Howard Eskin's falling behind Mike Missanelli in the afternoon ratings, so they're tweaking. I can't imagine it'll help:
610 WIP's Howard Eskin was paired last week with Rob Ellis, his first time with a co-host since he partnered with Mike Missanelli from 1999 to 2002. Missanelli's ratings on 950 ESPN, where he hosts opposite Eskin's afternoon drive show, have surpassed Eskin in the coveted radio demographic of men 25-54. Is the new coupling part of WIP's reaction to the ratings slip? Eskin now features more guests on his show, runs contests and even seems to be acting more polite to callers.My take on Eskin has always been that he (meaning, his radio persona) may be a raging A-hole who's wrong most of the time, but at least he's entertaining, which is more than I can say for the station's morning team, which is just as nasty and wrong, but all but unlistenable. Eskin's also the only host on the station who doesn't mindlessly hate the Eagles.
I don't like the changes, though. Eskin doesn't work with a sidekick- he's a lone wolf, all the way- and he's at his worst when he has guests. His show is much better when he's yelling at stupid callers.
WIP needs to make two more changes. Put morning guy Cataldi on a permanent vacation. Never listen when he is there,always listen when he is not. The other is make Bob Ellis permanent afternoon host. Eskin is finally getting his comeuppance with Misanelli beating him the last few ratings books.
You can only call people Idiots and Sarcastic Geniuses for so long before people start to tune you out. They now have an option with Missanelli, which they never had before.
WIP needs to make two more changes. Put morning guy Cataldi on a permanent vacation. Never listen when he is there,always listen when he is not. The other is make Bob Ellis permanent afternoon host. Eskin is finally getting his comeuppance with Misanelli beating him the last few ratings books.
You can only call people Idiots and Sarcastic Geniuses for so long before people start to tune you out. They now have an option with Missanelli, which they never had before.