WGN Radio drops Bob Sirott as ‘Noon Show’ host
Bob Sirott
Chicago broadcasting veteran Bob Sirott and his Monday-through-Friday “Noon Show” have fallen victim to the latest wave of budget cuts at Tribune Co.-owned news/talk WGN-AM (720). Starting Monday, midday host John Williams is expected to take over the noon hour, extending his show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Also axed Friday were afternoon news anchor and City Hall reporter Dave Stewart, a 28-year veteran of the station, “Sports Central” weekend co-host (and former Chicago Bear) Glen Koslowski, and two other staffers in accounting and the mail room. On Thursday night, the positions of Steve Cochran’s producer, Rick O’Connor, and Milt Rosenberg’s producer, Zack Christenson, were eliminated. Dean Richards’ production duties were cut.
Sirott, who has hosted the “Noon Show” since 2007, will still be heard on WGN as the promotional voice of the station and as the designated fill-in for morning personality Greg Jarrett. Sirott and his wife, Marianne Murciano, will continue to host their Sunday night talk show. Asked for comment, Sirott said:
“I’ve known for about a year that working an hour a day was coming to an end. I’m surprised it lasted this long. Because I have some upcoming TV projects that will require my full attention, I’m happy that WGN gave me a new deal to free up my daily schedule and still allow me to make WGN my radio home. I hope listeners don’t get tired of hearing my voice on WGN 24 hours a day. And until my nephew Judd retires and I take his Cubs job, I’ll enjoy doing ‘The Sunday Night Radio Special with Marianne Murciano’ and acting as the station’s prime fill-in.”
WGN officials did not respond to requests for comment Friday. Speculation persists that they’re negotiating to hire Jonathon Brandmeier, former morning personality at Emmis Communications classic rock WLUP-FM (97.9), for an unspecified shift.
The cutbacks at WGN are believed to be in response to pressure from Randy Michaels, chief executive officer of Tribune Co., who is focusing on steering the company out of bankruptcy.
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Sorry to learn about Dave Stewart’s departure from WGN. I would have thought that a 50 kilowatt clear channel outlet like ‘GN could have budgeted a City Hall (and County Building)presence in spite of the present hard times.
wgn can’t catch a break. i listen to wls (not as much as before the “cleansing”) and i enjoyed the chances to listen to bob and his wife. now ‘gn has “cleansed” it’s self out of my presets. if ‘gn gets rid of ron and pat this spring i’m going to go completely satellite. hello howard…. and not miller.
I don’t get how they dump Dave Stewart, they fire Wes Bleed and then they *keep* Simon? (and Greg Jarrett)
Yeah, that makes sense. Great work dismantling a decades-long franchise, guys……
While Bob Sirott hasn’t been silenced completely, I regret that his duties have been reduced. However, as he notes, it may be for the best since it allow him to concentrate on upcoming projects. Sirott’s all-encompassing knowledge of the local scene, past and present, and his astute skills as an interviewer/conversationalist should qualify him for more consistent (and higher profile) exposure.
Why is WGN dumping so many and letting the late night weekends’ disaster (aka Brian Noonan) continue? As I’ve recommended again and again, why not rerun Gary Meier afternoon shows during the late nights on the weekend or extend the (terrific) Nick Digilio Show to devour the Noonan hours? Either option I’m offering here would ‘have to’ improve ratings. If you don’t believe me, find a podcast (if it exists) of Noonan’s pathetic Santa Claus interview just before Christmas 2009, or any 3am hour where he continually talks ‘falsetto’ in an attempt to sound like a second character (but only sounds like an antiquated drag). Honest to God, ‘GN, do any of you listen to late night weekends with Noonan? It’s pathetic! Get some talent or rerun Meier’s show.
If you like my ideas, hire me as PM. I come cheap and could give you a line-up that would keep and even bring back some of your old listeners. Take a step at a time. Step 1, oust Noonan. That’s a no brainer!
“Sirott, who has hosted the “Noon Show” since 2007, will still be heard on WGN as the promotional voice of the station and as the designated fill-in for morning personality Greg Jarrett.” How about making Jarrett the replacement for Stewart and have Sirott do the morning show? The best two weeks they’ve had in recent months is when Jarrett took off for the holidays and Sirott sat in for him. That guy is a multi-car train wreck. If they were to loose John Williams they might as well turn out the lights. And nobody even mentions Steve Cochran, the, aaaa, smart arse, aaaaa, voice, aaa, of the, aaaaa, afternoon drive. The downward spiral started with him. Hmmm, Williams, Mier, Sirott and Brandmier. Could be a great lineup.
What started with Kathy & Judy continues downward. I LOVED WGN. It was home. It was on all day. Now there’s just John Williams, Nick Digilio, Milt-sometimes and ???
I’m just so disheartened. Sirott gone and Jarrett still there? Unbelievable. Well….at least I still have Williams and Meier to listen to. Jarrett must work for minumim wage. He sounds like thats all he’s worth. He’s the most arrogant nasty jerk on the radio. Listened to Andy Shaw this morn on WLS and enjoyed it very much. When you mess with a Chicago cornerstone like Dr. Milt, you just have no common sense or brains. I’ll come back when they come to their senses.
Why doesn’t the pig hire Johnny B for the mornings and Eddie and JoBo for the afternoon drive time since it seems like WGN is getting ready to dump Cochran? And why does WGN keep the sports talk show in the evening when WSCR and WMVP have better sports talk shows? Finally, Dr. Milt has his tenured position at U of C and has lots of life in him. But I think a good business/personal finance talk show in the evening would be a great replacement when Milt does decide to leave the show.
Bob Sirott (Mr. Chicago) should be on Channel 2 news in the morning.
He should be teamed with a smart, funny, local (born here) female upstart -
ala Tamron Hall or Roberta Gonzalez (they were testy, but not predictable) –
someone he can spar with in a sarcastic and snarky way.
Think of the fireworks !!! Maybe, even ratings. At least it won’t be a big snooze.
It is boring when he just marries them.
It’s really too bad they didn’t expurgate Sirott entirely–the robotic drops on every bump are simply catarrhal. Listening to the man is like being smeared with wallpaper paste. Why the “Sunday Night Radio Special,” which is often in repeats, is kept is inexplicable.
Good Grief…
They are dumping Bob Sirott, Dave Steward, and Glen Koslowski! This is too, too sad.
And… And… Let me get this straight… They are keeping the Frenchman, Agar, and Lasky and Greg Generic?
Good Grief.
1st… Sirott is a Chicago treasure who really knows his audience. He should be replacing Greg Generic!
2nd… Dave Steward is just not a talking head, he adds important contrast and color especially to an otherwise bland morning drive with Greg Plain Vanilla.
Please dump Frenchy, Agar, Jarrett and Noonan.
Expand the duties Nick Digilio. He is loved by the audience, funny, an just plain nuts.
I think dumping “Frenchy” and Agar is a fairly universal sentiment, along with fitting Laski for a pair of cement shoes. There’s nobody to replace Jarrett, who I find to be a neutral commodity. Digilio, however, has grown ever more repetitive and stale since Garry Lee Wright was sent away from the program.
If it were up to me, I’d take Sunday/Monday 2a-5a away from Steve & Johnnie–their weakest segment–and give it to Noonan with an eye to his eventually replacing them. The man has an odd habit of not seeming like a zombie.
Boris: Speaking for the masses – you’re way off base with your negative comment about Nick D. and your praise of Brian Noonan. Noonan is by far the worst ‘GN has on the air. One would assume he’s related to someone or ‘the powers that be’ never listen to his on-going drivel. Recently, I heard an afternoon talent on ‘GN mention Brian Noonan – and another member of the staff asked: “Who’s that?” The staff doesn’t even know who he is, yet we’re subjected to this no-talent disgust several long nights a weekend. Nick D. ought to have all his hours and more – now that would be an improvement!
