Personally I could care less for Bob Frantz and his conservative spin. Bye. Second, what would you expect Fred to do. He is finally getting his shot. He used to run around after Denny and he has definitely paid his dues to Toledo radio. I listen to him for local news and outrage.
As for Wilson, I was not sure at first, but he is very funny. Plus, since he is a libertarian, I can swallow most of the things he says. I also like his mic presence. He has a dry sense of humor, and is very witty with the callers.
Don't know how to check the ratings, but don't really care! It is my opinion.
posted by jdmsbyrd at 08:41 P.M. EST on Sat Apr 15, 2006 #
Said it before, will say it again: Franz and Denny were the only reasons to listen to that station, now they're gone. Try WJR, catch some good national stuff on WTOD, or pick up Franz on 1100. Anythings better than the trash they have on now.
And randythomas is right, Wilson is flat out boring. But if we dont have any other choices in Toledo, then we have to listen to shows in other cities.
posted by yepyep at 08:48 P.M. EST on Sat Apr 15, 2006 #
To be honest, I am very happy that I do not work in an office with jdmsbyrd, because he seems to support lying and backstabbing as the best way to get to the top. Also, he patently igonored all of the other issues because he likes Wilson's sense of humor. Sure, Joseph Stalin did some bad stuff, but boy was he funny!
As far as the ratings, let me give you a tidbit. In the past TWO MONTHS the station as a whole has lost 5400 listeners. That doesn't include the first month and a half after the decision was made, when the station lost upwards of 4000 listeners. In the morning, Fred has lost 4 ratings points and dropped from 3rd to 5th. For those that do not know ratings, that is HUGE. Wilson is down more than 6 points from when Denny left, and he has lost 4100 listeners in the last two months. The reason that this is a problem is because the way that Clearchannel will deal with failure is to go all syndicated with no local talk, because it is cheaper than paying people to get lower ratings. That is what I don't want to have happen.
posted by randythomas at 09:06 P.M. EST on Sat Apr 15, 2006 #
Randy,
Wanna get coffee sometime? What is your agenda? I don't have one. I was giving an opinion.
Not sure how that correlates with what I am like to be in an office with, but hey, I guess you can have your opinion too.
posted by jdmsbyrd at 09:09 P.M. EST on Sat Apr 15, 2006 #
When I posted about Fred lying and backstabbing, you responded with this
"what would you expect Fred to do. He is finally getting his shot. He used to run around after Denny and he has definitely paid his dues to Toledo radio."
Thats why I said I wouldn't want to work in an office with you. And I don't drink coffee, but I will buy you a beer.
posted by randythomas at 09:16 P.M. EST on Sat Apr 15, 2006 #
1. "When Wilson was brought in to Toledo, he made a deal that the only way he would come would be if they made his wife News Director."
2. "Fred began to tell a variety of lies about Bob's performance, eventually leading the way (along with Wilson's enormous ego) to Bob being taken off mornings."
3. "In the past TWO MONTHS the station as a whole has lost 5400 listeners."
Can you give a few more specifics as to how you know this "insider" info, especially for points one and two, besides "Through a variety of emails and phone calls to various people in the complex."
posted by jr at 09:21 P.M. EST on Sat Apr 15, 2006 #
My wife's best friend works in the sales department for WVKS, and she has been able to find plenty of people in the building who are unhappy with Wilson and Fred and willing to talk about all of the things that have been going on. My wife took up the torch for me when I got the nasty email from Wilson. That just isn't how you treat people, especially listeners.
posted by randythomas at 09:48 P.M. EST on Sat Apr 15, 2006 #
WSPD...once upon a time a nice blend of sports, music, news, information. Since Clear Channel came aboard...angry, non-stop right-wing drivel, personified by pain-killer addict El-Rushbo and other similar blowhards such as Scott Sloan, Denny Shaefer, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity (that "great American"--what a joke), whoever that late-morning clown is, etc., ad nauseum...
