WRMF missing former star jock Jennifer Ross, but not too much
Tags: Add new tag, Jennifer Ross, Jose Lambiet's Page2Live, radio, West Palm Beach, Wild 95.5, WMBX, WRMF
| Wednesday 27 January 2010 12:40 pm
Jennifer Ross
The statistics have spoken, and they say radio listeners aren’t missing Jennifer Ross as much as they said they would.
Folks have not abandoned WRMF-97.9 FM in droves after the controversial firing of the star morning personality.
And while WRMF dropped to third place, from second, in an important target audience, it actually gained a few fans overall through last year.
“WRMF continues to be a top performer in the market,” said station manager Elizabeth Hama, who wouldn’t answer questions about Ross. “Overall, we are pleased.”
In the three months after the raspy-voiced Ross was gone, a negligible number of morning listeners left. In a key group, people 25 to 54, WRMF had about 1,000 fewer listeners compared to the summer tallies, according to Arbitron. But over a 12-month period, the station’s share in the morning increased by slightly more than 1,000 people.
Local radio is vying for about 500,000 listeners who fall in that category in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties.
For more, and the poll, look below or click
Wild 95.5’s morning crew, with Kevin Rolston and Virginia Lang and Jason Pennington, continues to rule mornings, with urban music’s WMBX-102.3 FM rising to second.
With Ross gone, RMF’s morning show is hosted by the testosterone-heavy trio of Danny Czekalinski, Chad Mitchell (Ross’ replacement) and Deena Lang. There was a sharp increase in male listeners 25 to 54 after Ross’ departure, but it was offset by a decrease in women. Not so good since, traditionally, WRMF has tried to cater to women.
Still, it’s too soon for WRMF to claim victory, says Ross’ former boss and Hama’s predecessor, Chet Tart.
“Because of the way the ratings are produced, reality will set in in March or April,” Tart said. “Many listeners went to the station in the first weeks to see what was going on. When the next batch of numbers come out, you’ll see the difference that Jennifer made.”
Ross, who’s sitting out the rest of her three-year contract, signed a confidentiality agreement and didn’t return calls left at her home near Stuart.
Ross’ departure caused an outcry among radio listeners in the area. Nearly 5,000 Page2Live readers who voted on the poll the day Ross went, vowed they’d boycott the station.
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I used to switch back and forth between 95.5 and 97.9 on the morning drive. I’ve not listened to it for more then 5-10secs since then. (habit, still turn the dial… then realize I’m on “THAT” station, and immediately change back to 95.5)
38 yr old male
ok jennifer…i mean dave….lol
I dont care what ratings say…I MISS JENNIFER!! I love love love Deena but the show is not the same with out Jennifer…except that Danny is now EVEN MORE FULL OF HIMSELF! If thats possible!
It’s way to early to say if people are really missing Jennifer Ross. The key will be when and if Jennifer comes back to radio once her non-compete clause is complete. Then see how each station does then. I personally miss Jennifer and hope she will return soon.
I hate Danny. He is dumb, antagonistic and a neanderthal. I tried to give him a chance when he first arrived and was shocked that he was allowed to stay. Even more shocked that He’s there and Jennifer is gone. That is when I listened to NPR more to the point where I stopped listening to WRMF completely. Sure more men listen now, they like Danny’s mentality and stupidity, and Deena Lang has more exposure. The only reason I can think of that she is still there is for her resume. No thank you, WRMF.
THE STATION IS NOT THE SAME WITHOUT JENNIFER I FOR ONE WILL NO LONGER LISTEN MANAGEMENT HAS MADE POOR CHOICES LETTING THE LOCAL PERSONALITIES GO THEY ARE WHAT MAKES YOU WANNA LISTEN
Chad was the worst replacement. He adds absolutely nothing to the show and has caused me to stop listening to 97.9
Local radio, especially around these parts, makes me thank the Lord every day that I have XM!
I stopped listening to WRMF altogether after Jennifer Ross got the boot. I cannot stomach the change it’s not even a morning show. The stations poor management skills and decisions hurt ratings and overall the ratings might off not change. The problem is overall they took into account when the morning show was whole. It no longer fits that criteria.
I don’t know who is gathering the data but they must not be reading it correctly. 97.9’s morning show SUCKS without Jennifer. I will not listen and i know that the people I work with won’t either. I can not beleive that they have the following that they has when Jen was part of the team….and working the numbers won’t convince me
I stopped listening to WRMF as well after Jennifer Ross was Fired. I don’t know where they are getting their stats from, possibly MARS.
I listen to NPR most mornings, best news, reporting, weather and traffic. When I’m looking for music I go to the Buzz, seems to play more music in the morning, and really wish there was a local station that just played music in the morning and didn’t have a stupid annoying morning show.
