On Tuesday, the Carolina Hurricanes announced that it would be parting ways with long-time radio voice and Hall-of-Famer Chuck Kaiton.
If you wish to read my thoughts on today’s news in chronological order, I recommend scrolling to the bottom first where you can find my initial comments on Twitter and also a comment posted to yesterday’s Daily Cup of Joe article shortly after the news was announced.
Please also check out Wednesday’s Daily Cup of Joe that is on topic with a Mount Rushmore list of six from Carolina Hurricanes history.
The business side of Chuck Kaiton and radio coverage
As I said briefly on Twitter, this transition was inevitable at some point. Years ago when the team only covered about 60 percent of the games on television, the market for radio broadcasts was significantly larger. In addition to 82-game television coverage, the arrival of DVRs and maybe more significantly smart phones decreases the need for radio coverage. Fans now have multiple ways to track the game in real time from any mobile device.
And sure enough, estimates from the News & Observer’s article on the event suggest that fewer than 2,000 people were tuning in for radio broadcasts.
And the costs are significant. In his article at WRALSportsFan.com, Adam Gold estimated the annual costs at $500,000 to produce the broadcasts. It is difficult to tell if that is the amount the loss or just a cost to be netted against advertising revenue. Regardless, the amount is enough to be significant for an NHL team, the team is losing money on it and the trend is negative looking into the future.
So from a simple profitability analysis angle, the move today is a no-brainer that makes perfect sense.
But there is a bigger picture with Chuck Kaiton
But there is a bigger picture for this situation. Chuck Kaiton’s 39-year career, Hall-of-Fame status and 20 years as a recognized voice and face in the Hurricanes hockey community is not something that should be taken lightly.
Copied from my other article today, here is context for Kaiton’s place in Hurricanes history:
When making an extremely short list of icons, some might argue that only players or possibly coaches belong in such a small group. I actually believe the opposite. When television or radio announcers span a long run of history as they can better than players whose careers are limited by physical ability, good ones have the potential to become part of the deepest layer or fabric of the team’s history and community. With both Chuck Kaiton and John Forslund having been part of the organization since its arrival in North Carolina (and significantly before that especially for Chuck Kaiton), they have been part of all it – the highest highs, the lowest lows…the optimism, the success and the glory…but also the crushing defeats, despair and times when fans needed something, anything, to hold on to. As such announcers like Kaiton and Forslund can become deeply ingrained in the totality of the fan experience and fan community.
In the case of Chuck Kaiton (and John Forslund), their place in Hurricanes history has been exactly that but even more. Both played integral roles as ambassadors for the team and NHL hockey in general when the team fell out of the sky into a non-traditional hockey market with no forewarning. Two things were significantly different about Hurricanes hockey in those pioneer days. First, the team televised only a little over half of the team’s games. That meant for those looking to take in many games, the only option was Chuck Kaiton on the radio. So whereas, there are so many options to track a Hurricanes game live with 82-game television coverage, DVRs and ever-present mobile devices, for the first wave of Canes fans back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Chuck Kaiton was a core part of Canes fandom. And for me personally (and verified regularly by others who picked the team up in this time frame), Kaiton’s unique style and delivery is something that became permanently intertwined with what Hurricanes hockey was. But in addition to being such an integral part of the Hurricanes experience from a that era, I think even more significant is Chuck Kaiton’s role (and again John Forslund too) as an ambassador for the team and more broadly the game. At this point in time, a huge swath of the team’s fan base were people like me who were giving it a try. Kaiton and Forslund were very much faces and voices of the team for the ‘considering’ fan base, and both were absolutely phenomenal in this role. Both were so incredibly sincere in their interaction with fans and ready to meet fans wherever they were ranging from brand new fans who asked what the blue line was for to transplants who grew up with the game and were 30 years deep into passionate NHL fandom. Because Kaiton and Forslund were so much front and center in the team’s relations with fans, they set the precedent for how the fan base connected with the hockey community. In the process, I think both men along with early players who similarly embraced an ambassador role were largely responsible for what to this day I consider to be a unique relationship between the team and the local hockey community. So in this role as ‘builders’ I stick to my initial statement that though they are not players both Chuck Kaiton and John Forslund should make the cut into an incredibly select group on a Carolina Hurricanes Mount Rushmore.
Put more succinctly, Chuck Kaiton is an icon in Carolina Hurricanes history. That deserves consideration in addition to a simple profit/loss math calculation.
