According to the P-G, Krenn's agent says he's been removed from the air. Anyone have any scoop?
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11350/1197356-100.stm
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11350/1197356-100.stm
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Whither Krenn?
- Thread starter pman44
- Start date
I know a lot of people have been getting on Jimmy Krenn on message boards.
Personally, I think the guy is extremely talented and likeable, but I will say that after more than 20 years some of the bits would figure to become stale.
Still, Jimmy Krenn was an institution on WDVE. While I know the stories that people thought the morning show wasn't up to snuff when Randy had his hiatus last year, if Krenn leaves WDVE misses a tremendous part of their identity.
It would also seem to me that Krenn would be a major player on the free agent market. Yes, I know the stories about how Krenn is more of a performer and isn't tech savvy, but are we potentially hiring the guy to be a personality or to monitor the VU meter?
Thoughts on how this could go-
A- A Paulsen-Krenn reunion. I've read message board posts that say Scott Paulsen wanted to get away from Krenn 10 years ago, but if that was true you'd think in all the time that had passed one of the two would have said something disparaging about the other. They haven't, and it appears both would need a job.
I realize you're dipping into the past, but such a reunion would be huge, absolutely huge.
It would cost said station, but if a station wanted to change format and be a classic rocker to take on WDVE, such a reunion would give the station instant credibility.
I could also see such a morning team winding up on the following stations-
WRRK- No real morning show on this station but doing well in the ratings. A legendary morning team could make them No. 1.
KDKA-AM- Longshot, and the format of the show and even station would have to change a bit. But I'm thinking along the lines of when O'Brien and Garry did mornings on WTAE when it was a talk station, replacing a morning news type program.
KDKA-FM- WDVE's morning show was always sports-sentric. Paulsen has been a sports talk show host. Such a show could go a long way in not only establishing the station as more Pittsburgh friendly, but perhaps making them No. 1.
If a Paulsen-Krenn reunion would not be in the mix-
Krenn could be a welcome addition to any of the three stations above, though you'd think he'd need to be teamed with someone else if he was going to create a WRRK morning show.
But he could do humorous commentaries for KDKA-AM or be added to The Fan's morning lineup with someone on the current show being reassigned.
Also, as a solo performer, I could see-
Krenn added to WWSW. I know, why wouldn't he just return to WDVE? But this scenario could happen if a rival station was planning to build a rock format around Krenn. Clear Channel, realizing they have to protect the mothership, decides to pay Krenn and reassign him.
Krenn joins WDSY. WDSY's morning show has never been "must listen." It was said that many of the rock listeners of the '80s- the very audience WDVE caters to- have turned to listening to country over the years as it not only is the new adult contemporary, but is as far away from rap as one can get in the contemporary music scene.
The WDSY morning show just lost a member and a legend like Krenn joining the mix would be huge for the station. I might even say this could be a place for Paulsen and Krenn to reunite- if that is in the cards- except I recall all those old "I hate country!" ads Paulsen used to do for WDVE on TV while wearing a fire hat, in responce to Jimmy Roach's "I like country music" ads of the same era.
Working on a farm, 20 years, and unemployment can change one's mindset on that real quick, however.
Any other ideas? Krenn becomes the new host of Night Talk? Krenn joins the cast of Saturday Night Live? Krenn retires? Krenn, desperate for work, lands employment as a greeter at Cheerleaders?
He might enjoy the latter . . . .
Personally, I think the guy is extremely talented and likeable, but I will say that after more than 20 years some of the bits would figure to become stale.
Still, Jimmy Krenn was an institution on WDVE. While I know the stories that people thought the morning show wasn't up to snuff when Randy had his hiatus last year, if Krenn leaves WDVE misses a tremendous part of their identity.
It would also seem to me that Krenn would be a major player on the free agent market. Yes, I know the stories about how Krenn is more of a performer and isn't tech savvy, but are we potentially hiring the guy to be a personality or to monitor the VU meter?
Thoughts on how this could go-
A- A Paulsen-Krenn reunion. I've read message board posts that say Scott Paulsen wanted to get away from Krenn 10 years ago, but if that was true you'd think in all the time that had passed one of the two would have said something disparaging about the other. They haven't, and it appears both would need a job.