J. Agar is a great radio host. We have listened to him for a decade-k.city,n. carolina.He is the ONLY talkie host who returns most of his e-mails and makes thoughtful comments to the writer. He is the only one ,we @ CONPA think is capable of outting the crooked cops and corrupt pols who make up the COMBINE. pls consider JERRY AGAR for a full-time post at WGN. A solid tie between JARRETT and cochran for the worst of the worst.
I still miss Bob on Chicago Tonight.If they lose the cubs when the radio contract is up it will be look out below. Kaplins show is a really good show. He has great contacts and loves what he does.
The days of the big time talk show host are over. I can’t think of any radio personality thats worth a million bucks. I’m not a financial wizard, but how did the radio industry get in such financial trouble? When someone loses a job, do they quit listening to the radio? Maybe too many million dollar jocks broke the bank. Sort of looks like they are going to be part time jobs. Most talk show hosts have 2nd jobs. When the compensation takes a dive, so will the quality of the hosts. Getting what you pay for doesn’t sink in at WGN. There’s enough slots to fit everyones tastes. Morning drive has to be the most important and thats where they made their biggest mistake. The only way Jarrett got the job is because he’s got a friend in the top office. Doubt he’ll get canned by a good buddy. That’s the way Chicago works….nepotism at it’s best. Wgn took pride in the fact that they were a “go to” news station. Hard to think of that now with Dave Stewart gone. I’m starting to dread this column…..whats next?
Let me get this straight. You keep Meier who is boooring and who can’t work with co-workers or management due to personality conflicts, contracts disputes, or he just thinks he’s more important than he is, you consider hiring Johnny B who’s already demonstrated he can’t return to his hey-day ways, and you get rid of the most interesting and compelling host of the noon day 1 hour show? You should expand Sirott’s time slot from 1 hour to 4. He is the contemporary version of Roy Leonard. GN is slowly going down the tubes. Sad.
Garry Meier personally answers his e-mail and responds with humor
and positive wishes. He wants people to listen and respond.
YES, Garry always answers his emails and I even received a hand written thank you note once. Elton Jim also answers his emails. Both guys very nice!!
Hey Rob, does anyone have the inside scoop as to why, during Steve & Johnnie’s recent vacation, their time slot was divided between Lasky and Noonan, with no room for Nick? There’s something fishy about the way Digilio is always “under consideration” for a higher-profile spot on the station, only to be replaced by inferior talent in the end.
And speaking of S&J – how long does their contract run? Will they be in the firing line soon, or do they have enough of the goods-on-the-higher-ups to force WGN to keep them on, year after year? In the last decade or so, their schtick has become that of the aging-Baby-Boomer-generation uncle and aunt who show up at your wedding, storm the bandstand and tell them to stop whatever they’re playing and start playing some obscure R&B stuff from the ’60s that nobody knows/likes except themselves. I truly believe they feel life lost all meaning for them last year on the day Les Paul died.
“…,and Milt Rosenberg’s producer, Zack Christenson, were eliminated. Dean Richards’ production duties were cut.” Two of the best programs on ‘GN or Chicago radio.
Extention 720(Rosenberg),the one radio show in Chicago that needs a producer the least.Yeah,..right.Why would ANYONE mess with a program like Rosenberg’s,a voice of sanity??Been there,what,40 years?I really enjoyed Koz & Mammalo,worked well together.Am sure somebody in Chicago TV and Radio appreciates Stewart’s experience and knowledge and will snatch’im up.Hope the ‘GN “brain trust” stops before they run the station into the ground.
This to Karen Casey. Roberta Gonzalez appears to have an extremely sweet job at KRON in San Francisco. I watch her when I’m out there visiting. (She hasn’t aged a day since she left Chicago.) I can’t imagine her ever coming back to this snake pit.
who cares? Radio is dead.
how about sirott doing a music show on wls middays where he can talk up old records?
The late Bob Collins used to have a sign that hung on the wall of his office that read…”the firings will continue until staff morale improves.”
I think that says it all now days for WGN.
It’s a well known fact that Jonathon Brandmeier has maintained a professional relationship with management at WGN for some time now. Hopefully, Johnny B. will soon arrange a contract deal. If that occurs, it would be nice if newsman Kent Voss is considered because Johnny and he play well off each other.
Presumably, the primary deciding factor is money and that would appear to be the biggest hurdle.
If the parties can work something out, there’s no doubt Johnny B. can be an asset to WGN – he already has a huge following in that area and on podcast.
I am loving what Kevin Metheny has done to WGN. He has revived a station that was so set in its ways. I love Garry Meier and agree with the comments above that he is a nice guy that truly cares about his listeners. He not only answers emails but he will stop and talk anytime you see him around Chicago. So, besides putting on a great radio show, he really connects with his audience. If Metheny can bring Brandmeier on board, that will continue to solidfy WGN as a station I will listen to. Not to be greedy, but Bruce Wolf also deserves a permanent spot on the station. Looking forward to continued change on WGN!
It’s hard to believe what’s going on at WGN. Dave Stewart was a quality newsman with 28 years experience!! Who’s going to replace him … an intern? I really like Bob Sirott and think he’d make a great “morning man,” but of course that will never happen. I really thought Jerry Agar was the WORST talent on ‘GN, until I heard Jim Laski . . . what a joke!! The radio is switch to FM as soon as either of them come on.
I sure hope they don’t eliminate John Williams or Steve Bertram . . . I’m still in deep mourning for Kathy and Judy. Where did this new management come from . . . and how do we send them back!!?!
Sirott (and Merciano)…. only committing to separate 1 hour shows…are equally bad as the self-absorbed Steve ‘n Johnnie. Can’t stand any of them!
Just hire political ex-cons and their boring cookie-cutter “talk” show.
Just hire the dullest and most humorless of morning men from the west coast. I listened to Jaret for the 1st week and that was it.
Never listened to Agar on WLS. Never listened to him on WGN.
What type of radio is doing best in Chicago? SPORTS TALK!!
Clearly, WGN is modeling their management style and programming choices on NBC.
Good luck with that.
To the person that suggested replacing Brian Noonan with reruns of Gary… uh uh. I’d rather listen to a lame live show than a good recorded one.
Williams apparently will host a version of The Noon Show. WGN Radio has a separate John Williams and Noon show with John Williams listing.
Not sure what’s with all the Noonan hate – he doesn’t seem that bad to me, and sounds better than some of the other weekend talent. Seems like the station’s really sinking under the recession, making a bunch of dubious cuts.
Hutch, the suggestion that WGN replace the lame Noonan Show during late nights on the weekend with reruns of the Gary Meier Show was mine. While you say you’d rather listen to a lame live show than a good recorded one, I disagree. I would think the importance of being live would only be of a concern to people who call in – which (hopefully) is an extremely small percentage of the people in the audience. Middle-of-the-night reruns work for me on WIND when they rerun Michael Medved as I can divide my listening time to the live afternoon shows I like better (Gary on WGN and Roe on WLS) yet catch Michael’s reruns at night. I find his show much better than other offerings during late night, though Steve and Johnnie have a good show on occasion. Reruns are a good option when everything else is lame as can be. In addition, it promotes the daytime show and likely saves the struggling stations some money (as I would doubt anyone gets paid for being rerun.
I would guess many people who work 9-to-5 don’t even know Gary is back on the air. When they’re out and about with their radios on during late nights on the weekend, they’d learn that Gary’s not only back, but better than ever (as it, by now, the Steve Dahl shadow that’s haunted him much too long has disappeared). I find Gary to be their second best entertainer at WGN, second only to Nick Digulio who I believe has the best radio show on in Chicago right now. Anyway, I’m for the reruns when middle-of-the-night talent doesn’t exist. At WGN, it simply doesn’t on the weekend.
