Lynn Cullen has been terminated at WPTT for a new "format"

[livetohike]

I hope someone else picks her up. :-(

http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/08231/905209-100.stm

Radio talk host Lynn Cullen out at WPTT


As of Aug. 30, longtime radio talk show host Lynn Cullen will no longer be on the radio.

WPTT-AM (1360) is switching to a new format and will be eliminating Ms. Cullen's show, which airs from 9 a.m. to noon.

Ms. Cullen confirmed today that her last day would be Aug. 29.

While she will be taking a previously scheduled vacation this week, Ms. Cullen said she plans to be on the air for her final four days, Aug.26-29.

"You don't just create an audience in this business, you create a kind of community," said Ms. Cullen, known as one of Pittsburgh's few liberal broadcast personalities, "and I need to be able to talk to this community about this and to try to assuage what I suspect will be frustration and anger at losing a voice that they felt spoke for them."

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

[I Have A Dream]

1. That's too bad.

:(

[livetohike]

4. She is sure to have many connections in Pgh.

I hope she gets picked up asap.

[RamboLiberal]

6. Problem is I don't think there is anyone to pick her up

The other 2 are all conservative crap. KDKA's program director wrote me a letter when I complained about them not giving John McIntyre much of a chance that liberal talk doesn't sell here.

Unless Lynn wants to move out of Pittsburgh I think her career is over.

One problem is though she is great when she talks politics - she really doesn't like talking politics and says it's destroying her health. IMHO I was worried this summer cause I thought that relutance was killing her show. Maybe she was reading the tea leaves since Hoerth was let go.

[RamboLiberal]

2. Damn I'm pissed at this - though I've been expecting it

ever since they dumped Doug Hoerth late last year.

I wonder if Lynn knew it was coming. I thought she had been a little lackluster on her show last few weeks.

I wonder what format they are going to? They have Thom Hartmann on noon-3. Wonder if they are dumping him as well.

They might as well go off the air - the rest of their linup is crap!

What a stupid time to fire about the only liberal host in Pittsburgh during the hot Presidential election season! Thankfully I can get liberal radio via the internet.

In the car since I don't have satellite radio guess I'll get through a ton of books on CD!

[livetohike]

3. Maybe they are going all right wing noise makers

:grr: I hope Lynn was given the professional courtesy of a month or more notice.

Did "Uncle Douggie" find another spot?

[RamboLiberal]

5. Nope Uncle Dougie never found another spot

And he was a kind of libertarian. I got to hate his politics and took to turning him off for that reason. But he did a lot of just pop culture stuff at which he excelled.

I don't think Lynn will find another spot and certainly not before the election.

KDKA is mostly conservative crap all the time except for that little 5 hour slot they give Chris Moore on Sunday afternoon. And they mostly have their slots filled unless Honzberger finally gives it up. He's been off a ton b/c of health problems though he swears he's coming back for the election season.

And the other station on FM 104.7 - is all the RW loonies Quinn, Limbaugh, Hannity, Savage, etc.

There's really no other talk in Pittsburgh I know of except Bev Smith.

[RamboLiberal]

7. She went on vacation this week so she could gear up for the election

season. Apparently they decided today or over the weekend to fire her. Supposedly unlike Doug they are allowing her 4 days next week to say goodbye to her audience.

I don't think she was expecting this.

[livetohike]

8. That's a shame

Well, at least she will be able to say good-bye for now. I remember when she lost her job at WTAE (wasn't that it?). It took her a while to get on to WPTT,but she did get a slot, so maybe she'll be back on the air soon.

[livetohike]

9. WPTT managers are idiots for doing this

If Thom Hartmann gets dropped, then we'll know what new format they have in mind.

[RamboLiberal]

22. Hartmann will be gone as well - Here's the BS they are peddling

-----

She said she had been told that she had the only program on WPTT that was bringing in significant ad revenue, much of it from such bedrock sponsors as Little's Shoes and Castle Windows. "The station is on for 24 hours, but my three hours were the only revenue-producing hours," she said.

