Fort Wayne Media Maven

A Personnel Change OR Radio Slight-of-Hand?

By now, most of the free world and parts of Arkansas are aware that WOWO’s 3-6pm talk show hosted by Gregg Henson has been replaced by the syndicated Sean Hannity program. Is it temporary? Is it permanent? Only those folks on Maples Road and, to a certain extent, the folks at 245 Edison Road in Mishawaka know for sure.

Because the Maven is a suspicious person by nature, I would ask you to consider two possible scenarios.

First, is the most obvious: WOWO demoted Pat Miller to a weekend show because they wanted to broaden the type of issues discussed during the daily 3-6 program, and either Mr. Miller refused, or WOWO management thought him incapable of the task. Mr. Henson, then, took over the show and had difficulties of his own with WOWO’s conservative core audience. His bullying tactics and naming private citizens to his enemies list on the air triggered an advertiser revolt. So, Henson is off, Hannity is on.

The second scenario is this: In light of the recent gutting of 92.3 The Fort and Froggy 106.7 and replacing them with simulcasts of other existing programming on their other existing local stations WOWO’s ownership sees further opportunity to slash expenses and remain financially solvent. This is accomplished by eliminating Mr. Miller and the subsequent costs related to his program. So, what was the Gregg Henson drama/fiasco about? The people on Maples Road are sly operators. If Mr. Henson’s anti-conservative bullying tactics, near libelous antics and subsequent advertiser revolt were so egregious, he would no longer be in the building. In a nutshell, it was all bad radio theatre. Now, WOWO can move Sean Hannity into the 3-6pm slot, effectively crushing rival Pat White on WGL 1250, and saving the money associated with paying Mr. Miller. You’ll also notice that Mr. Miller’s weekend job has been eliminated, too.

As much as we might like to demonize Gregg Henson (and, trust me, there’s a lot to demonize there) Mr. Henson may soon be sporting “employee of the month” honors for his efforts to help WOWO remain solvent and somewhat relevant to the community.

And, then again, you may have your own theories.