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Keith Bilbrey

There are a lot of people in Keith's situation in the Nashville area right now. Lots of people who established a fan base, and are no longer on the air. Carl P. Mayfield comes to mind. His former WSIX partner Dean Warfield is another.
 
I hate to point this out, but petitions don't mean squat. No one wants to fire their employees. It causes problems for the people who remain.The Operations Manager now has to pull an air shift. The Opry needs to find a new announcer. The station will take some public criticism. Lots of problems for the remaining employees. But there's not much anyone can do about it. This is business pure and simple.
 
TheBigA said:
I hate to point this out, but petitions don't mean squat. No one wants to fire their employees. It causes problems for the people who remain.The Operations Manager now has to pull an air shift. The Opry needs to find a new announcer. The station will take some public criticism. Lots of problems for the remaining employees. But there's not much anyone can do about it. This is business pure and simple.
Big A,

You may be completely correct, but humans like to quantify or count things. By signing the petition, this shows how much anger has been generated by this decision. When WSM's ratings fall, and there in turn, their profits, it shouldn't come as a surprise to them. Also, if I'm another PD in the area, and I see all this public support for this fellow, it might make me consider him for a job.
 
KyDXIn said:
When WSM's ratings fall, and there in turn, their profits, it shouldn't come as a surprise to them. Also, if I'm another PD in the area, and I see all this public support for this fellow, it might make me consider him for a job.

Their profits were falling when he was there. So it's safe to assume he has nothing to do with their profits.

But you're right...people want to show their support. However, Keith had the lowest rated show on the station. And WSM is the lowest rated country station in town. Had their been more support for him while he was there, this decision would not have been made.

Keith's problem is that he's identified as a classic country DJ in a town where there is only one classic country station.

WSM's problem is it's an AM station in a town where AM is on life support. There's not a lot of hope here. The station has a lot of great heritage, but heritage doesn't pay the bills. Even the Country Music Hall of Fame is struggling. If people want to show support, they better focus on the people who are left at WSM, because they could quickly follow Mr. Bilbrey unless something happens.
 
Congratulations on finally getting some press Gaylord. No one though you were
still here in Nashville anymore ... or cared.

You deserve kudos for making The Tennessean (which should be broke long before WSM-AM
should have been) and wow ... got the lead top story on local TV news all weekend about
how pathetic Gaylord's WSM -AM radio is doing financially from lost advertisers and
coming up with the brilliant decision to get sympathy by firing a very kind, radio legend
that most anyone who has lived here for two decades knows and loves. This will help the
two sales reps rev up excitement in the sales closet you morons. How can anyone in
Gaylord justify this blunder? Granted Einstein's we know AM's dying. If I was Crumulus (thank God
I am not, obviously) I'd have Keith on 24/7 VT or not on WSM 95-5 Classic Country
Monday morning and offer free advertising to any previous WSM-AM advertisers (all
four) to never go back to AM. This is just another slap in the face of Nashville. This
city is sick of this and it will cost Gaylord five hundred times what they think they'll
save by firing Keith. Listeners to this station , while demographically tough will
remember this. His presence on TV for years, made him like a son to many.
You're image in tarnished.

Another top notch question pencil pushers: Is Gaylord planning on replacing Keith on
the Grand Ole Opry by VT-ing, as well? Wonder how many dozens of loyal fans will
cut out a trip to ex-Opryland to see a show? Maybe 20-25 a week? That'll cost Gaylord,
uh, $50,000 a year. Good call.


FTR --- I am sorry I suggested Crumulus touch this Titanic again. I was temporarily more insane
than usual. Forgive me for saying something positive about them. I'll allow you to throw some
shoes at me if I do that again, jet.

Sign the petition. It won't work, you are right there BigA. More proof that Gaylord prefers
it's selfish interests by not listening than conceeding they made a mistake and making this
a possible "win."
 
You are correct Mr. Tibbs. How much is all this negative press costing Gaylord? Keeping Bilbrey may have been the cheaper option.
 
I was very surprised (and pleased) to see that Keith was allowed to do one final Opry gig last night:
WSMV led last night's 10pm news with the story. Keith could not have been more gracious when commenting on the situation.
He was able to clearly express how grateful he was for the chance to live out his dream...for 30+ years at the Opry
I don't have that kind of composure. I don't know Keith...we've never met. But it's clear...he is a total class act and professional.
I'm guessing he'll come out of this in good shape...
 
One of the highlights of the Wilson County Fair for me each year was getting to talk to Keith for a few minutes. He is a great guy and a great talent. WSM will not be the same without him.
 
So tell me, who filled in on the Opry this week? I had to work and missed it.

Any word on what Keith is doing?

Thanks!
 
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