Just in case you need another reason to help bring KPOJ back.
Carla Axtman
The Ivory Tower and it's minions are all verklempt that it's happening.
The fainting couch is ever so crowded in the tower. Pass the smelling salts.
(You can sign the Save KPOJ petition here).
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connect with blueoregon
12:04 p.m.
Nov 16, '12
Whether or not we are successful in getting KPOJ back on in the Portland market it is important to continue the efforts to celebrate the recent election. Lundgren out in California. Bilbray out in California. A major effort by Senator Merkley to reform filibuster rules. The mid-terms will soon be upon us and Greg Walden is in charge of recruiting new House members. I am sure that he will be interested in your views and by the way why can we not rid ourselves of this troublesome man?
1:08 p.m.
Nov 16, '12
Anyone but clear channel. There are a lot of stations in Portland that could pick up progressive radio programming. I miss the voices of Carl, Tom, Ed, Randi & Mike A LOT!!!!
3:15 p.m.
Nov 21, '12
I had called a week before Carl went off the air to advertise on KPOJ. The only way Clear Channel gets a dime from me is if Porgressive Talk comes back.
3:16 p.m.
Nov 21, '12
OOps I meant Progressive:)
6:06 p.m.
Nov 16, '12
Of course he's dismissive. Also, curse you, you made me visit That Man™'s blog. I've made a promise to myself not to.
The point, in the end, isn't that we bring back KPOJ, as such, and as I see it, though that would be the ideal. It's one of many nifty destinations. The real power behind this is in the forging of a community that will be an ongoing source of support for liberal talk. KPOJ back? Yes! If not, maybe there's a different and maybe even better prize to be had.
8:02 p.m.
Nov 16, '12
"It's minions"? "It's"? How embarrassing. In the ivory tower, we understand punctuation.
BTW, is this your new casino campaign? Too funny.
9:47 p.m.
Nov 16, '12
Of course. Cuz really, it all comes down to punctuation. Substance? Pshaw. Right?
How nice that you took time out of your busy day looking down on the rest of us to bless us with your pixels. What's next? A "clever" nickname?
Can't wait.
11:06 a.m.
Nov 17, '12
From your blog:
“If it was going to happen, it would have happened by now.”
I believe your sentence is in the subjunctive mood -- here’s the correct structure:
“If it were going to happen, it would have happened by now.”
Take care when you ridicule someone’s punctuation. Your grammar may be lurking around the corner.
12:10 a.m.
Nov 17, '12
Thank you for starting this blog Carla.
I turned on talk radio today. One stationed called the Union employees that recently lost their jobs greedy and stupid. A second station tried to fan the flames and create the idea that Obama is planning to steal a 3rd term. Another station hid behind its Christian shield and slammed a female talk show host for not dressing like a woman, not styling her hair like a woman and not wearing women's glasses. They claimed that we shouldn't listen to her. Because of that?? Huh??
I suppose we should give bullies such as Jack a break because if that is what the Conservative person listens to than it's only a matter of time before they all begin to stuff crackers up their noses and rock back and forth in a dark corner all day.
That noise is just crazy.
11:50 a.m.
Nov 17, '12
I strongly suggest that all of these petitioners get together and put their money where their pens are and purchase one of the many independtely owned stations that are available for sale right now around the PDX area. Do a little digging, it's not hard. If you think you can make it a go, then be an American and make it go. Easy to be an armchair qb when you have no experience. Not all stations can be taxpayer funded. The rest have to make a living and be successful. I don't understand why that is such a hard thing to grasp? As for Laura's post above: why would you listen to something you KNOW will irritate you? You LIKE high blood pressure? BUY your station. Surely amongst the 10,000 or so listeners to KPOJ there is at least ONE 1%'er.
2:27 p.m.
Nov 17, '12
Interesting. So the public should have no say about the public airwaves? That seems to be what you're inferring here.
Why can't all stations be publicly funded? We own the airwaves. I'm not sure why we can't own the stations, too.
3:13 p.m.
Nov 17, '12
The public HAD their say.....they said "we don't want to listen". Define "the public". How many does it take to be enough of the public? Again, out of potential of 2,000,000 listeners they get a little over 10k? I'd say the "public" did speak and quite loudly. Now if you mean the 10k should get what they want, then how about the folks like me that want more blues music on KOPB? When do WE get heard from? Isn't that "public" airwaves too? I demand more Blues on KOPB!!
