Chris Garrett OUT at NASSAU U.V.

[Milk_Maid_Mary]

Well, last week Mike Lindsey bailed in West Lebanon outlet after a blow-out with the dirge regional director of programming doug welldon. And now my big girlfriend at cc tells me Chris Garrett who had moved to Oldies 104.3 last March after Bob Ctry. became the Wolf. Tossed his key at the local pd/om and told the VP of programming in NJ that this was the biggest cluster f*** he had ever seen. Guess Bob Frisch isn't the only dead beat loser working for Nassau in Vermont. Word is up and down the valley - that this is still not the end of the sinking ship and everyone is getting out now. From Full-time, to part-time employees, everyone is out... As they run the stations into the ground with the keen leadership of two mirco-managing head-cases. All-access has been running ads for whdq and other nassau upper valley stations since last August. When at the time, response was good. Now word in and out of the market is Nobody wants to work in that location at this time. I'm glad things on the farm are less stressful. I know there was once a time when a good community hanging would sure lift the spirits. ah-well. I must get back to a milkin' up here in Sharon!

Mary

 

[BenKarlow]

> Well, last week Mike Lindsey bailed in West Lebanon outlet
> after a blow-out with the dirge regional director of
> programming doug welldon. And now my big girlfriend at cc
> tells me Chris Garrett who had moved to Oldies 104.3 last
> March after Bob Ctry. became the Wolf. Tossed his key at
> the local pd/om and told the VP of programming in NJ that
> this was the biggest cluster f*** he had ever seen. Guess
> Bob Frisch isn't the only dead beat loser working for Nassau
> in Vermont. Word is up and down the valley - that this is
> still not the end of the sinking ship and everyone is
> getting out now. From Full-time, to part-time employees,
> everyone is out... As they run the stations into the ground
> with the keen leadership of two mirco-managing head-cases.
> All-access has been running ads for whdq and other nassau
> upper valley stations since last August. When at the time,
> response was good. Now word in and out of the market is
> Nobody wants to work in that location at this time. I'm glad
> things on the farm are less stressful. I know there was
> once a time when a good community hanging would sure lift
> the spirits. ah-well. I must get back to a milkin' up here
> in Sharon!
>
> Mary
>

Well-done, Welldon! Is Tom Hoyt busy first thing in the morning? Maybe he could fill in! Seriously, even Nassau only has a finite amount of "big stations" that can provide Budget-Rent-An-Airshifts for the smaller markets.

Funny how people complain about the old Vox/Dynacom management. At least there was a little more stability. Amazing what a difference three less units per hour makes, on either side of the microphone!

Somewhere, Jeff Shapiro, Bruce Danzinger and Ken Barlow are laughing at this board right now.

Best of luck to Chris Garrett.

 

[RRHootchieCoo]

> > Well, last week Mike Lindsey bailed in West Lebanon outlet
>
> > after a blow-out with the dirge regional director of
> > programming doug welldon. And now my big girlfriend at cc
> > tells me Chris Garrett who had moved to Oldies 104.3 last
> > March after Bob Ctry. became the Wolf. Tossed his key at
> > the local pd/om and told the VP of programming in NJ that
> > this was the biggest cluster f*** he had ever seen. Guess
>
> > Bob Frisch isn't the only dead beat loser working for
> Nassau
> > in Vermont. Word is up and down the valley - that this is
>
> > still not the end of the sinking ship and everyone is
> > getting out now. From Full-time, to part-time employees,
> > everyone is out... As they run the stations into the
> ground
> > with the keen leadership of two mirco-managing head-cases.
>
> > All-access has been running ads for whdq and other nassau
> > upper valley stations since last August. When at the
> time,
> > response was good. Now word in and out of the market is
> > Nobody wants to work in that location at this time. I'm
> glad
> > things on the farm are less stressful. I know there was
> > once a time when a good community hanging would sure lift
> > the spirits. ah-well. I must get back to a milkin' up here
>
> > in Sharon!
> >
> > Mary
> >
>
> Well-done, Welldon! Is Tom Hoyt busy first thing in the
> morning? Maybe he could fill in! Seriously, even Nassau
> only has a finite amount of "big stations" that can provide
> Budget-Rent-An-Airshifts for the smaller markets.
>
> Funny how people complain about the old Vox/Dynacom
> management. At least there was a little more stability.
> Amazing what a difference three less units per hour makes,
> on either side of the microphone!
>
> Somewhere, Jeff Shapiro, Bruce Danzinger and Ken Barlow are
> laughing at this board right now.
>
> Best of luck to Chris Garrett.
>

I think a LOT of people ar laughing at this board right now.