@Scott: Did you check with the masses before appointing yourself to speak for them? You may dislike Noonan, but it’s the Arbitron numbers that will ultimately make the call (omitting, of course, your half-witted assertion of nepotism). If you think Meier *reruns* are going to drive listeners to his daytime show, for which you seem to have an abiding fondness, or that people aren’t aware of this broadcasting “gem,” you’re delusional–WGN plugs it like crazy, and the podcasts are free for the having. Why WGN thought he would spruce up the demo is beyond me–he always sounds as though he’s just been hit in the head with a rubber mallet, and his attention to current events is usually two days past stale. Whatever.
In any event, I don’t know that I really made that negative a comment about Digilio, unless you think anything that fails to hew exactly to your Medved-craving worldview is a grievous insult. I still listen, but the show is nowhere near the levels of spontaneous hilarity it achieved five or more years ago. I no longer feel as though I’ve lost out if I miss a broadcast. With Noonan, I do. Feel free to revoke my membership in the Great Unwashed.
I think it’s great we have someone named “Hutch” contributing. Nobody uses the old tried and true nicknames any longer. When was the last time you met a “Smitty?” I always hoped someone at Channel 2 would start calling Dorothy Tucker “Tuck.” Every so often I’ll drop Mark Brown a line at the Sun Times and greet him as “Brownie.” Phil Rosenthal should be called “Rosey” by everyone. And why not “Wolfy” for Bruce? (Naaaaah, Wolfy doesn’t work for him.) We’ve become too proper. Good to have a Hutch hanging about.
Dahl, Brandmeier, Dr J + Chief…I would listen 24/7
Note to Karen Casey at comment #10: Sirott would not want a smart, funny female upstart for the very reasons you just suggested: smart…funny…and upstager. Bruce IS the best “snark-sarc” voice out there. Is it too much to imagine him back… battling Brandmeier? :>
I wonder if anyone in management at ‘GN ever listened to Leslie Keiling, she is a very articulate counterpoint for all the liberal thinkers over there and presents some very cogent responces to most any discussion Mr. Liberal (John Williams) brings up. It is interesting to me that such a major voice in Chicago radio only has one female host and she is in the middle of the night and has to share a program with her husband. I think minimally they could offer Leslie a shot at the Noon Show.
It is sad that John Williams show is being expanded. He was taken out of prime time because he was awful. Greg Jarrett is a vast improvement.
It’s time for Steve & Johnnie to go to Florida permanently. Brian Noonan is a good replacement. He doesn’t make my blood pressure go up by whining nonstop.
Thank God for Steve Cochran’s humor.
where’s bruce . . . ?
Thank goodness Dean Richards is not being discarded in the great purge.
He is old school wise. Knows the ropes well – and rolls with the punches.
He made the abrupt and manic Jerry Lewis dissing hysterically funny !
Someone please fill in the people who have not kept up with the
Sirott Story Saga: I was being sarcastic. Bob knocked heads, and lost,
with some of his aggressive, easily angered and humorless on-air partners.
He got along well with Alison Rosatti because she did not get rattled,
smiled knowingly and let him spout off about his radio days and superior
music DJ timing. She is still here – and still smiling.
Nina Gaspich, I totally agree with your comments. Steve and Johhny are from the Wally Phillips era. Time to go. And when they were off last week, where was NICK? He’s the fill in. Jim Laskey BORING BORING BORING! Nick has a huge following and is a great interviewer. After 20 years, he deserves more time on the radio. (but then the management let the outstanding Dave Stewart go after 28 years.) ** Kathy, loved your comment and totally agree-Jerry Agar was the worst till I heard Jim Laskey. Sorry, guys, you might be nic guys but Jerry and Jim, and “Frenchy” bye-bye. P.S. Is WGN the same since Kathy and Judy left?
Forgot to add: get rid of Dean or John Williams and you have made a big, big mistake.
When Greg was out for the two weeks, to have Bob Sirott on was the best, he know so much, Greg think he knows Chicago, it’s good to have so many people working for you, to help Greg out. Bob knows so much about Chicago, he belongs.
I have to say, I like Nick De and Brian Noonan, I hope they stay on, of course Steve and Johnny, Keep WGN and the ones that are there, it’s like family, I do like Gray and Elton Jim. It’s really hard to listen to Greg in the morning, he thinks he knows everything, and he doesn’t.
Good to see you ! Next for WGN,dump the Steve & Johnnie know it all overnight show.
Didn’t Coke try this several years ago? Take a great product, change it and tell everyone it’s better? How did that work out for them? I’m 48 years old, with more disposable income than ever, and I’m turning off WGN. Do the advertisers realize how many listeners Kevin Metheny is pushing away with his changes? I love edgy, but I don’t like bad. Jarrett, Agar, Laski, Noonan, Meier – now that is some really bad stuff! And now he wants to bring in Johnny B? Kevin must have found another time slot he wants to destroy. Will it be Williams or Cochran? There was a time I could listen to WGN all day. Now I turn it on at 5:00pm and listen to Cochran, Kaplan, Rosenberg and Digilio. Hey, no big deal, I’ll spend my money with advertisers on other stations. Kevin doesn’t care.
Why doesn’t the Pig fire himself. He’s an absolute idiot, gets rid of perfectly good talent and saddles us with a jail bird turned talk show host – only in America and only on WGN. I like the good old days when people that had disgraced themselves and their families kept quiet and out of the limelight.
Please dump Frenchy, Agar, Jarrett and Noonan. Give that crazy, loveable Nick D. more air time. I remember when he was always there as a fill in, now he is only on during his regular time slot. What’s that about? didn’t he kiss management’s ring?
I used to have WGN on almost all day before. Now, I skip it during morning drive time, skip opinionated, liberal John Williams. He will only talk to you for more than a minute if you agree with him. Turn it on at noon for Bob, well, that’s over! Love Gary so it’s on from 1-4. Can’t stand Steve, especially the way he kept pushing his New Year’s Eve comedy show. It was like listening to a never ending commercial. Listen to Milt sometimes. Steve and Jonnie put me to sleep. Dear Richards is great whenever he’s on.
Getting rid of Dave Stewart is bad, bad, bad. Kevin Metheny has taken a station that I listened to all day, pretty much, and is running it into the ground. I’m neutral on Noonan, but I won’t listen to two seconds of Agar, Frenchy, Laski or Jarrett. I unfortunately didn’t even know Sirott was on for him because I don’t turn it on until John Williams comes on.Meier’s grown on me a bit, he’s okay. Sad that this station doesn’t have anyone covering City Hall now. At 28 years, I wonder if Dave’s eligible for benefits or if they got rid of him because he was close to being eligible?
I agree with you on everything Sona except Nick Digilio. He’s become even more arrogant and pompous lately even though he is logging far fewer airtime hours under the Metheny helm.
My radio(s) were always preset to WGN. WBBM is the second option and redeiving more and more of my listening. I did not always agree with Kathy & Judy, but when they were in error, I could always count on callers to corredt their misinformation. Spike was smart to leave what is obviously a “sinking ship”. Jarret is bearable. Agar’s topics are timely, but obviously designed to elicit negative response. Sean “News Junkie” Wasson is irritating. He persists in maintaining his viewpoints even when knowledgeable listeners provide evidence refuting his position. How on earth did Jim Lasky get a talk show. It’s ironic that he is critical of the politicians who he once worked hand i hand with. WGN used to have a balanced viewpoint. If I wanted to listen to demagogues I would switch to WLS. The one new bright spot is Garry Meier from 1 to 4. Please don’t lose Steve Coochran and Nick DiGilio.
Where was he Saturday night. Bob Sirrot had an interesting show during the noon hour. Change is always resisted, but the changes @ WGN seem counterproductive to what the corporate goal should be. Who will want to advertise on a station with diminishing listeners.
ksk
Wow, as a group we don’t seem to agree on much of anything, except the fact that WGN has lost its way. Notice that WSCR is doing kick butt ratings? Its because we are all looking for a replacement on our radio dial.
