Ratings For DC, Sacto, Phoenix, St Louis

Talk Strong In Phoenix

Huge Ratings Drops in DC, Sacramento


How's the spring talk radio ratings picture shaping up?

Quite clearly: some properly-managed conservative stations are holding up well, while others are greatly suffering, with agonizing mistakes going uncorrected.

Liberal talk still isn't taking off, even if there are faint signs of life, giving leftists false hope for the format's future.

Not exactly a work of art, is it?


The crisis continues at Washington DC's WMAL, where the ABC talker plunges from a 3.6 to a 2.9, now in 13th place among all listeners ages 12 and older.

Once a powerhouse, WMAL has languished along with ABC's other stations, all reportedly for sale. Late last week, it emerged that three companies have placed "underwhelming" bids for ABC's radio division.

This is said to be WMAL's worst-ever ratings book.

It peaked at a 4.4 last year and the bleeding just hasn't stopped since. In morning drive, it's in 19th place for the key 25-54 demographic, meaning major advertisers would expect to take a pass.

So far, no programming changes despite the horrendous numbers, but ABC can't afford to wait before cleaning house.

DCRTV, a Beltway media watchdog site, has many more details.

Air America's WWRC-AM takes last place with a 0.4.


In Phoenix, conservative talk radio is in good shape, with Clear Channel's KFYI holding third place with a flat performance, a 5.2 share. This is the area's Limbaugh station.

Rival KTAR, with a recent ownership change, takes eighth with a slight drop from a 4.1 to a 3.9 audience share.

Beyond that, the region has a number of tiny talkers. Air America's KXXT rose from a 0.8 to a 1.1, good for 23rd. Several other stations came in around this level, or slightly lower.

Talk radio in The Valley Of The Sun, the nation's 15th-largest market, is competitive and quirky.


In St. Louis (market #18), market mainstay KMOX surged two full shares, to lock in first place. Baseball helps KMOX a great deal, but where the games will air next season is still unknown.

Rival KTRS, not helped by the lack of hockey games this season, fell while FM talker KFTK tanked, sliding from a 3.4 to a 2.3.

STL Media, run by industry vet Mike Anderson, does a fantastic job covering radio developments in the area, as well as nationwide.


What's going on at Sacramento's KFBK? After peaking last summer with a 9.3, Limbaugh's former home base has fallen to a 6.8 share.

It's still in first place, as always, but now appears vulnerable in ways never previously thought possible. It's long been a stable ratings winner, commonly with showings in the nine to 11-share range.

Anybody in Sacramento with a theory on KFBK's problem?

Sister station KSTE rises from a 3.6 to a 4.1, while Air America's KSAC is stuck in neutral, with a 1.6 share on that frequency last year, now dropping to a 1.1.


More figures to come this week, ratings data from Radio & Records. Please support our advertisers!

What's New This Week

No Summer Doldrums


Lots of interesting summertime news. Here's what's getting my attention:


Should government stay out of the barnyard? Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist Robert L Jamieson is against Republican-sponsored anti-bestiality legislation, to be filed in Olympia by Sen. Pam Roach.

Didn't the recent sick, fatal situation in Enumclaw make this law necessary? Does Washington state really want to be a destination for animal-seeking tourists? Many others made this illegal long ago.


The sleazy Sierra Club will stop at nothing to decimate private property rights, even when liberal councils approve land development plans.

A recent case in Davenport, California, saw the extremist environmental group press California's Coastal Commission for reimbursement of legal fees, after it successfully sued a proposed small business out of existence.

That means taxpayers will pay to fatten Sierra's lawyers, for litigation that was outrageous to begin with. Read the Santa Cruz Sentinel guest Op-Ed by Lois Schum here.


Liberal Dems love to talk about Niger, when it comes to Joe and Valerie-inspired political tantrums, but don't have much to say about the severe famine now tearing apart the country.


Nothing gets New Englanders more excited than talk of redesigned Dunkin' Donuts boxes. A lucky 8-year-old girl won a contest with her sunny, happy drawing.


Ninety-seven percent of Tanzanians now have access to mobile phones. This BBC report reveals that even the most remote African villages have coverage, far more complete than found in the US, or Europe. The mobile is rapidly reshaping African economies and cultural dynamics.


They're really going in-depth on shadowy terrorism figures at RedStateRant. A lot of information here I haven't seen elsewhere.


Michelle Malkin has the full story of Pennsylvania's crazy Lt. Governor, who showed up at a Marine's funeral to give an anti-war tirade. Warning: socks will be knocked off.


Dan ponders Hillary's motives in supporting John Roberts for the US Supreme Court, at the Museum of Left Wing Lunacy.


Trump vs. the UN, at Isn't It Rich.


Kent explores the controversy involving CNBC's Donny Deutsch and author Bernard Goldberg at RightFromLeft.


At NorthWestRepublican, a look at the man accused of threatening Oregon talk show host Lars Larson.

Ratings For Boston, SF, Others

It's All About Providence

Air America Chokes WHJJ, Conservatives Strong in Bay Area


Yes, it's all about Providence this morning, not the sappy NBC-TV drama, rather a disturbing radio tragedy.

In one of talk radio's biggest-ever screw-ups, a once well-performing conservative talk station has been destroyed by switching to "progressive" Air America programming.

Most astounding: it took only a year to kill Providence's WHJJ-AM.

Since it's one of the few to dump a viable conservative lineup for Franken & Co., it provides an important case study for liberal talk's failure.

We're talking about Rhode Island here, not Wyoming (although there is a town by that name in the Ocean State).

It's the land of Congressmen named Kennedy, corrupt Democrat power brokers and squishy Republicans like Sen. Lincoln Chafee. Shouldn't it be a great place for liberal talk?

Not according to Arbitron, which released spring ratings results for the city-state, late Thursday.

WHJJ-AM has seen its audience sliced in half since the change, going from a respectable 3.5 share last summer, to a miniscule 1.8. Most amazing: a distant Boston signal from WBZ-AM actually beat hometown WHJJ. That has to be a first.

While Limbaugh affiliate WPRO was also down, avoiding the liberal radio media hype has paid off handsomely for the Citadel talker: it's in seventh place with a 4.1 share, while WHJJ was tied for 16th.

Radio execs are notoriously slow to admit failure, but this one is so devastating for WHJJ, Clear Channel has no choice but to quickly pull the format's plug. My guess: they dig in their heels and attempt to rearrange the Titanic's deck chairs first.

Why isn't the Ocean State a good place for liberal talk hosts? Simple: conservatives naturally fit the role of anti-corruption, pro-taxpayer watchdogs, while leftists are stuck in the position of defending the crooked Rogue's Island political establishment.

But it's not much different elsewhere. What approach can liberal talkers use, other than boring Bush-bashing? Where's the audience demand?


Meanwhile, conservatives looked great in the Bay Area, where talker KSFO gained almost a half share to finish with a 3.5, good for 6th place overall. Right-leaning rival KNEW also showed some life, rising from a 1.1 to a 1.6.

Market powerhouse KGO fell a bit, but of course remained in first place, while Air America's KQKE rose from a 1.0 to a 1.2. That's still far below the adult standards format previously aired on that frequency.

In Boston, a real shake-up, where the Red Sox Nation propelled sports WEEI-AM into first place, while traditional market "heritage" news-talk station WBZ-AM fell to second. I'm not sure if WBZ has, in modern history, ever finished below first place.

WBZ has several issues to overcome: a rapidly-aging audience, the death of talk legend David Brudnoy and the station's backing off of talk shows in favor of additional news programming.

None of these are good for ratings and things could get worse as the baseball season continues.

Conservative WRKO was up a tad, from a 4.1 to a 4.2, for 6th place overall. Rival WTKK-FM, home to Imus, Jay Severin and Laura Ingraham, fell from a 3.8 to a 3.6, taking 8th. It peaked last year with a 4.1.

There's one heck of a large conservative talk radio audience in Boston, isn't there?

Air America's two local stations checked in with a combined 0.6, taking last place overall. This is about as good as it's going to get for the Beantown lib talk duo.

More updates coming for additional cities, a look at Sacramento as well.

Ratings data from Radio & Records. Please support our advertisers, it helps to maintain this site. Thanks!

Seattle Station Goes After Drudge

Matt's Nasty Surprise

KOMO-TV Sends Drudge 'Net Missile


Somebody at Seattle's KOMO-TV sure doesn't like Matt Drudge.

After linking to a photo at KOMO's website, the station had the image changed from one of an illegal drug/alien/terrorist smuggling tunnel between Lynden, Washington and British Columbia, to the below image.

This image briefly appeared at the Drudge Report before quickly being removed. KOMO-TV graphic

Within minutes, Drudge's people noticed the image on Drudgereport.com and had it removed. The Radio Equalizer captured it during that brief time.

Here's the KOMO smuggling story link. I thought about putting the tunnel picture here, in hopes I could get my own custom Web scolding from the station, but I'll hold off for now.

So what's the big deal if Drudge links to KOMO-TV?

Bandwidth is one issue, meaning that it costs the ABC station extra money to have the photo link on his site, but most news outlets like the huge traffic increases they get from him, it's great for business. If clicking the photo took readers to KOMO's site, it should have provided a benefit.

Is KOMO's notoriously liberal newsroom operation the problem? That's possible, Drudge is still hated by the left, even though his own political views are considered libertarian, not conservative.

I'm not sure this was a good move on KOMO's part, it makes them look as though they're initiating a petty conflict with Drudge, when they have a news image to maintain. I've never seen another media outlet resort to this.

Update: Okay, I'll give in and run KOMO's sacred photo, but without a link back to their site.

We'll see if I get raked over the coals.

Other points: the new, scolding, graphic cost the station just as much in hosting charges, didn't it? Did anyone try to contact Drudge and outline their policy, or were they just trying to make him look bad?

That's why I question their motives, would they do this to Al Franken or Janeane Garofalo?

Friday Update: welcome Orbusmax and Free Republic readers. Be sure to check out the comments section below, there's a lively debate going on there about the concept of "hotlinking".

As far as the photo, I'm seeing the same picture credited to the DEA and AP. Who took the picture? Here's the BBC's tunnel story, with links to other sources.

Thanks for your continued support of our advertisers.

Another London Attack Attempt

Covering London II

Networks, Radio Take Different Approaches


When major stories break, the Radio Equalizer always pays attention to how broadcast networks, as opposed to cable news channels, cover the story.

Why? Because cable outlets are sure to go wall-to-wall, that's what they do 24/7. News junkies go to FOX News, CNN and MSNBC first and stay there.

Broadcast networks, however, must break into regular programming. Is the story worth cancelling soaps, game shows, etc.? Do they believe the average oblivious viewer can be made to care?

Today, with London's terrorists attempting a sequel to their attacks of two weeks ago, American networks were still in their morning news programs. Did local affiliates stick with the news, providing updates, or did they go back to chat shows later in the morning?

All of Boston's TV stations had returned to normal programming by 1pm, with CBS affiliate WBZ-4 cancelling soap operas and remaining with coverage until that point. NBC's WHDH-7 also kept with developments for quite some time.

Others had gone back to regular programs much earlier, as if nothing had happened.

