Michael Klein: Q&A Forum Archives

Q Hey Mike, since Booker did bad in the last ratings period, how long do u think he will stay around in Philly? I'm also curious as to how former q102 jock Logan did in the last ratings book. Thanks.
anonymous, anonymous 3/04/07
A I've given up trying to predict DJs' careers based on ratings. As for your Logan question. He's on 106.1, whose fall ratings overall were soft. The station's best demo was 18-34 women, where it finished 8th. That also was Logan's best demo -- 8th in women 18-34.
Michael Klein 3/04/07

Q I read you column as often as I can and look forward to it each week.... Have you heard anything new about Minar Palace? I miss their restaurant- some of the best Indian I've had in Philadelphia- and with their departure, Center City is missing inexpensive quality Indian cuisine. Thanks
Anonymous, Philadelphia, PA 2/25/07
A I've been trying like heck to find the people from Minar, who had promised to let me know when and where they would resurface. How's this, readers. I'll offer a suitable reward to anyone who puts me in touch with them. E-mail me at mklein@phillynews.com.
Michael Klein 2/27/07

Q Michael, What do you think about the lack of hot water in public rest rooms and especially restaurants?
I know the companies are saving $, but it's so unhygienic especially for eating establishments. When did this trend started anyway? Thank you.
Alix, Phila.PA 2/22/07
A "No hot water" is simply a violation of the health code. I don't know if it's a trend, though. I go out a few times a week and don't encounter it more frequently than I used to. The last time I ran into it -- at a crappy Chinese restaurant in Montgomery County -- I called the health department that day and reported it.
Michael Klein 2/22/07

Q Hi Mike A few weeks back you mentioned that David Aldridge was one of the potential cuts at the paper. Has something changed? I have seen his columns frequently in the past few weeks. I was quite pleased as well as surprised that he was still with the paper. I sure hope he stays -- he is an great reporter and is quite connected throughout the association. Thanks
Ken, Selinsgrove, PA 2/18/07
A David and a couple others were reinstated.
Michael Klein 2/18/07

Q Michael: How did Sean Hannity do in the afternoon drive ratings in the Philadelphia market last book?
Brian, Lansdale, PA 2/08/07
A Hannity and WPHT tied for 12th place among men 25-54, if you count the entire 3-to-7 p.m. time slot (he's 3 to 6 p.m.). Michael Smerconish in the morning was far and away the best performer on the station; he was tied for 6th among men 25-54.
Michael Klein 2/14/07

Q Welcome back Mike: Talk about Table Talk... How about considering participating in next years Wing Bowl, and get some of your co-workers to eat for charity.. Having someone of your stature gives crediability...plus some lovely wingetts.to assist you in your venture....
steve, melrose park 2/14/07
A I'll stick to writing, thanks. Wing Bowl has more than enough credibility.
Michael Klein 2/14/07

Q Hi Mike, do you happen to know where Chris McCoy is now working since he left B101?
Debbie, Langhorne, PA 2/13/07
A Debbie, He has a six-month noncompete, so he is not working anywhere now.
Michael Klein 2/13/07

Q When will Mary Mason be back on the radio?
Thomas, Philadelphia 2/12/07
AMary says she's joining WWDB-AM (860) for a Saturday show starting this weekend. She'll be on from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at first but noon to 2 p.m. after this week.
Michael Klein 2/12/07

Q Michael, Can't weait for Marc Vetri's new room on North Broad. What date should we expect it? Did he name it yet? Don, University City 2/12/07
A It is called Osteria, and it will open to the public Thursday, Feb. 15. I stopped in last night. Rustic Italian. Gorgeous space. Lots of delicious pizzas from his wood-burning oven, great wine list and the best cappuccino I've had in Philly. But NOT cheap. Those small pizzas (about 12-inchers) are about $17. I am told that the average tab per-person will be about $50. (Ok. It is much less than Vetri.)
Michael Klein 2/12/07

Q Michael, I do not see your column any more on Tues & Thursday. Is it a Sunday only column now?
Ed 2/09/07
A It's been a steady Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday for about six years now -- Page 2 of the Magazine on Tuesday/Thursday and Page 2 of Local News on Sunday. Plus Table Talk inside Food on Thursday. I'm burning off vacation time this week, so I'm skipping my columns on 2/6, 2/8 and 2/11.
Michael Klein 2/09/07

