New talk radio show goes head to head with Rooster
(CNS): While rock fans may be disappointed, Cayman radio listeners now have a choice when it comes to morning talk-shows with the introduction of a new breakfast chat show on 96.5 CAYROCK. Following long speculation that dms broadcasting would be introducing its own phone-in talk show to compete with Rooster’s long standing Crosstalk, the hosts were revealed this week when the show aired for the first time on Monday morning. Claiming to offer something new, dms said it was designed for Cayman’s morning commute, offering talk listeners an option as it examined international, regional and local issues.
Although, dms station Hot 104 has aired an afternoon talk show in the past, this is its first full breakfast phone in, and the morning shows will be hosted by media veteran Cynthia Hew and “Snap Monkhouse” as well as a second pair of hosts, young Caymanians Victor Crumbley and Carolina Ferriera. The programme will be produced by Preston Onfroy who dms said would ensure “compelling, relevant topics”.
Hew (pictured above), who is a familiar local TV personality, said she was thrilled about her involvement in Cayman’s newest talk live radio broadcast. “We know that talk radio isn’t a new concept to Cayman, but Talk Live @ 96.5 boasts a new and unique approach. Our aim is to explore both sides of every story and address the issues affecting our community by educating our listener,” she said.
Bryan Hollenbaugh, dms Broadcasting’s market manager said he was excited about the prospects of providing something not previously heard in the market, though he did not exactly say what the difference was. “This is about offering radio that addresses ‘real issues’ and engages in ‘real talk’ with reliable consults and experts, and provides possible solutions to the various concerns within our community – without the distraction of mudslinging and political rhetoric,” he said, echoing comments made by Walling Whittaker before his own afternoon talk-show’s short lived period on competitor broadcaster, Rooster.
However, Hollenbaugh said listeners have suggested dms Broadcasting enter into this foray for some time. “So we’ve opted to oblige, and have found a dynamic group of advocates to take up the issues,” he added."
Snap Monkhouse, lead anchor at the new Talk Live @ 96.5, also said the show was about “the issues” although he also said it was about “peeling back the onion to get to the heart of matters”.
Monkhouse promised the show would deal with decision makers and experts and ask the tough questions.
The show, which airs between 7-9am, replacing the music, will also be supported by its own website www.talklive.ky featuring various international and local newsfeeds, covering everything from business to entertainment, dms said, with online streaming and podcasts.
“Our goal is to compel Cayman with stimulating, thought-provoking conversation – and get some real open dialogue going,” Hollenbaugh stated. “We hope to get Cayman talking as we maintain that it is through mediums such as this that we might arrive at answers for Cayman’s future. We will tackle it all, the controversial and the superficial alike – it’s all about keeping our listeners informed.”
dms Broadcasting, “operates four radio stations: 96.5 CAYROCK, HOT 104.1, 106.1 KISS FM, and X107.1 and is a subsidiary of dms Organization Ltd., a business conglomerate engaged in the financial services, real estate and media industries.
Category: Local News
Show has been nothing but foolishness, if you are not informed on a subject please do not make something up on the fly. If you have two hours to fill on air I would think you need to prepare for at least two hours in advance of the show. I hope this can grow out of amateur hour into something useful.
I actually found it informative and detailed. I suppose if you’re an employee of the Immigrations Dept., you might not have enjoyed the dialogue, as it was rather biting regarding it’s inconsistency. I flipped to the other station to hear what was happening and found foolishness in the form of politicians dressing each other down, and our most senior politician calling in to confront someone who receives government subsidiaries. While I might even give credit to that being amazing and entertaining, it certainly is not something I’d consider productive for the benefit of the country. At least we now have a choice in the morning… you have yours and I have mine.
This show will not be strong enough to pull anyone from Rooster – not even the guests!
Say what you want about CrossTalk – they have a following. Also, dms was supposed to have theirstations available in the Brac from years ago and that still has not been done – no regulation in Cayman afterall so that cut’s into this listeners even more.
A high brow talk show? Yea, good luck with that one. Radio Cayman is trying that and their callers have dropped off significantly and the show is so boring now I hardly listen.
The idea behind talk radio is to be somewhat controversial and most people have an opinion that others may not like – most popular and longest running has been Howard Stern – how about that?!