Emergency services in protective clothing were deployed at the bus site. Photo, caption: BBC

I don't expect much from the local WB station, but what's the problem at PBS? Do they have the ability to take a live BBC feed? With the big debate about public television's future, why don't become more relevant to the immediacy of global news developments?

Did broadcast network anchors seem surprisingly caught off-guard today, considering it's just two weeks later? Or were they simply frustrated at the lack of early details?

Far more analysis of network coverage at TVNewser. Bloggers and insiders are emailing a number of observations.

It's the type of story that TV owns in the early hours, as viewers seek images, then is given to radio, as people look for a place to discuss it.

The busy recent news cycle has given Rush Limbaugh a huge boost, as there's lots to talk about and Rush tends to get fired-up at times like this. Interestingly, he moved on to other topics in the second hour.

Is it any less of a story, just because the bombs didn't detonate this time?

If other big terrorism stories break in the next week, however, Rush will be taking a holiday, which could become a problem for talk radio.

Here's an idea for talk hosts: will the public will hold London Mayor "Red" Ken Livingstone's feet to the fire, after he recently blamed the US and UK for provoking the attacks? Will the American left further ramp up this line of rhetoric, as well?

Friday update: TVNewser reports that MSNBC stuck with Imus rather than going to London coverage for a full 20 minutes. What makes Imus so important?

Any observations from you regarding TV, radio news coverage or talk shows today? Please leave your comments below, no registration required.

By the way, Bernard Goldberg's book, discussed on Limbaugh's show Thursday is found in the Amazon link boxes to the right. Your Amazon orders that begin with clicks from here help maintain this site. Thanks for your support.

Critical Radio Ratings Emerge

Ugly Slump Continues

Talk Radio Weak In Key Ratings Releases


(Note: many new updates below)


What's it going to take to get talk radio out of this increasingly dismal ratings slump?

The Radio Equalizer is tired of the post-election cycle excuse, since better-programmed stations are falling a bit less, while incompetently-managed outlets are getting creamed.

The emerging Spring 2005 figures paint an especially bleak picture that must serve as an urgent industry wake-up call. Spring and fall Arbitron releases are considered the most important for media buyers, a loose parallel to TV's "Sweeps" months.

Spring ratings are usually higher than winter or summer, because stations heavily pump up marketing budgets, before slashing spending once summer holidays approach. So it's likely things will get worse in upcoming releases.

We've previously discussed what's going wrong and why, but the industry is notoriously slow to wake up and smell the Starbucks (or better yet, Dunkin').

Meanwhile, I'm hearing from a number of readers asking about the latest lefty 'Net boasts regarding Air America's fantastic performance or Franken beating Rush in Outer Mongolia. Please keep the emails coming, but some of their claims are just too silly to be examined.

If it makes them feel better to think liberal talk is succeeding, I'm all for anything that improves the left's overall mental health.

Tom at BizzyBlog has done his own analysis of the ratings releases, be sure to check them out here. Bore America weighs in here with additional details.

Results for some of the largest markets:

#1 New York

Drudge posted this on his site:


LIMBAUGH TOP POLITICAL TALK NYC
APRIL-JUNE 2005
[ALL LISTENERS]

LIMBAUGH 139,000 [QTR HOUR]
HANNITY 99,100
O'REILLY 72,700
SAVAGE 61,900
AL FRANKEN 61,400

This means that in any quarter hour period, this average number of New York City adults 12 and older were listening.

What it doesn't tell you is the rest of the story, even if we don't yet have all of the pieces.

WABC continues to suffer, along with most of ABC's other owned and operated (O&O in industry lingo) news-talk stations. With news reports strongly suggesting that Disney is ready to sell the radio division, the stations appear distracted and are hurting. San Francisco's talkers remain the key exceptions.

It limped across the spring finish line with a 3.2 share, down from a 4.5 fall 2004 peak, good only for 11th place. WABC has programming issues that need to be addressed, but nothing's so far been touched.

BoreAmerica points to this new press release, where Limbaugh's NYC ratings data is compared to Franken and others:

The Rush Limbaugh Show is the #1 ranked talk program in the noon - 3 p.m. ET time slot. Among Persons 12+, Mr. Limbaugh has a 4.1 share with 139,100 listeners tuning in, on average, every quarter hour. Among Adults 25-54, he has a 2.5 share with 50,600 of them tuning in, on average, every quarter hour.

Al Franken, who airs at the same time on WLIB-AM, has a share of 1.8 with 61,400 listeners Persons 12+ tuning in, on average, every quarter hour. With Adults 25-54, he has a 1.7 share with a listening audience of 34,400, on average, every quarter hour. Therefore, Mr. Limbaugh's audience is more than double that of Mr. Franken's audience.

Furthermore, among all radio programs on the AM and FM dial during the noon - 3 p.m. time slot, Mr. Limbaugh ranked #5 among Persons 12+ and #17 among Adults 25-54. Mr. Franken on the other hand ranked #23 among Persons 12+ and #20 among Adults 25-54.

Click the link for more comparisons.

Senile would-be challenger WOR takes 21st place, with a flat performance, but Michael Savage continues to pump up the station's evening ratings.

BizzyBlog also notes that Savage spent time on Wednesday's show boasting about the ratings success, saying he was beating WABC. Readers have been asking me if the claims are true, I believe they probably are.

This begs the question: without Savage in the lineup, what would WOR's ratings look like?

Air America's flagship WLIB, meanwhile, falls to a 1.0 share from a 1.2 in the winter survey. Given Drudge's Franken figure, he must account for a good percentage of the station's listenership. Can't imagine how bad the rest of the day must look.

Overall, WLIB took 24th place. Much lefty hay has been made about my now oft-repeated claim that the previous Caribbean format outperformed WLIB's lib talk. The problem: it's true. Besides, I'd rather hear soca or zouk music any day, over these guys.

#2 Los Angeles:

Even market-leader KFI couldn't escape the trend: it fell from a 4.6 to a 3.9, taking 6th place. KABC, continuing the company's pattern, fell again from a 2.3 to a 2.1, for 18th overall. It peaked at a 2.9 last year.

There was a time when KABC was a major Southland force, but KFI long ago ate its lunch. Perhaps it can again be brought back to life.

Liberal talker KTLK gained, going from a 0.3 to a 0.8. I suppose liberals have to take a "victory" where they can get it, but a station below a one share isn't taken too seriously in the radio biz.

Can it go higher? I believe so, there's a natural audience that can probably take it to a 1.0 or slightly better. But that makes it nothing but a tiny niche format, like ethnic programming.

#3 Chicago:

Baseball brought enormous gains to Tribune's WGN, rising from a 5.3 to a 6.6, with a solid lock on first place.

WLS, continuing ABC's trend, takes a huge hit, dropping to a 3.4 from 4.2. It's now in eighth place. Recent management changes may lead to programming changes in upcoming months. Summer would be the best time to do that, before the fall ratings period begins.

Robert Feder's Chicago Sun-Times radio column is now out, with detailed Windy City ratings information. According to Feder, WLS was hit hard in every daypart, including morning drive with Don Wade and Roma, but was especially clobbered in afternoons, where Roe Conn has been working solo since his co-host exited last year.

WLS has a number of very well-paid local talk hosts, with performance like this I hope they've been stuffing the piggy banks for a rainy day, because it's now pouring outside.

Air America affiliate WCPT-AM shows up for the first time with a 0.4, tied for second-to-last place.

#17 San Diego:

KOGO-AM sustains heavy damage, falling a full share, from a 5.3 to a 4.3. It's no longer in first place, either, now taking second. KOGO carries Limbaugh and Roger Hedgecock.

Rival KFMB isn't putting up much of a fight anymore, holding steady with a 3.2, after peaking last year at 4.8. It runs Savage and local talker Rick Roberts.

Air America's KLSD turned in a flat 1.7, up a tenth.

I think a huge mistake is being made in San Diego, where there are few local talk shows, despite an increasing number of hot area issues, particularly with major city scandals unfolding. Syndicated talkers simply can't address these matters.

Short-sighted cost-cutting is taking a major toll on performance. KFMB thought it was enough to have Roberts, that needs to be reconsidered. KOGO needs more of a local talk focus and to target younger listeners, KFI-style.

Note that L.A.'s KFI scores a relatively large rating in San Diego, a 2.4 in the latest survey. That's a strong indication area listeners aren't happy with local choices.

#6 Philadelphia:

Infinity's Limbaugh talker WPHT holds steady at 11th, with a flat 3.6 overall share.

Air America's WHAT-AM falls off the page, with no ratings to report.


#10 Detroit:

ABC's WJR down, but holds first place with a 5.6, down from a 6.3 in the winter book. WJR is the Limbaugh/Hannity station for the region.

Air America's WDTW-AM gets a 0.4, good for second-to-last place.

Susan Whitall's Detroit News radio column is now up. Hat tip: RadioDailyNews.


Updates Thursday for many major cities, check here after 6pm EDT. Please post your comments below, no registration required.

Ratings data comes from Radio & Records. Please support our advertisers.

Update: Another radio blogging discovery: Ohio Media Watch. Lots about talk radio here.

Huffington Post Takes On Radio Equalizer

Not Over Yet

Talk Hosts Return From Iraq, Slams Continue


Looks like liberals weren't done attacking talk radio's field trip to Iraq, after all.

Nor did the Radio Equalizer's piece on the subject go unnoticed, either, becoming fodder for the Huffington Post's Michelle Pilecki:

Since this was also a morale-boosting trip giving regular servicemembers cookies, coffee, and a chance to talk on the radio, I wouldn't have any problem with it if it weren't that the rhetoric of so many trip-supporters was as heated as Iraq in July.

My favorite example from the Radio Equalizer: "The onslaught really became personal, as [KSFO-AM/San Francisco morning host Melanie] Morgan's news credentials were attacked and one site begged Iraqi terrorists to kidnap the group."

Said "site" was actually a discussion in which one of 62 posts said: "I hope the insurgency, er, freedom fighters are taking notes and planning a kidnaping or two." Five other posts compared the tour to This Is Spinal Tap, so you know just how serious they were.


Wasn't it really about the left going bananas over the purpose of this trip, calling it propaganda? FOX News ran a lengthy story, with an array of charges made by critics.

What bothered me was that many of the hosts paid their own way, in one case $20,000 out-of-pocket and deserved a little more respect. Instead, they got the Rove treatment, with accusations the group was in cahoots with the administration.

Pilecki is very kind to point out the morale-boosting aspect of the journey, which I'd never seen mentioned by anyone on the left side of the spectrum.

As for the personal attacks on KSFO's Melanie Morgan, they were well-documented and refuted by Michelle Malkin here.

Pilecki believes I've somehow been wrong to pin on a website, what's contained in its comments section. To me, the point is that the outrageous discussion has taken place, not whether the site's author was behind it.

Can it really be chalked up to one reader's crazy comment?

It's not quite that simple, it turns out. The hate rhetoric began with the first of 62 messages at the lefty Smirking Chimp site, featuring the headline "Attention All Iraqi Kidnappers", followed by the FOX News story mentioned above.

