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Radio Talk
With Frank Ahrens
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 12, 2001; 1 p.m. EDT
Frank Ahrens covers radio for The Washington Post. His column -- "The Listener" -- appears every other Tuesday in the Style section. Frank is also a general assignment feature writer, and his reporting subjects have included everything from minivans to murders, from baseball to bandwidth.
If you're wondering about the inner workings of radio in Washington, around the country and on the Web, or want to know what Frank really thinks of minivans, then don't touch that dial... um, mouse! Please join us for this discussion!
Check out the second edition of Radio Lives with Frank Ahrens, a series of conversations with washington radio's biggest stars. On this episode, Ahrens interviews Bob Edwards, host of NPR's "Morning Edition."
A transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Frank Ahrens: Greetings eveyrone, and thanks for tuning in.
Sorry for the delay...working out of the office today.
Programming note: on the entire Great Radio Songs list that appears on the Web site today, apparantly one of the lines is off, which kicks all the titles and and artists off by one line, so the artists and song titles don't match up. Patience, please. We will fix this.
So, let's get right to your questions.
Silver Spring, Md.:
Good afternoon, Mr. A!
There were some comments on last week's chat about opera on the radio. Local listeners can still get it on Saturday afternoon at 91.5 FM, WBJC. I think it's the station for Baltimore Junior Community College (I may have the name wrong) but I've had luck getting their signal from Baltimore to Poolesville to way way down into the bowels of Northern Virginia. They are a bit more adventurous in their musical selection than WGMS. Plus, it's listener supported so no commercials!
Cheers!
Frank Ahrens: Thanks for the opera info. I admit I have not kept up on this rigorously, simply for the fact that I think WGMS's decision is final. However, I am happy to pass along resources for opera-lovers. Speaking of which: who knows about some good opera Web sites out there with streaming audio?
Washington, D.C.:
Is there any word yet on who will replace Don Geronimo on the Redskins pre-game? I know it will likely be someone in house. But, I'd love to see Ken Beatrice get the job. Will his name likely come up?
Frank Ahrens: I asked Don Geronimo who will take his job on Redskins pregame. He would only say it will not be Mike O'Meara. Stay tuned.
Annapolis, Md.:
Thanks for taking my question.
I am taking the Arbitron survey. Can you tell me how that survey is used?
Thanks.
Frank Ahrens: Sure. What happens is, you keep (they assume) fastidious record of your week of radio listening, then you mail it back to Arbitron HQ in Columbia, Md. Then, an amazing mechanical/electronic process goes into action. Machines rip the books apart and separate the pages. Then, each page is laboriously scanned into a computer, so they can see everything you've written down. The day-by-day listings go into a huge data bank, where they become part of the entire survey for this quarterly period for Washington. (Remember, while they're surveying Washington, thye're simultaneusly surveying dozens of other cities.) Then, you response, with about 4,000 other response from the Washington area, become the baseline data for this region. From that, the data analysts will split it out, so they can tell eveyr radio station who is listening to them, by age, gender and race, at every time of the day. The comments you write out by hand also go into a databank, where they can be read by station employees to see what listeners think of their station.
A.F.H-S, Usenet, Internet:
Please rank the four quarterly Arbitron surveys by their importance. I believe that the summer book is the least important, but how about the other three? Is one "most important"?
Frank Ahrens: If I remember correctly, the spring and fall books are the most important because they set advertising rates for crucial times of the year (Chirstmas, so forth). I think the summer book is considered the least important, followed by winter. If that's wrong, hopefully some station exec will chime in.
Sacramento, Calif.:
I'm really glad that Don and Mike are back, but their story doesn't add up. Their last contract with Infinity was up July 1, 1999. They were going to do their own syndication deal but then they ended up signing a new contract with Infinity/Westwood One. That was only two years ago, not five. While I'm sure they probably did get a new contract this time, you'd think someone would have done the math and realized the numbers didn't add up in the new story. Oh, how do I know this? I was doing updates of the show at that time for a friend and I have this archived with dates on it.
Just thought you might like to know.
Frank Ahrens: That's an interesting point but I think the answer might be like this: I think, if their show is like most others, that it has separate contracts for 1) actual employment with the company that owns the station and 2) syndication. Although Don and Mike's syndicator, Westwood One, is under the same corporate umbrella--Viacom--that owns the company that owns WJFK--Infinity--(phew!), they probably have separate contracts. The one they signed last week, I believe, would have bene with Infinity to keep working for WJFK. The contract signed with Westwood One in 1999 might have been for the syndication of the show. If people who are more in the know, and who can prove that to me by identifying themselves to my satisfaction, can show otherwise, I'll be happy to look at that.
