CURVE 94.3 Puts On-Air Talent in Limbo

November 17, 2010 02:06 PM in News • 34 Comments

The status of CURVE 94.3′s remaining on-air talent is in limbo as of Wednesday, when staff were told they would be off the air for several weeks.

We originally reported that the remaining staff had been let go completely, but a CHUM Radio spokesperson says that is not the case. However, a source at CURVE remains adamant that staff members were indeed let go today.

Despite the conflicting information, we do know that “The Show with Andrea and Jay” will remain on the air and continue to produce fresh shows weekday mornings.

The reasoning behind only keeping the morning show going for the time being is part of a “restructuring phase,” we’re told. Sources say the shuffle is in hopes of bringing the CTV-owned station in line to compete with power house Hot 103, which remains dominant in the Winnipeg radio market. CURVE has been making small changes the last couple months, and most recently tweaked its slogan back in September to drop ‘Pop Alternative’ from its name.

The news comes less than a day after CTVglobemedia executives decided to terminate Adam Taylor, Pamela Roz and program director Andrew Long.

Updated at 4:05 p.m.

Biff

Holy wtf is going on over there?

Granted, Andrea & Jay are my favorites, but the rest of the on-air staffers were pretty cool too…
http://twitter.com/troyscott Kelowna_Troy

this reminds me of CHUM Winnipeg’s Black Friday when Talk Radio 1290 was killed… Best wishes to all my friends @ 1445.
Frank

What’s with this “new” approach to try being more like HOT 103′s morning show? Is that not what they’ve been doing for the last few years???

Andrea’s and Jay’s humor on the morning show is frequently off-color and mean, which offends me as a listener to the point that I don’t consider Curve as an option in the mornings. Worse yet, everything about their schtick is forced. The entire show seems like a desperate attempt at mimicking HOT 103′s morning show.

The difference is huge: unlike Ace, Chrissy, & LTI, Andrea & Jay are not funny, original, witty, entertaining, or most importantly genuine. Too many times, they’ve lifted bits from shows like SNL. It constantly seems like they are trying too hard to be something they’re not. Nothing seems natural about their show. Yet, I enjoyed Jay when he was on Power and looked forward to him breathing life into Curve when he jumped. No such luck.

I’ve met both people several times and know they are enjoyable to be around. But there’s a big problem when a radio station’s morning personalities make me cringe when listening to them. The ratings seem to suggest that I’m not alone in finding little reason to tune into Curve. I’ll tune in for songs I enjoy, but switch to another station when the music ends.
jenn

I personally can’t stand Ace Burpee in the morning anymore. Half the time when my alarm goes off they’re all just laughing about some joke that started 10 minutes ago, and I have no way of knowing what they’re talking about. I’m sure it’s entertaining for people who have been listening all along, but I don’t have the patience for that first thing in the morning.

I like the idea of Curve’s mandate but their programming hasn’t been exceptional, I find I’m listening more to Streetz lately, in part because they play music I haven’t heard before. If Curve went more indie I’d be more into it.
Jordan

Definitely disagree with Frank on this one. Andrea and Jay are a great alternative to HOT 103 in the mornings IMO. HOT 103 just spends 75% of it’s morning show getting people to call in and make lists of random thing, gets old really quick. They also tend to have a lot of just dead air during conversations.

Andrea and Jay are great morning hosts, I’ve met Jay and he’s a great guy who deserves to be on the radio. If CTV cuts them during this restructuring, there’s a good chance I won’t be listening to Curve in the mornings anymore.
Andrew

Andrea and Jay are awesome in the morning!
Morris in the Village

Ace Burpee is the best and obviously highest paid radio personality in Wpg. – easily exceeding the exiled Charles Adler (mid afternoon programming for Corus), Heavy Hal Anderson (CJOB, ex of Power), Beau or Tom, Tom or Joe. Don Percy was probably pretty close to Ace before he was unceremoniously booted from Sports 1290.