A number of subsequent comments from readers focus on whether the hosts would or should be physically harmed, seeming to hope it would happen:


Who are the big names on the itinerary?

I hope the insurgency, er, freedom fighters are taking notes and planning a kidnaping or two. Hannity or Coulter begging for their lives would be something to see.

Exhibit "B" (with language editing):

I hope some of the troops beat the f**king s**t out of them.

Thats what I hope.

"C":

Although the idiot "journalists" going on this junket whine that they're paying their own way, WE will be paying for their protection while they're over there in the form of our tax dollars. How I wish I had the connections to arrange a kidnapping or two.

How about "D" (language editing mine):

I hate to think this, I really do. But after reading this so-called "feedback" from the Safe, er...Green Zone, I'm convinced the only thing that's going to shut these deluded f**kers up is for a crate of pipe bombs to detonate right inside their air conditioned housing unit.

I take that back...please make this happen during one of their skinny-dipping ("I won’t tell if you won’t!"), Fallijah-Fizz sessions!


As for the Spinal Tap "satire", it's confined to just a few of the messages and isn't a key aspect of the discussion.

Meanwhile, the hate speech in the above posts isn't challenged even once, in fact, others add to it, in subsequent comments.

How angry must you be to wish this kind of harm on your political opponents? And why the need to downplay hate-filled rhetoric on your own side of the fence?

Jay Severin Exits Tucker Carlson's Show

WHAT HAPPENED?

Boston Host's Sudden MSNBC Departure Fuels Speculation





If you blinked, you've missed Boston radio talk show host Jay Severin's national cable talk stint. And if one source is correct, he may be finished on TV for some time.

What exactly was the real reason for Severin's departure from MSNBC's low-rated "The Situation With Tucker Carlson"?

Last week, The Radio Equalizer began to note a large number of Google search enquiries reaching this site, using "Jay Severin fired", or close variations, with no indications of any emerging news. Who had the early line?

Usually, there's an official version, instead we have conflicting reports. The New York Post paints a dubious picture of Severin-the-tired-commuter, not seeing the ratings-challenged program as worth his commute from Long Island to New Jersey:

JAY Severin has vanished from MSNBC's new "The Situation with Tucker Carlson." Sources say Severin, a conservative who hosts a radio talk show in Boston, didn't enjoy the commute from his home in Sag Harbor to the TV show's studio in New Jersey - especially when he saw how low Carlson's ratings were.

Severin, who has a wife and young daughter, was also promised a state-of-the-art studio where he could do his radio show on the days when he was on TV, but MSNBC didn't deliver. Severin's departure leaves humorless Air America host Rachel Maddow as the breakout star on Carlson's daily panel.



Today, however, TVNewser provides a different take: that network sources say he was in fact fired and will never again be seen on MSNBC.

From their report:

But the suggestion that leaving the Situation was Severin's decision is a "complete absolute lie," an insider tells TVNewser.

In fact, he's been banned from the network: "You won't see him on MSNBC again," the source says. (And based on Severin's actions in Secaucus, "we were shocked to read in Page Six that he has a wife and daughter," the insider adds...)

Who to believe? While sometimes the truth lies somewhere in the middle of such conflicting accounts, we have good reason to wonder about the Post report, given many unanswered questions about Jay Severin:

--- Why does he continue to be evasive about hosting his show from Long Island, New York? His Boston listeners would never accept this if it were to become widely known.

--- What is his political ideology? In his radio bio, it's called "Libertarian/libertine", whatever that means, but I could swear he was touted as the conservative counterpart to fringe extremist Rachel Maddow on "The Situation".

--- While he claims to have a major political campaign consultancy background, details are elusive. His bio does not mention specific candidates or issues, can we have some verified positions and duties? With his home in New York, he certainly isn't a player in New England politics.

--- He claims to be edgy, but his show sounds like more of the same mellow-talk that plagues much of the market (and simply doesn't fit the area).

I don't buy the Post's Page Six line that he was simply tired of the commute, or thought the ratings were too low. Severin's not a major TV personality and needed every minute of this exposure.

Maddow's smart to ride "The Situation" to its inevitable upcoming end, since the TV face time could lead to other opportunities.

Boston's radio community has long been tired of Severin's antics, particularly the Long Island residency. Here, they question his latest flap.

If TV Newser's report is correct, what exactly did happen at MSNBC? It sounds serious and should be investigated further.

Meanwhile, how's he doing in Boston? Severin's critics are sometimes told that his ratings top WRKO's franchise conservative talk host Howie Carr, but the hard copy to back up the claim hasn't emerged, at least not into my in-box.

When Severin's WTKK-FM pumped up the advertising and marketing budget last year, ratings went up substantially, even beating rival WRKO for a brief moment.

But when WRKO responded with a major billboard campaign of its own, it went far higher, while WTKK fell sharply. That's where things stand now, with a hugely important ratings update just days away.

Let's hope somebody at MSNBC is willing to leak the rest of the story. Severin's Boston listeners deserve to know more.

Move America Forward Talk Hosts Visit Iraq

'Propaganda' Allegations Fizzle

Liberals Not Getting Ammo From Talk Hosts In Iraq


Move America Forward's radio talk show host expedition to Iraq must so far be a stunning disappointment for liberals.

Where's the blatant propaganda? The partisan "non-reality" of events there, as we were warned for days would occur?

As it turns out, the visit by American talk hosts seems more a morale booster, Bob Hope-style, than a sinister "radical right" plot.

KSFO-AM/San Francisco Morning Host Melanie Morgan. Photo by Chris Stewart, San Francisco Chronicle.

Luckily, they have the Plame-Novak-Moonbat distraction to keep them busy this week, or they'd be pulling their hair out trying to find fault with this (excerpted) email, just received from MAF's Melanie Morgan and Howard Kaloogian:

Hello everybody,

We had a briefing with Iraqi Lt. General Abdul Qader Jassim who gave us some outstanding news on the progress Iraqi forces are making to assume control of security operations in their country. He estimated their forces are 60% of where they need to be.

This is important, because until they achieve this, U.S. troops won't be able to withdraw.

Also, U.S. Col. Ben Hodges reported that 18 bases under Coalition control have been transferred to Iraqi control. There remain 91 bases under Coalition control in the nation that still need to be transferred to the Iraqi military.

We've spoken to a lot of soldiers and Marines and they all are so proud to be serving on the frontlines in the war against terrorism. They tell us that they think the work they are doing in Iraq is critical to keeping America safe. They are disappointed that some media outlets are so negative about their efforts here.

We'll be having audio clips of interviews with our troops published online at http://www.MoveAmericaForward.org and also broadcast on the radio. You should make a habit of listening to Melanie's reports live from Baghdad every weekday from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM Pacific [which is equivalent to 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern].

Log on to http://www.KSFO.com to listen to the radio program live - or if you live in northern California tune in to 560 AM on your radio dial.

Finally - the guys and gals here tell us that they really appreciate the cards and letters and care packages that are sent to them each day. It lets them know they are being thought of by the people back at home. And it also tells them the American people support them -even when news reports suggest the public has turned against our troops.

We'll write more soon!

-- Howard and Mel

Why was the left so worked up about this trip in the first place? I've been baffled, especially since other groups of hosts have already visited the country.

The onslaught really became personal, as Morgan's news credentials were attacked and one site begged Iraqi terrorists to kidnap the group!

Michelle Malkin did such a great job tackling the Morgan character assassination attempt, I felt no need to go into it here. But the whole story now demands an update.

Moonbat Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, (D-Contra Costa County) doesn't feel conservatives should even bother to visit. Here's what she told KPIX-TV:

But Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, D-Walnut Creek, has been to that region four times, and told CBS 5 there's nothing wrong with the coverage so far.

"I don't think it's distorted at all," she said. "I think it was a good idea to embed the reporters early on in March of 2003... I think that this White House apparently decides if they don't like the news they are going to change the news, or change who reports the news... They already have a record of faux reporters getting White House credentials."

What's the real beef (Bay Area version: tofu)? My theories: lefties feel they are winning the media war, convincing Americans Iraq was a mistake, bolstered by recent poll data.

Also, they're threatened by a conservative group partly based in San Francisco, their liberal elitism headquarters.

There's something else: this is one of the few times I've seen the ultraliberal Bay Area media give talk radio a significant amount of attention. Usually, they pretend it doesn't exist.

It took a decade to get the San Francisco Chronicle to admit that Michael Savage was on the air, by then heard on hundreds of stations.

Instead of the usual shun-them-and-they-will-go-away policy, Northern California newspapers and television stations actually gave them airtime, followed by these conspiracy-laden rebuttals in the Chron:

"And if they think that the military is going to let something happen to them while they're over there, c'mon," said comedian Al Franken, who hosts a talk show on the liberal Air America radio network that is broadcast in the Bay Area.

"That's how stupid these people are. They think they can walk around and talk to shopkeepers. They don't realize how dangerous it is over there."

Critics like Franken say the Truth Tour is nothing more than propaganda from the well-oiled conservative media echo chamber. They call it a velvet- rope tour that aims to re-inflate sagging support for the Bush administration's Iraq policy.

"It's extremely Orwellian," said Don Hazen, executive editor of San Francisco-based Alternet. "You can't spin the fact that there are people dying over there, and there's no light at the end of the tunnel and no coherent policy on how to get out. How is that a good story?"

It says a lot about the politically stale environment in one-party San Francisco and much of California today, where a battleground field trip by opponents is seen as "Orwellian".

Morgan and Kaloogian, a former GOP Assemblyman, sure do know how to get ink. I found many hundreds of references during a Google search today, a good chunk critical.

Many focused on the Sacramento GOP heavyweights involved in the group, such as at News Hounds:


According to FOXNews.com, "The 'Truth Tour' has been pulled together by the conservative Web cast radio group Rightalk.com and Move America Forward, a non-profit conservative group backed by a Republican-linked public relations firm in California."

That PR firm is Russo Marsh & Rogers, Inc. of Sacramento, which specializes in political campaigns. As their website states:

"When it comes to winning elections, few firms can match the success of Russo Marsh + Rogers, Inc.

"The experience of RM+R�s staff is one of the greatest advantages you get when you recruit the Russo Marsh + Rogers team of political professionals and campaign experts.

"In addition to our experience in almost every state in the nation and in countries such as Nicaragua and the Ukraine, the expertise of RM+R�s staff extends to every aspect of campaign strategy and design.

[Note: Click here for a list of the campaigns they have worked on, a list which includes George Pataki, the California Republican Party, George Deukmejian and George Nethercutt (Washington State).

They seem to have a penchant for candidates with the first name "George." Sal Russo, one of the founders of RM+R also sits on the Board of Directors of Move America Forward. Other Board members include Howard Kaloogian, Melanie Morgan, Buzz Patterson, Jed Babbin and Siobhan Guiney.


So it's a problem when campaign operatives work directly on issues of concern during the off-season? Yes, Republicans are behind this effort, what's the big surprise?

Meanwhile, liberals in the radio industry haven't stopped griping about the trip, particularly at Usenet Newsgroup ba.broadcast, longtime discussion board for Bay Area radio and television people.

It got so bad that one participant, nicknamed "Bang Vamburg" posted this yesterday:

I'm usually pretty laid-back on this board, but reading all the sarcasm directed at Morgan pisses me off.