4:52 p.m.
Nov 17, '12
The public=the commons.
You think the market should decide what goes through the public airwaves. I think it ought to be managed for the general welfare of the commons. Especially in terms of news and information.
What you're advocating for here is essentially social darwinism. If the crowd doesn't go for it, then it doesn't have the right to exist. That's a VERY dangerous way to manage news and information. In fact from my POV, it's downright irresponsible.
11:23 a.m.
Nov 18, '12
Bill,
The public airwaves are not the "free market," since listeners don't pay to listen.
Stations like KOPB, KBOO, and KMHD actually operate more in keeping with free-market principles, since, to a great extent, they are supported by listener contributions.
Would anyone listen to Lars Larson if they had to pay to do so?
3:53 p.m.
Nov 17, '12
Carla, the public has EVERYTHING to say about the airwaves. They listen or they don't. KPOJ had terrible ratings...no one listening. Bad ratings = no revenue. If you want airwaves entirely owned by the govt visit Communist China. If I lose my audience my show goes away. Fortunately more listen now than ever before, including lots of libs...maybe even you! ;)
12:22 p.m.
Nov 20, '12
I believe KPOJ had middle ratings. It's not about what the public did, it's about ClearChannel's views which may include a mix of "can we make more money by putting a different mix of content on our several broadcast platforms" and ideological motives, since it is an ideological company.
ClearChannel should not be allowed to own as many stations in Portland media market as it does.
6:38 p.m.
Nov 17, '12
So the U.S. government "owns" radio frequencies? Granted, it licenses use of certain radio frequencies for commercial use, but it doesn't "own" them. That's like saying the government should own all the airlines and all ships, since they fly through U.S. "airspace" and sail through U.S. waters. The government should also own all cars and trucks, since they drive on government owned roads (except, I guess, toll roads).
10:09 a.m.
Nov 18, '12
Yes. The public OWNS the airwaves and they license the usage. If it makes you less skiddish, you can say that the public owns the right to license--but in practical terms its the same thing.
That's why there is a requirement to have a certain amount of content that serves the public interest. It's also why when I get up at 3:30am to go out for a photo shoot and turn on a music station that I hear an information show rather than music. That is them attempting to meet that requirement.
Even the most staunch advocates of "hands off" FCC regulation recognize that there's a basic need for it if for no other reason that to license who can use which part of the spectrum. So even that infers an ownership.
The public in fact does own some methods of transportation that use our publicly paid for roads--and does so for the benefit of the commons (see also TriMet). Also, a great deal of airport work is done by public workers and managed for the commons--for the public good.
A more apt comparison would be the fact that the government places certain requirements on airlines and ships and cars in order to allow them to use the transportation corridors you listed. Radio and television are no different.
1:10 p.m.
Nov 18, '12
The concept of the commons has been destroyed for too many. The United States leases the right to drill for oil. In contrast, Norway produces the oil that it owns and therefore does not suffer from the pointless discussion about free markets. Suggesting that we do the same as Norway does will earn anyone an instant branding as a commie. Bill is such a fellow. A free market Randian/Friedman.
12:26 p.m.
Nov 20, '12
The public owns the airwaves just as we own the national parks, and in Oregon, the beaches. And yes, the highways. Public ownership of the highways involves indirect user fees via gasoline taxes, and toll bridges (and roads in parts of the country).
9:15 p.m.
Nov 17, '12
Just to be clear, with KPOJ promotional efforts down to nil, thanks to the careful orchestration of the Clear Channel bosses, the station was still rated midway in the AM offerings. Clear Channel did everthing it could to make KPOJ go south, and when it wouldn't, the bosses pushed it out anyway.
With 5 mega players hold 99% of the cards, the public is no longer served by media; the media just serves us according to its corporate whims.
And yes, Billy, the public SHOULD be served by the media. The 4th Estate is but a hollow, crumbling edifice. An unfetterd media that can openly publish a full range of thot, opinion, expression and analysis is essential for an informed public. Sadly, while the Constitution speaks directly to a free press, the founders could not have imagined the corporate sponsored swill that infects 95% of the nation's atmosphere.
