Clear Channel Theatrics

Look what I found! An old issue of Radio Ink Magazine dated September 29, 2003. Funny, aint it?

And speaking of comic relief, remember when Chris Rock said in one of his stand up performances that he hates when niggas start wanting credit for something that they're SUPPOSED to do? And I quote...

"A nigga will say some shit like I take care of my kids! You're SUPPOSED to..you dumb muthafukka!"

Well...I immediately thought of Chris Rock after I read the following story yesterday:

Clear Channel Radio launched a new initiative to improve program quality at the company’s radio stations nationwide.

Clear Channel has ownership of five Dallas stations — KDGE-FM (102.1); KDMX-FM (102.9); KEGL-FM (97.1); KHKS-FM (106.1); and KZPS-FM (93.5).

The plan involves improving quality at each station’s day parts — the blocks of time stations use to sell broadcast advertising. Day parts are typically broken up into the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. morning drive-time segment, the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. mid-day segment, the 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. afternoon drive-time segment, the 7 p.m. to midnight segment and midnight to 6 a.m. late-night segment.

Managers will have the latitude to choose content and talent for their stations as a way to generate more audience and ultimately advertising dollars.

“Our programming objective is to increase audience size and engagement across all day parts and all platforms,” says John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio. “At the same time, we face a particularly difficult economy that makes it extremely challenging for some local stations to invest in developing the highest-quality programming and talent. Despite the difficult economy, we see enormous long-term opportunity in investing in things that immediately improve the competitive situation of our stations.”

Now mind you, I read this article on nearly half a dozen radio industry websites. This means that somewhere deep down in the heart of Texas sits a publicist who is getting paid to paint a beautiful picture of Clear Channel's effort to survive the depression despite these awful economic times. They have distributed this press release announcing Clear Channel's 'new' initiative for all of the world to see. Awwwwwww! Isn't that special?

Kevin Ross over at Radio Facts.Com is impressed. He says:

"...For the most part, I’m impressed. I really like the local initiaitves to host more PSAs, community involvement and rewarding local, lesser known jocks reward initiatives for bringing results."

"Even more impressive is the company’s commitment to local artists and playing their music and having local boards in every market. Moreover their commitment and understanding of the importance of online promotion and audience are impressive."

I say:

"I hate when niggas start wanting credit for something that they're SUPPOSED to do. Clear Channel - You suck."