The woman's in Iraq simply to get another perspective on the war--by sticking a mic in front of mostly grunt soldiers. I admire her guts for going over there, despite the posted assumptions that she's not leaving the Green Zone--which is crap (and which you'd have known, had you heard any of her reports).

Besides, of COURSE she's taking security precautions--did you think she went to Iraq to get her head blown off?

I'd like to see any of the sarcastic candy asses on this board make the 48-hour trip to Baghdad and endure 120-degree heat, the constant dust, dirt and primitive conditions--not to mention the obvious dangers--to get the soldiers' own stories. Why the hell can't you just wish her well? BV

Bravo, BV, that sums it up like nothing else. Have a safe trip home, guys.

Odd New Christian Talk Network

Bad Ass Christian Talk?

New Religious Format Seeks Audience


Today's All Access online edition contains an ad that had the Radio Equalizer just plain baffled:


CHRISTIAN RADIO NETWORK FOR MEN 25-54

WOW! We still have not found the right guy, who does not sound like he works at Salem. For the last time... if you are a FLAME-THROWING AIR-TALENT who has personality and not a limp-wristed girly man sound, send you're Mp3 now to
programming@centalkradio.com or info@centalkradio.com

Our national network targets christian men 25-54 "No chicks". We pay great not like the other so-called christian radio networks who pay low and bonus with God.

Working for CEN means you can quit the food stamp program you're on while you have been working at those other so-called christian broadcasting companies.


Is this for real? My first thought: wondering if this was a fake ad placed by somebody with an agenda to make Christians look horrible.

The entire ad is a knock on Salem Communications, home to a number of low-rated Christian and secular talk stations. Salem's reputation for low pay is a common perception in the radio industry, whether true or not.

Salem's syndication arm features Michael Medved, Hugh Hewitt and others.

I found the website for this outfit here. Here's what they say they're all about:


At last count there were 72,653,213.5 (approximately) christian men in the United States alone. This is God's army.

Unfortunately his soldiers are unprepared for battle, trying to survive on a diet of commercial radio which drives them to distraction and away from God. With the current state of christian radio programming who could blame them?

There are chrisitian men ready to jump out of windows if they are forced to listen to another Amy Grant song or another preacher peddling prayer clothes and "prosperity". ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, WE'VE HAD IT!

CEN Talk Radio is here to whip God's army into shape by making available funny, intelligent, courageous, God-focused radio specifically designed for today's christian men.

"No Chicks" seems to be their mantra.

There's a full list of programs here, but no indication of where it might be heard. Any stations carrying this? Is this for real, or am I being had?

Is there a big market for bad-ass Christian radio?

Imus Sued By Doctor

THE MUMBLING NIGHTMARE

With Yet Another Flap, Does Radio Deserve Don Imus?







If the sagging ratings, incoherent dialogue, inconsistent positions and fossil-like delivery aren't enough, Don Imus delivers more: another legal flap involving his New Mexico ranch.

Former Imus Ranch Physician Dr. Howard Pearson has sued him for slander, after the radio host said he "was one of the worst doctors in the world and did not care if children suffered," according to the suit and USA Today.

Ratings have long been declining for Don Imus. MSNBC Photo via USA Today.



We've pounded on the talk dinosaur here before, maybe not hard enough, though. An April piece documented his 20-year ratings decline, with help from the New York Post's John Mainelli.

And we covered the flap over his now-fired slimy sidekick Sid Rosenberg in May, who made fun of singer Kylie Minogue's breast cancer fight.

Not forgotten have been Imus's inconsistent political stances, such as his overt Kerry support last year. Why is he still thought of as a conservative?

And, while he strives to be radio's bad boy, a lot of time is spent kissing up to some of the elitist media establishment's most notorious figures.

Especially annoying is his quest to convince America he's some kind of saint, ready to help sick children at his ranch retreat. The Radio Equalizer can't figure out why he still occupies prime radio and television real estate.

Worst of all: he's boring.

From the USA Today report:

Dr. Howard Allen Pearson, a pediatric cancer and blood specialist, says in court papers that on at least four days last year, the tart-tongued shock jock said Pearson "was one of the worst doctors in the world and did not care if children suffered."

Pearson's lawsuit says Imus apparently became upset because he misunderstood the physician's response to a call that a child at the ranch was in pain. Pearson left the main house and began the 4 1/2-minute, quarter-mile walk to the infirmary, court papers say.

Because the nurse had said there was no emergency, he declined a ride offered by Imus' wife. The doctor says he arrived at the infirmary at 7:45 a.m., gave the child pain medicine, and she resumed normal activities.

About 45 minutes later, court papers say, Imus pulled up in his truck, jumped out and began yelling and cursing at Pearson.

Imus, "ashen, shaking and unstable," and armed with a gun and a knife, screamed at Pearson for about 10 minutes, calling him "an arrogant (expletive) doctor who doesn't mind letting a child suffer," court papers say.

Dr. Pearson also alleges that Imus repeated the "slanderous" comments, during four different programs, over the course of several months.

According to Perry Simon of All Access, a radio trade publication:

Contacted by the ASSOCIATED PRESS, IMUS confirmed and repeated the comments and called the lawsuit "disgraceful." IMUS says that "The place was a quarter mile away and he refused to get in the truck. He said he wanted to walk down there. He's about 80 years old, and the way he walks, who knows how long it would take him to get there? I thought it was just the most outrageous and repulsive behavior in a doctor. It's disgraceful."

If this did happen as alleged, is Imus mentally stable enough to continue to function in society, or is it time to visit a mental hospital for an extended stay? Could he harm someone during the next rabid outburst?

There's additional coverage at Newsday, I'll continue to follow it here and provide further developments.

How much longer can MSNBC and his radio station affiliates put up with this?

New Attack Tied To Al-Qaeda?

NEW TERRORIST ATTACK?

Thirteen Injured, Plus: New UK Arrests, Irish Islamists?







According to a late BBC report, a bomb explosion in central Port-Of-Spain, Trinidad, has injured 13 people, two critically.


From BBC: Cosmopolitan Port-Of-Spain is a major port and industrial centre, Central Bank towers in view.


It appears to bear the hallmarks of an Al-Qaeda attack, or at least one in sympathy with recent Islamist atrocities in London and elsewhere.

With extensive Trinidad and Tobago experience, allow me to build a case for Islamo-fascism as the cause, even if local police aren't yet saying so.

Trinidad's internal stability is an American national security issue.

This twin-island, democratic, English-speaking nation of 1.4 million residents sits just a few miles off the coast of Venezuela. Like America, it's a melting pot of many different ethnic groups.


Monday's bomb attack left 13 injured. BBC/AP


A former British colony, since independence in 1962, it has built
a relatively high standard of living as a non-OPEC exporter of oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and asphalt components, nearly all sent to the US.

An American ally, Trinidad has close connections to the US in many areas. A number of Americans live and work in the southern part of the island, representing oil companies.

Any Al-Qaeda-backed destablisation attempt could help send American energy prices even higher and give extremists a stronger foothold in the hemisphere.

So far, details of this attack are still emerging, but a man was seen dropping a package into a trash bin near the national parliament building shortly before the attack.

Islamic extremism hit Trinidad several years before the first World Trade Center attacks, with a 1990 coup attempt by 114 Muslim radicals, who blew up police headquarters, took over parliament, television stations and held the country's president hostage.

It took five days for order to be restored and the country's reputation for stability was shattered. It also exposed the country's weak police and military forces.

From a US State Department account of the incident:

In July 1990, the Jamaat al Muslimeen, an extremist Black Muslim group with an unresolved grievance against the government over land claims, tried to overthrow the NAR government. The group held the prime minister and members of parliament hostage for 5 days while rioting shook Port of Spain.

After a long standoff with the police and military, the Jamaat al Muslimeen leader, Yasin Abu Bakr, and his followers surrendered to Trinidadian authorities. In July 1992, the Court of Appeal upheld the validity of a government amnesty given to the Jamaat members during the hostage crisis.

Abu Bakr and 113 other Jamaat members were jailed for two years while other courts debated the amnesty's validity. All 114 members were eventually released after a ruling by the U.K. Privy Council.

Since then, Trinidad has been able to hold the line on the radicals, with no new attacks, but this could be evidence of a new push.

The irony is that very few of Trinidad's citizens are Muslims, only six percent, according to the State Department.


The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago sits just a few miles off the coast of Venezuela. BBC graphic


There's a fairly even balance between Africans and Europeans, predominantly Roman Catholics and East Indians, nearly all Hindus. In recent years, Protestant missionaries have converted a significant chunk of the population.

With ongoing minor tensions between the two groups, played out politically in parliament, there are no radical factions associated with either side. It's generally a civil society, with other problems: it's used a trans-shipment point for South American drugs headed to the US.

Trinidad has made a huge effort to be supportive of the many faiths practiced in the country, by recognizing their religious holidays. Muslims have been included, despite their tiny population percentage.

Clearly, this was a terrorist action and there's simply an absence of other groups in Trinidad that could be responsible for the attack.

Islamic extremists have a history of violent radicalism on the island, therefore suspicion should begin there.

Is Al-Qaeda directly responsible? Possibly, but it could be something done in sympathy with recent attacks in London and Madrid.


UPDATE: Tuesday Trinidad newspaper coverage here. Warning: graphic images of victims. Police not eager to blame terrorism, in denial. What else is it?

At Free Republic, posters add relevant links to previous stories about suspected movement between Al-Qaeda operatives hiding in Trinidad later attempting, or possibly succeeding, in entering the US.


UPDATE: UPI reporting military ruling out terrorism. Tell that to a shaken public, thousands of whom evacuated the city after the attack. What else could you call it? A bomb goes off near parliament, what's that, an accident? Smells like a cover-up attempt.

Other Caribbean nations worried. Jamaica Observer story here.


Writer Taran, at a site called KnowProSE takes issue with my account of the Trinidad bombing, here's an excerpt:

All that's lacking is... evidence. We may never actually know that there were 'terrorist links' because of the helicopter wash, but what usually happens in a terrorist attack is someone claims responsibility. To the time of this writing, nobody has done so - or if they have, the general public hasn't been informed.

So while Al-Quaeda is as much of a solution for a scapegoat as a disgruntled Maraj Jeweller employee, nobody knows - and it's unlikely that the crackpipeshot police force will ever know. Further, if it was Al Quaeda- there are plenty of other targets in Trinidad and Tobago which would have been more devastating and have less security than Frederick Street.

My response: the government has bent over backwards to placate Muslims in the country for many years. Admitting this is a terrorist action by Al-Qaeda members or sympathizers means facing the failure of this policy to prevent further violence.

Taran admits that mishandling evidence put a damper on the investigation, so downplaying its origin becomes necessary for police. Trinidad's police have been notoriously inept over the years, to the point where the government had to call in Scotland Yard for retraining.

Declaring it a "criminal action" echoes the language of Howard Dean and American Democrats. Of course it's terrorism. The speed with which they ruled it out is laughable, despite having no other real theory.

