T
Talking Furniture
Guest
Oldbones said:
Uh-Oh. I predict you're going to get flamed for blasphemy Oldbones. No one dares speak ill of the KFRC wax museum on the SF market board.
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KFRC - My Side of the Story
- Thread starter John Mack Flanagan
- Start date
Uh-Oh. I predict you're going to get flamed for blasphemy Oldbones. No one dares speak ill of the KFRC wax museum on the SF market board.
D
DeadAudicy
Guest
Oldbones said:
I'll go one further. All jobs are expendable, radio or rock star...evening news anchor or all night 7-11 clerk. None include any policy whatsoever addressing the expectations of the employee at firing time. This from a life lived, 35 years in radio and 10 years in meatpacking, warehousing, dumpster hauling, weed wacking, and you betcha all night at 7-11, "services no longer needed" in the mail many times.
Radio has no monopoly on the silent pink slip, so no one need disparage the industry like it is the singular heartless devil, nor lament today's world against any time since employment was invented. If it shocks you, welcome to the world, if it discourages you, you're that much further from your next step in life.
That said, certainly BF-T's lack of acknowledgment to a recently employed KFRC legend in an article about recently fired KFRC personnel--though glaring--seems more a sin of journalistic omission rather than a personal one.
For what it's worth, Oldbones...JMF was a hero to many, including myself, at a time when there were radio heroes, at an age personally when it was fun to grant radio heroism.
DeadAudicy said:
Let me point just ONE thing out: In most other occupations, the people who let you go call you to the office. You at least have just enough time to get an instant lump in your throat and ponder if your Plan B is in order as you walk down that strangely longer than usual hallway. In radio these days, it's like you feel secure leaving the building one night, everyone says good night and everything and every plan seems to be right on schedule and when you return next morning, you're treated lower than a child molester. For doing nothing wrong on your part whatsoever.
You're completely shunned, here's your last check, here's private security to breath down your back as you get your things and on your way out. You're not even remotely a violent or unstable person either, yet you are treated like Charles Manson. That does have a devastating psychological effect - even among the strongest of us.
That is NOT the professional way of terminating someone. In ANY occupation. Granted, you don't have a RIGHT to be employed at any station, but you do have a right to be treated HUMANELY and FAIRLY when it comes to termination. Anyone would be far more understanding of cutbacks, new ownership, new management or whatever in spite of the "Why ME?" question if they were at least treated civilly.
Radio people are strong people. You have to be to be in a career that changes management, PDs, ownerships and formats constantly and everybody here knows that. But NOBODY, especially someone who has provided his stations and community years of selfless service like JMF deserves to be treated this way. And it does NOTHING to improve radio's image in the public or advertisers eyes or reverse the trend to other media and may in fact be ACCELERATING IT.......
I guess some of us have thicker skin than others. Losing a job can be very traumatic. About 15 years ago, I was fired from a job that meant a lot to me, and I had invested a lot of time and energy in...I didn't just do it for the paycheck, in other words. I was let go because new management had been brought in and wanted "their own team." They did not fire me in a nice way, either. I was depressed for weeks. The business was in the neighborhood I lived in. For months, I used to drive blocks out of my way to avoid driving by the place.
Ultimately, it was a good thing, and made me go back to college to get an advanced degree, and a new more stable career.
I now work in a public agency with comparative job stability. But we hire Temps from time to time. Even though they only stay a few months, they get attached to the job and make friends with the regular staff. When they have to leave, it can be very emotional for them. But what the hell...they're only Temps right?
The point is - even though John Mack's former career was in a business with very little stability - I understand his feelings. Preston and Jordan were either cowards for not talking to John in person, or they really didn't care...which is worse.
Ultimately, it was a good thing, and made me go back to college to get an advanced degree, and a new more stable career.
I now work in a public agency with comparative job stability. But we hire Temps from time to time. Even though they only stay a few months, they get attached to the job and make friends with the regular staff. When they have to leave, it can be very emotional for them. But what the hell...they're only Temps right?
The point is - even though John Mack's former career was in a business with very little stability - I understand his feelings. Preston and Jordan were either cowards for not talking to John in person, or they really didn't care...which is worse.
D
dannyw
Guest
JMF - Let's see how good both of our memories are.
