WBZ’s Slippery Slope
by Brian Maloney, January 2nd, 2009 at 01:33am
Keeping up with our local media’s financial meltdown is truly overwhelming, particularly when seemingly-stable outfits turn out to be just as shaky as their dying, headline-generating competitors.
WBZ is this week’s case in point: after jettisoning four on-air staffers, including overnight host Steve LeVeille, Boston’s heritage news-talker is now on a slippery slope.
The reason: all signs point to syndicated programming taking over his timeslot and perhaps others on WBZ’s lineup as well. This from a legendary station that was built on live and local news and talk. Especially demeaning for surviving Soldiers Field Road staffers is that LeVeille’s replacement is likely to be piped in from a smaller, distant market.
Yes, the station has flirted with going syndicated before, but it backfired badly. This time, however, it’s hard to tell how listeners will react.
For any other station, a certain amount of syndication is expected, especially when those programs are popular. But this is about an endless, relentlessly vicious cycle of budget cutting that has damaged radio overall.
At the moment, CBS Radio is the unwanted stepchild of a major broadcast network in big financial trouble. Behind the scenes, there have been attempts to purchase their largest AM news/talk outlets on a piecemeal basis, but negotiations broke down over the price. Further, some of the firm’s music stations have already found buyers.
The players involved are largely former radio execs who sold their companies before the industry collapsed under the weight of huge debts and declining revenue. They are sitting on cash generated a decade ago and sat out the meltdown.
ALL of the company’s radio stations are currently up for grabs, it’s only a matter of coming to an agreement. That ABSOLUTELY includes WBZ Radio. Purging staff ahead of a planned sale makes WBZ more attractive to a potential buyer.
But until that occurs, WBZ 1030 AM is paying the price, as each wave of cuts reduces the quality of its programming.
In the meantime, a rival station could pick up these displaced late night talk fans by going live and local in those hours. It costs relatively little (an overnight host is paid as little as $50-60k, even on a major outlet) and boosts that outlet’s overall public image. In Boston, WTKK is the obvious choice for that kind of move.
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87 Comments Add your own
1. Joe from Brighton | January 2nd, 2009 at 1:54 am
Four years after he left us, I still miss David Brudnoy.
He was WBZ radio. It’s been on a slow road to death in talk radio land since his passing.
David, RIP.
2. Cap'n Spackle | January 2nd, 2009 at 1:58 am
Wouldn’t it be nice if LeVeille just moved over to FM and replaced the syndicated crap that 96.9 runs in that same time slot?
3. Jean Gordom | January 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 am
I was listening to Morgan and heard about the
purge. It is difficult to believe that WBZ would let Steve LeVeille go. He is so intelligent, and is able to talk about every and anything. His shows during the recent presidential election were so very good. Also, it is so nice to hear the happiness in his voice when he talks about his cat “Max,” It would be so good to learn that his name has been mistakenly added, I will listen to him wherever he moves, I do not like syndicated shows, and Steve is just so great.
4. subman47 | January 2nd, 2009 at 7:48 am
Maybe when VaCa Jay needs time off Mr. LeVeille could be the perfect fill in host. Tom Cuddy’s a good guy too. Let’s hope someone puts him back on the air soon.
5. Chris | January 2nd, 2009 at 8:45 am
This morning as I drove into work in Nashua, I was ‘exposed’ to WBZ for a few moments while I briefly disconnected my preferred source of audio content…my iPod. I noticed that the signal was ‘picket-fencing’ as though its power were half of what it normally is. Does operating at 25,000 watts instead of 50,000 save them any money? They sure are acting like it does.
6. Jim from Boston | January 2nd, 2009 at 8:56 am
I caught the last half hour of the WBZ overnight broadcast, hosted by Morgan White. No trivia, and it seemed that much of the night was spent taking calls about Steve LeVeille. Morgan even made reference to the title of that broadcast as the “Steve Leveille Broadcast,” though he admitted it was the last. Apparently, his first call about Steve was at 12:15 AM. The daily caller Gennarosa from Peabody was the last caller, and she was notably upset, having only heard of Steve’s departure that night when she tuned in. She’s well known to fans of WBZ talk radio and she said she was going to call Morgan White at home to further talk about it; she even has his home phone number—now that’s a fan.
7. raccoonradio | January 2nd, 2009 at 9:09 am
It’s possible a WTKK could show interest though maybe they’re locked into the contract for Sliwa 10p-1 am and Hendrie 1-4 (I do like Hendrie though). Perhaps they could put Steve on for a couple hours and either confine Hendrie to an hour or let WRKO pick him up in place of part of
Coast to Coast, etc. But they could be locked
into contracts. Not sure how much they could spend, etc., but if he’d be willing for work for
what was mentioned…
Wonder if there’s a non-compete in his contract too
8. Larry | January 2nd, 2009 at 9:40 am
Leveille’s problem was that he winged it every night for 5 hours. There never seemed to be any preparation for his program. The topics were really lame. Even in my deepest bouts of insomnia, I could not listen to his program for long. Many, if not most, were callers from other states which is not a selling point for advertisers in the Boston market. Demarais and Dyett were worse and long over the hill. Leveille coasted for many years and should not be surprised with this decision…The Boston radio market will hit rock bottom soon. Local ownership and thoughtful, talented programming will help talk radio rise from the ashes.
