Alpha Media Cuts Staff and Local Programming in Missouri
It’s difficult to get a handle on exactly how many people were let go by Alpha Media, but two central Missouri television stations are reporting that the entire on-air and programming staff at four stations in
Moberly, Missouri – including news/talk KWIX – have been let go and all programming is now syndicated. The same is being reported about the company’s stations in the Farmington/Festus, Missouri market that includes news/talk KJFF. KOMU-TV reports that Moberly market manager Bob Dakin would not comment on how many employees were let go but confirmed that all local programming – including news and sports – is being replaced by national content.
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Earlier this week, Michael Harrison published his top 10 list of suggestions for being a successful talker. Item number three really caught my eye:
more “significant on-air layoffs” affecting ESPN personalities that could come as early as next week. Johnson, Williams and Kellerman have other roles with ESPN and their individual status with the company is not certain, but Marchand speculates that contract buyouts by ESPN are a possibility. ESPN will put a morning show back on the network, but the talent will need to make significantly less than the “Keyshawn, JWill and Max” hosts were making. 
It’s tough enough for radio talent to navigate stable careers in these days of consolidated station ownership, personnel cutbacks and drastic salary reductions – but the NAB’s newly stated stance on non-competes adds insult to injury and is out of step with the interests of beleaguered professionals still hanging on for dear life in the programming sector of this industry. I understand that the National Association of Broadcasters is at heart a lobbying group representing the interests of the medium’s ownership but, c’mon – non-competes really are of another era and egregiously unfair.
Island. The duo quickly made a name for themselves for not only comedic pieces, but also for being a major part of the community. The show calls itself an on-air town hall meeting and the spot where the local community can discuss all the important, and not so important, topics of the day. They have hosted gubernatorial debates, stayed on the air around the clock during major local news and weather events, and have featured conversations with two sitting vice presidents, 11 U.S. senators, four Connecticut governors, and the biggest names in movies, TV, and rock music.” Connoisseur Media VP of programming Keith Dakin says, “Of their 20 years on the air, I’ve had the privilege to be able to work with them for over half. To see their drive and quest to continue to entertain and inform day after day is truly inspiring. It is not often that you get to work with a show like this that is so woven into the fabric of the community.”