Back in the 80's, maybe even late 70's, I was doing afternoons at KROY in Sacto as Dancin' Danny Wright. It was one during one of the rare times I took two weeks off that your name popped up in my history. The Monday I left, Les Garland called for me. This was before cell phones and I was loooong gone. I came back two weeks later, heard that Garland had called and of course I freaked out. I called a bunch of times but he never took my call. Later I was told that he felt he was being stiffed and because I didn't call, I was out and he moved on to the next thing. I'd heard that Garland became aware of me after a certain KFRC jock was driving back to SF via Sacto on a Saturday, heard me and tried to call. I worked the phones like a madman back then but on Saturdays I admit I sometimes busied them out. I put everything I had into airwork (still do) and maybe I missed your call.
Do you recall any of this or was having a flashback of some kind?
KROY was a legendary set of calls in its own right but all of us were aware we labored in KFRC's shadow. In fact, we were literally a "shadow" market. We lost out on lots of good concerts by bands who played SF but not Sacto. And you have no idea how jealous I was when I'd hear KFRC weather with high's of 80 and we were broiling in 110 degree heat. And the talent was just unreal. The standouts (to me at least) were - and this is obvious - Dr. Don Rose. I liked Rob "Hot Dog" harder. And JMF. Whatta voice, whatta delivery. Just completely awesome.
A few years later I was at some radio function and I occupied a urinal next to Les Garland. I don't think he knew me well enough to recognize me. I wanted to say something, but ... what? And it was kind of an awkward moment.
Anyway, I'll talk for a few sentences as if you're out of the room.
To those who are mocking JMF's "pity party" :
You WISH you had half of his resume, let alone half of his talent. There's such a thing in this world as respecting your betters. If there was ever any kind of tribute night for JMF, the radio names who would show would keep all the pups under the porch. And it seemed as if the real complaint was more HOW he was treated, not that he was let go. I've been canned in ways that left me kind of dazed and smiling and in ways that brought to the edge of homicide. R-e-s-p-e-c-t ... what a concept. There really are only a handful of truly nationally recognized legendary stations and staff and JMF was at one of them and on one of those staffs.
To those of us who are good at what we do and really like our listeners and hold the medium in respect, it DOES hurt to be booted out. It's a job of creativity and passion, not picking fruit or hard labor, when all you want is to get paid and go home. Most of my career, the station felt more like home than one I paid a mortgage on. Many of the people I've worked with were and are as close as family. I've had unreal adventures that a mechanic will never have. And before anyone rushes in to snipe away, a good mechanic is every bit a creative artist as any good DJ. But, like good jocks, a good mechanic is tough to find. JMF obviously cares about his profession and takes pride in the work he does. He posts his genuine feelings and that makes this part of the board vibrant and real.
JMF, take care and stay safe. One thing they will NEVER take from you - or any of us - is the excellent memories and the countless JMF airchecks that are all across America.
Back in the 80's, maybe even late 70's, I was doing afternoons at KROY in Sacto as Dancin' Danny Wright. It was one during one of the rare times I took two weeks off that your name popped up in my history. The Monday I left, Les Garland called for me. This was before cell phones and I was loooong gone. I came back two weeks later, heard that Garland had called and of course I freaked out. I called a bunch of times but he never took my call. Later I was told that he felt he was being stiffed and because I didn't call, I was out and he moved on to the next thing. I'd heard that Garland became aware of me after a certain KFRC jock was driving back to SF via Sacto on a Saturday, heard me and tried to call. I worked the phones like a madman back then but on Saturdays I admit I sometimes busied them out. I put everything I had into airwork (still do) and maybe I missed your call.
Do you recall any of this or was having a flashback of some kind?
KROY was a legendary set of calls in its own right but all of us were aware we labored in KFRC's shadow. In fact, we were literally a "shadow" market. We lost out on lots of good concerts by bands who played SF but not Sacto. And you have no idea how jealous I was when I'd hear KFRC weather with high's of 80 and we were broiling in 110 degree heat. And the talent was just unreal. The standouts (to me at least) were - and this is obvious - Dr. Don Rose. I liked Rob "Hot Dog" harder. And JMF. Whatta voice, whatta delivery. Just completely awesome.
A few years later I was at some radio function and I occupied a urinal next to Les Garland. I don't think he knew me well enough to recognize me. I wanted to say something, but ... what? And it was kind of an awkward moment.
