Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2005 > January
January 2005
It’s coming: Ryan has a press conference skeded on Thursday Feb. 3 to say where he’s going
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ryan’s agent Norm Schrutt called me Monday to tell me Ryan is going to hold a press conference on Thursday at Norm’s office to announce Ryan’s future at 1 p.m. sharp. He won’t tell me ahead of time and he says Ryan won’t say either. I’m not getting the exclusive unless I find out before hand on my own. And even then, he won’t confirm or deny. Feel free to email me at rho@ajc.com or call me at 404-526-5688 if anybody out there gets any good inside scoop.
Schrutt won’t say whether a deal has already been signed but I suspect it has.
There are, as I have written, two likely scenerios: 1) He re-signs with Radio One and goes back to Hot 107.9. 2) He joins Cox Radio and Jamz, with a possible syndication to sweeten the deal.
Hot’s had Rashan & CJ do the show alone minus Russ Parr this week.
Someone who wouldn’t ID themselves called me Tuesday night and said they think he’s not going back to Hot or Jamz, that he’s in fact moving to Texas. That sounds intriguing because there are two markets there larger than Atlanta (though the black populations in each town are smaller): Dallas & Houston.
Dallas is dominated by an independent urban station K-104, where Greg Street works nights. The owner is a smart cookie. Radio One has a competing station in town called the Beat that does fairly well but lags behind K-104. In Houston, Radio One’s the Box tends to beat Univision’s the Party, the most likely place Ryan could end up there) I have no way of knowing how solid her info is though so I’m still on slippery speculation mode.
Publicity wars: 99X vs. Viva
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
99X’s Toucher, Jimmy & Leslie saw how big Viva was doing and brought in some Spanish-speaking immigrants to bribe them to listen to 99X. They made some jokes about Mexicans and such. The station promo-ed it all weekend. Viva’s Panda & Yogi got wind of this and threw a fit on the air this morning, calling 99X racist. Ah… a publicity war! Viva is rallying its listeners. I’m sure 99X will milk this baby, too. 99X actually did a similar bit when it was the Morning X a few years ago, where they picked up Mexican day workers and had them sit in the morning show, cueing them to applaud at certain points and paying them for the privilege.
Victor Martinez, the program director of Viva, said 99X brought in a couple of its folks this morning with a tape recorder. 99X will follow up Tuesday. Martinez is not offended by what 99X has done—in fact he’s flattered by the attention. “They won’t take listeners from us. We won’t get any listeners from them. But when they talk about our ratings, some of their advertisers might think of coming over here. So I’m going to send them a thank you note.”
On Tuesday, 99X reported that Wally got kicked out of the Clear Channel building where Viva is based by, of all people, “Southside” Steve of 96rock. “I’m not scared of you bitch!” Wally yelped as Southside shoved him out the door.
Southside told me that Wally was being loud and disruptive in the lobby. And he felt it was wrong for 99X to show up on their home turf. Wally, tape recorder in hand, made fun of Southside’s ponytail; Southside insulted Wally’s lack of a chin. Wally was annoyed the Viva morning show wouldn’t talk with him. He then tried to attack Southside, who is much bigger. It was similar to Don Zimmer attacking Pedro Martinez. No contest. Southside really did push Wally out the lobby, into the elevator area. Wally tried to bum rush him again but Southside just walked away into the inner sanctum of Clear Channel.
On Tuesday, 99X also made fun of Steve Barnes, who was part of the successful Morning X from 1993 to 2003. Apparently, they had a one year contractual prohibition from even mentioning Barnes’ name. But that’s over. So they mocked Barnes’ ambitions to be an actor, that he was being insincere as he played his final song “California” by Phantom Planet back in October, 2003 before walking out the door. There was clearly no love lost between 99X and Barnes. The final show, I recall, was not exactly like a Johnny Carson farewell. The final hour was largely a conversation with a party promoter doing a pimp and ho parody that a city councilman objected to. The last few minutes was sorely lacking in sentimentality. As Jimmy recounted that day, he said he felt like he was revisiting ‘Nam. Toucher’s jokey comment? “Barnes’ show blows. But we’re really concerned about Viva.” Seriously, Barnes did beat 99X in his first full book this fall in the targeted 25-54 demo whiile 99X had a better 18-34 number.
Russ Parr says an announcement is coming next week for a new show on Hot: Could Ryan be back?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Russ Parr, who is subbing in at Hot 107.9 and clearly dubs his show the “temporary morning show,” said Friday that a new morning show is slated for next week.
