Future of Pittsburgh sports talk

Wednesday, 29 September 2010 01:00

Written by Bob Smizik

By Bob Smizik | Wednesday 1 a.m.

With the demise of 1250 ESPN, once the leader in sport-talk in Pittsburgh, the future of the genre in the region remains unknown, although, most certainly, The Fan, just seven months old, is the new king.

But in what direction will The Fan move in the days ahead?

Now that its main competition has been removed, will it gather its spoils -- new listeners, new advertisers -- and merely stay the course?

Or will it choose to flex its new power to seek even higher ground in the Pittsburgh market, which, after all, has been its long-stated goal? Since its inception, The Fan has not been shy in letting it be known it has higher aspirations than just being the sports-talk leader. Sports talk represents a small niche in the overall radio market and The Fan has maintained it wants to challenge the big boys -- WDVE and WXDX -- two stations that at key times in the day add a heavy dose of sports to their music formats.

And what about Fox Sports Radio 970? Will it maintain its fairly low profile or will it consider this a good time to attempt to expand its audience?

Best bets are that both stations will maintain the status quo for the present. But what about the future? There are some big-time free agents available.

When 1250 ESPN shut down, it put the two best-known talk-show hosts in Pittsburgh -- Stan Savran and Guy Junker -- on the market. Neither, according to ESPN vice-president Tim McCarthy, is bound by a no-compete clause.

Savran has been doing talk radio in Pittsburgh on and off -- but mostly on -- since the 1970s. It's his first love in radio. I talked to him Monday just minutes after he had officially been informed ''Stan & Guy'' would be no more. He clearly wants to continue working.

''I love talk radio,'' he said. ''I like it more than other duties I've performed in this business. I like the opportunity to have an avenue to vent and to express my opinion because I love sports and hearing other people's opinion. It's a perfect format for me.''

Savran has been called old-school and it's tag that wouldn't offend him. But what's really new in sports-talk radio? From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on The Fan, what they do also is old-school talk. Savran would in no way be out of place at the station.

His many fans want to know if he'll be hired. That's unlikely in the immediate future.

That's a loss for Pittsburgh radio. He and Junker remain the best in the market for my taste and go back to the days when they were teamed on ''SportsBeat,'' for many years until Junker was fired.

''The saddest part for me [beside losing the show] is not being able to continue to work with Guy,'' Savran said. ''When he left ''SportsBeat,'' we both thought it would never happen again. It did but it didn't last.''

Not so with Bob Pompeani of KDKA-TV. He could work a mid-day shift into his television duties and would be an excellent host. He provides high name recognition, strong knowledge of Pittsburgh sports and, of course, an excellent presence. Hard to believe The Fan did not approach him when it was creating its original staff.

Ellis Cannon is another free-agent. Cannon ran a successful sport-talk show on 104.7 for several years before being fired about 10 months ago. If he had a no-compete clause, it will be up soon.

That's a lot of available talent for not a lot of jobs.

Another ''free-agent'' is ESPN national programming, particularly its hugely successful a.m. drive-time show, ''Mike and Mike in the Morning.'' There was a rumor circulating yesterday that ''Mike and Mike'' would eventually end up on The Fan, which would be a radical departure from its strong local format.

One industry source contacted dismissed the idea and said if it ever came to fruition it would indicate The Fan was in serious trouble.

That is not the case today. The Fan is in charge. It remains to be seen what it will do with this new role.

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written by CliveJameson, September 29, 2010 - 01:11 AM

Bob, is there any information on how the fan is doing financially?

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written by joest73, September 29, 2010 - 02:58 AM

The Fan would be smart to add Stan and Guy for Steelers post game shows. Like you said, I don't think Guy Junker would give up a somewhat stable TV job for another daily radio show.

After Stan was let go from 970, 1250 ESPN used him as a fill-in and then surprisingly added him to the 1250 ESPN Steelers post game show with Mark Madden.

A Stan Savran and Bob Pompeani pairing would reunite the original Sportsbeat duo.

-1

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written by jim68my, September 29, 2010 - 04:57 AM

Although I personally like Vinnie Richichi on the 10 to 2 slot on the FAN, I'm sure alot of people resent his non-local ties. I hope he was wise enough to be given a guarantee when he came across the country to accept this job in our volatile market. Stan would be an excellent fit in the FAN lineup and I see your point about Guy. Would be too difficult for him to juggle all his responsibilities. Thanks as always Bob!