This is interesting; I heard today that Mr. Frisch is no longer with Nassau as well. I also heard that the General Sales Manager was let go because of deals gone bad. Perhaps Mr. Welldon will be the next one on the "Death List 5".

Oh geez, please don't encourage Tom Hoyt. He'll dig though the garbage looking for any bit of info you don't shred. "Media Icon" my ass. Wasn't even a real weatherman on WNNE, anyway.

And to Chris Garrett - the sentiment is the same - the best of luck to you.
<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by DOB on 03/21/06 11:49 PM.</FONT></P>

 

[jockitch]

And where exactly are all these people going to go when they toss their keys at people & storm out? Boston? Springfield? Hartford? Providence? WHERE? I know nothing about UV radio but I know enough about radio to know the bitching & ranting & what-not I see here is not common to upper NE. But if you'll notice there are other markets in NE where the dirty laundry isn't aired. What's going to happen when people walk? Will they walk to better jobs or just other jobs where they won't be satisfied with the treatment either?

I AM IN TOTAL ABSOLUTE 100% empathy with dissatisfied people. Even if they're in the wrong I can empathize with the frustration as I've felt it in the past. But I do have to say I sometimes think radio people in smaller markets have an underlying problem & that is that they are frustrated with where they are,haven't found a way to do anything about it,& end up making themselves & others around them miserable. Ironically many in these smaller markets are more than ready for good moves to bigger markets that haven't happened for one reason or another. We all know how much lack of control we have over our careers in spite of our expertise. There's always a line of replacements ready to work for less.

THINK UP THERE BEFORE YOU DO SOMETHING YOU'LL REGRET. There seem to be people in NNE who have longevity in the market. They're doing something right. They're satisfied with where they are. Those who are not need to cool their heels,settle down,& systematically do something about their careers. Sooner or later you'll get the job you deserve but don't take the frustration over lack of career control out on others. Be honest with yourself about what's really ticking you off.

I'm not saying you're wrong or the suits are right. I'm just saying.
And whatever you may respond to the contrary I'll probably agree with you in theory. It still won't change how I feel. I KNOW those who are ticked off are really responding to where they're working & would be ticked even it conditions in small market radio were ideal. Stop treating the damn symptoms & attack the problem. The problem is you want to be in a bigger market. Accept it. Admit it. Now do something about it.

 

[Oldbones]

> THINK UP THERE BEFORE YOU DO SOMETHING YOU'LL REGRET. There
> seem to be people in NNE who have longevity in the market.
> They're doing something right. They're satisfied with where
> they are. Those who are not need to cool their heels,settle
> down,& systematically do something about their careers.
> Sooner or later you'll get the job you deserve but don't
> take the frustration over lack of career control out on
> others. Be honest with yourself about what's really ticking
> you off.

Good advice...even more relevant with all the consolidation of ownership today. A lot fewer places to go if you stomp out.

 

[BenKarlow]

> > > Well, last week Mike Lindsey bailed in West Lebanon
> outlet
> >
> > > after a blow-out with the dirge regional director of
> > > programming doug welldon. And now my big girlfriend at
> cc
> > > tells me Chris Garrett who had moved to Oldies 104.3
> last
> > > March after Bob Ctry. became the Wolf. Tossed his key
> at
> > > the local pd/om and told the VP of programming in NJ
> that
> > > this was the biggest cluster f*** he had ever seen.
> Guess
> >
> > > Bob Frisch isn't the only dead beat loser working for
> > Nassau
> > > in Vermont. Word is up and down the valley - that this
> is
> >
> > > still not the end of the sinking ship and everyone is
> > > getting out now. From Full-time, to part-time
> employees,
> > > everyone is out... As they run the stations into the
> > ground
> > > with the keen leadership of two mirco-managing
> head-cases.
> >
> > > All-access has been running ads for whdq and other
> nassau
> > > upper valley stations since last August. When at the
> > time,
> > > response was good. Now word in and out of the market is
> > > Nobody wants to work in that location at this time. I'm
> > glad
> > > things on the farm are less stressful. I know there was
>
> > > once a time when a good community hanging would sure
> lift
> > > the spirits. ah-well. I must get back to a milkin' up
> here
> >
> > > in Sharon!
> > >
> > > Mary
> > >
> >
> > Well-done, Welldon! Is Tom Hoyt busy first thing in the
> > morning? Maybe he could fill in! Seriously, even Nassau
> > only has a finite amount of "big stations" that can
> provide
> > Budget-Rent-An-Airshifts for the smaller markets.
> >
> > Funny how people complain about the old Vox/Dynacom
> > management. At least there was a little more stability.
> > Amazing what a difference three less units per hour makes,
>
> > on either side of the microphone!
> >
> > Somewhere, Jeff Shapiro, Bruce Danzinger and Ken Barlow
> are
> > laughing at this board right now.
> >
> > Best of luck to Chris Garrett.
> >
>
> I think a LOT of people ar laughing at this board right now.
>
>
> This is interesting; I heard today that Mr. Frisch is no
> longer with Nassau as well. I also heard that the General
> Sales Manager was let go because of deals gone bad. Perhaps
> Mr. Welldon will be the next one on the "Death List 5".
>
> Oh geez, please don't encourage Tom Hoyt. He'll dig though
> the garbage looking for any bit of info you don't shred.
> "Media Icon" my ass. Wasn't even a real weatherman on WNNE,
> anyway.
>
> And to Chris Garrett - the sentiment is the same - the best
> of luck to you.
>