My personal preferences – Gary Meier was only funny when he was a second banana to Roe Conn. He can’t carry a show alone. He needs to hear everyone in town talking about a current event before he can discuss it, and when he does, most of his thoughts start with “I remember when”. Why anyone thinks he will appeal to a younger demo, I don’t know. Love Bob Sirrot and will be sorry to hear that John Williams lib fest is being extended an hour. The worst thing about him it how he tries to present himself as independent.
Steve and Johnnie – they have to go soon. Their constant fawning over their own stable of “talent”, is pathethic and just because they like their music doesn’t mean the audience does. The worst part is that Johnnie is the brains of the outfit and she defers to her know it all husband continually, while he refers to his 55 year old wife as a “hot blonde” I especially enjoy their “special nights” when they invite guests who are authorities on computers, cameras, etc. and invite listener’s questions. Then Steve jumps in and tries to answer every question before he will let the expert talk.
Okay, on to Nick D. What can I say, not a fan, but compared to Laskey, he’s Johnny Carson. I will agree with whoever said that Nick does a good intereview. My problem is his interests and attention span are so juvenile and limited that if you don’t like horror movies, sci fi, the Cubs (and now the Blackhawks) you have no use for his show. He thinks that his storytelling is so funny that he is constantly plugging his podcasts where he shares long, stupid glimpses of himself. Sorry, Nick, riding on the L with annoying people as related by you, is not funny.
Brian Noonan. I like him. He is warm, able to talk on most any topic, current event or cultural phenom and occasionally very funny.
I don’t care much for Steve Cochran one way or the other, but it doesn’t matter because I think he’s gone as soon as his contract is done. That’s probably where JB will fit in.
There is no longer any reason to turn on “GN for the news as with the raping of their news department they are no better than the internet.
In conclusion to this long rant, I can see the direction that the station manager is looking for , Cubs and Hawks, and cheap filler for the rest of the day. Since WGN has always dissed my beloved Sox I really have no reason to turn the dial to 720 again, except perhaps Lou on Saturday mornings. BTW, if you are looking for someplace to get away from Steve and Johnnie at night, Les Grobstein is on the Score late nights and is a lot more entertaining and intelligent.
Barb Shiman, you are soooo right that Nick should get more time! BUT, I really like Steve and Johnny most of the time, especially Website Wednesday Night. But, I think that Nick should get a few of their nights, maybe Thursday through Sunday. If Nick ever leaves, I am gone FOR GOOD!!!!!!!!! Ever since the departure of Kathy and Judy, daytime is definitely not the same.
I guess this explains why they no longer identify as “News and Talk.” Who’s left in the newsroom that’s not doing traffic?
I think Steve & Johnnie are kept because nobody really tracks overnight numbers, and they actually have a good sized loyal following as a live overnight show. I’ve been surprised that Nick hasn’t been getting more, but perhaps he’s not gung-ho to do huge amounts of overnight now that he’s a married man. Unless his wife works third shift, doing overnights all the time could get mighty old.
Jarrett has been unexceptional, and lately downright unimpressive. Williams was moved out of that time slot because he wasn’t doing all that well with the heavily-chopped-wups-time-for-traffic-up format; the 9-12 worked better because it allowed longer with interviews, etc. and the noon show is a continuation of that – it’s been largely 1-2 long interviews recently, I believe. Also, it’s coming up on the time of year when the noon show will frequently be preempted by baseball.
These days I end up listening in the AM only, then shift elsewhere for the rest of the day. WCPT for most of the afternoon (and no, they weren’t playing much Air America stuff at all), NPR later in the evenings. Weekends I have WGN on in the mornings only – Leff’s not bad, and Richards is an old standard that I still have on every week. I decided some time ago that WGN was no longer worth the electricity to power a radio between 1PM and 11PM, just about any day of the week.
@Alan “I decided some time ago that WGN was no longer worth the electricity to power a radio between 1PM and 11PM, just about any day of the week.”
Yah, I can empathize, although for me the WGN weekday dead zone is 9a-7p M-F plus ice soccer. Then again, I could rank WBEZ as having a similar problem: 11a-3p M-F isn’t worth the aggravation, and if “848″ stinks up the joint, it takes 10a-11a with it. Frankly, if I were WBEZ, I’d keep only Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and regular Marketplace, and run the BBC otherwise during the week. There’s little left to lose.
Jerry Agar does NOT belong on WGN! Most people turn to WGN as an oasis from the hate/fear talk on other radio stations. If WLS couldn’t use him, I wish WIND could.
bob sirott seems like a nice guy – but I think they got rid of the wrong show. it’s his Sunday night gig with his wife that has my skin crawling. ever hear them introduce a guest? I’m surprised most don’t leave the studio. For John O’Hurley they said “it’s these unknown character actors that can sometimes be interesting…he was voted one of the sexiest men of the year…” and his wife said “WHEN was THAT????” (I guess they never heard of the Seinfeld show and thought they discovered the guy.)
Sad to hear of the continued downward spiral of WGN…Bob Sirott knows Chicago like the back of his hand, and while he was only on for an hour, it was nice to hear his voice..But what is the deal with the “FRENCHY” guy on Sunday nites? I was listening to him briefly last nite and thought i was listening to a sex-erotica show, where he made his point VERY clear that his interest is “HOT SEXY SLUTTY WOMEN”…and then was asking callers what their preferences were…how did a once strong powerhouse radio station sink so low??????
I LOVE JERRY AGAR…..MAKES ME THINK….I DON’T ALWAYS HAVE TO AGREE WITH THE HOST. THE OPPOSING VIEW IS ALWAYS GOOD.
I don’t have to agree with the host, either. But I *intensely* dislike the tactics of hosts such as Jerry Agar (AND “Frenchy” too), who seem to just want to be contrary and confrontational. If I wanted that, I’d listen to WLS or WIND.
When I was working the grave yard shift S&J were the only live show.Sometimes they’re good sometimes not.I know Steve got a little goofy when Gene Pitney died. That has to be a killer on air shift to get guest.
BORIS! (probably BORE-US Noonan or BORE-US Cody themselves)…
Honest to God, BORE-US, you need to rely on the stations Arbitron Ratings to support your case that BORE-US Noonan is better than a rerun of the Gary Meier Show in its place? You are the one that’s totally dillusional!
Gary does not feel a need to start every show with “Be nice to Cody,” (or whichever late-shifter two-bit radio-wannabee is manning the phones), “to get through to me.” Then he needs to stretch a dying topic for over an hour because there are absolutely NO calls. Meier would never even think to tell his listeners at least twice every weekend about his Dominoes Pizza delivery job because he’s smart enough to know that no body gives a damn about the job BORE-US should still have! If a topic isn’t working on Meier’s Show, he has done enough planning to move on. Not BORE-US! He stretches a dying bit or a dying topic until the next break because he’s never over-prepared – if prepared for the hours he’s responsible at all. He talks too much about his producers and with his producers because nobody calls in when he expects them to and/or he is simply under-prepared and doesn’t have a clue as to what to do next. And why give Cody and other producers so much air time? If you need a sidekick to do a 3-4 hour show, tell management you need one – don’t drag the producer (who has NO radio voice at all or personality to be a radio host’s sidekick) into your dying on-air show.
