July 14, 2002
What Clear Channel has wrought on Houston radio

What Clear Channel has wrought on Houston radio A nice overview in today's Chron about how corporate radio has mostly eliminated local on-air talent.

New station owners with a bottom-line philosophy have canceled public-affairs programming, dismantled news departments and replaced local DJs with broadcasts of prefabricated material to cut costs.

Case in point: When KRBE's Sam Malone and Maria Todd first went on the air in 1993, most radio stations in Houston had a flashy, larger-than-life morning show. Now they're among the dwindling number of megawatt morning personalities.

Malone and Todd consider themselves lucky to work for a relatively small company -- Susquehanna Radio Corp. -- that runs its 29 stations the old-fashioned way, with on-air personalities around the clock and a full-time production, marketing and promotion staff that concentrates on only one station and touts its program at every opportunity.

"The tables have turned in 10 years," Malone said. "(Back then) people were saying, 'Don't go to KRBE in Houston, because they're a mom-and-pop operation.' Now everybody wants to work for a mom-and-pop operation."

"Instead of an evil empire," Todd added.


I used to listen to KLOL when the Stevens and Pruett morning show was worth listening to. S&P were typically raunchy Howard Stern clones, but hey, I was a male in the 25 to 34 age group, so of course they appealed to me. They pushed a lot of boundaries, and eventually station management (which is now the evil Clear Channel empire, though I don't know exactly when CC bought them) forced them to scale back on the racier stuff. They became more political instead, which I found unappealing since they still weren't exactly highbrow. Eventually, Clear Channel fired Stevens, replacing him with a late-night DJ named Greggo, whom I really disliked, and promoting sideman Eddie "The Boner" Sanchez. That lasted about a year, then the whole crew was fired and replaced by a no-talent morning crew called Walton and Johnson, whose only notable acheivement so far has been to annoy a local woman with a billboard that read "Hey, all you virgins - thanks for nothing."

Now, I listen to all-80s station KHPT in the morning. They play music instead of DJs. Sometimes I listen to KKRW's Dean and Rog show, which has been around for awhile and which is usually pretty funny. If KLOL started rerunning old Stevens and Pruett shows from about 10 years ago, I'd listen to that.

I'm moderately surprised that this article didn't touch on the Stevens and Pruett saga at all, since they were a highly rated morning show and their dismissals were sudden and unannounced. It does include this bit of unintentional comedy from a Clear Channel spokesdrone:


Clear Channel spokeswoman Pam Taylor argues that consolidation has led to more diversity in formats rather than less.

"If you own the No. 1 and No. 2 stations in the market, you're not going to compete against yourself. You're going to position yourself in some other niche," she said.


Yeah, it sure would suck to have actual competition among radio stations, wouldn't it? How much worse it was in the old days when radio stations competed for listeners instead of divvying up market niches. Thank God Clear Channel has saved us from that.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on July 14, 2002 to Music
Comments

I agree a lot with this article. Since S & P KLOL mornig show was taken off the air I have stopped listening to just about all radio in the morning. Before 500 I listen to "Coast to Coast" on KTRH and then after that I listen to CDs. I listen to S&P for over 10 years just about every morning. In college I scheduled me class to start at 1000 so I would not miss the show. Even after Mark was removed I still listened but it was not the same but with Boner and Jim it was still better than anything on the radio.

Micahel
Sweeny, TX

Posted by: michael on October 22, 2002 4:52 PM

Cleerchannnel is trying to become a radio monopoly
and is accomplishing it. Houston radio has always
sucked in my opinion (compared to San Antonio and
Corpus). Now it's gotten even worse since Cleerchannnel came to town. They moved all the
stations into one building so they could crack
their whip easier. Now they are filling the FM dial
with all these Spanish language stations (like 100
of them on AM wasn't enough). I find myself
listening to the radio less and less now. I think
I'll look into the satellite radio systems.
maybe I can find a REAL rock station on there!

Posted by: MEGABITE on January 31, 2003 12:54 PM

I agree. I hope they are feeling the pai (bad ratings) with these guys, Walton and Johnson. What can we do to stop clearchannel???

Posted by: todd on February 28, 2003 2:47 PM

In my opinion, the only way to slow the growth of mass-broadcast consolidation, would be for the FCC to re-regulate the ownership requirements it once had. Let me explain. Until the Reagan Administration allowed for de-regulation of the FCC; in hopes of keeping up with the ever-changing needs of the broadcast industry. Most broadcasters were restricted to no more than two facilities in the same market. This usually consisted of an FM facility and it's original AM station, or as we saw come about in the eighties, two FM's owned by the same company in the same market, and under the same roof! Due to the tight restraints of the FCC; in regards to the number of stations a broadcaster could own in a single market, stations could develop distinct identities through fierce competition. This in turn led to a higher quality broadcast product. When broadcasters cannot own the entire market, the market will flourish with creativity. But, put all the facilities under one roof, with a few people running them, and you get a bland product that can make alot of money. This will have to be solved by the FCC. The only thing they can do is re-regulate the requirements for ownership in markets. Radio is a Federally Regulated Business. Take the restrictions away, and hurt the quality. But, with the changes in technology and society. The restrictions of the past, might actually do more harm than good. Under the current regulations. I feel that the big owners, such as ClearChannel, Cumulus, etc.... will either combine into one huge company, be sold to another enterprise of some sort...ex. "CNN going to AOL Time Warner," sell off their properites to individual owners. or, like Microsoft, be split by the government. Yet, as I made mention to above. Technology is changing, as well as the place of radio in society, and we are probably witnessing the last decades of radio. The thing that saddens me most about the current situation, is that there is hardly anything worth listening to on the radio anymore. The only way to stop mass-conglomeration of radio, is to write Congress and request legislation to re-regulate the industry. You can own most of the radio stations in the country, but The FCC still tells you what to do with them.

Posted by: Christopher Coleman on March 1, 2003 5:27 AM

Clear Channel Sucks!!! I want my Stevens and Pruett back!!! Rich Bastards!!!

Posted by: Juan Lobo on August 11, 2003 8:32 PM

You guys all suck. Stop your f'ing whining. Walton and Johnson are awesome and they top the ratings in Houston.

Posted by: Jimbo on September 9, 2003 7:09 AM

well it is whinning a bit, but most of what is being said is true. I live in the BAY AREA and there are many good bands, artists, and groups that would like to get on the radio. But they cant since it seems like most of the good ones are broke......heh....Im one of them. These radio stations don't even attempt to play some of the local artists here and its a damn shame you have to pay to get played. It wasn't like this 10 years ago when the stations actually seemed to care and used to have "play-offs" for the local artists quite frequently. It just seemed to dry up almost overnight. Something need to be done

Posted by: Tony on November 3, 2003 1:15 AM

Does anyone know where s&p are now? What are they doing? Are they on the air anywhere?

Posted by: big jim on November 30, 2003 1:41 PM

Stevens and Pruett have been hired to take the place of the recently fired 94.5 morning dj's. Call them and ask, they will verify it.

Posted by: jason on December 6, 2003 2:50 PM

KLOL's Walton & Johnson can only aspire to suck. And that would be a major improvment. No wonder KLOL's ratings are at the bottom of the Houston pile.
These guys are pathetic old Limbaugh lemmings. No wonder they killed 101's ratings.

Posted by: Scott on June 14, 2004 10:58 PM

Come on, Walton and Johnson's only crime is that they are not Stevens and Pruett. They acknowledge their own faults/imperfections and they joke about how CC has forced them to be corporate shills from time to time. They aren't mindless clones, they aren't pulling mindlessly unfunny birthday scams, and they aren't afraid to tell you the stories that most newspapers won't print. Call me a sheep, or a wannabe, but I have grown to really enjoy the Walton and Johnson show and I have listened to EVERY morning show currently offered in the Gulf Coast area and they are head and shoulders the most intelligent, original, thought-provoking, and entertaining show on the air today. In my twenties I listened to Howard Stern, in my thirties, I am an ongawa-saying radio gawd listener. Please don't send me any hate mail for expressing my opinion.

Thanks,

Steve

Posted by: Steve on July 7, 2004 9:19 AM

I really like this show, aside from the perverdedness its great, unfortunatley because of the perverdedness i cant listen very often because my kids are usually with me. You guys do now in almost every subject except for religion take the words right out of my head because what your saying im always thinkin!

Posted by: kris on August 22, 2004 11:51 PM

The good ol days a real rock station with a voice that was not afraid 2 speak.2 b able 2 say
this is fuck up(exspecialy if it is!!!!!kill em all bring back the rock!!!!

Posted by: mikey on October 6, 2004 11:28 AM

Walton & Johnson = Stale, corporate, whineing, uninspiring airwave drool. The radio equivolent of watching grass grow. Worse yet, now they appear to be paid shills for the Bush campaign.
No wonder Rula and Ryan at 96.5 are killing them in the ratings.

Even at their bickering worst, Stevens and Pruett were 10X the talents.

Posted by: Marlene on October 14, 2004 3:35 PM

Well, 101 is gone to a Latino station, so I guess we don't have to fight about 101's morning show any longer! What is this city coming to, there are already like 10 spanish stations. Clear channel has killed radio in Houston, officially now. Congrats.

Posted by: the loon on November 12, 2004 12:28 PM

Noooooooo!!! Another damn spanish radio station. How many of them do there have to be. Do we english speaking citizins not drive around in our cars anymore. Oh well 101 was the last radio station I actully listined to on a regular basis. Now it is dead to. And with almost no warning. Just went off in the middle of a a song. Sad day for Houston really. Fuck Clear Channel. I've already sent them a message telling them so. Like anyone will read it.

Posted by: ErK on November 12, 2004 3:58 PM

I think Walton & Johnson is a great show. Sometimes I have to turn it off but 99.9% of the time it's what I listen to in the morning. However, Clear Channel fucking sucks. Houston FM radio is dead. Not that it had much life in it before today but now it officially has died. All clear channel stations play the same 10 songs of their genre and nothing else. When was the last time you heard a station taking requests??? Now I listen to Country Legends 97.1 and enjoy that too. Hopefully corporate greed won't kill it.

Posted by: Matt on November 12, 2004 6:49 PM

I cannot believe 101.1 is Spanish. A Houston mainstay is gone!! Walton & Johnson told it like it was....All you mainstream media shepeople could not stand it becasue the truth hurt. I never heard Walton & Johnson have a disgusting segment called guess my weight by sitting on the telephone like S&P. It was fair and balence but I assuming Clear Channel is owned by the Kerry campaign so its gone to with the other two losers!! I am done with Clear Channel and their antics!! Too bad 94.5 is a clear channel station!! I hate Sam Malone and that crap but I am boycotting Clear Channel all together. I never thought Jessica Simpson and Usher would sound so good!! Fck Clear Channel!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Mike (Houston) on November 12, 2004 8:14 PM

KLOL is a freaking Spanish station now? It was like getting kicked in the nuts when I heard that. What the hell is Latino and proud crap doing on Rock101? Makes me sad to be Latin. That new Clear Channel progam director for this region should get his ass beat down. Walton And Johnson you build it we will come. XM Satellite radio maybe? Hmmmmm...........

