Peoria Talk Radio – Or how to act like you know what your doing
April 13, 2006The old saying of "If It Plays In Peoria" must have never been used when someone listens to WMBD 1470 talk radio. Because if they did, it would only be allowed in Peoria. If you have ever listened to other talk radio, done by their local talent, then you would know we as Peorians are getting just what we pay for, or better yet what we deserve.
Every morning, Dan and Greg can't seem to tackle any issues that are even close to a national issue. After listening to Batton, you can understand why, his show prep is well, nonexistent. He will barge into a topic without the foggiest clue to what the facts are, but instead deal with his own opinion, which after hearing it, amounts to drivel similar to a teenager full of themselves, repeating what their peers think is important. What is scary, he even thinks we as listeners care about his opnion. Deorio is no better, silent on anything that requires a stance.
Now the afternoon show, well what can one say, it must be WMBD's gift to the old and worn-out DJ Jamie Markley, a gift you would do for someone that never was a blazing rock DJ, burnt out station talent, let alone a talk show talent. If you thought that Batton didn't do show prep, Markley has never heard the word. Clueless on anything unless it involves what was AC/DC's top album in 1980. Now they do seem to want to act like they have at least one person with the understanding of show prep, Phil Luciono, but here again sadly, Phil just doesn't feel the Peoria listeners don't need to talk about all those big adult topics that are aired all day long, why folks are tired by the time the afternoon show comes along. (Small tip, maybe they do, since it's doubtful they can get the chance to call those big time adult talk shows) Instead he does his show prep on what 80-90 year old actor has passed away, or what new study on drinking is out. If you counter the loud mouth, Phil, well, you can expect to be called a jackass, or told to shut up.
Peoria Talk Radio? Sorry, but Peoria needs a talk show done locally that isn't afraid to ask the big questions of our city leaders instead of kissing their hind-ends because they graced the show with their voice. Let's have a show that doesn't revolve around the shows talent. I could care less about their kids, their cars, their wives or their education. Maybe if Markley even knew what other stations were in town, that could be a start.
Cruise Control
I Have An Agenda…
Cruise: Okay… What do you expect from a local radio station? I mean, really? WMBD has always offered local programming that is entertainment with news at the top and bottom of the hour. The drive shows are just that. They aren’t supposed to be tackling the “tough” issues. That doesn’t make them bad. They are supposed to be semi-funny, semi-serious, loudmouths who like to hear themselves talk.
Local shows are not the same as the “big-time” shows like Rush, Hannity, et al. Ever listened to the local programming on WLS? It is the same format, just geared toward Chicago. Roe Conn is the biggest loudmouth of them all and that’s what people want.
Odd, I listened to the guest hosts of the afternoon show about 3 months ago tackle the adult topics, seems that these folks wanted to discuss the issues. Once they (Luciono and Markely) came back, many callers wanted the “Adult Talk” only to be told to bad, get lost, be quite. No I think Peoria would love to have some harder hitting talk, just so happens we have moroons for talk talent.
I have lost any interest in listening to what candy I liked as a kid, give me a local talk station, such as 910Knew, for some discussion of real world issues, not talk about getting drunk, what some psyco did to get revenge on his girlfriend. We have local rock stations to handle to spook callers.
Plus, who said we as listeners want high school humor? Or poorly done show prep. I would think Peoria would want better, remember we are going to be a Med-Tech business area, I would hope all those newly created jobs coming will have folks of a little higher education then the stoners that call the afternoon drivel show.
Some people desire intelligent discussion of the issues from a local show. Unfortunately, the local shows are hosted by clueless egotists who care only about “making their opinion” and care nothing about the facts. They are uninformed kings of conventional wisdom. We haven’t had good radio talent since John Malone was canned for his politics (maybe that’s why everyone is so bland now?).
I think you guys are missing it. The local talk show hosts are loudmouths because that is what works in the big time. Just listen to WLS and it will all make sense. Also, there has been a lot of buzz about WMBD since Markley and Luciano came on, and now since Batton came back. People love it. They aren’t on the air experts, they are regular people with more opinions than facts. Isn’t that what talk radio is all about?