I realize you're dipping into the past, but such a reunion would be huge, absolutely huge.
It would cost said station, but if a station wanted to change format and be a classic rocker to take on WDVE, such a reunion would give the station instant credibility.
I could also see such a morning team winding up on the following stations-
WRRK- No real morning show on this station but doing well in the ratings. A legendary morning team could make them No. 1.
KDKA-AM- Longshot, and the format of the show and even station would have to change a bit. But I'm thinking along the lines of when O'Brien and Garry did mornings on WTAE when it was a talk station, replacing a morning news type program.
KDKA-FM- WDVE's morning show was always sports-sentric. Paulsen has been a sports talk show host. Such a show could go a long way in not only establishing the station as more Pittsburgh friendly, but perhaps making them No. 1.
If a Paulsen-Krenn reunion would not be in the mix-
Krenn could be a welcome addition to any of the three stations above, though you'd think he'd need to be teamed with someone else if he was going to create a WRRK morning show.
But he could do humorous commentaries for KDKA-AM or be added to The Fan's morning lineup with someone on the current show being reassigned.
Also, as a solo performer, I could see-
Krenn added to WWSW. I know, why wouldn't he just return to WDVE? But this scenario could happen if a rival station was planning to build a rock format around Krenn. Clear Channel, realizing they have to protect the mothership, decides to pay Krenn and reassign him.
Krenn joins WDSY. WDSY's morning show has never been "must listen." It was said that many of the rock listeners of the '80s- the very audience WDVE caters to- have turned to listening to country over the years as it not only is the new adult contemporary, but is as far away from rap as one can get in the contemporary music scene.
The WDSY morning show just lost a member and a legend like Krenn joining the mix would be huge for the station. I might even say this could be a place for Paulsen and Krenn to reunite- if that is in the cards- except I recall all those old "I hate country!" ads Paulsen used to do for WDVE on TV while wearing a fire hat, in responce to Jimmy Roach's "I like country music" ads of the same era.
Working on a farm, 20 years, and unemployment can change one's mindset on that real quick, however.
Any other ideas? Krenn becomes the new host of Night Talk? Krenn joins the cast of Saturday Night Live? Krenn retires? Krenn, desperate for work, lands employment as a greeter at Cheerleaders?
He might enjoy the latter . . . .
Pratte, well thought out analysis/prospective scenarios, can't say I disagree with anything you said, unless you'd want to add him to Quinn & Rose to make a trio.....not, just kidding.
G
garnet
Guest
Sadly, no one will remember him in 6 months...see Paulson...and even less know him 30 miles outside of town...CBS tried to latch on to that 4 years ago with Paulson on The Man Station...nobody cared.
Well, I may have spoken too soon.
http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/a...enn-close-to-returning-to-wdve?ref=mail_recap
Frankly, even if you are in the camp of thinking you know the punchline of all of Krenn's jokes because you've heard them for a generation, I think WDVE needs Jimmy Krenn.
He may be the most recognizable radio personality in town, and for purposes of branding, he's very important to WDVE.
As far as nobody remembering Krenn in six months- some truth to that, some not so true. I happen to think Pittsburgh listeners remember their former broadcasters very well.
For instance, 36 years later, no Pirates announcer has been able to escape the shadow of Bob Prince. We still talk about Ed and Wendy King. If I want my oldies dance at the VA to be a hit, I just hire Porky Chedwick to be my DJ.
I'll say this- WDVE would not want to have the competition of Jimmy Krenn on another morning show playing classic rock. Even if WDVE won the battle, they'd take a hit.
But one final note on Paulsen- I don't think he was forgotten. In fact, he had numerous jobs in the industry after leaving the WDVE morning show.
You mentioned "The Man Station." Come on- that was doomed to failure from the onset. Four hours of John McIntyre (or is it McIntire)?
Warden- please- take me to the gallows NOW!
But he also had sports talk opportunities on both WBGG and WTAE (WBGG pretty much branded their entire station around him when they went on the air), an evening DJ shift on WDVE, and a talk show gig with John Steigerwald on KDKA-AM (which you knew wasn't going to work out when it was announced).
