So sorry I haven’t written in maybe 17 years, The holidays were crazy for all of us, yes?
What’s happening to radio in San Diego? 
A lot of us have been banished to The Land Of Misfit Toys. Recently our good friends at (formerly) KGB, Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw couldn’t reach an agreement with Clear Channel so they’re off the air. Same as us back in September. Why? I thought we did a pretty good show. And DSC do a mighty fine program as well. They’ve been here almost as long as we have, and have enjoyed great and well-deserved success.(Plus they are friends are are sincerely nice and truly talented folks.) Well, here’s the story: It’s nothing personal. It’s just bad business. The 2 largest radio station owners in the U.S. are Clear Channel (800+ stations) and Citadel (200+ stations). These companies are in big financial trouble. Citadel declared bankruptcy in December. Clear Channel is 20 Billion (yes, with a “B”) in debt. How did this happen? These companies went on buying sprees in the late 1990’s – paying exorbitant prices for hundreds of radio stations. Remember Alan Greenspan’s warning about “irrational exuberance”? Radio people couldn’t believe it. How could they pay that much for stations and hope to make a profit? Well – they couldn’t. After going through various ownership mechanisms, Clear Channel is now owned by private equity firms who are not broadcasters. The huge debt they incurred combined with declining revenues (from sales of radio commercials) has them with their backs to the wall. So they are cutting costs wherever they can. Pretty much turning lights off to keep the bills down. And not just in San Diego. Big radio personalities all over America are losing their jobs. Radio isn’t show business anymore. It’s just business.
This doesn’t seem to make much sense, does it? Shows like ours and DSC make far more money than they cost .Personally, I think they are cutting everything they can because they will have to declare bankruptcy soon. In fact, a story in the New York Post a few months ago said, ” Clear Channel, faced with a staggering debt load, is considering among other options, a prepackaged bankruptcy to address its insurmountable leverage“.
What will happen in the future? My guess is this: There will be a lot of radio stations for sale in America in 2010. It will be a buyer’s market. And this will allow local broadcasters to get back in the game. When the Jeff & Jer Showgram started in San Diego in 1988 most stations were owned locally or by small, well managed companies who were broadcasters. People who understood the art of radio. I think we’ll see a return to that kind of ownership. Radio will be Show Business again. Thank God.
Meantime, you gotta see this. It is just HILARIOUS!!!! It’s Steve Martin on The Tonight Show many years ago. I just passed out laughing at this. He’s such a genius.
By the way, he’s really excellent in the new flick “It’s Complicated”. Pam dragged me to it…uh. – I mean, I was privileged to accompany my wife to that movie last week. Chicky? Yes. But it’s really, really good. Score some points with your woman and go with her. Meanwhile, watch this: “The Great Flydini”
Love, Jerry
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Very interesting…. Although this is a bit conspiracy-theory minded, I wonder if it might not be a giant scheme to make over-the air radio a think of the past, not worth listening to, bankrupt, and gone the way TV has gone- pay for subscription. My radio has personally not tuned into that previous station that I used to listen to every morning since you left.
Or, maybe it’s time to reinvent the wheel. Big business is ruining radio- so maybe you guys need to band together and create something new. I love watching “Live from Jerry’s Garage” and in this day of on-demand, instant-gratification, what kind of following could you guys get with your own online-radio format?
OMG. Steve Martin is so under rated. He has always been one my favorite comedians. He was especially great in his early years. Thanks for the post. I miss Johnny Carson too!
hmmmm…does this mean you guys are in the market to buy your own station and get back on the air where you belong????
Hi!
Maybe you should all get together, pool your money, buy a radio station and kick ass! That way you all own it and you are all doing what you do best and your listeners won’t have to deal with contract negotiations and finding you guys on another radio station.
good luck!
Addie
This is a great post. I was just thinking about this topic this morning as I was driving around listening to people I had never heard of and listening to familiar voices on totally different stations. I like the positive attitude of this post…it will get better! Thanks for keeping us in the know.
Reading your blog am I reading that you guys will not be on the radio soon? I really miss you guys and my morning coffee is not the same. There is no one around that comes close to the showgram. I will sacrifice 2 heads of lettuce to the radio gods to help you. Happy new year and may the force be with you.
Donald
Thanks for explaining how things got so bad within the radio industry. Hopefully a less monopolistic ownership structure can take place within the industry so that talent doesn’t have to deal with the sins of their corporate owners.
I hope to see the demise of Clear Channel soon.
I miss hearing the Jeff and Jer showgram. I commuted to Murrieta and you guys helped keep me awake in the morning by making me laugh some well needed laughs. I lost my job also last year. About that same time, you dissapeared from the air – it was the last straw to a very bad year. I am a single mom, and now just substitute teaching. You are like extended family to me. I hope all is well and that everyone on the showgram is keeping busy. I look forward to hearing you again on the air. Hopefully I will find work again soon too.
Take care.
