WSM remains unchanged... for now

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 15 Jan 2002 8:30 am

This morning on CNBC, the CEO of Gaylord was briefly interviewed and he was specifically asked about WSM and the Grand Ole Opry. His response was that, paraphrased, "the company wants to make the GOO into a worldwide brand and bring it into every home possible, and AM radio is not the best way to do that today. I'm a country music fan and love the GOO and want what's best for that goal."

Yeah, right. Okay, I'll take you at your word, mister.

Anyway, WSM-AM is not gonna be messed with for awhile, apparently. Country fans are so used to getting screwed by big music interests that any change to our icons has got to be viewed with cynicism and mistrust.

But the beat goes on, as Kenny D so rightly says...

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 15 Jan 2002 9:09 am

I commend Colin Reed. He will continue to help the GOO grow

Theresa

Mike Weirauch · Post by **Mike Weirauch** » 15 Jan 2002 10:10 am

I commend Colin Reed. He will continue to help the GOO grow

......and the sun rose in the west this morning also! Colin Reed doesn't give a fat rat's ass about anything except the BOTTOM LINE, PERIOD!

Bill Crook · Post by **Bill Crook** » 15 Jan 2002 10:34 am

Boy,Mike.....

You really have a way with words.

Too bad that what you say is actually the truth !!

I give Country Music on WSM no more than 2 more years at the best. It seems that a lot of folks missed the part where he said "The GOO is not a money makeing venture." SO bottom line is MONEY....

Now with that said...
My prediction is that: just like the Oprahouse has changed venue,so will WSM Radio. Gaylord wants the Oprahouse for "Vagas" style acts and New York plays. I didn't go see the "Rockettes" because the tickets were $62.00 and up. For the wife and I,it would have been $120.00 + tax. Now lets add to that the parking fees of $5.00 and upward. I'm sure that the Broadway production was a sucess while it was here but in general,I fail to see Tennesseans beating a path to Gaylordland,paying high cost tickets,heavey parking fees to satisfy any upperclass wantabee desires.

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 15 Jan 2002 10:39 am

Mike,
I listened to him speak yesterday, a special broadcast. He seemed informed and wanting to do what fans and his boss hired him for. Since changing CMT he's already increased revenues. I do commend him and he's ready with new ideas and to do his job. More changes in the future for A.M. A good thing for Country Music. Theresa

Mike Weirauch · Post by **Mike Weirauch** » 15 Jan 2002 10:43 am

Too bad that what you say is actually the truth !!

I didn't know I was known for saying anything other than the truth, whether one prefers to hear it or not. Short, sweet, to the point and I don't mince words!

Mike Weirauch · Post by **Mike Weirauch** » 15 Jan 2002 10:50 am

Theresa, you don't have a clue about corporate business and how it works. Yes, I do, sorry! You go right ahead and commend Mr. Reed but I have a feeling that you are the only person on the forum that is. Are you feeling lonely yet?

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 15 Jan 2002 11:14 am

Mike,
No

I hear a country song, everytime I turn on the radio!
Theresa

Ray Jenkins · Post by **Ray Jenkins** » 15 Jan 2002 11:32 am

Would someone please give me an accurate definition of "country" music or songs.I used too know,now I'm not sure.
Ray

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Steeling is still legal in Arizona

Mike Weirauch · Post by **Mike Weirauch** » 15 Jan 2002 12:03 pm

T, glad to know you listen to 650 WSM but the format is not the product of Mr. Reed so he isn't the one to thank. By the way, you are coming to Douglas Corners Thursday night to see Larry Dolan aren't you? Yes, I'll be there also!

Kenny Dail · Post by **Kenny Dail** » 15 Jan 2002 12:32 pm

Hi Herb.

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kd...and the beat goes on...

Janice Brooks · Post by **Janice Brooks** » 15 Jan 2002 1:59 pm

I also predict changes will come. It's my hope that those off us on this forum with brodcast and business knowledge will try to have input.

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Janice "Busgal" Brooks
ICQ 44729047

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 15 Jan 2002 2:11 pm

Mike,
I commend Colin for listening to the fans.
Sorry, Gregg and I are already booked Thursday night. Tell Larry Hey

Theresa

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 15 Jan 2002 3:29 pm

Gaylord Inc has only been for whatever helps the bottom line at Gaylord. I don't seem them doing anything different or changing course. There may be a slight detour but they will eventually get back on course and do what they want for the bottom line. Tradition, etc has no place in the Corporate boardroom, especially at Gaylord.

It wouldn't surprise me if the GOO and WSM are eventually sold. It doesn't fit in with the corporate hotel business. A Theme park in the same complex with an "upscale" Hotel did not fit in and ultimately the Opry house would better serve the corporate flagship hotel as a convention center.

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 15 Jan 2002 4:43 pm

I know the input from fans helped. Otherwise, it would be sports.
Somehow, I think no matter, most would complain

Lesson being, be thankful for what we have

Theresa

frank rogers · Post by **frank rogers** » 15 Jan 2002 5:48 pm

I understand that the quote from the CEO from Gaylord is paraphrased but, it sounds to me that what he is really saying is that the Opry is finished on WSM and there will be an attempt to syndicate nationally. This is not good news, I repeat this is not good news. Once the Opry is dropped from WSM and a weak attempt to syndicate it fails(which I believe it would) then the Opry will be down for the count. Obviously the "suits" will attempt to convince us that the changes are for the "good" of Country music and the Opry. I don't know about anyone else but the past record of the Gaylord folks does not suggest that we should believe it. [This message was edited by frank rogers on 16 January 2002 at 06:57 AM.]

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 15 Jan 2002 8:43 pm

A curse on Gaylord. They are the ones behind the destruction of the Opry and traditional country music. Near ethnic cleansing on a commercial basis. Cultural genocide.

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 15 Jan 2002 9:35 pm

Tennessee Taliban.
(c)2002