Mason Dixon Out

[Radio Putz]

Word is Mason Dixon is out as PD at Q105 but will continue mornings. Film at 11.

 

[jmtillery]

Word is Mason Dixon is out as PD at Q105 but will continue mornings. Film at 11.

If Mason Dixon is no longer Q 105 program director, who replaced him? Wasn't it Dixon who convinced CBS corporate to revamp WRBQ from country to oldies and eventually classics hits, returning to he former "Q 105" moniker?

Mark Tillery,
Ocala, Florida
[email protected]

 

[cityavehappyhour]

I was working a weekend shift when Dixon first took over the old U92 about 9 years ago. I don't like to bash people, but in this case I found him to be an obscene, egotistical madman. It was obvious to me when he took over that he wanted "his people" at U92. I didn't need the gig - just doing it for fun - remember when radio still had some "fun" left? I figured I'd hang in until he replaced me. That didn't happen. I walked away from it after one particular shift I did. We were doing an all request weekend and I had a caller request "Rainy night in Georgia" by Brook Benton. According to the "book" (a list of all approved music we could play) "Rainy night" was ok to air. I played the song and Maniac Mason called me on the hotline yelling at me, F-this, F-that and so on because I was playing the song. He asked why I played it when it wasn't on the "approved" list. I told him it WAS on the list. He then started blaming Rico Blanco - calling him an idiot and so on. Too bad. Rico was the workhorse behind Mason anyway. That was my final shift at U92. I called them Monday and quit. I worked for some great stations as an air talent, PD, and with some great talented people. Sadly Mason was not even in their category. I wish him well as he continues his morning show without the PD title, but I think his days are probably numbered. My advice for Mason in the future: "Respect for the Individual" - and have a real job just in case!

 

[MsMusicRadio]

I was wondering if Marvin Boone would be the only "high profile " guy to go. Check the Charlotte NC board to see what they did to their 104.7 in that city. Fired most of the jocks and gave week-enders full time positions at I assume less pay. Of course CBS has week-enders to promote. I feel sorry for the guy who is on WDUV 20 hours a day.

 

[BossJock1947]

I was working a weekend shift when Dixon first took over the old U92 about 9 years ago. I don't like to bash people, but in this case I found him to be an obscene, egotistical madman. It was obvious to me when he took over that he wanted "his people" at U92. I didn't need the gig - just doing it for fun - remember when radio still had some "fun" left? I figured I'd hang in until he replaced me. That didn't happen. I walked away from it after one particular shift I did. We were doing an all request weekend and I had a caller request "Rainy night in Georgia" by Brook Benton. According to the "book" (a list of all approved music we could play) "Rainy night" was ok to air. I played the song and Maniac Mason called me on the hotline yelling at me, F-this, F-that and so on because I was playing the song. He asked why I played it when it wasn't on the "approved" list. I told him it WAS on the list. He then started blaming Rico Blanco - calling him an idiot and so on. Too bad. Rico was the workhorse behind Mason anyway. That was my final shift at U92. I called them Monday and quit. I worked for some great stations as an air talent, PD, and with some great talented people. Sadly Mason was not even in their category. I wish him well as he continues his morning show without the PD title, but I think his days are probably numbered. My advice for Mason in the future: "Respect for the Individual" - and have a real job just in case!

Unfortunately i'm afraid you're correct about Mason DIXON. He' one of many who can snow GM's but in reality hasn't a clue about what oldies to play.

If CBS was smart they would cut him loose all together or else he will be undermining everyone.

I don't know who's worse when it comes to knowing music...Mason Dixon or Randy Kabrick

 

[MusicMan11]

the new pd is a guy by the name of scott walker, was big in philly for years and most recently he spent time as pd for cbs station in detroit. He also spent time in orlando area - late 70's and early '80s - top 40 jock on WLOF and later on BJ 105.

 

[jmtillery]

I remember Scott Walker when he was on WLOF and WBJW Orlando. He left in 1981, replaced by Roger Stallard. He's a very good PD, and it will be interesting to see what he does with WRBQ.

Mark Tillery,
Ocala, Florida
[email protected]

 

[MsMusicRadio]

bring back marvin boone in am drive

 

[cityavehappyhour]

Scott and I spent quite a lot of time at AIR awards events and others in Philly. I was programming another station - luckily not against WOGL when Scott was there. WOGL was always in the top 10 12-plus arb and it was a superior station with people like Jim Nettleton (worked at 620AM in Tampa during their "standards" years) and many other high-profile personalities. I think Scott will clean up the Q pretty much - and make it a much better station even with the budget limits imposed by corporate. That is what makes a program director great - one who can still achieve ratings and revenue while dealing with tight financial limitations. Too many program directors whine about budgets - just a few can see their way beyond the budget and focus on what resources they have to make a station work - Scott is one of them.

