Radio Talk

By Terry Davis

June 22, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

I and everyone in the world need access to this radio station on the world wide net. Lets make it happen.

By B.J.

June 22, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

That was NOT an interesting take at all—in fact it is a blatant inaccurate one. This is my response below, and I will warn you it is quite long. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were NOT posted on their site (for obvious reasons), but you know I’ll post it on my website… Here it is:

After reading this column, I have to first express appreciation for Mr. Ross meaning well in the writing of this column. However, I must address several concerns about the things contained in the column. From a personal and professional standpoint I’m nowhere NEAR impressed with what Radio One is doing with WAMJ in Atlanta. I do believe that many of these changes can have a positive result, however—especially given their previous track record of recent failures. The main problem in their chosen method of action is that it is merely typical, at best. In the entertainment business, growth isn’t attained by TYPICAL means—it is attained by BOLD moves. Black radio (especially) doesn’t seem interested in making BOLD programming moves, and that’s why they tend to suffer in comparison. This general rule can also be applied to how blacks run businesses in general. It is a shame that the project at WAMJ could be a immensely successful one if they actually were more interested in adhering to the listeners desires rather than promoting an agenda for their “Democratic Plantation” so-called “friends”. This is the bind that black radio finds itself in time after time after time.

I’ve spoken to black programmers, and radio station owners, and they have similar outcries—that they can’t “compete” with bigger, white-owned stations. However, when I try to explain to them the real reasons why, along with the possible solutions, they are reduced to a “brook trout” look. Why? Because my suggested solutions are not filled with “Adding more liberal-based programming to maintain the black’s voting LOCK on the Democratic party,” nor does my proposed solutions contain advice to “find the highest-credentialed LIBERAL to put on the air, REGARDLESS if he/she has the ability to entertain the listening public or not.” The last sentence contained the key to putting together a successful radio station—ENTERTAINMENT. Black radio doesn’t prioritize this NEARLY enough when it comes to whom they decide to bring to their station. Why? Because they know full well that the obsolete, useless, and totally irrelevant civil-rights nonsense has virtually NO entertainment value. However, that isn’t their #1 priority—it is pushing their political agenda down the throats of their listeners—with the hopes of keeping them permanently entrenched on the Democratic plantation forever.

What concerns me the most is the fact that this brand of radio has be misrepresented as Black, or “African-American” Talk, when the truth of the matter is that it is merely another form of Liberal and Democratic talk, just like Air America. Don’t get me wrong, however, it is not about the liberal versus conservative debate—it is about entertaining and INTELLIGENT radio versus NON-entertaining and NON-intelligent (i.e. STUPID) radio. Talk radio today that’s considered “Black” is FAR from entertaining, FAR from intelligence, and even further from a conservative viewpoint. Regardless if one might think that blacks in general are not conservative, no one with a functionally operational brain can deny the fact that blacks WANT to be entertained. WAMJ’s additions are far from the best entertaining options that are available—I know this full well, and more importantly—THEY KNOW IT.

Michael Eric Dyson was a travesty of a selection as a talk show host on this network, and continues to be a travesty on this network. He has NO entertainment value, no substance, and no professional ability to host a talk radio show. However, since his claim to fame was challenging Dr. Cosby’s ACCURATE statements, thus putting black people in their common position of “blaming others for their PERSONAL poor decisions”, coupled with their warped view that their rescue from despair is just “one government program away”, made Michael Eric Dyson a legitimate candidate for a nationally-syndicated talk show. Furthermore, Dyson doesn’t even understand how to facilitate intellectually stimulating conversation, either. He, like other useless and self-appointed black “leaders”, believe that the key to sounding intelligent is using a litany of big words—no matter if the SUBSTANCE within the context of the discussion is intelligent or not. Not only is this type of discussion NOT entertaining, it is downright annoying. Unfortunately, however, none of these things matter to the “powers that be” at Radio One, because they are more interested in political ideology then they are in the ability to do the JOB at hand—ENTERTAINING the listening public.

Call the Radio One “project” whatever you want to call it, but it has virtually NOTHING to do with “African-American” (or Black) talk. I wish they would stop insulting us so. There are too many of us that are intelligent, (truly) independent, and are not enslaved on the Democratic plantation. What do we have to listen to? Why can’t we find a talk show host that speaks for this listener? Doesn’t it concern you that there is virtually NO intelligent and entertaining show that’s hosted by a black person? It definitely concerns me, especially when there are a variety of opinions expressed in the white community. We do NOT share ONE view—politically, socially, or religiously. These diverse views need to be expressed in “black” talk radio before it can truly be considered “Black”. To be honest, corrections should be submitted in this column, due to the insult of the race by calling this virtual “garbage” representative of them.

