Trib CEO shoots the messenger — but misses the point
Randy Michaels
After what I wrote about Randy Michaels earlier this week, it’s no wonder the Tribune Co. CEO doesn’t care much for me. But who knew of his low regard for the whole business of bloggers?
The piece here about his edict banning 119 words and phrases from newscasts on news/talk WGN-AM (720) drew more than 100,000 hits and more than 325 comments to this site in just two days. It also got picked up by countless other bloggers (including the Chicago Tribune’s own Eric Zorn and Phil Rosenthal) and by most broadcast industry trade publications. One of them, Radio Business Report, reached out to Michaels for comment. Here’s what Michaels said:
“I feel sorry for Bob. If he thinks it’s wrong for the CEO of a content company to focus on content, that could help explain why he is no longer paid to be in media.”
Setting aside the false familiarity (no one who knows me calls me “Bob”), Michaels’ response is irksome for two reasons: First, it falsely assumes that I think a CEO shouldn’t “focus on content.” No, I just believe the arrogant and heavy-handed way he went about it was wrong. And second, to say that I am “no longer paid to be in media” is completely and utterly false.
I’m not about to get into details of my contract with Chicago Public Radio (the parent of Vocalo.org), but I can assure you that I’m not writing this blog as a lark. In fact, before I accepted this position last fall (after I’d taken a buyout from the Chicago Sun-Times), I turned down a very generous offer from Tribune Co. to write for its Chicago Now blog site. Perhaps Michaels wasn’t aware of that.
More troubling, though, is the inference that Michaels believes all bloggers are unpaid hobbyists who aren’t really “in media,” as he defines it. In case he doesn’t know it, online professional journalism happens to be the future of media.
It’s obvious that Michaels, old radio showman that he is, prefers tinkering with his radio toys and micromanaging his employees rather than taking on the difficult task of leading his company out of bankruptcy and into 21st century relevance. But can he really be so out of touch with the business he’s supposed to be saving?
blogs.vocalo.org
Robert Feder, For The Win! This is a smackdown worthy of print.
SLAM! Way to go Rob! Don’t take any crap from these old media radio losers.
Only one thing, you said “online professional journalism happens to be the future of media.” It’s the NOW as well.
On a side, whenever I hear someone say “new media” I cringe and wonder what rock they have been living under. New-Media sounds very 2008 to me, it is now: “Now-Media. All the information I get off of TV is second hand, I haven’t purchased a magazine or newspaper in forever and I see everything first online or on my phone. These old radio guys are so stuck in the past, there really is no hope, and they deserve their fate.
Yo! Bobby Bobo Federov… (just kidding, some false familiarity there)… Seriously though, Robert, I think you really hit a nerve with ole Randy Randall Ratzo Michaels. And you’re just doing your job, a REAL job… and doing it well. We all love it! Mr. Meatball Michaels better get used to the fact that there are media critics in Chicago that watch things closely. Media critics have followers too. The comments on your blog, not just the “alleged list of infamy” one, prove that there are some pretty smart listeners and watchers out here. The forum you have here is so awesome because of the inside stories, quick insightful updates you provide and the many comments on the boards… some of which you reply to personally for clarification. Keep up the great work. It was ridiculous not having you around after the Sun Times. Just glad you are back and better than ever. Don’t sweat the stuff Randy MyCLops has to say.
Regarding Michaels, it’s true that a CEO should focus on content in a content company. I don’t think anyone here questions that part of his job. Relationships are a different matter. Most people have experienced working for someone with poor management style… a bull in a china shop is no fun. It’s hard to get subordinates to react positively with brash and insulting methods. That breeds contempt, NOBODY is happy and it shows in their work. If the work suffers, it’s not like other jobs where the poor results may slide under the radar. Poor results in media become a bad day in public. So, to Mr. Michaels I say… it’s easier with a smile and a little honey instead of piss and vinegar… unless that’s appropriate salad dressing at WGN.
PS – Lose the stripes! You’re not foolin’ anyone… it’s not slimming. But a beautiful navy blue moo moo could do the trick.
As far as I am concerned, Feder’s blog is the place for all media-related news. Too bad for Randy Michaels. That’s why the Trib is struggling.
You’re no longer paid to be in media?! I should treat you to lunch sometime at Herm’s Palace. Poor thing…
PS: What’s short for Randy?
I’m behind you 100% on this one “Bob.”
