Doris? Why Do You Bore Us?

[WKomm]

Did some driving today and checked in on my whiny, mush-mouthed buddy Doris on KIRO today. Over an hour or so, it was the usual public display of his super-ego. Again with the whining of the Dish/KOMO feud, saying he will intensify his "jihad." Great - he's for less "gubmint" and regulation - until HE is inconvenienced and then he's up in arms because he's missing Kimmel.

Got to hear more about how important his family is. Gee - what a revelation. It's not the way for most of us. But then most of us aren't the radio version of Huggy Bear and get to pimp like Cal Worthington on steroids for a deal on some property near Lake Chelan.

And about the one term he LOVES to use - "my blog."

I scrolled through there a few minutes tonight. Give me honest opinion and forget the "why are you a hater" type of stuff. How does what's posted there qualify as a "blog?" Some photos of a de-pantsed skier? Video of a motorcycle jump copped from YouTube? A paragraph or two on snow problems?

Very, very weak effort. But, the Defenders of Doris will rush forward to loudly portray this goof as a man of letters. I expect nothing less.

 

[SeattleRadioPro]

Well as it turned out I left the radio on 97/3 after the 1pm news and heard the start of
"HOUR NUMBER TTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!". (is that dumb echo thing so 1990s or what?)

And first thing was the rant against Fisher because HE lost his ABC shows and HE wouldn't go through any effort to receive them via alternate means and Fisher is a terribly managed company and...well, you get the idea. What a pompous ass. But hey, he gets ratings and that's the bottom line.

 

[CorporateSuit]

Hey Michael,

Can you tell us where you're working and when we can hear your talk show?

If you don't have one, then shut up.

 

[TVradioguru]

If you don't have one, then shut up.

Bravo Suit, bravo!

 

[Grindlfan]

Did some driving today and checked in on my whiny, mush-mouthed buddy Doris on KIRO today. Over an hour or so, it was the usual public display of his super-ego. Again with the whining of the Dish/KOMO feud, saying he will intensify his "jihad." Great - he's for less "gubmint" and regulation - until HE is inconvenienced and then he's up in arms because he's missing Kimmel.

Got to hear more about how important his family is. Gee - what a revelation. It's not the way for most of us. But then most of us aren't the radio version of Huggy Bear and get to pimp like Cal Worthington on steroids for a deal on some property near Lake Chelan.

And about the one term he LOVES to use - "my blog."

I scrolled through there a few minutes tonight. Give me honest opinion and forget the "why are you a hater" type of stuff. How does what's posted there qualify as a "blog?" Some photos of a de-pantsed skier? Video of a motorcycle jump copped from YouTube? A paragraph or two on snow problems?

Very, very weak effort. But, the Defenders of Doris will rush forward to loudly portray this goof as a man of letters. I expect nothing less.

Hehehehehehehehe. I don't know what I enjoy more. Your latest dead on Doris rant, or predicting which of the regulars on this sight will be the first to jump all over you about it....again.

 

[SeattleRadioPro]

Hehehehehehehehe. I don't know what I enjoy more. Your latest dead on Doris rant, or predicting which of the regulars on this sight will be the first to jump all over you about it....again.

Uh - first of all, it's "site" - not "sight".

As for predicting responses - it's probably the safest bet in the world that there WILL be a contribution from you in any Wkomm-originated thread.
Not that there's anything wrong with that...

 

[AQH]

As for predicting responses - it's probably the safest bet in the world that there WILL be a contribution from you in any Wkomm-originated thread.
Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Glad someone else has picked up on that.

 

[SeattleRadioPro]

As for predicting responses - it's probably the safest bet in the world that there WILL be a contribution from you in any Wkomm-originated thread.
Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Glad someone else has picked up on that.

Well I WAS going to use the famous "Pot - meet kettle" line, but I was called some nasty names last time I used it. Oh well.

 

[Grindlfan]

Hehehehehehehehe. I don't know what I enjoy more. Your latest dead on Doris rant, or predicting which of the regulars on this sight will be the first to jump all over you about it....again.