If that's true Frisch is out, I'm sure GALLONS of tears are flowing.

Maybe he could open a restaurant!

 

[radiowatch]

So is this Frisch guy out??
Isn't he the head cheese around Vermont..if he's the one I'm thinking about then he might be better called the head NUT.

 

[rosie329]

> So is this Frisch guy out??
> Isn't he the head cheese around Vermont..if he's the one I'm
> thinking about then he might be better called the head NUT.
>
I heard he is still there-how, no one knows...what do you think it will take for Nassau to realize he is a loose cannon? Maybe when Heath Cole walks out-if he can grow some b***s.

Frisch is the biggest A** hole in the upper valley-now Nassau is getting the same rap.

Good for Chris Garrett-he will be on the air somewhere soon-he's too talented to sit out for too long.

 

[mediamomma]

> > So is this Frisch guy out??
> > Isn't he the head cheese around Vermont..if he's the one
> I'm
> > thinking about then he might be better called the head
> NUT.
> >
> I heard he is still there-how, no one knows...what do you
> think it will take for Nassau to realize he is a loose
> cannon? Maybe when Heath Cole walks out-if he can grow some
> b***s.
>
> Frisch is the biggest A** hole in the upper valley-now
> Nassau is getting the same rap.
>
> Good for Chris Garrett-he will be on the air somewhere
> soon-he's too talented to sit out for too long.
>


He is still there. And I agree with your opinion. And to Chris...best of luck to you. Good for you for standing up to the arrogant jerks that are running the show.

 

[Stick_Davis]

> I heard he is still there-how, no one knows...what do you
> think it will take for Nassau to realize he is a loose
> cannon? Maybe when Heath Cole walks out-if he can grow some
> b***s.

It's not just growing balls. If you work in radio, you know that while it may be so satisfying to chuck your keys at your supervisor and just walk out, you can't because you can't afford to! Chris Garrett is in a unique position where his morning show was his *PT* job.

I just hope, for everyone's sake, that the problems in that building are identified and resolved. And if Heath walks, it will be a MAJOR blow to that building and operation. Everyone who has worked for Heath and who continues to work for Heath do so because he's a great manager, a great leader, and a great motivator. Let's hope the problems are solved before someone comes knocking at his door.

 

[Stick_Davis]

> Somewhere, Jeff Shapiro, Bruce Danzinger and Ken Barlow are
> laughing at this board right now.

You know Ben, you're probably right!! They are laughing at the fact that they ran those operations into the ground and that Nassau was GULLIBLE enough to pay what they did for the purchase!

They were in it for the quick buck, and they accomplished that, let me tell you! There's a reason why Nassau has been on a mission replacing every transmitter, every studio, every automation system, and every computer ...

