Could Radio From Hell Survive

[jdiddy]

Here's a hypothetical for you. We all know Radio from Hell is Utah's Number 1 Morning Show. Here is a question though. If they were to be just getting into radio and starting the show, as is, now, would it survive? I would argue no. They are not sales minded, and they are self consumed. They are not fresh and never do anything new.  

Granted, they have a following that feel part of their lives, and this is what has made them who they are, but I would argue that they have grown complacent.

Another hypothetical, if they moved to another station, would their listenership follow? I would argue yes.

[henry_radio]

At least they're local.  That puts any show way ahead in my mind - no matter how good or bad it may be.

[big_rog]

I, for one, like the RFH show.  I don't care if it's local or not.  They're still three reasonably rational people bitching about things I would bitch about.  When I'm in the mood for talk (which is rare), they are my #1 choice.  I think the show would do fine on another station.  If it were just starting out now?  That's an interesting question.  Totally guessing but I think it would do alright.  I think it would take a while for it to gain the level of respect and notoriety it has currently.  Hopefully they would get their start at a company with the patience and forsight to let them grow.

[henry_radio]

I guess you bring up a good question, I've always thought about.

What's better:

(1) Really good syndicated programming.
      * It's more polished.  Arguably more entertaining.
      * But it doesn't connect with the local audience.

(2) Flakier local programming.
      * Potential to connect with Utah.
      * Fulfills the mission of radio: to provide a local service.
      * It's flaky, and may not be as entertaining.

As a matter of principle, I'd go with #2 any day ... but in reality, I wonder where most listeners would go.  Obviously Rush Limbaugh has been so popular - he's contributed to the end of a lot of flaky local programming.  But is that a good thing or not?

[big_rog]

See I think good is good and bad is bad.  Some folks would rather have bad programming if it were local.  I would rather have good programming.  If it's local, that's a bonus.  I think the general population is able to acknowledge the difference between local and syndicated (if they thought about it) but when it comes down to it, good is good and bad is bad.  Most people like to listen to the good stuff.  Period.