Sorry for two WECK-related posts in as many days, but it’s not every day a local media outlet declares all-out war on another. It’s not every day someone publicly displays some hustle; some fire in the belly. It’s not every day that David takes it upon himself to trash-talk and challenge Goliath. It’s not every day that a small, local upstart takes a fight directly to its competitor. This was blowing Twitter up locally yesterday, and it deserves your consideration.
But that’s exactly what WECK 1230-AM’s new program director, Brad Riter, did yesterday. He declared war on WGR, WBEN, and Entercom, and pledged to grow WECK by focusing on local hosts and local programming, Dennis Miller contractually notwithstanding. The response he’s received has been enthusiastically positive. Seems as if people are looking for quality local programming.
Have a listen to the declaration of his manifesto.
[audio:http://www.weck1230.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/021511WECKManifesto.mp3%5D
The Buffalo Record 
I still think they should do their own version of the Whiner Line and call it “Beef on WECK.”
Go Brad! The two major conglomerates have made local radio stagnant and boring (on both AM and FM), great to see him try to shake things up by adding more local flavor.
I don’t get to listen to much WNY radio. Does WECK stream on the internet? can you download programs to listen to after the fact?
There was a time (40 Plus years ago) that WBEN was where you listened to Clint Buehlman to see if you had to go to school, and they did the Bills Games with Van Miller. WGR did the Sabres games, and John Otto had a great late night talk program. In the 70’s WBEN FM played soft rock, and I listened to it often.
Sad to hear that Radio in WNY is also circling the bowl. Ah, for the days of the powerhouse of the NE WKBW, Joey Reynolds, Stan Roberts, Freddie Klestine…..
Does this mean that Brad will be following Stephanie Miller to Chicago sometime shortly after finding there’s really no audience ar advertisers for this in WNY?
All the best, Brad. We’ll miss you.
@Hank – You can stream it in real time or there are links to recordings of past shows.
Pete: Correct, but they can’t stream Yankees games as per MLB requirements. WCBS-AM, however, comes in nice and clear at night.
Note to Brad: More polka! And bring back Trade-io!
Off topic, but Bud Boomer is the best alias anyone has ever come up with on this site.
Kudos to you sir and fuck Canada.
We are local! We are Buffalo! We are not corporate radio! Stay tuned for Dennis Miller.
Does WECK even have the resources to pilfer anyone decent from WGR or WBEN? Who, in spite of what Riter said, would even be vulnerable to such a move? I could see maybe some part time people, but that’s about it.
Does WECK even have the resources to pilfer anyone decent from WGR or WBEN? Who, in spite of what Riter said, would even be vulnerable to such a move? I could see maybe some part time people, but that’s about it.
There are no decent WGR or WBEN personalities currently at those stations
Where’s Mike Mellody, Larry Lovesong when you need them. Bring WNIA back to the “shack” on Genesee St. How ’bout Sister Mary Holycard’s Rosary Hour. Peace be with you!
@Buck – They have a contract with the Dennis Miller. If things work out well, maybe they won’t renew it. It’s a stepped process.