Now, some of the reasons these gigs didn't last were because he was put in a position to fail. Other times he was too longwinded on the air- which I hope comes off as constructive and not personal criticism because I like Scott Paulsen very much. We need more broadcasters with his wit, intellect, and even temperment.
But I hardly think Paulsen was forgotten. In fact, perhaps the criticisms both Krenn and Paulsen have faced since their great team was broken up are the end result of how great they were together- the perfect morning team- and why most of Pittsburgh would love to see them reunited.
http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/a...enn-close-to-returning-to-wdve?ref=mail_recap
Frankly, even if you are in the camp of thinking you know the punchline of all of Krenn's jokes because you've heard them for a generation, I think WDVE needs Jimmy Krenn.
He may be the most recognizable radio personality in town, and for purposes of branding, he's very important to WDVE.
As far as nobody remembering Krenn in six months- some truth to that, some not so true. I happen to think Pittsburgh listeners remember their former broadcasters very well.
For instance, 36 years later, no Pirates announcer has been able to escape the shadow of Bob Prince. We still talk about Ed and Wendy King. If I want my oldies dance at the VA to be a hit, I just hire Porky Chedwick to be my DJ.
I'll say this- WDVE would not want to have the competition of Jimmy Krenn on another morning show playing classic rock. Even if WDVE won the battle, they'd take a hit.
But one final note on Paulsen- I don't think he was forgotten. In fact, he had numerous jobs in the industry after leaving the WDVE morning show.
You mentioned "The Man Station." Come on- that was doomed to failure from the onset. Four hours of John McIntyre (or is it McIntire)?
Warden- please- take me to the gallows NOW!
But he also had sports talk opportunities on both WBGG and WTAE (WBGG pretty much branded their entire station around him when they went on the air), an evening DJ shift on WDVE, and a talk show gig with John Steigerwald on KDKA-AM (which you knew wasn't going to work out when it was announced).
Now, some of the reasons these gigs didn't last were because he was put in a position to fail. Other times he was too longwinded on the air- which I hope comes off as constructive and not personal criticism because I like Scott Paulsen very much. We need more broadcasters with his wit, intellect, and even temperment.
But I hardly think Paulsen was forgotten. In fact, perhaps the criticisms both Krenn and Paulsen have faced since their great team was broken up are the end result of how great they were together- the perfect morning team- and why most of Pittsburgh would love to see them reunited.
The Paulson-Krenn reunion idea sounds like a repeat of Jimmy and Steve in Florida.
"...a talk show gig with John Steigerwald on KDKA-AM (which you knew wasn't going to work out when it was announced)."
It was a better talk show than some of the opinions expressed here would lead you to believe. Paulsen and Steigerwald would have been stronger, however, if they had their own shows. McIntire wasn't bad either, with his take on the news every night, where he would play sound bytes and respond to them. The problems with these shows was that they were told, in essence, to do it like a KDKA talk show and not push any envelopes. If they had their way, the shows would have been a lot more successful. The same thing happened when Larry took over the morning show. If management would have let Larry be Larry (and a solo Larry at that), he'd be much more successful today.
Believe me, Paulsen would have gladly stayed at KDKA. The suits in the corner offices couldn't and wouldn't bargain with him. They let a great broadcaster go. Hopefully, with KD's PD gone, they can bring someone in who really knows talent, and can take chances with the station's programming, which is desperately needed. I mean, come on, a former PG-writer doing your weekend talk show, and being your primary relief?
But I digress....
It was a better talk show than some of the opinions expressed here would lead you to believe. Paulsen and Steigerwald would have been stronger, however, if they had their own shows. McIntire wasn't bad either, with his take on the news every night, where he would play sound bytes and respond to them. The problems with these shows was that they were told, in essence, to do it like a KDKA talk show and not push any envelopes. If they had their way, the shows would have been a lot more successful. The same thing happened when Larry took over the morning show. If management would have let Larry be Larry (and a solo Larry at that), he'd be much more successful today.
Believe me, Paulsen would have gladly stayed at KDKA. The suits in the corner offices couldn't and wouldn't bargain with him. They let a great broadcaster go. Hopefully, with KD's PD gone, they can bring someone in who really knows talent, and can take chances with the station's programming, which is desperately needed. I mean, come on, a former PG-writer doing your weekend talk show, and being your primary relief?
