Chicago Fanatics Message Board :: View topic - Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again

Here is the text of the email from Lou Manfredini:

Subject: We need to get back on the front porch with our listeners

Good morning all, I don’t have everyones emails but I thought I would start with the ones I have. The Elephant in the room is that we all need to do better! While WGN Radio has never been a station that was built on our ratings, ours stink!

We were built on our relationship with our listeners and sponsors. Moving to new studios is not going to magically change the perception currently being held by our listeners. In my opinion we all need to step away from so much political talk and try and be more friendly. We are all inundated with the political news. Radio, TV, social and on and on. I find myself turning to music when in the car because it’s just too much. No matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, we need to blend in topics and conversations that can be controversial just not about politics.

A recent guest on the morning show said we are all becoming “tribal” and he is right. Taking a side politically is shooting us all in the foot. We are a commercial radio station and Republicans, Democrats, Independents all buy cars and homes, and need a knee injection and a My Pillow.

As we go to 303 let’s use that as an opportunity to redefine who we are as people and a station. These are my views as someone who has been here for over 23 years and have seen all sorts of ups and downs and those idiots that took us down, we rose from that and we can rise again. WGN Radio was built on being a friend, we need to get back to that.

Love you all! Have a terrific weekend!

Take care,
Lou Manfredini

Here is the text of the email from Dean Richards:

Wow . . . how to unplug toilets AND programming advice!! Who knew how multi-faceted the Fix-man is . . . ??

Nobody asked for my opinion, but in my 25 years here (and many, many more at other stations in the market), it’s been my experience that every show is different, every host is different and every quarter hour of every single day in the news cycle is different. For me, ONLY talking about recipes on the porch seems irresponsible while the world is burning. For me, it’s relevance, honesty and mostly, HOW I talk about provocative subjects that makes the difference.

Painting with a big brush here (available at Edgebrook Ace Hardware) may or may not make a difference. Aside from that, there are lots of other reasons that might be causing our current ratings dip.

We’ve had them before, we’ll have them again.

I love how Feder "obtained" transcripts of these emails as if it wasn't probably directly from Roe Conn or someone similar. Like how someone used to post Score emails here back in the day, full of Mitch's misspellings. :lol:

That's why he is popular and a fan favorite. Lou Manfredini - my guy!

We are a commercial radio station and Republicans, Democrats, Independents all buy cars and homes, and need a knee injection and a My Pillow.

I'm not demeaning or promoting either political side but if you want to hear that for hours at a time, there are certainly other options on the dial.

Just seems lately that Chicago's Very Own is being is not an escape from the decisiveness we have to hear about in everyday life. The Score is guilty of this as well.

It's amazing these idiots think listeners enjoy hearing Trump related talk in every aspect of their life and mixed in with every subject. Give it a rest

blackhawksfan wrote:

It's amazing these idiots think listeners enjoy hearing Trump related talk in every aspect of their life and mixed in with every subject. Give it a rest

Are you talking about the CFMB or WGN?

For me, ONLY talking about recipes on the porch seems irresponsible while the world is burning.

Curious Hair wrote:

For me, ONLY talking about recipes on the porch seems irresponsible while the world is burning.

I can't stand Donald Trump, but I think this remark right here by Dean pretty much sums up what Lou was implying. Who the fuck wants to listen to Dean Richards of all people lecture them about current events and how "the world is burning". I don't hate Dean Richards but shut the fuck up with your burning world bullshit. Your bitch lost the election and the world has gone on. Go irritate Mel Gibson some more.

Can't wait for Sinclair to take over.
First thing they need to do is replace both drive time shows. Cochran is a self important moron who needs to go.
Roe should be right behind him in the unemployment line along with Goff.

Lou is right in his comments. People listen to likeable people, heck WGN ruled mornings for decades with
Wally Phillips, Bob Collins and Spike O'Dell. Cochran is a very unlikeable shithead and the ratings show it.

people like Amy Guth, Karen Conti, and Nick DiGilio can all take a long walk off a short pier.