Uh - first of all, it's "site" - not "sight".

As for predicting responses - it's probably the safest bet in the world that there WILL be a contribution from you in any Wkomm-originated thread.
Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Thanks for the spelling lesson. I know it is site, I was just typing too fast and failed to proof read before I posted. It is a good thing more people do not fill up space on this site with such corrections, otherwise we'd be reading through pages and pages of red marks for errors in spelling and grammar.

 

[WKomm]

Suit - I don't know who Michael is but I gather by your leg-lifting here that you feel no one can critique a talk show unless THEY have a talk show. That logic always gets a few hoorays from the peanut gallery but its so flawed it barely merits notice. With that kind of thinking, in order to crtique a movie you need to have made one. No one can holler at the Seahawks unless they're an NFL pro. And I guess the only people on the planet who will be able to express displeasure with Mr. Obama will be named Carter, Clinton, Bush or Bush.

I violated my promise to myself by posting a slap at this clown and I regret it.

Kind of.

But his ego has clearly increased in disproportion to his stature and his whole BS persona is grating. On the usually tolerable Dave Ross show I heard a new promo that has Doris talking about how she is a fighter, it's in her genes and she will never "capitulate."

Yeah, it's easy to be all tough & everything behind a microphone. It's easy to walk in qa control room and bellow your outrage and silliness for a few hours. It's another thing to actually DO something worthwhile. Get out on the streets and change something. Ross did it by running for office. Even Ron & Don have done it with raising money for Katrina victims, among other things.

Doris? et tu?

BTW - I have a sizeable radio gig, I think it's a tad bigger than Doris. But saying that is easy and I have no intention of proving nor do I expect doubters to believe. And one more nor - nor do I care.

grindlfan - any time you want corporatesuit, AQH, seattleradiopro or tvradioguru in one room, let me know. I'll fire up another Doris post. Heck, we can even have smores!

 

[AQH]

As for predicting responses - it's probably the safest bet in the world that there WILL be a contribution from you in any Wkomm-originated thread.
Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Glad someone else has picked up on that.

Well I WAS going to use the famous "Pot - meet kettle" line, but I was called some nasty names last time I used it. Oh well.

Don't sweat it. Given the source, the insults are pretty amusing. This board drowns in attacking the messenger rather than the message.

 

[CorporateSuit]

The trouble I have with you Sean, WKomm, Fernandez, or whatever moniker you choose to use, is that you stink to high heaven of rank amateurism. We have both worked in the same markets, sometimes at the very same stations. After you reading your messages, posts, and boasts -- and checking with former co-workers in Tampa and current ones here in Seattle--you are a legend in your own mind. Maybe your biggest claim to fame was being yelled at on the hot line by Mason Dixon while over-nighting at U-92, keeping Audio Vault company. But going on sales calls? In-demand on-air personality? I think not.

As for your crusade against Monson, in reality, he's laughing all the way to bank. The more cyber-ink you spread, the more it benefits him. This board is to discuss the state of radio in the Seattle market. Analysis, criticism, and kudos included. But if you want to take pot shots at Dori or anyone else, head over to BlatherWatch and post away.

As for the logic you speak, yes, until you've done a talk show, created measurable ratings to increase revenue to your station, and benefited from that accomplishment, I would say you are unqualified to speak on how to perform a talk show--from show prep, delivery, identifying news-makers and issues for your target audience, and then to promote said content effectively. Take issue with his topics and viewpoints? Fine. Crack on his formatics and skill set? You're way over your head and not a leg to stand on in credibility. Unless you are willing to tell us where and when we can hear your on-air program?

 

[WKomm]

Corporatesuit - This is actually kind of fun, you thinking you know me so well. Kind of like an online version of "Rear Window."

I truly liked your post. It was entertaining. I've done everything you outlined and played in a bigger sandbox than Doris but, like you, I will remain anonymous, hokay? More fun that way.

I understand you find it difficult to perceive that someone might find one of your hee-rows less than appealing. That WOULD be troubling, wouldn't it? But I do.