Syracuse, N.Y.:
Frank,
I used to live in Northern Virginia but have since moved. However, reading last week's chat, I learned of the firing of Kelly Knight at DC101. You indicated that you would write about it in your next column, but there is no mention of it today. What happened to her?
Frank Ahrens: I was going to write about the firing of Kelly Knight and her replacement by LeeAnn Curtis, who I believe is from Philly, but DC101 program director Buddy Rizer did not return my call last week, so I had no more information. I may pursue it. Call Buddy; see if he returns your call.
Wiredog:
An, umm, interesting bit of the coverage of the McVeigh execution was from DC101. They sent Flounder from the Elliot in the morning show to Terre Haute. Elliot was as crass as I had feared, but Flounder did a good job. Really makes you appreciate NPR, though.
Frank Ahrens: Obviously, it was Topic A yesterday. Don and Mike were soliciting listener suggestions about alternative methods for executing McVeigh. Some got medieval and troubling. None of the callers I heard seemed to be the least bit troubled that their government was in the business of state-sponsored pre-meditated murder for the sake of retributive justice.
Springfield, Virginia:
Just wondering what Allen Prell is doing since he's no longer on WBAL in Bal'mer?
Thanks--N.S.
Frank Ahrens: Huh. Good point. I hadn't noticed he was off the air. Let me make a call or two and see if I can't get an answer for next week.
Washington, D.C. 20854:
Hey Franky. Are you feeling OK? You wrote about Don and Mike in your collumn. I wouldn't mind you writing about them every week but you mentioned them that is like a moral sin for you.
Frank Ahrens: Frank Ahrens can no longer continue this discussion. In an Old Testament-like incident of Divine Retribution, he has just been struck down by a heavenly-hurled lightning bolt for commiting the moral (and venal) sin of writing about Don and Mike. He is now a little pile of smoldering ashes in an ergonomically pleasing office chair. Thank you for your patronage.
Annandale, Va.:
I'm sure there'll be a lot of talk today about the Don and Mike situation. From your article, it sounded like you interviewed Don directly. Could you tell us how that went and if the "fueding" and "bickering" per say between you two are set aside for this type of issue? It appeared to be a cordial exchange between two professionals. Basically, do you think you will have different working relationships with Don Geronimo the radio personality and Mike Sorce, the WJFK creative program director in the future?
Frank Ahrens: I did indeed interview Don for the story. And it was an exchange between two professionals. And I might add two things 1) as the victim of one of the best smear campaigns since Lyndon Johnson aimed that mushroom cloud TV commercial at Barry Goldwater, I must continue to insist that there is no "feud" or "bickering" between the Don and Mike show and The Listener. You all THINK I don't like the show because Don SAYS it. Duh! which 2) would really bother me if, as one e-mailer succinctly put it this past week, the Don and Mike show weren't just good radio entertainment, like the WWF. It's like WWF prexy Vince McMahon says: "When I'm on TV, I'm not the real Vince McMahon. I'm playing the character 'Vince McMahon.' " Which, if you think about it, has staggering metaphysical implications.
Falls Church, Va.:
Frank-
What's the deal with HFS and DC101 cross-promoting concert events? In the past, it seemed like one station would go to lengths to ignore the existence of a show if the other was promoting it. Now, I heard that HFS even gave tickets to the HFStival to DC101 to give away. Also, they have both promoted the recent Dave Matthews show, and are doing so for the Radiohead shows.
Frank Ahrens: You know, this is a good thing to follow. I wouldn't be surprised if it came down to a powerplay between DC101 owner Clear Channel and the record labels of the acts that play the HFStival. I could be completely wrong, but it's a hunch.
I hate dumb jokes:
Could you tell me whose idea it is that Morning radio hosts have to tell stupid jokes and stories? They are so bad and so dumb, I refuse to believe that people actually like it. I actually like 99.5 (I know they are clear channel and that they are evil but I think the music is fun and when I'm taking a shower that's all that matters) but it makes me cringe in the morning. They actually had a "drag queen" (I put it in quotes cause I doubt it was real) on today and they were making fun of her and saying all this dumb stuff. Where does someone complain about this and ask the station people to throw these dumb (I refrain from using another word to make sure that this is family friendly enough) people off the air?