The ability for Hot to match any offer Ryan gets ends Sunday. It’s possible Ryan is waiting to see what he gets on January 31 from rival companies such as Cox. Then he will have to decide whether to take whatever new offer Hot may throw at him. It still makes most sense for both sides for Ryan to go back to Hot but who has more leverage: Ryan or Hot? A ton of factors will play into the mix whether Ryan returns. It’s likely Hot has someone ready to go if Ryan says no to whatever offer they have. But they must know that Ryan has a serious following that has already abandoned Hot for V-103 or Q100 or CDs.
The most realistic alternative to Hot for Ryan is Cox Radio via the Beat or Jamz. But the only way Cox would likely pay him more than $500K a year is if they give him a syndicated deal, which might entice Ryan. I haven’t heard much from either Ryan or Hot’s management lately so this is more speculation than fact but silence is often a good sign because that may mean they’re back at the table.
Ryan in the meantime is teasing us on his web site, www.theryanmorningshow.com with this message:
I will be letting friends and foes in on my next move on February 2nd also this Friday at 6pm there will be a new video message on the site so make sure and check back! Remember FEBRUARY 2ND!!!!! - Ryan Cameron
Q100 stuff, 99X mockery of Star’s Nudge & misc. thoughts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Q100 had a bad fall Arbitron book but they are doing a couple of fun promotions. First, Jeff Dauler tried to goad Bert Weiss into doffing his top for their monthly guy with his shirt off deal on the Web site. Bert was willing to do it if they get 10,000 signatures on yet another petition (http://www.PetitionOnline.com/NoShirt/petition.html) by 8 a.m. Thursday morning. They reached the 10,000 mark, of course, just in time. So Bert will be working with his trainer for the next 12 weeks to get buff enough for the photo.
Now if Ryan Cameron had folks on a radio station goading folks to sign up for the “get Ryan back on Hot 107.9” petition, he’d have a lot more names, too. (He’s up to 3,300 names after 22 days at http://www.petitiononline.com/ryanking/petition.html) The woman who started it is pretty much relying on mentions by me and Kemi Lane and word of mouth.
Melissa Turner is joining “The Vagina Chronicles,” which is coming back to town soon.
At 8:50 a.m. Friday, the Toucher morning show is mocking Star 94’s Nudge, doing the “Hot Mom Check In—What what??” They keep replaying it over and over. They say Wally sounds like him and has him imitate Nudge. “He’s like Toucher without the edge,” Wally said. Toucher sarcastically notes, “He has the most revolutionary bit in radio history!… It’s something we would have made fun of nonstop in college.” He then did a live ad for hotels.com and kept inserting the phrase “What what??” Apparently, they saw Nudge on the Today show doing a show on MILFs and taped the bit off the TV.
And Q100 is also auditioning four different night teams and having the listeners supposedly vot e on who they like the best. The team Wednesday is Staypuff & Ratboy from Q102 in Philly (they created a Web site already www.q100freakshow.com), Jeff Dauler’s old haunt and Nudge’s old haunt as well. They sound pretty crazy. Carter last night got his chance.
Over at V-103, Frank & Wanda are having a free after-work party from 5 to 8 at Vision Friday with P. Diddy to celebrate being No. 1 25-54 and 18-34, beating back Tom Joyner and Ryan Cameron.
I was listening to Boortz Wednesday and he was going through his usual tirade against smokers, saying emloyers should have the right not to employ them. A caller asked if to be consistent, would he support not hiring women of child-bearing age because of the possibility they might need maternity leave? Boortz being Boortz said yes, he should have that right. He saw Clark Howard in the area and asked him about it; naturally Clark said that was discrimination. Clark eventually left. To end the bit, Boortz joyously agreed that ugly women of child-bearing age would be okay because they’d be “less likely to be knocked up.” Boortz was not being totally serious but it was funny how he brought Clark into the mix for this bit.
Why no news on Ryan: According to Ryan’s contract, Hot 107.9’s parent Radio One can match any offer made to Ryan for 30 days, from January 1 to 30. This might sound innocent but it means nobody is willing to give Ryan a serious offer yet because rivals don’t want to give such info to Radio One. So starting Monday, I believe offers will begin coming in. And as folks here are speculating, I’d also believe Cox Radio (owners of Jamz and the Beat) will make an offer.