Anyway, I'll talk for a few sentences as if you're out of the room.
To those who are mocking JMF's "pity party" :
You WISH you had half of his resume, let alone half of his talent. There's such a thing in this world as respecting your betters. If there was ever any kind of tribute night for JMF, the radio names who would show would keep all the pups under the porch. And it seemed as if the real complaint was more HOW he was treated, not that he was let go. I've been canned in ways that left me kind of dazed and smiling and in ways that brought to the edge of homicide. R-e-s-p-e-c-t ... what a concept. There really are only a handful of truly nationally recognized legendary stations and staff and JMF was at one of them and on one of those staffs.
To those of us who are good at what we do and really like our listeners and hold the medium in respect, it DOES hurt to be booted out. It's a job of creativity and passion, not picking fruit or hard labor, when all you want is to get paid and go home. Most of my career, the station felt more like home than one I paid a mortgage on. Many of the people I've worked with were and are as close as family. I've had unreal adventures that a mechanic will never have. And before anyone rushes in to snipe away, a good mechanic is every bit a creative artist as any good DJ. But, like good jocks, a good mechanic is tough to find. JMF obviously cares about his profession and takes pride in the work he does. He posts his genuine feelings and that makes this part of the board vibrant and real.
JMF, take care and stay safe. One thing they will NEVER take from you - or any of us - is the excellent memories and the countless JMF airchecks that are all across America.
dannyw said:
I've had several of those moments when I wanted to talk with someone whom I respected but felt I could contribute absolutely nothing to the conversation. And I didn't want to talk for talk sake, such as "Hi. I've admired your work for years..." That's just dumb. As a community organizer I've had people say that to me and it sort of hits me like the side of a board. What do you say in response to a compliment besides a simple thank you?
So, I've learned to hold my tongue when in the presence of greatness. Maybe nod or something...
Lkeller said:
For 5 years I wrote medical software for organ transplants. The software I worked on is in use wherever good livers are sold. I loved my job because it saved lives, demonstrably saved lives. Well, I had the misfortune of taking off a federal holiday, Presidents' Day. The boss came after me the next day and went on about how I hadn't fixed the bugs in the last release. I went to my desk (and he acted like I was approaching a gun on my desk) and showed him that I'd done all the bug reports and asked him to demonstrate where I had messed up. He wouldn't. He kept saying, "It's too late now. It's over," etc. Turned out his business partner, a pharm company, had suggested to him that hiring immigrants and offshoring work would lead to cost savings and loyalty by the immigrants. Heck, I was loyal -- 5 years in software is like 15 years anywhere else -- so here I was, chief software architect and software development manager, and no place to go, since that job is usually held by a co-founder in most companies. Nobody would hire me for software. Plus I was also a decade older than most people holding that job.
Unable to find programming work, unwilling to go back into the even more unstable world of broadcasting, and unnerved enough to not want to go back into food and beverage (I had owned a restaurant and nightclub in the past), I wound up cat sitting, dog walking, doing handyman jobs, and playing my fiddle and accordion on the streets, in subways and at the Wharf.
Best career move I ever made. My music opened lots of doors to rich people's parties and corporate events where I could charge big bucks, and the other jobs led me to fixing computers, which I do today. They're also both careers that nobody can take from me. Even in this recession I'm doing okay.
Y
yourmom
Guest
An Open Letter to Old Bones
Dear Sir or Maddam. It is true that whining about things on the internet may not be beneficial. Especially on a radio board, where most stories about radio from the past 20 years are filled with firings and layoff's. Another thing that isn't beneficial is some clown from the east coast crapping on a topic about a Heritage Jock at a former Heritage station. It is rare that actual radio jocks post on this message board with full disclosure as to who they are. I know this from Personal experience, as I don't disclose my station etc. So if JMF wants to tell his story or ask a few questions....so be it. There is a line between asking for pity and venting about a business that we all love to be in, but rarely loves us back. If you are pissy about the thread that is fine, but to say he is looking for attention through pity is classless. JMF isn't a wet behind the ears college grad weekender from live 105, he is Jock that means a lot to people in the Bay Area for over 30 years(and yes dustybones, it does matter who he is). As far as I am concerned, anything John decides to talk about should be read by every Radio Broadcasting student. So in conclusion...........................Shhhhhh!