 

[Milk_Maid_Mary]

> It's not just growing balls. If you work in radio, you know
> that while it may be so satisfying to chuck your keys at
> your supervisor and just walk out, you can't because you
> can't afford to! Chris Garrett is in a unique position where
> his morning show was his *PT* job.
>
> I just hope, for everyone's sake, that the problems in that
> building are identified and resolved. And if Heath walks, it
> will be a MAJOR blow to that building and operation.
> Everyone who has worked for Heath and who continues to work
> for Heath do so because he's a great manager, a great
> leader, and a great motivator. Let's hope the problems are
> solved before someone comes knocking at his door.
>

Interesting about the Chris Garrett thing Stick, a *PT* job, that must have really been saving NASSAU lots! Think about it... A *PT* morning guy, no benefits, no paid vacation...WOW! That reminds me - I should do that up here on the farm in Sharon! I heard my big girlfriend at CC say this is so typical of the corporate leaders in that in West Leb. CHEAP and SPINE-LESS. I'll let you decide, who is who. BF or DW.... See you at the home show, oh, I'll be dressed in my sexiest come hither wear. woof!

Mary

 

[mediamomma]

> I just hope, for everyone's sake, that the problems in that
> building are identified and resolved. And if Heath walks, it
> will be a MAJOR blow to that building and operation.
> Everyone who has worked for Heath and who continues to work
> for Heath do so because he's a great manager, a great
> leader, and a great motivator. Let's hope the problems are
> solved before someone comes knocking at his door.
>

Does anyone really know what is going on in that building? I have heard a lot of stuff flying around in the air and none of it is good. I heard there is more than just people walking out, but then you never know...it may or may not be true.

 

[SCRADIOJOCK]

So what of this sinking ship? I have heard that Nassau is stupid hard to work for, with more locked down practices than the giant themselves...At least if you have any sort of creative thought. It makes me sad that it is compaines like this that have killed personality radio. Don't they subscribe to the research that supports the return of personalities on the air? Maybe they are too cheap..I would be willing to share my copies when I get done with them.

Over and under time...Heath Cole...how much longer is he going to put up with this nonsense? Good thing for Nassau Heath is on Salary...heck, nothing wrong with Heath Radio...24 hours a day, right fellas? After all, you clearly don't much care about the listener anyway, right?? Why worry about silly things like programming.

H-stand up to the man...make the Wolf, Oldies, and the Pirate stations...lock the studio doors...scream "BOOGER" and go old school!!!

Good luck Chris. I've heard there may be an opening across the street VERY soon, but that is another thread all together.

Don't mind me, I'm just keepin an eye on the radio.

 

[rosie329]

Agreed. Heath could get a gig anywhere...they don't appreciate what they have...he is becoming the whipping boy...he should walk, they deserve it.



> > I heard he is still there-how, no one knows...what do you
> > think it will take for Nassau to realize he is a loose
> > cannon? Maybe when Heath Cole walks out-if he can grow
> some
> > b***s.
>
> It's not just growing balls. If you work in radio, you know
> that while it may be so satisfying to chuck your keys at
> your supervisor and just walk out, you can't because you
> can't afford to! Chris Garrett is in a unique position where
> his morning show was his *PT* job.
>
> I just hope, for everyone's sake, that the problems in that
> building are identified and resolved. And if Heath walks, it
> will be a MAJOR blow to that building and operation.
> Everyone who has worked for Heath and who continues to work
> for Heath do so because he's a great manager, a great
> leader, and a great motivator. Let's hope the problems are
> solved before someone comes knocking at his door.
>

 

[Oldbones]

> It makes me sad that it is compaines like
> this that have killed personality radio. Don't they
> subscribe to the research that supports the return of
> personalities on the air? Maybe they are too cheap..I would
> be willing to share my copies when I get done with them.
>

I hate to break it to ya, but "personality" radio died with Good Guys sweatshirts. Where is this "research" that supposedly "supports the return of personalities to the air"? This board is not even remotely representative of the public at large. Most research I've ever seen says (essentially) "shut up and play the hits".

 

[argytunes]

>> I hate to break it to ya, but "personality" radio died with
> Good Guys sweatshirts. Where is this "research" that
> supposedly "supports the return of personalities to the
> air"? This board is not even remotely representative of the
> public at large. Most research I've ever seen says
> (essentially) "shut up and play the hits".


Bobby....the proof is in the audience numbers NOT THE RESEARCH. Consultants hate hearing this and will swear that their ideas were perfect---it was the way the radio station 'executed the format' that resulted in the lower numbers!

Sorry...but extremely long music sweeps followed by 5-7 minute stopsets crammed with station promos and car dealers can get very tired after awhile....particularly if you happened to be trapped in an office with 3 or more co-workers who HATE the format of the station you're listening to! [This is probably the reason portable walkman cd players became so popular? People could choose their own format based on personal taste and avoid the same 100 song playlist!].