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written by PensFan68, September 29, 2010 - 05:07 AM

Stan Savran is the best an classiest radio personality I've ever heard. Hed b grt on Fan. The only bad part of Fan is the so call Best of segment on from 2am to 6am. Its ridiculous. They don't realize how many people r workin an listenin at that hour. I wish they would go bak to 24 hour. The Fan. All sport. MOST of the time

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written by djheside, September 29, 2010 - 06:22 AM

I am sad to hear that it will be difficult for Guy Junker to land a spot back on the radio or internet. I live in Canada and relied on Guy, Stan and the other guys let go the other day by ESPN to keep me connected via internet and podcast. I believe I am the same age as Guy, grew up in Castle Shannon next door to Guy's neighborhood of Baldwin and I have always appreciated his calm but sharp perspective on the Pittsburgh sports scene. He is never one to jump on a bandwagon or to overreact and in my opinion he is usually right. But I think he is at his best when talking about growing up in Pittsburgh and going to Pirate games with his dad in Forbes Field and how special that was. I have many of the same memories and Guy always made me feel good about being from Pittsburgh. I hope he somehow finds his way back to radio / internet and that Stan and Guy can get back together. They are the perfect odd couple, the yin and yang of sports talk and I will miss listening to them as I eat my poor excuse for a chipped ham sandwich here in Canada (where they have no idea what chipped ham is) or what it was like grow up in great town like Pittsburgh.

Dave from Ottawa

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written by Thundercrack, September 29, 2010 - 06:24 AM

Since its inception, The Fan has not been shy in letting it be known it has higher aspirations than just being the sports-talk leader

.

Bob, what do you mean by that? What are their higher aspirations? Is it to carry games...besides Pitt?

-2

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written by Thundercrack, September 29, 2010 - 06:25 AM

Why has there been not one printed quote from Ellis Cannon about his status? Is part of his possible non-compete clause that he cannot say if he has a non-compete clause?

-2

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written by drabek1992, September 29, 2010 - 06:38 AM

Move Stan and Guy into Vinny and Cook's 10AM - 2PM slot. Vinny is not bringing anything to the table. He seems like one hell of a nice guy, but my 4 year old knows the local sports scene better. Move Cook to evenings and/or Saturday mornings. Put Stan and Guy in the 10AM slot. If Guy can't make it work then make it Stan and Ellis or Stan and Bob Pompeani.

-2

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written by SonnyDrysdale, September 29, 2010 - 06:44 AM

Too many talks hosts, too few venues for them. The Fan needs to drop one from the AM show. Starkey needs to rid himself of Seibol. As for Cook & Vinnie, they are seeming to mesh a bit more than just a few montns ago.

With all that where is there room for anyone else?

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written by Darkhorses, September 29, 2010 - 06:56 AM

I hate to see Stan and Guy go. What is worse they replaced them with those babbling idiots like Cowherd

-1

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written by Nutting Hostage, September 29, 2010 - 07:13 AM

As I stated earlier this week, I love The Fan's concept of predominant local programming.

I just wish they would upgrade their talent.

IMO those that should be retained:
Jim Colony
Ron Cook
Joe Starkey
Josh Miller
Jon Burton (As anchor only)

Those who should move on to their lifes work:
Paul Alexander
Greg Giannotti
John Seibol
Vinnie whatever his name is.
Andrew Filliponi
Chris Mueller

Those who should be picked up:
Bob Pompeani
Stan Savaran
Guy Junker
Bob Smizik
Ellis Cannon

In my humble opinion, a sports talk station with that mix of local talent here in Pittsburgh would absolutely rock.

-1

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written by Thundercrack, September 29, 2010 - 07:22 AM

NutHo,
I see your point and agree to a certain extent. It just seems to me that your list is the same guys we've been hearing from for years. I wish the out of town guys would have been better - or made a better impression. I think Vinnie would be a good weekend host, and I think Giannotti has been pretty good.

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written by heartbeatsings, September 29, 2010 - 07:48 AM

(Is part of his possible non-compete clause that he cannot say if he has a non-compete clause?)

Yes, that's entirely possible.