And in that vein, sports fans love winning, but in being a fan there is also an element of being part of something that does things right.
The eruption on Twitter on Tuesday was sizable with many a fan despising the move. What is not clear is where specifically the two sides arrived in terms of negotiations though indications are not very close. But that leaves fans who who want to see Kaiton treated properly asking and speculating about possible alternatives to this sad day. Could the team just have written off the cost for an agreed to time frame to avoid such an abrupt exit? Might it have made sense to make Kaiton part of the television broadcast team? More generally, was there a better path forward for a longstanding member of the organization and Hurricanes hockey community?
Considering the goodwill effect during the honeymoon phase
Right or wrong, the word “cheap” has been used regularly regarding Tom Dundon and staff’s aggressive moves to reshape the organization. No doubt, this move to cut a 39-year employee and icon to save money will sound that same tone for many.
In addition, with the way Ron Francis was unceremoniously let go, there is growing concern about how Tom Dundon runs a business and treats people/employees. I think one could make a strong argument that Ron Francis and Bill Peters had to go to effect the culture and management change desired. But as someone removed from hockey operations who has always excelled at his job, this is not the case for Chuck Kaiton. Maybe it should be exactly that way, but the fact that his move was all about money will rub some people the wrong way.
In the end, I actually think the most significant thing about today’s move could well be the impression it makes on the core part of the fan base at a time when many are on the fence and in wait and see mode with the new ownership/management regime. Especially with the potential for trading more fan favorite type players still potentially on the docket, I cannot help but think that the timing was poor to further rankle the loyalists feathers.
Finally, as a fan…
As I said on Twitter, I am disappointed that a better path could not be made to the eventuality of cutting the separate radio broadcast. Per the “Mount Rushore” material above, I think the organization is forever indebted to Chuck Kaiton for his role in establishing NHL hockey in North Carolina. I personally think he deserved better because of that, and the fact that he did not get it raises concern for me that the new ownership/management is out of touch with the history, culture and community around Hurricanes hockey.
Finally, thought it is doubtful that he would ever see it, I would like to express my sincerest thank you to Chuck Kaiton for being a tremendous part of my early days as a Hurricanes fan.
Initial commentary during the day on Tuesday
My initial reaction on Twitter was as follows:
1/3 Ultimately, this transition was inevitable. With 82-game TV, DVRs and multiple ways to track games live even if away from TV, radio broadcasts are on path to extinction. https://t.co/ejpdHLeHxK
— Canes and Coffee (@CanesandCoffee) July 24, 2018
2/3 But as a long-time fan of @NHLCanes hockey, I am extremely disappointed that team could not carve a path to have this transition happen when Chuck Kaitin was ready to retire.
— Canes and Coffee (@CanesandCoffee) July 24, 2018
3/3 Transition continues to be ruthless and painful. Minus Eric Staal from couple years back, Cam Ward, Ron Francis and Chuck Kaiton, is it fair to say that only Rod Brind'Amour and John Forslund really bridge from past to new generation of @NHLCanes hockey?
— Canes and Coffee (@CanesandCoffee) July 24, 2018
My slightly longer thoughts from the heart of the fan part of me in the comments of Tuesday’s Daily Cup of Joe article were:
I am not in the boat where I will find something else to do with my time, but I too am filled with negativity in thinking about this.
In simple business terms, going this direction for radio is inevitable. Many teams already have, and I think the rest will ultimately do the same. In an age with 82-game TV coverage, DVRs and the ability to track a game live on a phone, I do not think the business is tough for radio sports coverage. Luke DeCock’s article mentions 2,000 listeners which is utterly shocking and paints the picture pretty starkly on the business side.
But a huge part of business is also goodwill, and that is where I think the team completely missed the boat. I am not privy to the detailed math, but what is the cost of doing the right thing for a person who has been part of the organization for 39 years and has played a huge role in this market since its inception?
Again, not knowing the exact math or how the negotiations went, I have to believe there was a way to keep Chuck Kaiton in the mix maybe as a third on the TV team and doing other special segments with an agreement/schedule for a better parting.
Shorter version: As a long-time fan of the team, even in understanding the obvious business sense of it, I am not happy with today’s announcement and am disappointed that the team did not do better with this matter.
I am curious to hear what everyone things about this controversial move by the team today.
My more detailed thoughts should be up after hours on Tuesday night.
Go Canes!
Matt – you forgot Glen Wesley’s departure (two of our three retired jerseys).
