Ed Scarborough is out

[soloflyr1]

The Boot Lickers comment was never meant for Dean & Rog or really any of the air staff, more pointed at the current management. Local management has to clear what they have for breakfast with Atlanta or risk being shown the door. Many will say that they are doing the smart thing in order to hold onto their job. Maybe so but I would rather go down swinging for my beliefs & I can respect others that refuse to be broken by egomaniacs that feel they are right just because they say so.

That's not to say there aren't any Boot Lickers on the programming/air side of the equation. They have let plenty of more talented people get away than they have kept. But some talented ones remain or have managed to get in but aren't valued for their creativity or talent, they just fill a gap until the next spin of the personnel roulette wheel. To the ones with talent, I truly hope you can outlast the BL's.

Dean & Rog may have figured this was the less of two evils, hope they didn't have to agree to be nuetered to get the gig.

 

[michaelshiloh]

Just my two cents: As I mentioned on the Day the Oldies Died thread, K-Lite's listeners were being targeted by 98-KFMK (Houston's original oldies station?) as early as Spring 1989, when PD John Stevens tightened the format and re-branded from "Classic Hits" to "Classic Oldies and More" in response to the new threat from "Good Times, Great Oldies" KLDE. The "more" meant AC hits.

Downer oldies like "Reflections of My Life" were out, soft-rock AC currents were in. KFMK appeared to be going after soft-rock listeners from K-Lite, but also "oldies" listeners who were moving to KLDE. The result was that leftover hard-rock Classic Hits got in the way of soft-rock, but the soft rock didn't satisfy the "Good Times, Great Oldies" crowd. And while KFMK had some of the best personalities in town in Lee Jolly, Chuck Shramek, Johnny Goyen and Bob Edwards, K-Lite listeners may have been spoiled by the "Less Talk, More Lite Rock" format of K-Lite.

I watched all this from the night shift. It was the beginning of the end for KFMK, the beginning of the rise of KLDE, which had a clearer and more upbeat format. It was when I first starting writing Ed Scarborough regularly, looking for parttime work. He was always cordial and kind. (Instead I got on at KILT, FWIW.)

Within a year Guy kind of revolutionized things with the Mix format, and audiences splintered in different directions. Around that time, Dan Mason made the decision to turn KFMK into KBXX "the Box," and the only remnants of KFMK that remained were the late Chuck Shramek and his brilliantly bizarre morning news, and what was in retrospect a very good sales team.

By the way, before "Classic Oldies and More," KFMK was the last of the true request stations in Houston. We had an extensive library ofold records (yeah, records) and when listeners called to request obscure old hits, we ran down to the library, found 'em and played 'em. It was real "customer service..."

 

[Kevinc]

Wow.. I had forgotten that stations once had a real live record library... not just a database of files.. By the way Mike.. I had the privilege of working at both KLite and Oldies 94.5 KLDE during the period you have described. It was a fun time... at least from our perspective.

Kevin C

 

[Giddy-Up-Radio]

It baffles me that people on this board continue to trash PDs, OMs, GMs...all the way up the line for taking control of their business.

If you worked for a convenience store and the Manager (or, anyone higher up) tells you to do XYZ...you had better do it. If you don't do it, you will be fired....if you do it, you are a boot licker.

I don't get it.

The business has changed over the years! Deal with it. Or, cough up the cash and grab yourself a radio station...or, better yet, a cluster. Then, give directions about what you want...have the person that reports to you not do it. Tell me you won't fire his or her ass. Enjoy your wet boots, cowboy.

 

[iused2bsomebody]

Thats why we don't work at the Quick Stop! We in this business consider ourselves pros at what we do (at least I do) and feel that we should have an opinion about what we do on and off the air. If your a newcomer without much experience then your better off to just listen and follow directions because you don't have the experience to put in your two cents worth. However if you are a pro with years of experience that have worked with and learned from some of the best in the business, then GM's would be smart in listening to what you have to say. I always believed that if you are at the top, you hire good people to surround you. It makes you look good and provides a winning team. The "boot lickers" are the ones who just do it for a job and has no real interest or love for radio. I for one am proud of what I do, I live and breath radio and it just kills me to see the industry where it is today. GM's that only have sales experience, owners that have the money but have no idea what it takes to win, PD's that just follow directions, and jocks that are just watching the clock to see how much longer they have to work. I miss the creative side of radio when there were leaders in the business and others looked up to and wanted to get inside their head for new and fresh ideas. People like Bill Drake,Buzz Bennett, etc. I will never forget.