Mara Davis’s “Out to Lunch” theme hour is back as “Radio Free Lunch”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Delightfully snarky DJ Mara Davis made a name for herself at Z93 from 1996 to 2003 with her “Out to Lunch” hour. She played rock songs tied to a daily theme, often off the news, and snippets of what she dubbed thematic “cheese” from the likes of the Carpenters, the Bee Gees, and Neil Diamond. Her fans should be happy to hear that the concept is back at the revamped Dave FM starting today.(1/24) Her boss Michelle Engel inexplicably prohibited Davis to be quoted. She originally was going to do a “birds” theme for her debut with the Eagles/Falcons game. But the Falcons lost and Johnny Carson died so she went with “thing you see on the Tonight Show.”
The first song is in honor of Carnac, the character Carson played with a huge turban: the Cars' "Magic." Second song is in honor of Andy Kaufman, who showed up quite a few times on the "Tonight Show.": "Man on the Moon" by REM. Third song is the Talking Heads tune "Wild Wild Life," which reflects some of the goofiness that occurred on the show. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers "Swingin'" was No. 4 in reference to Johnny's golf swing at the end of the monologue he did thousands of times he did over 30 years.
Song no. 5 was “Big Time” by Peter Gabriel reflecting that anybody who made the show made it to the “big time.” Song no. 6 is Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up.” I’m not 100% sure how that ties in cos this is an activist screed and Johnny, while making tons of political jokes, was not an activist. He was an entertainer, pure and simple. Mara’s answer: “That fit in for all the comedians who made it on the show.” Thus, the word “stand up.” ahh….
Here are cheese bits she played: “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” by Tiny Tim, who got married to Miss Vikki in 1969 on the Tonight Show before 55 million viewers and “King Tut” by Steve Martin, a regular guest. And a bit of Bette singing “One for the Road” from the penultimate episode in 1992.
Song No. 7 is Men at Work’s minor hit “Be Good Johnny.” No explanation needed there. Song eight is also self explnatory: Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight Tonight.” And since Johnny spent so much time with primates from the San Diego Zoo, a caller offered up Elvis Costello’s “Monkey to Man.” The next song relates to the time the show was on (mostly): “After Midnight” by Eric Clapton. Then the final 11th song is “Fame” by David Bowie, again self explanatory. Well-done opening return for Mara’s show.
An aside: Engel, the program director at Dave FM, has been ducking me for months and now isn’t even letting me talk to her staff on innocuous issues like this. Dave FM is owned by Infinity, which also owns V-103, home of Porsche Foxx.
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Arbitron fall ratings: Viva takes Atlanta by storm
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Top 5 morning shows, fall of 2004 ages 18 to 34 1. Frank and Wanda, V-103, R&B/hip-hop (2)
Yogi and Panda, Viva 105.3, Hispanic (new)
Ryan Cameron, Hot 107.9, R&B/hip-hop (1)*
Steve & Vikki, Star 94, top 40 (6)
The Bert Show, Q100, top 40 (3)
ages 25 to 54 1. Scott Slade, WSB-AM, news/talk (1)
Frank and Wanda, V-103, R&B/hip-hop (2)
Tom Joyner, Kiss 104.1, R&B (3)
Steve & Vikki, Star 94, top 40 (5)
Sonya Hamm, Praise 97.5, gospel (4)
Cameron’s last show was December 15, 2004
SOURCE: Arbitron
New Hispanic music station Viva 105.3 roared out of the gate, becoming the second most popular station among 18 to 34 year olds this past fall.
“This is the fastest debut I’ve ever seen for a Hispanic station in a major market,” said Tom Taylor, who has been following the industry for 17 years and is editor of trade publication Inside Radio.
Victor Martinez, the 29-year-old program director and drive-time host of the first FM Hispanic that covers most of metro Atlanta, said he envisioned a top 10 debut but not this big.
“We just blew the roof off,” he said. “We are way beyond expectations.”
According to Arbitron’s ratings covering Sept. 23 to Dec. 15, Viva drew 180,000 new listeners. But what got the ratings so high was the fact the average Viva fan spent 17 hours a week with the station, about twice as much as a typical radio station.
Among 18 to 34 year olds, Viva barely trailed V-103, the seminal urban station which took back the No. 1 spot from Hot 107.9. It was No. 1 among men ages 18 to 34 and No. 6 among all listeners over the age of 12.
Martinez, trying to manage expectations, said he thinks Viva will “settle” to a lower ratings level but will remain a solid top 5 presence among younger listeners.
Viva’s arrival makes the Atlanta market even more competitive. A decade ago, Arbitron tracked only about 24 stations in Atlanta; the latest had 34, a 42 percent increase.
