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.
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)
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.
Well said Martha! ROCK ON!!
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
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.
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!!
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
Th bone daddy is on the way back to Houston airways.
Hint: 97.5 afternoons
Whatever happened to Grego the DJ from houston’s Outlaw Radio in the early 90’s, i believe he was on 101 KLOL. Thanks.
Mike, Grego is now working for WBZU 99.7 in Columbus, OH as the morning replacement for the Stern Show.
What happened to Rula and Ryan this morning?
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?
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!!***
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
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!!
Where’s R&R? I need them in the am!!!!! What the heck happened???
Rula & Ryan fired?
Sam Mallone taking over 96.5?
I just found their website:
http://www.roulaandryan.com/
It basically says that Clear Channel canned them.
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
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.
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!!
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.
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)!!!!
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…
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).
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!
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!!
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?!
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
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
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.
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.
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 !
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.
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?
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.
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
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!
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
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
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!
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!
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
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.
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?????????????
Guys, here is what happened:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/headline/features/3395438
Isn’t that something? Clear Channel also owns KTRH. What don’t they own?
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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:)
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.