Well judging by the other comments and the poll results, I’d say that WRMF is not better off without Jennifer Ross. I stopped listening to WRMF after Danny’s ridiculous “explanation” for her departure. In typical Danny fashion, he spent more time talking about himself than the real issue. If it can’t be discussed because of confidentiality issues, then just say it and make him shut up. I took WRMF off my pre-sets on my car radio that day and have never listened since. That’s really a shame because I was a loyal WRMF listener for 20+ years. In the long run, WRMF will realize that they committed “air waves suicide” by their stupid, pinhead decision to let Jennifer go. She WAS WRMF, no matter what response management “spins” for the public.
I do not like Chad at all, I do not think he adds anything to the show and as a matter of fact, he seems to always be interrupting whomever is speaking and interjecting his silly,ignorant comments! Bring back Jennifer!!
How do they collect ratings data? Almost everyone I know stopped listening to WRMF when they dumped Ross.
Jose’, a little Radio 101….a good chunk of the ratings WRMF got in 2009 were ‘bought’….they had a successful ‘Phrase That Pays’ promotion earlier in the year that gave away a lot of cash and pulled in a lot of people. Any idiot can do this, and since their competitors at C-orporate-BS and CorporateChannel lost their promotional budgets years ago, WRMF forked over the checks and got ratings because of it. Please don’t confuse throwing money at a crowd with competent, inventive programming.
The morning show belongs on a 70s rock station. In Akron. I think you could search for more totally unappealing, full of themselves, outgrown frat boys who can’t relate one iota to modern, professional South Florida women and not find better than what WRMF has.
I have hated Danny since day one. The only reason I listened to WRMF was because of Jennifer Ross. Once the radio station announced she was gone…so was I. WRMF did Jennifer and Kevin wrong years ago and they have now screwed her twice. F off WRMF
Danny is the worst radio jock I have ever heard! I refuse to listen to any station he may be on.
I have canceled my 97.9 e-mail contact with WRMF and am now I am totally addicted to 95.5. Everyone out there who stopped listening to the station after Jennifer left needs to make sure you unsubcribe to 97.9 so they can actually see who left. Once you unsubscribe they send an e-mail asking why. State your reason(s) and don’t look back. Go to 95.5 for fun and intelligent conversation between people who respect each other without egos. I miss D. Lang.
Switched to another station - shame they kept Danny over Jennifer.
I can’t listen to the morning show, both Danny and Chad are idiots, and Deanna’s not far behind. I liked Jennifer and used to listen every morning, I have now switched to 95.5 but now they are irritating also, I listen on the way to work, then on my way home they are playing the same thing, dumb. Switching to another station again.
I also feel it is totally unfair to judge success or failure based on one ratings book that counts maybe 500 respondents in a market of over a million people. If that stations management had any kahunas at all, they would pay off Jennifer’s contract in full, and release her to go work somewhere else! Danny has already proved he can’t win a fair fight.
It is not the same without Jennifer. Chad is a total ZERO…. he has no personality and does not know how to talk. I try to listen, but Chad really turns me off. Deena is also getting a little too “full” of herself these days. Chad’s commercials are a joke !! The sponsors should get their money back.
WRMF’s morning show is terrible. the talk way too much and go on and on with their opinions.. they dont stimulate or engage the listener at all.. ive been listening to the cup of joe show on 95.9.. those guys raised $50,000 for haiti last week.. what has wrmf done for anyone except fire the one personality that people actually liked?
Personally, I think Jennifer should be on that powerhouse station Seaview 960. I believe they use a hair dryer to power their transmitter. I understand their #1 with red snapper.
I was upset when Jennifer Ross left, and I got tired of WRMF, so I was flipping through channels and found this new station 95.9 and I really like the morning show they have on there called Cup of Joe, it seems to be very local oriented and I like that, and the music they play is great, songs I haven’t heard in awhile,I laugh a lot listening to the host, he is really good! I actually heard Jose Lambiet on it ,and it is so funny! the host and Jose are great together, too too funny! so I am over WRMF and glad I found this new station!
I’m glad Jennifer is off. She was so full of herself and her horses and money. At least now it sounds real.
I listen to Cup of Joe too! Great show! I believe they have a feature where they’re taking bets on what day they will pass away.
My grandfather likes to listen to Cup Of Joe while give him a sponge bath.
