The famous mad man Bob Adams is in some serious trouble with Citadel. The corporate folks have been in and more are on the way. Can't blame the employees for telling the truth. Seems like Bob beat up and on one too many of the remaining folks. The good news is maybe the staff with be treated better. The questions is when will Bob get kicked to the curb?
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Trouble at Citadel
- Thread starter maines
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B
BaltimoreJack
Guest
Everytihng is about money. Citadel doesn't care about how their GM's treat the employees as long as the dollars are there. If he's pleasent and the bucks come in OK. If he's an angry tyrant and the bucks come in, that's OK too. If he dresses like Corporal Klinger and the bucks come in..it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is cash. If they figure he can't bring in the needed money anymore (and Citadel needs money like an addict needs heroin) then he goes. If they think he can keep bringing in what they demand, then he'll still be in the corner office with the window.
Citadel is in real trouble. Much more serious than a problem with a GM. Stock sitting at 6 cents a share right now. At WARM-AM, a legend for decades in the Scranton area, formerly a Susquehanna station, has been off the air for almost 2 weeks now due to transmitter, phasor and ground system problems. Citadel does not have the money to fix the problems. The station may be off the air forever. That would be the equivalent of WHP-AM in Harrisburg going off forever due to lack of funds to fix a problem. Oh... wait...Clear Channel was put on a list of most likely to go bankrupt this year.....stay tuned.
warm am is now back on the air, fyi
You compare WHP to WARM??? Have you noticed the Arbitron ratings any time during the past decade? Have you noticed the volume of regional/local spots, compared to others in this recession? Clear Channel has new transmitters at each of their sites here. Great equipment at the studios. Tell ya what Ed, if CC goes belly-up I'll buy you lunch at the restaurant of your choice. Go fix something while you still have a job. ;D
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BaltimoreJack
Guest
WARM cannot be compared to it's local market competitor WILK let alone WHP. Now for a point of clarification, Clear Channel has been placed on a watch by Money magazine as one of the top 10 businesses that are likely to file bankruptcy within the next 12 months. However, most people consider a bankruptcy filing as a complete failure. In today's business culture, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is rarely a complete meltdown. Virtually all US flag air carriers have been in and out of Chapter 11 over the past 15 or so years, and are still flying in some fashion. US steel manufacturers have been in bankruptcy and returned to regular operations, so a bankruptcy filing by Clear Channel, Citadel or Cumulus doesn't mean the end of the company. All of the corporate radio groups are suffering a huge hangover from their post Telecom '96 buying orgy. Remember that the bulk of the buying went on betweenDickHempstaed said:You compare WHP to WARM??? Have you noticed the Arbitron ratings any time during the past decade? Have you noticed the volume of regional/local spots, compared to others in this recession? Clear Channel has new transmitters at each of their sites here. Great equipment at the studios. Tell ya what Ed, if CC goes belly-up I'll buy you lunch at the restaurant of your choice. Go fix something while you still have a job. ;D
1997-2000. Most business notes are written for a period of 7-10 years. While these companies were expanding at a break-neck pace they were over paying for properties and buying stations with credit-card interest rates. Just about the time all these business notes came due, the economy went swirling down the toydee. So many are stuck with huge debt payments that they can't get refinanced, and it is quite likely that they could see relief and restructuring via Chapter 11 bankruptcy. So you may very well see CC file for Chapter 11, but that doesn't mean the end of CC. BTW..who's Ed?
Ok...here it goes. First off I don't understand how Bob Adams ever got to be appointed and trusted to be a market manager. Ever since he arrived at the Harrisburg cluster he's been nothing but trouble. Before he even showed his face in the place he made an excellant sales manager (Cindy Miller) resign. At about the same time he gave an IT tech (shared with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton market) a tough time and to which the guy refused to stop commuting to do any more work at our Central Pa. site. Bob Adams has constantly hired unqualified sales personell that were never even given a chance to learn. He's lost two excellant sales managers in the Ephrata office who could no longer tolerate his managerial skills and direction. Then when the economy went sour and the client's bottom line was cut (advertising dollars)...all of a sudden I found myself playing the sales role and going out and meeting, greating and thanking every one of our loyal advertisers and clients for their investment and association with our radio stations plus bringing in new sales leads that materialized. It is very dissapointing to me that Farid Suleman, Judy Ellis and Wayne Leland have not recognized this individuals poor management decisions and how his management tactics are what have put Citadel Broadcasting Company, Harrisburg in such a poor state of affairs. Personally, I don't care what happens. I can't even listen anymore to the stations I once used to be so proud to be associated with. Bob Adams has staffed it with cheap, inexperienced labor (can't call 'em talent, because they're not!!!). In my 35 years of radio experience, I never thought I'd see the day of such lackluster mismanagement from the top to the whole way between and to the bottom. For those of you hanging on day to day, you better consider getting out before they can't account for your hard work or talents anymore!!!
My Best To All.
Brad Flick
My Best To All.