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written by heartbeatsings, September 29, 2010 - 08:04 AM

A couple of points:

1--The fan hosts have been noticably more relaxed since ESPN's demise. Even Seibel.

2--There is no guarantee that the Fan will be around this time next year. CBS is a bottom line company and that is especially true in radio. The model they are using for the fan is very expensive. If the ad dollars aren't there, they will pull the plug and try a different format.

3--970 will likely pick up some of 1250's listeners, especially those who don't own an FM radio, but because of their weak signal and 0 promotional budget, it's not going to be a big player. Although they could be the last man standing if the Fan folds.

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written by gregenstein, September 29, 2010 - 08:06 AM

Gianotti I think might be the best show "driver" they have. Not that Stan couldn't replace him, but Greg G. I think is the one home run they hit on "out of town" guys. Filliponi does a pretty good job too. Vinnie and Siebel I could get rid of any day. If more changes are going to made, the rest would be more difficult.

-1

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written by heartbeatsings, September 29, 2010 - 08:11 AM

Re: Stan

He'll be back on somewhere, but I wouldn't expect to hear him for the next 6 months or so. I'm sure he'll take whatever severance and wait for the right oppertunity. I don't see any station overpaying him to get him on the air right now. With the changes at FSN and with Junker at channel 4 there may be more oppertunity for him to do TV--or less.

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written by rwshelton2, September 29, 2010 - 08:11 AM

I love this stuff - thanks Bob.

If I had my wish, The Fan would rid themselves of:
Vinnie, Seibel, Alexander

Add Pompeani, Savran, Cannon, Paulsen

Giannotti is a great talent but I don't like him as much in the morning as I did when he was on his own. Him and Filliponi together would make a strong show I think for younger listeners in the evening.

Cannon could host mornings or drive time, Pompeani host 10-2 with Stan. Imagine this Fantasy Radio Team:

Paulsen - Cook - Colony
Pompeani - Savran
Cannon - Starkey
Giannotti - Filliponi
Mueller - Burton

-1

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written by Max, September 29, 2010 - 08:13 AM

.
Anybody would be an upgrade for Vinnie. He reminds me of one of those time-waster internet programs that generates vacuous random phrases from lists of words.

Maybe with a better partner Cook would be better.

You know they say some people have a face for radio. Vinnie and Cook have a voice for newspaper.

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written by North Hills Bob, September 29, 2010 - 08:16 AM

Damn, I miss Stan and Guy already. Definitely the best sports combo in this town.

Curse you, ESPN!

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written by jawsteeler, September 29, 2010 - 08:18 AM

I hate that 1250 is gone. I don't live in Pittsburgh anymore, but got the ESPN Radio app for my iPhone specifically to be able to listen to local Pittsburgh radio when I'm not at my computer. NOT happy about this...

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written by Bill Renk, September 29, 2010 - 08:21 AM

Will Ed Bouchette be on either the The Fan or FSR 970 now?

-1

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written by TorEckman, September 29, 2010 - 08:33 AM

In response to some of the questions about The Fan's profitability, I would submit that they probably aren't having trouble selling advertising because you aren't hearing a lot of ads for things like male enhancement products, strip clubs and "doctors" selling snake oils. Those seem like the things stations often resort to when they can't sell advertising.

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written by Thundercrack, September 29, 2010 - 08:38 AM

Granted he isn't talking about sports, but Ellis Cannon does host the evening TV show on PCNC. So I can't understand if a reporter called to ask him if he has a non-compete clause why he couldn't respond with a simply yes or no.

-1

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written by Niblick, September 29, 2010 - 08:44 AM

As much as I enjoy listening to Stan and Guy, I would hate to see either one of them end up on 970. That signal is terrible at times. That would be a waste of talent. It seems that maybe the only alternative to a lineup change at the Fan is maybe KDKA AM. I know they don't do much for sports anymore, but at least they have the audience that might support one talk show in the evening. I doubt they would mess with their drive time format.

-1

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written by Thundercrack, September 29, 2010 - 08:49 AM

I also think Stan & Guy were/are great. But the thing that surprised me over the past few years is that I came to appreciate Guy much more. I think he is excellent. And as someone else pointed out he doesn't get overly emotional. He's level headed and that only adds to his analysis. Plus I think he runs a good talk show. Over the past year or so I tended to notice that Stan was getting a bit cranky. Maybe that was part of an act, but I think he should have toned it down a bit.

