So did I.
I just associate hookers with north!
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| Wait until you read this BS https://mail.chicagofanatics.com/viewtopic.php?f=156&t=30608 |
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| Author: | Score is doomed [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Wait until you read this BS |
Ed Sherman's Blog North's Internet station: Genius or crazy? Posted by Ed Sherman at 3/16/2009 6:00 AM CDT on Chicago Business When you talk a big game like Mike North does, you tend throw around big images. So in discussing his new Internet sports talk station at chicagosportswebio.com, he compares the endeavor to the Wright Brothers and Ted Turner and the founders of cable TV. "Do you think the Wright Brothers were worried about how many passengers they could get?" bellowed Mr. North in the downtown conference room belonging to David Hernandez, president of Spectrum Entertainment Group, the money behind this operation. Later, Mr. North interjects, "How many times did CBS, NBC and ABC laugh at Ted Turner and cable TV in the 1970s? Well, who's laughing now?" This is Mr. North's way of addressing the doubters who claim his latest venture is doomed to failure. Like the Wright Brothers and cable founders, he intends to have the last laugh. Messrs. North and Hernandez believe they have hit upon the next big thing by programming a sports talk station exclusively for the Internet. ChicagoSportsWebio.com will go on the air Monday, April 6 with programming from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. After kicking off with a simulcast of Mr. North and Dan Jiggett's "Monsters in the Morning" show, which airs on Comcast SportsNet from 6-9 a.m., there will be other programs hosted by Jonathan Hood and Chet Coppock, who will team with boxer Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini from 3-6 p.m. Webio has hired away George Ofman from SCR and inked Ron Kittle as a baseball analyst. Other hires are on the way. The station is showing its commitment by handing out six-figure, multiyear contracts. Mr. Hernandez won't disclose his finances, but industry observers believe he is shelling out in the neighborhood of $2 million in start-up costs. Mr. Hernandez, an avid Chicago sports fan and CEO of NextStep Medical Staffing, doesn't have the bravado of Mr. North. But he threw out a bold statement, saying, "We will have a positive cash flow in the first year." To that end, Bob Rohrman Auto Group has signed on as the first sponsor, and the station has an agreement in principle with Chicagoland Hooters. The station's media kit has a section, "Why the Web?" It cites claims that the weekly online radio audience is at an all-time high with an estimated 33 million listeners. At-work streaming has increased an average of 43% each year over the last five years. Last summer, Mr. North said he went to a meeting featuring prominent radio executive Dan Mason. "During the one-hour presentation, he didn't mention radio once. He only talked about the Internet," Mr. North said. "If you're a fan of (traditional radio), you must like propeller planes. The Internet is a jet." Mr. North is an unlikely person to dive into this technology because his wife Be-Be says he doesn't know how to work a computer. "But he has the foresight here," said Ms. North, who will be chief operating officier. "He said, 'I think I can make this work.' " Webio hopes to attract people to the site with a ton of stats for fantasy players and game-trackers much like you would see on CBSSportsLine.com or NFL.com. "Only with better graphics," company Vice-president Nick Matranga said. The station also points to Internet access in car stereos coming sooner than later. I view this technology as being vital to the operation's success. The bulk of radio listening is done in the car. If you look at how long it took HD television to finally become a staple, it is hard to image Internet-car access is around the corner. That would seem to put Webio in a bad spot. However, after the executives were pressed on the subject repeatedly, Mr. Hernandez said, "It's not an enormous part of our success." The outlet's executives seem to be living by two words: Produce and promote. In yet another example of Mr. Hernandez laying the big money on the line, Webio will promote heavily via billboards, newspapers and other means to get the word out. "We're going to market this product," said Jeff Schwartz, senior vice-president. "You see so many people cutting back these days on advertising. That's like cutting off your nose to spite your face. Not us. We're going to be all over the place." It won't mean a thing if Webio doesn't deliver a good product. If it doesn't produce compelling listening, nothing else matters. One industry observer scoffed at Webio's lineup, saying it was made up of "B-list people." None of the hosts had prominent weekday shows at the other sports stations in town. Not surprisingly, Mr. North is bullish about the lineup. He compares what he has now to what WSCR had in place when it first launched in 1992. He was a no-name when he debuted on the station, as was afternoon host Dan McNeil. Both went on to become big stars. "This lineup is far ahead of what we had back then," Mr. North said. "Our lineup is more experienced." However, Mr. North is forgetting one thing. Back then, WSCR had the playing field to itself as the only sports talk radio station in town. While there were plenty of skeptics questioning whether the format would survive, the station obviously found a niche among sports fans, opening the door for a second sports talk outlet, WMVP-AM 1000. The new Webio station now faces competition from those stations. And guess what? Their programming is streamed live on the Web, too. So if you want to listen to Chicago sports talk on the Internet, you have more options than just ChicagoSportsWebio.com. There seem to be plenty of hurdles for this endeavor, and we haven't even mentioned the terrible economy. Already people in the industry are wondering if Webio will make it through the year. However, Messrs. North and Hernandez insist they are in for the long haul. They are even looking beyond Chicago, as they have the Webio domain name in 32 markets. Let them doubt us, Mr. North said. He is ready for the fight. "It wasn't a good thing for those other stations when we announced this," Mr. North said. "We're going to get the advertisers that once went to them." As it did for the Wright Brothers and Ted Turner before, history will provide the final answer. |
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| Author: | Dr. Kenneth Noisewater [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Score is doomed wrote: the station has an agreement in principle with Chicagoland Hooters. I first read this as Chicagoland Hookers. |
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| Author: | Score is doomed [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
So did I. I just associate hookers with north! |
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| Author: | DegenerateDave [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:03 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Score is doomed wrote: So did I. I just associate hookers with north! Maybe Craigslist is a sponsor?
