Imus’ comeback
Don Day | November 1, 2007Citadel Radio announced today it would put Don Imus on WABC-AM in New York, and across the country via syndication – similar to his former arrangement with CBS Radio and WFAN-AM.
It’s not stretch to consider that Citadel will try to put Imus on as many of its owend stations as possible. In Boise, Citadel owns two AM stations – KTIK/1350 ESPN Radio KTIK The Ticket, and KBOI/670 AM. It’s highly unlikely Citadel would flush KBOI’s last beachhead of local programming in the morning drive. Imus used to hold down the morning slot on KTIK – the only non-sports program on the channel. Currently KTIK has ESPN show Colin Cowherd in the morning slot.
I would much rather listen to Colin Cowherd in the morning than Don Imus.
When Don Imus is serious and non-argumentative, he has the potential to do some very good interview work. He is a very flexible interviewer because he knows a little bit about a lot of things. He can discuss presidential politics and domestic and foreign policies in one segment and lighthearted subjects in the next while mixing it national news.
However, his opinions and the lunacy of his show often interfere with his ability to be taken completely seriously as an accomplished broadcaster. If he could restrain himself from controversy, which I’m not sure he can, and put together a quality show I would give it a trial run.
There is no way Citadel puts Imus on KBOI’s morning drive. KTIK listeners need to prepare themselves for breakfast with Imus in the morning.
Yeah…that was a ratings winner when it was there before…not.
Your statement: “It’s highly unlikely Citadel would flush KBOI’s last beachhead of local programming in the morning drive.” Is a bit risky in these times of corporate greed and callous distain for local involvement.
While KBOI-AM remains at least a partial anomaly in the devolvement of full-service radio in America, the mere existence of that morning show (Paul, Chris, etc.) represents a constant temptation for management. Eliminating it could send something well in excess of $100K to the bottom line immediately, pumping up the balance sheet for at least one year and perhaps putting a manager in an attractive bonus position. How many times have we seen managers exercise that option in the past as local talent has been squeezed out by syndicated fare? Where are the people who used to do mid-days and afternoon drive on KIDO, KFXD and KBOI-AM? The names of the victims could fill a book. Well, at least a respectable-sized tablet.
No one in radio today should feel overly secure regardless of how long they’ve been on the air. Remember Jon and Chris? Remember the PD and news anchor of another local AM morning show who was most recently the longtime morning guy at one of Citadel’s country stations? He went from having years at Citadel to being a newbie with Clear Channel. Do you think he got a raise with that move? Well, at least he’s still working.
Imus, mornings on KBOI?
Not going to happen!
KBOI can not stuff enough commercials into the Imus show to make the same money, even with the dollars they would save with Chris not being there. After all, Paul J has a contract and would still do the Bronco’s play by play.
yes…dave got a raise when going to CC…than he made with Citadel when he was mornings