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KFRC and Me

J

John Mack Flanagan

If I had a nickel for everytime I've been asked,"What Happened To You and KFRC?" I'd probably have the money to buy the Golden Gate Bridge! No seriously, a lot of people want to know.

Do you want the short answer? I lost my mind, let my emotions over rule my brain, and I made a Big Mistake.

The truth now: Everyone at KFRC except Dr. Don made the same money. I was paid around $37,000 a year, the same as Don Ste. Johnn doing all nights. I didn't think that was fair and I fought the power til one day I threw up my hands and quit!

My pay went to $60,000 immediately, then I said "Screw You!" and my pay went to $90,000 a year. Big money for a poorboy from New Mexico with no education. I still said "Screw You!", and waited to get out. KFRC was 2.4 when I was hired. I pulled mid to high 7 shares every book middays to afternoons. I actually pulled a 9.2 in one afternoon book, and a 10.8 (!) on my weekend show Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gosh how I should have taken that $90,000! Gosh! I could have banked it away, but I didn't. I didn't I was stupid.

Christmas 1998, a buddy of mine, Tom Benner (GREAT FRIEND!) (we were together at KIOI, 1989) came down the hall and into Y93 and said, "Why don't you come on the air at The Big 610, KFRC? You can do a little live Christmas greeting, say anything you want to say". I didn't even think, I walked down three doors and said, "Hey!!! John Mack Flanagan here! I just want to wish you a VERY merry Christmas! Have a Happy New Year!" Bang! I was gone.

Tom kept coming in saying, "They won't stop calling! They Want your number. Do you mind?" I said, "Hell ya I mind!" That's all I got, people wanting to know why I wasn't fulltime? Why are you only weekends? Screw It!!! I'd had enough, I unplugged my headphones and told the business to shove it. That's why they'll never have me back. It's only been very recent I've been able to discuss radio. These postings have been a real step forward for me. I don't think I was treated fairly for all I've given. I had no control over my career, ever! I just couldn't take it anymore.

Please forgive me. I was a fool.

I'm very grateful and humble for any listener, co-worker, or anyone who remembers me. I've been so bad, I don't know why you stick with me? ??? ??? ???

I do wish I had that $90,000 a year....
 
John - many of us (including myself) have made mistakes in their careers. I suspect mistakes are even easier to make in the fickle world of radio. Since this is a radio forum, I won't go into details about mine, except to say that they were the typical (almost cliche) mistakes made by people in the 1980s who didn't keep their "eye on the prize." I have a new career that I worked hard to get, and I love it, but, like you - I wonder if I could have been wealthy, instead of just ordinary middle class. You have what's most important: a loving wife and family. I can't match your 41 years, but I'm at 28 years with my wife, and we had 3 great kids - that's what's kept me happy and motivated, not money. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
 
Honesty. The industry could certinaly benefit from the blatant, raw honesty that your post exemplifies, John.

Each and every one of us has made mistakes (some with adverse consequences) within this industry. The difference is, there are inumerable jocks/PD's/GM's, etc... who will never step-forward and take ownership of those mistakes!

90k a year certainly will make for a nice house/car/savings! Honesty, humility and the ability to share examples of being a fallible/REAL human being, on the other hand, will acrew welath that goes far beyond your bank account.

You were an inspiration to me in the 70's (together with Dr. Don). Now, more than 30 years later, I'm reminded of the reason I look-up to you, John!

God Bless and thank you for being exactly who you are.
 
In this day and age, I don't think that's enough of a reason for management to carry a grudge. Where I live, there's a guy who received national attention for doing a comedy bit about a victim who was beheaded! He and his crew actually laughed about the tape of the beheading! He quickly lost his job, left town for about 6 months and then returned to work for a competitor where he is now #1 in afternoon drive! If you want to get back in, I don't think it's out of the question under these circumstances.
 
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