KRBE talks about why morning show was changed

I'm almost getting tired of this story. We all know by now that Atom Smasher and Maria Todd were dismissed from the new Cumulus version of 104.1 KRBE. Then the former Mix 96.5 KHMX morning show of Roula Christie and Ryan Chase came on board. That's because former 104.1 KRBE morning guy, Sam Malone, replaced them.

This is getting more complex than an episode of Lost.

Andrew Guy Jr. of the Houston Chronicle has been doing his best to keep up with the story. He just went back to KRBE and talked to the station on why the changes were made and what others in the radio industry think of it:

When KRBE's new owners revamped their morning show, they did more than set off the ire of loyal listeners. They also shed light on the broader issues of audience demographics and the future of mainstream radio.

The decision to replace Atom & Maria in the Mornings with The Roula and Ryan Show was, said executives at Cumulus Media Partners, a business call: Atom and Maria -- a hit with younger listeners -- didn't reach the 25- to 50-year-old crowd, a target demographic for advertisers.

"They were targeted really young," Patrick Fant, Cumulus market manager, said of Atom Smasher and Maria Todd. "Roula and Ryan have the ability to target a broader age demographic. (KRBE) will always be very strong with teens and with young people. That won't change. We're simply trying to reach a broader, older group."

I have a commenting section full of people who disagree with just who listened to Atom and Maria.

Also, I have another comment post that says Atom Smasher is on his way to San Antonio for a new job, but no official word on that. I am here if Atom or Maria want to talk since this blog has become the place for listeners to complain. CONTACT: Leave me a Houston or Texas media news tip | COMMENT: Click to leave your thoughts on this post here