News accounts have politicians decrying societal decay, as though it's a problem with common criminals. Coming just days after London, however, it's too big of a coincidence to ignore, given the radical Muslim element in the country.

If Trinidad regularly had bombings linked to criminals, that would be one thing, but this is not common in the country.

Second-guessing the bombing location doesn't provide insight, either. It was placed in a busy city location, near parliament. That's where you'd expect a terrorist to operate.


Basque separatists claim responsibility for today's bomb blasts in Spain.


Breaking: arrests in UK. From the BBC:

Arrests have been made in Yorkshire after the identity of the suspected London bus bomber led police to make a series of raids.

Security sources said the bus bomb suspect died in the blast but it is unclear if it was a suicide bombing.

They believe the four bombers were British born and all died in the Thursday's bombings.

Police have carried out controlled explosions in Leeds and Luton and searched six houses.

Former Queen guitarist Brian May blames US and UK for bomb attacks.

Via WorldNetDaily: The Scotsman has a report on Islamists moving to Ireland from the UK.

The reason: possibly to operate in an area away from British intelligence services. However, PM Bertie Ahern says Ireland is working with the UK on data-sharing.


Biased BBC scores again, skewering the Beeb for striking the word "terrorist" from news reports. Well done!


Stupid Euro tricks: EU more worried about vitamin sales than terrorism.

Welcome Michelle Malkin and Free Republic readers.

Letter Bag

Oifig An Phoist


Irish for "the post office".

Getting great feedback from readers, here are several:


From David in Washington state:

You don't make much hay over the Seattle Post-Intelligencer's amazing endorsement of the judge's ruling (on talk radio commentary being declared in-kind campaign contributions). They are not only splitting hairs, but the opinion piece is amazingly elitist.

They have backed themselves into a corner, as much airtime across the political spectrum fits within the judge's ruling. You should hammer them.


From J Gorton in Texas:

Here is an interesting article from today's Austin American-Statesman on ABC's "Welcome to the Neighborhood" (which was filmed in Austin).

There is much that is new, and it seems that the neighbors (and some of the pressure groups) have a very different story to tell than what was originally reported.


From Ed Christian, President, Saga Communications:

Brian: Any further info on the Bill Press show? Amazingly enough I have three radio stations where I want to place his show and we, for the life of it, can't get (a) return calls or (b) promises of a package or information on the show from his people.

I have never seen such ineptness since the launch of Air America.

(Ed: this may explain why Press's show still seems to lack a single additional affiliate since my previous essay on the subject. Brian)

Send your thoughts to radioequalizer@aol.com.
New Wednesday stories on Don Imus and a bizarre new Christian talk format.

David Lee Roth Really Stern's Replacement?

Dave For Howard?

Reports Persist On Stern's Successor


Has Howard Stern's replacement already been chosen?

While there's generally a political talk focus here, the Radio Equalizer does get reminded that raunchmeister Howard Stern is one of the nation's most popular hosts.

His millions of listeners mean big money for affiliate stations. With the earlier announcement of a switch to pay radio at year's end, the radio industry has spent a great deal of time wondering who could possibly replace him.

In recent days, an increasing number of reports say Stern's replacement would be none other than "Diamond Dave" Lee Roth, former Van Halen frontman.


Former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth is known for eccentric showmanship. Photo credit: davidleeroth.com


I chuckled at the thought of David Lee Roth taking over the show, but what really got me thinking about the change, was a fired-up big city news-talk program director I spoke with late in the week. He's spent years in music, sports radio, TV and a great deal of time in AM news-talk.

"Dave's never worked a day in his life," the programmer noted.

"This job requires a major daily commitment, very early hours, a lot of work. Do you really think David Lee Roth is willing to get up in the middle of the night?

He added, "What about the past substance abuse issues? He sits in a couple of times in two cities and that means he's ready to take over for Stern? I don't think so."

Later, another major-market programmer told me something I think is related, that syndicators and station managers don't seem to realize there's no substitute for on-air experience.

"The talented people in this business make it look easy," he added, "some in the industry mistakenly take that to mean that it is easy, but it's not true."

Many people are rushed into national talk shows based on name recognition, but haven't proven they can handle the daily grind for the long run, he also indicated.

In addition, he said he's tried to reason with broadcast execs on the subject, but it seems to fall on deaf ears. Worse, when hosts are selected based on marquee value, they often aren't coached by industry veterans and quickly develop bad habits.

Sure, Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern have teams of producers and other assistants to help them with show prep and other matters. But there's no way they could have been successful without a great deal of hard work. Even a sleazy sex show requires a lot of planning, from games, to skits, spoofs and guests.

Limbaugh spends many hours monitoring the news and working with staff before the next program. And, he worked his tail off for decades in the industry, with many difficult periods.

Yes, the Williams sisters make tennis look easy, but what happens when you try it? Radio and television hosting are very similar.

David Lee Roth might be a great substitute, but does he really have what it takes to do more than a few shows? Why not use an FM morning show that has succeeded in a major city, with an established ratings track record?

In the coming days, we'll see if the reports are really true. So far, Infinity Broadcasting is only saying that Roth is among those who might ultimately get the job.

With the possibility that Stern could be yanked from radio stations three months early, there is little time remaining to make a decision.

Talk Radio, Blogosphere After London

Balancing London, Other News

Toughest Call: When To Move On


When stories as big as London's first break, it's obvious you'll cover nothing else. The topic picks you, rather than the usual other way around.

Yesterday, I asked WRKO/Boston morning hosts Peter Blute and Scott Allen Miller whether they'd even considered discussing another issue on Friday's show. Their answer: a definite no.

During my fill-in for Talk Radio Network's Tammy Bruce, it seemed unthinkable to mention anything else, with the exception of persistent and ultimately unfounded Supreme Court rumors regarding Chief Justice William Rehnquist's resignation plans.

But what about this weekend? That's where it gets trickier, not just for talk radio, but for the blogosphere as well.

It seems appropriate to cover other stories today, with an eye on the latest London developments, but the financial and other specialty programs on talk radio today just don't fit the ongoing public mood.

At times like this, these shows need to be removed from station schedules, but since they're often placed there by sales departments, program directors are usually stuck with this weekend garbage.

Major blogs have begun to mix up the topics somewhat, getting to unfinished business that was buried in an avalanche of terrorism news.

I was hoping for a longer Aruba break, but it's already back on the AP wire and television news.

Michelle Malkin took up talk radio's defense today, where it's under attack by a Washington state judge's radical get-conservative-hosts ruling. Scroll down to see my previous articles on the subject.

She adds a Seattle Times editorial to the mix, while today, I-912's gas tax repeal-backers claim to have enough signatures to get the issue on Washington state's ballot.

Other coverage today on Malkin's site includes stories related to London and the G8 Summit, where protestors clashed in San Francisco, and that Tony Blair's approval rating shot up 17 points after the attacks.

After my initial talk radio criticism on Thursday, where I felt too many local hosts kept to their holidays rather than returning to work, it seemed to redeem itself on Friday. Some did cancel breaks, while others were in far-flung locales, where it was simply impossible to host a talk show.

One major flap did erupt in Atlanta, however, as market leader WSB cut to Sean Hannity an hour earlier than usual on Thursday, a sound programming move. Meanwhile, ratings-challenged WGST ditched Rush Limbaugh entirely, running Braves baseball instead.

It doesn't take a lot of programming experience to know that when terrorists hit hard, baseball takes a back seat. It's customary for news-talk stations to temporarily drop sports coverage on major news days. Who do you think captured Thursday's ratings?

Also today, at the superb Biased BBC site, reports are that network coverage has begun to return to normal today, down to the PC language customary for the Beeb. I'll be writing more about this later.

Plus, talk radio reporter Perry M Simon with his insightful account of monitoring BBC Radio Five as Broadcasting House was being evacuated. Many American hosts have been interviewed on that station in the past, myself in 1997, so it hits home especially. It's hard enough to do the job properly in the best of circumstances, this adds a particular level of extreme stress to the job.

Friday London Terrorism Updates

The Hunt Is On

Headline Repeat, UK Solidarity, More


RADIO ALERT: I'll be filling in for nationally syndicated talk host Tammy Bruce today, noon-3pm EDT on the Talk Radio Network. We'll be discussing all the latest developments.


--- 9/11's infamous San Francisco Examiner "Bastards" headline has appeared again- this time on the front page of another tabloid, the Daily Star in London.

--- Are we, as Americans, doing enough to support our English friends in their difficult time? I haven't heard enough about what we plan to do to show our solidarity.

--- These attacks top, by far, anything the IRA ever attempted. Worst since WWII.

--- Did this April 2004 Reuters story predict the attacks?

--- US TV coverage began to fade from the story a bit as the evening went on. It was still the primary news story, but sports and local items were aired as well. I didn't give a rip about baseball today. Sorry.

--- Talk radio's biggest names made sure they were on the air, while some local hosts didn't interrupt holidays to host programs.

--- Biggest debate topic so far: will Britain cave, as Spain did, or remain resolute in the face of Islamo-tyranny.

--- Sick MP George Galloway, the English version of Rep. Jim McDermott, thinks Britain got what it deserved.

--- National Review: how London got into this vulnerable situation.

--- Extremist pro-kook group CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) issues statement to condemn acts, saying they are "barbaric".

--- WFAA: Londoners strong in face of attacks.

--- DEBKA: profile of suicide bus murderers.

--- Many more updates will be added later.

Terrorism Roundup

Latest London Developments

TV, Talk Radio, Blogosphere Reactions, Coverage Mixed


(New Friday Post Here)


--- AP Update here. 1.30pm EDT death toll: 37. ABC: bus attack was homicide bombing.

--- Substantial eyewitness accounts logged at the BBC's site here.

--- Subdued London Times headline. Web traffic obviously at extreme levels. Appeal for photos from readers. Police: no warning. Right photo credit: TimesOnline.

--- Important new story from WCBS radio: terrorist sleeper cells, awakened in England, ready for action in America?

--- AP/WCBS: Pataki says New Yorkers stand with Britain.

--- Full photo spread at FT.com.

--- It's getting harder to access UK news sites due to extreme traffic spike.

--- Gov. Romney raises T security levels in response. Would you ride the subways today? Boston riders reportedly reluctant to board. Boston TV news focus: whether it is safe to ride MBTA buses and trains. Major Logan security hike.

--- R's and D's agree: this is no time to close Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod, given its especially vital role in Homeland Security. The PAVE PAWS facility at Otis detects incursions into American territory, today's attacks underscore the need to keep it open. Otis supporters rallied in Boston.

--- Blair's looking strong and resolute, this kind of leadership should silence Labour backbenchers for the time being, perhaps extending Blair's time at No. 10. If they try to blame the attacks on his decision to get involved in Iraq and Afghanistan, it could very well backfire while emotions run high.

--- Bloomberg looking strong, a real opportunity to show leadership.

--- The power of mobiles becomes clear, as much of the footage we're seeing of the immediate aftermath comes from individuals holding phones up, to record events. It's like having thousands of cameramen at the scene. Amazing.

Blogosphere jumps into action:

--- Very substantial coverage from Michelle Malkin this morning, starting moments after news broke. Michelle wonders why there were never any real answers regarding a fizzled May 5 attack outside the British Consulate in New York, just before parliamentary elections. Was it a dry run, she asks?