Michaels is stuck in his Jacor/Clear Channel days. He really does not know how to run a company without loans to acquire other entities. Managing his own entities is not a priority, only satisfying his ego is. Michaels might be a good division chief, but he has no vision or leadership abilities, things required of a CEO.
How is disseminating a list of editorial bugbears “focusing on content”? This is style, not substance.
Snitching on your colleagues for improper grammar and cliche phrasing? Win a cookie! Yes, that’s the way to bring broadcast (radio) journalism back into the fold.
Funny, but at Clear Channel, of which Mr. Michaels (and Sam Zell) are intimately familiar, it’s ironic that instead of composing the obviously sensible “Heavy 119 Words / Phrases NOT To Use On The Radio,” Michaels oversaw the dismantling of local news departments across the largest corporate “consolidator” in the U.S. This was done as “cost cutting moves” long before economic conditions decimated many radio groups, large and small. (Including Clear Channel.)
In fact, Randy blueprint the “importing” of radio news “readers” from hundreds of miles away for any local radio station, without even having to be there. Radio news, as he proved, was not “relevant” in cities large or small anymore.
Then it got to “DJ’s” who “voicetrack” shows for other markets from other stations not anywhere close-by. Fake “Repeater Radio” lives in Randy Michaels playbook.
If things are this bad at WGN Radio, why did he let it go this long, anyway? Did he just start listening to his own station? Or is he preparing to “voicetrack” WGN News, too?
Don’t worry about getting with the future, Mr. Michaels. It’s time to get with the times of New Media and where “Local News Comes First.”
You are spot on for exposing Randy Michaels for what he is, someone who has risen to the heights of power and forgotten what business he’s in. Had he some understanding of the world around him, he’d know that many bloggers are fully credible media sources and that his own company is blogging for bucks.
He’d also put the semi-lovely Melissa Forman on a revolutionary cross-platform deal so we could enjoy her pearly whites and mystic tan on his TV, print, online, and soon to be irrelevant radio properties.
where is pat foley when you need him? he shoots, he scores!!!
I think Katie meant irrelevant radio properties. If they were irreverant they might be worth something. Robert, I will hold your coat in this one, nice slapdown. Outside of John Kass, the Tribune has nothing worthwhile anyway. And if you’re not paid, I’ll let you know when I’m firing up the barbecue. Bring the family, we’ll do our part. ;-)
No-one thinks this will ‘Make good radio’??
Bingo!!!
Over/under on today’s comments is 175 by 3pm.
Yes, please focus on content! Not on petty choices of words.
I thought vertical stripes were supposed to be slimming…
This is just the type of journalistic jolt that a reader will not find on the pages of the Tribune, and a key reason why the Tribune finds fewer readers on its pages.
Good job, Mr. Feder.
Michaels needs to face reality. Here he is trying to make profitable a bankrupt dinosaur institution while at the same time belittling those that would do it for free. Here’s a hint- other than John Kass why would anyone buy a Trib except, of course, if they owned parakeets.
Yes, it’s a good thing for a CEO of a broadcasting co to pay attention to the broadcasts; not that many do. And it’s also nice for us listeners that staff is being told to get more creative than worn-out on-air expressions. But it’s HOW Randy Michaels and Trib management have communicated this and in fact all their messages: in a purposely brash and ultimately thoughtless way. I’m a PR person with 20 years’ experience working for big media companies and I’ve been consistently stunned at how Sam Zell, Lee Abrams, Michaels and whoever’s handling the PR over there have conducted themselves publicly since taking over Tribune. There have been those aggressively silly corporate press releases, Zell’s knowingly provocative statements at staff meetings, most of all Abrams’ inane “vision” memos. (I once showed an Abrams memo to my CEO and he refused to believe it wasn’t a juvenile spoof.) The tone of this most recent message – and, now, how they have attempted to defend it – is only the latest example of their disastrous PR skills and their inability to understand (or respect) their constituencies. There’s a history here. In the media business, the radio industry was always the inexperienced goofball cousin: much more interested in audacity and a pop of attention than in substance and larger strategic goals. That’s fine if you’re promoting a new Morning Zoo team in Cedar Rapids. It’s ridiculous if you are the heads of a major corporation that’s suffered bankruptcy, has seen its reputation shredded in every business arena and has beaten down staff morale. Here’s a memo to Michaels and Company: Grow up.
Even though I agree with his list of words and phrases that shouldn’t be used, Randy’s out of touch with reality on bloggers. But if you read enough of the real industry trades you’ll see that virtually all radio management is out of touch with reality. Reality is that before the end of this decade radio will be relegated to an amusing footnote in relevant media with virtually no audience except the angry idiots who listen to talk radio. And they can have it.