I like Lou. He's not an egotistical phony like most of the personalities at WGN.!

man of few opinions wrote:

Curious Hair wrote:

For me, ONLY talking about recipes on the porch seems irresponsible while the world is burning.

I agree. Dean Richards can hold his breath waiting for the Academy Award he predicted for Amy Schumer in Trainwreck.

For as long as I have been driving WGN was one of my AM presets. About a month ago I bumped it for Fox Sports Radio because there wasn't anything on WGN that I wanted to listen to. Cochran is bad, Roe Conn is astoundingly bad, I'm not interested in White Sox games at this point, and people like Amy Guth, Karen Conti, and Nick DiGilio can all take a long walk off a short pier. I'll probably tune in for some Northwestern football in the fall, but that's it.

Score is doomed wrote:

Bingo

Author:	Curious Hair [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:19 pm ]
Post subject:	Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
http://www.robertfeder.com/2018/06/18/e ... wgn-radio/ Lou Manfredini promotes self to program director and writes a memo to try to fix WGN, gets bitch-slapped by Dean Richards in a reply-all, all things that happen at normal and healthy radio stations. Quote: Here is the text of the email from Lou Manfredini: Subject: We need to get back on the front porch with our listeners Good morning all, I don’t have everyones emails but I thought I would start with the ones I have. The Elephant in the room is that we all need to do better! While WGN Radio has never been a station that was built on our ratings, ours stink! We were built on our relationship with our listeners and sponsors. Moving to new studios is not going to magically change the perception currently being held by our listeners. In my opinion we all need to step away from so much political talk and try and be more friendly. We are all inundated with the political news. Radio, TV, social and on and on. I find myself turning to music when in the car because it’s just too much. No matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, we need to blend in topics and conversations that can be controversial just not about politics. A recent guest on the morning show said we are all becoming “tribal” and he is right. Taking a side politically is shooting us all in the foot. We are a commercial radio station and Republicans, Democrats, Independents all buy cars and homes, and need a knee injection and a My Pillow. As we go to 303 let’s use that as an opportunity to redefine who we are as people and a station. These are my views as someone who has been here for over 23 years and have seen all sorts of ups and downs and those idiots that took us down, we rose from that and we can rise again. WGN Radio was built on being a friend, we need to get back to that. Love you all! Have a terrific weekend! Take care, Lou Manfredini Quote: Here is the text of the email from Dean Richards: Wow . . . how to unplug toilets AND programming advice!! Who knew how multi-faceted the Fix-man is . . . ?? Nobody asked for my opinion, but in my 25 years here (and many, many more at other stations in the market), it’s been my experience that every show is different, every host is different and every quarter hour of every single day in the news cycle is different. For me, ONLY talking about recipes on the porch seems irresponsible while the world is burning. For me, it’s relevance, honesty and mostly, HOW I talk about provocative subjects that makes the difference. Painting with a big brush here (available at Edgebrook Ace Hardware) may or may not make a difference. Aside from that, there are lots of other reasons that might be causing our current ratings dip. We’ve had them before, we’ll have them again. meow

Author:	spmack [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:23 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
I love how Feder "obtained" transcripts of these emails as if it wasn't probably directly from Roe Conn or someone similar. Like how someone used to post Score emails here back in the day, full of Mitch's misspellings.

Author:	Curious Hair [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
spmack wrote: I love how Feder "obtained" transcripts of these emails as if it wasn't probably directly from Roe Conn or someone similar. Like how someone used to post Score emails here back in the day, full of Mitch's misspellings. Yeah, it was probably Roe, showing off that he wrote the smart email while Mr. Fix-It (or if you prefer, "the Fix-man") and Dean Richards had a stupid slapfight between weekend morning personalities. Of course, he forgot to proofread where he got caught between "Vietnam" and "Viet Nam" and split the difference, but hey, who among us.

