Jim LaBarbara is now the country professor

[microbob]

Congrats to Jim LaBarbara


From
Kiesewetter's Blog

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/tv/

Good news for Jim "The Music Professor" LaBarbara fans -- if you live in Kentucky.

LaBarbara, fired in March by classic hits WGRR-FM (103.5) after 14 years, returned to the airwaves at 2 p.m. today on country music WNKR-FM (106.5) in Dry Ridge -- which doesn't reach Cincinnati. He's doing 2-6 p.m. weekdays for the station, which can be heard in most of Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties.

LaBarbara, a Cincinnati radio fixture since 1969, was hired by General Manager Jeff Ziesmann, who sold time for WGRR-FM and LaBarbara's show in 1998-2000.

 

[punchbuggy]

Am I the only one who thinks this is pathetic?

 

[RumourMonger]

Good for Jim.

At least he can recycle the same material... I remember when (insert female country artist here), came on to me back stage in 20**. Or I remember when Hank (insert Sr., Jr., or III here) had the dry heaves and I had to hold his head to keep him from drowning in the toliet back in 19**. Or even make up some new ones.

It'll be like hearing them for the first time. Go get 'em Prof. Yippy Ki-yea!

 

[knowbetter]

Am I the only one who thinks this is pathetic?

I don't think its pathetic at all, that's actually how radio goes, and after doing some fill in at WNKR myself, it's actually a really great place to be. I believe that Jim will be happy there.

Too many of us forget that the reason we got into this screwy business is that we like the life and the fun of it... Jeff's little station is cool, sounds good, and for the most part is pretty durned relaxed and fun...The talent is obviously good, it a pretty impressive small town facility, and pays the bills.

not to mention a whole list of the folks there who left the big city sh**, to get back to radio, and away from politics. I wish there were more owners like them.

granted, they have their temper tantrums, but I would rather work there, vs some of the other places I've worked!

WOLD Lives!

 

[Mr. Bates]

Am I the only one who thinks this is pathetic?

What's pathetic is that you have nothing better to do with your time than post critical comments on this message board hoping you can get some "Amen brother"s.

What's pathetic is that you criticize a guy who wants to make a living doing what he loves. So he goes to a small station. So what? An opportunity to continue doing what he loves came along and he took it.

What's pathetic is that you actually took the time to post about how pathetic you think it is. That speaks volumes about you.

You have issues with him. We get it. Get over it.

 

[dave johnson]

Good for Jim.

When I worked for WNKR, I knew I was there until Larry finished his commitment with the station he was working for at the time. It was my second stint with the company, as they owned 1160 before AMFM purchased it. I enjoyed my time there.

 

[punchbuggy]

Am I the only one who thinks this is pathetic?

What's pathetic is that you have nothing better to do with your time than post critical comments on this message board hoping you can get some "Amen brother"s.

What's pathetic is that you criticize a guy who wants to make a living doing what he loves. So he goes to a small station. So what? An opportunity to continue doing what he loves came along and he took it.

What's pathetic is that you actually took the time to post about how pathetic you think it is. That speaks volumes about you.

You have issues with him. We get it. Get over it.

Since you don't know me, I won't delve into the reasons why I would take the time to post on this thread. You may assume that I have good reason.

What I find pathetic is not that a guy would go to a small station to "do what he loves". That's what the WDJO guys are doing. They aren't in it for the money, they love radio.

Labarbara is in it for THE MONEY. He has always been in it for THE MONEY. It's always been about THE MONEY. He didn't get an opportunity to do what he loves, he trolled all the stations for the best opportunity to make MONEY and this was the best he got. He would do informercials hawking snake oil weight loss products that steal desperate people's paychecks if it would make him MONEY...oh, wait, he already did that.

I don't know how you know the professor, [EDIT]. You are entitled to your opinion and I'm entitled to mine. That's what this board is for. Why don't you let Labarbara put up his own defense; he's a big boy.


[EDIT-vulgar]

 

[Gemcityjim]

Pretty weak Punchbuggy. I don't know you and from the sounds of it, I wouldn't want to know you. So what if he wants to make some money? I assume Randy Michaels didn't sell his soul like he did, for the fun of it. He wanted to make money too. The problem with the business is, not everyone can make a lot of money and yet have to put up with the abuse from someone like you. I am guessing he needs to make some money to live. What a terrible thing he did, going out and getting a job. How pathetic is that? I have also never met Jim, but from the what I do know, he would be a lot better person to be around than someone as bitter and jealous as you.

