Merger Mania...
The first post-merger proposal ad campaigns have begun for both XM and Sirius. Both satellite services bought full-page ads in the Sunday edition of the New York Times and probably in a newspaper near you as well. The ads were just 6 pages apart and appeared in the same International section. And how different were those ads? Keep reading to find out...
Both ads announced the proposed merger but only Sirius mentioned the February 19th date of the first merger announcement. Only XM was bold enough to state that the "merger should be completed in late 2007". Sirius offered a guarantee "that no Sirius radio will become obsolete after a merger with XM." XM offered a promise but no guarantee, "we expect that these existing radios will be able to receive a mix of programming from both services to bring you even more choices." XM stated that they will provide updates about the merger on XM radio while Sirius did not. Only Sirius mentioned pricing, saying "our price has to continue to attract and keep listeners." Interesting wording! Sirius was far more aggressive in getting more subscribers now, before any merger: "you'd be crazy to wait. Any plan you sign up for now will be honored by the merged company." XM merely said, "there has never been a better time to get an XM radio."...
If you judge the individual ads for salesmanship and ability to bring in more subscribers now before any possible merger then Sirius is the clear winner although the merged company will reap the benefits anyway. Sirius even rolled out a strong trademarked line, "The Best Radio On Radio Just Keeps Getting Better". They even ended the ad with "Welcome To The Best Radio On Radio". It kinda reminds you of "And The Hits Just Keep On Coming" doesn't it???
Which segues into this>>> Starting today and ending with a wrap-up on Tuesday, March 13th we'll remember the date in 1967 when WRKO radio was born with memories of those who were there at the time, those that joined the station after that date and friends and fans of one of the best radio stations in America on the 40th anniversary of WRKO...
Timeline Memories...
"Happy Trails": 1964] The legendary Patsy Cline dies in a small plane crash in Camden (TN) returning from a Kansas City benefit for the widow of a local disc jockey. Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Patsy's pilot/manager were also aboard the plane. All of them were killed (video link#1) Patsy Cline singing "I Fall To Pieces" in glorious black & white: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oihjc224maI 1982] John Belushi dies of a drug overdose in a Hollywood hotel room. Belushi was 33 (video link #2) here is John with Dan Aykroyd as The Blues Brothers singing 'Soul Man': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea9mV9EhPvE ...
Boston Massacre: 1770] The Boston Massacre kills 5 as British soldiers taunted by a crowd of colonists, open fire. 2 Brits will later be convicted of manslaughter...
Impeachable source: 1868] The Senate organizes a court to argue impeachment charges against President Andrew Johnson...
Elvis sighting: 1955] Elvis Presley makes his 1st TV appearance on "Louisiana Hayride". On the same date Elvis is honorably discharged from the Army...
Creem of the crop: 1969] The magazine "Creem" is published for the 1st time...
This Ozzy is not a Nelson: 2002] MTV begins airing "The Osbournes". TV goes downhill from here...
Not a 'good thing': 2004] Martha Stewart is convicted of obstructing justice and lying to the government about why she unloaded Imclone stocks just before the price dropped...
Swapping wives: 1973] Yankee pitchers Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich arrive at spring training and announce that they have swapped wives, children and dogs. Within 2 years both players are gone from baseball. 34 years later this would've been the #1 show on Fox...
Stronger than steel: 1966] Steel union official Marvin Miller is selected as executive director of the MLBPA, the baseball players union. Major League baseball players should kiss the ground Miller walks on for their inflated salaries...
He'll be baaaaahk: 1993] Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs after winning 3 Super Bowls in 12 years announces his retirement. Gibbs becomes a successful racing car team owner in NASCAR but will return to the NFL as coach of the Redskins several years later...
El Presidente Blind Melon Castro: 1993] Cuban President Fidel Castro says that Hillary Clinton "is a beautiful woman". When asked how many fingers a reporter is holding up Castro says "what reporter?"...
Takes a lickin' but keeps on tickin': 2001] VP Dick Cheney undergoes angioplasty for a partially blocked artery...
[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in each timeline]...
Remembering the day WRKO was born, March 13, 1967...
"For me it was a day of pride and vindication for the decision to change the format and put the "Boston Rocker" on the air. My most vivid memory was an extremely nasty call from Mr. McCurdy, the head of the engineer's union. The threat to "ruin WRKO and General Tire" for making the format move was very real at the time. As you now, they tried and failed later in the spring. In retrospect - every one involved, especially Bob Henebery and you, did a herculean job, without Bill Drake's crews input. I would like to have been privy to their reaction. It was a day of true radio drama for all of us". Perry S. Ury...
(Perry was the 1st VP/GM of WRKO after serving in the same capacity at the former WNAC/WRKO-FM)...We will continue to feature memories of WRKO through the actual 40th anniversary date of March 13, 2007...
"Happy Trails"...
Dodger relief pitcher and part-time starter Clem Labine (#41) died on Friday after slipping into a coma following brain surgery. Labine who spent 13 years in major league baseball as one of the game's top relievers, started his career with the Dodgers in Brooklyn in 1950. Labine was 80...
"Happy Birthday"...happy birthday":
Eva Mendes (29), Niki Taylor (31), Penn Jillette (52), Marsha ("Night Court") Warfield (53), Samantha Eggar (68), Fred Williamson (69) Dean Stockwell (71)...
Timeline Countdown: 16 days until spring and 27 days until Opening Day...
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