Big changes at 2 stations cause static among fans
Friday, January 05, 2007
Tim Feran
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
They’re coming from the left and the right. And they’re taking aim at Clear Channel Radio over planned changes for two of its central Ohio stations. Liberals are upset that the media company on Monday will drop leftleaning Air America programming on WYTS (1230 AM), formerly known as WTPG. Conservatives are annoyed that on Saturday it will replace right-leaning talk-show host Glenn Beck on WTVN (610 AM). Both groups plan rallies in support of their causes. Air America fans have also gathered more than 1,000 names on petitions to keep the programming in place. "It would be nice to have an alternative view in this town," said Rosalie Immel of Columbus, who signed a petition. "After all, more than half of us in this county voted Democratic in the last election." Adding to the static are supporters of weatherman Pat Pagano — who are bothered that WTVN is getting rid of the forecaster after 27 years. Listeners of all stripes have showered the company with gripes. "Far and away, the communiques have been in opposition to our changes," said Tom Thon, market manager for Clear Channel Columbus. "It’s really nothing more than human nature and human emotion taking over and not liking change." Protesters are inspired by events in Madison, Wis., where, after a heavy backlash, Clear Channel recently reversed a decision to cut Air America. Still, Thon said, the alterations — based on "cold, hard business facts" — are likely to stick, whatever the outcry. Bon voyage , Air America After two years, as Clear Channel announced in December, it is eliminating a roster of liberal hosts, including Al Franken and Randi Rhodes of Air America, and the syndicated Stephanie Miller and Ed Schultz. Instead, WYTS will air a schedule that includes conservatives Laura Ingraham and Michael Savage as well as sports and consumer shows. "Unfortunately, central Ohio listeners did not respond to the progressive format," Thon said. "It’s been very underperforming in ratings and revenue." The station has languished near the bottom of the Arbitron ratings for years. (Most recently, it tied for 23 rd among 31 stations.) Yet fans hope to influence Clear Channel with the petitions and a rally — followed by a mock funeral procession — from 11 a.m. to noon Monday on Capitol Square. "We want to say: ‘Yes, there is an audience. Let us help you as they did in Madison,’ " said Dave Daulton of Gahanna. "We want to show there is a passion, there are listeners." Bye - bye , Beck. The decision to replace syndicated host Glenn Beck on WTVN with central Ohio talk-show host Joel Riley is likewise drawing the ire of listeners. "Our family is very upset that we are losing Glenn Beck on our morning radio," said one fan, Jean Butler of Gahanna. "We love Joel Riley, but not to replace Glenn." Beck supporters plan to gather at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at N. High and Goodale streets, then march to Nationwide Arena. Clear Channel offered to move Beck to the 9 a.m. slot on WYTS. Beck, however, called the signal too weak. "I’ve had listeners e-mail me," he said, "and say, ‘I can’t even pick up that signal in my car, and I live in the city.’ It’s not good for our clients, for the show; it’s not good for the listeners." Clear Channel wanted WTVN, which Thon describes as "Columbus’ townhall station," to be locally oriented. And it sought to keep Beck on the air, he said. "We very much wanted Glenn to be part of the new 1230 AM," Thon said. "Glenn is a terrific talent. We didn’t drop him; we just wanted to move him. He made the decision." Pagano, meanwhile, has received at least 300 e-mail messages of support, he said. "I’ve been in the business 33 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this," said Pagano, who provides his weather forecasts from New York. "I always knew my listeners in Columbus were the best." Given such a response, Beck and Pagano are pursuing other stations. Pagano is willing to do more, he said: Should the decision be overturned, he’ll consider moving to Ohio.
tferan@dispatch.com
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/features-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/05/20070105-B1-00.html
CONTACT WTVN
Telephone:
Main Office: 614-486-6101
Main Fax: 614-487-2559
Jeff Rehl - General Sales Manager
jeffrehl@clearchannel.com
Bruce Collins - Program Director
brucecollins@clearchannel.com
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