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written by 21sthebest, September 29, 2010 - 08:58 AM

I listened to Mike & Mike for several years before I tired of them. I listened to the Fan's morning show for a couple of months and then gained a lot of respect for Mike & Mike.

I think Mike & Mike would be an excellent pickup for the Fan.

-3

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written by Wuzafan, September 29, 2010 - 08:58 AM

Heartbeat: "970 will likely pick up some of 1250's listeners, especially those who don't own an FM radio"

That's pretty funny....there are probably about 10 listeners that fall into that category.

Pittsburgh is a small market and, as crazy about sports as we are, can only support so many sports-based talk stations. So no surprise that 1250 closed the shop....and Bob's favorite guy Madden puts a serious hurt on any other stations in the 3 to 6 PM slot.

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written by IamWilson, September 29, 2010 - 09:02 AM

Rather than just re-hash waht 1250 was doing, i think the fan should try to get pirate games, do more steeler centric shows, and continue to leverage their affilation with the PG.

Stan and Bob is a good idea for 10-2
Add pirate games with the standard pregame and and Rocco Demaro postgame
Add Paul Zeise and/or Chris Peak for pree and post Pitt games
Leave Giannotti & Filliponi. They will grow into their shows i think.
Add a PG reporter roundtable show with Cook, Smizik, Ed Bouchette, DK, Gerry - Whoever
Do a steeler based show with Burton hosting and a couple former/current players + reports from Bouchette. Use that same group for pregame and settle in on a regular Steeler post game host.
Find someone anyone who knows hockey b/c the Fan is currently severly lacking in that area and will never trump the X without it.

Yeah, Joe Starkey is really ``severely lacking'' in hockey knowledge. He's as knowledgeable about the Penguins as anyone. -- Bob Smizik

-2

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written by chilco, September 29, 2010 - 09:20 AM

I don't know who owns these radio stations you mention, but I am certain if Clear Channel Communications has anything to do with any of them they are all doomed. Clear Channel's stranglehold and monopoly on the radio market is ruining alot of what was once good about radio in general.

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written by Sportstalkfreak, September 29, 2010 - 09:25 AM

First off, how could The Fan put Mike and Mike on their air at all? Why would a CBS affiliate put an ESPN property on their air? I'm obviously no expert, but that makes no sense. That seems highly unlikely.

It's nice to read a quote from Stan. Often-times, when people in the radio or tv business lose their jobs, you don't hear a peep out of them until the next time they're on the air. And I didn't realize until recently that Guy Junker was the sports director at WTAE. Obviously, that has to be his primary job and if it's too inconvenient for him to work a radio job anywhere but the WEAE studios, well, that's too bad. I'm going to miss Guy's easy-going and steady presence. He always seemed like a second-fiddle for so many years but has slowly evolved into a great talk show quarterback and probably the best host in town.

I would listen to 970 if they would become better players. But according to many on here, they don't seem willing to do so. 970 is a clear channel station and so many on the FM dial are also clear channel frequencies: WXDX, DVE, 104.7, etc, etc. Maybe clearchannel doesn't want them to become major players because they don't want to draw away from the more attractive FM stations. But I do enjoy listening to Bendel and Dulac when he's on. And Labs, Tunch and even Wolf. If they could get some of these key free agents, I'd listen to that station more. I know one thing, the national hosts they have on 970 make Cowherd sound like Stan by comparison. I'd love to have more of a local presence on 970, but I don't think it's going to happen.

Since everyone is putting out a fantasy "The Fan" lineup, here's mine:

6am-10am: Paulsen, Colony, Burton. I think a morning show should be more entertaining than serious sports talk and this team would certainly be entertaining.

10pm-2pm: If Guy is unavailable, I'd go with Bob Pompeani and Stan. It would be a great duo, and they'd probably get into more arguments than Stan and Guy.

2pm-6pm: Greg Giannoti and Ken Laird. Both young, and up and coming. They could, in time, compete with Madden.

6pm-10pm: Chris Mueller. This is the guy who won ESPN's "Top Fan" a couple of years ago. Great, fresh voice.

