Re: Layoffs at WCVB??

[Donna Halper <dlh@donnahalper.com>]

At 10:59 AM 8/2/2001 -0400, you wrote:
>I agree that many of the alleged cuts are unlikely.  Chronicle has hired a
>producer for its upcoming WMUR edition, so it doesn't make much sense to axe
>the parent station's version.


I expect the cutbacks will be in the public service realm, because the 
station can then put in something that is sponsored. "Five on 5" has 
already been cut.  I expect other PSA oriented shows will be scaled back 
too.  Sadly, that seems to be the trend.

On another front that is related to this list, a research study I was just 
reading about radio listening indicates that consolidation may be great for 
making conglomerates wealthy, but it seems to be driving away 12-24 adults 
(the youthful generation needed to ensure that new cume occurs), especially 
young males-- this demographic has begun to reject radio entirely, 
according to the report.  Most common complaints (and explanations for why 
they don't listen as much any more) are 'radio today has too many 
commercials and too much mindless talk'; even young females are no longer 
feeling they can relate to what they are hearing on the air and no longer 
are loyal to one station, according to the study, contents of which were 
summarised in "Inside Radio Fax."

I wonder if now we will see TV increase its commercial load even further, 
with more infomercials, more Miss Cleo and more get-rich-quick stock tips 
(gasp).