ZIPS on WZIP

[FearTheRoo]

The radio thing has always bothered me. 1350 is decent, but outside of the immediate Akron area you get nothing. It is very frustrating.

I used to work at WZIP 88.1 FM on campus. I have a feeling Mr. Beck would not go for it (Station Mgr.), but why not carry football and basketball?? Make it 'special programming' or whatever. That transmitter they have in Copley is a pretty strong one. It is NOT your typical college radio station.

Why not?

[UAZips]

Fear the Roo:

I also am a WZIP alum, and I'd bet it has everything to do with $$$. WZIP is non-commercial so there'd be no money to be made by the university. But I agree about the signal, it reaches all the way down to Mansfield clearly. Then you would have to have students that are good or very good at calling a game available, which just isn't possible.

While it would be great to have it on WZIP, it will never happen. The university doesn't want it, and I'm pretty sure WZIP wouldn't be interested either.

The question should be: Why can't they get the games on a commercial station that doens't have a crappy signal??

[MRasor0200]

Tom Beck wants nothing to do with the Zips.Mack Rhoades told me they are exploring options for better TV and radio opportunities.

[Kangaroo Craig]

I wonder when Can't State's contract with WHLO is up. They have a nice strong signal that reaches into Western PA and also to the Toledo area. I would have to think that the Zips would give them better ratings than the Flushes especially on Saturdays in the Fall.

[Blue & Gold]

Does Tom Beck work for UA? Why would he want nothing to do with the Zips?! It's the U's radio station, is it not? If Tom Beck doesn't want anything to do with the Zips (?!) then screw him! Go over his head. Proenza would probably love to see football & men's b-ball on WZIP. Proenza came from Purdue and recognizes the tremendous residual impact of a good sports program (I saw him leaving the Q after the Toledo debacle.) He's intelligent enough to see the value of the Zips on WZIP. I just think the U should work together on this. WZIP wanting nothing to do with the Zips (?!) is just provincial and divisive. b.t.w. 1350's new ultra-left wing programming sucks. What happened to the sports?!?!

[Balki Bartokomous]

<MODERATOR EDIT>While it would be great to have the games on WZIP, and it would make the most sense, the fact that they can't bring in any money is what kills any hopes of that happening. Give Akron another year of winning and im sure that 1350 "the left-wing express" will be out of the picture. Akron should look to starting up a partnership with a big local radio station. Much like the Browns are on rock 100.7 wmms. Lets see the good ol U of A start to rewrite the way things are done with college sports. Being inovative can only help the Zips.

[zipsbandman]

What an idiot. I don't even bother listening to that station, and I don't know many people who do. It's about as useless as the Buchtellite. The only way I would listen to that station is if the games were broadcasted there.

[UAZips]

Trust me, even if WZIP wanted to broadcast the Zips, the university would NEVER let it happen, so what does it matter?An that "useless" station is the top rated student run radio station in the United States, and has been for many years.I just dont understand all the hatred for WZIP. They aren't interested, the university isn't interested.

[FearTheRoo]

Wow! i struck a nerve here!yes, I don't listen to the music format of WZIP, but he was right. They are and have been for years the number one rated student station in the USA. Their FM signal extends into Canada. I know because I used to engineer the Saturday morning programming when I was student (yes, Polka music. Shut up. I know. I was a poor college student and it was one of the few station jobs that paid!) I know this because there is a decent fan following of Polka music in Canada (who woulda thought??!) They would call in all the time.Anyway, it won't happen because it is a non-profit station. If they did, I don't think they would have to have student run the broadcasting. Frenchie and his crew could do it. I am not sure if they work for 1350 or UA, but UA could hire them. Much like the Indians and Browns broadcasters are employees of the Indians and Browns and not the flagship stations.Someone mentioned that Can't State's signal is strong. ?????? Unless there is another affiliate other than 100.1 FM, then I don't see how. I live in Akron and I can't get the signal in my house!And, yes, the extreme left-wing shit on 1350 sucks ass, but who cares? I listen to the TRIBE on 1590 WAKR and their music sucks. I just tune in for the games!