Frank Ahrens: So, it's okay to listen to "evil" Clear Channel while you're showering? As though you are metaphorically cleansing yourself in the presence of evil? Once again, the radio discussion attains philosophical altitude.
I don't know what to tell you other than to say that morning shows are aimed at particular demographics, like the rest of the station, and Hot 99.5 is a Top 40 station aimed at 18-34 year olds and maybe you're a little too erudite for the brand of humor. Or maybe the jokes would be funny if you were taking a bath instead of a shower.
Potomac, Md.:
Howdy Frank. Did Don and Mike turn around on not talking to you? How did the conversation go with them?
Frank Ahrens: Talked only to Don and, as always, enjoyed the conversation. It's great how he stays on point: His last comment to me was: "Don't 'F' me." I hope I didn't 'F' him.
American Heartland Part 1 of 2:
Gen-X-Gurl here for you my adorable if you lose the cabbage patch Frank. The Heartland remains the: decent, kind, sweet and homespun place it was last year. The big difference is that instead of doing a lot of varied shifts this year, I am an almost three month fill in for morning drive as its rightful timeslot owner is taking an extended vacation. So far, the public's repsonse has been "she's back AGAIN?" No, actually it has been very, very warm. What can I say, they really, really love me! Giggle.
Frank Ahrens: Continued...
American Heartland Part 2 of 2:
Don't know how it played on radio back at home in D.C. but McVeigh was virtually 24-hour news. We dropped most of our usual stuff and went all talk for the yesterday and the better part of today. People who have never called a radio station in their lives were calling up. As an outsider, I was overwhealmed by the depths of their feelings. There was not a lot of closure. Let me tell you, hit the heartland and memories run very long. Saw your column online. D&M are not my cup of tea BUT they bring in the ratings and deserve the same chances, and more, as Opie and his partner. Why do you think they are not getting them?
Anyway, gotta run, taping some commercials for the local tractor company this afternoon. Just picture me relating on the radio to being in bib overalls sitting in a brand new shiny John Deere! Come on Frank, you have always told me you want to ride off in the sunset with me.
Frank Ahrens: Terrific to hear from you, Gurl. (Sound of D.C. Lawyers rustling in their briefs.) Glad you have the mornign shift, which, as you know (ratings/revenue) is the day's most important shift.
Interesting observation on the McVeigh callers. As for closure, it's a meaningless word of psychobabbalia that's nothing more than a cover and socially acceptable excuse for vengeance.
As for Don and Mike, if there's not a lot more to the story than I reported (and they reported on-air on Friday), I think I come down on their side. They are proven ratings/revenue winners in D.C.--no one has come near them for years. For some reason that I don't see--and I've listened to Opie and Anthony in NYC; I don't hear them doing much different than Don and Mike--Infinity thinks that O and A have the growth potential. But let's wait to see how this Don and Mike deal rolls out...maybe they'll get some good stations in syndication and get Infinity's and Westwood One's formidable promotional powers behind the show.
Washington, D.C.:
What happened to the 99.5 that played such amazing old funk? I can't believe they went out of business! It was one of the delights for me of living in this area. I am in mourning. Do we really need yet another cheezy top 40 station catering to 14 year-olds?! And can it really be more of a money-maker?
Frank Ahrens: Jamn Oldies switched format to Top 40 (that's on the 99.5) frequency back in April or so. I wrote a couple of stories about it. Jamn was not making the ratings/revenue that corporate owner Clear Channel wanted, so they switched to a Top 40 format, which has a higher potential on both counts.
Drumaville:
Frankie, forget about Don and Mike -- what about the Junkies? How do they feel about being pushed back further into the evening (8 p.m.) and how will it effect their show?
Frank Ahrens: They actually think it's a good thing because they will get a "hard" launch everynight at 8 p.m. (which is when the national syndicated feed picks them up) instead of the "soft" launch of Whenver-Don-and-Mike-Stop-Talking. This was one of the first decisions Don Geronimo made in his new role as, essentilly, WJFK program director.
Rich in Silver Spring, Md.:
For the person who wrote last week about Linda Ronstadt not being on the radio -- this morning on 94.7 Kessler played "You're No Good." Pretty cool, it was preceded by "Under My Thumb." FYI
Frank Ahrens: Some props for Linda!
