Re: Capstar Strikes Again

[Donna Halper <dlh@donnahalper.com>]

many people wrote--

>Capstar has pulled the plug in Worcester on WTAG's Upton Bell show.  Just
>another example of how large corporate broadcasting is destroying local
>radio.  

Ironically, since radio does not cover news about radio anymore, I doubt
that most folks will be aware of the behind the scenes stuff that led to
Upton's unfair demise.  Here was a show that was MAKING MONEY.  It HAD GOOD
RATINGS.  So it seems short-sighted to drive him away.  But then, radio has
changed from an entertainment and community service medium to something to
make money for shareholders so the owners can unload stations and make more
profit.  Now, before the conservative members of this list flame me, the
making of profit does not bother me.  I like to get a paycheck, as do most
people.  But I am horrified at how some excellent and talented folks are
being treated in this brave new world of conglomerate thinking.  Are we any
better off with one more station airing syndicated shows?  Yes it saves
money in the short run, but Worcester is not some tiny market where people
won't notice sooner or later what has been done to their station.  They may
not picket or protest-- they may just stop listening.  It is no accident
that in most markets, Time Spent Listening continues to decline...  

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