http://billmcmahonblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/problem-with-ryan-seacrest.html

Great stuff. Too bad nobody who actually holds a station license will bother to pay attention.

McMahon is spot on.

And when I read what you'll find on the link, the first four comments (all that were posted at the time I looked in) said it all for me, too...

I read that blog this morning...he hit the hammer on the head. I'd love to hear Seacrests' take on the issue. Between his KISS gig and "Idol" and his syndication biz and his production company responsibilities...and I'm sure I'm missing some other jobs he has....when does he have time to sleep? Or prep? Just how much money does it take to satisfy him. That's right...it's not just the money,...it's the power and prestige too.

I've been in studio with Ryan Seacrest doing his KIIS morning show...

He does not do his own show prep... He has a person for that, his producer.

the producer shows up around 4:30am with all the show prep neatly organized by the hour.

The sidekick girl, Ellen, arrives around 5:30am along with some others carrying coffee and pastries. Ellen in full makeup looking like she is ready for a TV shot at any moment.

Ryan arrives about 5:45 and starts going over the prep for the first hour.

He does not run his own board.

He does take some of his own calls during the show.

Overall it was the most well prepared professional morning show I've ever personally witnessed.

The level of show prep at the ready for him was truly amazing.

Is this really a Ryan Seacrest problem, or a corporate radio problem? Do we really begrudge a guy to make as much $$ as he can while he can?

Unless he becomes Dick Clark (which he appears to be attempting), his peak time will pass.

Granted, he's not doing much artistically. But who is, or who even could, with the state of radio right now? Other than public/listener supported that is.

You're right...it's not just a Seacrest or John Tesh or Delila or Tom Kent issue...it is a corporate radio problem. So is voice-tracking and a laundry list of other items. Perhaps the question is, what can we do to change that mentality.

it's a corporate radio problem.

DING! DING! DING! we have a winner! Melba toast syndrome. Bland and boring but it works.

I believe Ryan also still has a regular gig on E Entertainment Television, also.

Wow...he sure did hit the nail on the head. Great blog...thanks 1lossir!

Ryan Seacrest is not the problem, he is mearly a symptom and a result. The problem is that the average radio listener has ceased caring.

Reading Notalents post, the Seacreast Show is "Radio in a can" Open and pour. Straight off the production line. Corporate radio management created this. The blog re-enforces this by stating that Seacrest show is no different or better than most current local morning shows. THAT is why it is easy to kick out the local salaries and replace it with existing payroll. Generic business plan that works equally well in any consolidated business. The corporate broadcast/investment environment choked the individuality, flexibility, and creativity out of local content with "Required" content... "Starz Gazing" at 6:45, "Idol Chatter" 7:20..... "Interview lame author with free book give away" 8:25 same rotation every day.... as stated, same prep, individual content discouraged, or outright banned."that's not what we do"...."that's not what we are about" Stick to the script.... Create the plan, and then you can justify blowing out the local show since it's no different. Hey we can plug in a "NATIONAL CELEBRITY" rather than Joe Local who is doing "the same thing"

If the owners are happy to deliver the GENERIC NATIONAL BUSINESS MODEL, then they need to accept the fact that they will also create a smaller "GENERIC" audience. Easier to be happy with a reduced, but steady "SHARE" rather than spend resources to "GROW SHARE"

Adding any syndicated show to your market might bring fans of the host on board, but you risk losing existing listeners who are not fans.

So I listen to Bill Ding in mid day for his take on the local scene. When Bill is replace by Glenn Beck, well maybe some people tune in because they agree with his views,but I tune out. He doesn't speak of the local issues, and I can get his point of view from other NATIONALS if I choose. Now does management lament my loss, or figure the money saved by dumping the Ding show is worth the loss of local interest.

The answer is across the dial.... Rush... Bob and Tom... Beck... Dr. Laura... Seacrest... and the entire stable of NATIONAL STARZ that the radio listener clamors for..........

Brakes asks what can we do? turn it off... let the local management know.... go to CC website and use the CONTACT US.... Post the boards...

Will any of it make a difference? No, but it keeps the alternate point of view in the open.
If none of this is brought out, discussed and rehashed, then silence would only re-enforce the corporate position. Dickey doesn't care what we say, nor do the Mays boys, Hogan, or any of the suits around the conference table. But then if you don't shine a light on the cockroaches once in a while, nobody will know there is a bug problem......