This is really sad. There is no legitimate business reason – in a business that moves tens of millions a year – to short-change an icon who has been with the franchise for almost 40 years.
If you’re going to let him go, don’t insult him by making a lowball offer – just sit down like men and move on.
TD needs to pay attention to how successful franchises – franchises where players want to play and people want to work – operate; whether GSW, San Antonio or his hometown Mavs (before the recent plunge, at least). You treat people the way you want to be known. Reward loyalty and competency.
How likely is it that Forslund may look at other alternatives when his contract comes up, now that his family is grown and he has seen the carnage here – and I think carnage is the right word.
Change the culture on the ice – this corporate culture change is very unattractive.
Forslund can only expect similar treatment from Dundon. If I were him I would have already spoken to my agent to prepare for when his contract expires. Enjoy him while he is here.
1) We don’t know if Kaitin was “low balled” or if he was offered a good contract that he declined. I’m not about to rip the owner without knowing the details of the negotiations. Apparently it was Kaitin’s decision to move on to something else without officially retiring, thereby not allowing the Canes ownership to give him a proper send off. His choice.
2) I don’t know about where everyone else works, but my company isn’t keeping anyone around who doesn’t produce results. In Chuck’s world, that’s listeners. Sorry, there just aren’t that many people tuning in anymore. It’s certainly not a profit center for ownership.
3) It’s always a bit sad for this type of situation to happen but that’s just life. He had a great run, he’s well respected and by all accounts a good guy. That doesn’t mean ownership owes him anything after forty some years. Life ain’t a chair full of bowlies.
If you read the articles, Chuck was offered a contract with a significant reduction in pay and the notion he would have to go out and individually get even more sponsorships for his broadcast. When he and and his agent countered, the Canes refused to budge. Chuck called the Canes offer, quite correctly, “an invitation to leave”.
The Canes will still be paying 99.9 to broadcast the simulcast – so it will remain a loss center. This was simply a dump of Chuck’s salary.
My company rewards loyalty and competency, as well as branding skills. Chuck delivered.
Believe what you want, but all indications are the Kaiton and everyone else with an expiring contract is being offered significantly less than they were being paid. A billionaire can cry “business” but in reality his company can do business any way he sees fit. Sticking it to people on the low end of the totem pole and crying “business” is another word for greed.
100% agreed. It’s also a great way to inspire people to gladly stab the owner in the back, as they know he would gladly cut them in two seconds. There’s no loyalty, and maybe that is what it takes to win, but if it’s business and about the bottom line always, then what possible motive do I have to go above and beyond for a team that might not step up to the plate for me?
The contract offer made to him was an 80% pay cut. I think that qualifies as “low-ball”.
I’m interested in where you got that number. Hockeybuzz is not a reliable source. If you have the 2017-18 salary and what he was offered this year from a real source, I’ll believe it. You throw some very serious claims out there. You sure you have your facts or just like trashing the new owner. It is clear you like to trash the new owner but please enlighten the rest of us with the information on the numbers for the new contract.
https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/luke-decock/article214456059.html
Being reported everywhere. His agent said that.
I saw those same reports. His agent said some things. Agents are known for veracity in talking about their clients.
I am interested in the numbers from the previous contract and what he was offered this year. I have no doubt that it was less but an enterprise that continually loses money should not expect the same pay.
It’s almost as sure as Eric Staal missing a penalty shot that some will bash the current ownership given any opportunity. I am still waiting for the numbers on TVR from a few weeks back that one person had keen insight on. Dundon and Waddell were lowballing him. Suddenly he signs a two year deal. It’s easy to trash ownership when one does not know the full story. It’s also easy to throw numbers out there if it validates a certain view.
I am guilty as charged. I will bash the ownership. My spouse served our country. So I lost respect for the owner when reading up on him after he purchased the team.
Anyone want to start a gofundme for the latest casualty of Scrooge McDundon? It is sad that a radio program that is losing money and attracting less listeners than public broadcasting has to be canceled. Gordon Gecko would be proud of the franchise today.
On the other hand, maybe smart business decisions should be appreciated. While painful in the moment, it is the right call.
There were times that I muted the television and turned on the radio to get the play by play from Chuck K. Oh well, the good ole days.
And now ChuckK is muted and you get to listen to TV on the radio…
Companies often try to do the right thing, the socially responsible thing, like maintaining diversity, equality and rewarding loyalty.
They don’t have to, but business practices show that successful companies pay attention to these things.