Mr.Feder you are 100% correct. I’ve been a loyal reader
of your column for more 20 years. It’s nice to know
we someone like you to cover Chicago media.
>>
PS: What’s short for Randy?
<<
His tenure as CEO?
And what’s wrong with blogging as lark!
Blogs are the future, Mr. Michaels. I find myself turning more and more to the internet as a source of news and entertainment. My newspaper subscriptions, once to both Chicago papers, 7 days a week, are now down to 1 paper, 5 days a week. Accept change, or admit you are too old and cannot track with current trends. I’m in my 50s, and I feel winds of change; as a person in charge of a major media outlet, shouldn’t you? If it was an outlet that I was a shareholder in, I’d be worried that you were at the helm.
Also, as the CEO of a company, you should be concerned with bigger things than the petty phrase list you issued to your underlings. Having to concern themselves with that useless crap, takes them away from the real issues; the CONTENT of their shows and news. If it wasn’t for Garry Meier and Nick Digillio, I’d fly right past WGN on the old radio dial.
Also, I have always loved radio, but I now get over half of my radio content from podcasts. Time to get with the future or be left behind. Mr. Feder’s blog is cutting edge, and excellent; as his column always was.
I love how he thinks that bloggers (paid, unpaid, whatever) are “outside the media”—hilarious….I”m “old” and I get that.
“Bob”: 2 / “Raunchy Randy”: 0
Randy Michaels doesn’t want to “focus on content,” he wants to BE the content. Keep it coming Randy, you’re a terrific clown!
Go get’em Bobby!!
I really enjoy watching you report the media news with truth.
In the meantime, maybe Randy could thumbtack another pair of panties to the bulletin board.
And people will ask why Richard Roeper would pass up an opportunity to have his own show on WGN AM (The premiere talk outlet in the country) for a co-hosting position on WLS.
FOUR WORDS : Randy Michaels & PIG VIRUS
SAM ZELL what did the listeners/watchers/readers ever do to you. We don’t deserve this total disrespect. PLEASE follow what Citadel BRASS has finally realized and is finally implementing which is local management and local talent is king.
Bobby Feder is a class act.
Robert Feder is a whiny baby.
Thanks to Randy, we’ve all got an inside view of the type of management style he uses. And that helps us to understand some of the predicament they’re in.
It’s not “the list” that is disturbing and got the attention…it’s his method of presenting it to his employees. I’ll bet that did wonders for morale!!
I frankly can’t believe he doesn’t recognize that.
Also, I think it’s ironic that a story about the “old media” may be the issue that catapults this particular blog (as an available source of media news) to the prominence it deserves.
And I also think it’s ironic that Mr. Michaels felt it necessary to respond to a media story about him and his company…and the way he did it. I think many managers and business leaders have found (and demonstrated) that the appropriate response is usually to avoid doing that when stories about them or their firms appear in the media—in many cases, in the Tribune company’s outlets! I guess he doesn’t like being on that end of the story!
right on mr. feder….got your back…
Way to go Mr. Michaels. You can now show Mr. Zell how hard you’ve been working. ” See Mr. Zell, this list of 119 banned words and phrases will fix the 10 minutes of news (an hour) thats been driving listeners away from WGN.”
You’re focusing on the wrong content. It’s the other 50 minutes an hour thats completely messed up. I hope you are now putting together a list, the size of a Chicago phone book no doubt, of words and phrases not to be used during the other 50 minutes of the broadcast hour.
Fortunately for us we have Mr. Feder, his blog, and the internet to print such a list.
Whatever they’re paying you, Robert, it’s not enough. Keep up the great work.
This is hilarious. To put it in words he absolutely will not get: Randy Michaels just got pwned.
AMEN ROB FEDER! Keep on him until he goes away & we restore TRIBUNE to something we can be proud of — not vulgarity and lame direction!!
Tribune fired Bozo but has replaced him with Ranzo. And just as Bozo might have frightened some people with his makeup, Ranzo the Clown with his fat cheeks, his vertical stripes, his ignorance of the workings of journalism, and his willingness to roll his clown car filled with tired tricks and gadgets right over not only everyone in the ring but the audience as well, should be terrifying to anyone who loves radio.