But I must say I’ve never heard of a radio station basically throwing in the towel and calling it a day. Thats not the spirit of old time radio. OK, so maybe Curve can go the way of Hank-FM and just provide radio in a box (purchase a U.S. program package and run it with local commercial inserts & weather)
billy

Too bad, I really liked the songs Curve played. Imitating HOT is a huge mistake Their last format was pop and they got killed in the ratings – that’s why they changed formats! Ace has a unique appeal that isn’t threatened by anyone, even the very talented Andrea and Jay.
TED

I really enjoy the variety that Curve plays – hearing a brand new song by Lady Gaga back to back with Nirvana or classic Pearl Jam.

And I can’t stand listening to 103 in the morning. Half the time is laughing at a joke from 10 minutes ago like jenn said, or else it’s complete silence when nobody’s talking at all. Andrea and Jay in the morning ftw!
Guy Who Knows

Those who fear dead air are mostly hack radio lovers.
Oh No not again

That’s the reason I listened to Curve…because it WASN’T Hot103. Not everyone who listens to radio is 13, you know…
Anonymous

I like to consider myself a local radio ‘insider,’ so I can tell you this “restructuring” is basically an early indication that more firings are on the way. If radio history is any indication, stations that take their staff off the air while trying to figure out their format don’t usually put them back behind the mic. It’s simply a tactic to keep the remaining employees somewhat satisfied that they still have jobs while management schemes behind closed doors. The end will come for everyone eventually when the smoke settles.
Frank

I’ll give you that – the lists can get old. However, it’s also proof that they’re able to ENGAGE their listeners. So things like that must be working. And honestly, although I’m with you on lists getting ridiculous, I find that it’s still not enough to make me change the channel.

I personally find Andrea’s attitude to have become rather snarky at times. Jay seems more aloof and unconcerned whether anyone might be offended. It all smacks of a bratty attitude, and it rubs me the wrong way. Like I said, I’ve enjoyed them in the past (Jay on Power, Andrea when she first started), but enough is enough. That said, it’s only my opinion, and others obviously are entitled to feel differently. Either way, something clearly does not work with their show, as the ratings have consistently shown they’re unable to improve their listenership to suggest the show has any real lasting power or relevancy in this market. Shows that stand in one spot only last so long.
Frank

Sadly, this is spot-on. It’s never a good sign when the corporate big-wigs come into town and pull everyone off the air from a major station, leaving only the morning show (to appease sponsors).

Will Curve finally go country like we’ve heard rumored for years now? Is this a simple format change or would it be likely that CTV wants a heavy presence to take over Curve and compete with HOT? Which personalities in the city would even stand a chance competing with Ace and company if they jumped to Curve?
Jordan

Definitely valid points. From a business standpoint, that all makes sense and I guess it’s all business anyway. My opinion is that I like them but if I’m in the minority then their show might not last like the rest of their on air people.

I like Ace Burpee but we definitely need to good alternatives since I definitely cannot stand 99% of the music HOT103 plays.
Morris in the Village

Other than copy-catting a hot new format in the USA, the radio execs charged with re-structuring Curve are all hat and no cattle. They know the money is with young listeners aged 12 to 22, not the 35 to 49 or 45 to 88 (CJOB demographics). I’m sure they’ll come up with a format to “Asper” over on Winnipeg’s gullible retail market because no one wants to hand their frequencies in – even if they’re losing money. They can always put on radio in a box, like K-ROC.
Debbie

It’s really sad that radio is going the way of the dinosaur. I used to love to listen to CFRW and all the oldies. There are still older people out there who have ears that like to listen to the radio when in their cars or as an alternative to watching the t.v. I’m not into this “new age” stuff, what is hip hop and all that other yelling all about. Our songs used to make sense, some of the new stuff is good but it takes a bit of getting used to. Why on earth would you make CFRW an all sports station. Well I’ve turned my radio PERMANTENLTY OFF.
mean jean

Morris-I believe you run a business right?
Do you get alot of 12-22 year old in the door spending money?

35-49 is the money demo, not the younger crowd.
Agencies tend to book 18-49, 25-49.