Serena acknowledged her drawing power and said that when the station dropped talk-show host Doug Hoerth in December, it was partly because it hoped to cut costs enough to allow Cullen's program to survive.

Even though Serena said politics had nothing to do with the decision, the demise of Cullen's show fits into a larger national picture in which politically liberal talk radio has struggled. As Cullen put it, "You could drive from the East Coast to the West Coast and never hear anything other than a right-wing point of view."

"Recognizing that Western Pennsylvania has predominantly been a Democratic area," Serena added, "Lynn has offered an alternative, and that's probably what people are going to miss the most."

The station's format switch also means that the liberal syndicated talk show hosted by Thom Hartmann will go off the air as well.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08232/905263-42.stm

[woshiliberal]

20. Subject: Re: Lynn

I agree, what a stupid time to fire the only liberal radio host in Pgh. I'm trying to figure out what to listen to while I work. I'll be lost! Are there good choices on satellite? I can't believe the "financial format" choice for WPTT--may they go down in flames! I hope Lynn shows up somewhere else and SOON!!
PS-Newbie here and happy to have found this spot.

[RamboLiberal]

23. Welcome to DU woshiliberal

I'd bet if you asked on General Discussion you could get info on what's available on satellite radio. If you can't yet post a new thread let me know and I'd be glad to ask.

I at least can listen to the internet on radio where I can get Thom Hartmann, Ed Schultz, Randi Rhodes, Rachel Maddow and others.

In the car I guess it will be books on CD or music till I someday get a car with satellite radio.

I hope the new format goes down in flames at the soon to be former WPTT! Yeech.

[MrMickeysMom]

38. Welcome to DU, too.

If you're in the Monroeville area, there are lots of reasons to get involved with the locals! If not, see ya here!
:hi:

[pghdayvoe]

10. Losted Locally

I posted this on the local Pittsburgh blog:

http://2politicaljunkies.blogspot.com/2008/08/lynn-cullen.html

If I hear anything about the format change or the reasons for the change, I'll post them there.

Dayvoe

[livetohike]

11. Thanks Dayvoe and Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[RamboLiberal]

12. Hi pghdayvoe and welcome to DU

Sadly I was the one who sent you the PG link.

BTW Pittsburgh and PA DU'ers 2politicaljunkies is a great Pittsburgh site for national and local liberal and Democratic political news and discussion. I highly recommend.

And I'll miss you 2 subbing for Lynn.

[pghdayvoe]

17. Astute Reader

So YOU'RE the astute reader who e-mailed me!

Thanks for the tip - I appreciate it.

[RamboLiberal]

13. A blogger on 2politicaljunkies says the new format will be business

At 3:40 PM, Frank said...
The new format is business talk. It's being put together by Ron Morris. The WPTT you knew will be dead in less than two weeks.

Guess there goes Thom Hartmann as well. Well bye-bye WPTT. I'll be taking bets how long you will last. Guess they're going for male listeners!

[livetohike]

14. Ron Morris the Entrepeneur guy

Blah - he probably has a listening audience of two people. They (WPTT) deserve to go down in flames then.

I definitely won't be listening.

[RamboLiberal]

15. The few times I've listened to him when he subbed for Lynn

Can you say BORING!

[RamboLiberal]

16. John McIntryre has the scoop including having talked to Lynn

WPTT will soon flip its format to all Business Talk. Hosts will be local in the afternoon and syndicated the rest of the time. This project is being put together by local successful businessman Ron Morris who hosts the WPTT weekend show American Entrepreneur.

He will have local afternoon business hosts including the likes of former County Executive Jim Roddey, former GOP mayoral candidate Mark DeSantis, and Morris himself.

Morris wants to "raise the entrepreneurial IQ of the region." This may be a noble and worthwhile goal. I've met Ron and he's a really nice guy who gives a damn about this region, and loves to preach about the entrepreneurial spirit. And that's something we all better think about in an economy producing fewer good paying jobs.

But you'll excuse me if I shed a tear for my liberal colleague Lynn, a true talent and an amazingly wonderful human. Plus it's a few months away from the election and we've got no local liberal voices on the air.