People in broadcasting (for the most part; handful of exceptions noted) are rude, nasty and arrogant – especially when anyone disagrees with them or says anything they don’t like. Robert, after all your time as a media writer, this should not be news. They don’t debate those who take issue with them, they attack and insult. Maybe they can’t help it; it’s who they are. The business is in such sorry shape because it attracts such petty people (and it attracts petty people because it’s in such sorry shape). Radio is a crap shoot. No formulae. No right answers. Sometimes you get lucky (and after you do get lucky once, you can base a career on it no matter how many times you later fall on your face). Of course, they don’t want to admit nobody really knows anything, so they get defensive.
Tone of Michaels’ memo aside, I think his comments about some bad habits in language usage radio and TV newsies keep picking up are valid. I think some of the shots you took at him in your earlier article were cheap shots. He may have over-reacted but he had right to get miffed.
I would add to his list:
Using “data” as a singular noun.
And using “media” as a singular noun.
Local radio station does something it hopes is “outrageous”. “Outrageous” behavior gets reported and discussed in local media. Radio station gets mentioned every few minutes on lame morning television “news” programs and in local newspapers freeing up advertising budget for more important golf outings. New and novel ideas like these are what will save radio!
Well stated, Robert. Michaels’ apparent lack of understanding of the future of media — at the peril of the Tribune Company — shines through in his condescending and uninformed comment.
As a former Chicago resident and onetime Trib paper boy, I still consume a lot of Tribune Company media content. Of course, 100% of it is online content, since I live in Wisconsin. Might this mean I am a throw-away customer of Tribune Company because i don’t listen to their broadcast outlets of pick up a hard-copy of a newspaper?
Rob,
You always deliver the truth – thank goodness you found a new forum for all of us – it is really sad that the media gurus in this City don’t listen to all of the people who respond to your insightful posts – Don’t they care about those that support them, anymore?? – Disturbing
What has happened to Bruce Wolf?? Don’t see any response from him anymore
In the mid 1990s, I had an argument with the marketing guy of our small local business about the veracity of the Internet to make people aware of, or even to sell our products. He said it was a fad. I was shocked, considering he was old enough to remember when television began to supplant the radio as a revenue generator.
I suspect it’s the same argument here. Michaels has been successful doing things one way for a while, so now he can’t see that his way is no longer as relevant. The fun part is that he’s railing about how irrelevant online journalism is, and yet he’s fully aware of your hobby blog!
@john s #28 – Respect, that’s it exactly.
Even if Rob DID run this column/blog (colog?) without pay, he’d have a healthier bottom line than Michaels will.
Could someone please stop Steve King from saying “blatant plug”? Look it up Steve…it means vulgar or crass manner. Well….maybe crass fits the midnight misfits. Randy is concerned about his news dept & he fired some very good people and stuck Bertrand on late afternoons & nights. Randy could louse up a 2 car funeral.
Why can’t this “debate / fight / disagreement ” or whatever you want to call it be on the front page of the Tribune? Then you’d have something, including an increase in readership. What say you, Mr. Zell?!
Rob always had the best reader comments of any columnist anywhere when he was in the S-T, but no reader comment surpasses this online comment-on-a-previous comment:
——————-
Former Trib #
03.12.2010 08:10
21
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PS: What’s short for Randy?
<<
His tenure as CEO?
—————————————–
Jeez, I wish I were that witty. As it is, I am just another happy Feder Reader.
Rob – you don’t have to justify your credentials for anyone. Nobody has done what you do in your field better and for longer than you have … period. Top managers wonder why people leave work everyday hating their jobs? It’s because of people like Randy Michaels.
Amen, Susie, on the blantant plug comment. What a waste of breathe from the self-righteous Steve King. If Micaels and Pig Virus really wanted to improve the content of the station, they would quit sending off their missives and epistles and put the right talent in the right times on the air, which would include Stetve Cochran in the am drive, Greg Jarrett traded to WBBM for a player to be named later, and Steve and Johnnie to be placed on irrevocable waivers for the purpose of granting them their unconditional release, which would be a relief to all of us loyal listeners. Content is not what to say or not to say, it is all about having relevant talent and a relevant sound to your station. Michaels and Pig Vomit are killing WGN.
Unreal. Randy Michaels. Must read.
http://blogs.vocalo.org/jkaufmann/2009/12/steve-rhodes-i-resigned-from-nbcchicago-com-over-ethics-101/10634
The irony is that Michaels even sent out a memo regarding content. In his Clear Channel days, he saw information radio as a loser, and repackaged it as pure “entertainment.” His slogan for CC was “The noise you can’t ignore.” And NOW he’s interested in content? I don’t buy it. He’s going through the motions, and has turned himself into a laughingstock, the modern equivalent of WKRP’s Arthur Carlson.