Q Hey Mike, I was wondering if you have any idea how well the syndicated show Coast to Coast AM did in the Philly market on WPHT in the most recent ratings, compared to other overnight shows in the area?
Dave, Wilmington, DE 2/08/07
A I am not sure. I do not see ratings for the overnight shows.
Michael Klein 2/08/07

Q What ever happended to former KYW TV anchor Barbara Monaco? She was so sexy and a great anchor. Phil, Camden, NJ
Phil, Camden, NJ 2/05/07
A Good question. I don't think she has been on the air here since 1999 when she had a stroke. If anyone knows of her whereabouts, drop me an email..
Michael Klein 2/05/07

Q I was told there was a recent article in the Inquirer about Lisa Thomas -- Laurie and her rare neurological problems. I am very interested in an update on her condition, and, if she is back to work on TV, what is she doing? I cannot find the article. Would you happen to know when it appeared? Thank you.
EDGE, Newtown Square, PA 19073 2/05/07
A My colleague Gail Shister wrote about LTL last month.
Michael Klein 2/05/07

Q Hi Michael - any word on when Fuji is re-opening in Haddonfield?
Anonymous 1/30/07
AWord is mid-March.
Michael Klein 2/01/07

Q What happened to Brooks Tomlin in the morning on CBS3?
Anonymous, Phila, PA 2/01/07
A He and Maria La Rosa swapped time periods. She moved to mornings from weekend evenings. He moved to weekend evenings.
Michael Klein 2/01/07

Q Mike I sense problems between Martarano and Gargano on WIP. They have not been on the air together in weeks!
Bob, Media, PA 1/31/07
AProblems? I only sense Howard Eskin being on vacation -- and Gargano filling in for him in P.M. drive.
Michael Klein 1/31/07

Q I was wondering how Jody Mac did in the fall ratings given how weak the rest of the WPEN line up is? Also, great interview with Ed Snider
Anonymous, Wayne, PA 1/30/07
A Jody was still the "bright spot" in WPEN's otherwise dismal-rated lineup. He didn't gone up and he didn't gone down. His show was tied for 14th among men 25-54, while Howard Eskin on WIP was in 4th place. BUT: Eskin had a pretty soft book. I don't attribute the decline to Jody but to overall poor performance of the Philly sports teams. The Eagles late-season resurgence started just as the ratings period ended.
Michael Klein 1/30/07

Q Michael: What has happened to Dawn Timoney Channel 10 morning news. I don't see her anywhere on 10.
Anonymous, Narberth 1/26/07
A Contract expired.
Michael Klein 1/26/07

Q WHAT HAPPEN TO MONIE FROM 100.3 THE BEAT.
TAB, PHILA PA 1/25/07
AShe was let go.
Michael Klein 1/25/07

Q How did Sports Talk 950 do overall and specifically Jody Mac and the new morning show individually? Also, I know the syndicated shows don't generate much in numbers but does WPEN plan to keep the Jim Rome show or do you think they will try to develop a local program?
Paul, Philadelphia, PA 1/17/07
A Sports Talk 950 is still pretty much a nonentity, when you look at overall ratings. It's tied for 25th place among all listeners 25-54. Jody Mac represents its lone bright spot; he is tied for 14th place among men 25 to 54. Management keeps talking about developing a local morning show, but...
Michael Klein 1/17/07

Q Do you have any info on how O&A did overall or in their demos this book? Their numbers went down in New York but I see WYSP is up overall.
Anonymous 1/14/07
A O&A did so-so. They were 4th among men 18-34, behind MMR, Wired and the Beat. Overall, WYSP is 4th among men 18-34. Its bright spot is Kidd Chris, who is 2d in his time period. Barsky/Matt & Huggy are 3d at middays. (I can't break out hour by hour so I'm counting 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Couzin Ed, axed in the middle of the ratings period, was tied for 10th at night.
Michael Klein 1/15/07

Q How did Booker on and Lisa Page do on q102..It looks like Wired is catching up to them..
Chris, Coatesville PA 1/13/07
A Booker is mentioned in today's column. Lisa Paige was third among 18-34s and Casey on Wired was ninth. Lisa's 18-34 ratings were more than 20% higher than Casey's.
Michael Klein 1/14/07

Q Michael - How did Kidd Chris do in the most recent ratings? Thanks.
Paul, Philadelphia 1/14/07
A Quite respectably among men 18 to 34. He was #2, behind Wendy Williams on Power 99 but ahead of Jaxon on WMMR. In other demos, though...
Michael Klein 1/14/07