Jer, thanks so much for the 411 on Clear Channel. I hate to sound so cliché, but I never really liked them. I have been listening to your show since 2005 and really enjoyed it no matter how trivial the subject, it was always light and fun. I can’t wait till you all are back.
So hopefully with the market the way it is, maybe you a Jeff, Laura, Tommy, and DSC can band together and buy a station. I dare to dream!
Anyway, keep me posted!
-Tonja
Dear Jerry:
First, I want to thank you for sharing the details of what I am sure is a deeply personal and professional crusade. I understand the challenge involved, and only want to reassure you and your great team that being the best, the very best, in your field or that of art or medicine or law or engineering, or advertising, etc., offers little protection from the drama of today’s downsizing, and the attempt to homogenize an overheated, tired set of economic circumstances. Just know it will get better, that cream always rises to the top, and that you are one in a trillion. Period. Happy New Year, soon it will all come together.
Denver
We sure do miss you guys. I love your show and look forward to your return.
Did Laura’s children have to get a job to help her pay rent? I know they are too young but times are tough for everyone.
I wish you all many blessings for the new year.
Hi guys! Thank you so much for the update! I miss you all terribly and getting up and going to work is not nearly as fun since you have left the airwaves. My hope, along with everyone else I am sure, is that you return to us soon! You guys are the best and I feel like part of my family is missing! I wish you all the best in this new year and can’t wait for good things to happen!
I CANNOT TELL YOU GUYS HOW MUCH I MISS YOU!!! OMG, I can’t believe what they’re doing to radio these days. Well, I guess they’ll do whatever they can to stay out of bankruptcy, huh? Meanwhile, your fans are absolutely going through withdrawals. I have been listening to you guys since the first day you came to San Diego (no lie). Whenever you would changed stations and you weren’t on, I’d start freakin out, but about a week later, there you were, and I could let out a big sigh of relief. You guys helped me out during one of the most difficult times in my life, almost a year and a half ago, when I VERY SUDDENLY lost my mom; and then again on her birthday and the one year anniversary. I very much think of the six of you as family. Thank you for the last 20 years…I sure hope there’s at least 20 more (AND SOON).
You are completely correct about the state of San Diego radio. My work is mostly a solidary effort, so radio is my only way to remain sane during the day. San Diego radio has always been at the forefront, in the U.S., with Wolfman Jack, the McGiunesses, Shotgun Tom, Hardy Harrigan, and Mike Halloran. KPRI was the first albumn oriented station in the country. Shows like yours and the DSC kept us listeners entertained for years and your return is anticipated by all. Love Lance, Kari, and 12 yr. old Katie
I know I am not the only one…we miss you guys!!! I hope things get back on track so we can enjoy ‘radio personalities’ along w/ music. Miss you, miss you all!!!!! Hang in there & don’t give up on San Diego.
Sorry to hear about the mess. Although I’ve been gone from SD (not a so-cal girl) I do miss you guys. And you’re right it’s now “just business.” Same, same in the medical world – it’s really a shame.
I do listen to these 2 in the morning here in Reno, Bill and Connie that are pretty entertaining. I’ve met Connie and funny – she knows Jen – your intern from long ago (I started listening in ‘89 when I was dragged, I mean brought, by my now, thank you god, ex husband). So see – it’s a small world. A big shout out to Rosa (yeah, I lived in Chula, saw the Sablan MBZ all over town) and you guys rock – keep the faith – nothing lasts forever and you have a lot of prayers behind ya! Always and all ways. J.
Ok. So, if your prediction is accurate and there will be lots of stations available for sale…why not have you, Jeff, and Tommy buy one of those “for sale” stations? If you need to raise some money, I’m sure there are lots of San Diegans who would be willing to make a contribution. You could also get Dave, Shelly, and Chainsaw in on the deal. Have the famous radio names and faces of San Diego own their own station. =D But those are just my thoughts expressed out loud in this email.
Here’s another thought (out loud) by owning your own station you could train the next generation of Radio DJ’s. Just like that owner did for you way back when…I remember you sharing this story of yours on the radio. How he would pull you into his office the next morning after your show and go over how to make it better…
I do hope that by the end of 2010 The Jeff and Jer showgram will be back and I wish you all the best of luck. Have a wonderful new year and may all your dreams/wishes/hopes etc. come true.
Love,
Cat
How I miss the Showgram… I moved away from San Diego years ago, a couple months after Star became Jack FM, but I had listened to the show from its days at Q106. Jeff and Jer are really the heart and soul of San Diego broadcasting and they deserve better. I wish the Showgram the best of luck and look forward to continued listening online, no matter where they hang their hat. (If they buy their own station, maybe DSC can have the afternoon drivetime show???) ~ J
Sad to hear you guys are off the radio. We moved to Texas 2 years ago, and we really miss you. I’m not originally from SD, Capitol Heights MD. (original stomping grounds) is where I’m from. But, San Diego was my home for 18 years. Hope you guys get back on soon.