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Former Wolf PD get's new gig.

D

DFWRADIO

Guest
Veteran programmer John Sebastian is appointed Program Director of Midwest Family’s Country WWQM, Madison.
 
Which one of these does not belong? Phoenix, LA, Seattle, Memphis, Dallas, Madison? Looks like Sea-Bass's career is on the downswing.
 
NealH said:
Which one of these does not belong? Phoenix, LA, Seattle, Memphis, Dallas, Madison? Looks like Sea-Bass's career is on the downswing.
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One thing I will say in his defense is that he was able to find a job during a time when the industry has gone through dramatic downsizing. According to press releases, Clear Channel has let 12% of its employees go while CBS has downsized 16%. Cumulus is rumored to have downsized roughly 30%.

I understand the guy isn't well-liked by many and almost certainly doesn't have the best gig in his career right now, but he has a gig. Most people who've been laid off in the last year would kill to be able to say even that!
 
You're right Kent. Give John credit for landing a gig. If he does well in Madison, then he's way ahead of most folks who are, unfortunately, unemployed. With the industry downsizing, smaller markets are now finding people with John's success available to them. And Midwest Family is a quality company with a stellar reputation for employee stability and satisfaction. Something the Clear Channel's, Cumulus's, etc. are known NOT to be.

I only know John by reputation. But good luck to you and congratulations on working again.
 
Just my 2 cents worth. I've never met John in person but I will tell you this, when he came to Dallas and I called him, he called me back within 5 minutes. Not many egos in the business will do that.
 
I worked with John in several markets in the 80's and found him to be an astute programmer with a genuine willingness to stand up to the suits and try new ideas. Ironically, I've seen him denigrated on this board by those who espouse these very qualities in a PD.

He was a pioneer in the development of call-out music research. Kick-Ass Rock & Roll to this day holds ratings records for rock radio in top-10 markets. His EOR format, while not exactly on the mark, was the precursor to what is AAA radio today and the contributions he made to Smooth Jazz are myriad. I never worked in Country with John, but I'm sure he launched some stations that were far from your typical consultant-driven cookie cutter products.

I'd have to say he was a good and loyal friend who was always willing help a brother out. And yes, he's eccentric and not the best fit for big corporate radio. Maybe Midwest Family will appreciate his talents and give him a platform to express himself. I wish him well.
 
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