9. Mary Lou | January 2nd, 2009 at 11:07 am
Steve’s talk shows were getting more and more boring. For three nights he talked about his newspaper being delivered in his driveway. Enough already. I realize it must be tough to talk about things when no one is calling, but the newspaper delivery was the worse, next to the cat stories.
10. Bob | January 2nd, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I’m glad I subscribe to satellite radio- for the most part, they go to great lengths to ensure that listeners are happy. It looks like I’ll be listening more to them over night.
However there was a great spot that Steve filled that will be missed - the “light talk” thing. Most of satellite is filled with “hard hitting” and “intense” programming, but during the overnight it is great to have a light alternative that didn’t get my blood pressure boiling. Some nonsense and silliness, mixed with some pretty irrelevant topics and discussions about inane aspects of life. It might not sound great to some high-powered radio executive, but it fits the bill great for a bout with insomnia.
11. Mr. Pragmatic | January 2nd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
If live overnight programming was not profitable for WBZ (a heritage station that can be heard halfway across the country), why would it make any sense for WTKK or WRKO to pursue the same model? Sure, if the costs were different the metrics might change, but even at $60K (plus $10/hr for the board op, which adds another $10-$11K) it is difficult to identify specific $ that the station has because of that personality that it wouldn’t otherwise have either in other dayparts or with the overnight syndication. It is a 50+ audience that is not in high demand.
Now please don’t construe this as me liking the idea, but these guys are following typical business practices by cutting expenses in non-crucial areas. You could also argue that by doing so they are just creating a slow death instead of a quick one, but in the business world where circumstances change quickly, publicly traded companies report frequently and executives try to keep their jobs as long as they can, one understands why this happens.
12. Chandler Jensen | January 2nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I used to listen to my iPod, too, but it’s way too much hassle. I’d much rather just push a button and get what I want on my satellite or other radio, as I’m tired when I leave work. I have better things to do with my time than download, delete, program, etc. It’s a hassle.
13. Celtic Frost | January 2nd, 2009 at 5:44 pm
This posting shows why you are da man, Bri. Good job.
14. Apocalypse Whenever | January 2nd, 2009 at 5:54 pm
EVERYONE keep a look out for Dan Pierce as a fill in host on WBZ. He has filled in for Steve Leveille numerous times in the past and is dreadful on the air. Apparently he has a buddy in management at WBZ who keeps throwing him fill-in gigs. His show is like listening to Avi Nelson on valium. You know you are struggling if Avi Nelson is “cutting edge” compared to you. He screwed up the Clear Channel cluster in NH big time in his last gig and he will probably work his “magic” in Massachusetts if given half a chance.
If you like root canals, you’ll LOVE Dan’s show.
God Help Us.
15. ann Brown | January 2nd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
I was listening to Morgan White Jr when the call came in about the changes at WBZ and that Steve LeVeille would no longer be on air. I am very upset about it and on principle will change my dial from 1030 forevermore. Was talking with two neighbors today who didn’t know about it and they also are amazed that of all people, Steve would be let go.
16. Bullwinkle J. Moose | January 2nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
WBOZO Should have Dumped Dan Rea & Pat Desmarais.
At least they get the time right . . .
17. Al Bowlly | January 2nd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Here’s my strategy for what it’s worth. It’s a dead end like all the others. The end game is inevitable. Radio is going away I’m afraid unless there’s some sea change coming that we can’t see yet.
Download podcasts of John Batchelor (WABC & KFI shows), Savage, Brinker, Levin, This American Life, Pat Kiley, and Bill Cunningham Sunday Nights. This gives me plenty to listen to in the office and at home. I live just within 495 so winters are miserable reception-wise
18. Practical Progressive | January 2nd, 2009 at 9:10 pm
According to a poster on the Radio-Info board, Steve will be replaced by Jon Grayson, who currently holds the 11PM-2AM CST shift on KMOX. In addition to ‘BZ and KMOX, Grayson will be heard on KDKA in Pittsburgh and WCCO in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
http://www.kmox.com/The-Jon-Grayson-Show/1643264
One thing that will endear him to the ‘BZ listening audience. . .he named his son after Bruins great Cam Neely.
At first read, it seems as though CBS is aiming for a younger demographic. Grayson definitely seems. . .”fresher” than Leveille. I can’t imagine that Generosa from Peabody will be listening for very long.