And David, you are just mad about they way Batton and DiOrio recieved your side of the Rails to Trails issue. Don’t get me wrong, I am on your side of the deal, but I was very dissapointed when I heard you on the air with them. You sounded very unprepared and frankly failed to make your point against two guys who wouldn’t know the difference between a locomotive and a caboose.
I think they had an agenda on the trail, and as such controlled the whole flow of information. I read the transcript that Chris S posted, and I saw a constant interupt on Batton's part.
As for clown radio, I don't agree. I think if we got shown talent that addressed the issues, we might see better listeners. I happened to catch Markley talking about G Ryan today, I mean come on, is he even able to talk, but speak new baby, which I for one could care less about coming from Mr. Tightwad himself, just makes me feel dumber after listening. Kill an hour of Hannity for this kind of crap. Sorry, When possible, I will use the Internet to stream stations that have some talent, and I am not talking about Rush, Hannity, Beck or the others, but people like Armstrong and Getty, Jeff Katz, folks that can talk an issue and make sense, and not stumble or change their stance when someone outwits them. Like I said, we get what we pay for and get what we deserve…
Tony wrote:
“And David, you are just mad about they way Batton and DiOrio recieved your side of the Rails to Trails issue. Don’t get me wrong, I am on your side of the deal, but I was very dissapointed when I heard you on the air with them. You sounded very unprepared and frankly failed to make your point against two guys who wouldn’t know the difference between a locomotive and a caboose.”
There were too many unknowns about that whole thing and it was also the first radio show on which I’ve been a guest. Also, a mere twenty minutes and constant interruptions by Greg Batton kind of distracted me and my partner from making our points. We did get some good points in during the short time we were on but the time was too short. Had we been given an hour, perhaps we would have articluated our positions much better. DiOrio and Batton are experienced radio personalities but they lack seriousness when it comes to many issues. Some may want that but it’s not what stimulates the mind.
[...] It seems Peoria’s new blogger Cruise Control doesn’t care for WMBD’s programming. I take exception to his arguments. Greg & Dan do a fine job. Dan has been here forever. He’s not going anywhere (even though sometimes he tells the same stories over and over). Greg was not hired for his knowledge or world affairs. He is there to ad levity to the show, which he does very well. Remember the 3-D morning show of Dan, Doc, & Dave? Once Dave Dahl began limiting his involvement, the show was over. It was too serious to the point of dryness. Greg keeps Dan in check, limiting his political ramblings. I only wish Yvonne would come back and join them! [...]
Markley and Luciano are hitting a target audience that has historically been completely turned off by AM radio, and they’re having a lot of fun doing it. What’s wrong with that? If I want to hear a bunch of talking heads ramble on about their opinions and why everyone else’s are wrong, I’ll listen to Rush, Hannity, et al. Markley and Luciano help their listeners unwind after a long day. If you don’t like the show, change the channel. I’m sure there’s some splendid country on 1290 for your listening pleasure.
Interesting. So there is an audience of people that don’t like AM Talk radio format because it’s focus is on national, world events. So you are saying that Markley and Luciano are filling a missing gap of afternoon drive entertainment? Really? From folks that I have spoken too that listen to WMBD, tell me that when L&M come on, they tune out.
As for not liking and find something else, well I have done that. I figured that my level of education, my want of more respectable conversation includes more then high school humor, drinking party humor and the such. I bet that if WMBD changed formats on the afternoon drivetime, focusing on real issues, they would increase and not decrease the listener-ship.
Someday, maybe there will be a brave station that will provide an afternoon drive slot with some intelligent talk, but then again, maybe Peoria is just too dumbed down to function with the Adult Talk Radio format driving home from work.
Personally I enjoy two kinds of talk radio: 1) informed, hard hitting, fact driven talk on current topics on any level – local, regional, national, or global. 2) humorous. Good humor though…actual comedy bits that are
planned and scripted, but also interjected with off-the-cuff wit. I find this type of radio entertaining. I could also do well with something in between, eg. The Daily Show with John Stewart….comedy around the news.