So - answer the question I've posted several times with no answer. If this forum is NOT for taking satiric swipes at radio voices and/or complimenting them, then what would you have it be? Would you be more comfortamble if we just dispassionately dissected numbers or discussed what the best mic is? I think disagreement is good for a board as long as it's civil and so far it's been pretty polite.

Now - if you really want to find something to trouble you ... wanna know what we on-air types think of the guys in corporate suits?

 

[SeattleRadioPro]

grindlfan - any time you want corporatesuit, AQH, seattleradiopro or tvradioguru in one room, let me know. I'll fire up another Doris post. Heck, we can even have smores!

Hey, I'll bring the guitar - we can sing Kum By Yah!

In actuality I enjoy seeing you and CS battling - perhaps we can arrange a cage match for you two.

 

[djdan]

Not sure why these posts continue. Let me say up front I am not a fan and Dori's voice can grate on me, but I do tune in from time to time. He had an outstanding show today about the impending end of the Seattle PI. Dori is conservative and not a fan of the PI, yet pleaded that the paper be saved. His point was that diversity of opinion is what newspapers, radio and TV are all about. Dori is live, local and in the last two trends was number one in his daypart 25-54 by large margin. So was Dave Ross. Both have divergent philosophies, yet exist on a station that allows both worldviews. On a four book they are number one mid-days, now ahead of Rush L. In the last few months they are double their next closest competitor on either the AM or FM dial. I am not a fan and just a casual listener, but the message of his show today spoke volumes to this thread and to radio in general. Diversity is important and local is important. Kudos to Dave and Dori for some of the strongest numbers on any radio shift in Seattle in October and November.

 

[WKomm]

djdan - Good points. But I'm not talking scoreboard, although I'll admit that trumps all. I'm just talking like or dislike and as to why. Numbers come and go. I've had my share of big books right before I was escorted to the door. Heck, one Seattle station that canned me had just spent a ton on splashy hand-painted billboards with my mug on em, placed in strategic spots. Nothing like leaving a station parking lot, your trunk filled with your stuff, looking at a 20 foot tall likeness of yourself as you drive to the uneployment line.

Eventually Doris will wear thin and another clown will sit in the big chair. Can you imagine Monson trying to get a gig anywhere else in a major market? Insert Don's annoying bray here.

Ya know, it's funny when these spats start. You get guys like corporate suit who get all bothered - "troubled" - in his words - and lay on the veiled insults and comebacks about how annoying my posts are.

Yet, to get here, he had to turn on the computer. Fire up his browser. Go to this web site. Scroll through this thread. Spend a few minutes typing a reply that will only fuel the fire.

At any of those points, it could all be avoided. Seems like a lot of trouble to go to in hopes of expressing how bothered one is.

 

[neumann sennheiser]

Eventually Doris will wear thin and another clown will sit in the big chair.

Since, as I understand it, DM has been on this job since the early 80's, this ( in terms of radio job life) puts him well past the usual expiry date. Given current hard economic realities, what usually happens by this point, is that a corporation starts looking at those employees costing the most money in salary, benefits and downtime and begins tailoring the parachutes accordingly (usually arriving at a very carefully calculated amount of remuneration that's just low enough that the person "leaving" won't fight for more as legal costs would chew up any extra one might win).
Now in Dorie's case, the still very good ratings should protect him and he won't fall victim to this scenario...yet.
Radio hosts of all stripes are like pro sports coaches; hired to be fired, with a few rare exceptions (ie: Tom Landry, Mike Holmgren). Some radio hosts remain well paid, successful, happy and gainfully employed in their positions for life and leave finally and only on their own terms. It's very rare and I hope Dorie continues in this select club. Why would I wish him or any other peer anything less?

 

[jupiter2]

For a local host to be debated hotly is THE GOAL.

Dori is, I am sure, Grateful.