Wow. Someone is a bit cranky! Apparently you’re the type that enjoys the divide in our community. I applaude dms for taking a fresh approach and will be happy to support their efforts.
Well I am happy DMS has taken this decision. Crosstalk is nothing but propaganda.
I wonder if this new show will beat Wallings record of shortest days lived for a talk show??
Cayrock isnt what it use to be. Who was speculating? I heard nothing about it and I listen to the radio everyday all day. I dont understand who Cayrock is even for anymore. Since when does a pirate rock station run a all news serious discussion morning show. Its turining into my dad’s radio station. You guys are idiots and now im listening to my Ipod
It was mentioned many times last week. I heard it from Brad West and Wendy Walker on air. Maybe you don’t listen as often as you claim?
I’m fine with the talk programme in the morning; afterall it’s only two hours. At least there not bashing people and creating more problems for those of us not born here. The station rocks the rest of the day and throughout the weekend, so I get my fix of music.
Good luck, but agree that the time would be better 11AM-1PM or 5PM to 7PM….so we can react to Rooster’s silliness.
Cayrock was the best station in Cayman in my opinion, so why the need to change it?
I suppose as long as its only 2 hours in the morning I can stomach it, but please don’t switch Cayrock to CayTALK permanently.
I love the music mix on Cayrock, with the classics and the new stuff all mixed together. Please Dms, keep the rock! Don’t make me have to listen to the garbage on Z99 or something!
Amazing! all this talk about "empowering young caymanians" and the minute they step out of their decorative "token" roles and start doing the talking instead of "being talked down to" what do we do? CRAP ON THEIR EFFORTS. Why is it so easy to discourage and dissuade people who are trying to do something good for cayman? Is it because they have yet to embrace the asinine jibberish which has dominated talk radio for so long? Or is it because they are young, educated, outspoken and with a little training can actually start to make a REAL CHANGE in the way that young people (and maybe some older ones) begin to embrace their roles as citizens of this country?
that’s it isn’t it? you’re shaking in your boots about what’s to come and what that might mean for you, aren’t you? I say good for them. I am looking forward to where they can get to once they really get into it and grow.
This is really good! As an ex-pat I have never felt as if there was a voice to air concerns that might include my interest or observations. If I took what I have heard on the other talk shows as the true thoughts of the majority, I don’t think I’d feels as good as I do about calling Cayman home. But I know better. I know there are many caring people who simply want to do what’s best for their country. We’re all working together to make this a better community and it’s time we all worked toward making a better Cayman — for Caymanians, ex-pats, and visitors alike. I have enjoyed the past several days of conversation and look forward to seeing how this will evolve. I must confess, I am a passion fan of rock music, but I see giving up two hours of morning rock as well worth it if this programming can make us all feel a little better that the concerns are being addressed and possible solutions are being discussed.
"As an ex-pat I have never felt as if there was a voice to air concerns that might include my interest or observations. "
Lucky you.
When I lived as an "expat" in another country I had no radio program to tune into that addressed my particular interests or observations.
I actually listened to and watched their local and national radio and t.v. programs for I understood that I decided to leave my homeland and plonk myself down in another man’s land. Learned quite a lot from the experience as well. Things like the culture, passions and nature of the locals – but I guess such issues are not valued by everyone.
In any event – great way to further divide the Cayman community Don / dms. I am actually interested in hearing the new program. Did it really have to directly conflict with the other show?
That is rubbish. You go to anywhere in the world and there are TV stations, radio stations and the like to suit all tastes and people from all over the world particularly those from countries with a large expat presence.
Go to the States and there’s plenty of stations in Spanish if that’s your choosing and there are many expat run stations mainly focused on the primary foreign audiences like central and south america. In the UK there are radio stations in all different languages specifically catering to different nationalities that have a big expat presence there.
You are obviously making up your story of living abroad as your comments are completely untrue and is purely an attempt to spread zenophobic nonsense.
Here in Cayman where arguably over 50% of the population are expatriates and certainly 80% of the investors in the local economy and buyers of the products advertised on the radio stations, it is obviously completely reasonable to have a program that caters to a wide audience instead of being limited to listening to the sameold XXX backward, bumpkin nonsense heard on Rooster.
The majority of sensible, hard working Caymanians do not even listen to that drivel. The new station is aimed at a more idverse cross section of the community and just because they do not abuse any section of the population does not make it a bad thing.