Bethesda, Md.:
Another band question:
Cake or They Might Be Giants?
If you wanted to get more specific, which is the better cover -- Cake's "I Will Survive" or TBMG's (slightly modified) "The Lion Sleeps Tonight?"
J.
Frank Ahrens: I vote for TMBG on both counts.
Alexandria, Va.:
In Don & Mike article you stated: "WJFK experienced a sharp drop-off at 11 p.m. when the Junkies ended and the syndicated Ron and Fez signed on". Can the same be said about 11 a.m., when G. Boring Liddy signs on? He has already been replaced on WJFK-am in Baltimore.
Frank Ahrens: I'm not near my most recent Arbitron ratings book to look at Gordo's ratings, but I asked Don Geronimo about him last week and he said he "loved" Liddy and he's not going anywhere.
Woodbridge, Va.:
Where can I read the article on D & M?
washingtonpost.com:
Below is Frank Ahrens' recent article on the Don and Mike show.
"Don and Mike's Three-Day No Comment" (Post, June 12, 2001)
Frank Ahrens: There you go. Thanks, Eleanor.
Reston, Va. 20190:
Frank, looking through the table of song, artist votes I came across some interesting covers (or possibly a problem with table formatting):
You Shook Me All Night Long, The Who (The Who doing AC/DC, wow)
Hotel California, Aerosmith (Bet THAT sounds interesting)
House of the Rising Sun,James Brown (That probably sounds pretty good)
I Love Rock and Roll, Sonny & Cher (I've gotta hear that one)
Lady Madonna, Doors (Jim Morrison doing the Beatles. Uh-huh.)
The question: where can I get copies of these songs?
Frank Ahrens: Everyone's a comic.
www.washingtonpost.com--are you looking at this?
Orono, Maine:
Frank, thanks for the Don and Mike update in today's paper. Maybe some of their fans can explain to me what the big deal is. These guys have stolen Howard Sterns show, lock-stock-and barrel. There is nothing original at all about them. (Consider, for instance, that shortly after Hank the Drunken, Angry Dwarf joined Howar's "Whack Pack," Don and Mike added a midget to their stable as well.) Why are these guys so popular?
Frank Ahrens: Is it a requirement of Mainers to be "flinty" like this? Or are you being "hard-bitten" or "rock-ribbed?" (Or is that New Hampshirites who are rock-ribbed? I get my New England stereotypes mixed up...)
Middletown Man:
Frank, WMAL traffic reporter Jamie Whitten seems to be getting more and more air time, which is good because she's a delight. I've noticed that traffic reporting seems to be a training ground for prime time and not-so-prime time. Her reparte with Tim and Andy in the morning is good clean fun. Her reparte with Chris Core in the afternoon makes his snoozer show more bearable. When his choice of topics gets unbearably moronic or he turns the right wing, conspiracy nuts loose, I just flip over to WAMU for some good tunes. Anyway, do you think Jamie will get a shot at prime time radio as a co-host maybe or is Chris safe in his male-only ego-pumping afternoon drive?
Frank Ahrens: Hmmm....interesting postulation. That's the route Brooke Stevens took. How about it, John Butler, WMAL operations director who often tunes into these discussions?
The Airless Cubicle:
Hi, Frank. Following the execution of the man I will not name, I looked at non-government stations at the extremes of the political left and right.
Two stations in the U.S., WWCR and WWFV in Tennessee, can cover the entire country; it's a very efficient way for a small movement to keep in touch with all its adherents. However, since the Oklahoma City bombings, and the Y2K non-event, the tone of voice and the hysteria of the programs has died down. The militia movement stopped buying a lot of air time. There are more patent medicine ads and fewer ads for gold coins and water filters.
WWCR's Transmitter #1 alternates between 9475 day and 3125 night; #2 is 13845 day and 5935 night; #3 12160 day and 5070 night; and #4 7435 and 9475 day, with 2390 very late at night.
WWFV -- World Wide Freedom's Voice, is in Tennessee, just north of the Georgia line. Currently they have two transmitters.
The night time frequencies are:
#1 6890 kHz until 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT)
3270 kHz from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (0100 to 0500 GMT)
#2: 12172 kHz upper-sideband until 7 p.m. Eastern (2300 GMT)
5085 kHz AM from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On the left hand side of the dial is Radio For Peace International, in Costa Rica. They are what Pacifica fans want -- a "progressive," pro-UN, anti-Republican station, the mirror image of the "superpatriot" stations.
