Reader comments
KSL splitting from Bonneville; new digital media company created
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faithful follower | 11:05 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009
In the midst of all of this shuffling around I would hope that, somehow, the
organization would be able to distance itself from NBC. I enjoy all of the
elements of this corporation but I have such a difficult time with the
strangulating poliltical pulls of NBC that I can't support the television
portion of KSL. I am just one viewer but I don't watch channel 5 anymore
and my support of advertisers who support NBC is impacted. Good luck to the new
organization as it moves forward
RichE | 11:12 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009
No doubt this comment will generate multiple thumbs down from readers, but if
Deseret Management Company were to have Sean Hannity removed from it's
afternoon lineup, KSL radio may have a chance to return to it's glory days
of the mid and late 20th century.
The Sean Hannity show, while attempting to adhere to its own view of conservative principles, does so in such a manner as to discourage rational thinking, open and respectful debate.
If the Sean Hannity show were to emulate the Doug Wright show, it would likely then be seen as a legitimate part of KSL's programming, but when KSL is the flagship radio broadcast station for the LDS Church and LDS Conferences, retaining the Sean Hannity show only shows, in my opinion, a wanton and callous disregard for the last part of the 13th Article of Faith of the LDS Church, which states, "If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
Listening to the Sean Hannity show, whether you are liberal or conservative, has none of the criteria mentioned in the 13th Article of Faith.
The Sean Hannity show, while attempting to adhere to its own view of conservative principles, does so in such a manner as to discourage rational thinking, open and respectful debate.
If the Sean Hannity show were to emulate the Doug Wright show, it would likely then be seen as a legitimate part of KSL's programming, but when KSL is the flagship radio broadcast station for the LDS Church and LDS Conferences, retaining the Sean Hannity show only shows, in my opinion, a wanton and callous disregard for the last part of the 13th Article of Faith of the LDS Church, which states, "If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
Listening to the Sean Hannity show, whether you are liberal or conservative, has none of the criteria mentioned in the 13th Article of Faith.
Zadruga Guy | 11:19 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009
My take on this is that Deseret Management is considering selling Bonneville.
If so, then this action makes it clear that KSL would not be part of the package
being shopped.
Comments continue below
Poor Bonneville Decisions | 11:43 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009
As ex-pat Utahn living on east Coast in the DC area, many of us lament the rue
the day that Bonneville made the decision to sell-off its classical music
station WGMS, a DC fixture for nearly 50 years, and the most profitable
classical music station in the country. At the time, Bonneville management said
they needed to do it to move to a more "profitable" TOP 40 station,
which after about 2 months, went off the air. As a result, we have a
second-rate classical station with public radio, which spends most of its time
on a beg-a-thon for contributions, interspersed with NPR news updates. KSL is
fortunate to be free of the management types that made what proved to be a
bone-headed decision, the results of which we all back here must live with now.
I have heard rumblings of 1160AM | 12:04 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Becoming a full time sports radio program and 102.7FM being strictly news. I
would expect it to happen now. Good bye poor sports radio. Hello 1160AM!!!
If Sean Hannity | 12:21 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
. . . were to emulate Doug Wright, he'd decline to about the same market
share.
How would KSL Radio benefit from that?
How would KSL Radio benefit from that?
Liberty | 12:23 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
@RichE,
I absolutely agree with you on the Sean Hannity issue. So many view KSL as the voice of the LDS Church and the relationship with Sean Hannity flies in the face of the LDS Church's alleged political neutrality. Hannity is not a valid news source or even a respected voice in politics. Can't KSL nurture other voices who are more rational? Shouldn't they serve the good of the community? KSL needs to raise the bar on public discourse and stay above the nastiness which has permeated the media.
@Faithful Follower,
I would love to see KSL TV steer clear of NBC as well. How many shows does KSL broadcast which actually meet LDS standards? Is this all for just for money? Shouldn't we expect more from a corporation owned by the LDS Church?
