13 April 2006

We've had lots of comments from listeners that they really want the local angle

So KTAR 620 AM is dumping syndicated programming in favor of returning to live and local format that they just about totally eschewed just six short months ago.
KTAR-AM 620 has yet again tweaked its programming lineup as the news station tries to find the right mix of shows to hoist ratings.

Last fall, the station booted "Real Life with David Leibowitz" off its 9 a.m. to noon time slot in favor of the "Tony Snow Show."

It appears that shift didn't pique listeners' interest. Snow's Washington, D.C.-based show will be replaced by a new one hosted by Pat McMahon, a long time Phoenix television and radio personality.

In the 7 to 9 p.m. time slot, "The 620 Sportsline" returns to the air with Dave Burns as host. Burns previously held the 6:30 to 9 p.m. time slot but the programming featured a blend of sports and regular news. Eccles said the decision was made to take the time to fully explore just sports news during the new, two-hour period.

The station is trying to find local hosts for the 1 to 4 p.m. and the 9 p.m. to midnight time slots. The afternoon slot now is filled with a show Ted Simons of Ted & Heidi has been doing as double duty for the station and the latter features a syndicated consumer advocate show.

Yes, good riddance to neoconservative sycophant Snow and a tape delayed Clark Howard. Here's hoping they fill those slots with informative and engrossing hosts that provide forums for plentiful listener feedback. I don't believe McMahon has the stamina anymore to offer three quality hours a day, though a more frequent roundtable style program (like the McMahon Group that presently airs in the Friday 1-2 pm slot) would definitely earn my listenership.

Even better, would be if they granted Bill Straus a Straus Place encore.

Comments

Now that's cruel, Naum. The last sentence suggests a possibility, or a chance of happening :).
Straus Place on the air again....something to hope for.

Have a wonderful, and happy Easter, Naum, Phrank, Trav,CAL and Mondo.