Congrats Scott! Good Luck!

Scott and Mason together?

LOL.

 

[WKomm]

city - your story brought back a flood of memories regarding Dixon and few are pleasant. I worked on the same staff as him a looooong time back. Like you, I found him a combination of raging ego, lots of bluster and a vulgar personality that embarrassed me more than once. Unfortunately, it fit in at this particular station. I've long wondered how he's stayed on so long in Tampa. I had to think the years had changed him, that he's mellowed.

I guess not.

Someday I might write a book. Maybe when the fear of lawsuits recedes. By then I doubt as if few will care. Your post both saddened me and angered me. The anger I can control. The sadness is that I should have done something a few times when I was on that staff - like knock him on his ass, At least you had the guts and good sense to maintain your dignity.

Ahhhhhh .... radio. Don'tchya just love it?

 

[radiodork]

Mason has been fighting with corporate over the direction of the station for a while, so this doesn't surprise me at all. It almost sets up a sequel of Mason vs. Cleveland Wheeler, except Mason's in the role of morning jock! I think he may play along while concocting what's next for him... whatever that may be.

Expect more 60's and less 70's on Q-105. On a tangent, I think WJQB missed out on a chance on a more local 60's-based format. Listening to Scott Shannon puke about what the Chicago Bulls did last night after an ABBA song is driving me crazy.

 

[RMarino]

This is a bit of history repeating itself. In 1981, Mason was asked to step down as programmer of Q105 to make room for another Scott (that of course would be Scott Shannon) who eventually moved on & handed the station back to Mason in '83.

Personally I would love to see Mason go back to afternoons, Mike Reeves moved to middays, and Cleveland Wheeler hired back for mornings.

 

[MsMusicRadio]

That begs the questions:

1) If you can bring in help from Philly, why fire Marvin?

2) If you get get cleveland Wheeler, does he work for less than Marvin?


3) How can they copy WOGL and cut costs. Look at the WOGL site. They must have a staff of 20.

This is weird.

 

[Bored Op]

the new pd is a guy by the name of scott walker, was big in philly for years and most recently he spent time as pd for cbs station in detroit. He also spent time in orlando area - late 70's and early '80s - top 40 jock on WLOF and later on BJ 105.

Wonder if he knows what he's in for.

 

[MsMusicRadio]

This reminds me of George H.W. Bush using the term "voodoo economics" CBS has 3 top classic hits stations. WCBS,KRTH, and WOGL. How are they going to elevate WRBQ to this level by trimming staff and costs?

 

[David Sharp]

Okay, I never worked with Mason Dixon, so I can only base my comments on what others have posted. If he is such an ego-maniac, how will he work UNDER someone else? Or will they give him free reign for Morning Drive? I also wonder if he will get a pay cut, because he'd be getting big money at Q105.

 

[radiodood]

Mason was better when he was just the afternoon guy and PD, like he was when he first started in the late 70's after a stint at KCBQ. As another

 

[Parttimer]

Expect more 60's and less 70's on Q-105.

Really?

Based on what?

 

[Kabrich]

I was working a weekend shift when Dixon first took over the old U92 about 9 years ago. I don't like to bash people, but in this case I found him to be an obscene, egotistical madman. It was obvious to me when he took over that he wanted "his people" at U92. I didn't need the gig - just doing it for fun - remember when radio still had some "fun" left? I figured I'd hang in until he replaced me. That didn't happen. I walked away from it after one particular shift I did. We were doing an all request weekend and I had a caller request "Rainy night in Georgia" by Brook Benton. According to the "book" (a list of all approved music we could play) "Rainy night" was ok to air. I played the song and Maniac Mason called me on the hotline yelling at me, F-this, F-that and so on because I was playing the song. He asked why I played it when it wasn't on the "approved" list. I told him it WAS on the list. He then started blaming Rico Blanco - calling him an idiot and so on. Too bad. Rico was the workhorse behind Mason anyway. That was my final shift at U92. I called them Monday and quit. I worked for some great stations as an air talent, PD, and with some great talented people. Sadly Mason was not even in their category. I wish him well as he continues his morning show without the PD title, but I think his days are probably numbered. My advice for Mason in the future: "Respect for the Individual" - and have a real job just in case!

Unfortunately i'm afraid you're correct about Mason DIXON. He' one of many who can snow GM's but in reality hasn't a clue about what oldies to play.

If CBS was smart they would cut him loose all together or else he will be undermining everyone.

I don't know who's worse when it comes to knowing music...Mason Dixon or Randy Kabrick

Both have forgotten more than you ever knew.

 

[MsMusicRadio]

Does any gentleman care to explain this to me ? Even though I was turned off by Mason's in your face "patriotism" ( makes no jocks on WDUV pleasant-------------but I still think they are the best station for my tastes in town. I still wonder how they are going to improve and spend less.