Author:	Godfella [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:33 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
I like Lou. He's not an egotistical phony like most of the personalities at WGN. He genuinely cares about the station, its direction and most importantly, the listeners. That's why he is popular and a fan favorite. Lou Manfredini - my guy!

Author:	Tall Midget [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:38 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
All of these people are awful. At least Lou has some useful thoughts about HVAC systems and electric sanders.

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Author:	Jaw Breaker [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:38 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
That is hilarious...would love to see similar sniping from Score employees. Let's see Russ Mitera throw in his two cents.

Author:	spmack [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:39 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Godfella wrote: That's why he is popular and a fan favorite. Lou Manfredini - my guy! The only Manfredini I recognize is Harry, film score composer for most of the Friday The 13ths films. Chicago guy, too!

Author:	badrogue17 [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:43 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
If Baby still has the buffet of cocks laying around , Dean Richards can be first in line . Fucking hump .

Author:	Sarge [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:44 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Listened to WGN and White Sox for about 2 hours yesterday on a long car ride. I was shocked to hear Orion Samuelson on commercial breaks still? Couldn't believe he's still on there! Hearing his voice instantly brings "Farm Reports" to mind. I think they can use an influx of new/young funny/interesting blood at WGN, and I'm not talking about more Jeff Hoover! Although if he went all Wink Winkle all the time, it would probably give them a quick ratings boost on the TV and Radio side, who doesn't love that character!

Author:	denisdman [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Well this comment is a big shit burger of nothingness. "Nobody asked for my opinion, but in my 25 years here (and many, many more at other stations in the market), it’s been my experience that every show is different, every host is different and every quarter hour of every single day in the news cycle is different."

Author:	SpiralStairs [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:48 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Quote: We are a commercial radio station and Republicans, Democrats, Independents all buy cars and homes, and need a knee injection and a My Pillow. Who wouldn't want to work here? This guy really let's you know where you stand (so long as you've received your knee injection) as en employee.

Author:	Godfella [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:49 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Orion Samuelson wrote: I love this place!

Author:	denisdman [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 2:51 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
My wife has WGN news on every morning. I'd say Lou seems like a decent, sincere individual. There's probably a ton of folks trying to figure out what went wrong with all things WGN.

Author:	Godfella [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 3:04 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Lou's not wrong about the constant and nauseating political stuff. I understand some political talk and possibly it could be distributed throughout the day intelligently? However, if you tune in to Cochran, it's nearly four hours of Trump hate. I'm not demeaning or promoting either political side but if you want to hear that for hours at a time, there are certainly other options on the dial. Just seems lately that Chicago's Very Own is being is not an escape from the decisiveness we have to hear about in everyday life. The Score is guilty of this as well.

Author:	denisdman [ Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:55 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
The Roe response I saw in the paper was unconvincing. He said that if you add in the streaming listenership, then there hasn't been a decline. But wouldn't it all be relative such that other AM stations have the same thing? I dunno....CH can you explain? "Here is the text of the email from Roe Conn: Lou, I respect and appreciate your concern and passion for WGN, a brand you have have been instrumental in building and maintaining. But I’d like to respond — respectfully — to a few points. WGN’s current over the air ratings problem, shared by all AM stand-alone signals is primarily due to a precipitous drop in listenership on the band itself. Listeners across the demographic spectrum are migrating to clearer digital platforms which are not currently or consistently surveyed by Nielsen. In that regard, our combined “engagement” numbers are actually quite healthy. WGN is approaching 2,000,000 “starts” a month on the digital live stream and sees a per survey digital cume boost of close to 150,000 which is not accounted for by Nielsen. In the issue of content, I agree WGN has never nor should ever play tribal politics. WGN survived and even thrived against a wave of radio competitors who — for the past 30 years — have used the tools of political aggression, misdirection and misinformation to gain cheap traction. Before click bait there was diary bait in the lost age or Arbitron. I know, because I was there. Rush and I started the same week at WLS. As a competitor and now as a contributor, I know that WGN’s greatest value is, indeed, companionship . . . informed companionship. We have the most awarded newsroom in Chicago radio, perhaps in the country. We have a roster of legacy weekday personalities whose achievements in broadcasting, the arts, comedy, and entertainment are literally too numerous to mention. What is worth mentioning is that the current daytime lineup has been responsible for over half a billion dollars in billing over our careers at WGN and elsewhere. We are the only major live and local 24/7 station in the country due in large part to you and the other really talented folks who make WGN shine and the cash register ring around the clock. We are all living the story of our lives and WGN’s great pantheon of stars never shied away from taking on the news of the day from Vietnam Nam to Nixon to Clinton to 9/11. I agree that tone, inclusion of dissenting voices and honesty are all important and things our audience expects and deserves. I hear our weekday hosts, contributors and producers upholding those values every day. We are all excited about the move and know that our physical plant is only a part of the story. Our new studio assets will provide better, broader delivery of our content. 303 should not only be seen as a reawakening of the past but as a bold step into the future of radio. Here’s to the continued greatness of WGN. "