Q Looking at the Fall 2006 book B-101 leads the way, and they fire a very popular morning man, things seem very fishy to me Mike. What your opinion on why Chris was let go
Kenny Jones, Blackwood NJ 1/13/07
A Actually, Kenny, the B had a good but not great book in its core demographic, women 25 to 54. Mornings were off. Jerry Lee, the station owner, tends to make changes "before it's too late." He clearly has seen something. Meanwhile, by all accounts the parting was amicable. This was not precipitated by an incident or anything like that. I'm guessing Chris got a generous settlement, too.
Michael Klein 1/13/07

Q Hey Michael, What happened to Monie on 100.3 the beat? What were the circumstances of Fox 29 letting Nick Smith go? Do you know who Shenielle Jones is engaged to?
Donna, Willingboro, NJ 1/12/07
A I've covered all of these in the column... Monie was let go after contract talks broke down. Nick Smith blew up in the office during his contract talks and he was escorted from the building. Sheinelle Jones is engaged to her college sweetheart, a really nice guy named Uche Ojeh.
Michael Klein 1/12/07

Q Michael, Any news on who will be the pre and post game host for the Phillies games this year on WPHT?
Anonymous 1/10/07
A Nothing yet.
Michael Klein 1/11/07

Q Will it be possible to see Prince Charles & Camilla entering the Academy of Music for the Phila. Orch. concert on Sat. 1/27th?
Anonymous, Princeton, NJ 1/11/07
A The ball folks are not disclosing security plans, but I assume they'll have a "public" entrance. The area will be a mob scene because the event is so well-attended.
Michael Klein 1/11/07

Q Hey Mike, if a morning show gets sydicated do the hosts get a bonus on their salary
anonymous, anonymous 1/09/07
A I would expect so, unless their agent was bad.
Michael Klein 1/09/07

Q Hey Mike, I am a big fan of the good day show, and all these changes are driving me nuts. My question is, where is Jenn? I haven't seen her in weeks, I love her energy! I really loved the show when george, kerri-lee and jenn were the anchors behind the desk. So where has jenn been?
Anonymous, media, pa 1/09/07
A I'm not sure where she's been. Could have been vacation, twinned with the fact -- just confirmed by the station -- that she'll be working on the new 5 p.m. newscast.
Michael Klein 1/09/07

Q What is wrong with Lisa Thomas-Laurie? Does she have low tone syndrome (hypotonia)?
Nade, New York, NY 1/09/07
A She has said she is recovering from POEMS Syndrome, a rare condition whose symptoms include nerve disease, organ enlargement and skin changes.
Michael Klein 1/09/07

Q Saw your blurb about Chris McCoy out at B-101 after 14 years so they can "head in a new direction". Being #4 in the morning is not to shabby if you ask me. What is shabby is B-101 pulling the plug on a loyal guy and forgetting about the loyal listeners who listened for 14 years. Do they honestly beleive they can do better than #4 in the morning?
John, West Deptford, NJ 1/08/07
A That's a good question, John. Loyalty is out the window these days, whether you're talking about auto workers, newspaper writers or morning DJs. (It's a two-way street, I should point out.) I don't think the B is worried about doing better than fourth in the morning. It's worried about the *perception* that the overall product is going stale and that other dayparts will go soft. Mornings lead the broadcast day. I'm eagerly awaiting the fall ratings, which will be out Thursday. Station owner Jerry Lee is no fool; he must suspect that Chris' ratings, especially among the core female audience, are off. If Jerry is borrowing a page from the way newspaper publishers are thinking nowadays: We're making tons of money now, but that might not be the case down the road. As for Chris, gone after 12 years, I'm certain he'll defy the adage that nice guys finish last. He'll be fine.
Michael Klein 1/08/07

Q Any news on when the new Mexican Post at 16th and Cherry will open? Also has Jolly's Piano bar at the Latham Hotel closed? I noticed the pianoman is now working at Cascamorto. Thanks.
Anonymous, King of Prussia, PA 1/02/07
A Mexican Post will soft-open later this month. All Jolly's operations (Latham and the place on 19th Street) are closed. Thanks for the lead on the pianist, whom I think is Stu Shames. Cascamorto is at 20th and Arch Streets; its website is www.cascamorto.com.
Michael Klein 1/08/07