10pm-2pm. Andrew Filliponi. He's not good enough to have in a more prime slot, but he's not bad enough to keep off the air. He'd be an easy transition from Mueller.

Steeler experts: Josh Miller, Mike Logan, and Ed Bouchette. If the Fan is serious about making headway in the market, they have to add Bouchette.If Ed makes it to clear channel and is on in the mornings with Krenn and Prisuta, game over! And Logan might not be everyone's cup of tea, but he obviously knows what he's talking about and would add some credibility as an analyst.

People I would get rid of:
Starkey. Don't see the hype.
Cook: See above.
Vinnie: He should be teamed up with Bubba and interview Miley Cyrus.
Seibol: Did I spell his name right? Doesn't matter.

Other free agents:
Ellis Cannon. He could work in the 2-6 time slot as an alternative to one of the other two.
Eddy Crow: I like him, but I think I'm in the minority.
Chris Mack: I could see him winding up with Benz or even with Madden as his new "Colony" if the X were to go in that direction.

But I know one thing, as it's currently constructed, I don't like the Fan that much at all. Tomorrow, during my drive home from work, I'm going to listen to Bendel and Madden.

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written by djheside, September 29, 2010 - 09:28 AM

Going out on a limb here but I agree with some of the posts that the sports talk in the Burgh needs a shake up in addition to needing Stan and Guy back and a slot for Ken Laird. I recall listening online to Stan and Guy when Eartha Jackson was reading the sports headlines. I enjoyed the banter between her and the guys as they moved into or out of her segment. I used to live in Montreal and a local sports talk show there incorporated a women as a regular on the broadcast. They would send her Habs games and practices with a microphone for pithy quotes etc. She would also come into the discussion once in a while with a women's perspective on things. When I see thousands of face-painted women at Steeler games I think - why don't women in the Burgh listen to sports talk radio? Maybe having someone like Eartha who had a take no guff earthiness (no pun intended), use her persuasiveness to get good quotes out of guys like Big Ben, Sid or wonder of all wonders John Russell? I would like to listen to that and I think a lot of Burgh women would too. What a concept - actually expand the market for sports talk in Pittsburgh!!

Dave in Ottawa

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written by KevinF15232, September 29, 2010 - 09:32 AM

The only real loss from the 1250 shutdown was Stan & Guy. Hopefully, they'll each resurface on the radio soon - and together.

My guess is that Ellis Cannon has probably been well compensated to keep quiet and out of sports talk for a period of time. My guess is for a year - which will be ending soon. As a lawyer, he knows and respects the law and the enforcability of noncompetes. Once his restrictions have lapsed, hopefully he'll return to the sports talk airwaves somewhere.

One talk host that I haven't noticed mentioned here, but I have noticed lately on the FAN is Colin Dunlap. I think he has tremendous potential..he's competent and has a bit of an edge. He and Greg G. do a nice job on the FAN's Steeler postgame show. His solo work is good too.

I agree that the time is right for the FAN to make its move. I think landing more local broadcast rights should be its next strategic move - although it must wait for the contracts to come available. The rights to Pitt were a win. The Pens and Steelers (even the Pirates) should be on their radar.

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written by IamWilson, September 29, 2010 - 09:34 AM

What about Damashack (sp?)? local guy who has done national stuff and had more of a show than just fielding calls.

-1

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written by Matt Alexander, September 29, 2010 - 09:37 AM

Vinnie needs to go. I find it interesting he dropped his "New York Vinnie" name that he worked under when he came from Seattle. Maybe he figured we wouldn't be able to tell he was from New York. He's a buffoon..been here 7 months and Cook still has to educate him on local sports.

Filiponi is not knowledgeable. I didn't like Gianotti at first, but the guy really knows his sports. Filiponi does not, and he's got a truly annoying voice. Who at CBS radio thought this guy would be a good fit on a pittsburgh station? I didn't mind him so much in the 10-2 spot, mostly because I never listened.

But the worst of all has to be Seibel. Him, Vinnie and Filiponi have made the Fan unlistenable to me from 10am on. Thank god for satellite radio.

-2

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written by 21sthebest, September 29, 2010 - 09:51 AM

But the worst of all has to be Seibel. Him, Vinnie and Filiponi have made the Fan unlistenable to me from 10am on. Thank god for satellite radio.

