miss McConnell if I could help it, Willie was ok, his schtick was often entertaining, though I often had to take what he said w/ a grain of salt, and Burbank and the boys were always entertaining on the ride home. Now Czab is off the air nationally, replaced by Steven A Smith (who is better than I originally thought, but rarely listened to), no Mike, Willie (perhaps) which is just OK, and Eddie & Tracy which I can't stand.



I basically listen to WLW only for Sports Talk, Reds games/pre-game/Extra Innings and, of course, the Hot Stove League. When I lived in Iowa while in college I used to listen to WLW in the evenings for Sports Talk with Trumpy just to glean any bit of Reds information. Willie was on in the evenings then and I'd listen to him from time to time. I listened to Czaben too and liked him and agree about Steven A. Smith but I don't think he's going to survive in this market.

[medford]

I assume Willie is gone. Not on today, they still have his blog up, but they've pretty much hinted at Gary Jeff Walker taking over the job while not coming out directly and stating it.

[savafan]

I assume Willie is gone. Not on today, they still have his blog up, but they've pretty much hinted at Gary Jeff Walker taking over the job while not coming out directly and stating it.

I caught that from Tracy Jones today as well. Kinda made me sick to my stomach.

[Joseph]

I assume Willie is gone. Not on today, they still have his blog up, but they've pretty much hinted at Gary Jeff Walker taking over the job while not coming out directly and stating it.

Negative. The enquirer has reported he is staying after spending some time mulling it over.

"I had to resolve in my mind where I wanted to be, and I've decided I want to stay in Cincinnati," Cunningham said Monday.

Rejoice, or vomit, or somewhere in between. Big Willy is staying in Cincy.

[redsfan1966]

WILLIE STAYS!! Yes, the info can be found here...http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100614/ENT11/6150357

[GIDP]

Negative. The enquirer has reported he is staying after spending some time mulling it over.

"I had to resolve in my mind where I wanted to be, and I've decided I want to stay in Cincinnati," Cunningham said Monday.

Rejoice, or vomit, or somewhere in between. Big Willy is staying in Cincy.

Great news mainly because losing Willie and Mike would destroy WLW probably.

[Eric_the_Red]

Oh....yay.

[RBA]

WILLIE STAYS!! Yes, the info can be found here...http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100614/ENT11/6150357

Great news!!! For Chicago. :D

[LoganBuck]

I like Willy!!

Now go find someone else besides Scott Sloan for the 9-12 show.

[GIDP]

I like Willy!!

Now go find someone else besides Scott Sloan for the 9-12 show.

Yea Sloan doesnt fit Mike spot. Sloan is a good late night guy just because he talks about random stupid stuff and its a good wind down thing.

I dont know how you can replace a guy like Mike. You gotta find a guy who can touch political stuff but still be semi unique.

[Bob Borkowski]

I caught that from Tracy Jones today as well. Kinda made me sick to my stomach.

Can't take seriously lots of stuff that is said by talkers on 700. They are constantly looking for ways to create drama where none exists.

Mike M. was an exception to the above comment.

[redsfandan]

Can't take seriously lots of stuff that is said by talkers on 700. They are constantly looking for ways to create drama where none exists.

Mike M. was an exception to the above comment.
Sometimes it felt like McConnell was the lone exception.

[redsfan1966]

Since he is the station's Program Director, he probably can't do it...but I wish Darryl Parks would take over the McConnell slot. Parks is the closest personality on the WLW roster to McConnell and would fit perfect in the morning...

[savafan]

Since he is the station's Program Director, he probably can't do it...but I wish Darryl Parks would take over the McConnell slot. Parks is the closest personality on the WLW roster to McConnell and would fit perfect in the morning...

I can agree with this.

[redsfandan]

Yep that would work for me too.

[GIDP]

What about that Brian Thomas guy on 550.

[Bob Borkowski]

He'll also be working for Randy Michaels again, and in one of the largest markets in the country..a win win for all.

Yeah, a 'win-win for all' except for listeners here in the tri-state.

Man, it has been about 3 weeks now and I am really missing Mike in the mornings (and on Saturdays) on WLW.

He was by far my favorite talker on radio...lots of varied topics, local and national...sense of humor...good guests.