What doesn’t make sense about what Randy says?
In one bold move, he gets the old news-speak off the radio. About time! What would you rather he do, just let time roll on without making changes?
It seems that all these personal attacks against Michaels come from people who wish things stayed the way they were and the future just went away.
I agree that online professional journalism is the wave of the future, I dont think newspapers are going anywhere. Perhaps in a different format, maybe returning to a weekly, where the news is reported in depth and analysis is provided. A hybrid of the Chicago Reader combined with the Sun-Times might be an idea! When TV came around, everyone said radio was going away, and it hasnt and wont. Its a shame that talk stations are so closely linked to political affiliation. Talk radio is much more interesting when the host introduces the topic, and takes calls from all sides of an issue…similar to the model employed by the sports talk stations.
Bob #
Useless!
how does this guy keep a job? i used to have WGN on most of the day but not anymore…..NPR is my station now
After WGN-AM (and include WGN-TV, let’s play too!) cease using those 119 words and phrases (let’s make it 121 by avoiding “actual and “actually”), what will talent say instead? What felicitous phrases ought to air? I see this as an acknowledgment that most live on-air verbiage is uncreative. Don’t Trib focus groups dictate the use of cliches and commonplaces to suit listeners’ and viewers’ taste? Please post the follow-up memo. After proscribing these 119 terms, what 119 will Trib prescribe?
OH!!!WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE ROBERT….I AM SO PLEASED TO SEE THE PERSON WHO WAS THE FIRST ONE TO ENDORSE MY BOOK BACK WHERE HE BELONGS…….THIS MAKES MY DAY ROBERT……..FOR THE GOOD TIMES ART HELLYER
Michaels response, in my opinion, makes the point that reputation management is perhaps not his strong suit. If it were, I’m certain that WGN would not have to work so hard to rebrand and define itself as something more than news fodder and subject of angry listener comments.
This goes right up on the shelf with some of your other classic columns.
Well said, Rob :)
He’s BBBAAAACCCKKKKKK!!! Ouch Rob…that one hit me in the gut! Way to go and just like old times…;-).
M. Yarrington
Benji da Boss Michaels might consider some suspenders, a stetson and bola tie to fit the Boss Hogg persona. Better get some big ole snakeskin boots too ’cause it sure as hell is gittin’ deep there at ‘GN.
Team Bobert!
Ok, so this whole Randy Michaels/WGN radio fiasco begs the following questions?
Why is it that Mr. Michaels has chosen to publicly expose Charlie Myerson (this garbage never occurred when Wes was in charge!) but as the “Sam Zell King of All Media”, chosen to “run silent run deep” on Greg Caputo at WGN TV? Has anybody listened to the calibre of writing and production on the various WGN TV newscasts?? Why is Allison Payne still on the air? On todays mid-day newscast, Payne spent the hour that I watched either chewing gum or eating candy on-air. She fawned over Jim McMahon in a 2 and 1/2 minute promo for his new Chicago Slaughter football team while “Bear Down, Chicago Bears” played in the out-cue…. Before that segment, Payne remarked on camera that Steve Sanders consumption of fish oil must be failing because “she had no idea where his head is at”… What kind of hell would be unleashed on staffers if anybody else remarked about Paynes continuity in light of her recent “issues”, health and otherwise ???
Finally, on the Caputo/WGN TV side of things, how would it go down if Michaels sent a memo to all Tribune on-tv-air personalities forbidding the wearing of RUBBER PENIS NECKLACES on camera??? (Hey Bob–OOPS Rob–feel free to expand on THAT reference to Michaels corporate past)
And oh yeah, by the way… Those background sounds that you’ll be hearing as the WGN Radio staffers read the news in their new location ARE going to be flushing toilets….Their new 4th floor digs (un-soundproofed) share a common wall with the primary newsroom mens room !!!!!
OK… I’m thinking #63 might actually be a staff person from the Trib. Who else would know that?
Zell should’ve stayed away from the Tribune Company altogether. The paper is a joke, and the radio station is quickly becoming unlistenable.
If I was the Ricketts family I’d be worried about the number of listeners that WGN is losing. Except for the Cubs games I would listen to while I’m in my car, WGN has lost me as a regular listener.
I’m not a fat white guy which is all this radio station seems to want… Michaels, Jarret, Cochran…
What Randy needs is to put Carol Marin in charge of standards & practices and everything will be fine.
