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U93's TOMMY FRANK

B

BernieMack000

Guest
I have just discovered that my friend Tommy Frank has passed on. Tommy and I worked together at Q102/Cincinnati and he hired me for my first full time job at U93. We worked together for a couple years and created great radio while we were there. He loved radio... sometimes to an excess. He was a good man who, despite his personal demons, believed in passing to the next generation of broadcasters his experience and know-how. I respect that. I appreciated him for that. WE appreciated him for that.

He worked in a lot of markets in a lot of places. But, there was one constant... that was that the people he taught went on to kick this industry's ass. A LOT of the folks that had worked with and for Tommy are in bigger markets and better places -- but, I think it is all part of having known him that put them there. How often do you work with someone in this business who is selfless and not ego-driven? Tommy was not.

As I learned today about the news, I considered that I knew him, for the most part, professionally and that my condolences probably didn't mean a lot personally to his biological family. But, if I was able to briefly vent and tell like-minded folks on this board about my buddy and describe the "radio relationship" that myself, the scores of programmers and DJs and Tommy shared... maybe someone would identify. I thought commemorating him in this forum was appropiate. Plus, it helps me get it off my chest.

Thanks T-Frank. Rest in Peace.

ps... If you didn't know Tommy and the post means nothing to you. Please just move on.
 
A year ago, Bob Nowicki, the first ‘n foremost GM of heritage U93 passed away. Like your good friend and mentor, Tommy Frank, Bob was an awesome leader and friend to those who reported to work at WNDU with him... MANY quality folks passed those doors beside the dome on US 31 North in South Bend... God bless them... Working with them were the best years of my life!
 
Tommy was one of radios true leaders. He lead many programmers and farmed many of them from his work and creativity. He believed in everyone that he worked with, and while he may not be the most favorite of some, he will always have a special place in everyones hearts.

My condolences to a man I never met, but respected his work and his creativity for years!
 
Tommy was my PD when I worked at Q102/Cincinnati back around 2000-2003. I always liked him because I appreciated his passon for doing things right. He was a great jock when he had to fill in. He threw some great parties at his house, usually with a few guys from local Cincy band Blessed Union of Souls sitting on his fireplace playing acoustic sets. He bought a brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee and parked it under his office window so he could stare at it. He worshiped his little 5 year old boy and that kid ran around tearing into evertything all over the station. I overslept one morning when I was scheduled to come in during morning drive and help out with a Mellencamp phone interview. I told him Mellencamp was late too, and we didnt miss anything and he went off on me. "So what! What difference does Mellencamp make?" Only after I apologise over and over and promised it would never happen again did he calm down. We ended up being pretty close and he would invite me to go drinking at BW-3s with him and about 3 other select few when his radio buddies came in town. He taught me to alternate between the Terriyaki and the Hot on the BW3 hot wings. Last I heard he was at WAZY/Lafayette, IN and called me asking for the mic processor settings from Q, since I was the one that finally ended up getting the mics sounding to his liking. One of his radio heroes was Scott Shannon, and Scott would actually take his calls and hang out with him at conclaves and conventions. Tommy, thanks for the good radio and may you have a good rest. We all need to take it easy and "un-stress".
 
Although I've never met Tommy, I applied for a job at U-93 after my dream job at KPLA in Columbia/Jefferson City, MO turned into a nightmare. I didn't get the job, but Tommy showed me the courtesy of sending me a response. That's something I always appreciated.

Two other Indiana PD's, Mark Evans of WMEE and Jeff DeWeese of WLEG, were also extremely courteous. Although I got a full-time job outside of radio before anything came together, I have always been grateful to Tommy, Mark and Jeff for their professionalism and courtesy.

My condolences to Tommy's friends and family.
 
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