SiMan should NOT have been moved, but I understand the move. He deserves a drive-time slot, however. Why not put Michael Baisden on at night with all his sex and relationship talk (which IS appropriate at night), and put SiMan on in the afternoon drive? Al Sharpton is a zoo of a show as well, but has much more entertainment value than Michael Eric Dyson will EVER have on his show. As long as people continue to ignore the blacks of intellect—which are the ones who are carrying the race in general anyway—then NO talk network that’s currently “considered” black, like Radio One, will EVER be taken seriously.

By Dominique Huff

June 22, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

102.5FM in the process of rebranding itself and personally, I liked the DJless format. Baisden’s and SiMan’s shows were the best. The problem with this station is that they failed to compete when they first started. Just like 97.1 Jamz, no one knew they were on the air, they played the same music over and over again and so on. I like the station and I think it has potential, with the right management and it should be local management not management from the corporate office in another state, it will take off.

Now that they have Steve Harvey, they need to be promoting the show with billboards, ads, bumper stickers and so on. If they successfully get listeners to their station, Ski and Joyner will be feeling the hits.

By Yalanda

June 22, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

I’m a news and talk junkie. I’m loving Al’s show. Dyson can go. He has yet to get me to pull away AOK. As much as I wanted to hear Steve Harvey in Atlanta, his show has not held my attention yet this week.

I have noticed a high number of calls coming from Atlanta to Sharpton and Dyson’s shows, so I’m wondering how these shows were doing (with callers) prior to coming on in Atlanta.

I’m also wondering how much weight Harvey is placing on the Atlanta market. I think he would love to do his show from here. Without local presence, 102 will fade to black.

As much as people dog the V morning show personalities, I don’t think anybody can touch them. I think they have more haters who listen than people who actually like the show. Other than their on-air minor personality flaws, Frank and Wanda are good people (did I say that).

By Amy

June 22, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Yalanda- WAOK is a joke at best and downright garbage at worst. How can you listen to all of the ignorant, ghetto callers that feel the need to ramble on all day on every show. Its a disgrace. As far as 102.5, Dyson is a loud mouth idiot, but of course, the Atlanta Black Bourgeous love him because he spouts alot of Big Words, talks loudly, and tries to be down with the people. He’s a joke that has no business on the radio. Black people are constantly showing that they have no standards whatsoever by putting people like Dyson, the ignorant Black Queen Bev Smith, Alecia Morgan, etc on a pedestal. All they do is rant and rave about how we as a people need to come together and ramble on about the old days…its never going to happen, so let’s deal with some real issues that we can impact.

By Dominique Huff

June 22, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Amy

You are on point with WAOK. For them to be the voice of the community, I don’t hear much about them in the community since they went to the talk format. The station represents the establishment and washed up politicans who need a soapbox to grandstand on. The sad part is WAOK had potential to be the black WSB but with people like Bill Campbell (he used to host the morning show) and Bev Smith who just rant and rave rather than engaging in dialogue and actually devising solutions.

BJ said it best when Steve Harvey could be the quickest way to rid 102.5 of Dyson. Once they notice that he is not capitalizing off the Steve Harvey lead in, he will quickly be replaced.

By B.J.

June 22, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

WAOK is the WORST thing (besides BET) to happen to the black community. It is a crying shame that there are ADULTS in this town that actually think that station is a “good” station—but then I’m reminded that Georgia is constantly ranked around 49-50 in education, then they original allegations become logical…

Radio One had an EXCELLENT opportunity to put a major stamp on this town if they would have actually brought some serious PROGRAMMING to the station. However, their allegiance to “the establishment” is in full play here as well—and this is why black talk radio will remain an absolute laughingstock in the industry. Not only is the enslavement to “the establishment” a derivative of entertaining programming in general, it is NOT an effective business decision.

I want you to think about what advertising is SUPPOSED to do—GET people to spend THEIR money with the business that advertises (the client of the radio station). This is why CUME is so important—in many cases it is much more important than ratings. Stations can justify selling time on their station when it rates low if the CUME is high. I say that to say this: If the average listener of a particular station doesn’t have any DISPOSABLE income, then why the hell would a business in their right mind waste money advertising to them? This is the problem with WAOK. The average listener of WAOK is a moron, with NO marketable job skill, living welfare check to welfare check, and has obligated every government assistance check that they receive on PREDICTABLE items—bills and club preparation. What’s left for businesses to get from them? NOTHING—and that’s why it makes NO sense to advertise on WAOK.