I think it is particularly important for sports teams.
What appears to be the right decision purely from a business perspective often turns out to be bad in the long run for the business.
To me, lowballing our longest serving employee, one that is a hall of famer is bad public relations, it is worse, it is a PR disaster in my opinion.
This only enforces the Canes public image around the league as a cheap team, not a place to come and work.
Nobody wants to work for a “my way or the highway” owner.
I will get over it, but I am committed to not spend a dime on Canes tickets this season, after all I can watch the games free on TV, whether I do so is still undecided, hopefully the team on the ice will help me focus on the game, but this takes my enthusiasm for the Canes and for the upcoming season down a dozen notches.
’nuff said.
I really love Chuck Kaiton. I guess I feel an affinity for him because he has been around hockey for as long as I have been a fan of the game. We both love the game.
I was deeply disappointed when the announcement of his departure was made.
But certain things are unavoidable. Listening to pro sports on the radio is no longer “in”. No doubt, the listening audience has shrunk substantially over the years.
I don’t know Chuck very well. I know people in Canes management even less well.
From what I have seen so far of Canes management, as well as TD, I do not find myself in sympathy with those on this site who believe that they are heartless and cheap.
I don’t know what went on between Chuck and the Canes in the negotiations. Neither do most of the rest of us.
An offer was made and Chuck turned it down. His medium is obsolete. Maybe he can adapt. Maybe not. I have worked in industries where I became obsolete. I adapted. Many don’t.
I love Chuck and I will miss him. But I don’t feel outraged. As a people, we Americans seem to be addicted to outrage. I don’t understand it.
I was going to also say that I love Chuck K. But as I thought about it, I love the concept of him. The years of attachment to the team, the iconic stature, the outgoing nature. But when I dug through memories, Chuck wasn’t in many. I occasionally saw him at STH functions. I didn’t listen to him on the radio much, if at all. He was, to me, a non-entity. As I tried to capture how his leaving affects my Canes experience, the answer is: not much. From what I’ve seen of the radio ratings, there may be large numbers of fans who feel the same. A nostalgic pause, a feeling of sympathy for a long time Cane, but overall, little, if any change to their Canes experience.
If the decision was truly about return on investment, then the cheerleaders must go too.
Does anyone say to themselves “doesn’t matter if the team is lousy, my $40 is well spent because of the cheerleaders”?
There are other good reasons to eliminate this anachronism, which I won’t get into. Even without other arguments, I cannot see how it turns a profit.
There was a lawsuit involving the NFL’s cheerleaders—I think they are already treated poorly. This is not to dump on them. But if TD is logically consistent, an announcement is surely due this week.
Please get rid of the cheerleaders. Most ridiculous aspect of the game experience. There’s some kind of stuffed animal with a cheesy flag skating around with cheerleaders egging “it” on. All with bad 80’s anthems playing at 100 decibels. Who says this organization doesn’t need some updating? American Legion baseball games have more entertainment value – off the ice – than the Canes. Brutal.
We all enjoy different aspects of the Canes experience. An NHL team is more than a bunch of guys on the ice, it is a community, an experience, something you want to be a part of.
Even if the players are in most ways the most important asset of the team, they are interchangable pieces, a player is only supposed to be with a team for 3 to 10 years.
The employees, the public announcer, the TV and radio broadcast crew, Stormy, the cheer leaders, the DJ, the foodstall people, those are the people who define the Canes experience.
I’ve watched Canes games called by other broadcasters on TV, either on national TV or they brought the voice of the Checkers up (great guy). Those games just didn’t feel right. Nothing against the announcers and play by play analysts, they were all pros, but it is John and Trip that make watching a Canes game a unique experience.
Needless to say, I feel the same about listening to Chuck K on the radio, I sometimes do. I admit that he is not my favorite NHL radio announcer, Mike Lang, the Devils crew and Tampa Bay and the Panthers have my favorite announcers, but Chuck is the voice of the Canes and the most loyal and longstanding employee of this team.
I think this is what TD doesn’t seem to understand. A team is not a typical business , to be successful it must be a community, especially in a small market that can quickly lose interest.
Maybe we should send a message to Semin and tell him to fund the broadcast for another decade or so with the money he is owed for not doing anything for this team.
Hey! Wait a minute! I am just about to renew my STM. I want to keep the cheer leaders. I am an unapologetic irredeemable male chauvinist pig. Take away the pretty young girls, and I’ll stay home and watch the games on TV.