I can't imagine how 'LW will be able to find anyone to replace him who will come close to measuring up.

[redsfan1966]

They cant replace Mike...Sloanie is ok...but nothing can take the place of the common sense of McConnell...I really miss him on Fridays...

[George Anderson]

I can't wait to hear McConnell in a new market like Chicago. His show over the years somewhat got stale because so many people over the years learned not to call in and argue with him because they found out they wouldn't win. The people of Chitown are in for a treat.

[LoganBuck]

They cant replace Mike...Sloanie is ok...but nothing can take the place of the common sense of McConnell...I really miss him on Fridays...

Sloan is adapting to the time slot. He is getting more tolerable.

[savafan]

Sloan is adapting to the time slot. He is getting more tolerable.

And the schtick on Eddie and Tracy is starting to get old...

[Chip R]

And the schtick on Eddie and Tracy is starting to get old...

No?!

[Joseph]

Sloan is adapting to the time slot. He is getting more tolerable.

I still hope he isn't the permanent replacement.

[savafan]

No?!

LOL, well it was getting old a long time ago, it's just now venturing into the unlistenable area where I'm moving the dial back over to FM.

[George Anderson]

Mike will be on from 8:30 to 12:30 beginning August 9th.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/2501300,wgn-daytime-lineup-071510.article

[Bob Borkowski]

Mike will be on from 8:30 to 12:30 beginning August 9th.

...and, of course, that would be 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, Cincinnati time.

[Jerry Narron]

And the schtick on Eddie and Tracy is starting to get old...

I stopped listening several months ago. Hopefully people realize that Rod from Norwood, Richard from Indian Hill, and Nick are all fake and are voiced by the same person.

[LoganBuck]

Will Mike's new show be on XM?

[redsfanmia]

I stopped listening several months ago. Hopefully people realize that Rod from Norwood, Richard from Indian Hill, and Nick are all fake and are voiced by the same person.

Rod from Norwood fake? What about his no frills daycare? Is that fake too?

[savafan]

I stopped listening several months ago. Hopefully people realize that Rod from Norwood, Richard from Indian Hill, and Nick are all fake and are voiced by the same person.

I'd lump Miss C. in with that bunch as well...though maybe not voiced by the same person, though you never know.

[GIDP]

I'd lump Miss C. in with that bunch as well...though maybe not voiced by the same person, though you never know.

I wouldnt be surprised if that one was real.

[savafan]

I wouldnt be surprised if that one was real.

I suppose it's possible, but she calls EVERY show...

[GIDP]

I suppose it's possible, but she calls EVERY show...

I wonder how many people actually do call all those shows, I know there used to be an old guy, maybe there still is, that used to call every sports show back when 1360 was still Homer. Then there is that one older black guy who always calls wanting to talk about NBA or something. I know those 2 arent fake callers. Maybe someone who works or worked at 700 or 1530 can shed some insight into how many of those people are actually fabricated.

[redsfanmia]

I wonder how many people actually do call all those shows, I know there used to be an old guy, maybe there still is, that used to call every sports show back when 1360 was still Homer. Then there is that one older black guy who always calls wanting to talk about NBA or something. I know those 2 arent fake callers. Maybe someone who works or worked at 700 or 1530 can shed some insight into how many of those people are actually fabricated.

There is a guy "Dick from Dayton" who calls a ton of shows.

[George Anderson]

Anyone remember Richard from Wheeling?? He was an absolute loon but I am almost positive he was real. I caught him on several talk shows all over the country but haven't heard him in five years or so.

[Javy Pornstache]

There is a guy "Dick from Dayton" who calls a ton of shows.

haha, yeah, "Dick from Dayton" is 100% real, I've met him several times in my line of work, he is a very strange cat.

[Bob Borkowski]

Well, this morning's Enquirer (7-31) has verified what I feared: Scott Sloan has been named the permanent replacement for Mike. I was hoping for more but I guess this is the state of local radio these days.

No mention of who will replace Sloan in the evenings.

[Sea Ray]

Well, this morning's Enquirer (7-31) has verified what I feared: Scott Sloan has been named the permanent replacement for Mike. I was hoping for more but I guess this is the state of local radio these days.