Q Hi Mike! Speaking of Chio & Booker, who has the higher ratings for the morning shows(I've been a fan of Chio's for years, Booker needs to go back to N.Y.)
P1 in Philly, Philadelphia, PA 1/03/07
A The fall ratings will be released this Thursday. In the summer ratings, among listeners ages 18 to 34 (their target demographic), Chio on 96.5 narrowly beat Booker on Q102 in audience share. BUT... Booker had a larger cumulative audience. So it's pretty much a toss-up.
Michael Klein 1/08/07

Q Hi Michael. Just wanted to say that I love Good Day Philadelphia, but I hate all of the moving and shaking that they're doing. I just saw the new guy and I absolutely can't stand him. Why was Scott let go and where the heck is Jenn? Thanks!
Anonymous 1/08/07
A You're not the only one who thinks that Fox29 is confusing the heck out of its viewership by the constant changing -- and so close to the Jan. 22 launch of the Mike Jerrick/Juliet Huddy show that follows it. I've been led to believe that Scott quit. Jenn's still there. (You seem to be a Jenn fan. My mailbag indicates you are in the minority...)
Michael Klein 1/08/07

Q Michael, Who are some of the Writers whom are being let go from the Inquirer and Daily News (not sure if the DN is having any though). I hope you are not one of them. You have one of the best columns.
Richard, Southampton PA 1/04/07
A Thanks. I am staying. The list may change by a name or two in the coming few weeks, but among those being let go are NBA writer David Aldridge, reporters Adam Fifield, Gaiutra Bahadur, Joel Bewley, Toni Callas, Dwayne Campbell, Tom Fitzgerald, Dawn Fallik, Leonard Fleming, Keith Herbert, weddings columnist Jennifer Dorazio, home-and-design columnist Eils Lotozo, Akweli Parker, Natalie Pompilio, Julie Shaw, Jeff Shields, Don Steinberg and Rob Watson. Also, some names you'd seldom see in print -- the copy editors who write headlines and keep reporters from making misteaks: Jeff Bathurst, Angel Brooks, John Hall, David Cohen, Mario Constantino, Gina Esposito, Paula Goff, Rita Mason, Teshia Morris, Sharon O'Neal, Howery Pack, Keri Pedersen, and Phaedra Trethan. Plus photo people Jay Gorodetzer, Scott Hamrick, Alen Malott, Cheryl Shugars and Bob Williams, and editors Alan Jaffe, Anna Jones, Emmet Linn, Christine Ma, Bob McGovern and Destinee-Charisse Royal, and fine-arts editor Charlie Peitz. This is not inclusive. By the way, the Daily News will not lose anyone. The feeling is that the DN suffered enough in previous cuts. One bright spot is that our own Wendy Ruderman from the NJ staff has been hired at the DN as a city reporter.
Michael Klein 1/04/07

Q are wxpn and wrti included in the arbitron ratings and how do they do comparable to commercial stations.
eric, philadelphia 1/04/07
A They're not on the list of commercial stations' ratings, though Arbitron plans to combine them sometime this year. I have seen ratings for them from time to time. WXPN would be in the top 10 of stations aimed at 25 to 54, while WRTI would be in the top 10 of stations aiming at 35 to 64 and even better among 65-plus.
Michael Klein 1/04/07

Q Hey what happened to Scott Engler of Fox's Good Day? I have not seen him in a few weeks. Is he on holiday or gone for good? If he is gone, where has he gone to? It was nice to wake up every morning to his smiling face every day before work.
Searching for Scott, Conshohocken, PA 1/04/07
A See previous Q&A. He's gone.
Michael Klein 1/04/07

Q What does the the "8" in CN8 stand for & how are the ratings for their shows? I can't imagine people really watch some of them.
J L, West Chester, PA 1/03/07
A 8 is just the dial position. I don't cover TV, so I don't have access to their ratings.
Michael Klein 1/03/07

Q Hey Mike, how much do morning personalities like Chio and Booker make compared to afternoon personalities like Logan, and joey Brooks, Jaxon ect.
anonymous, anonymous 1/02/07
A Salaries vary. Morning tends to pay about 25% more than afternoons. Few morning people top Preston & Steve, who now make about $400k each. I'd put Chio and Booker between $200k and $300k, but probably on the lower end of that.
Michael Klein 1/02/07

Q Mike, You said that Scott Engler is leaving Goodday for another job? Do you have any info on weather it's in the area or outside? Thanks.
Anonymous, West Chester, Pa. 1/02/07
A From what I hear, the new job is not in show biz.
Michael Klein 1/02/07