How dare you, BORE-US, even try to convince someone that the Noonan Show is better than a Gary Meier Show. Get a clue: Noonan’s on 1-5am weekends and Meier is on 1-4 afternoons with weekends off! Meier’s got the talent! Not Noonan! I believe Noonan has the disillusional mindset of thinking he’s great because he can swing in on the Arbitron Rating’s coat-tails of WGN. I’d love for him to be able to see his actual listner count; but then that probably won’t even convince him. Noonan ought to be off the air. The show is horrific! Whether you try to tell Noonan and that producer that there’s a problem with the show, or that the girl who used to answer the phone (who, thank GOD, moved on) is rude, or whatever, Noonan argues with the life-long WGN listener and says, basically, “Sorry, that’s how things are!” Noonan doesn’t realize that he’s mouthing off to people who have been listening to WGN longer than he’s been in Chicago! He has no concept of proper responding to listeners. And, Noonan, “THIS IS HOW IT IS!” Noonan needs to learn: “BE NICE TO THE LISTENERS BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO GET THROUGH THEM TO GET TO THE GOOD ARBITRON RATINGS!” That, BORE-US, is a no-brainer!
WIND had the guts to get rid of their overnight disaster, The Pinker. And in spite of your arrogant response to me, when will WGN have the guts to get rid of their overnight disaster, Noonan? And yes, I still recommend the cost-cutting measure of rerunning Gary Meier’s Show for people who can’t listen to that terrific show every weekday afternoon as I can’t always listen.
YES to MEIER reruns – NO to NOONAN!
Bob Sirott gone? Why don’t they get rid of arrogant, talentless losers like Nick Digilio instead of people with something at least interesting to say like Sirott?
Karen at #42. You may have been being sarcastic, but I was addressing it as what it is. I’ve heard/seen Sirott since he was gifted with the opportunity of a lifetime in the early 70’s when WBBM-FM went live with DJs (including Steve King, who had that Elvis look going back then)….then there was WLS and he got tired of radio, then Ch.2, then CBS’s Van Gordon Sauter tapped him for W.57th…he didn’t like the away time in NYC, then back to Ch. 2 (I think), then Ch. 5, then Ch. 32, Ch. 11, WGN-AM, then Ch. 5…… Any BS headknocking is his doing…but hey it works….he gets paid “go away money” from not just one station, but two!! Almost 40 years on a pogo stick in the media market, he must be pooped.
Welcome back Robert! It is a pleasure to have you back on the beat. There was a real voic in the media reporting during your absence.
With every change WGN is giving us fewer reasons to listen.
The loss of Bob Sirott is the biggest blow to Chicago radio in years. Instead of expanding his show to replace the talentless Garry Meir or the dull John William. They are letting him go and giving us more of John Williams. This is reminiscent of the last Mary Tyler Moore Episode where only Ted Baxter remained.
The only reasons to listen to WGN is Steve Cochran, Dean Richards, David Kaplan and Nick Digilio. The new weekend hosts including Simon and Jerry are good for curing insomnia.
Lastly, inundating listeners with traffic and weather every few minutes is overkill and is driving away listeners. Nothing is more annoying than to have an interesting Steve Cochran discussion interupted by another traffic report and then more commercials. Even the most devoted listeners can only take so much before flipping to Roe!
WGN needs to get rid of its GM quick before it ruins what is left of a must listen station
@Scott: “BORIS! (probably BORE-US Noonan or BORE-US Cody themselves)…
Honest to God, BORE-US, you need to rely on the stations Arbitron Ratings to support your case that BORE-US Noonan is better than a rerun of the Gary Meier Show in its place? You are the one that’s totally dillusional!”
#
Ah, didn’t have to scratch the surface too deeply to unleash a foaming, misspelled, conspiratorial rant, now did we? It was nice of you to spill the beans, though:
#
“Whether you try to tell Noonan and that producer that there’s a problem with the show, or that the girl who used to answer the phone (who, thank GOD, moved on) is rude, or whatever, Noonan argues with the life-long WGN listener and says, basically, ‘Sorry, that’s how things are!’”
#
So, you’ve been calling in to the show to hector them, eh? And you’re dissatisfied with the eminently predictable result? It’s almost too good to be true.
#
“And yes, I still recommend the cost-cutting measure of rerunning Gary Meier’s Show for people who can’t listen to that terrific show every weekday afternoon as I can’t always listen.”
#
Check. *You* can’t always catch your favorite escapee from the glue factory, apparently because you’d often *rather listen to Roe Conn* during the day and are busy like a beaver catching up on Michael F. Medved at night, so you should be personally accommodated with Reruns From The Knacker’s Yard on the weekends. Makes perfect sense.
#
Of course, you haven’t explained why you can’t just listen to the freaking podcast. Were you planning to call in to the putative rerun show as well to offer little pearls of wisdom on how things could be improved in the future? (It wouldn’t surprise me.)
#
If you don’t like Noonan’s show, do something else. You know, pull out that boxed VHS set of Jay North as “Dennis the Menace” and go crazy. Or play Yahtzee against your imaginary junior radio executive personality. I’ll settle for the only thing on WGN that has actually made me laugh since Nick went into cookie-cutter mode.
As it has become apparent, Tom Langmyer is on mission to destroy this radio station. Seeing all the comments listed above, I guess he knows much better than the people that actually listen to the station. The new acquisitions of Garry Meier and Greg Jarrett are awful. Although Meier had a large following before WGN picked him, his personality and attitude are clearly not what the typical AM listener is accustomed to. Many of the people that I know listen to the station have told me that their radios are off for his show. His promos for his shows I guess are supposed to be edgy and be attractive to younger listeners, maybe people in their twenties? I can tell you right now, that a large percentage of people in their twenties do not know who Garry Meirer is nor do they listen to AM radio. Putting people on the air like this is not going to make them start to listen. All this is going to do is aggravate the current listeners. As far Greg Jarrett, he still thinks that he lives in San Fran. He is arrogant and pretends to know this city. He must be obscenely over paid based on all his comments since he lives only minutes from the Tribune Tower.
The loss of Kathy and Judy put a huge hole into the mid-morning. The chemistry that Steve Bertran and K&J had was truly fun radio. But, since that Tom Langmyer thought he wanted to put the station in a different direction they were cut…probably one of the must successful shows since it followed Spike O’Dell. Who know what’s coming next with cuts from this joker, but if they lose Williams, Digillio or Cochran the radio station is done. It is truly sad what this clown has done to the station.
@Boris – As one who just breezed through, I have to say that I totally agree with Scott about Brian Noonan’s show being less than quality for bigtime radio. If I had performed in college radio like most of the segments of Brian’s program that I’ve heard, I would have been yanked off the air – and rightfully so.
I also agree with Scott in that it appears you are too close to the show, perhaps more than just a casual listener like most people responding to these posts. It’s not only that you’re attempting to defend a very poor radio program, but you unsuccessfully try to demean anyone who criticizes the Brian Noonan Show.
And while you thought you “caught” Scott as a participant of Brian’s Show in the past as if it’s a bad thing, it can only be a good thing that he gave Brian a chance, tried to offer constructive criticism, of which Scott felt was ignored. Enough with people criticizing things they aren’t aware of in this business; he should be commended for criticizing something of which he has had experience and knowledge.
As Scott so adeptly pointed out: you are likely BOREUS Noonan himself or someone who works with the show. Who else would spend so much time trying to defend the undefendable? If you are someone who works with the show, my only suggestion to you is that you need to work much, much harder – and maybe look for another line of work as this show is going to get cancelled one day when WGN takes time to listen to its late night weekend shows… I’ve listened to Brian’s show. In my learned opinion of the radio business, I agree 100% with Scott – the show should not be on the air. Thanks for reading.
Garry Meier and Elton Jim are the best. They are the only show on WGN that I listen too. This once proud 50,000 watt blow torch is now just a “Candle in the Wind” (kudos to Elton John) of it’s former glorious self. Kevin Metheny is to WGN as Milton Bradley was to the Cubs. Eric and Kathy rock on AM drive time!
@Mike: “It’s not only that you’re attempting to defend a very poor radio program, but you unsuccessfully try to demean anyone who criticizes the Brian Noonan Show.”