With almost any format (including classical) if an on-air personality is smart enough to present information about an artist, composer or the music itself in a quick and consise, but pleasing manner...doesn't it make the radio station sound more interesting? I'm not suggesting that EVERYBODY is crazy about this type of on-air approach. But it keeps most stations from becoming too predictable!

Here's a question for ya? Perhaps you can tell me why many listeners have a tendency to "automatically tune out a slogan or catch phrase" when it's the first (and possibly, the only) thing they hear coming out of a music sweep?

What does your consultant say about the percentage of audience retention? Does the majority have 'total recall' when a foolish slogan has been drummed into their heads over and over....or does the slogan tick them off?

Station image is one thing....but the 'same old/same old' tired repetitive phrases often annoy listeners to the point of turning to a different source of entertainment. [And yes...I'm sure your consultant would deny this is happening too?].

Oh well...."shut and play the hits", Bob! Now that's truly CREATIVE radio!

argytunes

 

[SCRADIOJOCK]

Bob clearly is a gifted programmer and manager..."read the cards" says he...Maybe it is just me, but if we just play the hits and shut up, all we are is XM with more commericals. It's personality that people can identify with, relate to, and build a relationship with. It's creativity, being a part of the community, and having fun that used to drive great, talented radio guys to the business. It takes a good programmer to find the personality that gets the balance between too much "chatter" and entertaining/informative breaks.

Luckily for some folks, simply following the cookie cutter card reading / pre-selected music by a regional formula, has made it possible to end up with PD stripes, right Bob?

But hey, what do I know...heck, I've only got a couple of decades in the biz..., I'm only keepin an eye on the radio.

 

[Radiothis]

> Bob clearly is a gifted programmer and manager..."read the
> cards" says he...Maybe it is just me, but if we just play
> the hits and shut up, all we are is XM with more
> commericals. It's personality that people can identify
> with, relate to, and build a relationship with. It's
> creativity, being a part of the community, and having fun
> that used to drive great, talented radio guys to the
> business. It takes a good programmer to find the
> personality that gets the balance between too much "chatter"
> and entertaining/informative breaks.
>
> Luckily for some folks, simply following the cookie cutter
> card reading / pre-selected music by a regional formula, has
> made it possible to end up with PD stripes, right Bob?
>
> But hey, what do I know...heck, I've only got a couple of
> decades in the biz..., I'm only keepin an eye on the radio.
>
Those are some of the wisest words I've read on this board in a long time.
I couldn't agree more.

Trying to compete with satellite and MP3 players is impossible for radio (and despite what most PDs will tell you, that's exactly what they're trying to do). But where radio can win is by providing local content. Unfortunately, most managers are missing this reality in their search for a quick fix. Of course, who can blame them when they have shareholders who haven't a clue about broadcasting breathing down their necks.

I'd rant further, but we'd need a whole new thread.

 

[Oldbones]

> Bob clearly is a gifted programmer and manager..."read the
> cards" says he...Maybe it is just me, but if we just play
> the hits and shut up, all we are is XM with more
> commericals. It's personality that people can identify
> with, relate to, and build a relationship with. It's
> creativity, being a part of the community, and having fun
> that used to drive great, talented radio guys to the
> business. It takes a good programmer to find the
> personality that gets the balance between too much "chatter"
> and entertaining/informative breaks.


No argument on that point...the problem is that lots of mediocre jocks think that filling each break with a bunch of artist tidbits and/or lame jokes they got off some prep service is "personality". There's a HUGE difference between having an on-air personality and merely being a jock that talks a lot.

>
> Luckily for some folks, simply following the cookie cutter
> card reading / pre-selected music by a regional formula, has
> made it possible to end up with PD stripes, right Bob?
>
> But hey, what do I know...heck, I've only got a couple of
> decades in the biz..., I'm only keepin an eye on the radio.

Well, I've done my time in the PD's chair a couple times, quite successfully if I do say so myself. The biggest lesson I learned was that what <u>I</u> considered "great radio" didn't mean squat. Listeners didn't care about the cool "oh wow" songs, they wanted to hear music they liked presented professionally. Like many who post on this board, I thought I had all the answers...instead I got a rude awakening as to how this biz really works. I will say I had some first-class mentors who put me on the right path. Maybe you know more about programming than I do...I don't claim to be an expert on the subject, just one who's been there & learned some lessons along the way.