Who are you people commenting? What did Jennifer do that was interesting on the air? I used to tune in from time to time and she would bore me day in and day out. To be fair, she was boring when she wasn’t talking about how rich she was and pretending to like Danny. Chad has me listening for more than an hour each morning while I drive to work. I think he’s a great addition to the show and cracks me up. Did anyone else hear him talking about his wife eating donuts ………. HILARIOUS!
left that station for “The Love Doctors” 94.3
I have not listened in months. And tell me how they can count the number of listeners in the first place. Its’ not like cable tv where they can get info. Live FM radio broadcast can no way monitor how is listening. Think what you want to think. Figure that one out/….
I have switched tom the gater 98.7 with paul & young ron.I started listening to her when she was with kevin kitchens and they were more than just radio partners,they were best friends and you could tell.When they did gigs together in public there was a mob of people just to see them together.when kevin passed we all lost.Kevin was a big supporter of charities.wrmf when jennifer was fired you lost for good.
Jennifer was the best guy they had on the station…Oh I forgot she only sounded and acted like one.
I did’t know she was gone. Had to stop listening because I just could take any more of Danny. He was ruining my breakfast!
I was one of the thousands who swore they would never listen after Jennifer was bounced, however, I tried listening to other stations and couldn’t find a bigger moron than Danny, so I’m still a loyal listener. I don’t care what anyone says, he is funny - Chad balances out the show - married and stable, and Deena is a decent, moral, young woman who is quick to point out Danny’s many neurotic issues - so I think they’re doing a good job even though I do miss Jennifer.
WRMF is a shadow of its former self. In its day it was THE station to listen to and it had class. Some of their greats have passed on, Kevin Kitchens, Don Wright. Some management dumped, Paul Cavanaugh, Jennifer Ross, her news partner Mike Callahan who calmed me and got me through several hurricanes.
Local radio is no longer about entertaining and informing the public, it’s all about ratings and money. I can’t listen to the drivel that passes for mornings on WRMF, Danny the woman beater and druggie, Dena the ditz and Chad the useless—they drove me to 95.5 never to return. My presets now are WILD and KOOL.
Who cares????? Radio died years ago. Nothing but old worn out retread songs and commercials. The DJ’s are all worthless. Satelite radio is the future. Plus you can hear BabaBooey, bababooey, bababooey….
I read in the Post when Jennifer was fired-had been out sick from work a couple of days and not listened. Have never listened again and wont. Danny was tolerable because of Jennifer.
People listen to that garbage? Are you kidding me! Stupid talk and crappy music, every day it’s the same. Ground hog day all over again. Bubba army and Bababooey now that’s entertainment.
I stopped listening to WRMF since Jennifer was let go. Deena Lang is the worst and too whiny for me in the mornings. She doesn’t have a good radio voice at all. I am now a full time Mo and Sally listener on Kool 105.5. I used to go back and forth between the shows when Jennifer was on but now I can stay on one station. Can’t wait for when Jennifer comes back on the airwaves!
I miss Jennifer! Jennifer and Kevin years back when I first moved to Florida and was a WRMF listener until Jennifer was fired. Agree with Matt, WRMF is a shadow of its former self and I now listen to 95.5
Jennifer is a bitter , man hating old hag! There was no place on the air for her. Danny is no rocket scientist either, so I am not his fan. Why don’t they just play music?? Who wants to listen to a couple of dummies argue about nonsense in th emorning anyway?
I stopped listening to WRMF while Jennifer was on the air - she was waaaay too negative. Now I listen occasionally, but Danny and Chad would probably have better ratings if they just shut up and played music, news and traffic in the morning. If we wanted to listen to dopes bickering we could hang out at any Boca conda in the mornings instead - and probably be more entertained!
Jennifer Ross is a major PITA and a prima donna just because she is a radio personality. I am glad she is gone.
Morning radio is very predictable. Most media is very predictable. Nothing but female leads, whimpy metro-sexual males, and gay weathermen. WHAT A WINING COMBINATION.
I never listen to WRMF anymore now that Jennifer is gone. The a.m. show is awful now.
I stopped listening to WRMF when Kevin Kitchens died. I miss Mrs. Grimstead from Century Village.
I think 105.5’s morning mush mouth should be gagged.
I can’t stand the Love Doctors.
Howard Sterns is a sicko.
Rush Limpbaw should be yanked along with those right wing jabber walkies.
I miss Jack Cole.
Randy Rhodes should be given more air time.
Dose Al Franken have a show since he has gone into polaticks.
I was pissed when they let Jennifer go so I went to 95. OMG! that lame brain idiot Jason is pathetic enough to want to make me slit my wrists! I’m back on 97
I like the new show. It’s growing on me. I like the phone scam thing they do. I miss Jennifer but I’m good with whay they have now.
couldn’t vote because I haven’t listened since Jenn left.