Manhattan Chowder is better than New England (I needed one petty childish comment)
Dear Sir or Maddam. It is true that whining about things on the internet may not be beneficial. Especially on a radio board, where most stories about radio from the past 20 years are filled with firings and layoff's. Another thing that isn't beneficial is some clown from the east coast crapping on a topic about a Heritage Jock at a former Heritage station. It is rare that actual radio jocks post on this message board with full disclosure as to who they are. I know this from Personal experience, as I don't disclose my station etc. So if JMF wants to tell his story or ask a few questions....so be it. There is a line between asking for pity and venting about a business that we all love to be in, but rarely loves us back. If you are pissy about the thread that is fine, but to say he is looking for attention through pity is classless. JMF isn't a wet behind the ears college grad weekender from live 105, he is Jock that means a lot to people in the Bay Area for over 30 years(and yes dustybones, it does matter who he is). As far as I am concerned, anything John decides to talk about should be read by every Radio Broadcasting student. So in conclusion...........................Shhhhhh!
Manhattan Chowder is better than New England (I needed one petty childish comment)
A
andreajesus
Guest
Bravo, bravo, bravo - needed to be said, and I am 101.1% in agreement with you...JMF being on KFRC meant a LOT to Bay Area residents, and it's just a sad way that he was treated... 
B
Bite Me Hard
Guest
After 28 years as a major market air talent and then program director, I'm done moving from city to city, being blown out on a whim no matter how good the ratings and revenue are, and dealing with companies run by a bunch of egotistical assholes who have no regard for any of us as human beings or our families. I'm not one to whine about the "good ol days" but the fact of the matter is, the business is not what it used to be and it never will be again. Most of the great radio people have either been blown out or are about to be, the smart ones have gotten out on their own accord. I've heard one major company is working behind the scenes to do away with Program Directors and just have one PD for each cluster. That same company is also contemplating doing away with all Music Directors and having one person do the music for each format which would be exactly the same in every market nationwide. Do yourself a favor, wake up! It breaks my heart to write this because I have a true love and passion for radio but it's time to move on. I have many great memories and countless victories that nobody can ever take away from me. Good night and God bless.
Hunkey Snarkey said:
Wassa matter Kenny,Cammy didn't give you the time a day at a remote? Ron Parker too natural for your PUKING style. Face it Ron and Cammy had the best ratings on KFRC.
[EDIT]
[EDIT-inflammatory]
Bite Me Hard - Years ago when CC first became a national force, I heard from pretty good inside sources that the plan WAS one PD for all stations of any format, one MD and one music log. Morning shows would be an exception. Sales staffs would operate much like when you call an ad to a newspaper - order takers. Or just order online. Transmitters would
be modular and if a module failed, even a DJ could go to the site and slide a new one in.
Most of this has yet to happen but, like you, I'm thinking it will. Imagine how much money could be saved with one PD for 228 stations. Imagine how sad ...
And imagine the stink that could be raised if there were ever even a hint that PD added or dropped a song for anything less than chart position.
be modular and if a module failed, even a DJ could go to the site and slide a new one in.
Most of this has yet to happen but, like you, I'm thinking it will. Imagine how much money could be saved with one PD for 228 stations. Imagine how sad ...
And imagine the stink that could be raised if there were ever even a hint that PD added or dropped a song for anything less than chart position.
A
andreajesus
Guest
BossJock1947 said:
and San Francisco's loss is New York's gain...where the ratings are continually high for Ron... 8)
Andreajesus, it goes without saying, legends in Bay Area radio ,, such as JMF and Bobby Ocean seem to to Consistintly overlooked! Im glad the Ron and Cammy era is gone! I never listen to Sirius/XM 70s channel when hes on, and in radio nothing is etched in stone, parker could be here today gone tommorow. Parker to me is like vanilla ice cream, sort of boring, take a guy like Lee baby Simms or Parker,, i would rather listen to Lee Baby! i will say Im past thriiled the bay Area had the privilage of having John mack Flanagan, Chris Edwards , Bobby Ocean for real entertainment! As I recollect , Those two tonsils may have had the #1 show, but it was silly. and zero mentioned about the music, those two constantly talked about eating, Boring! Its all over now, they are gone! Guys like Cousin Brucie connect with listeners, make you want to listen! Ocean always had something funny to say! Lee Baby is another one who does my style of Radio, Its all about preference, funny how Cammy hasnt surfaced anywhere, but then again, i listen to Sirius /XMs 50s and 60s channel, not like shes going to find a home there! Kenny in Concord
Wow! What a thread! I thought I had issues with radio! LOL. Hey, Johnny Mack you're a great jock and I've always been a big fan, I was bummed I didn't get the chance to meet you while you where at KFRC. I was hired at CBS about 3 weeks before the axe fell over there and met most of the airstaff.