Shaefer I at least respected somewhat because he wasn't afraid to take on the Catholic Church on the priest-abuse issues. Wilson has one of the worst radio voices and delivery of all time but his Libertarion stances offer up a chuckle or two and and a diversion from the usual right-wing drek.
posted by Jack at 10:28 P.M. EST on Sat Apr 15, 2006 #
I used to like WSPD for news, but I don't think they're as good as they used to be. Even so, I do keep my car radio on WSPD so I can catch their news. Old habits are hard to break. It's the crapola between newscasts that's worthless. When it gets too unbearable, I wander over to NPR.
If they'd switch to Air America's programming, I'd even turn on WSPD when I'm in the house. And keep it on most of the day.
posted by CrankyEastSider at 11:48 P.M. EST on Sat Apr 15, 2006 #
I don't know if it is because people don't care or people just don't know how crooked and awful the leadership is at our talk radio station.
It isn't that I don't care, it is that I've surrendered. I'm well aware of how things go there. I've followed the problems through knowledgable friends, but most of my information has come from ToledoTalk and Bob's blog.
WSPD isn't going to change until Clear Channel realizes that hiring a guy who can't keep a job (4 in 5 years baby!) to run your station and one of your shows will cost you business. Once they learn this lesson, things will change, hopefully for the good.
I don't listen anymore. I listened after Sloany left. I listened after Schafer moved on to bigger and better things. I even tried to listen after Bob was pulled from mornings. I knew I wouldn't like Beach Boy's show. I'm not a fan of libertarianism, and he quickly proved himself to be as pompous and full of himself as most libertarians I've dealt with in my life. But I did try.
I listened to Fred's morning show until the North Toledo riots. After that I couldn't take his being an expert on all things because he lived in Detriot - "There is no crime in North Toledo, I drove through at noon on a Tuesday and saw no crime, and I should know because I lived in Detroit!" ... "Race isn't an issue in Toledo because I lived in Detroit!" ... "The Toledo Police did this and that wrong, and I know because I lived in Detroit!" It was about as entertaining as his blabbering about how great Beach Boy was, something I heard on the air far too many times.
I listened to Beach Boy a little. He was on right before Bob, and I usually ran my Friday errands during his time slot. However, I didn't agree with much of what he said. I also didn't like his pitiful namedropping (sad when most people don't know most of the names that he drops). I've read some of t he diatribes he has online and disagree with mosto f them, and with most of the sites he posts them on. However, after reading some things online (such has his opinion of bloggers, something that includes him apparantly) and recieving an email very similar to yours, I gave up on his show too. After that I was left with Glenn Beck and a little of Rush.
After this last deal with Bob leaving and Beach Boy continuing to be a jerk, I gave up all together. I can find Rush on virtually any station that streams live online. More importantly, I'm an insider on Glenn's website, and can listen to him anytime I please.
I suppose I could send Billy Michaels and Andy Stuart (sp?) some email, but I doubt it will do any good. I could also contact their advertisers and complain, but those who were willing to drop WSPD have already done so over this whole ordeal.
So, no skin off of my back. Thanks to the internet I'm not missing out on anything. Heck, I can still listen to Denny, Bob, or even Sloany if I want to.
posted by taliesin52 at 12:04 A.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
Brian Wilson is the most abrasive, arrogant ass. I too, sent him an email ( a polite one),and I too, got back an email from him that was disqusting, insulting, rude, crude, arrogant. There was another post on this forum that discussed this same thing (wilson) recently, and a lot of posters said they too, got horrible, nasty emails from BW. He's a jerk.
posted by starling02 at 12:33 A.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
Which is obviously why people continue to turn off the show and the station. It is really just too bad, because it will be almost impossible to get anyone to come back as long as the local talk is so poor. He also treats callers like crap on the air if they disagree with him. Try to tell him he is wrong and see how crazy he gets. I almost wonder sometimes if he has mental issues (hence the insane email responses to criticism).
posted by randythomas at 01:21 A.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
If they'd switch to Air America's programming, I'd even turn on WSPD when I'm in the house. And keep it on most of the day.
BWAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
posted by WhiteAfricanAmerican at 07:00 A.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
Aside from politics, has anyone else noticed that Wilson like he's talking with a mouth full of marbles?