--- Power Line tries to halt a tall tale:


I'm afraid we may have an urban legend in the making. Benjamin Netanyahu is in London to give a speech at an economic conference, and it has been reported that he got advance warning of the impending attacks:

Army Radio quoting unconfirmed reliable sources reported a short time ago that Scotland Yard had intelligence warnings of the attacks a short time before they occurred.

The Israeli Embassy in London was notified in advance, resulting in Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu remaining in his hotel room rather than make his way to the hotel adjacent to the site of the first explosion, a Liverpool Street train station, where he was to address and economic summit.

This report has now been corrected; there was no warning until after the first blast.


It's worse than an urban legend, I'm afraid, it will become fodder for Islamic extremists.

There is a Yahoo/AP story on it, however and Drudge still has it linked.

--- From Ace Of Spades: I think all discussions of political implications should be handled delicately. They're still counting the dead.

I don't expect England to "overreact" as the world fretted when we were attacked. But I have to think that Al Qaeda's little safe base in London-- that hook-handed monster, for example, openly supporting terrorism -- has come to an end.

--- Michael King's updating as well.

--- Orbusmax updating news headlines regularly.

--- Red State Rant on the difference between Britain and Spain.

--- Captain's Quarters: Egyptian diplomat hostage murdered.

--- Instapundit has a number of recommendations for UK blog sites and more. Glenn carries a quote from a counterterrorism site that this may be part of a summer offensive. Many regular updates here.

--- BlogsForBush has the full text of the President's statement.

--- lgf reports British Muslims have been warned to stay indoors for the time being.

--- At Media Slander, La Shawn Barber brings her perspective.


Television coverage has so far been mixed:

Cable goes wall-to-wall, broadcast networks mixed. Some stations still running regular programming. Local news mostly focused on story, but with major local angles that sometimes seem too provincial.

Certainly the potential for local attacks is quite possible and should be a big element of coverage, but it shouldn't overshadow what's happened in London.

Focus on the news that has actually occurred. Let's show we care.

Some other stories being covered as well. Actually heard an Aruba update. Let's take a pass on that one for a few days, shall we?


Talk radio caught off-guard:

While the blogosphere jumps right in, talk radio is caught with its pants down. Many regular hosts are away this week and the substitutes in their place range from nightmarish, to completely unairworthy.

These people are just not equipped to handle major news stories and it's obvious to the listenership. Talk radio shouldn't leave itself this vulnerable to major developments.

Hosts who care about their audiences should cut trips short or do remote broadcasts today.

Reader points out Rush and Hannity are in today. Limbaugh's always at his best during major news events. He sounds great right now, saying Britain will become more resolute and not cave in, as happened in Spain.

Rush also correctly points out that leftists are wrong to call this merely a criminal action, it's so obviously an act of war.

Blogs are busy picking up the slack.


I'm starting to hear from you about TV and radio coverage. Please leave comments in the section below, no registration required. How are your local radio and TV stations handling it? Or the networks? Thanks.

WA Talk Radio Ruling Gaining Attention

Awareness Builds

Backdoor Attempt To Reinstate Fairness Doctrine Gets Ink


When it comes to beating the holiday weekend news blues, maybe there is a weapon for getting the word out: persistence.

Nothing's worse than seeing a major news development, especially one having such a huge potential impact on conservative activism, getting buried by holiday distractions.

Especially ironic: a judicial assault on free speech, just before Independence Day.

Since a Thurston County, Washington, judge ruled late last Friday that comments by Seattle talk hosts are considered in-kind campaign contributions, subject to reporting under state disclosure laws, it's been an uphill battle getting conservatives to understand its ramifications.

The Radio Equalizer's previous reporting on the subject is found here.

But radio industry insiders, from on-air personalities to corporate suits, seemed to immediately grasp its impact.

In Thursday's edition, Bill Virgin of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer explores the decision's fallout. Here's an excerpt, but be sure to read the entire story, it's just stunning:


Talk-radio hosts regularly discuss candidates and ballot issues, often with a particular point of view in favor of one or opposed to another.

Do those comments constitute a financial contribution to a campaign?

Thurston County Superior Court Judge Chris Wickham thinks they do. In a ruling issued Friday, Wickham said the comments and activities by KVI-AM (570) hosts Kirby Wilbur and John Carlson on behalf of the Initiative 912 campaign are in-kind contributions that must be reported to the Public Disclosure Commission.

The ruling was sought by the San Juan County prosecutor and city attorneys for Seattle, Auburn and Kent as part of a larger case involving contributions to the Initiative 912 campaign.

Their argument is that the KVI hosts went beyond merely talking about the issue. In a release posted on the anti-initiative Web site Keep Washington Rolling, the plaintiffs accuse initiative backers of "failure to disclose the significant in-kind contributions received from Fisher Broadcasting, owners of radio station KVI.

"Radio hosts Kirby Wilbur and John Carlson have spent countless hours working on campaign strategy and promotion while on the Fisher payroll, and the KVI Web site urges listeners to help the two get the measure on the ballot. None of these resources provided by the Seattle-based broadcasting corporation have been reported as required per state disclosure laws."

Wrote Wickham, "In the area of speech, requiring disclosure of in-kind contributions for media time allocated to campaigning for a political campaign will not restrict that campaigning, but merely require it to be disclosed to the general public, much the same as any other valuable contribution."

As part of his ruling he ordered No New Gas Tax to disclose "all in-kind media contributions."

The ruling has attracted attention beyond Washington's borders. "It is absolutely stunning in terms of the philosophical and theoretical questions it raises," says Michael Harrison, publisher of the talk-radio trade magazine Talkers; Harrison adds that he's not aware of a similar case elsewhere in the country. In Harrison's view, if no money changed hands then there's no contribution.

"Otherwise you can subject it to taxes, limits on contributions, all kinds of things that get in the way of free speech. To put a value on it is a very dangerous precedent." (In response to the ruling and to meet a deadline, the initiative campaign estimated the value of the hosts' work at $20,000).

Brian Maloney, a former Seattle-area talk-show host who now runs a national blog on talk-radio issues, raises this question: If talk-radio comments count as political contributions, why not newspaper editorials? Or Web sites?


Or should I add, the guy in the park with a megaphone? The campaign volunteers doorbelling or leafletting?

In the story, a KVI/KOMO manager notes that a KOMO-TV commentator took the other side of the gas tax repeal issue, in editorial commentaries. Why aren't his statements considered a contribution to that campaign?

Judge Wickham chose to stick it only to conservatives.

Note that several city attorneys, including Seattle's, pushed for the talk radio element of the ruling. Isn't it obvious, that it's really about liberal councils trying to shut down their radio critics?

Could a case be now made for removing Rush Limbaugh from the Evergreen Province's airwaves?

One could easily argue that comments made by Limbaugh or other national hosts could also be considered contributions to say, Jim McDermott's opponents, or Maria Cantwell's, when he criticizes them on-air.

Limbaugh has often talked about attempts by Hillary Clinton and other Democrats to reinstate the FCC's former Fairness Doctrine, which regulated radio broadcasts and was repealed in 1987, paving the way for modern talk radio.

Isn't this a clever judicial method of doing what Congress so far hasn't?

Wickham's wrong when he says placing disclosure requirements on political speech won't stifle it. It will, especially when the opposing side uses it to demand free advertising of an "equal" amount.

Stations will quickly pull the plug on talk radio if forced to provide potentially large amounts of airtime gratis.

Also, he asserts that Wilbur and Carlson worked on the campaign while on Fisher's payroll. Does he mean they did this on company time? Otherwise, wouldn't any campaign volunteer's employer be subject to the same charge?

Within the FCC's election season window, stations would be forced to comply, or risk losing their licenses. These disclosure forms would give opponents valuable evidence to use in making a case to the FCC that they'd been denied equal access to airtime.

It's up to I-912's backers to appeal every aspect of this ruling. If they don't prevail, talk radio will be badly damaged in Washington state, for years to come.

Let's hope this doesn't spread to other states anytime soon.

McDermott Makes Top 100 List

'Baghdad Jim' Makes The Cut

Congressman On Author's Notorious List


While this list is too much fun to miss, sadly, I think the point is lost on Rep. 'Baghdad Jim' McDermott.

'Baghdad Jim' McDermott

McDermott is so delusional, he wears his 38th ranking on author Bernard Goldberg's new top "100 People Who Are Screwing Up America" list as a badge of honor.

Goldberg, author of 2001's "Bias", has a clever concept for this new book.

The biggest surprise: that it was covered at all in the Seattle Times:


Paris Hilton's parents; the Rev. Al Sharpton; the guy who gave us "Fear Factor;" and Rep. Jim McDermott.

At first glance, they don't have a lot in common. But they are linked for eternity in a new book, "100 People Who Are Screwing Up America (and Al Franken Is # 37)."

McDermott, as it happens, is No. 38. The Democratic congressman from Seattle apparently doesn't pose as big a threat to democracy as comedian-and-leftist radio talkster Franken. But McDermott presents more of a problem than, say, feminist Gloria Steinem, at No. 42, or Enron's disgraced chief executive, Kenneth Lay, who lumbered in at No. 45.


Can't wait to see the book, meanwhile, it's in the Amazon boxes to the right. The book's link is first, the CD version, second.

Judicial Ruling Could Silence Talk Radio

TALK RADIO CRUSHED

WA Judge Places Impossible Burden On Hosts





Fed up with increasingly disturbing cases of judicial activism?

Get ready for one that will knock your socks off.

Proving that the US Supreme Court's decimation of private property rights in the Kelo v. New London decision could be a mere warm-up act, a Washington state judge has now taken a wrecking ball to the First Amendment.

Talk radio's ability to freely express on-air opinions on the day's top news, especially of a political nature, is now taking it on the chin.

As a result of Thurston County, Washington Judge Christopher Wickham's ruling, two Seattle talk show hosts have been forced to place a monetary value on "campaign contributions" supposedly made, merely by supporting a proposed ballot initiative on the air.

The battle over gas tax increases in Washington state has been especially intense recently, as a three-cent per gallon hike took effect Friday, in the face of already skyrocketing petrol prices.


Conservatives, led by talk radio, have attempted to undo pumped-up gas taxes via ballot initiatives, working hard in recent weeks to gather enough signatures to put the proposed I-912 to a vote.

Liberal supporters of higher pump prices took I-912's backers to court, alleging wrongdoing because campaign contributors using PayPal, were not able to properly reveal necessary personal information needed for disclosure paperwork.

It was in ordering I-912's backers to get the missing information, or refund the contributions, that Judge Wickham revealed his real agenda: get talk radio.

In demanding that KVI hosts Kirby Wilbur and John Carlson determine and report a monetary value for their pro-I-912 on-air commentaries, the judge placed an impossible burden on their station.

How could a sensible dollar determination be made?

Is this a prelude to a insistance by opponents for equal time, or a matched "contribution" from station owner Fisher Broadcasting? You can bet your morning Starbucks.

Station management responded by estimating Wilbur and Carlson's comments at $10,000 each, but this would seem to open them up to further challenges.