19. Practical Progressive | January 2nd, 2009 at 9:12 pm
One other thought. . .Grayson is only on for three hours in St. Louis. Are they expanding his shift to cover the entire overnight or will ‘BZ have to fill time between 3-5AM? I’m already fearing an endless loop of herbal enhancement ads followed by a continued barrage of spackle and paste.
20. Needham Guy | January 2nd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I hope Lovell Dyett and Steve Leveille end up with another Boston station. Good luck to you both and know you have thousands of listeners waiting!
21. WRKO Staffer | January 2nd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
A lot of people say that Brudnoy was WBZ and I would disagree. To me, WBZ was Norm Nathan. A truly brilliant radio man. Regardless, Brudnoy and Nathan…RIP
22. Cap'n Spackle | January 3rd, 2009 at 2:57 am
If there isn’t enough colon cleanser to fill the extra time, I’m sure “Purity Products” can regale us with more of their taped pretend medical programs.
23. Mac | January 3rd, 2009 at 11:47 am
Great comments all, it’s a sad day in the media biz when a 40+ year programming standard becomes obsolete. ‘BZ overnight entertained me back in the 70’s while stationed at Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL. At that time it was Larry Glick, who crossed all demographics. Greats such as Carl Desuse, Norm Nathan, Bob Raleigh and Steve Leveille were made for latenight radio. Some earlier comments on this thread referred to the shows as boring, unprepared, etc. and to a degree that is true, however overnight radio is a different venue, with different listeners, and easy going banter is what makes it suitable for the time of day and the listenership.
Coast to Coast is a great overnight show and it too caters to “real time” discussion, nothing overly rehearsed, just normal banter by night owls wanting someone to talk to. It can be over the top, but there’s no ranting or raving, just thoughtful discussion over mainly interesting topics.
Going syndicated is a worse case nightmare for such a proud station as ‘BZ. There are very few independents left, perhaps WGN Chicago 720, WSM 650 Nashville and WJR Detroit 760. This is the end of an era; hopefully better economic times and a massive drop-off in listeners will bring sense back to WBZ decisionmakers. In the meantime, Lovell and Steve, I wish you the very best and hope to find you on the airwaves again soon. Your classy on air demeanor will be missed! Gennarosa, hang in there! Brian, outstanding piece!
We may want to say hi to CBS management to voice our opinions - peter.casey@CBSradio.com
24. caprinegirl | January 3rd, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Sound of Silence is where Boston Talk is at now! Like Steve or dislike Steve, he could hold a conversation. Wing it…well that is what a good talk show host should be able to do. Dan has has to be scripted with a guest…someone looking for free Face time. Jordan is the king of infomercials and Morgan and his silly — trivia. For all his years in Radio what has he acomplished in Broadcasting, now really
25. broadcastmaven | January 3rd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Smaller market indeed. Actually the new programme will originate at KMOX, one of the truly great radio stations in the country.
26. Ted | January 3rd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Steve, in my opinion, is the best talk-show host on radio. Period. I have listened to him since his Broadcast began, and there is no one that can come close to replacing him. This is WBZ we are talking about. This is Boston we are talking about. These are institutions that deserve a local voice, and a forum for local interaction. Steve embodies everything I love about this city, and everything I have loved about radio. This is a huge loss.
According to Jordan Rich last night, there will be a syndicated show starting at 1am Monday night (Tuesday morning). I didn’t catch the name of who it is.
Hearing Generosa Friday morning on the air was heartbreaking. Steve was a part of many people’s lives. ‘BZ management apparently doesn’t even have the decency to allow him to sign off personally. The last Steve LeVeille Broadcast was hosted by Morgan, who in his own right, is a great host.
I agree with Mac above. Please send your comments to ‘BZ management, and let them know what you think of their decisions:
peter.casey@CBSradio.com
bill.flaherty@CBSradio.com
27. ChrisNH | January 3rd, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Steve LeVeille should be a magician. His picture above makes him look like one. Like he does card tricks and neat stuff with multi-colored (aka ‘politically correct’) handkerchiefs.
28. anon e mouse | January 3rd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
I remember when ‘BZ tried the syndicated approach and stopped listening. When they returned to live broadcasts, I returned. I live in MA but not in the greater Boston area. It was the only station I could tune in and hear people discussing local issues. If I want syndicated I could tune into the crap that the local automatons put out. Were some topics inane? Sure, but life is inane at times.
Sorry but naming one’s kid after a Bruin isn’t enough to endear one to me.
I will not listen to syndicated talk radio.
29. natalie | January 3rd, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Sorry but I will not miss Steve LeVellie, he was boring. The only time i found his show interesting was when Mel Simon was on with him. If I had to listen to Steve complain about his paper boy one more time I was going to throw my radio out the window!!! I sure miss Norm, he was the best..
30. Jim from Boston | January 3rd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
I have been reading savewrko for over a year now, and I’ve not seen such an outpouring of new names, and obvious talk radio enthusiasts, as I have over the Steve Leveille issue. Where has everybody been all this time, or conversely how did so many find out about this website? You sure have crowded out a lot of trolling that was happening just a few days ago.