I talked to Lynn this afternoon. She's fine. She's going on vacation for a few days and plans to come back on the air for a few days after that. What's she going to do with those shows? She has no idea.

http://macyapper.blogspot.com/2008/08/lynn-cullen-show-kaput-edition.html

I say fuck the Renda's. I hope the new format crashes and burns! May their transmitter crash permanently. Lord knows it sure crashed quite often with Lynn's show!

[livetohike]

18. Another "all Republican- all the time" station coming our way

Maybe Lynn and John McIntyre can start their own station. This is sad.

[Diwi]

19. What convenient timing...

I just heard about this but am not surprised.  Back last
December, Doug Hoerth, who was a libertarian but was still a
Pittsburgh radio talk show host legend and who could be very
entertaining, got screwed, then they (WPTT 1360 AM) had the
outrageous gall to fill the 3-6PM slot not only with smarmy,
fascist Laura Ingraham, but RERUNS of her morning show, which
they also broadcast.  Now, Lynn gets dumped, and they're going
to an all "business" format.  Right...

And Tom Hartman will be gone as well, I called them and asked.
 So, as far as "left" views go, or even
"center" views go, Pittsburgh radio is virtually
dead now.  And Ron Morris is a totally boring capitalist pig,
if I may mince words.  How convenient all this happens as soon
as the Republithug's convention commences.  Now, what are
Pittsburgh radio listeners interested in political talk to
turn to in the two months prior to probably the most important
election in decades?

KDKA is totally right wing nut cases.  104.7 FM the same. 
There's nowhere for Lynn to go.  I feel really sorry for her,
but I feel more sorry for Pittsburgh radio listeners.  I
sincerely hope WPTT's new "format" goes down along
with their station in general.  Bunch of idiots...

What I find truly sad and ironic is that Pittsburgh and
Allegheny County is HEAVILY Democratic.  Gore won, Kerry won,
you know Obama will win here in this region, but what does
local radio represent?  The MINORITY right-wing wacko
perspective.  Unbelievable.

I rarely go on the net or computer anymore because of
disabilities, but I knew I'd find a bit of discussio about
this on DU, thanks people... 

[livetohike]

21. Welcome to DU Diwi!

:hi: and thanks for your perspective on all of this mess. I only can listen to Lynn via the internet since WPTT's signal doesn't reach up here. It's a huge loss for Pgh. if no one picks her up. Maybe she'll have a TV show on PCNC (but I have satellite and don't get it either). Or maybe WQED....

[pocket-radio]

24. Renda Broadcasting Lynn Cullen out

Renda Broadcasting is sleazy and sneaky. If lynn had any second thoughts about her future or directly questioned management I’m sure they said nothing is wrong and you’re fine. Don’t worry. From past experience Renda only cares about his money and will say anything to get what he wants. Lynn was cut to save money. The syndicated programs cost the company almost nothing. They use people like pawns to get what they want. I hope they burn in hell

[livetohike]

25. Welcome to DU!

:hi: They deserve what they get as far as their future...I can't imagine anyone listening to business talk radio for more than an hour.

[canichelouis]

26. Devastating News

What timing, huh?

That Morris guy is a devoted Republican. Entrepreneurial timing?

The Hartmann show can be recorded. Might have to pod cast for the car.

I don't even know what to say. I loved me my afternoon lynne and thom.


:cry: :cry:

[Diwi]

27. UPDATE ME, PLEASE FOLKS...

Thanks for the informative/helpful words, folks.  I am
disabled (eyes/bad back/etc.), and can only go on the
computer/net about once or twice a week, and will try to
listen to Lynn's final days, but after it's all finished, I
hope y'all will post a few more comments on this particular
subject.

3-6 or 7PM "drive time" radio in da burgh will soon
be dead.  No Lynn, no Hartmann, I'm starting to think of
satellite radio.  Hell, they even got rid of Mark Madden,
after dumping Stan Savaran earlier.  These were sport talk
shows, but I don't know, it seems like in general, Pittsburgh
talk radio has been turned into bland, vanilla yogurt (all
with a RIGHT WING fair and unbalanced slant) which basically
elimnates my radio listening times, which because of my eyes,
plays an important part in my miserable existence on this
crazy planet.

