Hello all. I don't think I've posted on R-I before, but I've checked in from time-to-time and have enjoyed reading the posts here. Thanks for letting me lurk. I've seen some speculation on another thread about how and why I've left WBAP. Neither I nor my friends at the ABC Radio group benefit from inaccurate rumors, so I feel compelled to set the record straight.
I've been doing radio news since 1981. It's an occupation that I've been very successful at. But, now in my 40s, I want to try something new. Specifically, I want to host a show. While I LOVE working with Hal and Steve, I found myself happiest during the four weeks a year when Hal was on vacation and I hosted the show. Not because Hal wasn't there....but, because I got a taste of what I really wanted to do. For years, I had little difficulty transitioning back to news when Hal returned. Recently though, I've had a tougher time getting back in the news box after a week or two hosting.
The bottomline is: after 18 years at WBAP it was time to move on. I've realized this for several years now. But, because of the way ABC contracts are structured (my most recent pact was a 5 year deal signed in 1992), it was impossible for me to make the decision unilaterally. Mercifully, the managers at WBAP saw the signs of my dissatisfaction and have allowed me to go.
My heartfelt thanks to Kerri K. and Rick Hadley for the way they handled my dismissal. It was amicable and professional. (No, there was no angry showdown). I'll admit to shedding a few tears before departing the newsroom that I designed and the people I hired during 13 years as news director. I leave with lots of great memories and lasting friendships.
While I could write and write and write about each of the great people at WBAP, I'll spare you the litany of gratitude. However, I do want to mention two of my former co-workers because they mean so much to me. First, Jim Ryan, simply the best radio journalist I've ever worked with. You are amazing Jim. Two decades of watching you cover the news from the Persian Gulf to Pantego has been a pleasure. Whether it was a fire in Dallas or a firebombing in Baghdad, there was no story beneath you or above you. You treated each the same: reporting the facts and compelling listeners to stay tuned to find out what happened next. We've seen some s**t, my friend. I will miss you more than you know.
And, then there's Morning News producer John Pendolino. Pendo, words cannot fully capture how I came to depend on you morning after morning. No matter what I asked for, you got it. Never complaining, no excuses, you got it. No guest was un-bookable, no deadline too soon. You're one of the most focused and disciplined (yes, I said disciplined) people I know in the radio business...or any business...and damned funny too. If I'm ever fortunate enough to be in the position to pick my producer, 'BAP be warned, I'm coming after Pendo!
So, that's it. Turn the page and start a new chapter. What that chapter will be...I don't know. If you have a suggestion, please drop me a line at [email protected] or [email protected]
Dan
I've been doing radio news since 1981. It's an occupation that I've been very successful at. But, now in my 40s, I want to try something new. Specifically, I want to host a show. While I LOVE working with Hal and Steve, I found myself happiest during the four weeks a year when Hal was on vacation and I hosted the show. Not because Hal wasn't there....but, because I got a taste of what I really wanted to do. For years, I had little difficulty transitioning back to news when Hal returned. Recently though, I've had a tougher time getting back in the news box after a week or two hosting.
The bottomline is: after 18 years at WBAP it was time to move on. I've realized this for several years now. But, because of the way ABC contracts are structured (my most recent pact was a 5 year deal signed in 1992), it was impossible for me to make the decision unilaterally. Mercifully, the managers at WBAP saw the signs of my dissatisfaction and have allowed me to go.
My heartfelt thanks to Kerri K. and Rick Hadley for the way they handled my dismissal. It was amicable and professional. (No, there was no angry showdown). I'll admit to shedding a few tears before departing the newsroom that I designed and the people I hired during 13 years as news director. I leave with lots of great memories and lasting friendships.
While I could write and write and write about each of the great people at WBAP, I'll spare you the litany of gratitude. However, I do want to mention two of my former co-workers because they mean so much to me. First, Jim Ryan, simply the best radio journalist I've ever worked with. You are amazing Jim. Two decades of watching you cover the news from the Persian Gulf to Pantego has been a pleasure. Whether it was a fire in Dallas or a firebombing in Baghdad, there was no story beneath you or above you. You treated each the same: reporting the facts and compelling listeners to stay tuned to find out what happened next. We've seen some s**t, my friend. I will miss you more than you know.
And, then there's Morning News producer John Pendolino. Pendo, words cannot fully capture how I came to depend on you morning after morning. No matter what I asked for, you got it. Never complaining, no excuses, you got it. No guest was un-bookable, no deadline too soon. You're one of the most focused and disciplined (yes, I said disciplined) people I know in the radio business...or any business...and damned funny too. If I'm ever fortunate enough to be in the position to pick my producer, 'BAP be warned, I'm coming after Pendo!
So, that's it. Turn the page and start a new chapter. What that chapter will be...I don't know. If you have a suggestion, please drop me a line at [email protected] or [email protected]
Dan