Christian Morning Show Co-hosts
I have been amazed at the response to the departure of 91.3 WCSG’s morning show c0-hosts Tommy Dillon and Brook Taylor. The two were put together to imitate a secular radio station ’sound,’ but with a Christian world view. They talked about a lot of issue, the spent hours in show prep. They did a lot of entertaining things. They also did some other things like pray for listeners when they would call in, or take ownership in promotional items like ‘Drive Thru Difference’ paying for the person’s bill behind you.
However, their surprise departure to secular radio brought on another surprise. It seems listeners didn’t necessarily want the entertainment they were getting. They wanted more ‘feeding’ spiritually. John Balyo has stepped in temporarily and has done a great job. You would think since the listeners were used to hearing a lot of ‘fun’ (what I would call mindless drivel) in the morning, so they would want more ‘fun.’ Well, it seems a though that’s NOT the case. From the comments I’m receiving, no ‘drivel’ mornings are being well received.
Now, I’m sure there are MANY who miss it. Perhaps they don’t even know they miss it. But, one thing is for certain, the people who had left WCSG when Tommy and Brook started three years ago are coming back. These were hard core listeners before. They wouldn’t tune away from WCSG. The last three years they found themselves switching from station to station. Now, they’re back and many of them are pleased.
Stay tuned. We’ll see what Arbitron says about it next book. More importantly, though, we’ll see what kind of listener response comes in.
December 23, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Would love to share ‘the rest of the story’ if you’d ever be interested, Greg.
Sounds like maybe it wouldn’t matter, though.
December 29, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Sure, I would love ‘The rest of the story.’ Why wouldn’t it matter? This is a blog to discuss issues involving Christian radio — I’d love to hear your opinions. I certainly give enough of my own.
December 31, 2007 at 8:32 am
I supported WCSG in 2006, but not in 2007. The morning show was about Tommy & Brook, not about our Lord. You had no doubt what radio station you were listening to, they mentioned WCSG 91.3 every chance they got. I supported commercial free radio, but the station itself was promoting itself too much for my taste. And I began listening to other stations for a variety of music, not just the same top 20 every hour. The lame prizes have to go too, months of “qualifying” just to have a chance of winning some prize is boring.
I might start listening and supporting WCSG again, thanks for this blog, because I wondered what happened to the morning show. God Bless in the New Year! Jg
December 31, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Jeff:
Promoting the frequency and call letters may appear to be self promotion — but it’s also good radio. It helps people know what they’re listening to so they can come back time and time again. If you’re a station flipper — that information is helpful and unfortunately that’s the typical listener.
In terms of promotion — well, that’s the station’s call. I’m not really sure if it’s good, bad or indifferent — but I do know a lot of people respond. Promotions are gear toward attracting new listeners. I know WCSG’s goal is to attract them so they can hear the Gospel — mostly through song.
I hope you do start listening and supporting WCSG again and be praying that the next morning team is focused on Christ and encouraging believers in their faith.
January 2, 2008 at 10:17 am
Greg…
I’ll respond with more info off-forum because posting all the details publicly might look like I’m being defensive. People just really have no clue what really went down and maybe that’s best. Even though we feel we have been ’slandered’, we feel letting the story fade into the sunset might be better than a rebuttal. Especially since some of those involved have called us and apologized for how they mistreated us.
January 2, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Greg, Thanks for your comments. I’m not experienced in expressing opinions over a forum, frankly, I’m computer illiterate, just ask my kids. But your comments are well taken. I still wish there was better variety of music though, but I’m sure every radio station hears that and I know there are some reasons behind the scene. I was saddened this morning when I “flipped” to Star 105 just for curiosity sake and during the 10 seconds I listened, after Tommy and Brook gave the weather and traffic, they played “Material Girl” by Madonna. How ironic! As Forrest Gump once said, “That’s all I got to say about that” I will continue to share my drive time with the new WCSG, and am praying for Tommy and Brook, because I’m sure in their hearts it has to be tough.
I guess I look back only 2 years ago when I didn’t listen to Christian radio at all, BOB & Tom was my company on a commute. So I’m hopeful that the great Christian music continues to be a priority, and that Tommy and Brook do some channel surfing themselves, taking a break from the teenie bopper tunes and getting uplifted.
Hey it’s been fun getting on this blog, take care and have a Blessed New Year Everybody!
P.S. I still think the prize give aways are a little tacky on this type of station, it cheapens it a bit.
January 18, 2008 at 6:55 am
I was away traveling for business much of Nov and Dec, but realized quickly that something had changed with WCSG. Honestly, before Tommy and Brook came to the station, it was a bit dull, I would occassionally turn to the station to see if they were playing something worth listenting to. It’s all uplifting, don’t get me wrong, but I can tell you most of the people I know who enjoy listening to contemporary christian music, didn’t consider WCSG as a station of choice. WCSG is seen as more as an “easy listening” christian station, and honestly, for a big number of us, it turns us off rather than drawing us closer to God. Nothing against John Balyo, but the station is just not “engaging” any more. WCSG was actually becoming a great alernative to the other popular christian station in west Michigan…now it’s just so, so again. That’s too bad. I don’t know the whole story of what happened and why, all I can say is that in my opinion and in that of many others (at least in the 20’s and 30’s age ranges) think the station has made a huge judegement error in replacing Tommy and Brook.
Tommy/Brook….if you’re reading this blog, please know that you are missed and there are many west Michigan listeners who support you and were inspired by the show you had a WCSG. I hope someone who matters learns that quickly and begs you to come back. Thank you for how you inspired me with your words and work!
January 18, 2008 at 10:54 am
(In response to ‘MuskegonListener’
Just so everyone’s clear, WCSG did NOT ask Tommy and Brook to leave the radio station. Tommy and Brook said they felt called to go elsewhere. According to WCSG management, they were caught completely off guard by their resignations.
February 4, 2008 at 9:27 am
So what really happened? We do want the truth, and not having it makes all concerned just look like industry as usual, all parties considered. Brook above implies that they were asked to leave, and that there is a deeper uglier side to the whitewashed appearances of WCSG.