[AkronURocks]

Wow! i struck a nerve here!yes, I don't listen to the music format of WZIP, but he was right. They are and have been for years the number one rated student station in the USA. Their FM signal extends into Canada. I know because I used to engineer the Saturday morning programming when I was student (yes, Polka music. Shut up. I know. I was a poor college student and it was one of the few station jobs that paid!) I know this because there is a decent fan following of Polka music in Canada (who woulda thought??!) They would call in all the time.Anyway, it won't happen because it is a non-profit station. If they did, I don't think they would have to have student run the broadcasting. Frenchie and his crew could do it. I am not sure if they work for 1350 or UA, but UA could hire them. Much like the Indians and Browns broadcasters are employees of the Indians and Browns and not the flagship stations.Someone mentioned that Can't State's signal is strong. ?????? Unless there is another affiliate other than 100.1 FM, then I don't see how. I live in Akron and I can't get the signal in my house!And, yes, the extreme left-wing shit on 1350 sucks ass, but who cares? I listen to the TRIBE on 1590 WAKR and their music sucks. I just tune in for the games!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.The ZIPS CAN NOT, I repeat CAN NOT be on WZIP under the current programming format. Don't you like having sponsors such as Pepsi, Papa John's and Summa? If the games were on WZIP, those commercials could not run because non-commercial stations do not run, COMMERCIALS!Steve works for the University, not the radio station, so he can go wherever the programming goes. It will be interesting to see if Wadd's replacement shifts the coverage to another station. However, I find this unlikely since I remember last fall seeing that the U extended their contract with Clear Channel until something like 2009. That doesn't mean other stations can not be added, but it means the games will be on 1350 until then.

[sgm405]

Man you guys ripping in to WZIP and their general manager are complete idiots. That is the classiest organization on campus. There were discussions before about games being broadcast on WZIP that I know a great deal about...and while that's not something I am going to talk about, trust me, WZIP wasn't the one holding back the idea from working out. To zipsbandman, just because you don't listen to the station doesn't make it worthless. As many pointed out, the station is the #1 college station IN THE UNITED STATES and regularly competes with top stations in the area. And they do so with 3-4 hired staff members and the rest students. No offense to the Buchtelite, because they do have some good writers...but to even compare them to WZIP is just plain silly. As for Balki Bartokomous, do you even know WZIP's GM? Judging by your opinion of the guy, you don't. He is one of the finest staff members this University has. I don't know what your beef is, or if you maybe requested Britney Spears and they wouldn't play it or something, but the next time you open your mouth make sure you know what you're talking about. I've never called someone a moron on this forum...and...well, there's gotta be a first for everything. You, sir, are a moron. As others have said, why all the hate for WZIP? I guess when a program has as much success as they have had you're going to get jealous haters...it's just sad.

[zen]

Maybe the university needs two stations?I suspect the FCC only allows one station per eduational institution though.

[sgm405]

Maybe the university needs two stations?

Why?

[zen]

One with commercial interests that actually competes in the radio market with advertising. It could generate revenue for the university, give the media students more realistic experience, and also allow a better outlet for game coverage.

[Dr Z]

It will be interesting to see if Wadd's replacement shifts the coverage to another station.  However, I find this unlikely since I remember last fall seeing that the U extended their contract with Clear Channel until something like 2009.  That doesn't mean other stations can not be added, but it means the games will be on 1350 until then.

Doesn't clear channel own like a gazillion radio stations? Like 1100 WTAM?I would rather see the MAC sign some deal with satelite radio, then the signal is good across the country.I think the Big Ten, Pac 10 and ACC all have deals with satelite.

[sgm405]

One with commercial interests that actually competes in the radio market with advertising. It could generate revenue for the university, give the media students more realistic experience, and also allow a better outlet for game coverage.

Do you know anything about WZIP? Seriously...I'm not being sarcastic. If you don't think it's a realistic experience for media students, you need to take a tour. The equipment for both the radio and TV programs are on par with most major commercial stations. Members of the radio sports team attend Akron, Cavaliers, Indians, and Browns games with media credentials… they call in updates, asking the athletes question in the post game press conference…they write articles for the website, perform and edit interviews with athletes…they cover local high school basketball and football games, doing commentary for each. You will get no better of a “realistic experience than you get at WZIP. Also, in looking at what WZIP does for the University, you can’t look at just advertisements. Do you realize how many high school students listen and hear about a different Akron program every hour? Do you realize how much the community is tied to WZIP and the University through other messages read by the DJ’s on the station? For the amount of money it takes to operate WZIP (most of which THEY pay for, not UA), they do a hell of a lot for the University of Akron.

[zen]

Yeah, so, how would it be bad to have another station?

[Hilltopper]

The main reason for any radio brodcast is to make money for the athletic department. That fact would seem to preclude WZIP due to their nonprofit status. The way it works is the atheletic department decides on a $$$ figure they need for the "Rights" to broadcast the Zips games. They then solicit proposals from local radio brodcasters. Then the AD decides what the best package is and thats how you end up with 1350 being the flagship. They were willing to pay more or offered other advantages over the competition. When the next contract comes up, hopefully some other more well know broadcaster will step up and give the Zips a stronger radio voice.