Suppose opponents feel it's worth more? They could tie up the station in court for months, perhaps convincing the judge to prevent further on-air discussions, until the matter was resolved.

So much for the First Amendment.

More likely is that opponents of I-912, as well as future candidates, will simply demand free advertising on the station to match the supposed "contribution" in the form of a host's opinions.


This approach also appears to be a sneaky way of reimposing the FCC's former Fairness Doctrine, which forced stations to provide equal time to both sides of an issue.

Its 1987 repeal is widely credited with the talk radio revolution that followed.

KVI Program Director Dennis Kelly said this, as reported by the AP's David Ammons:

"Each host is entitled to his own opinion on the issues of the day. We don't agree with the premise of the ruling. If the judge's ruling holds, it will have a chilling effect on talk and news shows across America. It was a really unwise ruling."

Does Judge Wickham also believe newspaper editorials endorsing candidates or measures also constitute "in-kind" contributions to campaigns? What's the monetary value of a Seattle Times opinion piece?

Should we shut down political websites, while we're at it?

Brett Bader, a Republican consultant, called it "a dangerous and unenforceable ruling," according to the story.

Meanwhile, this activist judge was busy handing liberals other victories on the same issue:

In a separate case Friday, the same judge, Christopher Wickham, refused to stop the state from selling $70 million worth of highway bonds or otherwise encumbering the new gas-tax revenue before any vote on repeal.

Foes had asked that bond sales and signing of construction contracts be delayed, or that the state at least give potential buyers and contractors a clear warning that the tax could evaporate.

Wickham said he wouldn't second-guess the Legislature's decision to pass a bill that allows the state to sell highway bonds backed by the new taxes. A $70 million sale is expected this summer.

Let's hope Fisher Broadcasting has the sense to appeal this decision and see to it that its talk hosts aren't permanently muzzled by activist judges.

Otherwise, KVI might as well be shut down, now. And what about the precedent this could set for general election?

Update: Liberals react today with glee.

Two other notes: this decision was handed down late Friday, not making news until late in the weekend. The timing, coming in the middle of the holiday period, may be why so few people seem to have yet heard about it.

Also, it's noted that KVI's management does not have a history of backing up its hosts in these types of situations, but they are here and that's what's important.

If this decision stands and becomes a precedent, talk radio in Washington state could face severe future restrictions. Conservative radio has been built on this type of issues-advocacy.

Update: radio industry reaction today is one of alarm.

Wednesday: the AP story gave a confusing impression of who the judge ordered to determine and report the value of Carlson and Wilbur's pro-I-912 comments.

It stated that KVI management was forced to make the assessment, but later indicated Brett Bader actually complied with the ruling.

That means Bader, not KVI, came up with the $20,000 estimate.

Also today: I'm hearing from people who wonder why this hasn't been bigger news so far.

Theories: one, it got buried during the holiday weekend news tune-out, or the gravity of the ruling and the potential future impact haven't yet sunk in.

Believe me, in the radio industry, this decision has sent shock waves. If hosts have to be that careful about what they say, it will ruin the medium.

The minute I-912 opponents demand $20,000 in free KVI/KOMO advertising, it will be clear how dangerous this situation can become.

Ira Simmons of ChronWatch alerts me to the fact that Sean Hannity delved into this issue for today's show.

Blogs linking to this post today include Red State Rant, Bizzyblog, Blatherwatch, lgf's open thread comments section, Free Republic as well as Orbusmax.

Assorted Stuff

Weekend Odds And Ends


Illegals from Brazil? Had to chuckle at the stories this week, apparently, the media thinks they arrive only from Mexico, China and Central America.

Spend five minutes in New England, however, and you'll quickly realize the extent to which immigration from Portuguese-speaking countries, Brazil, Cape Verde and Portugal, has reshaped the region.

Providence now has two commercial Portuguese FM radio stations, owned by major operators, while understanding the language is now a survival skill in New Bedford, Fall River, parts of Boston and increasingly, Cape Cod.

Massachusetts officials seem to believe they can solve their population drain issue through illegal immigration, but you can't build an economy based on chasing away your best and brightest young people, who'd rather live in Arizona, Colorado, or Florida.

Most important: illegals are illegals, it doesn't matter where they're from, race isn't a factor either.

New arrivals from Brazil can be of any ethnicity, European, African, Indian or Asian.


Speaking of population, look how liberal cities are losing big numbers to conservative Sunbelt areas.


Meanwhile, the real racists are in Mexico, pushing postage stamps.


Normally, I'm all for a city's competitive newspaper environment, but in Seattle, it's good news the ultra-leftist Post-Intelligencer has lost a key Washington State Supreme Court ruling, which could lead to the rival Times being the only daily in town.

It's one thing to have a slant, it's another to relentlessly push a political agenda. Need an example? How about this editorial: "Iraq: No Reason For Hope".


Venezuelan thug Hugo Chavez is trying to bribe neighbors with cheap oil, especially for Fidel Castro.


Gay activists are increasingly at odds with West Indians, in a variety of tourism and cultural settings. Most Caribbean countries are made up of socially conservative Christians, who strongly oppose homosexuality.


Tucker Carlson's MSNBC ratings have so far been horrible, but a few people (mostly liberals) are rising to his defense.

Radio Alert: Friday July 1

Radio Alert: Tonight


I'll be filling in for syndicated Talk Radio Network host Rusty Humphries, Friday July 1, from 9pm-midnight EDT.



Check back here for some of the stations that carry the show.

New ratings updates below.

Seattle Radio Ratings Released

Shakeup In Seattle

Rush-less Conservatives Win, Baseball Boost, Denver News


One of the more interesting results of the Arbitron Spring 2005 Phase II ratings has emerged in Seattle, where a news-talk shake-up is underway.

A seasonal Mariners baseball surge explains part of it, but there are larger trends at work, as well.

The ongoing conservative talk war between KVI and Limbaugh affiliate KTTH, has seen the former take the lead, despite lacking Rush's golden EIB microphone.

As mentioned here previously, the difference is simple: KVI has overcome the show's departure to KTTH by correctly emphasizing local talk shows, while the latter has failed to retool the lineup.

While KVI rose from a 2.5 to a 2.9, KTTH held at a 2.7, a recent low and down from a peak of 3.8 set last summer.

The lesson? That the days of simply coasting on Limbaugh's success are over. While Rush still has a huge following, he can no longer hold up a station on his own. Nor should this be expected of El Rushbo.

This reflects a trend we've seen in other cities, from New York, to Chicago, Dallas and Washington, where Limbaugh stations saw big ratings drops.

Does it mean he's less popular? I don't believe so. Most of the other cases involve ABC stations, which are in limbo, while they wait to be sold off by Disney.

KVI has a major revenue advantage as well, because local shows have more advertising spots per hour, as well as hosts making endorsements and live appearances at area businesses.

Strong sales departments know these opportunities more than offset on-air salaries.

Since news station KOMO-AM grabbed the Mariners coverage from longtime affiliate KIRO several years ago, the former has seen seasonal surges, while the latter has slowly, but steadily declined.

KOMO's problems are two-fold: their news coverage has never quite been strong enough to take over the market and the Mariners have performed unevenly in the last few seasons.

KIRO, however, made things much easier for KOMO and others, through a series of ill-fated programming moves, resulting in fresh all-time lows.

These drops can't be explained by baseball alone, since KIRO held up fairly well against KOMO in the first couple of seasons.

The station gutted its news coverage, dropping the afternoon drive program and added market-untested talkers that didn't catch fire with the local audience.

Most importantly, franchise host Dave Ross was uprooted from his longtime 9am-noon home and moved to afternoons. That has him competing directly with baseball broadcasts on KOMO.

KIRO fell to a 3.7 from a 4.3 last month against a high of 5.0 last fall. Until recently, the station always lead the market in first place. Now, it's ranked ninth overall, its lowest ever.

Since it dropped more than KOMO rose, baseball just can't account for the problem.

Meanwhile, Air America's KPTK rose a tenth, from a 1.3 to a 1.4. Infinity has delayed adding local talkers, something that needs to change immediately, if the station could ever hope to take off.


--- In Denver, former KIRO Program Director Kris Olinger had a good day, with two of the talk stations she now oversees experiencing increases.

Mega-talker KOA rose from a 5.3 to a 5.7, to take third. It features Rush Limbaugh and Rockies baseball. KHOW, with a less-clear image, fell from a 3.1 to a 2.8.

Air America execs might want to talk to Olinger, because her lib talker chalked one of the only real nationwide gains this month. "Progressive" KKZN rose from 1.6 to a 2.0, for 20th place.

How did it happen? First, high-profile liberal host Jay Marvin was lured back to Denver from Chicago to take the morning program.

Second, KKZN has been actively marketed, with promotional events in the area.

Bottom line: it's being run more like the conservative talkers, less like quirky, weird Air America.


Fair disclosures: I formerly worked for both KIRO and KVI at different times. Kris Olinger was my former manager. Ratings data from Radio and Records.

ABC Removes Politically Loaded Show

Never To Air

ABC Yanks Biased "Welcome" Before Debut


ABC's politically loaded "Welcome To The Neighborhood" has been cancelled before even a single episode could air, according to the Drudge Report and Washington Post.

Set to debut July 10, it's been entirely removed from ABC's site, as if it never existed!

The ill-conceived reality show, previously covered in-depth at the Radio Equalizer, put three white families in a position to select their new neighbor.

Since the candidates were all ethnic minorities, gays, or tattoo fanatics, while the residents were conservative and Christian, the show's political agenda was clear: make the right look like bigots.

From now-removed promotional material at ABC's website:


The Bellamys
Mr. Bellamy is a staunch Republican and would challenge any potential neighbors with politically different views. But the three Bellamy kids would welcome new neighbors who are different. (ABC)

Did the network cave in to pressure from liberals, upset over federal Fair Housing Act violations, conservatives ticked off about stereotypical portrayals of white Republicans as racist bigots, or both?

In Thursday's Washington Post story, the focus is on the leftist battle against the show, with one mention of the conservative Family Research Council's objection to the portrayals of Christians as intolerant.

According to the report, ABC made this statement:

"Welcome to the Neighborhood" demonstrates what happens when people are forced to "confront preconceived notions of what makes a good neighbor," the network said.

"However, the fact that true change only happens over time made the episodic nature of this series challenging, and given the sensitivity of the subject matter in early episodes we have decided not to air the series at this time."

If there's any doubt which side won over ABC, match the above network statement to AP television writer Lynn Elber's additional details of objections from gay and lesbian organization GLAAD:

In the early episodes, one man makes a crack about the number of children piling out of the Hispanic family's car and displays of affection between the gay men provoke disgust.

The series' producers had said it was intended to promote a healthy and open debate about prejudice and people's fear of differences.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, after viewing the series, expressed strong concerns.

While it ultimately carries a valuable message about diversity and acceptance, those watching the first episodes could be left thinking discrimination is "not that big a deal," GLAAD spokesman Damon Romine said Wednesday.

"Regardless of how things turn out at the end of the last show, it's dangerous to let intolerance and bigotry go unchallenged for weeks at a time," he said, adding that GLAAD hopes a revised version might air.