 

[soloflyr1]

It baffles me that people on this board continue to trash PDs, OMs, GMs...all the way up the line for taking control of their business.

***Being a mindless drone doesn't mean taking control of your business.

If you worked for a convenience store and the Manager (or, anyone higher up) tells you to do XYZ...you had better do it. If you don't do it, you will be fired....if you do it, you are a boot licker.

***Doing it just because you fear losing your job makes you a boot licker. Just because they say to do it doesn't mean they are right & as a manager I appreciate insightful input from my workers.

I don't get it.

***This statement tells me you are probably one of the manager types referred to.

The business has changed over the years! Deal with it. Or, cough up the cash and grab yourself a radio station...or, better yet, a cluster. Then, give directions about what you want...have the person that reports to you not do it. Tell me you won't fire his or her ass. Enjoy your wet boots, cowboy.

***Yep the business has changed & not for the better. I have dealt with it, went into another field making better money with better hours & a lot less backstabbing from boot lickers. Corporations full of boot lickers have driven the price of stations up to ridiculous levels preventing individuals from getting into the radio game so this isn't an option. Once again, I listen to my workers & they have input. By the way I don't wear boots but will take the last part of your comment as an invitation from you to shine them up if I ever decide to start.

 

[aunti-terrestrial]

It baffles me that people on this board continue to trash PDs, OMs, GMs...all the way up the line for taking control of their business.

***Being a mindless drone doesn't mean taking control of your business.

If you worked for a convenience store and the Manager (or, anyone higher up) tells you to do XYZ...you had better do it. If you don't do it, you will be fired....if you do it, you are a boot licker.

***Doing it just because you fear losing your job makes you a boot licker. Just because they say to do it doesn't mean they are right & as a manager I appreciate insightful input from my workers.

I don't get it.

***This statement tells me you are probably one of the manager types referred to.

The business has changed over the years! Deal with it. Or, cough up the cash and grab yourself a radio station...or, better yet, a cluster. Then, give directions about what you want...have the person that reports to you not do it. Tell me you won't fire his or her ass. Enjoy your wet boots, cowboy.

***Yep the business has changed & not for the better. I have dealt with it, went into another field making better money with better hours & a lot less backstabbing from boot lickers. Corporations full of boot lickers have driven the price of stations up to ridiculous levels preventing individuals from getting into the radio game so this isn't an option. Once again, I listen to my workers & they have input. By the way I don't wear boots but will take the last part of your comment as an invitation from you to shine them up if I ever decide to start.

My goodness.

 

[walter1]

Say isn't this the same guy that took KLTR from the dominant station in the market to the toilet in two books back in the mid 80's? The guy they call Ed One Share? Think they called him that at KNX FM in L.A. Didn't he tank a couple in San Antonio too? Perhaps I'm missing his greatness somehow, of course it was probably all because he would not suck up to the suits. Surely you guys will find some way to blame this all on Clear Channel ;D

Mid-80's? 20+ years is a long time to hold onto a grudge.

No grudge at all, never worked with the guy just remember my history. It is either true or it isn't. KLTR was in the tank before mix signed on. Ed took them down in two books, two freaking books.

 

[Kevinc]

I worked for Ed at KLTR back in the 80s and he was there for much more than two books and I recall having some pretty darn good numbers while I was there...same for the other dayparts... I've also kept up with his career and even worked with him a second time around recently at KHits.. and I never ever heard this "Ed one share" nickname. To my knowledge, his numbers in San Antonio were not in the tank either... so I don't know who you're thinking of or why you feel you must grind your axe with a man who has done well in most any job he's taken on and who has my utmost respect even to this day. I'm stepping back down off my soapbox now...

Kevinc

 

[Giddy-Up-Radio]

It's good to see that you have moved on and that you don't seem to be hanging on the the past.