Never seen an agency buy based on 12-22.
Morris in the Village

mean jean – you’re probably right about agency buys, my friend. I don’t know if 35-49 is the money demo but it is if you’re selling mortages, high fashion, loans, etc.

But the 12-34 demo is very valuable for less costly items. Bars, restaurants, take-out, phones, cutting technology, computers, cell phones, bank cards, music, even some books.

Most of my customers (used books, music, vintage) come from the 17 to 35 age group. These are the people that have some spare change, still have open minds and are still growing as individuals (or a good percentage of them). I find most folks 40+ are rather closed-minded, don’t have much curiousity about them and tend to listen to pop music or garbage talk radio like Adler.
Frank

The teenage demographic is actually the most profitable one.

Do a search for “capturing the teenage demographic” and you’ll find the research. Teens have the most expendable money and also have a big say in how their parents spend their money. Hence, media outlets bending over backwards to reach the Justin Bieber fanbase… and the Jonas Brothers before him… and all the plastic, commercialized performers before them.
SuperJock

OK…first let’s deal with this: “Morris in the Village
November 17th, 2010 at 4:49 pm

Ace Burpee is the best and obviously highest paid radio personality in Wpg. – easily exceeding the exiled Charles Adler (mid afternoon programming for Corus), Heavy Hal Anderson (CJOB, ex of Power), Beau or Tom, Tom or Joe. Don Percy was probably pretty close to Ace before he was unceremoniously booted from Sports 1290.

Morris – you are sadly mistaken.

Is Ace Burpeee the best Winnipeg has to offer? GIVE ME A BREAK!! Yes the guy works hard, Chrissie & LTI as well….if you call that work. Out in the public…they’re tops! On the air….Again..GIVE ME A BREAK. Not one of them could get a similar position in a market such as Calgary, or Edmonton, Vancouver…and sure as hell not in Toronto. They simply have limited talent at best. I’m still saddened by the passing of Ron Able. Great guy. Great jock. A great friend. Too bad Ace didn’t take the time to learn anything from Ron while he was still here. as far as Ace being the highest paid? I would hope to hell not!

Hey Jay! More power to you buddy (no pun intended)
SuperJock

Frank, Mean Jean….you appear to know a bit of what you’re talking about. Again, Morris is sadly unaware of how the industry works and what “programmers” do. Copy catting a “hot US format”??? Where do you think the formats in the 60′s (Top 40 – Boss Jock).. 70′s….(FM AOR)…80′s…(Hot Hits – CHR)..and so forth came from? …and yeah, 12+ is a very common demographic…18-24 Females & 24-55 Females is where the gold is. Really, I’m not trying to rant or bitch – I just hate it when people get their facts wrong.
Morris in the Village

No question Ron Able was an old smoothie when it came to hosting an a.m. radio show.

The best morning radio guys in Wpg. over the last 30 or 35 years (guys who generated lots of shine way before the internet) were:

1. Brother Jake
2. Tom & Joe (first 10 years)
3. Tom & Larry (five years)
4. Scruff Conners (until he hung himself out to dry)
5. Frank Capazzolla (until he got involved in that FREQ scandal)… best production voice in Wpg history.
6. Wheeler & Hal (Hal sold out to money at CJOB while Wheeler doesn’t sound confident without Big Hal around)
7. Ace Burpee
8. Ron Able
9. Don Percy (when he was at CKY)
10. Bob Bradburn & Doc Steen (old CKRC)
11. Bill Guest (CBC)
12. Terry McLeod (CBC)

I don’t profess to know all salaries at local Wpg. radio but I’d speculate that the following three are the top money guys.