And as far as Air America, WAA is right, that comment is very humourous. Im gonna give CES the benefit of the doubt that he was kidding.
posted by billy at 07:12 A.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
We won't comment on the fact that AirAmerica is so jacked up, that they HAVE TO PAY stations to carry them. Usually if a prgram is a success, it's the station that pays to carry them, not the other way around.
Then, of course theirs the charity money they abused too................
AirAmerica is a joke, and it says something about those that support them too.
posted by WhiteAfricanAmerican at 07:57 A.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
I found that the afternoon show on WSPD has become way too much of a one man show for me. Callers aren't allowed to finish a sentence, the announcer (we all know who) is so enthralled with his own existence that he can't listen to others, and he has the most abrupt and irritating presence I've heard in years.
Rush is annoying, but his presence and mastery of the English language is superior to our afternoon news/talk host. And I personally can't stand to listen to Rush in more than 15 minute increments.
I will keep hoping that the powers that be at WSPD will wake up and realize that they are shortening their own rope at the gallows. When Bob and Denny were there there was always a line of callers waiting to speak, and the topics were always current and relevant.
posted by DoknowDocare at 08:58 A.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
FYI,
I have a friend in senior management at WSPD. Shortly after the Frantz thing I asked him what happened and told him I could barely stand listening to Fred's sarcastic and demeaning delivery and probably wouldn't be listening much longer. Fred reminds me of a kid who got beat up all the time while growing up and now has a huge chip on his shoulder. My friend said that Brian had some issues with Bob and when he mentioned them to Bob, Bob was unreceptive to any change so Brian made the decision. That's the story I got.
Brian is clearly the most well informed and nationally connected personality we've had at WSPD in some time. I like his Libertarian views but really struggle with his presentation and attitude. If he wrote that email posted on this site he either had a really bad day and should appologize or he is the biggest DICK in town and needs a good old fashioned ass whippin.
BTW I'm not listening anymore with regularity.
I have to mention that all of the WSPD host's seem to be mean spirited anymore. They seem to have an adversarial relationship with everybody. Boy do I miss Mark Standriff. He was well respected, asked a tough question when appropriate, and I really enjoyed his show. Much less adversarial and confrontational.
posted by steiner at 10:18 A.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
WAA,
Thanks, I wanted to say that.
posted by steiner at 10:23 A.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
Free markets will work themselves out. If Wilson is good, he will draw an audience and apparently we are in the minority.
If he is as bad as seemingly most appear to think, he will not be here much longer.
I am personally surprised to have found 2 people that actually like him; actually, one that likes him and one that listens for lack of better options.
posted by lloyd at 12:18 P.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
Brian is clearly the most well informed and nationally connected personality we've had at WSPD in some time.
I actually used to feel that way too, but have come to the conclusion that this has to do more with the recent affiliation of WSPD to Fox News Radio than Wilson's "friends".
posted by lloyd at 12:22 P.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
I respect everyone's opinion.
However, I respectfully disagree with the majority of opinion here on WSPD.
WSPD has changed dramatically for the best with Brian Wilson and Fred Lefebvre(sp).
Fred is a real journalist. He has worked in his trade at other places. Not just at WSPD. He is known as an honest person. Frankly, I love his show!
I still am trying to figure out how Toledo rated a top-rated personality like Wilson?
As usual, Toledoans seem to see the glass as half empty.
And I have absolutely NOTHING to do with WSPD or any other radio, TV, or whatever.
Like the other poster - thread starter - I have listened for decades. This is the best the station has been.
Good work, WSPD. I'm sure that the change will work out!
posted by Mad_Anthony at 02:36 P.M. EST on Sun Apr 16, 2006 #
Billy, CrankyEastSider isn't a "he." And no, I wasn't kidding about Air America. I greatly enjoy their programming, particularly the times when Joe Conason is Franken's guest. It's a pleasure to hear intelligent conversation.
The fact I wasn't kidding does not mean I think WSPD would ever upgrade to Air America programming. It's just my wish that they would.
