Posted by JP on July 20, 2009 at 10:53:17:
In Reply to: Loop staff changes and automation... posted by Loyal Looper on July 20, 2009 at 10:18:43:
I hate to say it, but I think the majority just listen for the music and really couldn't care less if someone was on. There's a dying breed of us who listen for content between the songs.
Also, most listening will not even know that it's automated and just assume that at that certain time they are listening, there just happens to be no jock breaks.
: After the bloodbath last Monday which got rid of most of the part-time jocks and removed the 7p-midnight show, the Loop has been automating everything between 7p and 5am on weekdays and also a big chunk of the weekend programming. This is totally baffling to me. There is absolutely no value in automated radio for me. If there isn't a human to add local information, elaborate on the songs and artists being played, etc., I would rather listen to my iPod - no commercials and no bad music.
: I enjoyed the weekend on-air staff and thought they brought value to The Loop. Tom O'Toole was the original jock on the Loop, was engaging and did a solid show whether it was his regular weekend slot or when he was filling in during the week. He also used Twitter to interact with listeners while on the air. Mike Noonan always included great phoners, bits and commentary during his show. These guys and the other weekenders as well as Pete and Byrd gave me a reason to turn on the Loop on the weekends. I am glad that Pat Capone was spared as he does a great job, knows the music and artists and shares little known information about them and also uses social networking tools to engage his listeners while on the air.
: Why would Loop management ax the people making the station work especially when ratings are higher now than they have been in awhile. I really don't get what happened on the evening shift. Pete was #1 in his target demo (male, 25-54) and they go ahead and eliminate his show?? How does that make sense? I know less staff means less salaries being paid out but if the listeners run away to another station because they can't stand the automation, how can that be cost effective? I found myself listening to the Drive Saturday night after Pat Capone signed off at 6pm rather than listen to automation and you know what, it wasn't half bad. Is that what Loop management wants? I would think there is danger that the listener who goes elsewhere during the automation may not come back. The move also seems to put a lot of pressure on Johnny, Byrd and Eddie to carry the station with very little support. The playlist has gotten so safe once St. Louis started programming the station that without a jock to spice it up, there isn't a very compelling reason to listen during the automated hours. Anybody else have any thoughts on this?