31. Celtic Frost | January 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Yeah, this is new blood is great.
So long as JSYK doesn’t come in and piss on our heads (then tell us it’s raining), then we are golden!
32. WRKO Staffer | January 3rd, 2009 at 9:24 pm
You want to hear the death of talk radio….listen to McPhee’s show.
33. Cap'n Spackle | January 4th, 2009 at 2:26 am
McPhee is great compared to the Hamburger Huddle on Saturday afternoons.
34. ann Evans | January 4th, 2009 at 7:16 am
i tuned in last night for the heck of it, no more.
i hope steve finds a new home even if i can’t pick
it up in maine.
35. raccoonradio | January 4th, 2009 at 8:33 am
By the way, Felon Finneran’s show is doing so well that not only is he losing a half hour of time, he’s technically only doing a three hour show, not four–someone on radio-info said that the 5:30-6 part of the show will be a “radio rewind” (of the previous show, I guess). Yes, he’s doing so well that now he (and his on air partner) only have to do THREE hours of live talk now. Nice work if you can get it Mistah Speakah! In the dreaded private Sectah!
36. raccoonradio | January 4th, 2009 at 8:35 am
>>starting at 1am Monday night (Tuesday morning).
Yeah, and Jon Grayson (that’s the guy) had said on radio-info that his show would air at midnight central, so 1 am here, yup–so what airs mid-1 am ET on WBZ now? News? More Dan Rea? Kim
Kommando?
37. Bullwinkle J. Moose | January 4th, 2009 at 8:45 am
… and in typical “old world media” style they don’t wanna talk about it.
38. John | January 4th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Kim Kommando is , at least, the Weekend replacement for Lovell D. Gosh, her show is awful!! Its just re-hashed “how to sell on Ebay”, “whats the best HD TV choice”…yekkk!!
Its a 90 second TV Consumer piece in the form of 2 hours of babble from who-knows-where. This is all very sad.
Is anyone, like me, old enough to remember when institutins like WBZ and the Boston Globe meant something?
WBZ is getting gutted and the Globe is being offered as a throw-in to anyone who wants to buy a piece of the Red Sox.
39. The Man | January 4th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Wimax, Sat Radio, Podcasting = gutting of terrestrial radio. Why so much analysis of the inevitable?
WBZ is a brand. They provide traffic and news. Their days as a provider of talk radio are at the mercy of these new platforms. The reason you won’t be hearing another Brudnoy on WBZ is because radio companies don’t nurture talk radio talent anymore. They put TV hosts and Politicians on the air.
You can already get updated traffic information automatically generated to your in car navigation. There’s some quarter hours gone.
You’ll be able to get any host, any tv show, any newscast, any song format instantly streamed into your cars within three years. Huge amount of quarter hours gone.
Strap your podcast into your car for your commute. More quarter hours.
WBZ like everyone else will need to make due and make money with a much smaller piece of the pie, period.
40. ChrisNH | January 4th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Speaking of HD, WBZ radio made a HUGE faux pas in a news report yesterday…and they didn’t even bother to correct it!!! The Einstein news anchor on WBZ radio prefaced a story about the pending switch to digital by saying this: “The clock is ticking on your switch to HDTV.” I couldn’t believe it! What a TOOL! He basically told what few listeners there were that you need to get an HDTV in time for the switchover. Typical weekend WBZ news anchor. Next stop for him: McDonald’s.
41. mb2 | January 4th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I also found Steve and Lovell to be too boring to listen to for very long. They were unprepared more often than not. Even when Lovell had guests and questions, he came across as unprepared. So I am not surprised they were let go. I think WBZ has made a mistake in going for syndication. Kim Kommando was awful last night. It sounded like another long infomercial with her recommending certain products. The calls seemed planted just so she could plug those products.
42. Mac | January 4th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
MB2 / The Man / John / Chris NH
We are all on the same page, i.e., free on air radio is dying, just ask anyone under 45 years old. BTY, I am 55
Boring is subjective and is respected of those who have noted this. My comment in that regard is to consider the audience, i.e., night owls and oldsters who want to engage in the discussions. I am not yet an oldster, but I think there plenty of listeners ( 24-50 ) who respect the programs and sponsor the advertisers of these programs. Let’s hear from you!
43. Anti Brian | January 4th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
subman47, if you think Tom Cuddy is a good guy then I can only assume you have never met him.
It is a sad day for BZ. In addition to no local news between 8pm and 4am, they have replaced local talk on Saturdays with a a very dull computer show. The Kim Comando show is so bad RKO dropped it a few years ago.
Program content had nothing to do with Stve L being let go. I can tell you first had that even a mico manager like Peter Casey pays little attention to the overnights. It was simply about cutting a program that made brought them very little in revenue. How much do you think the Mt vernon restaurant and Spano and Dewickie pay for those 3am spots?