Posted by: JoJo on November 12, 2004 10:18 PM

Even though Walton & Johnson had sh*t political views, they were bloody magic. What the hell is going on that this show can be cancelled at two days notice. Get something back on the airwaves to stimulate the senses - even though one of these senses may be anger some of the time. Fantastic, funny and intellectual views even though you hoped (for the fate of the world) that the participants were not always talking the truth.
How much more original material can you come with ? These guys are doing f##king great. If clearchannel are the company that dissed them, Piss off Clearchannel. Bring back W&J.
Bri from Scotland.

Posted by: Bri on November 12, 2004 10:43 PM

Clear channel has in fact ruined Radio I would also feel sad to be Latin. That is the weekest thing that anyone could say to promote a radiostation I mean rock 101 never said we are white and proud. this was a sorry day in radio I already too have contacted Clear channel. True no one will read it but everyone who is pissed off about this too needs to fill thier inboxes with pissed off emails. I will not listen to my radio anymore. S&P were better than W$J. This Sucks

Posted by: defiledfrog on November 12, 2004 10:48 PM

I can't believe it!! I'm as conservative as they come, this is a damn shame. Last time I checked we weren't in Mexico. How many channels have to be Mexican? Who has the money anyways, last time I checked it wasn't the damn illegals. I'll never listen to another C.C. Station, they are on the same list as the cnn.

Posted by: Mat on November 12, 2004 10:50 PM

amen Mat

Posted by: defiledfrog on November 12, 2004 10:51 PM

I can't believe it!! I'm as conservative as they come, this is a damn shame. Last time I checked we weren't in Mexico. How many channels have to be Mexican? Who has the money anyways, last time I checked it wasn't the damn illegals. I'll never listen to another C.C. Station, they are on the same list as the cnn.

Posted by: Mat on November 12, 2004 10:51 PM

A sad day for houston radio,30+ years means nothing next corporate greed.I hope the Clear Channel pigs enjoy a market with no more listeners.xm radio!!!!...........FUCK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Clear Channel

Posted by: M.D on November 12, 2004 10:55 PM

Anybody got an address we can bombard with e-mails about this terrible situation ? Just post it.

Posted by: Bri on November 12, 2004 11:03 PM

I really miss KLOL. I listened to them when S&P were on there and I really liked Walton and Johnson. We don't have any rock stations in Houston...94.5 SUX!!!!!!!!!!! and 93.7 is pretty good now and then. I really liked the pit on KLOL on Sunday nights, cuz it would come on when I was getting off work and they played stuff that rocked!! I hate the fact that KLOL was taken off the air, cuz now I'm forced to listen to a sucky radio station (94.5) who plays only alternative b.s. and not rock and roll. Who the hell listens to Avril Lavigne and Good Charlotte? Those bands aren't rock....Metallica, Godsmack, Mudvayne, etc....those are rock!! 94.5 only plays stupid stuff and they dare call themselves a rock and roll station?! Give me a break!!! I agree with Mat....we have too many f**king latino stations here and only 1 good hard rock station, and that had to be all f**ked up by taking them off the air. That f**king blows monster f**king cock!!!

Posted by: Claire on November 12, 2004 11:13 PM

I think clear channel has made a grave mistake as far as thier marketing is concerned. It seems to me that CC may not care what it's listeners want. They must have thier heads up thier asses and not realize that every other station is either playing faggy rap or unintelligable shit from south of the border. Clear channel has definately lost my business and my patience....... I hope someone can spam thier comp networks into oblivion. CC can kiss my ass!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Bob on November 12, 2004 11:14 PM

I think clear channel has made a grave mistake as far as thier marketing is concerned. It seems to me that CC may not care what it's listeners want. They must have thier heads up thier asses and not realize that every other station is either playing faggy rap or unintelligable shit from south of the border. Clear channel has definately lost my business and my patience....... I hope someone can spam thier comp networks into oblivion. CC can kiss my ass!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: bob on November 12, 2004 11:14 PM

You all seem fairly confident what is and what is not CLEARCHANNEL. Please give me some pointers. I f##king loved 101.1, W&J and all the good stuff but what do I have to boycott now ?

Bri from Scotland.

Posted by: Bri on November 12, 2004 11:20 PM

i go from listening to metallica, ac/dc, and led zeppelin on my ride to school to latin music????? why was no one warned of this? 101 ia a great source of rock and one of only two stations that I ever listen to. where can we complain about this. i want my rock!

Posted by: jenny on November 12, 2004 11:42 PM

MAN WHAT THE HELL........ I was listening to walton and johnson this FUCKING MORNING for gods sake!!!! I went to lunch and instead of rock I got blasted by some fucking trumpets and macorenas!!!! Im Mexican but I gotta admit that spanish shit sounds like fucking noise, it sounds like when i pick my kid up from daycare and theres 30 hysterical screamin kids running around banging on shit!!!! After I finish this message Im headed to the xm website to check their shit out. FUCK HOUSTON RADIO!

Posted by: stephen on November 13, 2004 12:28 AM

Where can we find W&J now? Did they go back to New Orleans....

I was listening this morning and knew it was a repeat and thought they took the day off...by was I wrong.....

Posted by: Tack on November 13, 2004 12:39 AM

http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/contactus.aspx
or http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/Email.aspx
will get you to some kinda email contact give em hell

Posted by: defiledfrog on November 13, 2004 12:39 AM

When I was at work tonight, the night shift supervisor came in and said "the morning show guys were called last night and told not to come in". I dunno where she heard that from, but I didn't hear anything last night when I left work (I get off at 10) so I was surprised to see on my truck radio Mega 101 when I was going to work this afternoon. I thought it was a joke so I turned on a cd and when I put the radio back on and heard people singing in spanish, I knew it wasn't a joke. Everyone I know called me at work tonight and asked if I heard, and the general consensus was: WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO KLOL?!?!?!?!

Posted by: Claire on November 13, 2004 1:13 AM

I heard that W&J were called last night and told not to show up this morning because their format was being changed and they wouldn't have their jobs anymore. I'd like to see walton and johnson get a show on another station and burn clear channel on the air!

Posted by: bob on November 13, 2004 1:24 AM

This shit fucking sucks. I enjoyed listening to Rock 101 KLOL. And the new show The Pit was freaking awesome. I can't believe that the only 2 choices of rock stations in Houston is 94.5(sucks) and 93.7(decent). Who the fuck cares about a "Latino" station when there is already one to many. Indeed as said before a sad day Houston. I hope CC burns in hell for this.

Posted by: Melinda on November 13, 2004 2:28 AM

This is the biggest bad thing since The Bush Administation, and that's BAD. Houstonians will band together and bouycot this Clear Channel BLUNDER, just another in a long line from what I'm hearing from accross the nation. so we all stand up and never listen to there stations again.They fired our favorite DJ's and even the hispanics I know, and thats a bunch think this programing SUCKS.

Posted by: Bruce on November 13, 2004 2:57 AM

THIS BETTER BE A BAD JOKE!!!!! They have lost the old listeners, advertisers, Hispanics. Total FUBAR
You have lost listeners from all over the world.
We as the people that loved this station would like to buy it back, how much? We will combine our money and own this great icon of HOUSTON. Soon I think the price will be reasonable because they won't have any listeners or advertisers, any advertiser will get a negative reponse we all promise. Not even hispanic's like myself can tolorate this crap.

Posted by: Johnny B. on November 13, 2004 3:11 AM

Manditory metallic 'til the troops come home.... you comm'y basterds. A slap in the face to the troops fighting for whaaat?

Posted by: bruce on November 13, 2004 3:17 AM

Hey you know what? 101 has sucked for a long time due to Clear Channel. Walton and Johnson always sucked. Walton and Johnson always was broadcast out of Baton Rouge. The Walton and Johnson show was always just 2 guys. The redneck, black man, and gay man voices was only 1 person.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

P.S. ALL CORPORATIONS SUCK!

Posted by: Trentley on November 13, 2004 7:45 AM

I thought W&J were quite humerious and if anyone took them seriously must have an IQ of an amoeba. It was just stupid humor to start your day. Now that 101 is all Latino music, I listen to 89.7 the Alvin Comunity College Station. I hope Clear Channel does't decide to get in the education business.

Posted by: crash on November 13, 2004 10:16 AM

ok ok ok check this out. I am just as pissed off about this as anybody else here in Houston. I have been trying to find information about what has happened and I found some interesting things.

KLOL's format change is part of a bigger picture - a conspiracy some might say. Here are some facts.

Radio in Houston has changed for the worse causing people to abandon radio all together. I know this because of forums like this where everyone is like "This sucks" "Radio in Houston is dead" "F Clear Channel" "I'm moving to XM"

Well, the truth is, this is exactly the response that Clear Channel wants. Think about it. If changing KLOL's format was a positive thing and everyone was going to love it, they would have told people about it. A few DJ's joked about needing to learn Spanish but no official word. This is because they know people would hate the change and protest it - there would be "save the station" rallies. So, they get everything set up and then flip the switch.

Also, I've tried to search for information about this on Clear Channel's web site but found they have completely removed all evidence that Rock 101 ever existed. In fact, if you use the search on their site for "Houston rock 101" or similar searches, it returns 0 results - not even an unrelated article about Houston or rock or 101 Dalmatians.

Ok, so why is Clear Channel doing this? Why do they want to kill radio in Houston? Why do they want people to say "Radio in Houston is dead - I’m moving to XM!"?

Well, according to this:

http://www.xmradio.com/newsroom/screen/press_release_1999_06_08.html

Clear Channel, in part, owns XM Radio. This has been a project that has happening for years to make the radio that people listen to for free so crappy that people are forced to sign up for their special radio service that you have to pay for.

So I say to all of you who say “F Clear Channel” – join me in boycotting everything that Clear Channel touches. Don’t play their game and pay for XM service.

I would like to start my own station where we can have the good old days back. We’ll get S&P back in the morning and Dave & Lock in the afternoon. Save The Ranch rallies. You name it. Who’s with me? I’ve got the means to start a station - I just need some people willing to help put it together. Anyone willing to work with me to build the baddest rock station ever should e-mail me at “harold@stormsoft.com”. Oh, and put “Rock Station” in the subject and I’ll tell my spam filter to let it through.

Posted by: Harry on November 13, 2004 12:29 PM

This is bs, klol rocked, it was the only station that played Led Zeppelin religiously. They had mandatory METALLICA every night at 9. The pit was great, they played all the good heavy stuff, it was starting to get even better, now they tell us that a hispanic pop radio station is taking over. Why couldn't it have been a different station, I'm hispanic and i gotta say that there is already too many hispanic radio stations in houston. 101 has been my number 1 preset station since i could remember, to find out last night when i was taking an mri, and they asked me what station i wanted to hear, i said Rock 101 klol, and all i hear is some Enrique Iglesias bullshit, i then yelled out "WTF?" If there is any way to put Rock 101 back on the air, i'll pitch in anyway i can, and i'm sure there are some crazy mofo's out there that will back me up.
I think i speak for most fans out there when i say.