I absolutely agree with you on the Sean Hannity issue. So many view KSL as the voice of the LDS Church and the relationship with Sean Hannity flies in the face of the LDS Church's alleged political neutrality. Hannity is not a valid news source or even a respected voice in politics. Can't KSL nurture other voices who are more rational? Shouldn't they serve the good of the community? KSL needs to raise the bar on public discourse and stay above the nastiness which has permeated the media.
@Faithful Follower,
I would love to see KSL TV steer clear of NBC as well. How many shows does KSL broadcast which actually meet LDS standards? Is this all for just for money? Shouldn't we expect more from a corporation owned by the LDS Church?
NBC Albatross | 12:32 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I agree that KSL TV doesn't reflect our communty values. Our family
doesn't watch it anymore.
My take | 12:39 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I agree 100% with faithful follower.
I also could not disagree with RichE more.
I also could not disagree with RichE more.
@rumblings 1160 | 12:41 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
That seems kind of silly, sports radio isn't ever very high in the ratings,
and they would be the 4th all sports station in the market, 1280, 1320/1230 and
700 are all sports stations already.
Why? | 12:41 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Why does a Church own such businesses anyway?
utahprincipal801 | 12:48 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I, too, would listen more to KSL radio if Sean Hannity were not on in the
afternoon. Isn't there somewhere some programming that is not so
one-sided, inflammatory and less divisive than this? Surely KSL can find
someone locally or nationally that is more like Doug Wright to do a talk show.
From Rexburg | 12:50 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
We will miss Clark Gilbert here at BYU-Idaho! He has done outstanding work and
influenced many people and policies for good. With his knowledge, vision, and
work ethic, Bonneville will be in excellent hands. He'll do amazing and
positive things. Good luck, Clark.
SeattleReader | 1:06 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
If you think Hannity is bad in SLC on the Church's radio station, imagine
how we feel in Seattle that the Church-owned station plays Michael Savage every
day. On top of that the nickname the station uses is "The Truth." It
is a disgrace.
NO KSL FAN | 1:07 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Can't stomach Hannity, Doug Wright, or Amanda Dixon... Glad I've got
satellite radio...
Sean Hannity Fan | 1:20 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Sean Hannity is the only reason I listen to KSL radio. I quit watching KSL a
long time ago and it used to be my main source of news. NBC has ruined it for
me.
Paul | 1:20 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I see no reason why Sean Hannity is an issue. The left have every station but
one on there side. We need at least one to balance things out.
Timmy | 1:28 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
This was done so Bonneville can buy another radio station and maybe TV too... We
shall see....
KSL needs to be re-thought | 1:44 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
KSL radio is so over-saturated with cheesy advertisements that I can hardly make
it a full 10 minutes to listen to the next traffic/weather report. I have never
made it more than 10 minutes. And I can't take even 5 minutes of Sean
Hannity's overblown rhetoric.
KSL.com has the best classifieds in the local market. But the news content is very shallow and there is no mobile version of the site. The best parts of the website are the classifieds and the weather - everything else is really weak.
And one more comment about KSL classifieds - the real estate section is nothing but a feeding ground for real estate agents. We listed our home there and received 100 to 1 calls from pushy agents versus customers. It was extremely annoying.
KSL.com has the best classifieds in the local market. But the news content is very shallow and there is no mobile version of the site. The best parts of the website are the classifieds and the weather - everything else is really weak.
And one more comment about KSL classifieds - the real estate section is nothing but a feeding ground for real estate agents. We listed our home there and received 100 to 1 calls from pushy agents versus customers. It was extremely annoying.
Love KSL Programming | 2:05 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
KSL is a Utah institution and its radio personalities, Doug Wright, Amanda
Dixon, etc. are all top-notch professional. The Arbitron ratings prove it. As
does the Hannity program. Liberals don't like talk radio because it's
overwhelmingl conservative. But there's a reason why it's gaining
audience share, and while liberal experiments (remember Air America disaster?)
are failing. They don't ressonate with its audience. And the fact that
conservative talk radio is popular and growing more so every day is a sad
indigtment of the so-called "main stream media" --which, outside of
Fox News and Wall Street Journal, continue to have a slobbering love affair with
secular progressive causes and the Obama Administration. Hannity is a Great
American who stands for Traditional Values. Sorry if that offends those of you
in the uber liberal "secular progressive" movement.