They operate with a lower-power transmitter than the US stations, and transmitter schedules vary; try 7445 upper-sideband, 15050 AM, and 21815 USB.
USB transmissions aren't aimed at the average listener with an AM-only radio, but they make best use of the power available to a transmitter. A good shortwave receiver can tune in these signals. Oddly, WWFV states specifically its USB transmissions are for the military audience. Chilling.
The Original Dubya
Frank Ahrens: Great shortwave posting, O Dubya. The two theories on the militia movement, post-bombing are that 1) it's been diminished by govt. infiltration and lack of interest or 2) it's gotten quieter and more underground. Very interesting point about the disappearance of ads for the gold coins and water filters, two staples of apocalyptists and survivalists.
Classic Rock's Broken Record:
Frank --
WARW 94.7 is about the only station I can tolerate these days, and those days may be numbered. Why, when they have such a vast volume of material to choose from, do they feel compelled to play the same tired songs by Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Elton John and others of dubious "classic rock" merit SEVERAL TIMES A DAY EVERY SINGLE DAY? What happened to Classic Rock artists such as The Who, Deep Purple, The Kinks, et al? And that morning drive time guy, whose name I can't remember, offers the most insipid, dim-witted observations I've ever heard. I can't believe he's employed. Your thoughts?
Frank Ahrens: I'll post this so it can be seen by the Classic Rock 94.7 staff, who monitors this discussion. The morning guy you're referring to is Mark Kessler.
By way of explanation, I would say that Classic Rock is a Classic Hits station with a purposefully tight playlist designed to squeeze the maximum ratings from the classic rock audience. And, they have added some deep cuts aspects to the station, playing an entire album every night, albeit two cuts at a time over the course of a few hours.
Silver Spring, Md.:
After not listening to Internet Radio for a little while (new computer with no speakers), I went to listen to the John Thompson show yesterday, and found out that due to some sort of dispute with the RIAA, they are not sending their broadcast out over the internet. Any insight? Also, if you listen to ESPN radio, they do not play commercials, and they air the studios during their breaks. There is some um, interesting listening going on.
Frank Ahrens: A few months ago, most radio stations stopped their Internet streams (I wrote about this when it happened, a couple of times. Here's a column:)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/style/columns/radiolistener/A25165-2001Apr30.html
Heartland Part 3:
Frank
Twice now, I detect your views on the death penalty. Reasonable people can disagree and respect the other's opinion.
Generally, I agree with you my sweet baboo on this. However, with McVeigh, I must disagree. Some crimes ARE so heinous, so offensive and so threatening to society, the ultimate punishment is deserved.
There was no doubt on this Frank, no DNA no nothing.
Existentially which is worse, death or life imprisonment without parole in the double max security prison he was in? Ultimately, that might have been the real cruel and unusual punishment.
Back to radio. Nice to see you think D&M deserve the shot. Like I said, like them or not, they have earned it.
Frank Ahrens: Allow me to quote St. Augustine on this (who later recanted his views, but was surrounded by perpetual mayhem and lawlessness and can be forgiven):
"Man and sinner are two different things. God made man, but man made himself the sinner. So destroy what man made, but leave what God made. Do not take away his life; leave him the possibility of repentance."
Willie Waffle, WMAL:
Allen Prell is co-hosting The Movie Show on Radio, a syndicated weekend program.
Frank Ahrens: Thanks, Willie.
A.U. Park:
Bless me, Frank for I have sinned. I am only 25 years old but I listened to WTOP every morning last week. PLEASE tell me I am not turning into my father. PLEASE tell there must be something cool or hip about an all-news radio station!
Frank Ahrens: Well, I don't know if it's cool or hip but you are an informed citizen, so how can that be anything but good? You are forgiven, my child.
Washington, D.C.:
Since most radio stations (corporations) have pulled their streaming, live Web casts because of talent compensation issues, is there any reason those stations can't run their programming without the commerials on the Web? I know that dead air is a killer, but I'd sacrifice it to hear some stations on my computer.
Frank Ahrens: Check out the link to the column I just posted.