No mention of who will replace Sloan in the evenings.

That just means that I'll continue to listen to nationally syndicated radio on weekday mornings. WLW's loss

[Bob Borkowski]

Tomorrow is the day. It'll be good to once again hear a real talk show host at work. Interesting that a local station wants to carry Mike's show down here. I say...bring it on.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2010/08/06/mcconnell-ready-to-debut-monday-on-wgn-am/

[Bob Borkowski]

Since Scott Sloan was moved out of the late-night slot on WLW radio into Mike's old morning period, this guy, Doc Thompson, has been tapped to fill the evening hours.

Anybody heard or heard of him?


http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2010/10/01/wlw-am-hires-new-late-night-talk-host/

[LoganBuck]

I can't stand anymore Scott Sloan. He aggravates me.

[Bob Borkowski]

Sloan is adapting to the time slot. He is getting more tolerable.

...but wait. What happened?

[Joseph]

Not a fan of Sloan at all still.

[LoganBuck]

...but wait. What happened?

For one, my wife is a teacher, and he spends half his show bashing them. He really speaks from his butt, on this issue. I get it, he doesn't want to pay more taxes, but instead of talking about solutions, he spends half his show talking about why teachers are not worth spit. I decided Friday, that I will be listening to much more ESPN radio.

He is such a downgrade from Mike McConnell, it isn't funny.

[George Anderson]

Anyone listening to Mike on WGN??

I listen everyday but for some reason it just doesn't seem the same.

[Sea Ray]

Anyone listening to Mike on WGN??

I listen everyday but for some reason it just doesn't seem the same.

I listen occasionally on Wi Fi radio. I will say if they syndicated him on a local station I would listen in my car given the dearth of choices.

I'll be curious as to what Sloan's arbitron ratings are. If the Big One is still number one in his slot then I guess it proves it doesn't matter who you put in there

[Reverend Doo-Rag]

Perhaps someone should tell Sloan that he only works 3 hours a day with all those commercial breaks off and days off when the Reds play near his time slot and then he gets vacation days off on top of all that.

[KittyDuran]

Don't want to start a new thread... but for RZs who listen to WLW around 3pm weekdays - here's some news (which you probably already know about).

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2010/10/07/why-did-wlw-am-cut-off-its-fingers/?s=d&page=

[redsfandan]

Don't want to start a new thread... but for RZs who listen to WLW around 3pm weekdays - here's some news (which you probably already know about).

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2010/10/07/why-did-wlw-am-cut-off-its-fingers/?s=d&page=

A little disappointing but not surprising.

[savafan]

A little disappointing but not surprising.

Eddie was possibly the best thing going on 700. Wonder if he'll wind up at 96 Rock or one of the other Cumulus Stations like WARM 98, who only has one DJ left after firings last month. If so, it would be kinda cool working on the same floor as Eddie.

[Matt700wlw]

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2010/10/07/why-did-wlw-am-cut-off-its-fingers/

I don't know Eddie that well, but I know him enough to say he got screwed...he'll be missed. He was a big reason I got in to radio.

He's a guy you'd love to have a few beers with...he was always himself.

Clear Channel made a huge mistake.

96 wouldn't shock me for his next gig

Hell, I got to work with him on air....I was only doing traffic reports, and I had no chance of being as quick witted as him when he would put me on the spot, but it was still pretty cool.

[Brutus]

Perhaps someone should tell Sloan that he only works 3 hours a day with all those commercial breaks off and days off when the Reds play near his time slot and then he gets vacation days off on top of all that.

With show prep and a lot of back end stuff that radio hosts do, usually it winds up being an 8-hour shift, FYI.

[Dom Heffner]

With show prep and a lot of back end stuff that radio hosts do, usually it winds up being an 8-hour shift, FYI.

I think this was his point...

[Brutus]

I think this was his point...

I didn't read it that way, but sarcasm is sometimes tough to see in written form, so I could have missed it.

[Dom Heffner]

I didn't read it that way, but sarcasm is sometimes tough to see in written form, so I could have missed it.

I'm probably the worst at seeing it FWIW LOL.....

[thatcoolguy_22]

what is this thread? off topic much?

Remember this everyone.... My bowling ball is an octopus

[paintmered]

Back on topic, please.