HAIL NASTY!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jonathan on November 13, 2004 1:38 PM

I cannot believe this shit! Harry is right. Clear Channel owns XM Radio. They announced a major change in radio nationwide about a month ago. By converting several key radio stations to latino/hispanish in major market areas they will drive people to XM radio and make us pay for good radio instead of making advertisers pay for it. This is a PRIME example of why monopolies should NOT exist in this country. The only way to boycott these assholes is to burn CDs man, they own everything! FUCKING COCKSUCKERS! KLOL was a part of Houston. Whats happened to our country? Can we stop this invasion please???

Posted by: thezenutz on November 13, 2004 11:22 PM

F U C K Clear Channel Communications !!! I can't believe they have killed KLOL. I've listened to KLOL almost exclusively since I moved to Houston in 1979. (KILT when it was album rock until a similar unannounced format change in the early 80's). I've seen all the other stations change formats every decade or so and never believed it would happen to KLOL. I urge everyone to BOYCOTT any and everything Clear Channel has anything to do with. Call friends and relatives in other cities and tell them what has happened here in Houston. Tell them Clear Channel is going to do the same thing to their favorite stations eventually. Tell them to go ahead and call their local radio stations and dare them to put on the air what it is that Clear Channel is doing. I believe Outlaw Dave would would have Gone the Fuck Off on the Air if he known what was about to happen during what turned out to be his last show on Thursday afternoon. They didn't even tell W & J until late Thursday evening. The format changeover wasn't scheduled until after their morning show on Friday. The show that was aired was a rerun. I don't know if it happened this way or not, but I'd really like to think that when W & J were given the news, they told the execs to go Fuck themselves and that they wouldn't be their the next day. Kinda doubt it, but I can at least hope they did. I won't even listen to 93.7 now because they are a Clear Channel station also. Keep Rockin everyone, just don't do it with Clear Channel Stations. Time to get a large capacity CD changer for my Jeep.

Posted by: Steve Burrell on November 13, 2004 11:43 PM

OH.. I'll bet outlaw dave would have plastered this shit all over the air if given the chance! I was driving from Katy to Richmond tonight and I saw "clear channel" on the bottom of several billboards........ Those bastards even own billboards, You can't just seem to get away from those cocksucking asslicking unclef**kers.

Posted by: bob on November 14, 2004 12:13 AM

this is a clip taken from the CC website... check this crap out.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We believe we have an obligation for the well-being of the communities in which we live. We further believe the future success of our communities and the industries where we do business is dependent upon the responsibility we feel, the high standards we set and the positive impact our actions have.

We believe excellence is the standard and we seek to achieve excellence by encouraging and nourishing these core values:

Respect for the individual.
Honest, open communication.
Individual development and satisfaction.
A sense of ownership in Clear Channel's success.
Participation, cooperation and teamwork.
Creativity, innovation and initiative.
Prudent risk-taking.
Recognition and rewards for achievement
We believe the ultimate measure of our success is to provide a superior value to our stockholder
----------------------------------------------------------------
Am I not mistaken, or are they talking about being truthful and having integrity? In my opinion, they don't seem to have very much integrity because sneaking up on everyone isn't a sign of integrity, but a sign of lack of character and backbone!

Posted by: bob on November 14, 2004 12:22 AM

This is an outrage!!! Another mexican channel. That makes number 16 in Houston. KLOL has been here for 34 years. most of us grew up with them. Clear channel is ridiculous!!!! I agree boycott clear channel!

Posted by: Will on November 14, 2004 12:26 AM

This is an outrage!!! Another mexican channel. That makes number 16 in Houston. KLOL has been here for 34 years. most of us grew up with them. Clear channel is ridiculous!!!! I agree boycott clear channel!

Posted by: Will on November 14, 2004 12:26 AM

OK, here is a list of the Clear Channel radio stations in Houston:

FM Stations:
KKRW 93.7 (The Arrow)
KTBZ 94.5 (The Buzz)
KHMX 96.5 (The Mix)
KODA 99.1 (Sunny 99)
KLOL 101.1 (The New Mega 101)

AM Stations:
KTRH 740
KBME 790
KPRC 950

I suggest trying to call in and talk on either 740 or 950 and trying to talk about the killing of Houston's only rock station. I doubt you'll get put on the line. I'll be trying it tomorrow and the next day(s).

I also urge everyone to listen briefly to one or more of the stations above and find out who the most prolific advertisers are. Start boycotting those companies / products and tell those advertisers why you're boycotting them. That will probably get their attention.

If everybody will seriously do their part, it will send a msg to those miserable corporate fucks at Clear Channel. Keep Rockin' y'all!


Posted by: Steve Burrell on November 14, 2004 1:17 AM

I'm with ya steve!. i'll be calling for damn sure!

Posted by: bob on November 14, 2004 1:33 AM

Everyone who's talking about getting XM radio, be warned that XM also has Clear Channel involvement. Clear Channel was an original investor in XM and they provided them with startup capital. Their involvement is small now, as corporate shareholders, but who knows what may happen in the future?

Sirius would seem to be the way to go. Anyone who wants to listen to Howard Stern on satellite in 2006 should know he'll have his own station on Sirius as well, once he's free from Infinity Broadcasting.

Clear Channel, rot in hell.

Posted by: Luna on November 14, 2004 2:09 AM

Clear Channel stock is currently at $34.23. I'm hoping that we can all cause that to go way down in the coming weeks / months. Remember, if Clear Channel is losing advertiser dollars, they're losing much more than just those dollars.
Oh, and just a comment on the posting from Bob on the Corporate Mission Statement / Creed blurb from Clear Channel's own website. One thing that caught my eye. 'PRUDENT RISK TAKING' Excuse me, but isn't that an oxymoron? Kinda like 'SOFT ROCK' or 'AMIACABLE DIVORCE' or 'HONEST POLITICIAN'. You get the idea.....

Posted by: Steve Burrell on November 14, 2004 2:44 AM

I say if everyone gets together, we can actually do something. I for one like several ideas I've read like listening for the major advertisers, boycotting them, and then letting then know exactly why. I am Mexican and I know where to tune in when I want Mexican music. I grew up listening to ROCK 101 and have barely made it through endless hours of work with it on the radio keeping me going. It makes me almost ashamed to be Mexican, even though it isn't our fault! Please remember that, we didn't ask for it and had nothing to do with it!! I say we all make a run to Jim Pruett's gun shop, load up, and storm Clear Channel!!!

Posted by: Juan Lobo on November 14, 2004 10:33 AM

Here is a copy of the email I've been sending to advertisers on Clear Channel Stations. Of course I change the show name and station call letters where applicable since I listen to a number of different programs throughout the day but all on CC stations.

Feel free to join me and get the word out that we won't support them if the continue to mindlessly support CC. It's our dollars they use to buy their ad time on these stations!
---------------
"Dear Sirs,

I am a citizen of the Houston area and consider myself a saavy shopper. For some time I have heard your advertisements on the radio, most notably the Walton & Johnson show. I am writing this letter to inform you that I am boycotting any retailer that advertises with Clear Channel radio stations. I'm sure you are now aware of the change of format on KLOL 101.1 You and your fellow retailers that advertise on Clear Channel radio have the power to help bring back respectable FM Radio to the Houston market. Please help make our voices heard and express your/our discontent in your dealings ($$$$$) with Clear Channel.


Thank you for your time,
-----"

Posted by: Matt on November 14, 2004 12:35 PM

Here are a few clear channel advertisers and their main place for their ads, do you know of any others???

Reiners Fine Jewelry - Paul Berlin Show 790 AM
Quick Weightloss Centers - Chris Baker Show 950 AM
Fred Loya Insurance - Walton & Johnson 101.1 FM
Landmark Chevrolet - Walton & Johnson 101.1 FM
I.W. Marks Jewelry - Walton & Johnson 101.1 FM
Stubbs Harley Davidson - Walton & Johnson 101.1 FM

Posted by: Matt on November 14, 2004 12:40 PM

Lets go down to the station and boycott. Throw some eggs, do whatever to be heard. This is not fair. unjust. What can be done. I'm angry. Who to call. There has to be something we can do. All get together and do something. We can't let great rock music go.

Posted by: pissed off on November 14, 2004 1:03 PM

I agree we need to start some sorta protest. go raid thier condo, key thier cars, something to be heard. Rock 101 MUST COME BACK. btw, i emailed the head of radio off that email list. Still havent gotten a response but im guessing thier gonna ignore it cause of all the people that are sending email to them.

Posted by: joe on November 14, 2004 5:35 PM

Damn CC did it again, Walton and Johnson is the greatest talk show ever created. I had a bad feeling when I heard a rerun Friday Morning. Does this mean the W&J show is completely off the air waves including Lousiana? Who in the hell is going to hire Lauch Sebanhusen? That little gomer just got married.

Posted by: piss ants on November 14, 2004 5:42 PM

Calling CC wont do any good. They are in damage control mode as we speak. I call them when Stevens and Grego got canned. The response they gave me was "GO TO HELL" we dont care.

Posted by: piss ants on November 14, 2004 5:48 PM

I wonder how the fans will react when they tune in Monday Morning and hear the beats of a pongo or whatever they call them things. I bet their first thought would be WTF? Probably only 25% people are aware of what happened and the other folks are in for a rude awakening.

Posted by: piss ants on November 14, 2004 5:53 PM

Let me get this straight. Walton and Johnson used their radio time to promote an Asshole President like Bush while simultaneously saying how much they hated any rock music that wasn't made before 1970. I believe their favorite infintile saying was that it sounded like getting sick on seafood...........and you people miss them?
Wake the fuck up you morons! Yanking those Stale old fucks off the air was a mercy killing!
Maybe if those assholes hadn't taken every moment to promote Bush they might have realized he's the one who is abdicating the huge fines on radio broadcasters while espousing letting millions of illegals stay in the country at our expense!
Either listen to Howard Stern on 650AM or shut the fuck up. Your President is letting this state be over run by illegals because they provide cheap labor for his corporate whores.

If you voted for Bush, shut the fuck up. Thanks to you this country is about to have the republicans right wing religious agenda shoved up our collective asses!

Long live Howard Stern! Can't wait till he goes to Sirrius in a year so i can listen to pure, uncensored, live radio talent!

As for W & J, YOU HAVE BEEN OUTSOURCED YOU LAME FUCKS! GOOD LUCK TRYING TO GET A JOB IN THIS ECONOMY!
I'd let you help me build houses if i didn't think you were too stupid to grab the correct end of a hammer!

God Bless John Kerry, the last hope of Un-Censored radio in America!

Posted by: scott on November 14, 2004 11:04 PM

This is really sad!!!! Why didnt they change the format of Magic 102 to latino instead! Kill 2 birds with one stone.........

Posted by: Mario on November 14, 2004 11:47 PM

here is the petition to bring back rock 101. i hope everyone who views this site signs it.

http://www.petitiononline.com/KLOL/petition.html

Posted by: joe on November 15, 2004 12:18 AM

The only things that suck about the W&J show are the clear channel "management restrictions" and huge quantity of commercials that clear channel made them play. They will be back, and millions will be there to listen. I'm going out today to buy XM. I hope to find them there. I'm done with clear channel. Clear channel is a real peice of work.