For what's worth, nobody's dancing in the halls over there, KFRC's demise as sent shockwaves throughout the whole building. I have access to KFRC's music library for the Idiotshow thanks to Tim Jordan, turns out he's a huge Dung fan and knew everything about my career, we talked about the KFRC thing and the guy is freaked, it was obvious to me this was not his call.
I have been through all the trips, I was so pissed off over radio, I walked away for 9 years, so I can totally understand how most of you guys feel. I was lucky enough to move to another line of work and it was hard, prior to that, I had only worked in radio. Now, I have ONE show a week and have another job. I would never count on radio for a living ever again. At least KYCY is TRYING to do something different, this is a very exciting time for me. Hang in there Johnny Mack!
For what's worth, nobody's dancing in the halls over there, KFRC's demise as sent shockwaves throughout the whole building. I have access to KFRC's music library for the Idiotshow thanks to Tim Jordan, turns out he's a huge Dung fan and knew everything about my career, we talked about the KFRC thing and the guy is freaked, it was obvious to me this was not his call.
I have been through all the trips, I was so pissed off over radio, I walked away for 9 years, so I can totally understand how most of you guys feel. I was lucky enough to move to another line of work and it was hard, prior to that, I had only worked in radio. Now, I have ONE show a week and have another job. I would never count on radio for a living ever again. At least KYCY is TRYING to do something different, this is a very exciting time for me. Hang in there Johnny Mack!
dungboy said:
...But KYCY is also a CBS property, and is subject to change, sale or other disposition at a moment's notice.
Johnny Mack, I hope you read this. I worked with you everyday for many years at KYA and you were a great jock. That you feel slighted and overlooked is unfortunate. Believe me, we all felt terribly let down, but such is the landscape of radio these days. It's less stable than ever.
We had 14 months on the new KFRC at 106.9 and we were truly a work in progress. Many people have forwarded posts from this site to me, and I can only say that we tried our best. Clearly, KFRC, in its heyday, was a special place. I wasn't a part of that, which in some ways was liberating for me. We were not attempting to recreate 1974, but rather we were playing music from that era and presenting it in the context of our current lives. The value and wisdom of these choices could be argued till the end of time, or at least until they bring back KFRC again...I'm kidding!
All I know is I had a unique opportunity to work with a group of terrific people. I'd never known Dave Sholin until we began to do a show together, and he's an absolute doll. He's talented and generous, he was never competitive with me, always optimistic and willing to try new things. We've truly become friends through this experience, even if he's a Raiders fan. We're in contact everyday. Our traffic and news guy, Mark Nieto....another super talented dude. I personally think Mark had always been under utilized at other stations. Sue Hall....what can I say! For years we were direct competitors....KFRC vs KYA. I think she typically won! We finally got to know each other and now we're friends. Jay Coffey...yes, I know, "not from the market", but what a talented and smart man. Too bad his show was interrupted so many times with A's games. Steve Moore....production wizard and truly funny guy. He got in some great commentary between 7 and midnight at KFRC. Quite a trick, when you only have a :17 intro. Lucky Steve, still has a job! Our entire support staff, including Tim Jordan (a friend/colleague for many years) was fantastic too.
I know, a lot of people on the Boards think we were doing a terrible job, that our music was wrong, that they hired the wrong staff, etc. However, the listeners who called in seemed to love the station. I can't tell you how many emails we've received since October 20. Not one is a note of celebration....hundreds of angry, sad and very passionate people. Of course, this always happens when a station closes up shop.
Many of you on these Boards didn't care for what we did. More to the point, a lot you seemed to hate the station in it's most recent incarnation. Such is life. It would be disingenuous of me to say that I wished you had liked what were trying to do, but it's irrelevant now.
Johnny Mack, you must know, that we all think you're great. I believe I only saw you once during the past year as we were on totally different schedules, but I listened to and promoted your Beatles' shows and always enjoyed your presentation.
