The Back Page: multiple changes at northern Michigan's big three radio ownership groups

 Northern Michigan Radio Landscape

- Three major companies dominate Northern Michigan radio: MacDonald Garber Broadcasting, Midwestern Broadcasting, and Black Diamond Broadcasting.

- These companies have undergone significant changes in programming and personnel recently.

- The radio industry faces challenges from satellite radio and streaming services, necessitating adaptation to listener preferences.

MacDonald Garber Broadcasting Changes

- 96.7 WLXV in Cadillac returned to simulcasting AC Lite 96 (WLXT 96.3 Petoskey) due to tower damage from a major ice storm.

- The change raises questions about the permanence of 96.7's format, previously Country 'The Bull'.

- Tower reconstruction is a lengthy process requiring FCC approval and engineering expertise.

Midwestern Broadcasting Developments

- 1310 AM WCCW, formerly Classic Country WTCM Gold, rebranded as '1310 The Ticket' to join the 97.1 Detroit statewide sports network.

- The station faces a challenge as 'The Ticket' name is already used by MacDonald Garber stations in other areas.

- 1310 AM is currently a daytime-only operation due to a lost transmitter site, impacting its future viability.

Black Diamond Broadcasting Adjustments

- Classic Rock 'The Bear' introduced new midday and afternoon hosts, Dave Barr and Guy Dark.

- Rock 105 and 95.5 adjusted its schedule, extending Cartman's morning show and adding a syndicated night show from Canadian Greg Beharrell.

- The syndicated Greg Beharrell show is criticized for its canned, non-local content, reflecting a low-budget approach.

Radio Industry Challenges and Listener Engagement

- Radio stations are criticized for being cheap and not prioritizing listener preferences, leading to declining ratings.

- The rise of digital platforms like Spotify and online streams provides significant competition to traditional radio.

- Understanding listener engagement now involves website visits and online stream data, beyond traditional Nielsen ratings.

Howard Stern's Reduced Schedule

- Howard Stern announced a reduced work schedule, broadcasting only on Mondays and Tuesdays.

- His decision is attributed to prioritizing his health as he approaches 72 years old.

- The change means he will only be working six hours a week, three hours per show.

Bee-otches of the Day: Trump, Ted Nugent... and the flu

 New Year's Eve Illness and Recovery

- Chuck discusses his New Year's Eve work shift and subsequent illness onset.

- Flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches and high heart rate.

- Gradual recovery over the weekend, resuming daily chores.

Political Commentary and Criticism

- Critique of US foreign policy, specifically the Venezuela invasion for oil.

- Comparison of George W. Bush and Donald Trump's presidencies and their negative impact.

- Advocacy for a 'blue wave' and progressive Democratic values.

Critique of Ted Nugent

- Condemnation of Ted Nugent's past actions and current relevance, especially him trashing Green Day, Eminem and Tom Morello for being "idiots".

- Criticism of his draft evasion and molestation of underage girls.

- Disappointment in local support in northern Michigan for Nugent despite his controversial history.

Local Radio Station Changes

- Discussion of changes to local radio station formats in Traverse City.

- Critique of WCCW's new 'Good Vibes' format and music selection.

- Personal history with local radio and efforts to establish a real rock station.

THE 2025 BEE-OTCH OF THE YEAR!

-In discussing third place, Chuck explains that if something ain't broke, don't fix it.

-While discussing second place, Chuck says that if someone is not a nice person, it's ok to trash them when they die.

-And finally, when he discusses the Bee-otch of the Year, Chuck talks about voting for the most-blue candidates in the 2026 midterms.

Heroes of the Day: the strip club industry

Adult Entertainment Industry Advocacy

- The film 'Anora' highlights the struggles of sex workers.

- Strip clubs contribute significantly to community charity and disaster relief.

- The adult entertainment industry is unfairly stigmatized compared to other businesses.

Critique of Religious Institutions and Hypocrisy

- Churches are criticized for elaborate stage shows and materialistic leaders.

- Instances of financial fraud and sexual abuse by religious figures are cited.

- The speaker finds strippers more 'normal' and moral than many Christian women.

Personal Struggles and Social Isolation

- Chuck recounts childhood bullying and negative experiences with women.

- Challenges in dating are attributed to Chuck's disability and Grand Rapids' social environment.

- Experiences with a manipulative church member led to disengagement from the church.

Negative Perceptions of Grand Rapids and Dating Scene

- Grand Rapids is described as a 'lonely city' with a difficult dating scene.

- The city's ban on strip clubs is seen as detrimental to its social life.

- Chuck prefers strip clubs over other social venues for genuine interaction.

Comparison of Strip Clubs and Mainstream Establishments

- Strip clubs are portrayed as safer and more community-oriented than places like Walmart.

- Chuck praises Odyssey strip club in Muskegon for its atmosphere and treatment of dancers.

- The adult entertainment industry is defended as protected under the First Amendment.

Bee-otch of the Day: Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions' Playoff Hopes Dashed

- Lions' Christmas Day loss to Vikings ended playoff chances.

- Jared Goff's poor performance and team's amateur play.

- NFL scheduling and officiating blamed for team's struggles.

Controversial Player Actions and Political Stances

- Amon-Ra St. Brown's 'Trump dance' and perceived political support.

- Tim Tebow's pro-life activism and commercial controversies.

- Harrison Butker's controversial comments on women's roles.

Critique of Chicago Sports Team Ownership and Management

- Chicago Bears' coaching changes and historical ownership issues.

- Chicago White Sox owner threatening to move the team.

- Chicago Blackhawks' ownership history, from Frederic McLaughlin to Rocky Wirtz.

Healthcare System and Financial Disparities

- Critique of Amon-Ra St. Brown's promotion of faith-based healthcare.

- Advocacy for universal healthcare in America.

- Impact of healthcare costs on average citizens, leading to bankruptcy.

Bee-otch of the Day: Rivertown Crossings

 Grand Rapids Shopping Mall Analysis

- Woodland Mall: Crown jewel with high occupancy and continuous store replacement.

- Rivertown Crossings: Newest, double-decker mall, but losing stores and built on sinking land.

- Rogers Plaza: Described as 'ghetto' with poor quality stores, except for the Secretary of State office.

Rivertown Crossings Security Incident

- A 30-year-old man with Down syndrome, dressed as an elf, was ejected from Rivertown Crossings.

- Security guard accused the man of 'giving Santa competition'.

- Rivertown Crossings issued an apology and promised to work with the security guard.

Personal Struggles and Grand Rapids Critique

- Chuck recounts a history of bullying, difficult relationships, and personal losses.

- Criticism of Grand Rapids as a 'depressing' and 'uptight' city, especially for single individuals.

- Personal negative experience with a Rivertown Crossings security guard while filming during COVID.

Mall Ownership and Redevelopment

- Brookfield, former owner of Rivertown and Grand Traverse Malls, sold off properties.

- Rivertown Crossings was sold to Poag Development, which plans to rebuild the parking lot.

- Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust invested over $100 million into Woodland Mall's redevelopment.

Bee-otch of the Day: my former stepfather

Yes, it's long, but something good happened to me a few weeks ago. John Lennon was only half right. Karma's gonna get you, but it isn't always instant.