WAA, the Gloria Wise situation was, of course, not as you characterized it. It's kinda funny that conservatives like to bring this up. They must not have noticed that the Air America person whose actions were called into question was the former Chairman (Cohen), a Republican.
posted by CrankyEastSider at 12:40 A.M. EST on Mon Apr 17, 2006 #
Just a question for Mad Anthony. Where is Fred "known as an honest person"? You can love his show all you want but he is immensely dishonest. It wasn't just Bob, as his history is filled with many other people that he has lied about in an effort to steal their jobs.
As far as how Toledo got a top personality like Wilson... he can't keep a job anywhere else. He had a quick rise to the top 20 years ago followed by a meteoric fall to the bottom. His problem comes from his personality (see email posted at top) as well as his inability to do a show on his own. He has always had a partner in the past, and since his ego has grown far too large for that possiblity, he has failed ever since. He is simply not talented enough to carry on his show alone without someone (with actual talent) to be the backbone of the show.
I am glad that a couple of people still enjoy the station, because I have a lot of pride in the station that I grew up with, but I cannot let it stand when people post innacurate assessments of Fred and Brian. Fred is old, boring and a liar. Brian is old, boring, and mostly senile.
Which begs the question... how can talk show hosts appeal to a target demographic when they are both so much older than the demographic?
posted by randythomas at 07:34 A.M. EST on Mon Apr 17, 2006 #
Can't comment about the behind-the-scenes stuff, but don't particularly like Wilson's more national-slanted show. If I want that, I'll tune into Sean Hanity/WJR or some other station.
Fred focuses, or at least, talks a lot about local issues and news. Brian Wilson may still be new to the area, but he can still focus on the local issues -- there are enough that have come up in his still short time here.
As someone said earlier, if he is that rude in e-mails, he needs to go. He does seem very arrogant and unprofessional.
Mike
posted by miked918 at 10:03 A.M. EST on Mon Apr 17, 2006 #
I know that there are other people on this site that have emailed Brian and gotten horribly demeaning responses. If you have those saved... post them. I do not like a man that treats people that way speaking for my city.
posted by randythomas at 10:12 A.M. EST on Mon Apr 17, 2006 #
If you really want to have your voice heard, send the station manager an email that you won't be listening to them any longer b/c of (outlined above)
If you are genuinely distressed you may make note of their largest advertisors and call those companies. Say - you are sponsoring a radio station where (outlined above) bad behavior is occurring. I'm not shopping at your outfit until it stops. Neither will my neighbors.
Your voice is your wallet. Nothing more and nothing less.
posted by katie82640 at 10:44 A.M. EST on Mon Apr 17, 2006 #
I like much of what Brian Wilson has to say, but I can't stand his delivery. He uses the same old jokes ("it's gonna be DARK for the 458th straight night!"), and is all-around not that entertaining. Denny was the best local host I've ever heard (here or otherwise). He rivaled many of the big-name national guys, and I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see him take a position in some nationally syndicated show. And Bob Frantz, while not as polished as Denny, was more of a journalist with good sources and many scoops. As fickle and ever-changing as radio is we may see a completely different local lineup within 6 months.
posted by HeyHey at 07:43 P.M. EST on Mon Apr 17, 2006 #
I absolutely LOVED when Scott Sloan would sub for Denny. Anyone remember "March Mad Men?" One of the best bits in radio. (He still does it in Cincinnati.)
http://www.700wlw.com/pages/scottsloan.html
You can still pick him up at night if any of you are tired of the insane banter of "Dr. Savage."
posted by UTKev at 08:23 P.M. EST on Mon Apr 17, 2006 #
You know, if I rec'd an email like this from a local radio personality I'd be forced to call my boss and tell him I was taking the day off.
Then I'd call a lawyer and an ambulance (just in case) and head on down to this boy's office to have a face to face.
You know, often when you have a face to face, you find an entirely different set of circumstance than email seems to present.