"You are obviously making up your story of living abroad as your comments are completely untrue and is purely an attempt to spread zenophobic nonsense."
Fa’ real?!
Lol!
Okay dude/ette … whatever you say.
Obviously you didn’t listen to the programme, as its Caymanians talking about issues important to both Caymanians and ex-pats alike. I get the impression this is about bringing the community together, not widen the divide that is becoming more and more apparent. perhaps there are some who prefer the gap widening, but I for one believe the only way to succeed is in working together for a better Cayman. Call me Utopian, but it beats the hell out of backbiting, complaining and offer no solution.
As far as "conflict with the other show", perhaps their motivation was to provide people an viable option; much like you’d have the choice of watching Oprah or Jerry Springer (which is what I liken the other station program to).
Congratulations and best wishes to Don Seymour, dms, and to Cynthia Hew and her co-hosts. I think there is considerable audience potential for a responsible, intelligent, call-in show.
May I offer three suggestions:
1) Become well-informed on current issues and do independent reporting and research on any guests or topics you will be covering. In other words, know what you’re talking about before you start talking about it. I am continually astonished by the misinformation that is promulgated—or left unchallenged—by the hosts of the "other show."
2) Do not be overly solicitous or sycophantic toward your guests (especially elected officials). Such behavior is always slightly nauseating, but even more so in the morning. Be polite, be fair, but by all means, be tough.
3) Discourage long-winded rants and ramblings from pedants, pedagogues, politicians, and the few regular callers who may attempt to monopolize or hijack your valuable air time.
Again, best wishes, and I look forward to tuning in tomorrow morning . . .
Unfortunately, David, this morning’s broadcast indicated that they are already failed to do what you recommended in #1. A bad start…
tuned in a couple of times and all sounded very sensible…
it’s hust hard to get away from rooster… you got to here that nonsense for yourself!
as it makes your blood boil listneing to such backwardness … it ‘s good for waking up!
don’t get me started on radio cayman’s talk today!……. makes you want to be deaf!
Nothing wrong with a little morning talk to go with the rock.
As long as it is not the same bs that’s on Rooster.
Good for dms.
I miss the choice between mindless rock and mindless racism/xenophobia.
I tuned into the CayRock this morning and there was an intelligent discussion on Cayman radio. Nearly crashed my car I did. Couldn’t handle it at all.
I applaud DMS Broadcasting on their new venture. All we hear on cross talk is non-stop childish banter and callers that think they know what they are talking about. I hope this show offers solutions and not just a forum for political gain for the hosts like on Rooster.
I’m liking it so far, how come only two hours?
I think that girl Carolina is great.. I like how she tackles the issues from a factual standpoint and stands against issues for the right reasons and not care about the politics or who she rubs the wrong way. Keep up the good work and keep them honest and when that doesn’t work hold them accountable.
Nothing wrong with this, only I wished they would have changed the time to 5 pm to 9 pm when every one is driving home and can listen, while the pot is on they can listen and call in. A little more comfortable, and give the Rooster a time to crow in the morning.
I guess I’ll have to call my family in the Brac and tell them what was said as they don’t have that station over there… maybe it is just for us folks living in Grand Cayman.
CNS: Those of us on the Brac can listen live through the internet http://www.cayrock.ky
I gladly welcome something new. Tired of listening to Ezzy "Anti Ex-Pat" Miller and the rest of the usual cast of characters on Rooster…same old back and forth rhetoric…maybe McField (s), Reba, Rupert, Peter and #1 can stay on Rooster too ? Oh please…pretty please.
Thank you DMS. It will be nice to listen to something different. Cross Talk is starting to get repetitive and boring to listen to. I look forward to listening to this new talk show. Cynthia Hew is very well spoken and a delight to listen to.
Time to turn off CayRock. Do we really need another radio talk show? CayRock was the only station worth listening to before this. Please go back to playing music!
Music???? CayRock is for kids Metallica @ 7:30 in the morning. Oh yeah just what we need a headache. Give me satellite.
So much for my music during the morning drive to work. Bring back the music!
What a waste! After listening for 3 days this week I’ll be changing the channel. Bring back the rock….this format does not fit the Cayrock image. Not to mention the painful nature of listening to Victor and Carolina. Clearly they have very limited training and it shows.
This will never work, Cynthia just doesn’t have the face meant for radio that the competing hosts do.