TheSmithViewpoint

Morning Radio Shows of Our Lives

When I first posted this article, I made an incorrect statment that KRBE was, along with KHMX and KTRH, a ClearChannel Communications station. I'd like to thank Max with You'veBeenLeft.net for pointing out that KRBE is actually owned by Susquehanna Radio Corp.

If you want to see drama on TV, watch the soap operas (also known as daytime dramas). If you want to hear drama on the radio, listen to the Morning Shows.

If you listen to morning radio in Houston, chances are that you've probably ran across The Roula & Ryan Show on Mix 96.5 (a ClearChannel station). Along with their faithful sidekick, Eric, they're an enjoyable trio, and they cover very interesting and relative topics. The best thing about listening to them is that they are polar opposites of the circus that has become the morning show on 104 KRBE.

Last Thursday, listeners of the Roula & Ryan Show tuned in; no Roula, no Ryan, no Eric. What the hell happend? Here's how the story goes, boys and girls:

Up until a few months ago, the morning airwaves in Houston were dominated by Sam Malone and the Morning Show on KRBE, boasting 1.5 million listeners. After headlining the show for more than a decade, Sam Malone decided that his passion for pop culture and world events didn't mix well with 50 Cent. So Sam said goodbye to KRBE, and 50 Cent. Let's hope he and 50 left on good terms.

After six months Sam returned to the airwaves when he was offered a two-hour spot on NewsRadio 740 KTRH (also a ClearChannel station). "What does the former Top 40 DJ look forward to most as a talk host?" asks the Houston Chronicle, to which he replies, "Finally being able to have discussions with listeners on the air without a musical break from 50 Cent." (Hoffman, Houston Chronicle, 09/26/2005)

Unfortunately for Roula and Ryan, KTRH wasn't the only plans that ClearChannel had for Sam. After undergoing their self-inflicted brainstorms, and think-tanks, and shareholder meetings, the sticky fingers of the executives at ClearChannel Houston made the all-too-common decision that profits come before listeners. The 1.5 million listeners that Sam Malone carried sounded mighty nice. See, more listeners equals valuable advertising spots, equals more money from advertisers. This is bonafide move-bitch, spit-in-your-face profit making strategy here.

The Roula & Ryan Show wasn't pulling 1.5 million listeners. ClearChannel thought it was time for Roula, Ryan, and Eric to go. And that's what they did. As for the faithful listeners, they were sold out for profit.

Is it right? What will you do about it then?

posted by Smith @ 10/13/2005 01:05:00 PM