 

[Mr. Bates]

Since you don't know me, I won't delve into the reasons why I would take the time to post on this thread. You may assume that I have good reason.

What I find pathetic is not that a guy would go to a small station to "do what he loves". That's what the WDJO guys are doing. They aren't in it for the money, they love radio.

Labarbara is in it for THE MONEY. He has always been in it for THE MONEY. It's always been about THE MONEY. He didn't get an opportunity to do what he loves, he trolled all the stations for the best opportunity to make MONEY and this was the best he got. He would do informercials hawking snake oil weight loss products that steal desperate people's paychecks if it would make him MONEY...oh, wait, he already did that.

I don't know how you know the professor, [EDIT]. You are entitled to your opinion and I'm entitled to mine. That's what this board is for. Why don't you let Labarbara put up his own defense; he's a big boy.


[EDIT-vulgar]
[/quote]

Well there it is. "The WDJO guys" are the ones who love radio. "The WDJO guys" have issues with Jim Labarbara and so do you. Did they tell you all about him? Or maybe the two of you worked together and he did a remote you really wanted. I assume that's your good reason to post.

I'll also assume that, like you said, you know that Jim Labarbara had numerous offers to chose from - because we all know that radio jobs right now, especially for a man in his 60s, are there for the taking. He didn't take the job in Northern Kentucky to stay in the Cincinnati area, a place he's called home for years. He didn't take the job because he has friends and family and grandchildren here. He didn't take the job because picking up and starting over at 65 can not be appealing or healthy. He took the job that paid the most at a small station in Northern Kentucky, over many other job offers, because, well, it paid the most. (I'll also assume you know how much money he's making).

What would you have him do? Take a lesser paying job?... and for what reason? Because one of those many offers was at a higher profile station? I think you're assuming that he "trolled" himself out and had numerous job offers. Are you trolling yourself out when you lose your job and contact potential employers, looking for the offer that best fits your needs and your family situation, assuming multiple offers are there?

So he did some remotes you wanted, punchbuggy. Like Gemcityjim said, it was a weak spin... trying to defend your comments.

And maybe the reason Jim Labarbara doesn't defend himself to you or anyone else is because he has better things to do than respond to insults from someone who obviously holds a petty grudge. Can I assume you hold a petty grudge?

 

[AndTheLambGoesBAA]

At least he can recycle the same material...

I 'spose you think those calls, time, and artist name voice-tracked breaks of yours are somehow an improvement in content?

 

[kirkiefan]

I'm happy he has a job and he is doing okay..wish the station had an audiostream.

Play some Alison Krauss,Trick Pony and Cowboy Troy prof!

As for all the negative posters...judge not or You will be judged!

 

[punchbuggy]

This is the funniest thread I've ever seen. For years, Jim Labarbara has alienated himself with nearly every person he ever worked with. Now he turns 65 and everyone feels sorry for him.

I give. I'm thrilled for him. Good for you, music professor. I'm so glad you are commuting an hour one way to be on an obscure station out of Dry Ridge, Kentucky that no one listens to with a format you don't know. Way to score a gig "doing what you love".

You are all right, and I am wrong.

 

[Mr. Bates]

This is the funniest thread I've ever seen. For years, Jim Labarbara has alienated himself with nearly every person he ever worked with. Now he turns 65 and everyone feels sorry for him.

I give. I'm thrilled for him. Good for you, music professor. I'm so glad you are commuting an hour one way to be on an obscure station out of Dry Ridge, Kentucky that no one listens to with a format you don't know. Way to score a gig "doing what you love".

You are all right, and I am wrong.

Just so I'm clear, punchbuggy, what you're implying is that the only worthwhile radio job is a job on a major station with major revenue and major numbers? Is that accurate?

That's an insult to everyone who's ever worked at a small, "obscure station that no one listens to" ... and where does that leave "the WDJO guys"? Some might describe their radio station the same way.

I think if anything, "commuting an hour one way" to work at "an obscure station out of Dry Ridge, Kentucky that no one listens to" shows that the guy wanted a gig because he loves working in radio and yes, wanted to keep working. (How dare he make a living). He could have just retired; he is 65 after all. You think everyone feels sorry for him because he's 65? That's just another weak spin... "Why doesn't everyone agree with me?? It must be because they feel sorry for the 65 year old guy." Weak.