[FearTheRoo]

Thanks sgm,WZIP is a CLASS organization with a very CLASSY leader in Tom Beck. I worked for him for 4 years and he is a very intelligent and kind man. Like I said before, I don't like the format, but the ONLY reason the format was chosen was to compete (for real) in a crowded market. There is no one else with the exact format. Sounds like a smart business move to me! Anyhow, I forgot about the commercial side of things. It will neve work. AM 640 has exploded with listeners in the last year. I bet they will increease their power some day....and they are Clear Channel! Maybe we can migrate over!

[sgm405]

Yeah, so, how would it be bad to have another station?

With the money is costs to operate a radio station, hire a staff, etc etc etc...why? Why do that when you already have the best college radio station in the United States? To broadcast games? And what else would they do?

[zen]

Yeah, so, how would it be bad to have another station?

With the money is costs to operate a radio station, hire a staff, etc etc etc...why? Why do that when you already have the best college radio station in the United States? To broadcast games? And what else would they do?

Because, as was said earlier (and I am not familiar with WZIP, so I'm going off this thread), the station is non-profit, which to me means they don't sell ad time.If you have a commercial station, you can compete in a market for advertising dollars, thus, if best case, it will run a profit, but if not, you atleast offset the expenses that you mentioned.Additionally, consider this. The Athletic Department takes bids (or allows stations to compete) for the rights to air the games. Well, why would those stations want to spend money for contracts to air the games if they don't make advertising profits? I can tell you as someone who has worked in media (not broadcast media) that if you are the one selling the ad space or ad time, you are going to make more than if you sold your content rights to someone else who sold the ad space, because they need a cut of the action too.And, when I said that students can gain experience, I didn't mean technical experience. Obviously, WZIP is a very well run operation, and they can definately learn technical, procedural, and other experience there. However, they may not get full experience in being competative in a commericial market there.

[MRasor0200]

Not that this is about the Buchtelite, but I'll say it's far from worthless. Of the hundreds of college newspapers I've seen, the Buchtelite ranks among the top when it comes to university sports coverage.I've never met Tom, so I don't want to pass judgment. However, everyone who works/has worked for him says he is the nicest guy in the world. Very professional. Very classy. On the other hand, several people have said he's a scumbag. I really don't know who to believe.My only contact with him was when he refused to comment on a Buchtelite story about them cancelling the gospel programming on the weekends.By the way, I know for a fact that the athletic department approached Beck about broadcasting the games a couple years back. In fact, a guy who is worshipped here told me that. It WAS NOT the athletic department holding that deal back.Edit: Also, nonprofit does not necessarily mean you cannot sell ads, make partnerships, etc.. The Buchtelite is nonprofit yet we sell ads. From my understanding, there are small hurdles that probably wouldn't hold back the Zips from being broadcast on WZIP.

[Blue & Gold]

The ZIPS CAN NOT, I repeat CAN NOT be on WZIP under the current programming format. Don't you like having sponsors such as Pepsi, Papa John's and Summa? If the games were on WZIP, those commercials could not run because non-commercial stations do not run, COMMERCIALS!

Ah!!!! Now that's the information I was looking for!!! Man, I love this board! I've been wondering for years why we weren't on WZIP and I finally understand! Thanks! Makes sense. Too bad we couldn't have games on WZIP though, stricktly for publicity reasons. WZIP is an absolutely HUGE station w/ local high school kids & talk about reaching a target audience - MAN!!! Whatever's on WZIP is automatically "cool" in their eyes. Oh, well. That's that.We might just have to be patient. A few years of winning teams will bring competition in the marketplace for Zips athletics. Considering our athletic programs less-than-stellar history, we may want to consider ourselves lucky to be on the radio AT ALL!

[Blue & Gold]

No, man. The Buchtellite is a great paper! I much prefer it to the Beacon sports section!!! I think whoever said that it was "worthless" was 1) definitely mistaken, and 2) probably speaking from a publicity point of view. The Buchtellite is not widely distributed outside of the UA campus community (is it?). That's all. The Buchtellite's FAR FROM worthless!!!

[Blue & Gold]

Not that this is about the Buchtelite, but I'll say it's far from worthless. Of the hundreds of college newspapers I've seen, the Buchtelite ranks among the top when it comes to university sports coverage.

Ooops. My last post should have contained this quote which I was responding to...