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| Author: | Ex-Media Guy [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Score is doomed wrote: They are even looking beyond Chicago, as they have the Webio domain name in 32 markets. They didn't bother to register more than one name in these markets. nysportswebio.com, newyorksportswebio.com, losangelessportswebio.com are all available. If they were serious, they would register these as well, even if they are not going to be the marketed URL. Instead they risk someone else doing it. |
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| Author: | Score is doomed [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
I wonder if Mac is Sherman's "industry" source? Isn't he co-writing a book with Mac? |
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| Author: | Wooley's Gone Apeshit [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Oh boy. I don't even where to start ripping on North after reading that, it's almost too easy. Instead, I'll remember this article on the day that the webio fails, and it will become even more ridiculous (if that's possible). |
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| Author: | doug - evergreen park [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Ed didn't mention Huebs. He's replacing Teddy G. |
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| Author: | Beardown [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Ed Sherman wrote: The station is showing its commitment by handing out six-figure, multiyear contracts. Mr. Hernandez won't disclose his finances, but industry observers believe he is shelling out in the neighborhood of $2 million in start-up costs. Holy shit. Six figure, multiyear contracts? That probably doesn't mean six-figures per year but it's still more than I thought. I thought they were all around 40k and just for one year. Now I know why Jesse left. I'll bet Jesse is getting 70 or 80k per year. Chet is probably getting the most as far as the on air guys go. Hernandez is already 2 million in the hole. He can't make that back. It's gonna be more of a loss than I thought. Sherman basically wrote what we've been saying: The line up is filled with "no talents"; People can't hear it in cars; They are competing with 2 other stations that also broadcast on the internet. He also forgot to mention that the Cubs play a lot of day baseball. So they'll compete with Ron and Pat too. |
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| Author: | Spiral Stairs [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
nort and his crew are doing a bustout on this hernandez douche. bebe is operations director? north conned the fuck out of this clown. $2 mil down the tubes. 6 months from now when all the advertisers bail, north will turn to david and say "maybe we should pull the plug. just pay me and my crew the remainder of our multi-year contracts or moose and rocco will stop by your house, capeche" |
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| Author: | Score is doomed [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
It really seems to me that north thinks they will be the only ones on the internet. He acts like he discovered a new world. |
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| Author: | Spiral Stairs [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Score is doomed wrote: It really seems to me that north thinks they will be the only ones on the internet. He acts like he discovered a new world. was it over when the germans bombed pearl harbor?
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| Author: | Beardown [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Give North credit. He always finds suckers. Christ, he convinced Hernandez to take all of the risk in this "partnership". Pappy - We'ze gonna be partners. You put up the money and we'll split the profits 50/50. Hernandez -Sounds good to me. |
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| Author: | walkrman5 [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
I've already instructed our IT people to block this site so that employees can not get to it. One person types in one URL (or whatever) and hits ENTER and the whole site, the whole product becomes unavailable for hundreds of people who should be working and not using company resources (bandwidth) for listening to dickhead North and his B players. Now market around that North! |
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| Author: | Dr. Kenneth Noisewater [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:33 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Walkrman is right. Our office blocks all internet streaming also so as not to hog resources for actual business purposes. I believe that is pretty common and further reduces the market for the Webio. |
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| Author: | Beardown [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Mike North: "During the one-hour presentation, Dan Mason didn't mention radio once. He only talked about the Internet," Mr. North said. "If you're a fan of (traditional radio), you must like propeller planes. The Internet is a jet." Ok you dumb fuck. But regular radio is on the internet too. |
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| Author: | Beardown [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Bebe North: "But he has the foresight here," said Ms. North, who will be chief operating officier. "He said, 'I think I can make this work.' " Wow. Pappy made Hernandez give his wife a title and put her on the pay roll. |
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| Author: | good dolphin [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Deacon Blues wrote: nort and his crew are doing a bustout on this hernandez douche. bebe is operations director? north conned the fuck out of this clown. $2 mil down the tubes. 6 months from now when all the advertisers bail, north will turn to david and say "maybe we should pull the plug. just pay me and my crew the remainder of our multi-year contracts or moose and rocco will stop by your house, capeche" It reminds me of the scene in Goodfellas where the bar owner asks Paulie to become his partner. |
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| Author: | Beardown [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
good dolphin wrote: Deacon Blues wrote: nort and his crew are doing a bustout on this hernandez douche. bebe is operations director? north conned the fuck out of this clown. $2 mil down the tubes. 6 months from now when all the advertisers bail, north will turn to david and say "maybe we should pull the plug. just pay me and my crew the remainder of our multi-year contracts or moose and rocco will stop by your house, capeche" It reminds me of the scene in Goodfellas where the bar owner asks Paulie to become his partner. That's a good analogy. I can see Jen Jen, Jesse and Bebe, figurativley speaking of course, brining the booze and cigarettes in the front door of Webio and taking it out the back door to sell on the street. 100% profit. It's all on the credit of the owner. You just don't pay the bill. Then, when you go bust, you light a match for the insurance money. Poor Hernandez goes bust. Not any of Pappy's crew. |
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| Author: | Pappy's Crappy [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Wright Brothers, my ass. 