I have never posted on this Board, (I've been cautioned not to join the conversation), so I'm not at all prepared for what I may have started, but if you have any questions....I'll try to answer them. And if you just want to tell me how awful we all were at 106.9, I guess I'll have to deal with that. Happy Thanksgiving....Note to John: Remember the "Turkey Shoot" contest at KYA?
Celeste Perry :-*
We had 14 months on the new KFRC at 106.9 and we were truly a work in progress. Many people have forwarded posts from this site to me, and I can only say that we tried our best. Clearly, KFRC, in its heyday, was a special place. I wasn't a part of that, which in some ways was liberating for me. We were not attempting to recreate 1974, but rather we were playing music from that era and presenting it in the context of our current lives. The value and wisdom of these choices could be argued till the end of time, or at least until they bring back KFRC again...I'm kidding!
All I know is I had a unique opportunity to work with a group of terrific people. I'd never known Dave Sholin until we began to do a show together, and he's an absolute doll. He's talented and generous, he was never competitive with me, always optimistic and willing to try new things. We've truly become friends through this experience, even if he's a Raiders fan. We're in contact everyday. Our traffic and news guy, Mark Nieto....another super talented dude. I personally think Mark had always been under utilized at other stations. Sue Hall....what can I say! For years we were direct competitors....KFRC vs KYA. I think she typically won! We finally got to know each other and now we're friends. Jay Coffey...yes, I know, "not from the market", but what a talented and smart man. Too bad his show was interrupted so many times with A's games. Steve Moore....production wizard and truly funny guy. He got in some great commentary between 7 and midnight at KFRC. Quite a trick, when you only have a :17 intro. Lucky Steve, still has a job! Our entire support staff, including Tim Jordan (a friend/colleague for many years) was fantastic too.
I know, a lot of people on the Boards think we were doing a terrible job, that our music was wrong, that they hired the wrong staff, etc. However, the listeners who called in seemed to love the station. I can't tell you how many emails we've received since October 20. Not one is a note of celebration....hundreds of angry, sad and very passionate people. Of course, this always happens when a station closes up shop.
Many of you on these Boards didn't care for what we did. More to the point, a lot you seemed to hate the station in it's most recent incarnation. Such is life. It would be disingenuous of me to say that I wished you had liked what were trying to do, but it's irrelevant now.
Johnny Mack, you must know, that we all think you're great. I believe I only saw you once during the past year as we were on totally different schedules, but I listened to and promoted your Beatles' shows and always enjoyed your presentation.
I have never posted on this Board, (I've been cautioned not to join the conversation), so I'm not at all prepared for what I may have started, but if you have any questions....I'll try to answer them. And if you just want to tell me how awful we all were at 106.9, I guess I'll have to deal with that. Happy Thanksgiving....Note to John: Remember the "Turkey Shoot" contest at KYA?
Celeste Perry :-*
R
rickradio
Guest
From "Oldbones":
And the Blue Ribbon for Sensitivity goes to....Oldbones!!!
Lemme guess: you got a "D" in compassion?
Yourmom, dannyw, Bite Me Hard, and quite a few others nailed it in their assessments of both the industry and of your post.
You, by your own admission, don't even know John, yet you mischaracterized his post as a "pity party." (If you did know John, you wouldn't have posted what you did.) Maybe you should limit your comments to those people you DO know something about. Upon reading your post, I couldn't let it go without stepping forward on JMF's behalf. Unlike you, I can't say I don't know John, and like Dave said, I'm honored to count him as one of my friends, too. OK, you have a 30-plus-year history in radio, fine and good, mine goes back almost 25, but John's is almost 45 (the last 35 in the #4 market), so methinks it's safe to say that you're not telling John anything he doesn't already know.
Another thing, Oldbones:
How do you know he's even trying to "get another gig?" If you knew John (or even about him), you would know that radio is not his main source of income. You would know that he's the Director of Security for a 30-story high-rise office building in downtown San Francisco. No small responsibility. The safety of 30 stories of people is on his shoulders. And he's happy doing it. As if all that weren't enough, John is the caliber of air talent where people call HIM. People who do the hiring at radio stations already know John and his work. What does it say about you that you're unfamiliar with such a legend as John Mack Flanagan? (Yes, the question is rhetorical.)