Quote from: soloflyr1 on Yesterday at 11:22:31 pm
Quote from: Giddy-Up-Radio on June 17, 2009, 10:10:06 pm
It baffles me that people on this board continue to trash PDs, OMs, GMs...all the way up the line for taking control of their business.

***Being a mindless drone doesn't mean taking control of your business.

If you worked for a convenience store and the Manager (or, anyone higher up) tells you to do XYZ...you had better do it. If you don't do it, you will be fired....if you do it, you are a boot licker.

***Doing it just because you fear losing your job makes you a boot licker. Just because they say to do it doesn't mean they are right & as a manager I appreciate insightful input from my workers.

I don't get it.

***This statement tells me you are probably one of the manager types referred to.

The business has changed over the years! Deal with it. Or, cough up the cash and grab yourself a radio station...or, better yet, a cluster. Then, give directions about what you want...have the person that reports to you not do it. Tell me you won't fire his or her ass. Enjoy your wet boots, cowboy.

***Yep the business has changed & not for the better. I have dealt with it, went into another field making better money with better hours & a lot less backstabbing from boot lickers. Corporations full of boot lickers have driven the price of stations up to ridiculous levels preventing individuals from getting into the radio game so this isn't an option. Once again, I listen to my workers & they have input. By the way I don't wear boots but will take the last part of your comment as an invitation from you to shine them up if I ever decide to start.



My goodness.

 

[soloflyr1]

Commenting on what has happened in the past as well as what continues to this day doesn't mean someone is hanging onto the past.

What would you call it when the more talented people are let go while the less talented ones thrive because they spend the better portion of their "work" day kissing up to the boss/bosses? I am not speaking of all here just the majority so don't get your hackles raised unless you are one of the kissers, if you are then hackle away.

Heard any truly funny or creative promos, spots, bits or witty banter on the air lately? Probably not. Will you hear any of it in the future? Maybe once in a great while.

Outside of morning drive all you are going to hear is station liners, boring spots & equally boring jingles & sweepers. The morning shows could still manage to tweak the funny bone once in awhile if they were given a chance but here again the suits keep the reigns too tight.

Why am I commenting if I am no longer in the game? Because I am tired of seeing my friends, associates & ex-coworkers, who have true talent, get pushed out the door by ones that wouldn't know what talent is if they offered "Spotting Talent 101" as a required course in college.

It's good to see that you have moved on and that you don't seem to be hanging on the the past.

 

[michaelshiloh]

Heard any truly funny or creative promos, spots, bits or witty banter on the air lately? Probably not. Will you hear any of it in the future? Maybe once in a great while.

Interesting that you would say this considering that for the first time I can remember, the Mercury Awards for radio advertising this year included NO winners from the local station level, just agency spots. Could this be because overworked production directors don't have time or skills to make great spots? Or maybe the Just Get the Sponsor's Name and Phone Number mentality has taken over? Plus it's very hard to be creative in ten or 15 seconds.

Just my 2-cents: I remember Walter1 as an account exec back around 1989 -- he may be referring to something people at the agencies or maybe clients were saying about Ed...

And yeah, KevinC, KFMK had two turntables too. And they made an audible hum when cued and spun. You had to cover the hum with a jingle or something. Incredible place: computerized log, 2 or 3 thousand carts and everything else on albums or 45s...

 

[PapillionWyngs]

Sad to report another victim to the Cox budget axe. Eagle PD Ed Scarborough stated on Facebook this morning that his position was eliminated and he was out. Apparently, OM Johnny Chaing will assume Eagle PD duties. Good luck, Ed.

This is just terrible. Ed came in to replace an egocentric, short-sighted, dictator of a PD, did a wonderful job, listened to everyone who called him, answered his emails, helped obtain D & R (hate them - always have) had the studio remodeled just for them, and now he is gone. I hope that by December the Eagle is DEAD.

 

[walter1]

I worked for Ed at KLTR back in the 80s and he was there for much more than two books and I recall having some pretty darn good numbers while I was there...same for the other dayparts... I've also kept up with his career and even worked with him a second time around recently at KHits.. and I never ever heard this "Ed one share" nickname. To my knowledge, his numbers in San Antonio were not in the tank either... so I don't know who you're thinking of or why you feel you must grind your axe with a man who has done well in most any job he's taken on and who has my utmost respect even to this day. I'm stepping back down off my soapbox now...