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Author:	beni hanna [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Godfella wrote: I'm not demeaning or promoting either political side but if you want to hear that for hours at a time, there are certainly other options on the dial. Just seems lately that Chicago's Very Own is being is not an escape from the decisiveness we have to hear about in everyday life. The Score is guilty of this as well. Yup. Big investors in beating the listener over the head with Penn State kiddiediddlers.

Author:	Augie [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
It always surprises me how political Cochran has become. You wouldn't know that his claim to fame before GN was hosting a morning Zoo show on KDWB FM in Minneapolis, which fired him. If you googled a picture of the Peter Principle, Cochran's name would surely show up.

Author:	blackhawksfan [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:03 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
It's amazing these idiots think listeners enjoy hearing Trump related talk in every aspect of their life and mixed in with every subject. Give it a rest "In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, WGN ranked 21st with a 2.2 percent audience share. One year ago the station was ninth with a 3.3 share. Two years ago it was seventh with a 4.3 share." This isn't rocket science

Author:	ToxicMasculinity [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:08 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
blackhawksfan wrote: It's amazing these idiots think listeners enjoy hearing Trump related talk in every aspect of their life and mixed in with every subject. Give it a rest Are you talking about the CFMB or WGN?

Author:	blackhawksfan [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:10 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
ToxicMasculinity wrote: blackhawksfan wrote: It's amazing these idiots think listeners enjoy hearing Trump related talk in every aspect of their life and mixed in with every subject. Give it a rest Are you talking about the CFMB or WGN? Well, the entertainment business in general, but yes WGN radio

Author:	vitoscotti [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:28 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Cochran is really full of hate for the President. He's Goff like in being so pompous and stupid that deliverying his message is a gift to the listeners. At least flaming lib Nick d. gives the sjw bs a rest now and then. It's gratifying to see wgn fall.

Author:	man of few opinions [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:29 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Curious Hair wrote: For me, ONLY talking about recipes on the porch seems irresponsible while the world is burning. I can't stand Donald Trump, but I think this remark right here by Dean pretty much sums up what Lou was implying. Who the fuck wants to listen to Dean Richards of all people lecture them about current events and how "the world is burning". I don't hate Dean Richards but shut the fuck up with your burning world bullshit. Your bitch lost the election and the world has gone on. Go irritate Mel Gibson some more.

Author:	Score is doomed [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 8:09 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Can't wait for Sinclair to take over. First thing they need to do is replace both drive time shows. Cochran is a self important moron who needs to go. Roe should be right behind him in the unemployment line along with Goff. Lou is right in his comments. People listen to likeable people, heck WGN ruled mornings for decades with Wally Phillips, Bob Collins and Spike O'Dell. Cochran is a very unlikeable shithead and the ratings show it.