LeVellie is a good broadcaster who should be able to find work but he may have to relocate to do it. I always wished he would have on more interesting guests and do more interviews like Larry king used to do with his overnight show.
Lovell lost his fastball years ago. more often than not he would forget to introduce his guest until 15 minutes into the broadcast. I never understood why after a long sucessful career he want to continue to be on the radio so bad he would take the train up from DC every Saturday just to do 3 hours of radio.
More and more BZ is starting to sound like a small market staion and less like the once great heritage station it once was.
44. The Real One We Are Waiting For | January 4th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Not Since The Late Eighties Has AM Late Night Talk Been Worth Listening To. There Will Be No Audience For AM/FM, RKO-BZ Until Programing Improves. Best Wishes To Steve, But If You Can’t Attract Listeners By Now, SeeYa Bye. Howie Carr Would Do Well To Watch And Learn As His Rapidly Disappearing Fans Move To Sat./Internet Based Entertainment.
45. Bullwinkle J. Moose | January 4th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
A little Progressive talk in Boston area wouldn’t hurt …
46. NHradiofan | January 4th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Bullwinkle J. Moose
Progressive talk? In Boston? That’s a great idea! I know, we can get a bunch of lefty “comedians” like Janine Garafolo and Al Franken and put them on the air! We can call it “Air America”! EVERYBODY will listen to it and we will make millions in ad revenue! Or not.
/sarcasm off.
47. Radio Fan | January 4th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
I will miss Steve as well. I agree w/the previous poster who said that nightime programming is different from daytime. At 2 AM, I don’t want hard hitting news. I want low key chat and that is what Steve L does so well. I hope he turns up on another Boston station with the same program. It’s wierd that others were let go at the same time as him and thier bios still appear on the BZ website but his is gone.
I also agree w/the previous posters who pointed out how badly reported the news is on BZ. Gary LaPierre must turn his radio off everytime he hears a BZ newscast. As a former radio news person, I am embarrassed for BZ’s news dept.
48. ChrisNH | January 4th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
It’s a true shame that a 50 killowatt clear-channel three-letter station like WBZ is going through this. They’re a media icon, but they aren’t behaving like one. If people think that WBZ is doing all of this gutting and cost-cutting to ‘weather the storm,’ that presumes better days are ahead. Is that even remotely likely? It almost seems like the tide is going out and it won’t ever come back in again. That’s a real sad thought.
49. Madeline | January 5th, 2009 at 12:27 am
“but I think there plenty of listeners ( 24-50 ) who respect the programs and sponsor the advertisers of these programs. Let’s hear from you!”
Here I am. I am around 40, hubby is 43 and we’ve been listening to Steve since he started on BZ. My parents had WBZ on nightly in the house, so I grew up listening to Larry Glick, Bob Rauligh (sp?) and others. I remember when WBZ played music during the day, and they had their mobile unit downtown and would broadcast from there during the holiday shopping season. But I digress……
I worked last night so I didn’t get to listen. Hubby said they they had all sorts of bull on, like how to sell on ebay. Now I know that computer woman is on Saturday nights, ugh. Yeah, no thanks. Tonight Hubby said, “Is this all they’re going to play tonight, commercials?” while the Jordan Rich show was still on. Can you tell we’re not too hip on him? He is better than infomercials though.
So I’m just sitting here waiting to see what the new guy is about. I’m not going into this very positively because I was a big fan of Steve’s. I like local talk and light topics at night, and now its gone. Does anyone have an email or contact for him? If he does turn up somewhere else, I’d like to know.
I can’t say we sponsor the advertisers of the programs, but we enjoyed their shows tremendously-Steve, Lovell, Pat and Morgan. I even called in Morgan’s show the last night to express my displeasure. Really, I still can’t believe it. It looks like I’ll be looking for other things to listen to at night.
50. Alice Gibson | January 5th, 2009 at 3:44 am
I’ll miss Steve L. He was low key and good for a late night listen.
Tom Finneran is a good host but he laughs too often. His co-host Tod Feinberg is annoyingly a one note commentator. He sets up a point and won’t waiver no matter how intelligently another person makes an argument. He cuts them off if they get too good. I like Tom with Marge. Marge has always been bright and informed and fun.
Howie’s days are now just boring. You should have let him go when he wanted to.
51. raccoonradio | January 5th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Breaking: Entercom tosses 1 million per year at Glenn Ordway. See the Herald. The Big Show is often #1 in its time slot…
“Progressive talk” = people who think Obama isn’t lefty enough…? There actually are 2, soon to be 3, slots at WWZN for that right now and I’m sure it’s getting GREAT numbers! (When the night guy isn’t
pre-empted by sports.)
52. John | January 5th, 2009 at 8:53 am
CBS was willing–via WBCN–to thow something near $1 Million a Year to sign Glenn Ordway away from WEEI.