But I digress....
Hertz- McIntire has had numerous opportunities and every time he shot himself in the foot. When he has had no direction or superior to report to he does things like write he's having sex with an 88-year-old Betty Ford. The show he had on KDKA on the weekends was positively painful to listen to. That's why so few did.
Paulsen and Steigerwald have both been given their own shows in recent years.
And an incredible sampling of sports talk show hosts- Bendel, Madden, Cook, Starkey, Dunlap, et all, have been or are newspaper writers, as were McMillan, Cope, Keidan, Musick and who knows how many others.
That said, I do happen to agree with you. Too many local radio stations seem to want to hire writers for their talk show vacancies rather than honest-to-goodness trained broadcasters.
In fact, I know of one recent hire where the PD openly said he would only consider a current newspaper writer to fill his talk show vacancy.
Paulsen and Steigerwald have both been given their own shows in recent years.
And an incredible sampling of sports talk show hosts- Bendel, Madden, Cook, Starkey, Dunlap, et all, have been or are newspaper writers, as were McMillan, Cope, Keidan, Musick and who knows how many others.
That said, I do happen to agree with you. Too many local radio stations seem to want to hire writers for their talk show vacancies rather than honest-to-goodness trained broadcasters.
In fact, I know of one recent hire where the PD openly said he would only consider a current newspaper writer to fill his talk show vacancy.
I forgot about the Saturday night train wreck that McIntire hosted. I believe that was a creation during the Steve Hansen era (i.e. "let's throw this up against the wall and see if it sticks.")
I stand corrected. On the other hand, Steigerwald and Paulsen, had their chances, but my point was that they should have been given their own unique spin on doing it. Let Paulsen do what he does best: satire, creativity, and a different point of view than what the other hosts would espouse. Let Steigerwald have guests on that would go against the conventional wisdom of the guests usually heard on KDKA. Granted all three men were put on the air at 1020 so that they could ride out their contracts with CBS.
Besides Cope and Keiden, what other newspaper writer has set the Pittsburgh market on fire? Hmmmmm. No idea. IMO.
I stand corrected. On the other hand, Steigerwald and Paulsen, had their chances, but my point was that they should have been given their own unique spin on doing it. Let Paulsen do what he does best: satire, creativity, and a different point of view than what the other hosts would espouse. Let Steigerwald have guests on that would go against the conventional wisdom of the guests usually heard on KDKA. Granted all three men were put on the air at 1020 so that they could ride out their contracts with CBS.
Besides Cope and Keiden, what other newspaper writer has set the Pittsburgh market on fire? Hmmmmm. No idea. IMO.
Our definition of "on fire" may be different, but I would say that Mark Madden and Phil Musick enjoyed great careers- Musick's being even better than Keidan's on the radio. Starkey is one of the most recognizable hosts on The Fan, though if I wanted to be critical I would probably admit he hasn't set Pittsburgh "on fire."
The others have had their moments as well, though I would agree that "on fire" probably wouldn't be the description I'd give them. They would probably need longevity to achieve that description.
But I do think we are in agreement. While I'm not opposed to writers making the transition per se, maybe more PDs should let the writers write and the broadcasters broadcast.
On to your other point, I recall 10 years ago both Steigerwald and Paulsen had their own shows on WBGG. Paulsen was creative, satirical, and had a different point of view than other hosts, just like you said. For instance, I found it refreshing when his take on Plaxico Burress getting arrested for having an open container of beer on the street was, essentially, "big deal." Which is what it should have been. Too many other hosts would try to make something of the incident that wasn't there.
But the man clearly needed guidance in making the transition from DJ to talk show host. Not that there wasn't potential there, but you really appriciated the role Jimmy Krenn had with Paulsen back in the day. There were too many bits that didn't work, too many commentaries that went on too long, not enough emphasis when making a point.
I will say this. It's been said The Fan lacks that killer personality that is a must listen. Paulsen works hard and is knowledgable. If Scott could get a co-host that could make that hard hitting point after Paulsen gives him the lead (which is often what Krenn did), Paulsen could be saying "sixth time is the charm!"
But I doubt The Fan would pay Paulsen what he would want.
