Not only is right-wing talk dying as mentioned by John Avlon in his insightful post in The Daily Beast but all political talk is on life support. When Inside Radio conducted an online survey on the subject, 49% said they believe listeners are tiring of non-stop political talk. "One reader says, Not only are listeners tiring of non-stop political bashing, left and right, it's no longer relevant and entertaining - it's like hearing the same seven 'A' rotation hits replayed over and over for five years." Another respondent replies "Enough of the right versus left - conservative vs. liberal - we need more local content giving local listeners a chance to interact and aid their community." "Revenue isn't always commensurate with ratings either - one poll particpant suggests: We are always asked to keep ads away from national talk shows." ...
There are those that believe it's not the message that's getting old, it's the messenger. "It really comes down to talent, no matter what topic they are talking about. If on-air talent is top shelf, people will listen", according to one respondent. But even "top shelf" talent is showing burnout. Rush Limbaugh's ratings dipped from 5.4 to 5.0 on WABC. Sean Hannity and Mark Levin, who follow rush on WABC narrowly declined and flat-lined, respectively. Philadelphia dropped Hannity and Beck last month. Beck also lost Salt Lake City. If you're thinking that liberal or progressive talk has won - think again...
There are fewer than 100 liberal/progressive formated radio stations following Air America's demise a year ago. Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh combined have more affiliates than that. So, how many listeners would radio lose if political talk left the airwaves? Pew researchers have found that only 17% of the public regularly listens to talk radio, which means that 83% don't...
10 Timeline Memories:
1.1635] School bells ring and children sing: Boston Public Latin is founded. It is our nation's first public school. The school will open on April 23, 1635 (2/13)...
2.1968] Adding MSG: The new Madison Square Garden officially opens. The 4th Garden holds nearly 20,000 and celebrates its 43rd anniversary today (2/11)…
3.1976] Murder in Hollywood: 37-year old actor Sal Mineo is found murdered in his driveway, the victim of a botched robbery attempt(2/12)…
4.1976] Gold Standard: Dorothy Hamill wins a gold medal at the Winter Olympics and captures the hearts of Americans with her youthful innocence, good looks and flawless style (2/13)…
5.1979] Ayatollyahso: Followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seize power in Iran 9 days after the religious leader returns after 15 years of exile (2/11)…
6.1982] It’s blowin’ in the Winds: ABC-TVs presentation of “The Winds of War” concludes. The 18-hour miniseries cost $40 million to produce but is the most watched TV program in history at the time (2/11)…
7.1990] Free at last: South African activist Nelson Mandela is freed after 27 years in prison (2/11)…
8.2006] Did you forget to duck?: VP Dick Cheney accidentally shoots and wounds a companion during a weekend quail-hunting trip to Texas (2/11)…
9.2006] Nor’easter: A powerful Nor’easter blankets the Northeast dumping 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington, D.C. to New England. We got an exaggerated 26.9″ of snow, an all-time record in New York (2/12)…
10.2009] Plane goes down: Cogan Air Flight 3407 crashes in Clarence Center, New York, killing 50 (2/12)...
Music Memories:
- 1956] Recorded on this date: "I Put A Spell On You" - Screamin' Jay Hawkins (2/12)...1966] "Bang Bang" - Cher (2/11)...
- 1961] Gold Standard: "Shop Around" - The Miracles becomes Motown's first million selling gold record (2/12)...
- 1964] A Fab Four-um: The Beatles play their 1st U.S. concert at the Washington (DC) Coliseum. Opening are The Chiffons and Tommy Roe with 8,600 screaming their brains out (2/11)...
- 1967] Released on this date: "Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever" - Beatles (bringing back some fond memories of the WRKO startup) (2/13)...
- 2005] Grammy Gold: Ray Charles' final album, "Genius Loves Company" wins 8 Grammy Awards (2/13)...Here are 3 tracks from the LP: Ray w/Norah Jones, Ray with Elton John, Ray with Willie Nelson...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": (2/11) Kelly Rowland (30), Brandy (Norwood) (32), Jennifer Aniston (42), Sarah Palin (47), Sheryl Crow (49), Jeb Bush (58), Gerry Goffin (72), Burt Reynolds (75), Tina Louise (77) & Larry Merchant (80)...(2/12) Christina Ricci (31), Josh Brolin (43), Chynna Phillips (43), Arsenio Hall (55), Michael McDonald (59), Ray Manzarek (72), Gene McDaniels (76), Bill Russell (#6) (77), Joe Garagiola (85) & Charles Van Doren (85)...(2/13) Taylor Lautner (19), Harvey Mednick (39?), Peter Gabriel (61), Mike (Coach K) Krzysewski (64), Jerry Springer (67), Stockard Channing (67), Peter Tork (69), Carol Lynley (69), George Segal (77), Kim Novak (78), Dorothy (McGuire Sisters) McGuire (83) and Chuck Yeager (88)...
Timeline Countdown: Pitchers & catchers report this weekend, 3 days until Valentines Day, 10 days until President's Day, 30 days until Daylight Savings Time & 37 days until spring...