Posted by: 10% on November 15, 2004 10:42 AM

sweet. It's cool how many of ya'll are wanting to support me in building this new station but we need more. Tell you're friends. Contact Jim Pruett at his gun shop and bug him to join us. Contact Outlaw Dave and Loch Stebenhousen and Uncle Nasty and Chuck Akers and bug them to join us. Check out the new stations website (coming soon) at "http://www.stormsoft.com/rock". I'll register a domain name as soon as the FCC assigns us some call letters and a freq. Tell everyone to e-mail me at "harold@stormsoft.com" if they want to help. Oh, and put "Rock Station" in the subject - I told my spam filter to make sure to let those e-mails through.

For those of you who failed to read my post earlier, I'm starting my own radio station - "Houston's Real Rock Station" - because I've had it with CC and don't even want them to bring back KLOL. Why bother? It'll just be CC controled crap and you know real rockers like Outlaw Dave are gonnna give 'em the one finger salute IF they ask him to come back. Wendy Miller has already re-signed her contract with Satin and is now on the Buzz.

Now who's with me?

Posted by: Harry on November 15, 2004 10:54 AM

DON'T GET XM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clear Channel owns 25% of XM Radio.

Posted by: Martin on November 15, 2004 12:22 PM

I'm with you Harry!!! Let's kick some CC arse!!! Let's go back to the days when DJs would play anything they (and all listeners) wanted to!!!

RIP - 101.1 KLOL
------Z-Rock 106.9
------97 Rock

Miss ya Moby & Matthews, S & P, Outlaw Dave and so many great rockin' DJs that have come and gone. For those about to Rock... We SALUTE YOU!

"Rock is dead they say, LONG LIVE ROCK!"- The Who

Posted by: TRitchie on November 15, 2004 7:00 PM

I'm with you Harry!!! Let's go back to the days when DJs would play anything they (and all listeners) wanted to!!!

RIP - 101.1 KLOL
------Z-Rock 106.9
------97 Rock

Miss ya Moby & Matthews, S & P, Outlaw Dave and so many great rockin' DJs that have come and gone. For those about to Rock... We SALUTE YOU!

"Rock is dead they say, LONG LIVE ROCK!"- The Who

Posted by: TRitchie on November 15, 2004 7:01 PM

Walton and Johnson is/was the only entertaining and enlightning act on Houston morning radio. They never intended for 90% of the people to 'get it'. The central theme always seemed to center around self reliance - don't wait for god, the government or some lousy corporate asshole to save your ass. I trust they will take the recent turn of events with this principle in mind and re-emerge on the air...somewhere soon. Preferably Houston or I'm out of this hellhole! Adios Klol

Posted by: Scott on November 15, 2004 8:56 PM

I am just as upset as everyone else when the format was changed. I do really miss S&P they just made my morning. W&J did become a little tired to me to the point that I was listening to talk radio on am. I just want to clear some things up. The new Latino station is not Mexican Music or station. Just like there is different genres of english music (country,pop,rock,R&B,RAP,and so on) there is different types of spanish music (Mexicans from Mexico do not consider Tejano music to be Mexican and Mexican Texans do not always agree with Music from Mexico) In turn please stop saying it is a Mexican station. 99.99% of the artist on this new station are OTMS (Other Than Mexicans) As a mater of fact more than a few are Americans.

I do no see this station lasting very long anyway. I have yet to see any Spanish FM station last very long. It is all about a quick buck for CC who I think is just trying to capitlize on the Latin Explosion. There really is no station like Latino on FM right now. There was a station some what simular on 100.7 but the format changed to an AM Christian station. You can just imagine how they felt.

Believe me when I say that I am not making excuses. Just don't say it is another Mexican station because it is not Mexican it seems to be catering to OTMS which hold thier noses up to Mexicans.

I hope I do not offend anyone as it is not my intention to. If you find some radio station like KLOL (NOT LIKE THOSE OTHER WUSSIE STATIONS) please post it here.

Posted by: Armando on November 15, 2004 9:00 PM

we need another mexican radio station, like I need a third nipple. In other words.... it's worthless and unnecessary. I see it like this....... we need a rock station for us 10 percenters and I'm willing to contribute whatever I can. Harry... (build it and we will come)!!!!!! The need for a corporation free radio station is at it's most needed time, and CC knows this. Someone has got to beat them to the punch and grab the audience before they can!
KEEP THE MONEY IN HOUSTON!

Posted by: bob on November 15, 2004 11:42 PM

Houston's Real Rock Station, Rock (some freq.) (some call letters)

Sounds nice huh? I need supporters to help make it a reality. Here is our current status...

FCC - I've been doing alot of research and filling out a ton of forms only to find that it seems the FCC is not allowing any new frequencies in Houston - I hope I am wrong. Anybody know the FCC system or have some connections? Just in case I'm right I've contacted a radio broker about possibly purchasing an existing station that is not doing well.

Supporters - we got a buch already but we need more, like 100,000 more. So spread the word!

Rally - we need to organize a rally to help with awareness, raise money, tribute the fallen DJ's of KLOL, etc. e-mail me if you have experience in this area and can help

Houston's Real Rock Station

Posted by: Harry on November 16, 2004 8:53 AM

Dear Clear Channel,
Thanks for mindless programming and making the nation believe your nonsense. But mostly, I thank you for owning 60% of the market nationwide and killing everyones soul.

Dear Posters,
Your requests for a favorite CC station to regain on-air status, while admirable, are still requests for a ClearChannel station. Choke.

Dear Harold (harold@stormsoft.com),
You are a bad ass. I fully respect what you are doing.
(This guy has a plan that will actually do something...and with 10,000 people that already signed the online petitions it shouldn't be too hard to fund) Good Luck.

Dear FCC,
If you bastards even show up for work anymore...DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS MONOPOLY!! Screw Houston's Rock Station. CC has been a problem since it first put its nose inside 610! What about local music? Smaller stations cannot compete. CC might as well set up their broadcast towers atop Wal-Mart "Superstores"!!

Dear President Bush,
Congratulations on the election. You're such a big boy now. You wouldn't happen to know anybody at ClearChannel would you?
"There are close ties between the company and President Bush. The Vice Chair of the company is Tom Hicks, a member of the Bush Pioneer club for elite (and generous) donors. The relationship between Bush and Hicks goes back even further, however. The two were embroiled in scandal when Hicks, as University of Texas Regent, was responsible for granting endowment management contracts of the newly created (under legislation signed by Bush) UT Investment Management Co. (UTIMCO). The contracts were given to firms politically connected to both Hicks and Bush, including the Carlyle Group - a firm which has the first President Bush on the payroll and had the second one on the payroll until just weeks before receiving this lucrative business. The board of UTIMCO also included the Chair of Clear Channel, L. Lowry Mays. In addition, Hicks purchased the Texas Rangers from George Bush, making him a wealthy man through a deal that was partially sweetened by a shiny new taxpayer financed stadium, which included valuable land obtained at below market rates through the use of eminent domain."
- From the New York Press and Atrios. (03/20)
Here is a diagram for all those words... http://uggabugga.blogspot.com/2003_03_16_uggabugga_archive.html#91187450

Something has to be done. Take a few steps back everyone. Do you see that? Look...around the edges. Wow, it's bright...isn't it? It's getting larger. Yeah, there IS more to the picture. Keep your eyes and ears open, everyone. Keep your head up and your mouth loud. Make your mama proud.

P.S. Your mama hates ClearChannel


Posted by: The Ambassador on November 16, 2004 9:25 AM

Lost Cause?

I wish I could say that very soon we would have Houston's Real Rock Station on the air but when it comes to road blocks, we just hit a brick wall. I just got off the phone with Jim Pruett and he confirmed my fears. It is true there are no more frequencies available for a new radio station. However, it is possible for us to buy a radio station. All we need a couple million dollars, and that's just to get one of the little hole-in-the-wall stations that are strugling.

So, we've hit a brick wall. We brought down the Berlin wall right? We can break through this one. I'm talking about the rally. If we organize this rally and can raise the money to buy our own station, Jim said he is with us and would love to head up our morning show.

Anyone with ideas, e-mail me.

Houston's Real Rock Station

Posted by: Harry on November 16, 2004 9:56 AM

after hearing that clear channel pulled the legendary ROCK 101 from the air i have only one thing to say is just as someone else has...petition to get it back on air and boycott clear channel. satelite radio here(hear) i come

Posted by: sly666 on November 16, 2004 6:34 PM

Growing up in Houston, 101.1 KLOL was the station to listen to, and if you didn't, u sucked. KLOL had the best interviews with the hottest rock stars around, and of course, they had S&P in the morning which made your day. They also had Moby, who was a loud mouth, very opinionated type of guy, but he was great too. When he was "shipped off" to 97 Rock, KSRR I believe it was, I would listen to him there, but it didnt have the same feel as when he was on KLOL. Then there was Outlaw Dave, who came into the picture when I was in High School, HE ROCKED!

It's a damn shame that a station with 30+ years is done, out of the picture to be replaced by a Latino station, when there are already quite a few in town ti begin with. Nothing against Latino's or their herritage. Someone a few post's back wondered why CC didnt phase out Magic 102, I agree. That station sux ass, always has, always will. Surely their ratings were not higher than KLOL's.

Living near Cincinnati for the last 10 years, I've listened to KLOL's sister station WEBN, which has gone down the tubes with all of this Corporate crap. The morning crew sux, nothing funny about most of their material due to the fact that they have had to "tone down" the material because of SO MANY ass backwards people that feel like that type of hard material shuoldnt be broadcasted. Well, if Im not mistaken here, doesnt every radio have an on/off button and also a volume control of some sort??????????? If you dont like it, change the F*$Kin' channel!!!! There is worse crap on TV lately, and Im damn sure that those that dont like, dont watch it.

Not that it matters to anyone, but thats my two cents worth, and if some agree with me, GREAT, and if some don't, I dont care. This is still America, and for right now, we still have the right to our own opinions.

S&P, Moby, Outlaw Dave, and to the many other DJ's I cant remember but made growing up a blast, KLOL memories forever, Clear Channel, NEVER!

Posted by: WildCard on November 17, 2004 8:09 AM

Growing up in Houston, 101.1 KLOL was the station to listen to, and if you didn't, u sucked. KLOL had the best interviews with the hottest rock stars around, and of course, they had S&P in the morning which made your day. They also had Moby, who was a loud mouth, very opinionated type of guy, but he was great too. When he was "shipped off" to 97 Rock, KSRR I believe it was, I would listen to him there, but it didnt have the same feel as when he was on KLOL. Then there was Outlaw Dave, who came into the picture when I was in High School, HE ROCKED!

It's a damn shame that a station with 30+ years is done, out of the picture to be replaced by a Latino station, when there are already quite a few in town ti begin with. Nothing against Latino's or their herritage. Someone a few post's back wondered why CC didnt phase out Magic 102, I agree. That station sux ass, always has, always will. Surely their ratings were not higher than KLOL's.

Living near Cincinnati for the last 10 years, I've listened to KLOL's sister station WEBN, which has gone down the tubes with all of this Corporate crap. The morning crew sux, nothing funny about most of their material due to the fact that they have had to "tone down" the material because of SO MANY ass backwards people that feel like that type of hard material shuoldnt be broadcasted. Well, if Im not mistaken here, doesnt every radio have an on/off button and also a volume control of some sort??????????? If you dont like it, change the F*$Kin' channel!!!! There is worse crap on TV lately, and Im damn sure that those that dont like, dont watch it.