So gutting Steve L who was probably making–what–$60K/$70K?—looks kinda cheap.
They could have bought 15 Steve L’s for what they were willing to throw at the Big O.
For those who say Radio is dead, though, let this be a loud message.
If you can deliver LISTENERS and DEMOS–there is no limit to the $Millions you can make in this business.
53. caprinegirl | January 5th, 2009 at 9:35 am
We too are looking forward to Steve’s return to the air waves.
Some find Steve boring…may suggest you wake up your gray matter! It takes intelligence and a sense of humor appreciate Steve.
Anyone who thinks that WBZ’s moves were just business should look to the “healthy banking industry, housing industry, auto industry, …”
A bunch of highly educated crooks who have robbed this nation blind. Who will expose these parascites….bought and paid for news? I think not. The little guy who notices the slight of hand and drops the pearl at 2:0A.M. has been silenced. Now we are left with a discussion of monkey meat!
54. Dyanne Spatcher | January 5th, 2009 at 9:48 am
I have listened to BZ all night/early AM radio from Larry Glick, Dave Maynard, Norm Nathan, David Brudnoy,
to Steve LeVeille. I shall find another
station; too bad as I really like Jordan
Rich. Heard a little of the new stuff
today….not for me. I am not a caller,
just a listener. I want to be entertained.
55. John J Eldridge | January 5th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Oh yes!!!! From BZ to (BS)…..And now BS can team up with Scotts Fertilizer and tell their liseners they both do the same thing….make grass grow greener. A sad day for people that could count to three. Bye bye WBS……
56. Bullwinkle J. Moose | January 5th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Progressive talk = Any thing left of right wing talking point and republican propaganda. Look at the numbers … Even righties can’t help but listen.
57. Sue A. Lauyah | January 5th, 2009 at 11:35 am
This is simply a sign of the decay of our society. We in Boston like to think we are different somehow. WAKE UP People.
O big box mart…thank you for servin’ me
we use to be your customers now we’re your
employees….
Steve L. you rock BTW (I was sick of the cat as were you I fathom)
Things of the past to remember. I personally miss Lechmere Sales and N E V E R shop at WALMART or Target.
The middle class will return again in thirty years
just you wait.
Soon we will press “2″ for English folks!
Buckle up~~~
58. Sue A. Lauyah | January 5th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Ted Sarandis is a friend of a friend.
Another example of silliness.
Dale Stale remains though.
The big picture is dim I reckon.
59. Madeline | January 5th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I just called WBZ’s main number and said I wanted to make a comment about their programming. I was connected to a mailbox that was full-I think the name was Bill Flargherty. I stayed on the line, went back to the operator, who I told I was connected to a full mailbox, he told me to hold on and I was connected to Bill Casey’s also full mailbox.
Tonight I will be flipping the dials, no more monkey meat for me.
60. Practical Progressive | January 5th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Brian, any word from your sources at ‘BZ as to the call volume today? I’ve tried several times to no avail, always getting the “Mailbox is full” for Casey and Flaherty. A few minutes ago I was transferred to Ted Jordan’s vm, again to no avail.
61. Chuck from Sterling | January 5th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I have been a late night talk radio listener since I was a 10 year old boy. Ironically, I had just updgarded my nightstand radio complete with pilliow speaker; all to enjoy Steve LeVeille’s quality, local broadcasts into 2009. Last night I tuned in to that which I have tuned out for decades, homogenized radio. Boston will be a lot less rich until we can dial him in again. Steve, if you’re “listening”, get back on our air waves so we can all enjoy your wit and intelligence soon. Until then, all the best. It’s what you always gave us!
62. Irmgard Hayes, Virginia | January 5th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Spent a most horrible night - monkey meat, monkey brains, the taste of - plus skinned cats hanging like chickens to be purchased, AND some caller that predicted a blood bath if just one Obama hair was touched, a blood bath and the end of America. More like the end of wonderful relaxing night talk show, poor, poor Generosa, we all love her so much - plus the rest of the gang. I have listened to you for over 30 years, what a sad sad ending!!
63. Charles | January 5th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
This is all too funny–
At the bottom of this page is an Amazon ad featuring a CD called “The Very Best Of The Spinners”.
64. Mac | January 5th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I can’t believe this thread is still going so strong!
There’s something that needs to be said about this poor decision regarding the removal of local talk ( Steve / Lovell ) on “BZ, and nobody’s actually said it yet, so I will.
Don’t Call In! This new program is “selling” local-like atmosphere, but that is not doable, not from St. Louis. Think about it this way, if there are no calls from New England, or from those “distant regulars” who have supported our station over the years, the sponsors will notice! Why pay good money for local advertising if the vast majority of the calls are not from this region?