I couldn't agree more Matt.

One thing I will say about Vinnie. Although I agree with you on him, I think he comes across as a nice guy, not a jerk, and respectful. That's worth something. I can tolerate him because of that but I'd rather see them go.

I've said this before but I think the on air talent is better when they're by themself. I put Giannotti (and Starkey) in this category but I haven't listened to him much on the morning show, but when I have, sometimes he got caught up in their nonsense. He was very good I thought at 6 pm by himself.

I also must admit that sometimes I listen to Seibel under the train wreck theory - hard to look away. His drama queen style over the meaningless and his attempts at humor are funny in that I'm embarrassed for him. I also think he and Starkey have horrible chemistry.

-2

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written by SonnyDrysdale, September 29, 2010 - 09:56 AM

After thinking about it, very few of these guys have a radio voice. Savran and Colony would be good.
I do miss Ken Laird and Steelers his Steelers 365

-1

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written by Jmat, September 29, 2010 - 09:56 AM

written by Jmat, September 27, 2010 - 04:54 PM
I haven't listened to Fox Sports Radio 970 since they fired Stan a couple years ago. It would depend on who they might hire from 1250 if I'd listen to them again.

The ball is in 93.7 The Fans court as far as I'm concerned. They can really make some hay if they do things right with the right people.

Kind of like 1250 was making some hay. -- Bob Smizik

So you agree with me today Bob.

The Fan also needs to do some heavier television promotion and get some billboards up around the region.

Dump Vinnie. He's killing The Fan middays.

-3

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written by Matt Alexander, September 29, 2010 - 10:04 AM

Vinny is "off" 2 days in a row on the Fan? Any rumors Bob..c'mon..please give us some hope!

I have never figured out how people who work 4 hours a day on the radio need days off.

-5

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written by 21sthebest, September 29, 2010 - 10:08 AM

I have never figured out how people who work 4 hours a day on the radio need days off

I think you may be discounting preparation time, production meetings, etc.

-2

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written by the ref, September 29, 2010 - 10:13 AM

Now is the time to scoop of stan. Stan is a big enough name that he does not need a sidekick. he would fit nicely into the 10-2 timeslot. they also need to pick up Ed Bouchette now. If anyone is knowledgable about the stillers it is him.

and i am getting annoyed more and more listening to vinnie.

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written by Matt Alexander, September 29, 2010 - 10:19 AM

"I think you may be discounting preparation time, production meetings, etc. "
----------------------

that is probably true in most cases, however in Vinny's specific case, he has said on the air that he doesn't believe in writing out questions or prepping for interviews, because he thinks he does a better job of just asking stuff off the cuff (which is how he ends up asking Bob Huggins the same question 3 times during an interview.)

-2

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written by 21sthebest, September 29, 2010 - 10:25 AM

which is how he ends up asking Bob Huggins the same question 3 times during an interview

LOL! Did you or anyone happent to catch Giannotti interviewing Huggins last season? I think it was right around the time of the Big East tournament?

It was priceless.

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written by CLASSOF79, September 29, 2010 - 10:38 AM

No one ever seems to mention his name, but I think Steve Blass would be a terrific talk radio choice to consider. He has a great delivery, is humble and seems to know every sports celebrity in town. I realize he is under contract with the Pirates, but I believe he could go far.

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written by heartbeatsings, September 29, 2010 - 10:40 AM

Re Vinnie's absence: They are announcing that he'll be back tomorrow. I have not heard them say he was sick, although I haven't been listening all the time. Could he have been suspended?

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written by Max, September 29, 2010 - 10:55 AM

.
Could Vinnie been suspended?

Surely you jest! He would have to actually say something more than just drooling trite phrases in order to be suspended.

Or can you be suspended for being worthless, and so boring that people tune out?

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written by Max, September 29, 2010 - 11:06 AM

I have never figured out how people who work 4 hours a day on the radio need days off

I think you may be discounting preparation time, production meetings, etc.

*****************

I never understood how Cook could add 4 hrs/day, 5 or 6 days/week plus prep time, and not impact the work he does for the PG. Did he drop some other radio/TV show(s)? How many people with a full time job, probably with irregular hours, could take that many hours out of the day?