Not that it matters to anyone, but thats my two cents worth, and if some agree with me, GREAT, and if some don't, I dont care. This is still America, and for right now, we still have the right to our own opinions.

S&P, Moby, Outlaw Dave, and to the many other DJ's I cant remember but made growing up a blast, KLOL memories forever, Clear Channel, NEVER!

Posted by: WildCard on November 17, 2004 8:09 AM

Harry, how about a page that would allow US CC haters to make a donation that would help your cause in buying a station. You could setup a PayPal account and let it roll to see where it goes. Just a thought.

Rock on Harry!!!!!!

Posted by: WildCard on November 17, 2004 8:34 AM

Hi all - Never heard KLOL, but my heart goes out to you all. I was a KSJO listener here in San Jose, and told a friend of mine out in your area about KSJO's demise. Those SOB's at Clear Channel axed KSJO about two weeks before they got to your station. I felt like an old friend had died - I listened to KSJO for the last 20+ years, since I was in my early teens. I'd love to help you guys out by signing a petition or whatever, and hope you can help us Bay Area folks out. KSJO was the last hard rock and metal station in the bay area, and Clear Channel switched it to some spanish garbage, too. Like a lot of you said above, hey, what the heck, this WAS the USA, wasn't it? Our local newspaper said Clear Channel was catering to the new Hispanic market, and viewed the "graying rock and roll" market as less lucrative. Well, I submit to those jerks that who the HECK to they think has the money? Not to mention the fact that I know TONS of hispanic folks who loved KSJO (and probably loved KLOL too) because they were TIRED OF SPANISH RADIO!

We all need to absolutely bombard Clear Channel with petitions so they can get an idea of the real numbers of rockers out there who want our music back. Best wishes and sympathies to all of you out in Houston.

Martha

Posted by: Martha Gregory on November 17, 2004 9:10 PM

There is a petition going with almost 14,000 strong at last count. (Martha let us know if there is one we can sign to let Clear Channel know we won't go down without a fight)

There are discussions about a rally this weekend, but people are still trying to organize.

http://www.rock101.info/


KLOL was a station like no other in Houston. It had a long history with a loyal fan base. If the ratings were down then that seems to me that a program director or Clear Channel exec should have been held accountable. Clear Channel stopped investing money in KLOL a long time ago. The fans have always been there. Clear Channel pushed us aside.

Posted by: Nicole Miller on November 17, 2004 11:43 PM

Sorry guys - after waking up in the land of evil things coming outof the radio I feel your pain - but even when I worked at KLOL (about 6 years ago) the market was already starting to shift. When it all boils down to it - it's money and clear channel - and if they could runthe station without a single human being at the controls...opps...maybe I spoke too soon!!

Posted by: MamaLocke on November 18, 2004 7:45 AM

Clear Channel Just sucks, I'm hispanic and I hate this new format on KLOL. I'm the 5th generation born and raised in Houston. My family rarely did listen to spanish music then and now. Someone needs to put a stop to this. Clear Channel even controls the play list of the stations. That why we hear the same songs over and over. I desided to listening to the new 101 and IT JUST SUCKED. I can't believe they changed KLOL to this garbage. I'm 29 and yes I do listen to Hip-Hop once in awhile but the stuff they were playing on there is crap. Even if you listen to 97.9 and 104.9 when they play the Screw music on sunday, what a waste. the only people that listen to screw music are the ones that get HIGH. Believe me 10yrs ago in High School I was making Screw tapes for classmates that got high in school. I hated then, but I needed the money. Well I just went off the point here, but we need to do something about the S#it that CC has done to Houston.

Posted by: Larry Upset With Houston Radio on November 18, 2004 9:30 PM

I want my station back. CLEARCHANNEL YOU SUCK BIG ONES. GO AWAY!! I remember back in the 70's you could listen to any station and it was good. If anyone remember 97 ROCKS. 97ROCKS and 101KLOL were the best. Even like 102.1 and LOVE94 which change to KLite and now the Arrow. Houston is losing it's history fast. I'M a Mexican American born in houston as well our roots go back to 1900. Hell I agree with Larry we did not listen to Mexican music either. My house was all Rock of the 50's 60's soul, and 70's ROCK and yes disco. It was all good. Now I feel that ClearChannel is making us listen to what they want us to listen too. We need to get rid of some of the spanish stations, 2 or 3 is more than enough but 6 or 7 is way to many. I have nothing to fill my preset buttons anymore. I have 12 preset buttons and only 4 our being used. Oh well I guess I will go get XM radio.

Posted by: Boogie on November 18, 2004 9:43 PM

You guys are so lucky to be living somewhere where people really appreciate Rock, and not just sell out. I was on another board and commented about the selling out of KSJO and KLOL. Look what this guy posted to my "pro KSJO" comments. I have just seen and talked to WAY too many people to agree that the "ratings" are in any way accurate. I later found out he worked in Spanish Radio. I'm breaking internet protocol by forwarding this so do forgive, but it would be nice to get some response back from more knowlegeable folks so I can have ammo to fight the KSJO point out here. Maybe I should just move - sometimes I HATE California so much. It's all about being politically correct out here, not about what's right.

Martha

> No kidding Clear Channel bears responsibility. They're
> known for blowing away rock radio stations.

No, they are not. they change no more rock formats than anything else. Every company, in proportion to the number of stations it operates, will have to change a number of them every year because of competition, lack of advertiser appeal, emergence of new formats, etc.

> They killed an
> LA station several years ago

They sold it to comply with FCC regulations. They did not kill the "rock station" which, actually, was an AAA station with bad numbers since the format is not viable in LA.

, they killed KOME, they have
> now killed KSJO and KLOL in the last two weeks, and they
> publically said they are going to kill 26 rock stations
> around the US in favor of their new Spanglish format in the
> next 18 months.

First, KSJO did not have viable numbers. KLOL was on a decline, and both are in markets where the demos had changed radically in the last decade or 15 years.

Second, Clear Channel has not said they will change only rock stations. The changed an oldies staiton in Fresno, a talk FM in Atlanta, an AC station in Bakersfield, etc.

Third, the Spanglish format has ony been used on ONE station out of multiple conversions in the last few months. 6 have changed to regional Mexicans oldies, 1 has gone Spanish pop, one has gone AC in Spanish and one has gone to a Spanglish hip hop and pop format with English speaking announcers.

> Like a typical big corporation they
> decimated KSJO.

´KSJO was "decimated" by evolving ethnic changes. San Jose is moving towards an Hispanic majority... and the usage of harder rock stations by Hispanics is very low. Result: dead station, no matter how good the programming is.

> Look what they did just this last year.
> They took off the MIkey show, which was quite popular, and
> put on Bob and Tom, which was pretty boring by comparison.

Nothing on KSJO was popular. It had been in the 0.6 to 1.0 range since 2002 (when the full impact of the 2002 Census adjusted Hispanic population way upwards) and was in the low to mid 1's for the 2 years before that.

I repeat: nothing on KSJO in the last 5 years at least has been popular.Clear Channel stuck with it for longer than they should, considering demographics and what the disadvantaged signal covers.

> I bet they lost a lot of listeners there. Then they cut
> 92.1, pissing off all my buds in the north and northeast
> bay, and cutting their listenership way down.

That signal had essentially no numbers. It was a waste of the signal, and they figured that one out.

> Who knows
> what else they were doing in the accounting office to make
> KSJO look bad so they could justify their move.

They don't need to know anything except the chances for a limited signal in a mostly Hispanic area doing rock were those of the old snowball in Hell.
>
> So, the next question - Where the hell do they get those
> "Numbers"?

From the Arbitron ratings. Ratings are used mostly for ad sales, and the ad industry thinks they are accurate enough to spend $20 billion dollars a year on radio based on those ratings.

> No one ever asked me or anyone I know if we
> listened.

Ratings are a sample of the total population in the market, and strictly balanced by age, sex and ethnicity. The chance anyone has of being sampled is about once every 82 years.

> My hubby's whole shop listened to KSJO all day.
> A client of mine who teaches high school in East San Jose
> said her whole class was po'd about losing KSJO and was
> writing letters using their spanish surnames to get some
> attention. The whole office of the San Mateo YMCA was
> totally torked about it, according to another client who
> runs that office. People I work with and around all through
> the east bay, including a lot of hispanic folks, are all
> upset about losing it.

So? They were not listening.

> The hispanic folks say they liked it
> because they were tired of Spanish radio.

True for a few Hispanics, but in the coverage area, there are far more Hispanics who listen to Spanish radio than to English, and far less fragmentation due to fewer stations.

.
> So, people,
> that's the whole bay area that's pretty much covered. I
> went to one of KSJO's 92 cent gas sales recently, and was
> STUNNED at the line of cars around the block and down the
> road. There were literally over a hundred cars out there.
> That means folks were listening.

When the #1 station in the market reaches just under a million people, a line of cars at a gas station pales. Betcha' a bunch of them were not even listeners and were called by friends or saw the event. Not significant, and totally irrelevant

> So, this is the birthplace of the American Activist - why
> are we sitting here like weenies doing nothing? I'm not a
> techie to know how or I'd do it, but someone needs to get a
> petition going and publicized like they're doing in Houston.
> Check out these links - they've got over 13,000 signatures,
> from what I hear.

What a waste of time. 13,000 persons in a market of nearly 4 million is nothing. It is actually an embarassment that so few people cared. But, then again, the ratings showed that already.
>
> Let's get going, people, and push back on Clear Channel.
> This is SERIOUSLY uncool. That group has a bug up their bum
> about Rock and is really trying to censor us by simply not
> making new Rock available.

No, this is simply adjusting programming to the available market.

By the way, another Spanish staiton is coming soon to 93.3. Get used to it.
>


Posted by: Martha Gregory on November 18, 2004 9:47 PM

NOT SO FAST FOLKS!!!!.... Those of you who want to go to XM and satellite radio, you may not have read the entries above! GO back and read, XM is partially owned by ...... that's right,.... CLEAR CHANNEL!!!! Yep... those NAZI punks own satellite radio, billboards, television commercials, and radio stations. I think Clear Channel is well on it's way to having a monopoly here! It's going to take alot of people banding together and organising a protest to stop clear channel from buying up Houston's radio recources. Someone has to do something and HARRY has the right idea! I say we organise and try to get people involved in saving houston's radio. I would try to shoot for something after Christmas and before the new year. Harry, what do you think?

Posted by: BOB on November 19, 2004 4:05 AM

Well, CRAP. I've already asked Santa for the XM system for car and home, guess Ive got to change my wish list a bit. Growing up in Houston and being a huge fan of the old KLOL days, I damn sure wont support a company like CC.

ROCK-N-ROLL forever, Jose Feliciano, NEVER!