I'd appreciate if anyone wants to continue this thread and
comments a few days or weeks after the NEW (crap) WPTT-1360AM
to listen, as I may be unable to, and comment in this thread,
which I've bookmarked.

Pittsburgh talk radio beyond any non-rightwing nutcase crap
seems to have been dying for a long time, and I dread the day
when both Lynn and Tom Hartmen will basically eliminate a lot
of radio listening to me.

"They" don't care though, anyway.  All we can hope
for now is that 1360's new format dies quickly and perhaps a
new outlet for Air America gets a local burgh 24 hour slot, or
at least something more meaningful than unbelievably boring
and sleepy "business" talk.

Keep hope alive.  Yes, we can.  Save the whales, go green,
etc.

GO OBAMA/BIDEN, kick 'em in the nads, dudes, kick 'em in the
nads...

[livetohike]

28. Hi Diwi

:hi: Did you listen to Lynn this morning? She wasn't there on Monday. She seems okay with all of this and she has a website in the works. It's not developed yet.

www.lynncullen.net

We are so screwed with Pgh radio right now. I'd love to see an Air America station with Lynn on one of the time slots. I thought that back in 2004 she was talking to Air America about a show, but she didn't want to leave Pittsburgh....

Take care and check in as you can.

[RamboLiberal]

29. I'd like to see Lynn get a gig like Ed Schultz

Something where she could go national but broadcast most of the time from Pittsburgh.

BTW, Ed Schultz said today that some labor group wants him to do a town hall in Pittsburgh. He mentioned he doesn't have any stations carrying him in this area though he thinks he should.

I hope the town hall takes place. I'd love to attend.

Getting back to Lynn, she did mention Ron Morris(who I think is behind this coup) did pop in and say if she wanted to do internet radio to talk to him. How big of him!

[livetohike]

31. Town hall! I'll see you there if he does it

:hi: Lynn didn't seem upset at all today....maybe she already has something in the works :shrug:.

[RamboLiberal]

34. Nope - nothing in the works

Lynn and her listeners are more optimistic than I am that she will get another gig quickly. Not in this town. Radio programmers here all think only the RW crap sells.

One bright spot is KDKA radio is for sale - I hope there's a rich liberal out there that can buy them. I'd love to see that whole crew down there except for Chris Moore be on the unemployment line.

[RamboLiberal]

30. I'm thinking of satellite radio as well

I was doing some research. I thought Sirius had the better lineup, but I'm a bit hesitant to commit till I see how the Sirius/XM merger rolls out. I understand they may be offering a package that will be ala carte where you could pick from both lineups which would be ideal.

I think I'll wait though till I get a new vehicle to see if it comes equipped with satellite. Where I work I'm so deep in to the building satellite wouldn't work. Fortunately since I can get internet radio back here.

Too bad there is nothing locally to listen to while I'm in my vehicle. I'm sure getting through books on CD in the car. Take out stock in Amazon for all I'll be buying.

Otherwise at home I'm usually tuned in to MSNBC for Keith, and soon for Rachel in the evening.

[canichelouis]

32. Check out carnegie ---clpgh.org

One can 'check out' books on cd over the net with a library card

ok selection can be either downloaded to cd or mp3

[RamboLiberal]

33. Thanks I'll have to check that out

CDs don't cost me that much since I look for good deals on fiction books and resell any where I can get decent money on Amazon.

I like when the political books are on CD. Great way to get through interesting topics.

[MrMickeysMom]

35. My communication to the station (sub thread within)

Anyone else wish to weigh in? If so, here are the e-mails I used... MMM

Re: Change in WPTT's format
Date: August 21, 2008 6:44:48 PM EDT
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail]

Mr. Antill,

I appreciate your having responded with your preceding paragraphs. After reading and digesting your points in support of the success you feel will be brought with Money Radio, I assume this business decision is one based on following perceived leaders in local talk radio markets. You may even feel you have to leave a market that is saturated. That would be my worst "talk radio" fear. This is because you may not have analyzed much about the liberal and progressive talk radio market. Had you really looked into this, you would have seen that this is a demographic that can outspend anyone who seeks to listen to Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, who sit behind some helm beating the mantras to local right wing talk so that we can continue being spoon-fed Republican talking points. If you've ever listened to local talk, you understood what I just said.