#
“Anyone”? The only person I’ve been ridiculing is Scott. So far.
#
“And while you thought you ‘caught’ Scott as a participant of Brian’s Show in the past as if it’s a bad thing, it can only be a good thing that he gave Brian a chance, tried to offer constructive criticism, of which Scott felt was ignored [sic].”
#
Harassing the producer while the show is going on about how you think it should be run isn’t “participating” or offering “constructive criticism,” it’s deranged. Publicly nursing a grudge about it months afterward, on the other hand, is simply laughable.
#
“As Scott so adeptly pointed out: you are likely BOREUS Noonan himself or someone who works with the show. Who else would spend so much time trying to defend the undefendable? If you are someone who works with the show….”
#
By this reasoning, Scott is likely to be Garry Meier. Sorry.
#
“In my learned opinion of the radio business, I agree 100% with Scott — the show should not be on the air.”
#
Oh, I see! You’re a radio *scholar*. In that case, I’m clearly out of my depth and must be mistaken about liking the program and strongly preferring WWV to Meier. My mistake.
Sorry to see a long-time Chicago classic like Bob dismissed of his daily show.
That said, I’m glad that the station hasn’t gone as far as to alter other mid-day talent. It appears that Garry Meier is here to stay and that’s great. I would like to see Nick D be given a priority shift with more days and hours than he has now. Next to Garry, I think he’s the best thing going for WGN at this time. But with his awkward hours, it doesn’t appear that he will ever gain the notoriety and following he and his entertaining program deserve.
My other suggestion for WGN is to perhaps decrease the hours that Steve and Johnnie are on and give Nick D more nights and hours. They have their following, so I wouldn’t totally upset the apple cart and dismiss them. But they’re on an awful long time night after night, and have been on a very long time.
Finally, I strongly getting rid of Brian Noonan. I agree with much of what’s been said in these posts about the late night weekend show NOT being entertaining. Like others on here, I gave the show an honest try, but I didn’t last long. (I notice the one supporter of Brian Noonan hasn’t given one reason to support his contention that the Noonan show is worth listening to; yet many valid reasons have been given to get rid of him.)
Also, the female producer mentioned in these posts who was formerly on the Noonan broadcast and has been criticized as being unable to serve the WGN family of listeners on the phones was probably Lindsey. I, myself, called the show several times last summer or fall and was either hung up on or strangely disconnected seveeral times before I finally gave up and changed the channel, as the show itself didn’t turn out to be much better than Lindsey and the phones that night. I believe that such an operation, even hidden at the 1am hour, should not be on a station of this caliber. Listeners expect better.
In summation, I will sorely miss Bob’s quality Chicago-topical daily noontime show, I love Garry’s and Nick D’s shows, Steve and Johnnie are given more time than a nightowl like myself wants of them, and finally, politely slip Brian Noonan a nice severance package and show him and his entourage the door.
@Boris #
Boris wrote:
@Mike: “It’s not only that you’re attempting to defend a very poor radio program, but you unsuccessfully try to demean anyone who criticizes the Brian Noonan Show.”
#
“Anyone”? The only person I’ve been ridiculing is Scott. So far.
#
I say: You’re obviously taking a stab at me because I agreed that the show isn’t any good. And you’re wasting a lot of time doing it. One questions why it’s so important to you? I think we know why – you’re “involved” with the disliked show. What other reason could there possibly be.
Boris responded to:
“And while you thought you ‘caught’ Scott as a participant of Brian’s Show in the past as if it’s a bad thing, it can only be a good thing that he gave Brian a chance, tried to offer constructive criticism, of which Scott felt was ignored [sic].”
#with this:
Harassing the producer while the show is going on about how you think it should be run isn’t “participating” or offering “constructive criticism,” it’s deranged. Publicly nursing a grudge about it months afterward, on the other hand, is simply laughable.
#
You must have inside knowledge about a grudge being nursed as there is absolutely no indication of such a thing in these posts. Proof again that you’re “involved” with the disliked show. Your, Boris, seem to know too much about WGN listeners who don’t like the show. Please do not stalk me too!
You cut and paste this text from my post:
“As Scott so adeptly pointed out: you are likely BOREUS Noonan himself or someone who works with the show. Who else would spend so much time trying to defend the undefendable? If you are someone who works with the show….”
#and you responded:
By this reasoning, Scott is likely to be Garry Meier. Sorry.
#
Anything’s possible, but having listened to Garry’s show, I don’t think so. In fact, on one show, he indicated he didn’t know who Brian Noonan was – and when told he works late weekends, Garry laughed, “Well, I guess I need to listen to this station more often.” I really don’t think he’s worried about outdoing Noonan, and doesn’t even care who he is.
You cut and paste this text of mine:
“In my learned opinion of the radio business, I agree 100% with Scott — the show should not be on the air.”
#then you wrote:
Oh, I see! You’re a radio *scholar*. In that case, I’m clearly out of my depth and must be mistaken about liking the program and strongly preferring WWV to Meier. My mistake.
To this, I respond, you’ve got to be Noonan or one of his few strong fans. You’ve got the same lack of wit and dumbfound (not creative) sarcasm in your rambling writings as Noonan has in his oral presentation on his show.
On a positive note, however, it’s nice that somebody likes the show. But still too many indications that you’re Noonan or someone involved with the show.
I’m out!
@Mike: “You’re obviously taking a stab at me because I agreed that the show isn’t any good.”
#
No, I was taking a stab at you for falling in with Scott’s conspiracy theory that I must be Noonan or his producer. (Well, that, and for making a specious appeal to authority.) I don’t *expect* anyone to like the show. I do think that the notion of rerunning Meier for Scott’s personal convenience is crazy, though, particularly when–as I’ve pointed out twice–the programs are readily available anyway. Note, moreover, that I haven’t accused you of being a Scott sock puppet.
#
“You must have inside knowledge about a grudge being nursed as there is absolutely no indication of such a thing in these posts.”
#
What are you talking about? Scott plainly states, “Noonan argues with the life-long WGN listener [viz., Scott] and says, basically, ‘Sorry, that’s how things are!’ Noonan doesn’t realize that he’s mouthing off to people who have been listening to WGN longer than he’s been in Chicago!” He was told to buzz off, presumably on the phone as well as on-air (it sounds familiar), and is clearly still upset that his “constructive criticism” wasn’t etched into stone as if by the finger of God.
#
@radiofan: “I notice the one supporter of Brian Noonan hasn’t given one reason to support his contention that the Noonan show is worth listening to; yet many valid reasons have been given to get rid of him.”
#
Indeed, where are these “many valid reasons”? The only thing I’ve read outside of simple and perfectly valid expressions of taste is that somebody was mean to Scott.
Boris: Wow. I didn’t expect to see my post regarding Noonan to turn into all of this.
When I think I have a good idea, such as doing away with the Noonan show, I like to voice it and get reactions. You’ve made your reactions. The incorrect assumptions you’ve made are:
(1) that there is a grudge involved – a grudge implies that one thing happened once and was held on to by the receiver of the happening and not let go; I’ve detailed the problems with the show including the negative experience on the phone, NOT exclusive to the problem on the phone. And, as I have read in responses here, I’m not the only one who has had poor experiences with staff who answer the phone, as someone has referred to having had bad experiences with ‘Lindsey’. I honestly do not remember the ladies name, but it could be the same person of whom I had concerns. Again, there being one phone call which you think caused me to hold a grudge is not accurate. I’ve listed many more pertinent reasons for not liking the show based on what has been put over the air and not over the phone.
(2) that people sit at home and listen to podcasts. Many people – if not most people, I would think, do not have that option. I have that option but listen to radio live. While I don’t have the data, I would think I am like most people and am either in the car or somewhere out and about when listening to the radio. I listen to what’s on now.