Is this not weird or what.....
posted by katie82640 at 11:50 P.M. EST on Mon Apr 17, 2006 #
I'm not a big WSPD listener, but what are this guy's credentials? What's his education? What's his work experience? What gives him the ability to express his opinion on radio, and express his opinions to others? I'm just curious. Like any other job, I would expect him to be qualified for it. It seems to me that he is not, from what I've read.
posted by junta330 at 12:48 A.M. EST on Tue Apr 18, 2006 #
junta, with some cash and access to a P.D. at a radio station, even you can have a radio show.
The only qualification you must have as a radio talk show host is an opinion. One solid stance and adhere strictly to it.
I've seen the problems Brian Wilson has, and I understand the symptoms. Brian thinks because he's been in "the business" a while, it's automatic that he garners respect.
Reality dictates otherwise.
I vaguely recall Denny being on 92.5 before it was changed to KISS FM. Basically, it sucked. WRQN? It sucked, only because Denny didn't have focus, he had co-hosts. His time at WSPD was a success because he was able to focus on the caller, not the host. Another bonus for Denny: He was familiar with the area, both politically and with his callers.
I have already solved Brian's problem. Unfortunately, Brian will refuse to absorb my ideas because his bloated fat ego will not allow it. Don't screen the calls and let the callers form the direction of the show with topics that affect them.
It's simple and basic, yet people like Brian fear that avenue because they have no backbone. But the only thing you need in that format is your opinion and knowing when to hit the "NEXT" button. It's free money! And think of the ratings!
It's that spineless mentality that will drop WSPD in this Arbritron, and the next book and the next book, and it will be very difficult, both fiscally and listener-wise, to recover.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 02:52 A.M. EST on Tue Apr 18, 2006 #
I sent the beach boy an E and he lost his cookies all over my computer because I said I was waiting for him to leave cause he got rid of Bob. These are his words to me.
"Thanks for leaving.
It's an embarrassment having people like you in the audience.
I mean people who are consummate idiots - like yourself, incapable of reason, void of intellect, whose only "talent" is stomping their feet. It is you who is the child, little boy.
Go snivel to someone who cares what your whiney little opinion is before I tell your mommy you're playing with the computer again."
Very Professional wouldn't you say.
Most of my radio listening is now online with Bob or Mike McConnel on WLW. They are both great.
posted by mckeepd at 06:25 A.M. EST on Tue Apr 18, 2006 #
Perhaps those of us that think Mr. Wilson should be replaced should look into this site:
http://www.arbitronratings.com/
I'd certainly like to sign up. How about you?
posted by DoknowDocare at 07:09 A.M. EST on Tue Apr 18, 2006 #
brilliant doknow :-)
posted by katie82640 at 12:39 P.M. EST on Tue Apr 18, 2006 #
Looks like the web site is for those who have been contacted not for those who want to be.
I think I will start my own pole.
I vote he goes.
posted by mckeepd at 02:13 P.M. EST on Tue Apr 18, 2006 #
"WSPD has changed dramatically"
I agree so much that I don't listen much anymore. I used to listen every day on the way in and the way home. Now, I listen to Paul W. Smith on 760 in the morning on the way in to work and Dave Ramsey on 1230 on the way home.
posted by Toledolaw05 at 02:57 P.M. EST on Tue Apr 18, 2006 #
I don't listen anymore either. On a rare occasion I turn the radio on in the car and my other half has it tuned to WSPD. I immediately change the station. Sad.
posted by DoknowDocare at 03:08 P.M. EST on Tue Apr 18, 2006 #
So it seems that this guy has no business being on the radio. He seems to have no respect for his audience, and his arrogance seems to get in the way of any rational thought. He seems very arrogant. I once had a radio show (back in college), and now I realize we did it just because we liked to hear ourselves talk. I would imagine the same is true for this guy. I think my next goal is to bring him down. That could be fun.
posted by junta330 at 11:58 P.M. EST on Tue Apr 18, 2006 #
Looks like Carty Stinkfinger really stuck it to the beach boy last night.
He just sat there drooling all over him self while carty put him in his place. Shows what kind of pro radio host he is when he gets an unexpected call from a dignitary and no one like his wife or fred tells him what to say. Then he puts the blame on carty and says that he dominated the show. I thought the beach boy was running things over there.
