Talk Radio
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!
As for the afternoon show of Markley & Luciano. I’m a listener, but not a huge fan. The format is getting old and somewhat predictable. They laugh with themselves, but I don’t find myself laughing with them all too often. It’s obvious to me that they are trying to imitate Roe Conn from WLS, especially Cannonball Friday.
Roe Conn is a true professional, and is tops in the market for good reason. If you only listen to it for the drive home, you’ll hear the lighter “Markley & Luciano� fare. To hear some excellent discussion of current events, tune it in between 2 and 4, with 3 o’clock being a half-hour with ABC7’s Ron Majors. During Katrina and the ensuing events in the Gulf and New Orleans, I heard no better analysis anywhere than Roe Conn’s.
We’re not a huge market, and talk radio is not a huge format here. Switching over to the strong signals out of Chicago is easy. I give our local hosts credit for trying to compete and keeping it loose enough to attract a younger crowd. If NPR is what you are looking for, turn on WCBU.
April 19th, 2006 at 10:53 am
Totally agree with your assessment. I tuned Roe in for analysis of the Ryan verdict (esp. with the show’s alleged involvement with a juror and her dry cleaner).
Markley & Luciano are good for laughs, fluff stories, and lists, but Roe Conn’s show has far more substance.
I wish Roe would come back to Peoria. The live show in East Peoria was excellent.
April 20th, 2006 at 6:52 am
Hey guys!! Add a little variety to your radio listening habits. I invite you to join me weekday mornings on “Classic Country 1290, WIRL”. We don’t have the ‘talk’ stuff you’re looking for..but, we do have fun. Like the old “Mikey” cereal commercial…”Try it, you’ll LIKE it”. Take care folks.