(3) that I want Meier reruns on for my own selfish reasons. No, as I stated in the beginning of this post, when I think I have a good idea, I like to share and get feedback. I think rerunning Meier’s show is a good idea and you don’t. So what? I mentioned Medved as an example of a rerun being done on local radio and apparently working, as it has been done for a long time, just to let you know that my ‘rerun’ idea isn’t totally off the wall. Additionally, I never listen to Coast-to-Coast on WLS but am aware of the fact that antiquated reruns are used on the weekends. Suggesting reruns is not a new idea and I think it could work. Not to upset you, but to simply state a fact without a grudge being the basis for it, I believe WGN would do better rerunning the popular Gary Meier show late weekends than airing the Noonan show. Just my opinion, and we won’t know if I’m right unless it happens and ratings improve. But again, I did not offer this suggestion for any other reason that I don’t think the Noonan show is entertaining of useful to the public in any way.
Notice the difference? I said I don’t listen to Coast-to-Coast but do not say that it should be off the air. I’m sure there is an audience for ‘those topics’ but it simply isn’t something I care to listen to. I’ve given the show a chance and have made that determination. Also, I said I would like to see the Noonan show taken off the air because it is not entertaining nor provides useful information. I’ve given the show a chance and have made that determination.
I hope you understand where my suggestions have come from and will quit attacking me for having an opinion and making a suggestion to WGN for improving their station. That’s all I’ve been trying to do.
The only reason I’ve faulted you is because you have given me no credibility for my opinions and suggestions of which I’ve given basis. You have really not given any reasons to support your contention that the show is viable. You say you like it: why? What may I have missed that is entertaining or worthwhile on the show? Through my comments, I’ve proven that I’ve listened to the show and have given it a chance. You have given no proof and, thus far, come across and a questionable blind supporter of the show. Go ahead, I’m open to your comments. Tell me – other than your opinion that it’s a good show – what is good about it. Give examples of good bits, segments of the show, as I have given examples of poor bits (Santa Claus, often playing two characters of which one is in an inaudible falsetto that makes the bit not work, etc.), killing time talking to producers on the air with conversations that are going nowhere. Last time I listened and turned the show off, Brian kept telling his producer how handsome he is – for 15 minutes before I finally took the effort to change the dial. Please, tell me the entertainment I’ve totally missed on this show.
I’m being sincere. Please convince me and the post readers, as I’ve tried to convince the post readers, that the show is worth something – anything!
Take care.
@Scott: For the most part, that’s a very reasonable response. I will take two exceptions and then drop the matter:
#
(1) I really can’t imagine WGN airing reruns overnight. As you’ve no doubt observed, I detest Meier, but the overarching point is that the reach and brand of the station are such that a step down (and it would be a big one) would be live syndicated programming, not a retread. Do you miss the oft-repeated Twilight Zone recreations? Is there really a cheering section for the Sunday Night Radio Special? I will admit that Steve Cushing might be a different matter, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.
#
(2) You say that “through my comments, I’ve proven that I’ve listened to the show and have given it a chance. You have given no proof and, thus far, come across and a questionable blind supporter of the show.” This doesn’t make any sense, as you seem to be using the notion of “proof” in two unrelated senses. I never questioned (or doubted) that you’ve listened to the program. Unless you’re asserting that I haven’t “proven” [sic] that I’ve listened to the show, the demand becomes one of my proving that my taste is “valid.” (Leaving aside the once again conspiratorial “blind supporter” business, which directly implies your “greater seeing” and elevation of your tastes by fiat in an imaginary hierarchy.)
#
What’s to “prove”? You didn’t like some Santa Claus bit, and that’s to be taken as “proof” of something other than your not liking the bit? I’ve already told you that I find Noonan to be only source of a real laugh to be had now and again on WGN nowadays. Really, sometimes a little bit of a rare commodity is good enough for me. You want something else? I appreciate the verbal acuity and spontaneity, the ready interaction, and the whimsy. You would prefer reruns of a known and oxidized commodity. So it goes.
^^”the only source,” that is.
I remember in the mid 1990s WLS did reboardcast with Deb Norvilles and Tom Synders Shows.They also reboardcast Ed Vrdolaks and Ty Wamsleys show.
Boris, Scott and Mike:
Why don’t the three of you meet in Boys Town for an Apple-tene!
Funny!!!!
Bruiser# (trying to sound butch, are we?)
Not knowing what an apple-tene is, I typed ‘apple tene’ into a search engine and came up empty. Sure you’re spelling it right?
Guess all the terms you guys use along the Boystown Strip don’t make the dictionary. Please inform us.
Nevermind, I’ll ask Garry Meier to find out, as he has Boystown and Boystown-friendly callers on occasion.
That’s where I heard your name last, Bruiser! Calling into the Meier show when he had questions about “the lifestyle”. Bruiser, aka Mary, right?
Re: Noonan hysteria
This comments section was entertaining & interesting until the Brian Noonan dualing diatribes set in. Who cares?!!? It’s Brian freakin’ Noonan!!!! Discuss him for two seconds, which is all the focus he is worth, then move on. I have nothing against him. He’s ok, I guess. The least of my ‘GN interests or concerns, really.
Btw, what kind of losers actually call radio stations on a regular or semi-regular basis anyway??!? If you call more than once every several months, you need to get a life. I’ve never called a radio station, and I’ve listened to a ton of talk radio over the years.
He means an apple-TINI…that is, a martini made with apple juice, cider, etc.
It is plain to see that WGN doesn’t care for anyone over 50. If they cut S&J that will prove my point. Sorry folks, but there are alot of us in that age group. There are many many other stations in Chicago that cater to the under 50 group. Sounds like WGN is only hiring cheap labor now which more or less tells us where the station is headed.
I have been listening to GN for most of my life. It started with my parents GN was always on at home. I loved how uncle Bobby would screw up the commercials, giving the advertiser even more exposure.
My high school friends would often tease me about listening to GN that did not bother me since I could relate to the on air personalities.
I attended several outings where I met several members of the on air team and still have a personal relationship with them. We communicate on a regular basis, I have even met their wives and children. What great people it is a shame they are getting the short end because of corporate garbage and years of miss management.
It was really fun to actually get to be in the studio and on the air several times with them. I could really relate.
I thought we were in trouble when Sam bought in several years ago. Unfortunately I was correct. In my opinion I think Sam should hop his short body on his bike and ride off into the sunset never to be herd from again.
Where will it stop, the way they are doing thing’s the former 50,000 watt Luv Pump will be in full cardiac arrest before long. Maybe the Peoria Chiefs will be looking for somewhere to broadcast their games in the next few years.
Good luck to all
Greg#
You wrote: Btw, what kind of losers actually call radio stations on a regular or semi-regular basis anyway??!? If you call more than once every several months, you need to get a life. I’ve never called a radio station, and I’ve listened to a ton of talk radio over the years.
#
I don’t remember mentioning that I called radio stations on a regular basis. If you made that assumption about me, you’re totally wrong. I’ve called the WBBM-AM traffic line about a half-dozen times as a good citizen to report roadway concerns when I’m on the road. I called Roe Conn’s show once to assist with a segment he was doing and asked “If anybody knows…” Well, I knew and called in and assisted. I called one night, probably three times, to the Noonan Show and gave up as the lady didn’t know how to work the phones, I guess. When I contacted the show’s producer and Noonan about the problem, I was rudely told that “She knows what she’s doing.” Noonan and his staff have a right to do this, and I have a right to tell the story on here. This is not an over-abundance of calls. If you think so, we can agree to disagree. No big deal.