Evets | 2:22 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Shedding NBC would be nice but then what do they replace it??? I too never
watch KSL TV because I can't find a thing that matches our values or
interest.
As for KSL radio....As a good Catholic friend put it, "Why is an LDS owned radio station so liberal?" I have to agree with him. It seems to echo the liberal mainstream media (maybe except for Doug Wright and Hannity). And Amanda, she doesn't have a clue what is really happening in the world. Do some show prep girl!
I feel sorry for our Seattle Reader...Savage? What are they thinking. I have nothing against Hannity's politics but his presentation is just rude. At least he is better than Savage.
Enough said. I wish DMC best luck in pulling all this off.
As for KSL radio....As a good Catholic friend put it, "Why is an LDS owned radio station so liberal?" I have to agree with him. It seems to echo the liberal mainstream media (maybe except for Doug Wright and Hannity). And Amanda, she doesn't have a clue what is really happening in the world. Do some show prep girl!
I feel sorry for our Seattle Reader...Savage? What are they thinking. I have nothing against Hannity's politics but his presentation is just rude. At least he is better than Savage.
Enough said. I wish DMC best luck in pulling all this off.
Doug Wright is just pathetic | 2:25 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
radio. Listening to him "is simply unconcionable." The guy is
pathetic. Bob Lonsberry would be such a better fit. Doug Wright is simply a
blow-hard who needs to give it up. Maybe they can let him keep doing his
pathetic movie show.
@Sean Hannity Fan | 2:38 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
So do you get all of your talking points in life from Sean Hannity, or do you
balance it out with Bill O'Reilly, Rush and Glenn?
If the LDS Church is all about moderation and balance between politics, why not add some MSNBC into the mix? I'd love to hear some Keith Olbermann right after Hannity's show.
If the LDS Church is all about moderation and balance between politics, why not add some MSNBC into the mix? I'd love to hear some Keith Olbermann right after Hannity's show.
The Rock | 2:39 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I never cease to be amazed by the number of liberals who comment on this
site.
Sean Hannity is a good and decent man.
I never hear conservatives calling for a liberal to be kicked off the air. Liberals never stop asking for that. It is very clear that liberals do not believe in free speech. They want to gang muzzle anyone who disagrees with them.
I welcome vigorous political debate. I am not afraid of what somebody else might say. I want Obama to do a lot of talking because every time he opens his mouth he becomes less popular.
Truth is easy to defend. Liberals don't want the other side to have the right to even talk because their positions will not stand up to intelligent debate.
KSL should keep Hannity on the air.
Sean Hannity is a good and decent man.
I never hear conservatives calling for a liberal to be kicked off the air. Liberals never stop asking for that. It is very clear that liberals do not believe in free speech. They want to gang muzzle anyone who disagrees with them.
I welcome vigorous political debate. I am not afraid of what somebody else might say. I want Obama to do a lot of talking because every time he opens his mouth he becomes less popular.
Truth is easy to defend. Liberals don't want the other side to have the right to even talk because their positions will not stand up to intelligent debate.
KSL should keep Hannity on the air.
@Seattle Reader | 2:53 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I live in Federal Way, WA. Just south of Seattle.
I think a lot of LDS people are going to be surprised at how conservative God is when they meet him.
"The Idler shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer"
High taxes are grievous to be born.
All men are accountable for their own actions.
I could go on and on and on. The Gospel is conservative.
Yes, there is the gospel of compassion. Liberals never want to donate their own money to the poor. They always want the government to take other people's money and give it to the poor.
I think a lot of LDS people are going to be surprised at how conservative God is when they meet him.
"The Idler shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer"
High taxes are grievous to be born.
All men are accountable for their own actions.
I could go on and on and on. The Gospel is conservative.
Yes, there is the gospel of compassion. Liberals never want to donate their own money to the poor. They always want the government to take other people's money and give it to the poor.
