T.O. - Philadelphia Sports Radio

CraigSca · 08-13-2004, 09:11 AM

There's a big difference between sports radio in Phiadelphia and New York. For some reason (and maybe it's true), the major sports radio station in Philadelphia (WIP 610) always talks itself up as "sports radio and MORE!" I'm guessing the thinking is that a Philadelphian can't possibly have the attention-span to talk about sports all-day (I'm not sure if this is an indictment of the Philadelphia sports fan or the station itself, however, WIP will always be talking about football - "oh, and also call in with your favorite hot chick!"). In New York, the fans have obviously received an attention-span upgrade because they talk sports (local and national) almost 24 hours a day (WFAN). The Philadelphia sports talk is much more severely localized (Johnny Unitas could have descended from heaven and thrown 3 TD passes in last night's exhibition game and the sports talk the next day would focus on the Eagles offensive line and the fact that Tre Thomas showed up in camp 7 lbs overweight).

Wow, how's that for a labored setup to this thread?

So, the other night I'm coming home from a business trip. WFAN has the Mets game on (yawn), so I flip to WIP. They're talking about football and asking the listeners to call in with their own phrase for the initials "T.O." Yes, Philadelphia has a love-affair with our man Terrell Owens. I suppose I can't really blame them, but I did hear a lot of listeners call and complain about the guy right up until the day they signed him as a free agent. It's amazing what people will overlook if Terrell can make an impact towards taking them to the promised land. Anyway, I digress (again).

People were calling in with suggestions like "Turned On". There were a number of other lame ones, but none of them negative (duh). My only thought was "Turmoil Ongoing". Anyway...I was wondering...anyone have their own definition for T.O. that might be more appropriate than the "love-in" superlatives I heard the other night?

Alf · 08-13-2004, 09:25 AM

Turn Over

JonInMiddleGA · 08-13-2004, 09:51 AM

Totally Odorous

On the sidebar, the trend toward "guy talk" instead of "sports talk" is why my sports radio listening is at its lowest point in years.

General Mike · 08-13-2004, 09:58 AM

I am so glad I can't listen to WIP in my home because of bad reception, because if I tried to, my ears would probably begin to bleed. WFAN is bad enough as it is.

Anthony · 08-13-2004, 10:13 AM

Ticked Off?

JimboJ · 08-13-2004, 10:59 AM

I live between Philly and NY, and I listen to both WIP and WFAN. I agree the difference between them is night and day. WFAN is more for serious sports fan. I've heard WIP described as "Guy talk" radio. In other words things you would talk about with your buddies about over a few beers (only cleaner!). Mostly sports, but also current events, politics, movies, women, etc.

Part of the reason for the difference is that NY has twice as many pro teams as Philly, hence there is more local sports to talk about. And you also have to realize that back in the mid 90's when WIP became popular, nobody cared about the Phillies and nobody cared about the Sixers. This was basically a two sport town - all anyone cared to talk about were the Eagles and Flyers. So WIP needed a strategy for filling up the rest of the year.

Whether you like it or not, the "guy talk" format has been very successful for them. They found a niche, and they filled it nicely.

Qwikshot · 08-13-2004, 11:04 AM

WIP is a pathetic excuse for sports radio, they grab listeners by sensationalizing stories. I listen to them for comic relief.

cthomer5000 · 08-13-2004, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by General Mike

I am so glad I can't listen to WIP in my home because of bad reception, because if I tried to, my ears would probably begin to bleed. WFAN is bad enough as it is.

yeah, WFAN is terrible. ESPN radio is going over like a lead balloon though, so there's no change in sight.

General Mike · 08-13-2004, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

yeah, WFAN is terrible. ESPN radio is going over like a lead balloon though, so there's no change in sight.

I can't get into ESPN's New York radio lineup. Like hell am I gonna listen to Michael Kay. Dan Patrick is a joke. Wally and the Keeg

. The only thing they have going for them is Jets football.

rkmsuf · 08-13-2004, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwikshot

WIP is a pathetic excuse for sports radio, they grab listeners by sensationalizing stories. I listen to them for comic relief.

that would be pretty much every sports radio station other than in the markets where nobody cares.

It's been 24 hours of Dale Sveum talk after he got 2 guys thrown out at the plate even though Boston won 6-0.

judicial clerk · 08-13-2004, 11:42 AM

I enjoy mel kiper jr. when I catch him on ESPN radio.

Sun Tzu · 08-13-2004, 12:39 PM

Totaly Oblivious.

MrBug708 · 08-13-2004, 02:06 PM

When's he gonna be a guest on the Bsak's radio show?

08-13-2004, 09:25 AM	#2
Alf Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Rennes, France	Turn Over __________________ FOFL - GML - IHOF - FranceStats

08-13-2004, 09:51 AM	#3
JonInMiddleGA Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Behind Enemy Lines in Athens, GA	Totally Odorous On the sidebar, the trend toward "guy talk" instead of "sports talk" is why my sports radio listening is at its lowest point in years. __________________ "I lit another cigarette. Unless I specifically inform you to the contrary, I am always lighting another cigarette." - from a novel by Martin Amis

08-13-2004, 09:58 AM	#4
General Mike Pro Starter Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The State of Rutgers	I am so glad I can't listen to WIP in my home because of bad reception, because if I tried to, my ears would probably begin to bleed. WFAN is bad enough as it is. __________________ Boise Stampede Continental Football League Jacksonville Jaguars GM North American Football League Nebraska Coach FOFC-BBCF Rutgers & Washington coach Bowl Bound-BBCF

08-13-2004, 12:39 PM	#12
Sun Tzu Pro Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: In the thick of it.	Totaly Oblivious. __________________ I'm still here. Don't touch my fucking bacon.

08-13-2004, 10:13 AM	#5
Anthony Banned Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Astoria, NY, USA	Ticked Off?

08-13-2004, 10:59 AM	#6
JimboJ High School Varsity Join Date: Aug 2003	I live between Philly and NY, and I listen to both WIP and WFAN. I agree the difference between them is night and day. WFAN is more for serious sports fan. I've heard WIP described as "Guy talk" radio. In other words things you would talk about with your buddies about over a few beers (only cleaner!). Mostly sports, but also current events, politics, movies, women, etc. Part of the reason for the difference is that NY has twice as many pro teams as Philly, hence there is more local sports to talk about. And you also have to realize that back in the mid 90's when WIP became popular, nobody cared about the Phillies and nobody cared about the Sixers. This was basically a two sport town - all anyone cared to talk about were the Eagles and Flyers. So WIP needed a strategy for filling up the rest of the year. Whether you like it or not, the "guy talk" format has been very successful for them. They found a niche, and they filled it nicely.

08-13-2004, 11:04 AM	#7
Qwikshot Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: ...down the gravity well	WIP is a pathetic excuse for sports radio, they grab listeners by sensationalizing stories. I listen to them for comic relief.

08-13-2004, 11:42 AM	#11
judicial clerk College Benchwarmer Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Portland, OR	I enjoy mel kiper jr. when I catch him on ESPN radio.

08-13-2004, 02:06 PM	#13
MrBug708 Head Coach Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Whittier	When's he gonna be a guest on the Bsak's radio show?

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