Posted by: WildCard on November 19, 2004 8:37 AM

Okay, so who owns Sirius? I heard they have better Rock anyway, and the station listing seems to bear that out. Anyone ever listened to both and compared? BTW, some typical ultraliberal San Francisco dork said I was bigoted and so was the Houston protest for being against the spanish change format and challenging the listenership. Gotta love it. Out here, I could at least have understood if they changed it to Chinese, because that's the largest growing group I've seen around these parts. But in the Bay Area, it always descends to calling people bigots whenever there's a cultural (or gender/sexuality) difference. I think that's why there is so little protest out here. People are afraid to stand up and fight. You guys go get em, and I'm still going to try and see what I can do out here.

Martha

Posted by: Martha on November 19, 2004 10:11 AM

Ultraliberal from San Francisco huh??? That explains it all. Im with ya Martha!

Posted by: wildcard on November 20, 2004 2:14 PM

I tell ya, we were driving back from South Carolina after picking up our brand new Marine and were thrilled to finally hit Houston air after 20 hours being in the car with nothing great to listen to. Maybe an occasional Rock station, but mostly crap through Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, etc. So, Friday morning, I tune into my beloved 101.1 to discover this Mega 101 shit and thinking I had dialed wrong or it was some sick joke, I redialed. Nope, I am getting Spanish language bullshit coming out of my speakers.
We drove the rest of the way home listening to Arrow and the Buzz and my CDs. Had to run errands and told my daughter to log onto the website, thinking there would be information there. But nooooo. Same Mega 101 crap.

We were not ever soo depressed since we learned of the demise of the great KEGL 97.1 in Dallas, a station I had grown up with before coming to Houston and finding KLOL.

We signed petitions at the GOdsmack/Metallica concert and were delighted to see a stalwart few people on the floor running about with signs to bring the REAL KLOL back on the air. Some CC representatives tried in vain to retrieve the signs.

I am getting Sirius satellite as soon as I get paid again. Multiple rock stations & no extra fees like XM *cough*Clear$Channel*cough* charges you for every little fucking thing. CHeck out the comparisons. You will be amazed.

Clear CHannel sucks.

Posted by: Robin on November 22, 2004 8:11 AM

ROCK ON ROBBIN!!! FOR THOSE WHO DONT SUPPORT CC, WE SLAUTE YOU!!!

Posted by: WildCard on November 23, 2004 6:47 PM

I'M REALLY PISSED ABOUT CC CHANGING 101 KLOL. I GREW UP LISTENING TO MY FAVORITE STATION. THEY HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR 34 YEARS AND I'M 35.IT'S B.S.I WENT TO THEIR 34TH BIRTHDAY BASH HERE IN HOUSTON. THEY BROUGHT A LOT OF BANDS HERE. I WANT TO PROTEST. I LOOKED FORWORD TO OUTLAW DAVE'S SHOW, MANDENTORY METALLICA AND ALL THE ROCK-N-ROLL. I REALLY MISS MY #1 STATION!!! ROBIN S.

Posted by: ROBIN S. on November 25, 2004 9:48 AM

Hey everyone, sorry I haven't posted in a few days - been busy with the holidays and all.

ok, so here is reality.
Rock 101 is gone and not coming back.

Clear Channel has a fabulous plan to make big bucks. They are a corp. and that is all they care about. $$$

So here is the "How To Make More Money" meeting that took place at a CC office building:

We own part of XM so if XM is successful, its stock will rise which means more money in our pockets. But we own free FM radio stations so we are our own direct competition. If people can listen to great music for free, they won't buy XM and we won't make money. Well, we could just turn off the FM stations and play dead air or better yet, play commercials for XM 24-7. But that doesn't seem like a good use of the billions of dollars we've invested to get this FM media monopoly. Ok, let's look at it this way. Sp*cs, Ni***rs, White Trash... oops, I mean "urban youth and other minorities" are generally stupid... I mean "less educated" due to the fact that they either didn't go to school or didn't care to learn anything while they were there... I mean "weren't given a chance in school due to their race and/or gender" and therefore can't afford the $10/month subscription fee because they are poor... I mean "lower income" and are also generally gullible and will buy anything our station's commercials tell them to buy... I mean, well, no that's exactly what I mean. So anyway, we'll take all the free FM stations and change them to a format that they like and target our advertising to them. Meanwhile, those who can afford to pay for the $10/month subscription fee will be forced to buy XM service in order to listen to anything tasteful and the stocks will rise and we will make more money.

Don't you just love corporate politics. I have been doing my best to get away from everything that CC touches. I'm actually simplifying my life away from all major corporations but that's unimportant.

ok, so my radio station (Houston's Real Rock Station)? Well, FCC is not allowing any new frequencies in Houston or surrounding area's (or in just about any market for that matter) so our only hope is to buy a small existing radio station (if any exists) for a couple of million dollars which is just a little bit more than I have in my pocket right now. I personally have been turning to internet radio for my rock tunage (ChroniX Aggression out of Denver, CO - it's kinda like The Pit but 24-7) because it's got better, unedited music with no commercials and unlike XM it's free. As soon as wireless broadband comes to Houston, I'll be able to get internet radio in my car. Although I'm still open to the whole getting our own rock station in Houston if anyone has any ideas on how to get one. Remember, I spoke with Jim Pruett and he said he would do our morning show if could get a station together.

-Harry

Posted by: Harry on November 27, 2004 9:50 PM

Having not lived in Houston for 11 years now, I still my KLOL. There has never been and will never be another station like KLOL. There were so many great DJ's from early past to the present that really brought out the legendary staus of KLOL. The time slot I miss the most is The Eviction Set, which was on years ago and hosted by Dana Steel. Those were the days where listeners were appreciated......money, too much can be the end of a great thing. - WC

Posted by: WildCard on November 28, 2004 1:39 AM

Why can't we the public buy back KLOL and call all the old talent back?

Posted by: Colin on November 30, 2004 5:09 PM

Whew - I'm finding out so many people out here are missing our KSJO, but NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING! Everywhere I turn, folks are still talking about it and it's now been a month. Still haven't been able to find or convince anyone to start a petition drive, and I just don't have the technical nowhow to do one online.

I checked out getting a radio station out here, too, and it takes several mil to get one going. One thing that IS kool; 107.7 The Bone, an San Francisco classic rock station that was really the only thing remotely similar to KSJO, is changing format somewhat to accomodate the more heavy metal listeners from KSJO. I spoke with their program manager just after the closure happened, and suggested a Neo Classic or New Classic show that plays new rock, so we know what is going to be classic in a few years, and he was open to the suggestion. I just heard a show that fitted that format the other night on the station. THey also have started playing more metal in their lineup, rather than the softer classic rock. So, we're hearing older Metallica (they actually sponsored the Metallica show with Godsmack this past weekend, though they STILL didn't have the bollocks to play Godsmack), AC/DC and Ozzy and the like, and less Beatles and so on. So perhaps you guys have a classic rock station that might be willing to pick up some of the slack for you too? Our area also had a jazz station that was lost a few years ago. One of the colleges picked up all their albums and now runs a jazz station that is run purely by public donations, like the PBS stations. How about one of your universities or colleges helping out too? Just some thoughts for getting rock back on the air for you. Meantime, I think I'm getting Serius (sp?)for Christmas for myself. I was in N. Carolina last week, and they had an AWESOME rock station much like KSJO broadcasting, and boy was it nice to listen to zooming on down the road. I really miss KSJO, like you guys miss KLOL, and I enjoy talking with you all as kindred spirits. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving despite the air wave wasteland.

Martha

Posted by: Martha Gregory on December 1, 2004 9:51 PM

I miss KLOL, but only the way it used to be years ago. I loved Stevens and Pruett in the morning, Moby in the afternoons and Grego, the original Outlaw at Night. Walton and Johnson were nothing but a poor man's Stevens and Pruett. They couldn't hold a candle to the one, the only, the Original Radio Gods. But everything changes. We lost Moby. Grego ruined his career by trying to become a morning show host which he ain't and of course, we lost S and P. Now we've lost a heritage rock station. What's my alternative? Dean and Rog?? Please! I'd rather eat ass and besidesm they were only slightly funnier than Walton and Johnson. I guess it's Sirius Satellite and a new and improved CD burner for Christmas. And to the execs at Clear Channel, there's a special place in hell for all of you. Sirius-ly.

Posted by: Elke on December 18, 2004 12:30 AM

Clear Channel Must Burn!!!!!!!

Rock and Roll will Never Die!!!!

Not that Stern should in ANY WAY be considered a representative of the Extended Most Brutal Audience in Rock and Roll, it's obvious he knows the score. With media conglomerates like clear channel and viacom taking over all the media outlets and condemning beloved Rock Stations like KLOL and KSJO to death, its time to fight back with new technology, using the only vote that counts, our dollars.

I discovered the ressurected soul of KSJO on Sirius Sattelite Radio, on a station called OCTANE 20. I am not a sales rep, or a goddamn employee, I'm a Rocker and a Fan, and now I'm a true Believer.

For all you criminals out there, I gave up worrying about about the GPS tracking. If they want to find you they will, and you better get rid off your cell phone, too, if you're worried about surveilance. Besides if they look for me they're only going to find my middle finger in the air.

Fuck Corporate Radio. Fuck Clear Channel. Get Sirius! Now! Great Music, No Commercials, non-stop Rock, and anything else you want, too. Stern's making the switch. Let's let corporate radio bury itself under a mountain of bullshit advertising and mediocre programing, government censorship, lies, propaganda, and crap.

Forget the FM band and let corporate radio rot in its own filth.

No Commercials. No Hype. (Well, less hype)
No Shit.

Sirius-ly.

Posted by: Indigo on December 29, 2004 2:33 PM

Can we say what a bunch of ignorant SOB's did the "rock" station have.Theres prove all over this page. That station is gone and now theres a spanish station, not a "Mexican" station a spanish one and if some people werent so fucking ignorant they would know that. But obviously these SOB's are just old ass grumpy white men that have nothing better to do than bitch and whine when they dont get their way. Like the new radio station says "Latino & Proud"....and were not a bunch of "illegals" and if we were what the fuck would it matter to you? Gov. money? Please Bush has wasted more of that on BS and our country "USA" still isnt doing better. Jobs? What kind of Job does an Illegal have that an american would die to have. So stop with the BS excuses specially if you live in Houston because in case u havent noticed the Latino community is expanding in a breath taking pace and were not leaving no matter what u do, so if the station lasts or not were still going to be here and were not going to stop trying. So stop crying and deal with it.

Posted by: Jessica on January 5, 2005 8:28 AM

Not everyone who listened to KLOL are "just old ass grumpy white men"... I'm 1/4th HISPANIC AND a 28-year-old FEMALE. So, labeling us as just a bunch of ignorant old white folk is totally inaccurate. Not all of us Hispanics enjoy listening to raggaeton/hip-hop (or Mariachi for that matter. I know, that's Mexican.) latino music. Some of us grew up on rock & roll & miss the station that played the best Rock music on the radio. Not to mention the sucessfully promoted blood drives, toys for tots, and other Houston events that mattered. To me, putting a banner that says "Latino and Proud" is stereotyping and IMHO, racist. I thought that we were supposed to be moving forward in the 21st century instead of backward with derogetory statements. So please, let's stop using racist remarks and just agree that we don't like the kind of music that's playing and that we loved the old format (which was rock and roll), shall we?
As I've said, not all of us Hispanics like listening to that kind of music. And, yes my family came here LEGALLY. If you look on other boards, you'll find even MORE Hispanics crying over this once great rock station and don't accept the music that's playing on it now.