He is also NOT one of those perfect diction, national cookie cutter hosts. If WKOMM has any point, it is that Dori is part of a dying breed, the really local guy with some heritage who would not be on the radio in today's climate if he wasn't already drawing an audience. I can easily see why self important radio types would hear his presentation and want to knock him down. That has NOTHING to do with how real audiences hear talent. Dori has consistently delivered solid ratings, and people either love him, or love disliking him. As WKOMM said, that trumps all.

One of the reasons I like Dori is that he seems to actually care about what he's saying. Often I disagree, but I don't tune into the radio (or this board for that matter) to agree with everything I hear. The NATIONAL shows have a dispassionate tone that lets me know its all just a ruse to get 500 affiliates. I don't even believe THEY agree with themselves.

With the strip programmed syndication that is headed our way, and the near complete destruction of local talent, I wonder how many will be left in 24 months, and why bother even having a Seattle Board?

 

[WKomm]

jupiter2 - Good post and I'll grant you a few points. Yes, ALL radio folks like publicity. But I'll tell you right now that as much as I might publicly deny it, someone saying I suck hurts. Especially if that someone seems relatively sane or a part of the b'casting industry. Like everyone on the air, I like and appreciate compliments and don't gett too many of the "you suck" comments but when I do, man I remember them.

I'm not Doris believes everything she espouses. On one hand, she rails against more "gubmint" and a few minutes later advocates some new govt. regulation. Which I find all very funny, coming from a guy with a cush gig and a soft lifestyle, all of which is a direct result of the evil gubmint - we'll start with the FCC holding spectrum space for privately owned radio stations and we can end with the roads and public utilities that give Doris and her girls a Wondeful Life.

There's the classic radio gimmick of a jock taking out an ad in the classified saying something like "Don the DJ is the worst I've ever heard. If you agree, call 888-6xxx. Don talks about on the air and rallies his fans. He takes out a competing ad that says "Don the DJ is the best! If you agree call 888-7xxx. And it goes on until it's played out. And even thinking about this saddens me. After the recent news of the imminent demise of the P-I, the concept of "classified ads" will soon mean the same thing as a 45 rpm record.

So that's a game that can be played - but that's not what I'm doing here. There's no way a low level squabble here will affect his life any more than his farce of a blog affects anything in any way. It's a few folks expressing themselves.

Ratings rarely translate to job security but Doris might be around for quite awhile. Who knows? Jupiter2, your final sentence is particularly pithy. Nobody in their right mind wants that scenario. I love radio and it's provided a good living for me for quite awhile. I would just like a few "talents" to experience the joy of honest work for a few years.

 

[jupiter2]

WKOMM

I'll grant you one point and debate another.

No host enjoys the insult. It stings, but only for a day. Yes you will always remember the most hurtful ones (if your Goal is to be remembered by Dori I don't know what that says about you- ask your therapist).

Intellectually most know that heckling comes with the territory, and is a sign of at least some success.

As to "believing what one espouses", that is more complex than it sounds. My point was not that he is consistent, but that he is actually "present" and real, (flaws and all), unlike some of the national crap.Last nght I was driving for awhile after 10 PM and I wondered what might be on. A few years ago some marginally talented local hosts like Erin Hart (sp?), Mike Webb and others could be counted on to be there and tick me off in some of the same ways Dori seems to bug you. I didn't think they were very good, but I enjoyed the company anyway. Or at least I enjoyed being annoyed by a real person in my town.

Phil Hendrie is a HUGE national talent, yet I found his rantings uninteresting and unlistenable, because he seemed to be phoning it in, and not connecting with anybody. And his brand of self righteous insults seemed out of place on KIRO (maybe KTTH?). Coast to Coast? Puleeze. Dr Dean Edell is good, but how many times can I hear a guy call in about a lump in his testicles or a woman worried about her medicare? Even he sounded a little bored.

I would MUCH RATHER have heard a rerun of Dori or Dave!!!! Get it?

As to resenting folks with a cushy life, I can't follow you down that road. I'd have to resent the United States as a whole, as our present standard of living has been built on enslaving poorer nations to build our goods, while we borrow and borrow and leverage ourselves into the position we are now in where our financial system has collapsed.