Kevinc

Kevin read what I said, he took them down in two books not that he was only there for two books. As for the rest you can do your own research.

 

[its time w (your name)]

The factors involved in the old battles between Houston's ac/easy listening stations have been adequately addressed, I think to sufficiently refute any claims that Ed shipwrecked anyone's station. And I've never
heard any silly nicknames slung his way either.

What I have heard is even from people who disagree with his programming philosophies, as well as some who have had personal disagreements with him. He has a strong personality, and is likely to anger someone along the way occasionally. He's stubborn, intense, and has chosen the wrong words with some of my friends. He openly brags about the San Antonio Spurs-- which is deplorable.

But Ed Scarborough is a balls-to-the-wall programmer, relentless workaholic, and puts himself to the same standard he holds his jocks. He has a sense of right and wrong, is very principled, and if you work for him, he cares about you, your wife, your kids, your personal well-being. He will stop and listen, and will put aside the corporate crap to talk one on one when you need. He doesnt always tell you what you want to hear, but damn if Im not better for knowing him. And He will praise and thank you for good work. If I worked for him again, we'd argue just like before sometimes, but I would work for him again, and you can bet those boots he'll land somewhere good, and he will be successful.

I dont know about anybody elses axes, but three people he has fired have spoken up here, and all three have expressed respect for Ed. He's a good guy. He's a competent leader.

 

[michaelshiloh]

That's right about Ed. But it seems like you're going out on a limb. From all I know, Ed's a great radio guy. He'll land on his feet, I hope.

Okay, I may sound like George Carlin here, but can you please explain what "Balls to the wall" means? I think we all get the balls part. What kind of wall are we talking about here? I'd really like to know that one.

It's time. And it's your name.

 

[its time w (your name)]

(naa, not scared to fall off limb. You know I always bounce back. Like like a cockroach, the apocalypse hasnt got me. I love brides more than radio anyway, and keep dreaming about fruit. Damn fruit keeps falling everywhere. Either way, I'm likely to go back to the woods soon, or the swamp-- crawfish biz is good. )

Ed will land well. I didnt say he would stay in radio. He doesnt need to. Whatever he does, he'll be able to buy lots of my crawfish, so Im gonna be nice to him, and if you're smart, you will be too.

Good point-- Why do we say balls-to-the-wall? If you're hustling, your balls are away from the wall, so it should be butt-to-the-wall. But if your butt is to the wall, the so is your back, and Kool & The Gang says your back should be up off the wall. So Ed is an off-the-wall programmer? mmm... naa, doesnt work....

It's All You radio. With your host: You. And today today's topic is: You.

 

[Kevinc]

its time w (your name) , I've missed seeing your posts on here... always a good read! as for the BTTW saying... This makes sense to me.. I just googled it and this is what I found..

The expression comes from the world of military aviation. In many planes, control sticks are topped with a ball-shaped grip. One such control is the throttle—to get maximum power you push it all the way forward, to the front of the cockpit, or firewall (so-called because it prevents an engine fire from reaching the rest of the plane). Another control is the joystick—pushing it forward sends a plane into a dive. So, literally pushing the balls to the (fire)wall would put a plane into a maximum-speed dive, and figuratively going balls to the wall is doing something all-out, with maximum effort. The phrase is essentially the aeronautical equivalent of the automotive "pedal to the metal."

read it for yourself at http://www.slate.com/id/2136001/

 

[aunti-terrestrial]

its time w (your name) = soloflyr1? Common knowledge, I thought. Anyway~


Chickenfoot's one of those "supergroups" whose members received enough airplay in previous bands and past times that they've got a substantial ticket-buying fan base whether their current songs are played or not. It's an easy ticket sell just to hand out a few free pairs of tix on the air and mention Satriani, Smith, Anthony, and Hagar in the same breath. Most of the promotion that they've done thus far to woo younger-demo fans has occurred online.

If you want some of their song downloads, here's one place to start:
http://www.myspace.com/thechickenfoot

 

[aunti-terrestrial]

Whoops, replied in the wrong thread. D'oh!