Posted by Randy on May 29, 2009 at 10:32:53:
Cubs fans will buffer WGN from backlash at shake-up
May 29, 2009
LEWIS LAZARE Sun-Times Media & Marketing Columnist
The just-concluded April radio ratings book provides ample reason why the ongoing on-air talent upheaval at news/ talk WGN-AM (720) is happening now -- and not six months from now. The reason? Two words: Chicago Cubs. The team has a big radio following.
Consequently, WGN's ratings shot way up in the afternoon and evening in April. The Tribune Co.-owned station jumped from a 2 rating in the March book to a 4.1 rating in April on Monday through Friday afternoons among adults 25 to 54. Similarly, the station zoomed to a 4.6 from a 2.9 in the evenings Monday through Friday, thanks largely to Cubs night games in April.
At least through September, the huge Cubs listener base should help buffer the station against any potential mass defection of listeners upset by the changes in on-air talent and the edgier sound at WGN in the past few weeks. Management has to be hoping a lot of new (younger) listeners will tune in (and turn on) to WGN by the time the Cubs have finished their 2009 season and help keep the station's ratings from plummeting again.
New at '190 North'
Mark Nilsson is the newest addition to "190 North," a weekly lifestyle show on ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7. He is joining a seasoned crew. Nilsson took time to answer a few questions.
Q. You have worked as an actor. Do you think that experience helped you prevail in the search for a new "190 North" correspondent?
A. Definitely, all the movies and commercials I've done helped. Even being a contestant on "Next Action Star." Just being in front of a camera a lot helps you be very comfortable. I don't know why it works this way, but some of the funniest and most outgoing people I know will just shut down if you put them in front of a camera.
Q. What was the toughest part of doing your "test" segments to get the "190 North" job?
A. All the producers on the show are great, and they made doing the segments very relaxed and fun, which I think comes across in the final product. . . . The toughest part for me was waiting five months to see if I'd get this terrific opportunity. Of course, there were days I thought "I don't have a chance." Other days, after watching "190 North" correspondents Doug Banks and Michelle Alegria, who are so good at what they do, I'd work harder on my next segment, thinking that "Wow, if I can be half that good I've got a chance."
Q. You have had a chance to get to know "190 North" host and exec producer Janet Davies a bit. What has been the best part of working with her so far?
A. The first time I met Janet I must say I got a little starstruck -- I mean everyone in Chicago knows her. When I would tell people I was doing "190 North," they immediately mentioned Janet. One of the best things about Janet is her honesty --she was very honest from Day One about the audition process. She has made everything comfortable for me and made me feel right at home. . . . When she hired me, she said, "OK, if you ever have a problem or need something -- don't hesitate to come to me and just consider me like a sister."
So, Sis, I was wondering if I can have your Chicago Cubs' tickets for an upcoming game? Thanks from your loving brother.