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| Author: | Spiral Stairs [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 4:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Beardown wrote: Bebe North: "But he has the foresight here," said Ms. North, who will be chief operating officier. "He said, 'I think I can make this work.' " Wow. Pappy made Hernandez give his wife a title and put her on the pay roll. This is the pot calling the kettle black, north having foresight? bebe is the CHIEF operating officer? first, how will she find the time? you know she and pappy work with over 200 charities. two, what the fuck is she going to do to justify her salary? she will hang around to make sure mikey two times doesn't bang an intern? like i said in earlier posts, some journalist needs to dig into davey hernandez. find a family member and see what they think of this $2 mil investment. Nort--"hey davey, get yer checkbook out and write bee a check fer adopt-a-pet fer $5000. " Davey--"right away mr. nort. when do i get to meet some of your good friends like dick butkus and micheal jordan?" Nort--"not right away davey, let's get this webio rolling first. also write me a check fer $10,000. me and fritzy gots to schmooze some possible sponsors, on second thought just give me yer amex gold card" davey--"no problem mr nort" |
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| Author: | Mr. Belvidere [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 4:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
-I have dozens of streaming choices including music. I choose ray Mancini, Huebs, webber, North, etc over any music channel, MVP, SCR, and all of the AOL type stations they will compete against. theres more competition on the interenet than radio. Listen to that JET!!!! -Who actually streams anyway? -what office will actually allow streaming especially in these times when productivity is so important and jobs are so fragile? -will my extension chord for my cpu reach to my pool? will my laptop be affected by the sun and chlorine? This is fucking rediculous! My computer speakers suck! -internet in your car's stereo is way into the future. Not even close. *dont let some of these hires fool you. I wouldnt be surprised if George and jesse and some others were not retained by their stations when their contracts ran out anyway. they had no choice. I do wonder if Grobber's number came up? Did they ask? did he say no? Grobber???? |
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| Author: | Pappy's Crappy [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Deacon Blues wrote: first, how will she find the time? you know she and pappy work with over 200 charities. Perhaps BeBe, like Mike, gave up drinking seven hours a day. |
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| Author: | Beardown [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Does anybody else see pontential tax fraud here? Like writing off a business that you don't even own. |
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| Author: | Pappy's Crappy [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Beardown wrote: Bebe North: "But he has the foresight here," said Ms. North, who will be chief operating officier. "He said, 'I think I can make this work.' " Yeah, just like he was going to make the Mike North Morning Show with Anne Maxfield work, the Mike North Morning Show without Anne Maxfield work, the Caucasian Man CD work, the gambling website work, Monsters in the Morning work (I don't know, maybe having a high school you volunteer at and a Mafia-infested suburb as sponsors is defined as 'working.' If so, I humbly apologize.) . . . Man, getting his wife on board as COO . . . getting six-figure deals for some of his old Score cohorts . . . takes balls, Mikey, I'll give you that. This Hernandez dude must be walking around with a sign on his back saying, "Here I am--kick me, steal all my money, and spit in my face while you're at it" and Mikey was only too happy to oblige. |
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| Author: | Pappy's Crappy [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:33 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Score is doomed wrote: It really seems to me that north thinks they will be the only ones on the internet. He acts like he discovered a new world. He has. Just last year, he was on the air reading outdated baseball standings from his early edition Sun Times until computer savant Fred told him he should really go on the Internet in the morning and get more current info. |
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| Author: | Score is doomed [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 6:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
What? You can get sports scores on the internet? Wow, north can just read this new discovery as breaking news. This whole setup smells of a financial scam. |
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| Author: | Beebo [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 6:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
Buncha naysayers  If it works, don't worry: you can *still* dislike North as a host. My contingency plans already have that scenario covered |
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| Author: | Chico Dusty [ Tue Mar 17, 2009 2:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
"Wait until you read this BS"??? Who taught you how to write a subject title?! DB. |
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| Author: | Score is doomed [ Tue Mar 17, 2009 6:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wait until you read this BS |
You're not even a B-lister!! A D-lister for sure, D for dumbass. |
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