And since Atlanta is one of the nation’s fastest growing Hispanic m arkets, Viva is filling a huge hole on the Atlanta FM dial. Latinos represented 7.9 percent of the metro Atlanta population in 2003, up from 6.5 percent in 2000 and just 2 percent in 1990, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
While the AM Hispanic stations focus on a "regional Mexican" format targeting the large Mexican population in Atlanta, Viva goes after a broader audience with a top 40 Spanish format that includes crossover artists such as Ricky Martin and Shakira.
“I love the music,” said Stefanie Faddis, a 26-year-old Jonesboro who works at the Atlanta Bar Association. “It’s what I listen to on my CDs and it’s great to have it on the radio, too.” Her favorites include Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee and Don Omar.
Viva had a ripple effect across the dial. It not only brought in new listeners but also hurt the five AM Hispanic stations and a small FM in Buford, La Raza 102.3.
Some English-language stations too appeared to suffer, especially Q100 and 95.5/The Beat, both top 40 stations also targeting younger listeners. Q100 slipped to 12th place from 7th in the summer among 18 to 34 year olds. The Beat dropped to 8th from 5th place in that demo. Star 94 rebounded from a relatively weak summer.
In other notable ratings news:
Christmas cheer: Atlantans kept three temporary all-Christmas stations afloat in December. Both 104.7/The Fish and new holiday rival B98.5 were flat in the ratings while Lite saw an increase � but not as much of a bump as it had in the past four years.
Left/right talk arrive: AM1690, which carries the liberal talk radio network Air America on a relatively weak signal, made a modest debut, landing in 28th place among 25 to 54 year olds. WGKA-AM (920), which provides conservative talk including Laura Ingraham, moved to a stronger signal and came in 29th place overall.
Rock bottom: It was a rough quarter for three of the four rock stations. 99X, 96rock and 96.7/The Buzz all saw their worst ratings in recent history. The new 92.9/Dave FM is the only station in the format to see real improvement, especially among 18 to 34 year olds and in the mornings, where former 99Xer Steve Barnes took over.
Porsche Foxx’s arraignment date is March 15
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dekalb has the info about her case on line at www.ojs.dekalbga.org. She’s currently suspended with pay. Sue Gosnell, Rick Caffey’s admin. asst. at V-103, said Thursday 1/20 that Porsche’s status has not changed and it’s a day to day thing. She wouldn’t say whether it’s a sure thing that Porsche (nee Stephanie Calhoun) will remain off air at least until March 15. But what I can tell, that’s probably the likeliest scenerio.
Her case number: S2072071
Judge: EDWARD CARRIERE
15-MAR-05 09:00:00 Arraignment Courthouse  3D
CALHOUN, STEPHANIE Defendant
DUNN, T P Dekalb Cnty Police Dept
HORTON, A. D. Dekalb Cnty Police Dept
DULICK, JUDD Witness
CALHOUN, STEPHANIE (Released)
Booking Link: 0253665 SPN Link : X0303807
C2214264 1 M 16-13-30-VGCSA -VIO GA CNTRL SUB ACT 19-DEC-04
C2214270 2 M 40-2-8-UNR VEH;NO TAG,RV DECL,OR CNTY 19-DEC-04
C2214265 3 M 40-5-121-DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSP/REV 19-DEC-04
C2214267 4 M 40-6-10-PROOF OF INSURANCE REQUIRED 19-DEC-04
C2214266 5 M 40-6-15-DRVNG W/SUSPENDED REGISTRATION 19-DEC-04
C2214269 6 M 40-6-184-MIN SPEED IN LEFT-HAND LANES 19-DEC-0
C2214263 7 M 40-6-391(A)(1)-D.U.I. - ALCOHOL 19-DEC-04ÂÂ
C2214268 8 M 40-6-48-DRVG ON RDWAYS LANED FOR TRAFF 19-DEC-04
Any update on Ryan? Not much but…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I hear Ryan Cameron has offers on the table that will keep him in Atlanta in some way, shape or form. That’s good news.
The only glimmer of hope that he’ll be back at Hot, I’d figure, is the fact Rashan & CJ are still there.
Obviously, the other likely scenerio is Cox Radio’s Jamz or Beat. I have no direct knowledge about what he has going on there, if anything.
Radio One has the option to counter-offer until January 30 any offer Ryan gets. If Ryan stays in the market with an urban station, he’d be locked out with a noncompete until July 1. But if he, through some unlikely scenerio, ends up at, say a non-urban news/talk station, he’d be able to start tomorrow.