Almost equally disheartening is that right wing "personalities" such as Billy are applauding the loss of the lone 24/7 left voice in town, and making cracks like "just go buy a station". Funny, you would think political talkers would be supportive of political talk. But then, I suppose more of them are into supporting the usual right propaganda than offering truly insightful dialogue and robust debate.
Ditto heads.....
11:02 p.m.
Nov 17, '12
If you think the public should be served by the media then push for "the fairness doctrine" to come back.
11:31 a.m.
Nov 18, '12
It's not about my personal opinion. The press is actually the ONLY non-governmental entity that is addressed in the Constitution. It's importance is foundational to this nation. It is sad that we, as a public, are also equally duped by the line "it'a a business decision".
When mega corps are all about making Gov. policy, it is no suprise that mega corp media has developed right wing talk to a deafening level, while it manipulates progressive radio out of existance. The business model goes all ways; if you want soemthing to be successful, promotion and a little commitment is necessary. Most people do not realize that FAUX News itself was an abysmal failure it's first 5 years - both in $ and in ratings. But the commitment was there on the part of ownership.
The playing field here is not simply skewed; it's contaminated. The best interests of mega media corps are served by right wing radio. The solution is not simply a form of the Fairness Doctrine, which has its own complications; correcting this requires agressive and decisive action.
No media entity should be operated by, or in a conglomerate with, entities that present conflict of interest. GE as a defense contractor has no ethical business controling the airwaves of NBC. Ma Bell was broken up, so, too, should be Daddy Media.
3:31 p.m.
Nov 21, '12
I find it very hard to believe more people are listening to KPOJ now with ANOTHER sports station. One thing about about Progressive listeners. They are loyal and support the advertisers that were on KPOJ.
7:03 a.m.
Nov 18, '12
Low ratings = format change. In the radio business a 1.0 share is a death sentence regardless of content.
4:53 p.m.
Nov 18, '12
Carla Hanson: does calling me "Billy" enable you? You feel better now? I fortunately have the ability to rise above stomping my feet and pounding my fists on the table bluefaced calling names. Funny what happens when logic leaves.
5:44 p.m.
Nov 18, '12
Clearly, Bill, your idea of logic is a twisted view of the economy, the environment and history. You are in the group that causes Adam Smith to spin in his grave. You are the free market kook that supports Romney (Rawmoney) and does not give a hoot about democracy or the constitution. Please, keep it up as you inform many just how sick and twisted your views are. And if you think that is name calling...well if the shoe fits...
5:54 p.m.
Nov 18, '12
Bill,
Have you ever called in to complain when Rush Limbaugh or Lars Larson calls someone names?
7:47 p.m.
Nov 21, '12
Oh, I just can't resist. I do try my hardest to respect the writer and attack the issues. But some folks like yourself, with your "go buy a station" smugness make such a tantalizingly target. Yes, I admit, I "billified" your name, using it in a manner that conotes you are speaking in a childish mannter. Guilty. But your own derisive and smug tones bring it on. You are, indeed, behaving like a child laughing derisively at a playmate who has just lost a schoolyard game.
That you are so testy over "Billy" is interesting, though. Do you troll here and expect to get commendations and praise? I should rather think that you would be appreciative of the fact that I didn't call you a right wing, knuckle draggin' ditto head wanna be.
Oh damn, I just did it again... no, I don't feel enabled, but that did feel a bit refreshing. And not the least bit bluefaced - still.
8:32 p.m.
Nov 18, '12
I'll believe that ratings have something to do with the decision to flip The POJ when they flip FOX Sports Radio 620 to oldies because they decided that an oversaturated sports radio market needed one more station and the ratings don't happen.
FOX Sports Radio 620 could make a 0 rating, and they won't change it … for whatever reason. Mark those words.
3:38 p.m.
Nov 21, '12
I agree. I highly doubt ratings have improved with Fox sports. I believe it was a politically motivated move. I looked on Iheart radio for Progressive talk stations and there were two others. Niether was anywhere close to as good as Carl in the morning. I think given more time KPOJ would have pulled in a larger market share. I really miss Progressive talk.