One thing I know about New Englanders, we know how to stand on principle. I guess we still need to vent on-air for a few days to get this behind us, but I would highly suggest that beginning mid-week, or at the latest next Monday, No More Calls - all the while don’t stop sending your polite, but firm emails to Bill Casey and Bill Flaherty, and leaving polite but firm messages of your displeasure with this decision. That’s the only avenue we have to peacefully protest and encourage change back to local programming.
65. Terry | January 5th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
What can we do to bring Steve LeVeille back? Does anyone know who we can email, call or snail mail or comments to?
We have to join together to protest this unfair takeover.
Keep this thread going strong with suggestions on how to stop these unfair practices.
Thanks everyone.
66. Art Tennant | January 5th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Please read Scott Fybush’s article ref. the WBZ firings. It’s well done.
http://www.fybush.com/nerw.html?125,117
67. Bullwinkle J. Moose | January 5th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
… just sick of local institutions disappearing.
68. Madeline | January 5th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Since I’m off from work until Saturday (they’ve laying off people everywhere-I’m not laid off, just cut down to part time for now) I think I will call some places during my free time. Like the counter top place, that bank, the window company, those lawyer people who help you protect your assets and whoever else I can think of, and tell them I won’t be using their services if they continue to advertise on WBZ.
69. Ben | January 6th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Hi everyone,
I’m a long time listener distraught like the rest of you. I’ve launched an online petition–you fill out the form, add your comments, and it automatically sends an e-mail to WBZ and some of their major advertisers.
Will you sign it and help spread it to WBZ listeners?
http://www.bringbacksteve.com
70. JEL | January 6th, 2009 at 6:20 am
WBZ has been going downhill for a while now. It started out only on the weekends that you would hear two commercials playing at the same time or the on air person start talking before the end of a recorded message. Being live there will always be some of this. But now it is quite common to hear these screw ups during the prime weekday time slots as well. Quality is like anything else - you get what you pay for.
Axing the overnight people is just the first step IMHO. News is expensive to produce I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more cutbacks soon. Recently, during the day, they seem to be playing more syndicated news mixed in with the live reports.
Bust of luck to Steve and the others who got let go.
71. The Real One Etc... | January 6th, 2009 at 6:54 am
I See NoOne Here Gets It Yet.
Its Not About Steve Or Lovell ,Glenn,Or Even Bz Curing Insomnia For The Last Twenty Years. Its About Dollars And Cents. Benjamins Baby,Thats Where Its At. And While I’m On The Subject Of Money, Does AnyOne Really Think Lovell Has Been Kept On As Long As He Has Because He Wows Em With The Ratings? I Mean How Many Elderly Hippie Black Panthers Does Boston radio Really Need? Lawsuits AnyOne??
72. Mac | January 6th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Real One,
I get your message and there is merit there, for sure. However, the overnight ratings and ad rates are far below daytime radio, in any case. If the station is drowning in red ink, and the % of losses associated with night radio is a small percentage of the total, it would stand to reason that the analogy is similar to corporate America, i.e., layoff the custodians and low wage earners and keep the fat cats in place.
Money talks and BS walks, you are absolutely correct - in this case the impact of letting go two well ,liked late nighters will affect the bottom line very minimally, so it is a poor attempt at fixing a bigger problem.
Add to this the way it was handled and you have a historic station going the way of the fly by nights that are out there.
73. keith | January 6th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
New overnight show is horrible. Too many commericals and the talk is not enlightening!
74. keith | January 6th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Overnight america is a joke! They have almost 15 minutes of commercials an hour!! Hope BZ loses these sponsers! BZ suits are a bunch of loosers!
with a big L!
75. tommy216 | January 6th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
steve l. was never prepared and talked too much about cats.
76. What Next Big Radio | January 7th, 2009 at 12:12 am
BRING LeVeille BACK! He actually was great to listen to, and didn’t have an annoying voice. This Grayson is a douchebag LeVeille sound-alike who needs to be taken off air. He’s supposedly on an even longer time-frame now. Also ruined KMOX’s later-night talk show w/ Ralph Graczak-another great host. Heard the newer Grayson comment the other night to a dissappointed call-in listener “..well it’s a change, and sometimes people can’t handle a new change…” Whatever. Change is good, but sometimes it’s not needed, especially when something not broke has to be “fixed”! GO AWAY GRAYSON!
77. edujtnias | January 7th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
FYI, If interested I found this on another site protesting Steve L program being canceled.
Here’s one way to voice your displeasure….contact any and all of these folks, beginning with the GM.
ALL LINES ARE DIRECT LINES.