The kind of people who are interested in liberal progressive radio are prepared to pay a little extra and have great loyalty to local merchants. This group is key to the growing support of progressive talk over the internet. You could have bridged the "non-internet" based demographic group by examining how to grow into a progressive format, INCLUDING a money-format by using a little vision. I'm hoping by the time you grasp this, perhaps in another year, you are not out on your ass. But, I guess I shouldn't worry about your ass... only my own ass.

I mean this sincerely. It is my hope someone in this burg HAS vision and realizes it in a local progressive talk format. Someone will extend and revive AND finally understand what was beginning to happen on WPTT (sadly, you did not). I will say this- if I had to count on Bloomberg and Lou Dobbs to assure that my radio station survived, I quit that day job NOW.

Oh well, good luck with your future listeners and corporate sponsors and ALL these big names. I think you'll find that they are not so much "big names" as they are "big corporate shills".

---------------------------------------------------------------

On Aug 21, 2008, at 11:30 AM, Ron Antill (RBC-Pittsburgh) wrote:


In order for AM 1360 to remain competitive in these challenging times, we have decided to change format and move into a new direction September 1, ending our 10 ½ year run as AM NEWS/TALK 1360, WPTT.

We wish to thank our thousands of loyal listeners and advertisers who supported WPTT over the past decade.

Unfortunately, the battle to maintain our niche of the talk radio audience has been arduous. On one side is KDKA, a heritage 50,000 watt "Live and Local" news, talk station. On the other side is a high powered FM talker, 104.7, that features all the big name nationally syndicated talk show hosts. When you also factor in KQV and WORD, you slice the talk radio pie very thin, creating an environment where remaining competitive becomes tantamount to pushing a boulder up a hill each and every day. Thus, we have reached the point where we must say goodbye to long time personality Lynn Cullen and all the syndicated talk programs you hear daily. This is strictly a business decision, and in no way is a reflection of the job anyone has done on the air.

On Monday September 1, AM 1360 embarks upon a new direction as WMNY: Money Radio. This will be a 24 hour business and financial talk radio station, featuring names known within the world of money: Bloomberg, Lou Dobbs, Neil Cavuto, Ray Lucia, The Wall Street Journal and more. Plus, long time weekend host of "The American Entrepreneur, Ron Morris, will bring his insight of our region's economy to Monday - Friday from 3 - 6p each day.

Talk Money with WMNY debuts Monday September 1 on AM 1360.

-----Original Message-----

Subject: Change in WPTT's format


Mr. Antill,

As a listener to WPTT, primarily for the Thom Hartman Show, and secondarily, but significantly for the Lynn Cullen show, my husband and I are also supporters of local WPTT advertisers, and even some of the advertisers mentioned on Mr. Hartman's show. I called your office this morning to have this discussion with you. I would rather have had this "conversation" in person, however, you were already away from your desk at 8:40 AM. My need to directly speak with you comes in the wake of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's article indicating the direction you have chosen in the station's format. We are not pleased.

The idea that your station would steer itself in the direction of financial advice rather than offer the rare mix that includes a liberal and intellectual talk radio format raises this question- How much revenue do you believe WMMY-AM "mixture of local and syndicated financial advice and call-in programs" would yield after the removal of Hartman and Cullen? My gentlewoman's bet with you says that your best market will decide to forgo this 1360 AM format and you will loose much, which I don't think is the goal here. Listeners will either turn to satellite radio or podcast the kind of talk radio they seek by using more of the in mp3 format, or an alternative. I don't think you have to conduct to many focus groups with market research to understand your best audience. It does not come from Laura Ingraham's (twice run?) show, nor anything after the sun sets, due to the downturn in power.
Simply put, you are making an error in judgment. It is unfortunate that people who have little choice but AM talk (no budget or adaptability for the technology OR BOTH) will loose. In the end we ALL loose with these decisions.