Micco, by email, has said that Cook's workload/role at the PG has not been reduced.

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written by CliveJameson, September 29, 2010 - 11:12 AM

To improve, The Fan needs to bring in personalities with broader entertainment appeal. The strict local sports only has a very low ceiling.

I would actually expect, over the course of time to see much more cross over work between KDKA, the PG, and the Fan. Newspapers are hurting for revenue and the local sports personalities and writers are likely going to be compelled to do more, varied work providing content. ESPN is blazing this trail on a national level with its different mixed media approach.

To increase audience size, The Fan should ...
* continue its local sports only focus
* increase entertainment content (i.e. shtick)
* increase national sports coverage
* cover more local non-sports events
* change on-air personalities

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written by Iceman_63, September 29, 2010 - 11:16 AM

*t's interesting that ESPN would give up on the Pittsburgh sports market; given the attractiveness of the Steelers and Pens. I wonder if they are doing similar changes in other cities?

6-10
Greg, Cook, Colony

10-2
Stan, Bob

2-6
Ellis, Starkey

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written by Max, September 29, 2010 - 11:25 AM

.
To increase audience size, The Fan should ...
* continue its local sports only focus
* increase entertainment content (i.e. shtick)
* increase national sports coverage
* cover more local non-sports events
* change on-air personalities
.

How do they do 1, 3 and 4 at the same time?

The cross over work is a 2 edged sword. If you like what Cook writes then you probably will listen to hear what he says, and vice versa. But, having suffered through minutes of Vinnie babble, Max isn't going to pick up anything he writes, unless I'm house breaking a new puppy.

Needless to say, Max would put "* change on-air personalities " first on the list.

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written by CliveJameson, September 29, 2010 - 11:37 AM

.
Max wrote,

How do they do 1, 3 and 4 at the same time?

lol. Ridiculous.

I meant to say

Which of these would help the Fan increase audience size the most. The Fan should ...
* continue its local sports only focus
* increase entertainment content (i.e. shtick)
* increase national sports coverage
* cover more local non-sports events
* change on-air personalities

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written by heartbeatsings, September 29, 2010 - 11:47 AM

( I wonder if they are doing similar changes in other cities? )

Yes, they have. Nationally, radio is reeling. Clear Channel has been on the verge of collapse and they may not make it through the year (there's a huge debt payment due, not sure when).

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written by Jmat, September 29, 2010 - 11:48 AM

I'm a Ron Cook fan and I think he is much better on the radio without Vinnie.

The only on air talent I would get rid of right now is Vinnie of course and Paul Alexander.

Vinnie is boring and always uses 5000 words when 5 would suffice.

How Alexander stays on the air in this town is baffling. I didn't like him when he was at KDKA TV. I don't like him at FSN. I don't like him on the Fan morning Show. He has that pompous, arrogant attitude and a smirk that makes me want to punch him in the mouth.

I don't have a problem with any of the other on air people on The Fan and that includes John Seibol who most seem to not like.

I'd 'd like to see The Fan hire some women for on air roles. Not women like Kalena Bell who was in over her head but women with sports knowledge. Although I doubt if Pittsburgh would put up with women in local sports media.

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written by CliveJameson, September 29, 2010 - 11:50 AM

The cross over work is a 2 edged sword. If you like what Cook writes then you probably will listen o hear what he says, and vice versa.

The thought was similar to the guest appearances that John Clayton and others make on the ESPN shows. With newspaper revenues declining 20% last year (no idea about the PG specifically) it would seem that some additional work is going to be necessary.

I never understood how Cook could add 4 hrs/day, 5 or 6 days/week plus prep time, and not impact the work he does for the PG

How many columns a week does Ron Cook produce in a week for the PG. I would guess that the radio show is highly complimentary and that the prep work is really no addition.

Even Mike and Mike are consistently on other ESPN shows.

...
written by Joe Lawrence, September 29, 2010 - 12:27 PM

I apologize in advance for this, but...

I was in Pgh this past weekend for the Pitt debacle and to renovate a bathroom in my sister's house.

Initially, my needs took me to Lowe's...but it became very clear that Rollier's hardware had the guys and products I needed. I paid a bit more, but the experience of dealing with guys with deep subject matter knowledge (not to mention the ability to buy 3 washers in a small brown paper bag for 10 cents apiece) and some personality was...as they say...priceless.