1. Ace Burpee – $140 to $160k
2. Hal Anderson – $130k to $155k PLUS Hal does a ton of shilling which probably gives him the overall money edge on Burpee.
3. Terry McLeod (CBC) – $110k – $124k

Don’t know if there’s anyone else topping $100,000 in Winnipeg morning radio market. Lots of guys in the $70 to $95k range….Tom, Joe, Wheeler, Beau, etc.
SuperJock

Bear in mind that I know these guys..and have worked with many of them. Don’t know where you’re getting your info from…..
Tommy’s around $150k base, plus bonuses…remotes…bar gigs….so end result? Around $200k. Joe,a bit less. Percy was at $200K when he was 103U-FM in the early 90′s (PLUS a house)….Beau? $85k-$90k? Wrong again! WAY too low!! In the 70′s in Montreal he may have made $80k-$90k a year…not now.
As far as “Franc Capozzolo” (geez, get the man’s name right) – I agree. Capo’s one of my all time favs….great jock, great guy to work with….best prod voice in Winnipeg history? Not quite. Why? ‘Cause he has a big ballsy voice? You know this because….??? Don’t forget…Pat Holiday….Terry Klassen…..Norm Foster….oh,and your #3-Terry McLeod? CBC is a union shop…they START on-air talent at around $55k.
mean jean

You are right about the 12-34 buying the low costly items.

Go watch the people at a Computer Trends remote.
12-34 will buy an Ipod for $100
35-54 will buy a big screen and surround sound system for $3000.

I know there are exceptions.

Superjock is right about Females 25-54.
A good deal of the marketing is tageting this demo.
Many advertisers are now realizing this.
I don’t buy anything without consent from the boss (wife)
SuperJock

Just saw on FB that the “famed” Shadoe Davis…is back at CITI. Well, nails that coffin shut, in my opinion. There’s a reason why he left in the first place, and it was’nt to greener pastures. (WPG to Kingston….whoaaa!!)

Seriously, listen to them and you’ll find that the announcers voices are frequently buried behind the music. You kind of expect that from inexperienced jocks – these guys have been in the biz for what? An average of 20+ years?? Yet no one seems to have noticed to ensure that doesn’t happen. With the new regime (GM/PD) in place, you would’ve thought some “new” ideas would have come about – not the same old hackneyed tripe. Really….in the age of Sirius/XM, 64 gig iPhones & iTouches, why would anyone want to listen to the same old songs and the same old jocks! Arrogance, pure and simple. Apart from Tom & Joe & KK….just cut ‘em all loose! JACK in Calgary only has a Morning Show…and nothin’ else…..CITI mangement & jocks….hello!! Oh well…good luck Shadoe..or Dale…or whatever you’re name is. Oh hey, can you play me some Doucette? I hear it’s phenomenal…seriously…I mean it.
Forgive my negativity, but that’s just my opinion.
Joey Z

Too bad no one asked for it.

“Superjock,” your pretentious nattering is spiteful, mean-spirited and just plain boring.

Forgive my negativity, but that’s just my opinion.
SuperJock

Thanks Joey Z. Point made.
Nick the Geek

Sounds like Super Jock is one of those authoritarian type folks who are jealous of the better announcers in town who don’t have reedy-thin high voices like his. Mo probably knows more about this business than all of yu boojerks combined!
sadie

as a radio industry “insider”, well, a happy used-to-be radio industry “insider” i can tell everyone right now that most of the hackers commenting in this forum are radio industry “insiders” trying to use this situational spotlight to sway other radio industry “insiders” into making decisions.

that being said, andrea and jay are too very talented people who were put in a bad place by a bad program director. Or should I just say PD? because we all know what that means, right?

and snarky? parDONNAY moi?! i guess men listening to the radio aren’t used to women having brains.

should we all just be a little more like what’s-her-face and laugh at the man’s stupid jokes all morning?
Nick the Geek

Andrea was very good, I agree. If you want to listen to a woman with a good voice but a mean personality take a listen to Karen Black doing afternoon talk on CJOB…..very bad, this woman is cursed by a mean streak!

Good voice, very smooth, but overall way too mean!

Courtney, also at CJOB may lack a great voice or much of a sense of humour but she sounds generally nice and helpful – no wonder she’s been a fixture on Wpg. air waves for almost 30 years.
Sean Traverse

last i heard scuff conners is alive and kicking
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