Mike in Geneva: I AM a fat white guy (in a opulant coat from Adriana Furs), and I don’t think they want me listening either other than Cubs and White Sox.
Just wondering if Mr. Zell has renamed his motorcycle “Rosebud” yet ?
Once again – Randy , baby, is the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company and he engages in this silly debate? Does he realize that they are bankrupt- just had layoffs, revenue is down and the CEO creates a list and he gets in a pi***ng contest with a blog?
Hello, Chase are you watching?
More Pig Vomit from the Tribune/WGN Radio
BTW, Mr.Tribune high and mighty, put the FORK down
While I agree with your comments about the Tribune, your pettiness regarding who said what and whether you are getting paid is a bit much. Clearly your ego was hurt. But in this economy, others don’t need to know how many job offers you received. Move on and try to report about something worthwhile.
It is problematic enough to come up with this list in the first place, and I could almost forgive that. But to have such a condescending response to Robert Feder – a Chicago institution, is what makes me turn off WGN. At least have the courage to admit that this memo is somewhat ridiculous. Insulting Feder, with incorrect facts by the way, just digs you into a deeper hole.
If it weren’t for Steve Cochran and John Williams, I would have stopped listening to WGN months ago. It’s only a matter of time until either someone else steals them away or some New York based company buys out Tribune Company. When either happens, 720am will be dead to me.
Mr. Michaels: Rob Feder reports on the entertainment business in Chicago. In writing the article about you, he did just that. One can clearly see the interest in this Chicago entertainment business story by the huge response to it. Rather than responding with negativity toward Mr. Feder, I hoped you would have responded with more viable reasoning for your memo. Perhaps that can come at a future date.
While I’ve got your eyes, Mr. Michael, please do away with Brian Noonan’s Show and utilize the limited local talent you’re under-using, specifically, Garry Meier. For a long time, my recommendation has been to re-run the Garry Meier Shows at night and do away with Noonan totally, and reduce the number of hours Steve and Johnnie are on. I’m quite confident that this change in WGN would improve ratings drastically. Like my ideas? Find me! I work for much less than Rob Feder makes. In fact, at this point, I’d work for a small amount just to help this formerly-great radio station turn itself around.
My caller-ID tells me the Tribune rings my phone 3 times a day, but they never leave a message. Even if I’m home, I won’t pick up…don’t want to hear the customer retention BS. But why do they keep hanging up on my machine? It DOES speak for ME!
Pringles are only 42% potatoes, Spam is ?% meat, and my (beloved) Trib newspaper is now about 2% news. Any wonder I refuse to renew when they try to increase a 6-month subscription from $117 to $142? Two months later, the paper is still being tossed on my front porch. Nice try, but I can’t be schmoozed.
Besides, I’ve noticed that the new sizing does not fit my birdy cage as well.
Hey Robert, from the Pacific West Coast;
Of course, you’re right, but in Randy’s defense he does have to deal with Clear Channel and I don’t believe he was a big booster of that company’s over buying of stations and the resulting job losses.
Also, just so this doesn’t become a lynch mob, how exactly do we verify bloggers are telling us the truth? You have a golden handshake and federal government job. Sweet deals. How do less fortunate bloggers make money?
Finally, do we miss the truth amid the endless blogs?
Mr. Feder
You were the only reason I bought the sun times, and I am so happy to read you online now. Randy looks and sounds like a big,fat loser.
Btw, will you ever post a new profile pic? Keep working Mr. Feder, you are the best.
Robert:
I just want to say you were half the reason I picked up the Sun-Times all these years. As a former aspiring journalist, current blogger and Chicago media junkie, I understand that cutting back on columnists is a business decision (or necessity). But I’ve gotta say, there is little left in the papers to get excited about these days. I’m glad you found a home here.
emacee1701: “I would add to his list: Using ‘data’ as a singular noun. And using ‘media’ as a singular noun.”
.
Yes, you mentioned this in the comments to the preceding post. Repeating it doesn’t give you any less of an editorial tin ear, Miss Thistlebottom.
119 words? Hell, I could do that in one TWEET!
Mr. Scott,
Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
This whole situation is ridiculous. Your use of the trite “completely and utterly” makes me think that even though writers should not be constrained by arbitrary rules, they should also be mindful of worn out phrases.
The list itself I like. Newspeople often use trite standard phrases to tap into preexisting thought patterns. But the source of the list and the “watch your co-workers” instructions is pure “1984″.
Ah, Randy you are a class act. All low class, but class none the less.
[Can I use none the less as a phrase?]