Summary on Royal Marshall for Peach Buzz
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is what I’m running for Buzz tomorrow on Royal Marshall:
WSB-AM axed “The Royal Treatment,� the long-time weekday evening talk show led by smart-alecky host Royal Marshall.
Marshall will keep his primary job as engineer for the syndicated Libertarian talker Neal Boortz, who runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays.
At the same time, WSB-AM moved syndicated talk-show host Michael Savage from overnights to 7 p.m.-10 p.m. after popular talker Sean Hannity. Savage � who supporters dub a witty conservative and enemies call a bile-filled right winger � has done well in other cities after Hannity.
This means WSB-AM will now offer local talk programing only in the mornings on weekdays. Ironically, the news/talk station plans to roast Marshall Feb. 2 to raise money for Team Georgia, a highway safety advocacy group.
“There’s going to be plenty of material now for that roast,� Marshall told Buzz, with his trademark chuckle.
WSB-AM frequently pre-empted The RoyalTreatment for sports, but Savage won’t have as much of a problem because the Braves have moved to WGST-AM and 96rock.
WSB program director Pete Spriggs is still talking with Marshall about doing the Royal Treatment on the weekends. Spriggs neither confirmed or denied a rumor that WSB considered the unemployed Regular Guys for the Savage slot.
“I have stayed in touch with them� is all Spriggs would say.
Random bits: Royal Marshall’s Royal Treatment axed, Reggie Gay is gone from WYZE// Kemi Lane tries to be the local Drudge
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Royal Marshall’s night-time talk show on WSB-AM has been axed in favor of syndicated Michael Savage. Marshall, the only black voice on WSB-AM’s regular lineup, has been a loyal soldier to WSB and filled in whenever Braves, Dawgs and Hawks weren’t on at night. He still has his job as Neal Boortz’s engineer but loses his ability to gab about local issues. His proudest addition was Local Politician night, when he brought in local pols to gab about things. His last guest last Thursday was Victor Hill, the controversial new sheriff in Clayton County. “They say your best show is always your last show,” he cracked. Savage leaked the news early, forcing WSB-AM to make a move before they roast him for charity on Feb. 2. That should be an awkward event to say the least.
WSB-AM Program Director Pete Spriggs, who still proclaims good things about Royal, hopes to convince him to move the show to the weekends.
One interesting tidbit—the Regular Guys apparently were considered for the evening slot 7 p.m to 10 pm. but WSB-AM decided Savage was a better deal for them.
Reggie Gay, formerly of Kiss 104.1, has left WYZE/1480 because the station wouldn’t allow him to work there and do a TV show, he said. Gay is now doing a gospel show on AIB, channel 5, at 6 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Kemi Lane (www.keminications.com), as you may notice, posts a lot on this blog. As an obvious entrepreneur, she is seeking to be a local Matt Drudge type. She posts her credentials below so judge for yourself. She’s trying to create a buzz-worthy Web site full of media news and links. She does a little bit of her own reporting as well, breaking some bits about Channel 46’s turmoil. And in a blatant effort to promote herself, besides posting entries here, she named me broadcaster of the week. Go figure.
And for those who wonder what is up to former Regular Guy Eric Von Haessler, I don’t have much news but he did do a story in the latest Sunday Paper about Vernon Jones, comparing him to Bill Clinton.
I also really enjoy the dailiy Mandatory “mashup” 99X is doing at 8 p.m. Every night, the station plays a different combo of two bands’ songs “mashed” together. It’s fun and sometimes a train wreck. Far more fun than the old Mandatory Metallica. You can download a few of them on line at www.99x.com:
Pink VS ELO Get This Party Started Jet VS Christina Aguilera Dirty Girl Eagles VS Eminem Eagles In My Closet The Hives VS Madonna I Hate Music Snoop Dogg VS Guns N Roses Snoop Dogg VS Guns N Roses Led Zepplin VS Biggie Whole Lotta Biggie The Verve VS 50 Cent Many Men Symphony
Hot 107.9 still using Russ temporarily
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The difference this week is Russ Parr appears to be back in DC doing his national syndicated show, just feeding a handful of localized bits temporarily for Atlanta. That meant a lot of music and not much for Rashan & CJ to do. I haven’t had a chance to do a round of calls yet checking in on folks to see if there’s anything new going on but will do so by tomorrow.
