Reply #: Mike's A Survivor...Is AAR? [View All]

Mike's gotten the short end of the corporate stick again. I saw it happen here at WLS. He's on at a time when no one really in the front office pays attention...except that the ratings are dirt poor, no money is being made and there's still a paycheck or four going out. This isn't Mike's fault, but a situation he's found himself and a crossroads of sorts for AAR.

The network has stagnated in recent months...not really adding any new affiliates and suffering, as radio in general, from a continuing erosion of their revenue streams and other financial obligations. Costs are increasing, debt service needs to be paid and the revenues continue to diminish...what to do?

Sheldon is one of the original AAR investors...and helped see it through its crisis when Evan Cohen bankrupted the place. He's been pushed aside...as have others...as the network attempted to cozy up to Clear Channel to expand. Sadly, AAR suffers from a serious lack of promotion and still operating on poor signals that generate even poorer ratings. It's a Catch 22...they aren't able to crank out the money to promote cause they're not making the revenues cause they're not on the right type of stations which are easier to promote and get higher ratings and revenues. Unlike right wing hate radio that has developed several ways to make money, AAR is struggling...and Mike's the latest victim.

Hopefully Mike will end up at a station that appreciates his knowledge, wit and ability to draw a strong, loyal audience. It'd be great to see him land at a KGO or some other 50,000 blowtorch.

Good luck, Mike.