Brad Flick
B
BaltimoreJack
Guest
I'm a little surprised, given what you have written here, that you don't understand why Bob Adams is still employed. Bob & Wayne Leland are best friends. Wayne's first job as regional VP was to hire Bob to be the GM of the Binghamton, NY cluster. Bob went through Binghamton the same way that Sherman marched to Altanta. Many long-time trusted people were gone. The morale there was frightful. He was sent off to Harrisburg to do the same thing. For them to send Bob to the showers will require that Wayne Leland admit that he was wrong from the get-go. That is not going to happen, and unless and until some very fundamental things change, Bob will continue to do what he does best, which is yell, rant, rave, intimidate and frighten people into either quitting or doing what he wants. If you have worked around Bob as long as you say you have, then you should understand this quite clearly. It doesn't mean that it is right..it
only means that this is the way that it is. I hope that you find something more worthwhile and interesting to do. People like Bob are sort of like the poor..they will always be with us. Unfortunately.
only means that this is the way that it is. I hope that you find something more worthwhile and interesting to do. People like Bob are sort of like the poor..they will always be with us. Unfortunately.
"People like Bob are sort of like the poor..they will always be with us. Unfortunately."
I agree with you 100% You are absolutely, positively correct! It's a damn shame it has to be this way.
I agree with you 100% You are absolutely, positively correct! It's a damn shame it has to be this way.
As covenants are about to be missed leading to eventual bankruptcy, Farid, Judy et al will eventually be gone, replaced by REAL broadcasters who will sort through the mess created by the ilk these two have put in place to run markets. How long? I wish I knew. Citadel will attract some serious radio people because of the former ABC assets which have been totally destroyed. It's hopeful they will bring in professional team building managers to fix what is a worse mess than CC and Cumulus. Trouble at Citadel is an understatement.
F
FredSavage
Guest
When I worked for Citadel in Harrisburg, I remember Judy coming in and during a meeting, basically told all of us on the air staff that we were unimportant and that the sales department was the most important part of the company. That was the moment I knew the company was doomed. What kind of moron tells the people that are the face of her company that they aren't important? She then went on to toot her own horn about bringin Isaac Hayes to Hot 97 in NYC. So what was it? Is air talent is important or not? Good job running the company into the ground people. Well done.
Flickster said:Ok...here it goes. First off I don't understand how Bob Adams ever got to be appointed and trusted to be a market manager. Ever since he arrived at the Harrisburg cluster he's been nothing but trouble. Before he even showed his face in the place he made an excellant sales manager (Cindy Miller) resign. At about the same time he gave an IT tech (shared with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton market) a tough time and to which the guy refused to stop commuting to do any more work at our Central Pa. site. Bob Adams has constantly hired unqualified sales personell that were never even given a chance to learn. He's lost two excellant sales managers in the Ephrata office who could no longer tolerate his managerial skills and direction. Then when the economy went sour and the client's bottom line was cut (advertising dollars)...all of a sudden I found myself playing the sales role and going out and meeting, greating and thanking every one of our loyal advertisers and clients for their investment and association with our radio stations plus bringing in new sales leads that materialized. It is very dissapointing to me that Farid Suleman, Judy Ellis and Wayne Leland have not recognized this individuals poor management decisions and how his management tactics are what have put Citadel Broadcasting Company, Harrisburg in such a poor state of affairs. Personally, I don't care what happens. I can't even listen anymore to the stations I once used to be so proud to be associated with. Bob Adams has staffed it with cheap, inexperienced labor (can't call 'em talent, because they're not!!!). In my 35 years of radio experience, I never thought I'd see the day of such lackluster mismanagement from the top to the whole way between and to the bottom. For those of you hanging on day to day, you better consider getting out before they can't account for your hard work or talents anymore!!!
My Best To All.
Brad Flick
Here's a good lesson on why you should never drink and post...unless, of course, you don't mind publicly torching your former co-workers and any small chance you may have had to work in radio again.
B
BaltimoreJack
Guest
Farid & Judy are two different kinds of people. Farid was essentially Uncle Mel Karmazin's bookkeeper at CBS. Judy Ellis on the other hand was NYC market manager for Emmis before coming to Citadel. In a sense, I'm surprised she made that move. She is one very tough little lady. There have been so many mistakes made at Citadel that there is blame to go all around. But to lump Judy in with Farid as the same types of people is incorrect.smartestguyintheroom said:As covenants are about to be missed leading to eventual bankruptcy, Farid, Judy et al will eventually be gone, replaced by REAL broadcasters who will sort through the mess created by the ilk these two have put in place to run markets. How long? I wish I knew. Citadel will attract some serious radio people because of the former ABC assets which have been totally destroyed. It's hopeful they will bring in professional team building managers to fix what is a worse mess than CC and Cumulus. Trouble at Citadel is an understatement.