Cindy Simmons of Star 94 is pregnant//WSB-AM’s Royal Marshall to be “roasted”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After much promotional teasing, Star let the stork out of the bag and announced that Cindy Simmons of the Cindy & Ray afternoon show is three months pregnant. “I can’t wait for anything more than being a mom,” she told a caller Friday.
And WSB-AM, after roasting Herb Emory last year charity, is going after Royal Marshall this year. Royal is Neal Boortz’s producer and has been doing an evening talk show for years when sports isn’t on. (It’s unclear with the Braves gone what WSB-AM will do permanently in the evenings…) Details at http://www.teamgeorgia.net/CharityRoast.htm Master of Ceremonies
WSB Radio Personality Neal Boortz and his show producer Belinda Skelton
Wednesday February 2, 2005
JW Marriott Hotel - Lenox 3300 Lenox Road Atlanta
6:00 p.m. Silent Auction & Reception • 7:00 p.m. Dinner & Program
$75.00 ticket/$750 (table of ten)
The charity is Team Georgia which describes itself as follows: To serve as an effective and progressive transportation safety advocacy group, encouraging safe and sober driving choices as a means of reducing transportation crashes, injuries and fatalities.
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Regular Guys update: The waiting is the hardest part
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bob Eatman, the Regular Guys agent in LA, had not been returning my calls the past couple days but he finally got on the phone Wednesday afternoon to tell me—- not much. He said they were still talking with an unnamed Atlanta station, one that wouldn’t shock me. But I’m still befuddled which station would fit unless Clear Channel rehired them for 96rock or WGST. I just don’t see him at either Dave or 99X, the two most obvious candidates. And I’m not certain either the Zone or the Fan could afford him even if they wanted them. Eatman said there was a dangling issue that needed to be resolved but wouldn’t say what it is. I don’t know if it’s simply Eric pondering if he wants to join Larry again for the big money payoff or really strike out on his own. Or if it’s something in the details of the contract. Or if it’s money. No clue.
But it’s comforting to know the Regular Guys will likely be back in some way, shape or form.
Terrestial radio does $28 million ad campaign to fend off satellite radio
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Most AM/FM folks pooh-poohed satellite radio when it launched in 2002. But as the concept catches on fire (more than 4.2 million subscribers so far between XM and Sirius), terrestial radio is getting nervous. As listenership drops (from 21 hours a week on average in 1999 to 19 hours 45 minutes last year), a group of radio companies have banded together to do an ad campaign using testimonials from the likes of Nelly, Atlanta’s Ludacris (who started as a DJ at Hot 107.9), Avril Lavigne, Hoobastank and Alicia Keys. ” The campaign, “Radio: You Hear it Here First,” doesn’t address its competitors directly but it is facing not only satellite radio but also CDs, MP3s and iPods. Radio is facing pressures that every other mass medium faces—simple competition. That’s not a bad thing.
Just spoke with Jeff Miles, Q100 night guy now off to San Francisco
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Miles, the night -time guy for Q100 the past couple of years, is on his way to San Francisco as I write this (he left Monday). He’s going to be the drivetime guy at Energy 93.7, a dance station, a format that doesn’t exist here in Atlanta. Bigger market, more prominent time slot, he said. He also wants to get into TV in some way, shape or form and SF offers more opportunities than Atlanta. He said before Atlanta, he moved around constantly, never staying in one place for more than two years. Atlanta was four years: “This place feels like home,” he said. At one point, the 30 year old even thought he’d stay here for good but the siren song of San Fran beckoned. He is bringing his female cohost Zooly with him. Not sure what will become of his other sidekicks Kenny Hamilton and Thomas “the porn star.”
He had a farewell appearance at Vision Saturday night (after 18 months of Saturday night remotes) and downed some champagne in celebration. Susquehanna, the Q100 owners, were nice enough to allow Jeff to wish his listeners farewell on Friday night (as they did when Lindsay left the morning show). Of course Jeff is leaving voluntarily for a new job; he wasn’t “let go.” But still, some stations never give personaliteis a chance to say goodbye. And Q100 did.
Russ Parr came in, Hot 107.9 finally acknowledges Ryan’s departure
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This morning, Hot 107.9 finally acknowledged Ryan’s departure. They brought D.C. based syndicated man Russ Parr into the Atlanta studio to announce it. He is in this week. Dunno what is going on next week and who the Hot morning host will be. Mary Catherine Sneed, COO of Radio One, wrote me this morning and said she “wasn’t sure” if Parr would be temporary or permanent.