And the Blue Ribbon for Sensitivity goes to....Oldbones!!!
Lemme guess: you got a "D" in compassion?
Yourmom, dannyw, Bite Me Hard, and quite a few others nailed it in their assessments of both the industry and of your post.
You, by your own admission, don't even know John, yet you mischaracterized his post as a "pity party." (If you did know John, you wouldn't have posted what you did.) Maybe you should limit your comments to those people you DO know something about. Upon reading your post, I couldn't let it go without stepping forward on JMF's behalf. Unlike you, I can't say I don't know John, and like Dave said, I'm honored to count him as one of my friends, too. OK, you have a 30-plus-year history in radio, fine and good, mine goes back almost 25, but John's is almost 45 (the last 35 in the #4 market), so methinks it's safe to say that you're not telling John anything he doesn't already know.
Another thing, Oldbones:
How do you know he's even trying to "get another gig?" If you knew John (or even about him), you would know that radio is not his main source of income. You would know that he's the Director of Security for a 30-story high-rise office building in downtown San Francisco. No small responsibility. The safety of 30 stories of people is on his shoulders. And he's happy doing it. As if all that weren't enough, John is the caliber of air talent where people call HIM. People who do the hiring at radio stations already know John and his work. What does it say about you that you're unfamiliar with such a legend as John Mack Flanagan? (Yes, the question is rhetorical.)
BossRadioDJ said:
Exactly my point. The station relies on podcasts submitted by it's listeners for the bulk of it's programming, I'm not aware of any other station in any market doing this...are you? At least CBS is making an attempt at some kind of alternative programming but on this tiny AM station, they really have nothing to lose. Of course it can all disappear as quickly as KFRC at any time, what else is new? IF this all goes south, at least it's not going to send me to an unemployment line.
All I know is I had a unique opportunity to work with a group of terrific people. I'd never known Dave Sholin until we began to do a show together, and he's an absolute doll. He's talented and generous, he was never competitive with me, always optimistic and willing to try new things. We've truly become friends through this experience, even if he's a Raiders fan. We're in contact everyday. Our traffic and news guy, Mark Nieto....another super talented dude. I personally think Mark had always been under utilized at other stations. Sue Hall....what can I say! For years we were direct competitors....KFRC vs KYA. I think she typically won! We finally got to know each other and now we're friends. Jay Coffey...yes, I know, "not from the market", but what a talented and smart man. Too bad his show was interrupted so many times with A's games. Steve Moore....production wizard and truly funny guy. He got in some great commentary between 7 and midnight at KFRC. Quite a trick, when you only have a :17 intro. Lucky Steve, still has a job! Our entire support staff, including Tim Jordan (a friend/colleague for many years) was fantastic too.
Celeste,
It was so nice to see you again
I wish we could have spent more time together...I listened to you both on KYA you and Johnny Mack were terrific! I had fun that day seeing you again and meeting all of you guys...Celeste, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Nice to have you on the board. Thanks for the good words for John Mac and for KFRC. The management of the station can't be blamed for the sorry state of our current economy. The meter will tell the story of KCBS on FM in short order so stay tuned!
Now in other news: Will Sumner Redstone sell his controlling interest in CBS Corp.? He just might have to do just that. Mr. Redstone has $800 million in debt coming due in less than a month on Dec. 19. (And I thought I owed a lot of money!) Will he save his multi-billion dollar empire? Will he hold off the creditors holding his $1.6 billion in bank debt that is backed by the family owned 1500 screen theater chain? Stay tuned for the next thrill packed episode in the amazing story of a man and his money! lol sorry couldn't help myself. Happy Thanksgiving to all! May God Bless! Don't cha all just miss Red Skelton?
Now in other news: Will Sumner Redstone sell his controlling interest in CBS Corp.? He just might have to do just that. Mr. Redstone has $800 million in debt coming due in less than a month on Dec. 19. (And I thought I owed a lot of money!) Will he save his multi-billion dollar empire? Will he hold off the creditors holding his $1.6 billion in bank debt that is backed by the family owned 1500 screen theater chain? Stay tuned for the next thrill packed episode in the amazing story of a man and his money! lol sorry couldn't help myself. Happy Thanksgiving to all! May God Bless! Don't cha all just miss Red Skelton?
- Status