On to Steigy. He also did a weekend show on "The Burgh." But I remember hearing promos for his show highlighting the great guests he had on. And it was a regular who's who of Pittsburgh sports legends.
But unfortunately, not one of these highlighted guests was a contemporary sports figure.
The thing about Steigy is that conservatives are supposed to be positive. We want to tout the virtues of something rather than change what isn't broke.
But too much of John Steigerwald's commentary is just plain bitterness. It's waxing poetic for 1978. I read his book and the man is going after Milo Hamilton 30 years- THAT'S 30 YEARS- after Milo called his last game for the Pirates.
WHY? Time to let that antimosity go!
If Steigerwald was to make a return to the airwaves, I think the only way he'd really get a following anymore is if he was a local right-wing political talker. Keep the sports talk to a minimum, keep up the conversation of what has to change in Western PA politics and comment on the lifestyle and people of Western PA in general.
That said, I think with the proper guidance Steigy could be a good talk show host in this area.
The others have had their moments as well, though I would agree that "on fire" probably wouldn't be the description I'd give them. They would probably need longevity to achieve that description.
But I do think we are in agreement. While I'm not opposed to writers making the transition per se, maybe more PDs should let the writers write and the broadcasters broadcast.
On to your other point, I recall 10 years ago both Steigerwald and Paulsen had their own shows on WBGG. Paulsen was creative, satirical, and had a different point of view than other hosts, just like you said. For instance, I found it refreshing when his take on Plaxico Burress getting arrested for having an open container of beer on the street was, essentially, "big deal." Which is what it should have been. Too many other hosts would try to make something of the incident that wasn't there.
But the man clearly needed guidance in making the transition from DJ to talk show host. Not that there wasn't potential there, but you really appriciated the role Jimmy Krenn had with Paulsen back in the day. There were too many bits that didn't work, too many commentaries that went on too long, not enough emphasis when making a point.
I will say this. It's been said The Fan lacks that killer personality that is a must listen. Paulsen works hard and is knowledgable. If Scott could get a co-host that could make that hard hitting point after Paulsen gives him the lead (which is often what Krenn did), Paulsen could be saying "sixth time is the charm!"
But I doubt The Fan would pay Paulsen what he would want.
On to Steigy. He also did a weekend show on "The Burgh." But I remember hearing promos for his show highlighting the great guests he had on. And it was a regular who's who of Pittsburgh sports legends.
But unfortunately, not one of these highlighted guests was a contemporary sports figure.
The thing about Steigy is that conservatives are supposed to be positive. We want to tout the virtues of something rather than change what isn't broke.
But too much of John Steigerwald's commentary is just plain bitterness. It's waxing poetic for 1978. I read his book and the man is going after Milo Hamilton 30 years- THAT'S 30 YEARS- after Milo called his last game for the Pirates.
WHY? Time to let that antimosity go!
If Steigerwald was to make a return to the airwaves, I think the only way he'd really get a following anymore is if he was a local right-wing political talker. Keep the sports talk to a minimum, keep up the conversation of what has to change in Western PA politics and comment on the lifestyle and people of Western PA in general.
That said, I think with the proper guidance Steigy could be a good talk show host in this area.
I don't discount that, but the PD told me he wanted one because he could get scoops and for his inside reporting ties.
To this I ask, whatever happened to "broadcast journalists?"
To this I ask, whatever happened to "broadcast journalists?"
Pratte4Life said:
Steigy was exposed as a lightweight the minute he moved out of sports. He was so poorly informed that I felt bad for his teachers, let alone his family and friends. It was staggering how little he knew.
And the problem with him talking sports now is that he is so bitter and nasty, it's not enjoyable to listen to for more than 10 or 15 minutes. He's good guest by a poor host. He is currently, I believe, the Trib online site.
Pratte4Life said:
In almost two years, they've had nothing. One of the reasons is people doing full time radio don't have time to get around and dig things up.
If Ron Cook comes up with a scoop, he's not putting it on The Fan before he has it in the Post-Gazette.
That wasn't the PD I talked to.
That's the only PD who matters for sports talk in Pittsburgh.
P4L - totally agree. I liked his POV and his show in general (and I'm not a talk radio person) but dang, the song Ramble On is not an instruction.
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