I understand that the WMBD local shows may be targeted at a more laid back audience. I have nothing against Batton, DiOrio, Markely, or Luciano, but I do not find their shows to be very compelling radio. They are neither a comedy production, nor hard hitting topic talk. It’s mostly fluffy stuff that doesn’t risk offending anyone. Unfortunately that ends equaling ‘unentertaining’ and does not interest me. It may not be their choice as to what they can do with their shows either – the station may force limits on what they can do. I’ve been involved with conversations outside of the radio show with DiOrio and I know he’s a very intelligent guy that knows the scoop on local politics and issus. They just don’t seem to address such things on the show, at least with much detail. Regardless, we could certainly use a little more “meat” in the local shows. If I want to wind down or relax, I’ll listen to music. If I’m listening to talk radio, it needs to be compelling, one way or another. I know I could “turn the station”, but we’re in short supply around here for local talk. Since our choices are fairly limited in our area, it seems there is a need for a good talk show the hits current topics on a local level and discusses broader topics from a local point of view. Maybe a podcast is in order….hmmm…..
For my two cents, I would have to say, I was highly upset when Hannity was preempted for M and L. The idea that most of us want to know the top 100 TV characters of all time is almost sad.
How about the top 100 reasons that District 150 continues to tax us for a system that is not serving the public. How about the the 100 names of the criminals that keep robbing hard working persons, and breaking into the Blind Center. How about the 100 most crappy properties in Peoria, and the names of their landlords.
Nope, I get to listen to the “100 songs about animals”. Hard hitting and oh so provocative reporting, and so entertaining. Maybe they could really press it and give us that live-feed at the hot dog sale from Imo’s again this year…
Ha ha! Hey Cruise Control . . .CANNONBALL! Urrppp. Dude, are you gay?!
We should spike volleyballs at you since we’re so “dumbed down” and unable to take ourselves as seriously as you do. Have you listened to the intro to the show?! Should be a pretty good indication of what one’s in for. I need to drink and listen to stupid sound bites after a week of following the current events and dealing with serious know-it-all nit-wits like you. I’d rather listen to M&L than yer whining. If you don’t like their program, turn it off. If you don’t like what’s out there, start your own f**king talk show. Is it just going to be a bunch more bitching and moaning? I’m sure that will get great ratings. There are a plethora of options out there these days . . .I’m sure you can find what you’re looking for and be happy. Good Luck. Geez.
I have to agree with the “morons” who like to listen to Markley and Luciano. It’s better than listening to one sided Rush and angry Savage. (Don’t even get me started on Hannity) You should listen to the show today Cruise Control. It’s Cannonball Friday. You know what that means? Beer. Us unintelligent folk want to cannonball ourselves into the weekend. Why don’t you stop complaing and get of your ass and do something else besides sit and listen to shows you appearantly don’t like, or like two morons said before, change the station.
Oh my, it seems “Cruisin” has touched a nerve of those that see the bars at the bottom of Farmington Hill or American Idol as news and culture.
The point I believe Cruise was trying to make is that there are more important issues in Peoria, such as the crime problems, a school district on the State’s watch list with more dropouts then graduates, and a lack of real development outside hospitals and the “white flighted” northwest corridor.
These are the topics that should be discussed and presented, so as to create an informed public. Then maybe when it comes time to vote, an educated public could make responsible decisions concerning the future of Peoria and Illinois.
This is what a responsible radio station would do. You are right that there are a lot of alternatives these days, and the your needs. Let’s have one local radio station that stands out, and does more than serve as an opiate for the brains of the masses.
Keep up the good work “Cruisin”!
So Uncle Sean and Brando are fans of M and L.
Explains a lot…
“Ha ha! Hey Cruise Control . . .CANNONBALL! Urrppp. Dude, are you gay?!”
Typical wife beater response to an intellegent debate.
“We should spike volleyballs at you since we’re so “dumbed down” and unable to take ourselves as seriously as you do.”
Same reply as above.
“Have you listened to the intro to the show?! Should be a pretty good indication of what one’s in for. I need to drink and listen to stupid sound bites after a week of following the current events and dealing with serious know-it-all nit-wits like you. I’d rather listen to M&L than yer whining. If you don’t like their program, turn it off. If you don’t like what’s out there, start your own f**king talk show. Is it just going to be a bunch more bitching and moaning? I’m sure that will get great ratings. There are a plethora of options out there these days . . .I’m sure you can find what you’re looking for and be happy. Good Luck. Geez.”
Easy Sparky, sounds to me like you have been in the Jaugermister again. Getting a little violent there Sparky. I wouldn’t expect anyone with your level of reasoning powers to respond in another way.
ps. They have rehab centers you can enroll in anytime.