Author:	Tad Queasy [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 8:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
man of few opinions wrote: Curious Hair wrote: For me, ONLY talking about recipes on the porch seems irresponsible while the world is burning. I can't stand Donald Trump, but I think this remark right here by Dean pretty much sums up what Lou was implying. Who the fuck wants to listen to Dean Richards of all people lecture them about current events and how "the world is burning". I don't hate Dean Richards but shut the fuck up with your burning world bullshit. Your bitch lost the election and the world has gone on. Go irritate Mel Gibson some more. I agree. Dean Richards can hold his breath waiting for the Academy Award he predicted for Amy Schumer in Trainwreck. For as long as I have been driving WGN was one of my AM presets. About a month ago I bumped it for Fox Sports Radio because there wasn't anything on WGN that I wanted to listen to. Cochran is bad, Roe Conn is astoundingly bad, I'm not interested in White Sox games at this point, and people like Amy Guth, Karen Conti, and Nick DiGilio can all take a long walk off a short pier. I'll probably tune in for some Northwestern football in the fall, but that's it.

Author:	Seacrest [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 9:29 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Score is doomed wrote: Can't wait for Sinclair to take over. First thing they need to do is replace both drive time shows. Cochran is a self important moron who needs to go. Roe should be right behind him in the unemployment line along with Goff. Lou is right in his comments. People listen to likeable people, heck WGN ruled mornings for decades with Wally Phillips, Bob Collins and Spike O'Dell. Cochran is a very unlikeable shithead and the ratings show it. Bingo

Author:	Curious Hair [ Mon Jun 18, 2018 9:45 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Tad Queasy wrote: people like Amy Guth, Karen Conti, and Nick DiGilio can all take a long walk off a short pier. Amy Guth has her preferred pronouns in her Twitter profile, which seems a little much for someone who is well-established in local media as, if absolutely nothing else, a woman.

Author:	good dolphin [ Tue Jun 19, 2018 8:23 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Godfella wrote: I like Lou. He's not an egotistical phony like most of the personalities at WGN.! Sauganash guy. Not sure if the first part is true. I agree that he is not a phony. A Saturday morning niche show host with no background in radio is lecturing the company's staff. That takes some ego and is consistent.

Author:	scoregirl [ Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Tad Queasy wrote: man of few opinions wrote: Curious Hair wrote: For me, ONLY talking about recipes on the porch seems irresponsible while the world is burning. I can't stand Donald Trump, but I think this remark right here by Dean pretty much sums up what Lou was implying. Who the fuck wants to listen to Dean Richards of all people lecture them about current events and how "the world is burning". I don't hate Dean Richards but shut the fuck up with your burning world bullshit. Your bitch lost the election and the world has gone on. Go irritate Mel Gibson some more. I agree. Dean Richards can hold his breath waiting for the Academy Award he predicted for Amy Schumer in Trainwreck. For as long as I have been driving WGN was one of my AM presets. About a month ago I bumped it for Fox Sports Radio because there wasn't anything on WGN that I wanted to listen to. Cochran is bad, Roe Conn is astoundingly bad, I'm not interested in White Sox games at this point, and people like Amy Guth, Karen Conti, and Nick DiGilio can all take a long walk off a short pier. I'll probably tune in for some Northwestern football in the fall, but that's it. Roe Conn, himself, is entertaining. However, letting the traffic girl program and run the show is a bad choice.

Author:	Tall Midget [ Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:58 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Maybe DeCastro needs to fix WGN again
Seacrest wrote: Score is doomed wrote: Can't wait for Sinclair to take over. First thing they need to do is replace both drive time shows. Cochran is a self important moron who needs to go. Roe should be right behind him in the unemployment line along with Goff. Lou is right in his comments. People listen to likeable people, heck WGN ruled mornings for decades with Wally Phillips, Bob Collins and Spike O'Dell. Cochran is a very unlikeable shithead and the ratings show it. Bingo Do you have any reasonable expectation that Sinclair--the propaganda arm of the TRUMP administration--is going to populate their frequency with genial personalities?