Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2006 > May > 26
Friday, May 26, 2006
5/26: 99X’s Steve Craig defends Leslie Fram
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Steve Craig, the well respected mid day guy at 99X (who says he doesn’t read this blog), said it was okay to post this vent he emailed me yesterday.
Rodney,
You and I have always had a great relationship, and you know I’m not the kind of person to jump into radio mudslinging.
After hearing what transpired this morning on the Buzz, I had to speak my mind and heart.
I’ve worked closely with everyone involved… Chris Williams, Whip and Wally, and of course, the staff here. The continuing character attack on Leslie Fram is unconscionable. Instead of a competition between radio stations, it’s turned into a vent for disgruntled ex-employees. I know for a fact that Chris Williams tried very hard to make 99X successful during his tenure, but unfortunately he didn’t understand the alternative format like Sean Demery, Brian Philips, Jay Harren and Leslie. He single-handedly sank the stations ratings and destroyed a lot of music business relationships with the direction he took us. Changes had to be made, and we are now recovering and getting back to the original sound and feel of 99X. All parties are working again, and life goes on. But in my 28 years in the business, I’ve never been witness to such a childish and unprofessional display of behavior as in the past several months. Giving out private phone numbers, cell numbers, sending malicious packages to spouses, taunting and shouting obscenities on mic in public, not to mention the continued on-air assault.
This morning there was no basis for what Wally was saying. He spoke for other people like Fred Toucher, saying that “Fred never wanted to work with Leslie”. Leslie was the one who hired Fred, and they had a great working relationship. It was Cumulus who chose not to continue with Fred and Wally. I just can’t believe that he would get sucked into what Chris and Whip are doing. The comments have turned away from competitive ribbing to vicious and mean-spirited personal attacks. To me, this is appalling, considering how much Leslie did for Chris’ career. I’m sure you’ll agree that the only people who have ever had a bad word to say about Leslie are ex-employees now working for Clear Channel. I’ve worked with Leslie for almost 15 years and while there are always philosophical programming differences, she has never treated any fellow professional with anything other than kindness and respect. It’s just sad when I get phone calls and emails from listeners who keep asking why The Buzz is being so nasty. It’s not the least bit funny. Whip constantly points out how old Leslie is, when he himself is 40-something, trying to act like a 20 year old. Axel and Wally were friends (or so I thought) and now Wally’s including him in the verbal assault.
I don’t know why I’m writing all this, I guess I feel I have some market seniority and need to speak out. This hate campaign has got to stop. Listeners deserve great radio, as in music, promotions, events, personalities, etc… not this kind of crap. Along with Chris Williams, I’m also greatly disappointed in Jerry Del Core and Clear Channel’s management for allowing this kind of use of their frequency.
Thanks for your time, and I hope to talk to you soon.
Steve Craig