I went back to Virginia wondering how a big store full of stuff could have absolutely nothing, while a small place like Rollier's could have everything.

Unfortunately, the "big box store" thing has finally felled Pgh sports talk's stalwart giant. Little by little, our society is becoming over-homogenized.

With that in mind...

- Go to Rolliers once in a while and pay a little extra. Talk to the guys about your project - they will listen and even give you an idea or two.

- Avoid Applebee's and head to a local establishment.

- Treat the local 4th estate with respect - even if you don't agree with their views. They contribute to the local fabric and help make Pgh "some place special".

Let Stan Savran, an even-tempered class act since the day he arrived at WWSW following his escape from Cleveland that you appreciate his work if you see him on the street.

Sorry again for the sermon...I was moved.

Final thought - Perhaps the Internet and satellite radio, which have hastened the demise of local talk radio, can play a role in reviving the patient. I'd pay a premium to pick up a Pgh talk radio station on Sirius or Internet radio and gotta believe that a number of Yinzer Expatriates would do the same.

Joe: In the future, please, no more plugs for commercial enterprises. -- Bob Smizik

...
written by Max, September 29, 2010 - 12:52 PM

.
Max agrees with the thoughts of Joe Lawrence, on hardware stores. (I'm sure no one cares. I'll save you that comment, Bob).

Re Cook and PG: Micco said, by email, that Cook was a full time employee, and continues to be a full time employee. It could be that an experienced guy like Ron doesn't need prep time for the radio show, but it's still 20-24 hours/week that he is not writing, researching columns, interviewing players and coaches, or watching/listening to sporting events.

Who more qualified, other than ROn himself, than Bob, to comment on adding about adding 20-24 hours/week on air time, to his schedule when he was a columnist at the PG.

The proof is in the pudding. Do you have any problems with his work? If not, I guess he can do it. Some people can handle that work load; others could not. -- Bob Smizik

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written by JBM425, September 29, 2010 - 02:48 PM

As for Junker, the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. slot in the 1250 studios was a perfect fit because it enabled him to handle his primary job as sports director of WTAE-TV, which is in the same building. Even if there were jobs available, so long as they were not in the WTAE building, it would be nearly impossible for Junker to accept.

There's no reason that Guy could not reunite with Stan at another radio station, even with his duties at WTAE-TV. There are a lot of talk shows now where one host is in one studio, and the co-host is located elsewhere. The technology is there for some station that may want to bring "Guy and Stan" back to the market...all it takes is the cash for the equipment to make it happen.

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written by CliveJameson, September 29, 2010 - 03:36 PM

The proof is in the pudding. Do you have any problems with his work? If not, I guess he can do it. Some people can handle that work load; others could not. -- Bob Smizik

He seems really grumpy on the radio a lot of the time. Perhaps he is tired and overworked.

(humor)

...
written by blackngoldnation, September 29, 2010 - 05:05 PM

I'm another transplanted Pitsburgher who relied on Stan and Guy to stay informed on the Steeler & Penguin news. Thanks ESPN for pulling the plug a week after I bought your Android app for my phone. Hope the Fan finds a way to get those guys back together.
http://BlacknGoldNation.com

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written by Bingram, September 29, 2010 - 05:50 PM

Any talk about 970 adding any of the local talent displaced by 1250 is just not going to happen. The 5,000 watt signal is not capable of drawing a sufficient audience to justify the expense. 970 produces 2 day parts, morning drive and afternoon drive, and even local morning drive is a relatively recent development. And before it comes up, Tunch and Wolf is an airtime buy. They buy the time from the station and do the show, and sell their own advertising to pay for it. Feasable during Steeler season but not year round, I wouldn't think.

Regarding The Fan, whether people like it or not, they do seem to be listening because there are certainly alot of comments about the content and the airstaff.

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written by Sportstalkfreak, September 29, 2010 - 09:11 PM

Bingram, you sound like you have inside information. Perhaps you work in the business. Not too many people would know the inner-workings of 970.

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written by blackngoldnation, September 30, 2010 - 12:06 AM

Join our Facebook Group to show support for the return of Stan and Guy to Pittsburgh sports talk!
http://ow.ly/2M5Cy
OR
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=164561220227756

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