Then when carty sends email to back up his claims the beach boy says he doesn't understand it and gives it to some one else.
Why to go WSPDud.
posted by mckeepd at 06:03 A.M. EST on Wed Apr 19, 2006 #
That's why it is tough to do local talk when you could care less about what is going on locally. Mr. Wilson seems to have made little to no effort to learn what is going on in town, and instead has been focusing on national issues and booking hour long interviews. I thought it was a talk show? By the way, anyone notice that every time he reads an email, he says that he doesn't often read emails because it is a talk show? Yet he reads them all the time! I really think that he is a complete moron. At first, I thought he was just nervous, but now I am realizing the truth. The Beach Boy is here because he can't be anywhere else.
By the way, I also could be friends with Walter Williams if I bribed him with fine wine all the time. And "Annie" Coulter, his "close personal friend." It is a great interview every time she comes on. Oh wait, that's right, she has made a career out of blowing him off. Good show sir, I am sure that the runaway success will continue.
posted by randythomas at 07:24 A.M. EST on Wed Apr 19, 2006 #
mckeepd - wasn't able to hear what you're talking about...can you provide a bit more info on the issue?
posted by MaggieThurber at 08:15 A.M. EST on Wed Apr 19, 2006 #
Maggie - in short Carty shut Wilson down and refused to get into further discussion. Wilson stammered and stuttered as is usual. Then in his closing remark said something like, "And Mr. Mayor, call back when you aren't so pissed off." or some such comment. Typical rude Wilson. At least that was the short portion I heard.
posted by DoknowDocare at 09:02 A.M. EST on Wed Apr 19, 2006 #
Maggie
Carty called in because the beach boy was mouthing off about cartys economic plans concerning cosco. Brian did not know he was calling in and when carty got on air he told the BBoy that he was knocking on doors he had no business knocking on or something to that effect. Then carty went off on him and BBoy didn't even open his mouth until carty was off air. Then he blamed carty for taking over the show and not letting him talk when in reality BBoy had nothing to say because he was not schooled by fred. Then carty sent some figures to BBoy and he said he would pass them on to someone else because he did not understand them.
posted by mckeepd at 12:47 P.M. EST on Wed Apr 19, 2006 #
Thanks for the update - sorry I missed THAT one!
posted by MaggieThurber at 06:14 P.M. EST on Wed Apr 19, 2006 #
I don't listen to WSPD, I'd rather listen to real news.
Who honestly thinks they're 'informed' by listening to a bunch of pundits mangle the facts all day? Getting the "news" from WSPD's programming is nothing but an exercise in partisan prejudiced propaganda.
They've lost their credibility.
posted by timault at 08:14 P.M. EST on Wed Apr 19, 2006 #
Check this out.
Everyone knows how the beach boy feels about people who use blog sites. He made that perfectly clear in his interview with the free press.
On Wednesday when he was doing his usual name dropping to try and make himself look important he said that when he was at the National Libertarian Convention he told them that they stink at running candidates for office because they did not want to open their wallets to fund the candidates so he said that they should use todays media outlets to get their political views out to the masses using radio, tv, the internet and even BLOG sites.
This man has no shame and once again has shown what he is made of. We must get this man out of Toledo and send butt kissing Fred with him.
posted by mckeepd at 03:16 A.M. EST on Fri Apr 21, 2006 #
Maybe an advertiser could email for a new rate card and at the same time email this guy something to the effect that 'I heard you're not too politically correct when listeners try to communicate with you'.
Then share the results with the marketing department?
Just a thought.
posted by katie82640 at 10:24 A.M. EST on Fri Apr 21, 2006 #
Excellent though, Katie! :)
posted by DoknowDocare at 03:02 P.M. EST on Fri Apr 21, 2006 #
**correction** that was supposed to be thought. Old fingers don't type as well. :)
posted by DoknowDocare at 03:03 P.M. EST on Fri Apr 21, 2006 #
me either :-)
posted by katie82640 at 03:09 P.M. EST on Fri Apr 21, 2006 #
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