Wondering | 2:59 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I think the fact that a church-owned station turns 20 hours a week over to Sean
Hannity sends the message that the LDS church, in fact, approves of his POV.
Could that, in part, be responsible for some of the hysteria in some quarters
over President Obama's address to school kids this week?
Captain Jonathan Beauregard III | 3:09 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
"I never cease to be amazed by the number of liberals who comment on this
site."
Afraid ides from other people might hurt your head?
Afraid ides from other people might hurt your head?
Frederick Gerard Gene Depardeu | 3:12 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I find that people hooked to radio talk show hosts seldom think for themselves
and need the radio crutch.
Clark | 3:20 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
This story has the most convoluted first sentence I've read in months.
Split it in two (at least) to keep the lead to 30 words or less.
A Conservative's View | 3:22 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I agree that KSL's audience would be better served by someone other than
Sean Hannity. He's extreme and divisive. I stopped listening to KSL radio
in the afternoons because of him. At least move Clark Howard from the 10pm slot
to the afternoons. He is respectful to his listeners, and his sound advice is
very pertinent in this economy.
Anonymous | 3:23 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
"Yes, there is the gospel of compassion. Liberals never want to donate
their own money to the poor. They always want the government to take other
people's money and give it to the poor"
Wow, that's a broad brush and just not true and for you to say it that way reflects poorly on you.
Wow, that's a broad brush and just not true and for you to say it that way reflects poorly on you.
Doug Wrong | 3:38 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I stopped listening to Doug Wright years ago when he promoted illegal
immigration. Now I listen to Glenn Beck, he ROCKS!
Lost in Utah | 4:04 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
There is no hope for Utah.
I am moving to
Canada where everyone gets health care and peace.
I am moving to
Canada where everyone gets health care and peace.
Mike | 4:43 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
re: Lost in Utah
....where everyone gets health care and peace...and 65 percent taxes....and delayed health care...
....where everyone gets health care and peace...and 65 percent taxes....and delayed health care...
Oracle | 4:47 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Conservative is the wave of the future. Lower taxes, less government, fewer
liberal lies. Life will get better. Now go get out the vote.
Dear "The Rock" | 5:01 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Dear "The Rock"
Please explain to me why Mr. Hannity called for parents, students, teachers and education officials to more or less boycott and silence President Obama's "indoctrination" speech on Education the other day?
I guess Mr. Hannity believes that staying in school and working hard and hoping to better your life with education are fundamental principles of "leftist socialism" Therefore we should disrespect the Office of President and any message that comes out it.
Please explain to me why Mr. Hannity called for parents, students, teachers and education officials to more or less boycott and silence President Obama's "indoctrination" speech on Education the other day?
I guess Mr. Hannity believes that staying in school and working hard and hoping to better your life with education are fundamental principles of "leftist socialism" Therefore we should disrespect the Office of President and any message that comes out it.
phoenician | 5:13 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
It would be very helpful to see an organization chart to better understand how
all this will work. Kudos to Mr. Willes for trimming the fat, being progressive
and running a tight ship.
Anonymous | 5:29 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
if KSL were split from NBC, does that mean someone else will pick up the NBC
line-up and realize I'm adult enough to watch Saturday Night Live if I
choose to? If so, I'm all for it!
And a question, why do some of you not think NBC programming is up to community standards? I regularly watch shows like The Office, 30 Rock etc, and don't see anything wrong with them-- it's funny stuff! Does the "community" not have a sense of humor?
And a question, why do some of you not think NBC programming is up to community standards? I regularly watch shows like The Office, 30 Rock etc, and don't see anything wrong with them-- it's funny stuff! Does the "community" not have a sense of humor?
KSL needs to be tweaked | 5:50 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I agree with the comments about the terrible commercials, but that is more of a
problems with all advertising in Utah and not just KSL.
I also don't see a problem with KSL broadcasting Sean Hannity, he and the other far right conservative talk shows are killing the liberal shows in the ratings. At the end of the day it is about getting the most people listening to your program. I would have to be paid to listen to Hannity's show, but that is why there are numerous other stations to listen to out there.