Washington, D.C.:
With Don & Mike "officially" on until 8 p.m. on WJFK, will this affect the ratings of the Junkies? Before the change, D&M routinely spilled over into the 7 o'clock hour, slotted for the Junkies. I imagine the Junkies benefitted in the books by getting D&M listeners in the 7 o'clock hour. With that no longer the case, does this bode poorly for the Junks?
Frank Ahrens: Yes, it will help the Junkies, because they'll no longer be hurt by the 11 p.m. drop-off when Ron and Fez signed on. And, because the evening ratings period goes from 7 to midngiht, they'll get the front share of Don and Mike's monster ratings.
Jim in Rockville, Md.:
Hi Frank,
An earlier question about the Arbitron process revealed that survey participants' hand-written questions are read by station employees. Is that really true or just a ruse to get listeners to take part. Because of they are read, one would think that the stations would do more to stray away from the homogenization of DC radio that can yield one song being played on five different stations, all of allegedly different formats. An example of this is the song by Lifehouse, "Hanging by a Moment". You can hear it on DC101, HFS, Mix107.3, Hot 99.5, 92.5 WINC and Z-104. It's just ridiculous.
Frank Ahrens: Yes. It used to be customary for the station PDs to drive to Columbia to read the comments. Now, I believe they are put on a CD and mailed to the stations. The stations like this because it's non-data, thougtful response.
Downtown Washington, D.C.:
Frank:
Vermonters are "flinty." New Hampshireites are "rock-ribbed," or, alternatively, "steely." Mainers are "sturdy," but never Mainiacs, unless you want them to flog you with a lobster.
Frank Ahrens: Hmm....could be fun. Gen X Gurl...?
Alexandria Va.:
I can't seem to find the Orioles on the radio anymore! Mind you, I am happy to find news and traffic on WTOP whenever I need it, but where did the games go? I can't pick up WBAL at home. Help me, Frankmeister!
Frank Ahrens: Orioles games in Washington were moved by WTEM 980 AM when WTOP, which had broadcast them for sometthing like 20 years, decided to drop them. If there's a big sporting event on, like the NBA finals, look for the O's on WTNT 570 AM or WRC 1260 AM.
Centerville, Va.:
Why was there no new information about the supposed Don & Mike/Infinity deal in your column today? Everything you wrote came from D&M's show on Friday. Are you a volunteer or just lazy?
Frank Ahrens: I am a lazy volunteer. The worst kind.
WTOP:
Frank, you are correct. PD's can now read all listener comments and share them with their staff. People who write comments on their Arbitron Diaries CAN make a difference.
Jim Farley
Frank Ahrens: Thanks, Jim.
Somwehere in Radio Land:
Frank, once again you're right! D&M signed a five year deal with Infinity in 1991. Then a seven year deal -- with a two year extension/re negotiation/ firing clause. That clause opened up on June 1, 2001 and the window closed on Oct. 1, 2001. They do have a seperate deal with WW1 redone in 1998. Although I bet their new deal re-does both sides, Infinity and Westwood One.
Take it from one who truly knows!
Frank Ahrens: Ah. Very good. Thanks.
Georgetown:
The son of a friend did an internship at WJFK. He told me that every Tuesday all interns are assigned to bombard you with questions about Don and Mike to see how much they can get you to talk about them and ignore every other station in town. Far-fetched or could you be falling for the trick?
Frank Ahrens: Hahahaha! I love it! Guerilla radio! Gotta hand it to them....(besides, I only answer about 20 pct of the Don and Mike questions I get. But keep it up, boys....)
Rockville, Md.:
Over the weekend, I heard a commercial on Winchester's WINK-FM for some audio and video store done by the Greaseman. He even started off saying "Hey, it's the Greaseman." All the stores he mentioned were in the D.C. area (Bethesda and Tenleytown I think), but I haven't heard this commercial on a D.C. station yet. Are D.C. stations shying away from playing the commercial because of the Greaseman's checkered past? I know WINK-FM puts a pretty strong signal into most of this area. I have no trouble hearing it in Rockville, but it seems to me that if you want to reach people in Bethesda and Tenleytown, you'd be better off putting your commercial on a D.C. station. And why would an advertiser use the Greaseman if it causes problems getting the commercial on the air?
Frank Ahrens: This is a good question that I don't have the answer to but will pursue. The bottom line is: Are Greaseman ads still radioactive, too?
Frank Ahrens: A really good discussion today, folks. Thanks to everyone for sending in questions.
See you next week.
washingtonpost.com:
That was our last question today. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
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