[BC] WCBS dumps IBOC, returns to "High Definition" AM

[Rich Wood]

------ At 06:28 AM 6/29/2006, Douglas B. Pritchett wrote: -------

>Oh yes. Remember the JACK decision and repurcussions at WCBS-FM? 
>Sales people there saw such a drop in revenue that some of them had 
>to sell a vacation house or two, put their kids in public schools, 
>and start buying domestic wine just  to cover the loss of 
>commissions income........So, I doubt they would kill the AM like 
>they did the FM.

WCBS-FM's last book was a 1.5. Their latest trend is 1.9. I'd predict 
the next book will be a 1.6. By this time their salespeople have 
probably called in all their favors and might have to sell their 
kids. I remember the very sad time when the first salesperson bought 
domestic wine. Tears were shed that would make the current Washington 
floods look like a light drizzle.

It seems some people don't understand that turning off the analog is 
the equivalent of shutting the station down. There aren't enough IBUZ 
receivers in New York City to make up an audience for even one small 
station. According to retailers in my market all but one receiver 
sold has gone to a radio station or station employee. They can't fill 
out diaries. The suggestion that we immediately go digital only is 
professional suicide. Even if there were iPod sized radios available 
it would take too long to distribute them. Audiences would have gone elsewhere.

I don't even want to think about sending salespersons' kids to public 
schools. it would be Hell on earth - for the other kids. Just 
kidding. I've met my salespeople's kids. They're wonderful. There was 
one at IDT/TalkAmerica I miss a lot. His mother would bring him to 
work. Very sharp kid. I am serious about the domestic wine, though.

Rich