My husband and I are well educated, 54-62 year olds who ARE your best market. We do our level best to be informed consumers of local, national and international current events, but we won't resort to using WMMY to increase this baseline of knowledge when there are better products out there to assist "consumers". I predict your station's change in format will begin a slide resulting in WMMY falling flat on its face. This is unfortunate. You have somehow missed the larger point of who your listening audience is and what people want.

Hartman and Cullen WERE distinguishable voices. They offer something to the MSA of greater Pittsburgh. Please heed the advice to expand their kind of talk (either syndicated drive time, or local talent). We all have something to gain as a result of THAT.

Sincerely,

[livetohike]

36. Way to go! Thanks for the e-mail links

Lou Dobbs and Neil Cavuto? Ron Morris (it's all about me and how great I am). They are going to fail with this line up.

[MrMickeysMom]

37. You're welcomed

I really think so, too.

Sadly, I'm listening to the last Thom Hartmann I'll be able to while driving. Looks like it's satellite radio, or a new station in the area for PROGRESSIVE TALK!

[Diwi]

39. Thank you DU folks...

To all,

Thanks to all for your many great posts and info and links,
etc.

Sadly, I listened to Lynn for my last time, and to Tom
Hartmann.  I wish nothing but total and outright failure for
1360 AM and will soon be reprogramming my digital radio.  All
business, money, boring talk, 24 hours a day, oh my.

I may check out satellite, or just meditate or listen to music
during those hours, if I'm awake.  God, Pittsburgh radio is so
dead as far as talk goes for anything but the far right wacko
a-holes.  God, help us.

This will probably be my last post in this thread for awhile. 
My eyes are bad and hard to sit for any extended periods.  I
really like DU, but it's really confusing.  

Upon parting from this thread, may I ask two questions, hope
someone replies.  Are there any Pittsburgh area, or
Pennsylvania political forums or series of threads?  With my
disabilities, and dinosaur computer and slooooowwwwwww 56K
connection, getting around DU is just too much for me.  So
many threads, topics, forums, posts, too little eye time...

Also, I went to the temp website for Lynn and it's pathetic. 
Sorry.  SOmeone should tell her to register a "real"
domain name.  But, my question is I briefly heard Lynn mention
an email addy where she could be reached.

If anyone has that email address where I could write Lynn an
email personally, please let me and others know.  I think it
was Lynnshow at Yahoo.com but I'm not sure.  If anyone has
this email addy, please post it.  I wrote Lynn once and she
actually answered me personally, which was just great.  That
was back at the end of December 2007 when I wrote her an email
about the sudden firing of Doug Hoerth, which I just found
outrageous.

Anyway, thanks to all for the info.  I wrote to RENDA or
whatever also and just got the runaround, like I did when I
called the station.  I wonder if Tom Hartmann knows about
this, and if he could do anything about it.  Has anyone heard
anything about him being notified, and if so, what the
reaction was?

But on an ending bright note.  Thank God for Sarah Palin,
thank you John McCain!  Barack's a sure think now if ya ask
me... :-)  

[livetohike]

40. Hi Diwi, here's the address to e-mail Lynn

[e-mail]

Yes, thank God for Sarah Palin - these next two months are going to be fun :-).

[squanto2]

41. Renda's Folly

This whole mess with Renda Broadcasting is so damn tranparent.
Do ANY of us believe there is a strong market for financial talk radio
in Pittsburgh??? Really?? In PITTSBURGH?

Ron Morris may be a nice little fellow, but there is no way
he'll get Lynn's ratings. Renda is caught up in the corruption
that has been embedded into the fabric of our culture over the
last 8 years. They know (as well as you and I know)there is no
money to be made with this format in Pittsburgh.

First Olbermann, then Cullen.

[livetohike]

42. Welcome to DU!

:hi: We're stuck on stupid in local radio.....