Before ABC announced its decision, the Family Research Council said it was worried evangelicals would be made to appear judgmental and foolish.

Yes, the conservative side of the issue rated just a single line in the Post/AP story.

Yet it wasn't just the FRC showing concern from the right. After Michelle Malkin's Sunday link to the Radio Equalizer story, others jumped on the topic.

On Monday, I spent an hour of airtime while filling in on WPRO/Providence, lambasting ABC's decision to go ahead with the show. Few callers took issue, many instead expressed disgust with the network.

Did conservative groups get a chance to watch review copies of the program, or was that an exclusive GLAAD perk? That might answer my previous question as to why the lefties seemed to be weeks ahead of us.

How about asking the Post to add this: that "Welcome" strongly suggested the average white family is hopelessly bigoted and in need of a reality show cure.

Why shouldn't conservatives, Republicans and Christians resent this program?

Never addressed by ABC: whether network execs ever considered how it would be perceived by viewers, both left and right.

Welcome Michelle Malkin, Orbusmax, California Conservative and Free Republic readers!

Update: BizzyBlog expands on recent network programming bias issues here.

Politicians Fight For Talk Radio Gigs

Ego Versus Public Service

Plus, Owners Try To Offload Stations, Ratings Updates


As veteran talk radio programmers are increasingly shown the door, replaced by salespeople, music jocks and others, a lot of institutional knowledge is disappearing with them.

The sad result: many mistakes we thought would never be made again in talk radio are returning.

Using rock DJ's as hosts, with light, fluffy cue-card "topics", that's one 1990s disaster that seems to making a comeback, like a rerun of a previous Asian flu viral strain.

Some talk managers are reportedly under pressure to schedule these airheads because one company's talk programming VP has decreed it to be the new format trend.

Forget all of those unpleasant news topics and controversial opinions, let's do "light talk".

It's also a great way of undermining conservative talk radio, without having to switch to low-rated liberal programming.

We went through this before and it bombed.

Even worse, is something I've been noticing in recent weeks: a return to using sitting or ex-politicians as talk hosts.

Only occasionally can a decent one be found, some are good for a show or two, most are terrible.

Somehow, elected officials including mayors, council members and others, got the idea that talk hosting is the next logical step after losing a race, retiring, or being convicted on corruption charges.

Where did that mentality come from? A lot of it is ego, but what's the station's excuse?

In Seattle, an unpopular liberal councilmember loses her seat after an ethics scandal and wishy-washy leadership, so what happens next?

She gets an inkling to host talk shows and sure enough, there's a station dumb enough to give her airtime. The result was the worst possible talk radio.

Now in Oregon, a state representative is so eager to host talk shows, he didn't even wait for his term to end or to resign, he jumped right in.

From the Salem Statesman-Journal comes a report that Republican Rep. Jeff Kropf missed a key school-funding vote because he was busy filling in this week for KXL host Lars Larsen. The ego boost was more important than the public duties he was elected to execute.

Reportedly, Kropf already hosts a weekend show on the station. What are sitting politicians doing on the air in any capacity other than as guests?

Elsewhere in radio, it's becoming clearer that major radio companies are looking to offload major stations before values decline further. Here's a report on ABC's probable station sale, from today's Radio Ink:

The company's 71 stations are valued at between $2.6 billion and $3.6 billion, according to the Merrill report, which also cited the attractiveness to suitors based on its prime key markets. "The station group should be relatively attractive to bidders due to its strong position in key markets such as New York (three stations), Los Angeles (four stations) and Washington, D.C. (three stations)," the firm wrote. Likely bidders for Disney's radio assets include a host of midsized radio station groups including Emmis, Citadel, Cox and Entercom.


It isn't just ABC trying to exit the radio business- other major players such as Susquehanna, Citadel and Infinity (CBS) are also looking to sell off all or part of their broadcasting assets. Many of ABC's talk radio stations, including WABC, WMAL, WLS and KABC have shown significant ratings declines this year.

More ratings have been released, for Phoenix, Dallas and other cities:

--- In Dallas, ABC's WBAP slides further, to a 4.1 overall rating, down from a 5.2 peak last fall. WBAP is the Rush station for the Metroplex, but seems to be falling in tandem with the company's other talkers in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington.

Fading KRLD, facing an ongoing identity crisis, holds steady with a 2.2 and 17th place, while KLIF comes in even with a 1.5.
KRLD held its position only because of an evening audience surge for Rangers baseball broadcasts, while its increasingly bizarre talk programming (consumer talk, lite talk, etc.) plunges.

Still no sign of Air America's station in the DFW ratings.

All of the Dallas talkers lost good chunks of their audience in May, according to specific breakouts for that month (the numbers above reflect a rolling three-month trend). WBAP's numerical drop was the biggest.


--- In Phoenix, Clear Channel's conservative KFYI surged higher, with a 5.9 rating, for a strong first place. Competitor KTAR, which recently changed hands, held to 10th place with flat numbers.

Air America's KXXT fell from a 0.9 to a 0.7.

--- In St Louis, baseball brought higher ratings for market leader KMOX, while the competition stayed out of sight and didn't grow. Go to Mike Anderson's St Louis Media Info & News for more here. This is a great site, by the way for general media issues beyond St. Louis.

More to come, including Seattle later in the week. Ratings data from Radio & Records.

Blog Link Action: June 27-28

Links And Updates


--- Welcome to the new readers who heard me on WPRO/Providence today. Nice to have a chance to talk with you!

--- Heard blogger LaShawn Barber do a great job on WRKO/Boston's Pundit Review program last night. She's clear and articulate, just as effective speaking or writing. Today she has a post about Gitmo's real torturers.

--- Today, the Sacramento Bee disclosed that it could not locate 43 people used in Diana Greigo Erwin's columns over the course of 12 years.

The liberal writer resigned earlier this year, I covered it here. Greigo Erwin frequently told heartbreaking tales of poor, disadvantaged people suffering due to an uncaring public and budget-slashing Republicans. Apparently they didn't exist. Some corner of her mind contains a justification for these falsehoods, what a dark and scary place that must be.

--- Thanks to Michelle Malkin for being alert on the "Welcome to the Neighborhood" reality show disgrace discussed below. Michelle is consistently ahead of the curve on many issues. Red State Rant wonders why more conservatives aren't ready for battle on this outrage.

--- Ratings posts will resume Tuesday evening, with a number of additional big cities reporting this week.

--- Please continue to support our advertisers, at the RadioEqualizer and the other blogs you visit. That's what's keeping this whole ship afloat!

--- A new Day By Day cartoon at Ramblings' Journal.

--- PoliBlog's Steven Taylor discovers his inner moderate.

--- Rich explores flag burning and Ten Commandments issues.

--- Wade got a response from Sen. Durbin. Sort of.

--- Could XM Sat Radio have a role for Homeland Security?

--- Liberals are having a field day with Rabbi Daniel Lapin.

--- Mover Mike goes in-depth on economic and business fallout from the US Supreme Court's Kelo decision.

--- Are the Clintons using Billy Graham? Blogs Against Hillary has the story.

--- Josef says there are more King County, WA voting scandals to sort out.

--- Boy is mASS BACKWARDS on the rise, it's one of the best on Second Amendment issues.

--- A recent discovery: Real Debate Wisconsin. Have you ever been there? Really enjoyed visiting the state last year, great time of year to check it out.

--- Is PBS worth it? Pajama Jihad explores.

--- CapeCodLiving explores land, spending and local taxation, past and present. Amazing how the issues are the same, centuries later.

--- Have you been to Regime Change Iran yet?

New ABC Reality Show Attacking Conservatives, Christians?

ABC's Agenda Backfires

Will White, Republican Families Choose Minority Neighbors?


(Update: program has been cancelled! Story here)


ABC's attempt at the ultimate in political correctness for a new reality show, has instead hilariously backfired, with furious lefty groups busy denouncing it.

Conservatives and Christians will have just as much to worry about, when "Welcome To The Neighborhood" premieres on July 10, the latest attempt at squeezing the last drop from reality television's sour lemon.

For some reason, the right has been relatively asleep on this, while liberals raise a ruckus. Yet, it's hard to remember when a primetime entertainment series offering was this politically loaded.

In it, three white families in Austin, Texas, one Republican, one Christian and the other merely "opinionated", get to choose which of another group will win a neighboring house and become permanent residents.

The catch: most of the families competing for the home are ethnic minorities, as well as a gay couple and another with lots of tattoos.

The idea that white families would never choose ethnic minorities, gays or weirdos without prodding from ABC producers, forms the premise of this sorry offering.

Why should ABC limit bias and indoctrination to the nightly news, when primetime is ready for the taking?

In the show's promotional materials, found here, the head of the Republican family is portrayed as unhappy about the prospect of Democrats moving onto his street, to the point where he would openly challenge them.

Sure enough, the Christian family wants the new neighbors to share their religious views, reinforcing a liberal perception that people of faith are intolerant of other beliefs.


The Bellamys
Mr. Bellamy is a staunch Republican and would challenge any potential neighbors with politically different views. But the three Bellamy kids would welcome new neighbors who are different. (ABC)

In case the 2 x 4 beating you over the head doesn't hammer the politically loaded points home, a trick is thrown into the mix: the tattooed family happens to be made up of committed Republicans.

I suppose you can guess where this is going: the white, conservative, Christian families are forced to confront their bigotry, that even freaks can be fellow GOP supporters.

Hey, maybe that black family wouldn't be so bad, either, they hope you'll think.

And to think you didn't want them in your neighborhood?

Liberal groups, primarily made of housing advocates, find the show's premise to be racist, because neighbors are allowed to choose who moves in, with a great deal of emphasis placed on ethnicity, homosexuality and politics.

They say that because the show is "real", allowing a home to be awarded based on votes from neighbors is not only discriminatory, but illegal under federal fair housing laws.

The National Fair Housing Alliance has been particularly vocal, contacting the media both in Texas and around the country.

It's the kind of show white liberals in LA and New York develop, hoping for a good pat on the back from civil rights groups, plus a big guilt release.

Too bad the activists hate it.

Funny how the producers claim to be breaking down stereotypes, when in fact it's obvious to everyone on the left and right, they've done more to reinforce them than anything on television in years.

ABC execs are on the defensive this weekend, but holding firm that it will air as scheduled. Here's what they say the program is trying to accomplish:


...with every encounter with these families, the opinionated neighbors' pre-conceived assumptions and prejudices are also chipped away, and they learn that, while on the outside we may appear different, deep inside we share many common bonds. The judges find themselves learning to see people, not stereotypes.

The three neighborhood families who will be judging the competing families all love their quiet, picturesque community and are used to a certain kind of neighbor -- one who looks and thinks just like them. It will be up to this watchful group to decide who should move into the dream house next door and who should be sent packing.


Sounds like the kind of recycled UC-Santa Cruz leftist dogma I remember from my time on campus.

"Welcome" appears to commit another crime, that of lecturing, talking down to Americans who've heard all of this before.

The Radio Equalizer hopes conservatives will raise just as much of a stink about the program as have liberals. Can we allow an elitist television network to portray us as racist, intolerant bigots, cured of our hate only by a televised re-education camp?


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