[savafan]

So... Sloan is replacing Eddie with Tracy now?

[Hoosier Red]

So... Sloan is replacing Eddie with Tracy now?

Apparantly.

This probably means after Sportstalk my car will go to local Indianapolis stuff or static rather than listening to whomever they put in after 9.
http://cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/2010/10/22/whats-up-doc-thompson-at-9am-sloanie-joins-tracy/

[Joseph]

This station had the same guys in the same slots for years and years, now they are changing hosts more than my brother changes underwear.

[savafan]

I just gotta say one more time that they were incredibly stupid for letting Eddie Fingers go.

[savafan]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/23/business/media/23tribune.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Tribune Company ousts Randy Michaels

[Sea Ray]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/23/business/media/23tribune.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Tribune Company ousts Randy Michaels

Wow. That article does not reflect well on Randy Michaels nor WGN as a whole. Kind of makes you wonder whether McConnell made the right decision. His buddy is now gone and his employer is knee deep in chaos and bankruptcy. Under those conditions contracts can be terminated at any time. This will be interesting to follow

[Dom Heffner]

I look at that picture of Michaels, read that he was involved in sexual chicanery and have come to the realization that all the hours in the gym have been a complete waste of time.

[LoganBuck]

I look at that picture of Michaels, read that he was involved in sexual chicanery and have come to the realization that all the hours in the gym have been a complete waste of time.

You just now realized this? Alcohol and money, are great aphrodisiacs.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

Not sure how long it will take but Mcconnell will be back at 700 at some point.

[Bob Borkowski]

Not sure how long it will take but Mcconnell will be back at 700 at some point.

Why do you say that?

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

Why do you say that?

Just my feelings--nothing to base it on

[Caveat Emperor]

Not sure how long it will take but Mcconnell will be back at 700 at some point.

He's got a 3 year deal in Chicago -- I don't see WGN paying him to take a walk unless the ratings are really awful. I expect he'll get some time to build an audience there.

As for WLW, they're a different organization now than they were 10 years ago. I don't know if they'd pay to bring Mike McConnell back when they can get Eric Deters or Scott Sloan to host the time for next to nothing (or, in the case of Deters, absolutely nothing). Willie squeezed them for money and guaranteed years on his deal because McConnell was leaving and the station couldn't afford to lose it's two biggest advertising draws. I don't know that the station would be quite as generous to bring McConnell back. After all, the whole reason he went to WGN was because he wasn't getting what he wanted from Clear Channel. If they wouldn't pay him as a current employee, I highly doubt they'll throw cash at him as a returning ex-employee.

[medford]

I just gotta say one more time that they were incredibly stupid for letting Eddie Fingers go.

I agreed with this statement until I read something that John Keiswetter (sp?) wrote on his blog comparring to when Chanel 5 (?) kept Jerry springer, but let the girl go that everyone liked in order to shake up their lead news team.

Everyone thought Jerry should have been let go, nobody liked thim or his reporting style, and John agreed until a business exec explained the reasoning, which kind of fits the Eddie/Tracy scenerio.

Basically, Eddie/(the girl on Ch5 that I can't remember) are your professional radio/TV people, and while you may like them, from a broadcast standpoint, they're easily replacable. Jerry/Tracy are your unique personalities that you just can't stand, but for some reason keep tuning into to see what's the next thing they're going to say that you can't stand. Basically Jerry/Tracy move the needle, while the Eddie type only catches the people that are going to listen anyways.

Kind of made sense to me.

Regarding Mike, from an outsider, it sure does seem like he made a mistake. perhaps he survives the shuffle, but it seems more likely that they whomever is the new guy taking over will find it easy to replace the guy who's only been there a year (I assume he signed a 1 year deal) while in Cincy he would have more security, a loyal listening base. He could have continued his weekend gig, etc....

Says above he signed a 3 year deal, I guess he's got time to figure things out or at worst, live pretty nice for the next couple of years with out having to do any work.

[Caveat Emperor]

Regarding Mike, from an outsider, it sure does seem like he made a mistake.

From what I know of the situation, the decision was pretty much made for Mike based on what was being offered (both in terms of dollars and years of guaranteed employment in the contract) by the respective companies.