To be totally honest, which I always am, other than these several calls made, I have called contest lines in the past on rare occasions, probably about once every 6 months over the past 15 years or so. The first time I called in to a contest line, I won tickets to a rock concert down at (then called) The World Theater. After that, I continued calling on occasion. In so doing, I’ve had terrific luck. I’ve seen Jersey Boys (sixth row), Annie (10 row), a Blackhawks game, a couple rock concerts including a Paul Simon concert, gone to a movie at Water Tower, and a couple trips to Chicago restaurants for free, and received two admissions to the WLS Town Hall Meeting (about Health Care) over the past decade by making such calls to contest lines. Again, if you have a problem with this, so be it.
I’ve definitely enjoyed talk radio and the rewards offered to regular listeners like myself. So, contrary to your contention that those who call radio stations ‘need to get a life’, I counter with those that call radio stations ‘have a better life!’ I’ve been very lucky for the relatively few calls I’ve made and I’m grateful to the stations who have provided me with these decent gifts.
Maybe you ought to pick the phone up more often, Greg.
I miss my WGN! They have ruined it! The only one left worth listening to is John Williams. Greg Jarret is pompous and boring. I really tried to listen to him but gave up after about 6 months. He is the kind of person you don’t want to get stuck sitting next to at a party! He just isn’t Chicago at all. I have not found one person who can stand listening to him.
Garry Meier would be okay if he was not so negative but Elton Jim is just awful.
What can one say about Frenchy on Sunday nights?! He has one topic–sexy girls! Beyond that he has nothing else to talk about.
I know WGN has lost revenue but how can what they are doing help?
Will the last person out the door please turn out the lights?!
I couldn’t stand listening to Greg Jarret when I lived in San Francisco and I can’t stand him here either. The sound of his voice makes my skin crawl. With all of the recent losses, WGN Gold is turning to dirt.
Attn: radioheads– NEW programing @ WGN -Bill Leff talks with writers from CHICAGO NOW on saturday mornings,check the programming. Tell us if you like the program and/or guests. Very wide and timely subject matter. A place for old and young listners to meet. how sweet,whadda yu think? yea or ney who’s to say. disclaimer i ain’t no employee of gn. Check out CHICAGO NOW w/B Leff and let us know. thanks
I’m beginning to get concerned about the direction the mighty GN has gone as of late, and I truly hope that the GM and PM over at 720 are paying attention to some of our comments. Not likely. They seem to be scrubbing clean the honest decent talent and trying to save their butts from their hiring mistake of Mr. Jarrett — he obviously must have cost big bucks.
Bob Sirott is a knowledgeable lifelong Chicagoan who performed brilliantly in the morning fill-in role, and perhaps that should be his spot if he so desires.
And since so many have decided to voice their opinions on other on- and off-air talent, I’ll toss in my two cents’ worth here: Kathy and Judy were an excellent pair, and a mistake to remove their common-sense take on everyday life from the airwaves. I was a little skeptical of Mr. Meier’s addition, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by his adaptation to the talk format.
Aside from a purely budgetary consideration, getting rid of Dave Stewart from the newsroom was another sad mistake, and I’m sure that the producers from the Cochran and Rosenberg shows are a loss for their programs as well.
I must also step up to the defense of Brian Noonan… What is so bad about his overnight program? If you’re making any comparisons, he’s still far better than Jarrett, and a great compliment to the overnight FUN that makes the night hours go by. No, his show isn’t tailored to be on-par with the day-drive times, it’s just supposed to be a fun lighthearted time to pass the time. I enjoy Steve and Johnnie, but just like any time find segments of their show to be ignorable. I might not care about two hours of talk about guitars, but that doesn’t mean we toss them off. Nick D is genius, but even he too at times dips down into blah-dom, but these overnight hosts are passionate about their programs and the content they deliver, and it shows.
Let’s all hope that WGN comes to its’ senses and stops flushing their talent in the name of budgets and bankruptcy.
Brian Noonan makes getting up at 4 a.m. so much more do-able on my Sat. and Sun. I wish he lasted until 6 a.m. when I get to work, so I don’t have to search all over the dial for something to listen to until I get there. Jerry Agar is God-awful and I switch off WGN whenever I hear him as I do with the News Junkie (I haven’t even listened long enough to learn his name) and the Frenchman. When I first heard the Frenchman, I assumed I was listening to a commercial! Why else would there be a person speaking with a heavy French accent on WGN?! WGN radio is a mess. I’m sure Steve Cochran and John Williams won’t be there too much longer either since they’re both part of the old regime.
Linda prepare yourself to be attacked for liking Brian Noonan. Just warning you. When I had the gall to say I liked Steve and Johnnie you would have thought I committed treason. There are a few on here that do NOT like to have people disagree with.
Keep Meier let him do a 6-7 hour show when more would listen. Keep Nick and put him on at night and get rid of the ‘its all about us couple’ that are far more self centered than Kathy and Judy got when they were axed. Keep Steve and let Dean do his stuff. Get rid of Frenchy and Agar. Koz will probably end up on that stupid show they put on CBS in the morning.
Jerry Agar is awful, I turn him off. What is happening to WGN? I have been listening to it since Wally Phillips. That Jarret dude in the morning must work real cheap, he is awful! Things haven’t been good since the firing of Kathy and Judy, then you put John Williams on early, then take him off. Why? I am ready to go to FM.
Oh my god… I never thought I would look forward to John Williams coming back but after listening to Jim Lasky – I’d take ANYONE! As many have said here, Kathy & Judy were the best and a BIG LOSS for the listening audience. I used to have 720 on from the time I woke up until I got home from work around a 7:00pm. Loved listening to Bob Sirott at noon and tolerated John Williams in the afternoon slot until Steve Cochran came on. Ah yes… the good old days!
Now I turn it on at 1:00pm for Garry Meier (always liked him and enjoy his humor) and turn it off after Steve Cochran. If they get rid of either of these guys – I’m turning it off altogether. I’d probably still listen to Mr. Fix It on Saturday mornings.
A natural fill-in would be Dean Richards, Bob Sirott or Nick Digilio.
Bob Sirott was the best host on WGN since Wally Phillips. What are you thinking?? Greg Jarrett is terrible. I have switched to WLS. Give Bob Sirott Greg Jarrett’s job. Greg Jarrett adds nothing to morning talk.
Here’s an idea. Put Nick D on 5am to noon and see how popular he is. I bet he wouldn’t do very well. BUT I have to say he would be better than Lasky and I don’t like Nick D at all. I would be curious to know how many of the people that criticize S & J actually have listened to them or just jump on the hate bandwagon. There seem to be alot of people on here that are “authorities” on every single shift on WGN and I doubt they actually have listened to every shift.
Sure would like to hear Bob Sirott on WGN morning drive. He is what the station needs, he is part of Chicago, really enjoyed him the last few mornings.
It is time to pull the plug on the 50,000 watt blowtorch transmitter. They are all a bunch of has-beens!!
@tharry – Not so fast on pulling the plug. WGN made a great move this week by putting Nick Digilio in for vacationing Steve and Johnnie. Nick is proving that he can do a great six hour show – worth every one of the 50,000 watts of the blowtorch!
Go Nick!!! Very entertaining overnight shows from him!
Jim Laski is perhaps the worse radio talk show host I have ever tuned into. He takes FOREVER to get one sentence out, talks about the same topic all the time (AKA how wonderful majoring in the natural and physical sciences is and discriminating those who pursue more liberal specialties), and is a hypocrite. For example, when discussing the topic of gay rights one evening, he took great pride in stating that he is for gays having the right to see their significant other in the hospital and make funeral arrangements for their partner. Yes, many of us Chicagoans are pro-gay rights and have been for a long time (including myself). However, he repeatedly mentioned that he was against gay marriage. Furthermore, his conservative ideals are just not compatible with the local liberal ideology. Please WGN, eliminate Mr. Laskis’ programs, or at least reduce his airtime.
p.s. Bring back Kathy and Judy. We miss them.
WGN is a train wreck. What a bunch of nonsense.
It seems the station is being run by a bunch of drunk frat boys.