TRitchie (who was born and raised on Rock & Roll)

Posted by: TRitchie on January 7, 2005 11:12 PM


Indigo, regarding OCTANE on SERIUS Radio, YES YES YES!!! In talking with the DJ named AD online, it turns out he must be from the San Jose area, because he said he commiserated on the loss of KSJO and that his former band had played in some of their battle of the bands shows. His show is the one that reminds me the most of KSJO, and I suspect he must have been a listener while here in the Bay Area.

Hmm...Jessica, for someone who calls the listeners of KLOL and KSJO ignorant SOB's..., Dearie, you need to learn to write coherently so you don't appear illiterate. Everyone on this list knows how to write coherently except for your posting. They all seem to be well educated, articulate individuals (albeit passionate about our feelings hence the 4 letter words). Many former KSJO/KLOL listeners that I personally know are college educated, and many own their own successful businesses. I personally have a BA in English from San Jose State University, and worked as a senior technical writer for companies like COMPAQ, SGI, PYRAMID, and TANDEM for 12 years before starting my own business training horses. So please don't go saying we're ignorant - we're ANYTHING BUT!!! We're just avid rockers who REALLY PISSED about seeing our rock stations be replaced.

Posted by: Martha Gregory on January 17, 2005 11:04 PM

Well said Martha! ROCK ON!!

Posted by: WildCard on January 18, 2005 8:44 AM

Hey - I just saw a Houston Chron article that you guys now have a new rock station - KIOL or something! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Now, will SOMEONE PULEEZE come out here and rescue us Bay Area listeners? I would love to hear some ideas about how to organize a group like this out here. All I hear is a lot of talk from people with no organization online. And then I hear more and more folks being welcomed to SIRIUS OCTANE from the Bay Area. It sucks to have to pay just to hear radio, even though it IS good stuff.

At any rate, congratulations, guys.

Martha

Posted by: martha gregory on January 31, 2005 10:50 AM

Im sorry Ms. Martha last time i checked i wasnt writting a paper for school...but i figure u dont remember that far back so i u dont mind, stick to the subject and dont worry about "writting coherently". As long as u understand my point is all that matters. You might have your own business "training horses" but i have better plans for the future than training animals.

Posted by: Jessica on February 2, 2005 2:13 PM

That much is obvious Jessica. You can't even capitalize the letter "I" and "u" is actually spelled "you". Obviously your plans for the future do not include "skool" nor "callage". Personally I'd love to quit my job as a computer programmer and train horses for a living. Sounds like a damn good future!

Getting back on topic, there is definitely a trend to go to satellite for radio. Clear Channel may have successfully usurped public radio, but it is a hollow victory when we all give them the middle finger and turn to pay radio. I know I am switching! F*** CLEAR CHANNEL!!

Posted by: Hawk on February 15, 2005 7:39 AM

Thanks, Wildcard and Hawk for your support.

Re Satellite radio, I am really enjoying having multiple rock channels to choose from. It's been at least 5 years or more since we've had multiple stations here in the Bay Area. The only drawback is that there is no local coverage. For example, the Snocor tour with Chevelle, Crossfade and a couple other bands I like came through San Jose at the beginning of February. I knew about the tour because of Serius Octane's publicity, but they didn't give any locations or dates. Normally, KSJO would have publicized the tour and been playing a lot of the groups' music beforehand, making it an event. I didn't even KNOW they were here till the day of, when something was in the entertainment section of the paper. Unfortunately it was way too late to get good tickets and I already had plans that evening.

The local newspaper, San Jose Mercury, wrote an article about the problem two days later. They described how Bill Grahamm Presents promotions didn't know how to go about promoting the concerts here now, and that there was concern that groups would bypass the Bay Area entirely because of poor attendance. They mentioned that Nickelback was already doing that. So this is really going to be a rock wasteland if something isn't done soon.

So, that's an area that Sirius can't help with, unfortunately. It's good you guys have your own rock station again to cover publicity.

Take care, all,

Martha

Posted by: Martha Gregory on February 18, 2005 10:00 PM

Th bone daddy is on the way back to Houston airways.

Hint: 97.5 afternoons

Posted by: BROCK on May 12, 2005 8:32 PM

Whatever happened to Grego the DJ from houston's Outlaw Radio in the early 90's, i believe he was on 101 KLOL. Thanks.

Posted by: Mike on June 23, 2005 4:09 PM

Mike, Grego is now working for WBZU 99.7 in Columbus, OH as the morning replacement for the Stern Show.

Posted by: Pete on September 22, 2005 10:02 PM

What happened to Rula and Ryan this morning?

Posted by: Dave on October 13, 2005 12:03 PM

I'm not sure. I have been working in Dallas for 9 days. I heard Sam Malone will be doing mornings now on 96.5. What the hell? Does anyone what happend?

Posted by: Kristen on October 13, 2005 12:30 PM

What about the Fans? Why didint 96.5 tell us they were taking R&R off the air? Why didint they tell us they were replacing them with..*gag* Sam Malone!? Sam Malone Sucks! R&R fans are Not Sam Malone fans, they are two different audiences all together.. Clear Channel sucks and if Sam Malone is taking over the morning show im listening to podcasts from now on. SAM MALONE YOU SUCK! visit the R&R website for more info http://www.roulaandryan.com/
****BOYCOTT THE SAM MALONE MORNING SHOW AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!!***

Posted by: Javier on October 13, 2005 12:34 PM

DOES ANY ONE KNOW WHAT HAPPEN TO RULA & RYAN SHOW. IT DOESNT SEEM LIKE THEY ARE WITH 96.5. I VISITED THE WEBSITE AND THEY ARE NOWHERE ON IT. COME ON WHY TAKE THEM OFF THE AIR THEY ARE GREAT..... IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFO LET ME KNOW... CLUELESS IN HOUSTON

Posted by: FLOR on October 13, 2005 1:39 PM

What happened to Rula and Ryan this morning?!! I loved waking up to them and listening to them while I got ready for work. I especially loved the War of the Roses segments on Thursday mornings!! I don't know what kind of music was playing this morning but it wasn't my kind - you just lost a die-hard fan!!

Posted by: Leslie on October 13, 2005 2:37 PM

Where's R&R? I need them in the am!!!!! What the heck happened???

Posted by: Lisa on October 13, 2005 4:27 PM

Rula & Ryan fired?

Sam Mallone taking over 96.5?

Posted by: dkg3 on October 13, 2005 7:30 PM

I just found their website:

http://www.roulaandryan.com/

It basically says that Clear Channel canned them.

Posted by: Adam on October 13, 2005 8:28 PM

Also, here is a blurb from a radio-centered website about the changeover.

http://news.radio-online.com/cgi-bin/$rol.exe/news_id=13889

Posted by: Adam on October 13, 2005 8:35 PM

hi! how are you? I'm in Chicago and Clear Channel ruined some of the radio stations here.

I will never listen to another Clear Channel radio station again, that's that! Clear Channel should be known as

Clutter Channel
Cruel Channel
Choke Channel

what else? E-Mail me with your ideas; thank you.

Posted by: Josh on October 14, 2005 1:46 AM

Now that Rula and Ryan have been replaced by no other than the biggest idiot Sam Malone 96.5 has lost another faithful listener. What a shame!!

Posted by: mariana on October 14, 2005 8:38 AM

I'm not getting XM because Clear Channel owns it and I know that I hate Clear Channel because they know how to ruin every radio station that they get a hold of.

Posted by: Josh on October 14, 2005 8:39 AM

I am with everyone else who has complained and questioned why r&r have suddenly disappeared! THEY were the only radio show that i ever listened to. In fact, they were the only radio show that my husband, mother and brother listened to. Sam Malone should be broadcasting from an old folks' home...he is a HAS BEEN! SEE YA SAM!!I'm going back to my cd player! thanks for nothing 96.5!!
Signed,
TERRIBLY disappointed EX-96.5 fan(s)!!!!

Posted by: Debbie on October 14, 2005 9:55 AM

I am in shock. I can't believe that 96.5 would just DROP roula and Ryan and producer Eric too. They are my favorite morning show. My husband and I both listen to them every morning. I agree that Sam Malone is not the same kind of morning show at all. He is so 90's...Why? Why? Why? ... would they do that. I'm done with 96.5. Two more loyal listeners-GONE...Bad move 96.5.

PS Thanks for the notice...

Posted by: Megan on October 14, 2005 10:07 AM

You folks must be from some other planet. I used to listen to Sam Malone when he was in KRBE. Then, I switched because it became more talk than music. I switched at that time to Mix 96.5. I was a fan of this station going back to the Larry and Susan (she eventually became a reporter in Channel 2, NBC).

Then, Clear Channel brought Roula and Ryan (and Eric). Their show really sucked. I could not take all the talk from both of these guys. Granted, it is a talk-show, but the discussions were pretty cheesy and boring. Also, what happened to the music in the morning? All talk, no music. I listened for 2 months and switched to another station (not KRBE either).

Posted by: Michael on October 14, 2005 1:17 PM

I can't believe Rula & Ryan were replaced by that arrogant idiot Sam! I listened to the morning show with Rula & Ryan everyday. No more 96.5 on my radio! Big bad move for 96.5. Losers now!

Posted by: Sandra on October 14, 2005 1:22 PM

Sam Malone gets on my last nerve!! I was happy when he left KRBE. I enjoyed listening to Roula & Ryan in the mornings and now I tune in to Atom & Maria while I drive to work. They are begining to gel well together and are pretty darn funny. How great will it be if Atom & Maria can beat Sam Malone in the morning ratings and beat down that big ass ego of his while they're at it!

Thanks Roula, Ryan and Eric for great morning radio. Good luck in your next gig....hope its in Houston!!

Posted by: Ana on October 14, 2005 3:41 PM

Roula and Ryan were a great morning show. I have been listening faithfully since they have been on the air. This totally stinks. I loved their segment "War of the Roses." 96.5 owes their listeners an apology for doing this because I don't agree with their choice to put Sam on the air in their place. What makes him so great? I stopped listening to 104 because of him and began to listen to 96.5 instead. I guess I will have to start searching again?!

Posted by: Tara on October 14, 2005 6:25 PM

I had never been a radio listener until i started listening to rula and ryan. I actually hated it when they played music in the middle of their show. Does anyone know where they are ? cos my morning drive feels really boring now. Hope clear channel is smart enough to keep them on somewhere else

Posted by: tek on October 14, 2005 7:16 PM

hey guys
once again the nazis of the radio has struck again...i saw this in austin too a few years ago...now clear channel has not only has made the listeners mad it has made my wife mad...and well that is a bad thing...they seem like the walmart corporation of the radio...yall guys are still #1 with us

Posted by: mad ben and mad donna on October 14, 2005 9:34 PM

I wonder if this is not all a joke, or maybe I just wish it was a joke , if it is not a joke really bad move for 96.5 you already lost a bunch of people hope your clients go away also.