And Ryan on his Web site www.theryancameronmorningshow.com posted an official statement:
ryan cameron Monday, 1/10/05, 6:46 AM  I would like to first of all thank everyone for their many years of support! for those who have been down since day one thankyou too! i decided to email this note in cause what the heck im bored and im up! sitting around has been fun golf in jamaica was expensive and getting back to work has been painstakingly slow. however i wanted to check in with my fans and say whats up and also say thanks to Charissa for her petition and for the record please give cj(jule) and rashan(fats) some slack they have to make the best out of a bad situation! i will check in from time to time and a newletter will let you hear whats going down first before it hits the press. email mad mike if you wanna be down for my superbowl party at 755 club of course if the falcons are in it then we going and all invites are cancelled!Remember this we have been guilty in the past for always thinking about next year and five years from now what im thinking about is a decade from now and a century from now.I am not trying to look out for myself but am trying to do things to take care of my childrens children! i love yall for holding me down! Remember STEVE AUSTIN IS COMING!!! what up to rudy mike keelee dee dee and beyonce! everybody be patient im about to do an usher!!!  E-mail: RyanCameron@TheRyanCameronMorningShow.com
Ryan Cameron petition: 3,303 names after 22 days
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Ryan Cameron fan launched a petition January 4 to get the popular morning host back on the air at Hot 107.9. Clarissa Smith, a 32-year-old Jonesboro administrative assistant and a Cameron listener since she moved here in 1997, has collected about 3,303 signatures as of 6:45 p.m.. on January 26 at www.petitiononline.com/ryanking/petition.html. That’s more than one percent of his 217,000 average weekly listeners, based on Arbitron.
But the momentum on this petition has slowed as the low-hanging fruit of supporters dwindle and the realization is sinking in that Ryan is unlikely to be back unless there is some miracle reconciliation between his former boss Mary Catherine Sneed and Ryan. I originally guessed Clariss would be able to pull in 2,000 names but she passed that milestone in a week. Hopefully we’ll find out soon whether he has any chance of coming back.
“Ryan’s talent and star quality go unrivaled in Atlanta’s radio landscape,” she wrote in the petition. “It is unfortunate but the gaping hole left by his departure is glaringly obvious as his co-hosts are too inexperienced to fill the giant shoes of Atlanta’s radio powerhouse.” Smith told me she knows the likelihood of a petition impacting Hot 107.9’s decision making is pretty slim. “It will probably get bogged down in symbolism,” she said, with a laugh. “But one of my mottos is, ‘Hey, we can try it. It either works or it doesn’t. ’ “
The trail about Greg Street as the replacement, which was hot and heavy, has gone cold. He still appears to be working at K104 in Dallas—the receptionist there says so. And Greg’s ignored my emails and messages.
Somebody in the comments below said Ryan made $780,000. Ryan told me he made $500K last year as his base. I don’t know how much of a bonus he got so maybe $780K is accurate. I hear he was offered pretty much the same deal as his 2002-04 contract for 05-07 despite a major increase in his ratings. I don’t know what Ryan’s counteroffer was.
It’ll be interesting to see if they keep Russ around until they find a replacement or decide to keep Russ permanently. I’d say it’s a tossup. I’m sure Hot is being flooded with tapes nationwide from folks who’d LOVE that Hot morning gig but who could fill Ryan’s shoes?
Non-Ryan related news
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here are some random bits unrelated to Ryan Cameron:
—-Dave Marino, morning host at Z93 from 2000-02, has landed a job as imaging/production director at 790/The Zone, which means he’ll be doing all the on-air promos and such.
— WGST-AM has changed its positioning from Newsradio 640/WGST to Braves Radio 640 GST to emphasize its new linkage to the ball team.
— Jimmy Baron of 99x went to Acapculco over Christmas break instead of his originally planned spot in Thailand. Here’s the buzz item:
Sometimes intrusive in-laws can considerably brighten your holiday season. Just ask 99X morning man Jimmy Baron. For six months, Baron and his wife Lisa had been planning an end-of-the-year escape until Baron’s father-in-law rang up. He had already planned a holiday cruise for the entire family to Mexico. Ever the good son-in-law, Baron gritted his teeth, nixed his vacation plans and set sail for Acapulco. “But as it turns out, we felt real good about the decision,” Barron told Buzz Wednesday. “Our trip was to Phuket.” The Thailand island resort was devastated Dec. 26 by deadly tsunamis. As for his near brush with fate, Baron admitted, “The experience makes you believe in the things going on above you. It’ll definitely send you into your house of worship.”