I am not a paid media consultant and Randy, neither are you; you are a Chief Executive Officer. Act like it, don’t try to be News Director.
Ever watch one of those nature shows on cable TV? “Here we see the alpha wolf urinating around a perimeter to mark his territory.” During 37 years of daily-news production for print and broadcast, I’ve seen it happen every time a new boss arrives. He or she has to do something VISIBLE to mark his or her territory — no matter how ineffectual or irrelevant. Change of some sort just to establish authority — or prove to the board of directors and shareholders that action, ANY action, is being taken. Given his history with Clear Channel, I doubt Randy even listens to WGN. He had some minion copy this list out of a book, a list that obviously wasn’t prepared by anyone on the news end of broadcasting. Michaels is too clueless and detached to realize how insulting it is to the professionals at WGN, most of whom NEVER use most of the more obvious colloquialisms on this list. I would bet any amount of money that NOBODY who is good enough to have been hired at WGN has EVER said “fatally dead” on the air. Most of this list — with some glaring exceptions — is fine for a high school English class, but a slap in the face to the professionals who have made WGN one of the top-rated stations in Chicago for many, many decades. The last thing it needs is to be thrown to the wolves.
I do have to admit that allowing WSCR to have the only coverage of a Cubs-Sox spring training game on a Saturday afternoon is fiendishly clever scheduling.
Despite your 30 years in the business, I’ve never heard of you. I’ve never read the (bankrupt) Sun Times. I’ve never listened to Vocalo. I’m not even sure what Vocalo is and I don’t think I care.
You’re a little too giddy about your moment in the spotlight, mentioning your hit-count and the number of comments, pointing out references to yourself in obscure trade magazines. The downside of this celebrity is that I’m now aware that a portion of my membership money is going to pay your salary. I’m not happy about that and I will re-consider my WBEZ membership.
#86….go away please.
@Never heard of you #86, if you haven’t heard of Robert Feder then you’ve been living in a cave. It’s ok to reconsider your WBEZ membership. You might be going away, but Robert Feder and his fans are here to stay. By the way, we’ve never heard of you either. ;-)
Just have to note that if you are working in old media and may someday wish to continue to work in media: DON’T PUT DOWN NEW MEDIA. It really shows you are out of touch when you still act like the “Internet” is a bad word. Big dummies.
It doesn’t take much to see that these ex-radio empty suits are lining up the deck chairs on the titanic. For a media company, look at their broadcast stations and websites. Ridiculous. They think their audience is stuck in 1999. Good grief.
The guy is a whack job…I wouldn’t dignify his comments with a response.
The aftershock of Randy’s divisive management style will require a team building event. I suggest a WGN gathering at Manny’s Deli. The staff can bond while constructing massive sandwiches for Big Benji. Then, Mr. Randy Creosote will be so satisfied. “I’ll have the whole lot!”
WGN maître d’ Peon: “Mr. Michaels, would care for a wafer-thin mint?”
KABOOM!!! … a big blowup disaster just like the station.
BINGO!!!!
Blaze destroys dance studio that grads called a 2nd home
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/03/blaze-destroys-dance-studio-that-grads-called-a-2nd-home.html
Hey Randy! Did I win?? I know it’s not on your list, but maybe I can have a consolation prize. (Please be a burrito, please be a burrito…. mmmmm)
The now infamous “Michaels List of Forbidden Words” was created, no doubt, with good intentions. It was the delivery that is the most objectionable. Delegation of the directives to editors and news directors for staff communication and enforcement should have been the correct path for “the list”.
News dissemination, be it in print, or over the air via radio, TV, or satellite has, in many instances, become soft. Editors, reporters and writers have become lazy and either don’t know any better or have chosen to follow the path of least resistance when it comes to what is written and said under the guise of “news”. Purging the news process of the bits of unaccepablity on “Michaels List of Forbidden Words” is a good thing. All in the news business should be more responsible and aware of what is being written and spoken as “news” and that the main intent is to inform and educate the public in an understandable and intelligent manner.
Beyond that, Mr. Michaels needs to get a life and learn to manage more efficiently. Can we move on now?
Here are the words that should be banned from WGN.
The bullies, Sam Zell, Randy Michaels And Pig Virus.
The morons Jerry Agar and Jim Laski{he must have
pictures of the 3 bullies playing hide the weinie}.