Teddy Jordan-General Manager
ted.jordan@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7570
Chris Hill- General Sales Manager
Chris.hill@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7171
Rebecca Ivey- Local Sales Manager
Rebecca.ivey@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7184
Chris Vecchia- Local Sales Manager
Chris.vecchia@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-746-1360
Jennifer Bousquet- Account Executive
Jennifer.bousquet@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7177
Ed Bratz- Account Executive
Edward.bratz@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-746-8329
Justin Caruso- Account Executive
Justin.caruso@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7163
Nick Consalvo- Account Executive
Nick.consalvo@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-746-8354
Ross Dananberg- Account Executive
Ross.dananberg@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7169
Melanie Footer- Account Executive
Melanie.footer@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7179
Shelley Gallagher- Account Executive
Shelley.gallagher@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7194
Debbie Harris O’Hearn- Account Executive
Debbie.harris-ohearn@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7299
Donna Kearney- Account Executive
Donna.kearney@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7176
Erin McNamee- Account Executive
Erin.mcnamee@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7310
Lee Santer- Account Executive
Lee.santer@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7209
Wendy Schmidt- Account Executive
Wendy.schmidt@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7305
Darrell Smith- Account Executive
Darrell.smith@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7189
John Taylor- Account Executive
John.taylor@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7173
Doug Tierney- Account Executive
Doug.tierney@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7159
Mike Viselli- Account Executive
Mike.viselli@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7141
Brian Wheeler- Account Executive
Brian.wheeler@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7591
Dylan Ney- Sales Assistant
Dylan.ney@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7183
Stacy Mondesir- Sales Assistant
Stacy.mondesir@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7197
Julie Pesanello- Executive Assistant
Julie.pesanello@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7206
Debbie Ellis- Executive Assistant
Deborah.Ellis@cbsradio.com
Office: 617-787-7115
78. Sue | January 7th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Sign protest at http://www.bringbacksteve.com
79. ANN NOYES | January 11th, 2009 at 6:29 am
the new WBZ set up I DO NOT LIKE. Instead of listening to very nice sounding ,intelligent human beings with a personal interest in their listeners I’m hearing stuff I could care less about
I’m already missing the “old” crew” that helped man WBZ
80. shirley | January 11th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
I am just sick that Steve is gone. He has been a sweet companion during lonely night hours for many of us elderly. I even bought a kitty and named her Maxine. Most of all I want to know that Steve does well and finds another spot he loves on radio. If we find out where he is, we will find him on the internet if his new station doesn’t reach us on the coast of Maine.
As for WBZ…… bye bye!
81. Charlie | January 12th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I have lived in the Boston area for 49 years until I moved to Rochester, NY 6 years ago. I work until 3:30 AM most of the time. Other times until 1:30 AM. WBZ’signal comes in strong here at that time. I liked listening to Steve’s show to listen to callers talk about what’s going on in Boston as well as the rest of the country. I like when he talks with other callers about old times at WBZ TV and radio. I was surprized to tune in on the way home from work to suddenly see another show in his spot. I am upset about this and am now listening to automated music on a local station.
82. Old Sport | January 27th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Looks as though the brass at BZ has taken a page from their past and returned Steve to his rightful place. Wasn’t the motto for WBZ in the 70’s, ” We Hear You” ? I guess they do. Congrats to Steve, and ALL of America.
83. Mac | January 28th, 2009 at 6:31 am
Great News! I’m sure the lack of callers from New England had an impact on the decision to bring Steve back. This is a nice thing to wake up to this snowy morning.
Congratulations go out to Steve on his return and to WBZ which did the right thing. Hopefully, they will find a fair solution for Lovell as well. C’mon, Kim Komando? Lovell’s got his niche audience as well - like him or not, he’s local talk as well. Great job everyone!
84. Mac | January 28th, 2009 at 10:20 am
….and they say that working as a team doesn’t pay.
I just received this email from Peter Casey this morning:
********************************
Thank you for your input and your email.
Peter Casey
Director of News & Programming
WBZ NewsRadio 1030 - CBS Radio
617-787-xxxx Office ( I took out his direct line )
peter.casey@CBSradio.com
http://www.wbz1030.com
—–Original Message—–
From: Dan XXXXXX [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 7:28 AM
To: Casey, Peter J
Subject: Thanks!
Peter,
Thank you for your reconsideration in regard to Steve and Lovell. Your actions are the right thing to do for the core night audience that has supported WBZ throughout the years. Knowing that you received many letters of protest ( including mine ), it is now only fair to send you a message of thanks, and my commitment to support your decision by being a regular listener and supporter of your sponsors.
Thanks again for your decision to return these guys to the air.
With Best Regards
************************
I would suggest that all of you who voiced your displeasure with ‘BZ’s earlier decision to take Steve off the air, now do the right thing and thank Peter for listening to the listeners!
peter.casey@CBSradio.com
85. tommy216 | January 28th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
steve should be on romperroom or seseme street..cat talk is horrible awgggggg!
86. tommy216 | January 28th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
steve should be on romperroom or sesame street..cat talk is horrible awgggggg!
87. susan conway | February 5th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Let’s hope that he has improved and that he has read the feed back and enough with the cat and get to the things that are really affecting our lives…I will never forget the idiot show on Christmas gifts. USA at least showed that the man was doing research and Mel Simons forget it !!!
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