Hate WRMF! Ever since that mysogynist,neanderthal,woman beating Danny (who has the mentality of a dumb 7th grader)started there, I have tuned it out. Jennifer, good luck and if I were you I would not put that radio partner on your resume.
I still listen in the morning even though the time the show starts changes everyday. I like to listen on the way home from work in the morning. I miss the news and flip the dial around to find it. Jennifer seem to bring reality back when they got onto subjects that got out of hand. I haven’t stop listening though.
I was a HUGE LOYAL LISTENER, even turning others to the station,…I have listened a total of maybe 10 minutes to the station since she was let go, and maybe 3 of those were to the show…its horrible!!! I no longer listen to local radio at all!
I have not listened to WRMF since Jennifer left! Do not care for Danny and did not listen to the new guy. I am now on 105.5 in the morning.
LISTEN!!! I have listened and loved Jennifer Ross for years. I remember her, and, the late Kevin Kitchens what a remarkable team they were. Today’s a.m. shows suck, almost as bad as Channel 5’s a.m. broadcast. They can keep weather and traffic on the 5’s. Channel 5 re-think your format.
Love and Miss Ya Jen!!!
I have listened to WRMF for over 25 yrs off and on. I miss Jennifer alot, she was of reason and balanced the many topics that Danny & Deena spoke about. They play the same music, over & over and don’t play a good mix so I have switched to my CD’s once again on my hour drive to work. I do think Danny and Chad pick on each other alot bickering about everything, like old men and it starts to bother me, so i switch the station, I don’t need to listen to that on my drive into work. I have listened to 95.5 alot more if I do listen to the radio, but i also hate the repeats in the afternoon drive home, so I turn them off in the afternoons and will listen my CD’s once again.
I stopped listening to this radio station when Danny was brought on.
Not because of Danny, but because the station got tirng.
It’s never easy to understand the reasons behind corporate decisions. Based on the resulting personality of the show, the goal may have been to insert competition for the Paul & Young Ron show on 105.9. I enjoyed listening to the show with Jennifer on it in the mornings, as I channel surf when commercials are played on any channel. However, I primarily listen to 105.9 and have for years. I don’t think they can recruit listeners from the original to a poor comparison.
I miss Jennifer Ross. I listened this morning to the bickering about the laptop. The replacement girl sounds immature and insecure. She isn’t savvy, she’s borng. She doesn’t spice up Danny and her stories reflect a sheltered life. I did listen longer today because I was amazed at the anger behind her voice, I don’t think thy get along & there probably is preferential treatment towards her as WRMF made a mistake firing Ross and they will eat it to make this bore (to me) happy. 95.5 & 103.1 are my morning shows. I miss Ross
Love ya, BH……..but gotta say– not a fan of the new format. WAY too much testosterone for me. Juvenile high school talk.
Jennifer was the voice of reason and appealed to us over-20-something gals.
The station shot itself in the foot when they fired Jennifer Ross. I no longer listen - I guess they just wanted to turn it into another boring and common morning show - and they got it.
I used to listen to WRMF in the morning in the car even after the mysterious disappearance of Jennifer Ross but after the morning when I heard Danny bragging and telling his tale about going to Home Depot and basically stealing the part he needed for his lawn sprinkler I decided I couldn’t listen to this jerk anymore. Since then, I have found myself punching in the station just by habit and giving it another chance and OMG! There he is again…bragging about some other dishonest shenanigans he’s involved in. I’m a mom and this guy is sending out the wrong message in today’s world. He should be fired. Call me old-fashioned but that’s the way I feel. He’s an idiot.
It’s all shenanigans. Foolhardy. Horseplay!! I too was compelled to run to my rotary dial phone and make a complaint to station management however my Depends fell down to my bunions and I fell head first into my bunt cake. Then I realised I don’t have much longer to live so I’ll just renew my season tickets to the Kravis Center.
WHAT A BUNCH OF LOSERS…DANNY IS A BACK STABBING COWARD, CHAD WELL, HE’S CHAD NEED I SAY MORE, AND DEENA NEEDS TO STOP VISITING THE GATOR LOOKING FOR A JOB…SHE’S LIKE THE FRIEND WITH FRINGE BENEFITS…. LINING UP YOU FUTURE DEENA… REMEMBER TALENT LASTS A LIFE TIME LOOKS DON’T NO MATTER HOW MUCH SURGERY YOU GET.
The Ratings losers are at The Gator, so why would anyone want to end up there…oh yeah…Paul and Ron…9th place 25-54…good luck on that big time syndication deal…LOL!!!!!!!!!
I liked Jennifer and was shocked when she was fired but I like Chad much better. Honestly, I think Jennifer attracted an “older” croud, Chad is more appealing to a “younger” croud.