— Kelly McCoy, drivetime guy at B98.5, celebrates his 20th anniversary at the radio station Friday. He’s been doing drivetime for that entire period. Said he was offered mornings once, but didn’t want to wake up in the middle of the night. He somehow manages to rouse himself every day to say the same positioner over and over: “Voted number one AGAIN for most music while you work.” Who voted? Nobody! Or the joke is, the B98.5 sales staff every day.
— Star, V-103, the Zone & WXIA raised $1.6 mllion for tsnami victims Wednesday
Regular Guys update from agent: deal imminent on an Atlanta radio station
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bob Eatman, the agent for the Regular Guys (formerly of 96rock), said today that he is in advanced talks with an Atlanta radio station for Larry & Eric to reunite. He wouldn’t say which station so feel free to speculate where they might end up if this deal is truly “imminent,” as Eatman described it. I’ve heard Eric Von Haessler wants to do his own thang but it’s obvious the pair together is worth far more money than separately. Larry Wachs, who I reached today, wouldn’t give me any information about anything. I haven’t been able to reach Eric yet.
V-103’s Porsche Foxx off air until further notice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At V-103, afternoon deejay Porsche Foxx was off the air Monday and will remain so “pending further investigation,” said program director Tony Brown. Foxx was arrested two weeks ago for driving under the influence, pot possession and a suspended licene. “I have no comment,” Foxx said Monday.
Jerry Smokin’ B subs in for Ryan Cameron Monday morning but it appears temporary
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Monday morning, Greg Street did not appear and Ryan Cameron was in Jamaica. Instead, Program Director Jerry Smokin’ B subbed in and they called the show a generic, “The Morning Show.” The morning staff — CJ, Rashan & Beyonce — was clearly informed not to reference Ryan Cameron at all, as if he never existed despite nine years at Hot 107.9. The www.hot1079atl.com Web site has been stripped of any Ryan Cameron references though he’s listed in “community events” under his last party at the Railroad Depot.
Here’s the Peach buzz item I wrote for Monday :
Ryan Cameron’s employment at Hot 107.9 came to a likely bittersweet end Friday night as he heralded the new year at a station-sponsored soiree in the historical Georgia Freight Depot by Underground Atlanta.
Wearing a sharp, old-school pin-striped suit, Cameron partied with co-hosts Rashan Ali and C.J. Simpson, possibly for the last time as a team.
The respected morning host’s latest contract ended Friday at midnight after the two sides failed to come to an agreement. As a result, after a successful nine-year run, he won’t be back on air this morning and his future at Hot is very much in doubt.
“I am thankful to all my fans and listeners and I love the city,” he wrote to Buzz in an email Saturday. “However, the present conditions have made it impossible for me to return to Hot 107.9.”
Cameron’s agent Norm Schrutt said Radio One, Hot 107.9’s parent, pulled its offer off the table December 23, a week after management forced Cameron to relinquish his access card to the radio offices.
Radio One Chief Operations Officer Mary Catherine Sneed has a long, fruitful history with Cameron â€â€? she hired him to do nights when she worked at V-103 in 1991 and made him Hot’s first morning man in 1996. She said Radio One made “an incredible offer” but Cameron’s agent rejected it. “We just couldn’t afford him,” she wrote in an email.
Cameron, No. 1 morning host for listeners ages 18 to 34 three of the past five quarters, said he made $500,000 last year His latest offer, his agent said, was “not out of whack or pie in the sky.” Neither side revealed their respective offers.
The Atlanta native is free to negotiate with other radio stations in the market such as Jamz 97.1 or V-103 and stations outside of Atlanta. If he does sign with a local rival to Hot, he won’t be allowed on air for six months thanks to a contractual non-compete clause.
Meanwhile, Hot 107.9 has reportedly signed Greg Street, who works Saturday nights at V-103 and weekday nights at K104 in Dallas. Street might take over for Cameron this morning, which would be ironic because he replaced Cameron at V-103 in 1995. As of Sunday at noon, Radio One had not told Cameron’s morning staff what was going to happen. Sneed declined to comment about Street.
At V-103, it’s unclear whether afternoon jock Porsche Foxx will be on air today. Cops arrested her Dec. 19 for driving under the influence, possession of marijuana and a suspended license. Neither Foxx nor her boss Rick Caffey returned calls. She has been on a pre-scheduled vacation the past two weeks.
