You're missing out

All the good stuff is happening over on http://springstvtalk.freedomblogging.com/.

Wanted: Someone to watch TV - for cash!

I mentioned last week that we had plans in the works to rectify what a worthless, non-TV blogging bum I've become. Well, this is it. We're hiring a freelance TV/radio writer. It could be you, assuming you watch a lot of TV, listen to the radio and have a well broken-in La-Z-Boy.

Here's the ad:"The Gazette is looking for a freelance writer and blogger who's interested in covering local TV and radio. Some writing experience is required. Please send clips to warren.epstein@gazette.com."

Sixthirty

Oh, and well I was off changing diapers, I see KXRM began a 6:30 p.m. newscast.

I'd always wondered why they didn't do an early newscast from the get-go.

Anyhoo: 6:30. Discuss.

A good question

A commenter asks: "are you really a BLOG when you posts something every 2-3 weeks? BLOG insinuates daily or at least WEEKLY updates. Otherwise you are simply posers trying to cash in on the stupidity of the facebook nation."

Now, in my defense, I've been out the last couple of weeks with a newborn baby (he's cute, he cries a lot, he poops a lot, he apparently requires no sleep to perform those primary functions).

But obviously, in recent months the TV blog has become a poor stepchild of the other Gazette blogs I contribute to (Out There and Business). I don't exactly have an announcement yet, but I will say we're taking steps to rectify the situation.

More to come...

Sawyer to replace Gibson

Charlie Gibson is retiring and Diane Sawyer will step behind the anchor desk.

My question: What does this mean for KRDO?

I think no change is good change for network news, which is clearly heading toward its last roundup. It will, nevertheless, be interesting to watch Sawyer's ratings relative to Couric and Brian Williams.

Summer ratings: A return to form

After KRDO leapt to the No. 1 spot in demos in the Spring book, the Summer numbers look much more like our usual pattern - with KOAA on top at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. in both overall and demos.

There were a few smaller surprises in the book: KKTV was second at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the overalls, and won at 5 a.m. and tied KOAA at 6 in 25-54. (Note that the morning numbers don't reflect KRDO moving Jon Karroll to mornings a couple weeks back).

Last time out, KXRM had a better 25-54 number at 9 p.m. than KRDO did at 10 p.m. This time, KXRM dropped, with a 9 p.m. number slightly ahead of KRDO's 10 p.m. in both overall and demos (and slightly behind KKTV in both categories, too).

What to make of it? Summer can sometimes get a little wonky, because people are out and about and the regular shows aren't on. On the other hand, these numbers look a lot more like what we're used to than the last book did. The Fall book will give us a stronger read on which way the trends are really pointing (if there's real movement going on at all), but I think the Summer book means that KRDO has farther to go than it appeared (and they were no doubt hoping) after the Spring book.

Denver tests new radio ratings system

Interesting story in the Post today on Arbitrons new people meter system, which goes live in October and is already making waves as tests show that it will radically reshape the ratings.

The biggest losers appear to be the talk stations (with KHOW dropping clear out of the top 20). The biggest winners? Soft rock.

Naturally, I wonder what this system would mean here in the Springs, where KKLI is already a top 5 station and only KVOR breaks the top 10 with talk.

The story makes some intriguing points about potential problems with the methodology (does the wearable monitor pick up stations through a purse? What if you listen while you're in the shower?).

I dunno if this system will ever make it to the Springs. We still don't, and may never get, metered TV Nielsens. But if the system takes over the big cities, I expect Arbitron will adjust its diary methodology to reflect the metered ratings - and that will mean changes for the Springs.

Hey Jon Karroll, can I buy you a cup of coffee?

What do my bleary eyes perceive on this fair Monday? Why it's Jon Karroll holding down the desk on KRDO's morning news. Where's Zach Thaxton (where, for that matter is Marty)?

This is interesting for a bunch of reasons. KRDO's morning news has always been the station's strongest daypart. Messing with success is a bold move. Where do the other chips fall? Is it a good move? Is it even a permanent move or just a tryout?