Now, on to your sweeping generalization. "Jim Labarbara has alienated himself with nearly every person he's worked with."

Not the people I know who have worked with him, and I know quite a few. I think he's alienated you and your friends at WDJO and you've decided that everyone should feel the same way and if they don't then they don't know the real Jim Labarbara.

You're pretty transparent, punchbuggy. And a one trick pony.

 

[knowbetter]

This is the funniest thread I've ever seen. For years, Jim Labarbara has alienated himself with nearly every person he ever worked with. Now he turns 65 and everyone feels sorry for him.

I give. I'm thrilled for him. Good for you, music professor. I'm so glad you are commuting an hour one way to be on an obscure station out of Dry Ridge, Kentucky that no one listens to with a format you don't know. Way to score a gig "doing what you love".

You are all right, and I am wrong.

Actually, I agree with you....

this is not a reversal on my part, and you are right, LaBarbara has been an egocentric pr**k for decades, I too have had my run in with him, although I am sure he wouldn't remember me from Adam. I remember meeting him, and was amazed just how rude he was...so I do understand your point...

but as I said in my earlier post, that is the way this business goes, there are a whole lot of people whose life is determined by what they do, so at least there is something there for him to do, and it probably is going to be a great thing for the station. At least, it will be entertaining. I applaud Jeff for what he does down there.

but, at the same time, I am going to enjoy stopping in there sometimes, and seeing if i get the same attitude i got early in my career. This time, I might not take it, but I suspect it might not be there.

anyway, this is a fun series of postings, keep it up!

 

[flyingundertheradar]

I'm not sure which is worse...beating on someone when they are down, ie Jim L...or being the poster who beats on the other posters for beating on him.

Every radio personality in this town has been an asshole to someone at sometime...all of our careers end at some point. How do you want us to remember you when YOU go?

I always wondered how different this board would be if we had to identify ourselves? Probably wouldn't exist...most of the posters are either over the hill folks who still think we should be playing vinyl because it sound more "natural," or folks who weren't good enough to make it at a station that isn't obscure or irrelevant.

Yes, WOLD lives...except in the song, doesn't the DJ makes it to the bigger markets before he makes his slide down the market size ladder?

And for the record, WDJO is not relevant radio...it's sort of doing what your mother said would make you go blind--except you are far too old to have an excuse for doing it in public.

 

[NDXUFan]

I'm not sure which is worse...beating on someone when they are down, ie Jim L...or being the poster who beats on the other posters for beating on him.

Every radio personality in this town has been an ------ to someone at sometime...all of our careers end at some point. How do you want us to remember you when YOU go?

I always wondered how different this board would be if we had to identify ourselves? Probably wouldn't exist...most of the posters are either over the hill folks who still think we should be playing vinyl because it sound more "natural," or folks who weren't good enough to make it at a station that isn't obscure or irrelevant.

Yes, WOLD lives...except in the song, doesn't the DJ makes it to the bigger markets before he makes his slide down the market size ladder?

And for the record, WDJO is not relevant radio...it's sort of doing what your mother said would make you go blind--except you are far too old to have an excuse for doing it in public.

What maybe relevant to you, is not relevant to another individual. I like Jim and I have listened to him for years. I did meet Jim, many years ago, when I first entered the workforce, he seemed like a nice guy. With most of the radio people that I have encountered over the years, they seem to know a fair amount about different music formats, it has been amazing. I have only met one radio person over the years that was extremely rude and it was not Jim. Most people, if you are polite to them, they are polite to you. By the way, how many people do you know that do not try to take the job that pays the highest amount of income?

Shark

 

[ryan rafferdy]

I just heard that Randy Michaels and another prominent DJ had the opportunity to buy this station back in the 80's for $100,000. But Randy's consultant told him it wouldn't be worth the investment at the time. Just an interesting tidbit for ya!

 

[Massive]

If you don't like the guy, you don't like the guy. Why waste your time on this? I think the world is well aware of your opinion, it's just the nobody really cares.

It's kind of sad to see someone spend so much of their time on something that really doesn't matter.

We all see your point. We have heard your argument. Now move on. Don't you have anything better to do?