“I have to agree with the “morons” who like to listen to Markley and Luciano. It’s better than listening to one sided Rush and angry Savage. (Don’t even get me started on Hannity)”
Well since the station seems to have a Right-Lean, I guess you made my arguement for me.
“You should listen to the show today Cruise Control. It’s Cannonball Friday. You know what that means? Beer. Us unintelligent folk want to cannonball ourselves into the weekend. Why don’t you stop complaing and get of your ass and do something else besides sit and listen to shows you appearantly don’t like, or like two morons said before, change the station.”
Sad that so many commenst just don’t get it. I guess Peoria needs an outlet for what seems to be a mentally challenged listenership.
What’s even sadder, I have other posts that do deal with reality, but they can’t seem to hold a candle to the self indulgent, hide their head in the sand partiers in Peoria. I would expect your the same group that bitches when pulled over for speeding, and some beer cans tinkle in the back of the pickup truck, there by getting a field test as well as a ticket for speeding. Sad, Sad, Sad…
For the record, I hate American Idol and most of the bars on Farmington Road. Drinking with a bunch of underage meatheads is not my idea of a good time. I also can’t stand far right talking heads who, when an opinion contrary to theirs comes out, defend themselves by calling the opposing party stupid, etc. I would suggest opening yourself to the idea that, after an entire programming day of right wing propaganda, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a little low-brow fun for a few hours in the afternoon. If that’s not something you can wrap your head around, then change the channel. We enjoy it. You don’t have to.
I happen to know Luciano personally. I was a student of his in college. Also, his wife is a friend to my Mom.
Anyway, as nice of a guy that Phil is, I was not happy that his show cut in to two hours of Hannity. In my opinion, (as well as millions of other listeners) Hannity is just slightly better.
No offense to Phil, but he doesn’t like Sean Hannity anyway.
I’m not insulting the guy. I really like Phil as a person. Also, he is an excellent writer, and I owe a lot of what I have learned about writing to the man. He also helped to expand my mind on interesting things to read. I just would rather listen to Hannity’s big mouth, than Luciano’s on talk radio.
Sorry Phil.
You say that they don’t deserve their own show. You make fun of me and Sean. Well, you’re doing very well for yourself. That’s why you have your little own blog here. Oh, wait, this doesn’t have any sponsorship, or backing. I forgot that you totally suck. Get your own show..quit complaining..or just turn the radio off after your boyfriend (Hannity) is over. Fuck yourself, and have a nice day.
I don’t think you have any intelligence at all, sir. Appearantly you need to go back to school to learn some proper grammar. I would be embarassed to publish the likes of your grammar.
I called in about the sad state of children “gone wild” and was glad they were taking on an actual issue, after saying they were getting a lot of interest in the topic they come back the next hour and switch back to stupid.
Now it seems they mostly like to act like a couple of middle-aged douche bags drooling over Hanna the “hotty”,
a term they use frequently.
This from the “god fearin’- love my wife-” duo.
But what do I expec
But what do I expect to get from lamey Markley and the Journal Star space waster and food critic?
If you want real hard hitting conversation, come to the Juke Box Comedy club Dec19th 8pm we are doing a stand up Comedy show to benefit Ron Paul. Who’s Ron Paul?…….The only guy with integrity in the race.
That might be why you’ve not heard of him.
I am a mother of a 31 yeaar old male, who has been in excellent health, until taking the drug Chantex,an aide to help with quitting smoking). I am not sure if that is spelled correctly. This drug was given him at the Paradise where he works by several people. He was able to quit smoking, but it gave him heart palpitations, a severe pain over his heat where it beats the hardest, and it left his right leg and right hand muscles considerably weaker. He had an MRI on his brain this week and everything turned out normal there. Tonight, he will be having a MRI on his spine. A long time friend reported to me that she had severe pains in her chest which took her immediately to a prompt care, where she was diagnosed as having a problem with a muscle around her lung. Also a woman at Walmart in East Peoria, IL. told me that her best friends mother died with a heart annerysm due to this drug. My daughter did some research on the internet and found that Chantex caused paralyses in someone. Please allow your listners to know this information. It might save their life.
Sincerely
M.C. Chester