Nice guys but don’t belong- Greg Jarrett and the French
guy. It seems the bullies are more interested in getting
way then pleasing their listeners
Wow, the “content” this guy should be worried about are the humungous platefuls of cheese fries and ribs that he apparently has been shoveling down his gullett, judging by his photo. This guy is one “wide ride.” Don’t know what Benjamin Homel would have thought about this. But, perhaps, Michaels ate Benjamin Homel. If I were one of his employees, I’d be worried, too. This guy has a ravenous look on his face. If he views any of his employees as if they were link sausage or polksa kielbasa, then they had better run. This guy is hungry!
“MMmmmm… that looks like a baby. Get in my belly! I want my babybackbabyback baby back… ribs…”
Enough already! The sophomoric sledgehammer could finally be appropriately used for these sophomoric comments about Michaels weight. It’s like this blog is becoming to Michaels what Fox News is to Obama. (Not to criticize Fox, by the way, but just to make the comparison.)
Mr. Michaels: If you’re still reading through these posts, I’m still waiting for Garry Meier re-runs at night. Last night, Steve and Johnnie spent a full half-hour segment on helping some shmuck who called in with a computer problem of which I’m quite sure most people could not relate. The guy was trying to connect some turntable music to his computer – or some such nonesense – and every attempt offered by the three (Steve, Johnnie, and the computer expert) on the radio failed. I finally mustered up the energy (at 2:30 am) to get up and change the dial to WIND-AM which had a decent Medved RERUN on. Again, why not just re-run Meier at night for a couple of hours – or have him do an original show when he’s pre-empted by the Cubs (as he was yesterday). If his contract doesn’t allow you to make him work in the middle of the night, make him tape a show while the Cubs are on for the late-night broadcast.
Please listen to Steve and Johnnie and, moreso, Brian Noonan and DO something about these shows. More times than not, they are really bad. Again, if you like my ideas, find me. Thanks.
There is only one thing worse than the “cool, young, hip and edgy” Garry Meier’s show. That would be listening to a rebroadcast Meier. There would be one benefit though. I could skip the Ambien and tune in for a nightcap.
Now, after reading all these posts, I’ve built up a Benji-sized appetite for dinner.
I say YES!! to getting rid of verbal garbage. Mr. Michaels has earned my RESPECT!
@Kent Brockman: Get off my nuts! Using words like “cool, young, hip, and edgy” will never gain you favor at a radio station run by Mr. Michaels. Go ahead, change the dial… or, better yet, take your pills and snooze forever…
Jim #95 Spot-On!!
And Scott #98 You should listen to Kent Brockman and take those pills!
Jim #95 Spot-On!!
And Scott #98 You should listen to Kent Brockman… Or maybe just fall on your head.
@Scott, go easy now. I know I squashed your pistachios. But Gary Meier was never a good solo host. I actually liked him in the role he was best at… a sidekick or part of a team. He doesn’t have the chops to fly on his own. Even if Gary had a filing cabinet as his new ‘GN sidekick, the filing cabinet might be more interesting. “Hmm… I wonder what’s in the filing cabinet. Gary, hush, I’m trying to listen to the filing cabinet.”
Btw, WGN is the one promoting itself to a younger audience. The “cool, young, hip, and edgy” reference is sarcasm… if you don’t get that, then maybe you should continue listening to Gary Meier. I’m not so cranky because I get a good amount of rest, during Gary’s show.
Hmmm… now where’s that darned nutcracker??
@Kent Brockman (and @Bob Rutkas): Sorry I came on so strong defending Garry Meier from your statement. Actually, I would have agreed with your comments about Garry not being able to carry a solo show back when he was with Steve and then Roe. When Steve or Roe were gone, Garry couldn’t carry the show alone without them. But, honestly, something’s changed since that time. I find Garry to be better than either of those guys at this point in time. There aren’t many things that make me laugh out loud on Chicago Radio these days, but Garry (with or without his entourage on WGN) do. I appreciate so much that WGN offers him and think others who can’t catch him in the afternoon would appreciate another opportunity at night through reruns – in place of what’s going on at night at the present time. Are you sure you’re giving the new, improved Garry a chance these days? I just can’t imagine anyone not getting a kick out of his 2010 performance. Take care, my friends.
@Scott… your points are well taken. I do listen to Garry occasionally. He’s ok, but it’s not enough to keep me on the station. He’s a local guy at least. WGN really should pair him up with someone soon. When Garry had a shot on WCKG a few years ago, that was a bit painful to listen to. He’s a mellow dude and needs a partner to elevate his game.
The US has more professional bloggers (primary source of income) than CEOs, firefighters, or computer programmers. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124026415808636575.html