Posted by: Cesar on October 14, 2005 9:45 PM

Jeez, what is up with Clear Channel's inability to stick with something? Just in the last 5 years there have been the following shows: Larry & Schelby---Larry & Bridgette---Roula & Ryan---and now Sam Malone? And will we all really have to listen to Natalie Fitzgerald (O'Neal) giggle and giggle and giggle about everything and nothing all morning long???

Does Clear Channel realize the negativity associated with them? I am disgusted. I will listen to CD's and catch "Carmen calling" on Mega 101 each morning at 7:10 & 8:10.

Posted by: CLH on October 14, 2005 10:24 PM

Roula and Ryan made my mornings ! I have always
been a button pusher until their show came on !
I could not take even 5 minutes of Sam Malone this morning . 96.5 is no longer one of my programmed buttons. Hopefully, R&R will be back on
another Houston station-soon !
What a sad day !

Posted by: E2 Momma on October 14, 2005 11:02 PM

Roula and Ryan having been effectively fired and replaced with Sam Malone is dismal and speaks to our newfound culture of replacing what is good and concrete with what is unabashed hype. Sam Malone is a rightist thinking-catch phrase linguist-propaganda pundit-and I have no intentions of listening to him. However, in an effort to discover what occured-hoping for an explanation-I tuned in on the first broadcast. What I heard is what I expected, an awkward broadcast with the co-host sucking up and scripted employees "calling in" to remark on how they have missed Sam and are happy he is finally back on the raidio, which is odd because he never truly left and his "fans" that follow him around should have known that. One of my co-workers received a reply from the station manager, who did not bother replying to my email, stating that "we hope that it will be a show listeners will enjoy more" . I do not see how that is possible.

Posted by: Allie on October 15, 2005 2:03 AM

You know, Clear Channel thinks that they're so right. Here, they banned a bunch of good music after the whole 9/11 thing and now, they have these KISS radio stations where Britney SPears is played every 10 to 15 minutes.

But Clear CHannel also got rid of Howard Stern that 1 time; WHAT IS CLEAR CHANNEL ON ANYWAY?

Posted by: Josh on October 15, 2005 9:01 AM

I haven't been a big FM listener for some time, but I got a BMW a couple of years ago, and the AM reception sucked, so I couldn't listen to 740 AM anymore. That's when I discovered the Roula & Ryan show, which I really looked forward to every morning. I was in California on business from Tuesday morning (listened to the show on the way to the airport) until Wednesday night. When I got in my car to head home from the airport, it was almost midnight on Wednesday night, and I heard them mention Sam Malone in the morning, but I thought, "Oh, he must be the wee hours of the morning guy." I was so disappointed the next morning when Roula and Ryan (and producer Eric) were not on the radio.

Posted by: listener on October 15, 2005 10:31 AM

I am just in shock of there decison - I drive every day from 6 am til noon and they have always go me thru some "bad" mornings - bringing me a laugh and a smile and keeping me in touch with shows and news i missed the previous day - I hope they place R&R back soon otherwise i'll loose touch with reality

Posted by: Michael on October 15, 2005 11:08 AM

Clear Channel should have never ruined Houston's KLOL like that because KLOL didn't need to be a
Spanish radio station. I mean, it was like having Clear Channel take what KLOL had and
to flush it down the toilet.

But now, Houston should have some classic rock stations instead of another Spanish radio station. And so I should boycott Clear Channel; NEVER listen to any of their radio stations and NEVER go to ANY 1 of their concerts that they sponsor. That's that!

Posted by: Josh on October 15, 2005 7:33 PM

I am completely with all of you. If i wanted to listen to Sam Malone i would have listend to KRBE he is a idiot. Is there anything we can do to get Roula and Ryan back!! Let me know I am in for sure
Robyn

Posted by: Robyn on October 17, 2005 2:07 PM

Other than being completely disappointed because I have nothing to listen to in the morning now ... I can't help and feel so upset for Roula, Ryan and Eric. You guys had been with them for some time now and they treat your loyalty with a knife in the back!!! How could they do something so cruel and underhanded? You guys are awesome and deserve working with people that realize this and won't treat you so disrespectfully!!!

-Sandra

Posted by: Sandra on October 17, 2005 2:36 PM

Well, that's right. I mean; why would
anybody want to work for Clear Channel anyway?

Clear Channel is the problem and anybody that works there should work somewhere else. I don't go for the same old music that every Clear Channel station has every hour or whatever; I DON'T GO FOR THAT, MAN, I REALLY DON'T!

Posted by: Josh on October 17, 2005 3:41 PM

What happened to Roula and Ryan anyway. I turn on my radion on Monday morning and here Sam Malone--if I wanted to here him I would have tuned into KRBE everyday. Bad move--I will not listen to him or his female sidekick who laughs too much. I believe your ratings are going to drop-----and fast!

Posted by: Gary on October 18, 2005 8:48 AM

Why mess up something so good? We need Roula & Ryan. It is hard to start your morning without them. I love listening to them and laughing while driving. This Sam Malone sucks. I have been looking for another station. I listen to KTRH all news channel sometimes, there is nothing out there. I will not listen to the Sam Malone show NO WAY. Roula & Ryan we miss you, you deserve management that respects you. Just to let you know we enjoyed listening to your show each morning

Posted by: Faithful Listener on October 18, 2005 8:52 AM

I can't stand Sam Malone. I too am on a quest to understand what happened to Roula and Ryan. You know Sam Malone just up and left 104 KRBE without even the courtesy of telling his bosses...they found out on air with the rest of us on the last day that he worked there. He was supposed to be starting a serious talk morning radio show; needless to say, it must not have done very well. If anyone knows what happened, please let us all know.

Posted by: shocked on October 18, 2005 2:51 PM

Roula, Ryan, & Eric were my jumpstart to my
weekday mornings! I am shocked that they
have been replaced!!! I will not listen
to 96.5 anymore!!!!!!!!! Who in the world
made this decision?????????????

Posted by: Rose on October 18, 2005 8:02 PM

Guys, here is what happened:

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/headline/features/3395438

Posted by: Jenny on October 19, 2005 4:49 PM

Isn't that something? Clear Channel also owns KTRH. What don't they own?

Posted by: Josh on October 19, 2005 5:39 PM

SAM MALONE SUCKS!!!!!! ROULA AND RYAN, YOU WILL BE HUGELY MISSED!! 96.5 JUST LOST ANOTHER LISTENER. IF I CAN FIND THEM ON ANOTHER STATION, THAT'S WHAT I'LL LISTEN TO. OTHERWISE, I GUESS I'LL BE LISTENING TO CD'S FROM NOW ON...WHAT A SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on October 19, 2005 11:12 PM

What happened to Roula, Ryan, & Eric ????? They MADE my mornings worth waking up to!!!! They just disappeared without any notice....I want them BACK....!!!

Rhonda:)

Posted by: R. Hackney on October 20, 2005 8:48 AM

Roula and Ryan were fantastic in the morning slot. They always started my morning in an up-beat way. I have listened to them since they started on 96.5 and when I came back from vacation I was shocked to hear someone else in their slot. And to add insult to injury, it was an old-has-been that should have been gone from radio a long time ago. Sam Malone does not now, never has and never will hold a candle to Roula and Ryan. We really miss you guys and wish you nothing but the best.

Posted by: R. Gabriles on October 21, 2005 11:18 AM

I HATE that MIX 96.5 got rid of Rula and Ryan. Now I have to listen to CDs in the morning. :-(

Posted by: Darshana on October 24, 2005 11:14 PM

Okay I'm satan in the mornings and Rula and Ryan got me in a good mood before I'd get to work.As someone else had said if I wanted to listen to Sam Malone I'd have listened to him on 104.

Posted by: Danessa on October 27, 2005 5:15 PM

yeah sam malone sucks a monkey's pecker

Posted by: arc on November 2, 2005 4:13 PM

roula and ryan and eric will be missed tremendously this sucks!!!!!!! i won't listen to 96.5 and will only hope to find out where ryan and roula are?????? do you think the public are idiots??? we are not!!! bring roula,ryan and eric back posted for myself and my daughter!! they were REAL, INTELLIGENT, FUNNY, FAMILY ORIENTED and "FRIENDS" even though we have never met....we are not the idiots YOU ARE!

Posted by: donna on November 22, 2005 11:24 PM

I'm planning on getting Sirius next month and so that should be fun. At least; Clear Channel does not own that.

Posted by: Josh on November 24, 2005 3:25 PM

I've been listening to 96.5 for almost 20 years and Roula, Ryan & Eric were the best. I looked forward to their show every moring on the way to work and at work. Sam Malone is sooooo boring!!!!

Posted by: kas on November 27, 2005 7:50 PM

War of the Roses! I miss it.

Posted by: Natalie on December 15, 2005 3:38 PM

Now we mentioned XM; but does anybody know what the XM stands for?

Posted by: Josh on December 17, 2005 11:57 AM

Hi all - guess what?? Clear Channel just killed another rock station out here in the Bay Area. On New Years Day they switched 104.9, a popular Alt Rock station that had taken a lot of KSJO refugees into its listenership. They switched it to the spanish format Romatica. There's a blog on it at www.mercextra.com/radio.

Clear Channel SUCKS! They're trying to kill rock. There's even a blog out here about what the future of the rock star is, with what's happening to the rock stations.

Me, I went to Sirius because XM has Clear Channel as primary shareholders. Octane, Channel 20 is Awesome. So, Josh, what does XM mean? Inquiring minds want to know.

Martha

Posted by: Martha Gregory on January 6, 2006 11:39 AM

And, Martha, XM probably is for eXtra Miserable because Clear Channel owns it but you never know with Clear CHannel because they may ruin another radio station so that they can get some more money from out of it.

I finally got Sirius last month and I love it. Believe me, Sirius has what XM doesn't and will never have which is Howard Stern, Martha Stewart and music that has no commercials.

Posted by: Josh on January 6, 2006 6:18 PM

I used to listen a small amount to Sam Malone but after about the 100th time I heard him do that stupid "see ya" thing he likes to do, I could no longer take him. Dump the dude. Who likes him anyway. Rula and Ryan were honest belivable characters that dind't have to get rating only based t&a like the morning morons with no talent or morals,,Walton and Johnson.

Posted by: larry on March 19, 2006 1:20 PM

Name some good Houston radio stations that Clear CHannel doesn't own.

Posted by: Josh on March 19, 2006 7:41 PM

I used to be a big fan of S&P myself, they could be politically incorrect but with class and it was fun all the way , then these assholes Walton and Johnson come along and they think bashing everybody left and right is supposed to be funny, somehow they seem to be targeting the redneck, republican majority in Houston and even at that they are failing. Having a gay guy with lisp and a token black guy who they seem to wake up from his naps every 30 minutes to add a line or two doesnt mean you are targeting a large range of audience, unless of course you count all the dimwits in mental institution who can find your stuff funny.

Posted by: Rock fan on July 25, 2006 11:26 AM

Well, the point is that Clear Channel doesn't need to buy every radio and T.V. station that they get their hands on and they also don't need all of that money anyway.

And neither do they need to own billboards.

Posted by: Josh on July 30, 2006 9:40 PM