I think that the basic concept of KSL radio is good. They have the best traffic report by far, and the most reliable weather reports. They are also the home of the cougars, and they do a good job with the pre/post/actual game.
If you don't like the station, just listen to something else. You can't complain about the snow if you live in Buffalo, and you can't complain about the Utah culture but enjoy all the benefits of low crime and good neighborhoods.
Maybe it would be better if some of the nuts left the state?
I also don't see a problem with KSL broadcasting Sean Hannity, he and the other far right conservative talk shows are killing the liberal shows in the ratings. At the end of the day it is about getting the most people listening to your program. I would have to be paid to listen to Hannity's show, but that is why there are numerous other stations to listen to out there.
I think that the basic concept of KSL radio is good. They have the best traffic report by far, and the most reliable weather reports. They are also the home of the cougars, and they do a good job with the pre/post/actual game.
If you don't like the station, just listen to something else. You can't complain about the snow if you live in Buffalo, and you can't complain about the Utah culture but enjoy all the benefits of low crime and good neighborhoods.
Maybe it would be better if some of the nuts left the state?
Adam | 6:01 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I love Sean Hannity and all other conservative talk radio and tv personel. Long
live conservatism and all you liberals can move to Canada or anywhere else if
you don't like the conservative culture here. Honestly quit complaining
about life here. I love Utah and I love that KSL radio plays such a great
American that voices the truth.
A thought... | 6:13 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
A visual showing the organization chart would have been helpful.
Anonymous | 6:19 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
KSL lost many people because of Sean Hennity We quit many yeard ago because of
him, he can't think possitive its all negitive and extremly stupid.
listener from Idaho.
well | 7:09 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I dont listen to talk raidio but as long as Maureen Dowd exists anywhere I
cannot get upset over Sean Hannity - in fact I am happy that there is someone
who parodies the left and I am glad KSL accomodates him
Anonymous | 7:59 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I used to listen to Hannity, but I couldn't take him saying, "quick
break," every single break. As well as the, "you're a great
American," mutual admiration society.
Bob | 8:12 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Rich E wants Hannity to be more like "Vanilla" Doug Wright? No
thanks. A few weeks ago when KNRS said they had a big announcement, I was
hoping they had traded "Dr Laura" to KSL for the Hannity show. Then I
would only have to listen to KSL for the BYU games. But unfortunately,
KNRS's big announcement turned out to be the adding of FM...big deal.
Lew Jeppson | 8:36 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Hannity is an incendiary provateur and an agent for the Republican Party. He
encourages rudenss and confrontation, and is biased. I don't believe in
censorship, but if KSL were to offer a little daytime balance, not much mind
you, but maybe 15 minutes of somebody like Jim Hightower, I might actually
believe the disclaimer "the views expressed on this program do not
necessarily represent those of KSL management or its owenership." Given
KSL's obvious promotion of Hannity, I believe this statement to be an
outright lie.
anonymous | 8:41 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Gordon B. Hinckley taught that people should treat one another with decency,
respect and civility. Sean Hannity practices none of those things. He is
mean-spirited, rude, and disrespectful. I can't believe that the church
allows him three hours a day on their radio station.
Mark | 8:54 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I find it interesting that most dislike Hannity, and on the other side,
don't like KSL TV because of NBC being too liberal. Well which is it. Is
KSL too conservative or too liberal? I don't watch much NBC TV, not because
of its news division but because of the low quality programming. They're
last in the ratings for this reason, not because of the liberal content. Hannity
has listeners which in turn makes KSL money, which is why KSL is in business. If
Alan Combs was the 2nd most popular radio host, KSL would probaby air him too.
Johnny Canuck | 11:11 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
Hey paul...my taxes are way below 65%. My banks, all of them, posted profits
every quarter for the past many years without a dime of government help...and
I've not yet waited for health care. I guess your wait time is nil if you
have not insurance and therefore can't expect care at all.
Kurt | 11:49 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009
I agree that Hannity needs to go. That is a rude entertainment show for the
feeble minded.
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The front of the KSL building in Salt Lake City Thursday.
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