The truth is, yes I miss radio. But what's wrong with posting the truth here? After 35 years in the business, I don't think I have to prove anything (to you especially). Sorry I can't waste my time dealing with somebody who's so into themselves that they can't have any compassion for an individual like myself who's given all to an industry that they were totally passionate about. If you think I might loose my slim chance of ever getting a radio gig again...I really don't care. At least I've found employment that pays better...I don't have to worry day to day about getting terminated and where I'm going to turn up next. By your posting here, I think you are a very troubled and worried individual in your present position. I feel sorry for you that you have to go through day in and day out...day after day...having that kind of emotional trauma to sort through in your own mind. In closing here...I would certainly look at getting back into radio again! However, the next time, I sure hope it would be alot more pleasent dealing with talent that know what they're doing, work with a sales and management team that gets it (and are not there for just a paycheck and/or the glamour) and get rid of the individuals who are a waste of a company's time. In other words...take your 2 hour lunch breaks and your 4 hour web surfing time on your own and not the companys. By the way, why don't you come out and indentify yourself here or are you really parinoid about getting attacked by people like you've done to me. If you can't fess up who you are...you're a looser and a total waste of my time!!!
B
BaltimoreJack
Guest
There are also a LOT of people at Chrysler & GM who have the same things to say. There are a LOT of people in many industries around the US who are saying the same thing. To put the blame solely upon Bob Adams is foolish. Bob & others like him are only part of a much larger problem. Unlike other recessions and to some extent even the great depression of the 30's, this time almost all of the jobs being lost are NEVER coming back. In past recessions there were lots of layoffs in many industries, and within 4-6 months, many of those people found work again in their fields. This time most of these jobs being lost, whether they are in broadcasting, newspaper, cars, steel, banking, etc, are NOT going to come back. So to spend your spirit and energy being torqued at somebody like Adams is a total waste. It's great that you've found a job..Good luck in whatever you are doing, but for your own mental health, get over the "Bob Adams is an ass" mentality as quickly as you can and leave it behind.Flickster said:After 35 years in the business, I don't think I have to prove anything (to you especially). Sorry I can't waste my time dealing with somebody who's so into themselves that they can't have any compassion for an individual like myself who's given all to an industry that they were totally passionate about.
Flickster said:The truth is, yes I miss radio. But what's wrong with posting the truth here? After 35 years in the business, I don't think I have to prove anything (to you especially). Sorry I can't waste my time dealing with somebody who's so into themselves that they can't have any compassion for an individual like myself who's given all to an industry that they were totally passionate about. If you think I might loose my slim chance of ever getting a radio gig again...I really don't care. At least I've found employment that pays better...I don't have to worry day to day about getting terminated and where I'm going to turn up next. By your posting here, I think you are a very troubled and worried individual in your present position. I feel sorry for you that you have to go through day in and day out...day after day...having that kind of emotional trauma to sort through in your own mind. In closing here...I would certainly look at getting back into radio again! However, the next time, I sure hope it would be alot more pleasent dealing with talent that know what they're doing, work with a sales and management team that gets it (and are not there for just a paycheck and/or the glamour) and get rid of the individuals who are a waste of a company's time. In other words...take your 2 hour lunch breaks and your 4 hour web surfing time on your own and not the companys. By the way, why don't you come out and indentify yourself here or are you really parinoid about getting attacked by people like you've done to me. If you can't fess up who you are...you're a looser and a total waste of my time!!!
You talk like your speaking to someone specific. You couldn't be more wrong. Please, don't pretend to know who I am because you don't. What my real name is doesn't matter either but what I have to say is. I'm not posting to get into a war of words with you, I'm merely pointing out a few things for your own good. I too was unceremoniously let go from radio about 10 years ago (after a 20 year run). It hurt and yes, I still miss it to this day. Fortunately, I also found a niche for myself outside the business that compensates me well. The difference is that when I was pushed out, I left with my dignity in tact by staying above the fray. The same cannot be said for you right now. 35 years is a long and respectable career. You may have left on a sour note but in the eyes of most (listeners & co-workers) your time behind the mic was revered. You felt you deserved better after all you put in and yes you probably did but why are you lashing out at people that nothing to do with it? "Cheap and inexperienced labor" I believe you said. Last I checked, the same people that you worked with 8 months ago when this happened are the same people that work there now. I can't name one person over there with under 20 years experience. All of them competent and talented people.
Look, at one time you and I worked together at the old Z107 and I always thought you were a decent, rational guy both on and off the air but these recent posts are anything but. They sound like they are being typed by someone on the edge. Not by the the guy that many of us in this area worked with and respected. I understand you're frustrated at the way things ended for you but torching everything in your path is not the legacy I think you want. When I said you probably wouldn't work again after your last posts, I meant it. Unleashing a public dump on people, that to this day when asked, only have kind words to say about you is not only looked upon as unprofessional but as childish too.
I wish you the best in your new life outside the business. Remember, you still have some great memories and new adventures to look forward too. Good luck Flick. I think I'm not alone in saying thanks for the memories you provided over the years in your long and distinguished career.
I understand Al Brock is out as PD of WIOV. It's a shame. Al's one of the good guys. Let's see.....two weeks ago it was Dave Russell at Cumulus' WARM. The casualty list in this industry keeps growing. I wonder who's next?
bossjock 56 said:I understand Al Brock is out as PD of WIOV. It's a shame. Al's one of the good guys. Let's see.....two weeks ago it was Dave Russell at Cumulus' WARM. The casualty list in this industry keeps growing. I wonder who's next?
from what i hear..
bob rudy at the peak...
best of luck to all who have been laid off...
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