The programming on WAOK is awful. It has gotten to the point that the hosts of the shows pit calls against each other, since they can’t add anything meaningful to the discussion. It is sad—you have a morning show that can only (barely) read a story, and open the phone lines as immediate as possible. The afternoon drive “guy” isn’t any better—because he has his face so far up the azzes of management, he could give them a colon cleansing with his tonsils. He is doing the same thing the morning host is doing—pitting calls against each other, and offering NOTHING to the discussion. His biggest concern is TRYING to sound as “New York” as possible—not trying to facilitate a quality talk show. However, at WAOK that is not required—only the 100% allegiance to “the establishment” is necessary. I pray every night that someday that blacks in this town will grow some brains from somewhere (maybe they can find some brain cells now that they have boycotted Crystal after instructed to), and start to demand more from their radio stations. Until then, we will continue to suffer indefinitely with “The Voice of the Community.” Thank goodness I’m not part of the community that WAOK is the voice of.

By NJ

June 22, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Atlanta talk radio is the worst. I listen to Tom Joiner on my drive in, and NPR on the drive home. I really would like some intelligent conversation but what we have is each side bashing the other and passing blame. How I wish we could just get some INTELLIGENT conversation. I’m so sick of the notion that you can only get black people’s attention by playing music. We are better than that.

By Jerron

June 23, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

I realized that WAOK was a complete joke when I heard a host allow a caller to “ramble” on that the planes on 9-11 had no passengers on them. I also heard a caller state that courthouse shooter Brian Nichols was justified in what he did. In both instances, the hosts allowed this to happen and never challenged them. The station is garbage and its supporters are garbage.

By B.J.

June 23, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

Jerron: I echo your sentiments, but I want everyone else to realize what I’m really trying to say about WAOK, and that civil-rights “brand” of radio…

I don’t know of any OTHER business model that is allowed to continue operating after it has been a CONFIRMED failure. “Black” talk radio is the closest example of a business venture that continues its FAILED ways REGARDLESS. For those that are working (so that eliminates WAOK supporters) I must ask, “How many of you would remain at your job if you continued to FAIL at your assigned tasks?” I’m sure the answer is none. However, there is something to be said about a station (in this case WAOK) that is allowed to constantly put POOR programming on the station with virtually no consequence, incentive to change, or interest in serving the needs of the listening public.

There is no doubt that the mission of stations like these are to brainwash people—NOT entertain them, and definitely NOT to educate them

This is the point I’m trying to get everyone to realize. Anybody should realize that the average listener & supporter of WAOK’s current format either:

Doesn’t have any disposable income, or Resonates to music radio anyway.

Based on those reasons alone, WAOK cannot generate enough advertising revenue to operate that station as it’s currently configured. However, the major concern is that neither the management of that station, or CBS Radio (the OWNER of that station, and NO it isn’t “black owned” either) doesn’t seem to care about any of this. That is because their overall objective IS being met by that terrible programming:

To keep black folks in a permanent state of stupidity, economic irrelevance, and mental despair.

Considering that the parent company Viacom is also the owners of BET, they are executing this plan to perfection. I just wonder if we are going to ever wake up and realize these things and start railing against them? This issue is definitely worthy of a march, boycott, and a “movement”. I doubt seriously that it will ever happen however.

By NJ

June 23, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

BJ:

It’s been said before that the there are people out there who survive on the ignorance of others. Some of these so-called civil rights minded talkers, along with the plethora of “conservative” talk show hosts, spew hatred, won’t consider another opinion, play the blame game, and con their extremely gullible listeners into believing that they are genuine in what they say when they are only doing what puts food on their table by whatever means necessary..and they are allowed to get away with it.

By B.J.

June 23, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

NJ: Insightful premise, and very true, I must say. The problem with the commentary is that the culture of talk radio will not change until the listeners express their contempt with the programming decisions—and start to demand more from these stations. I’ve clearly explained that the “black” talk stations do not care about black people as a whole—they only want their voting block. I do think that your allegations about conservative talk show hosts are worthy of exploring, however… It’s obvoious that the “black” talk model will not be solved anytime soon—nor does it ever have to.

By NJ

June 23, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

BJ: I’m actually listening to you June 10th show as I write this. Anyway, back to your response earlier. I personally would like to have a program here in Atlanta, that welcomes intelligent dialogue because each person has a different take on most subjects, not just people preaching to their particular chior.

By Grimm Reaper

June 23, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

Either one of two things are happening here. Either B.J. or Amy have serious chemical imbalances in their brains or they are trolls of the worst kind. Because they never have anything to say other than the same, ever! To show just how sad this guy’s plight really is, you can witness him engaging HIMSELF in dialogue about how much he is needed in Atlanta as a show host. Well here is the reality. If there were a need for this clown he would be in the spotlight. Enough said. Get over yourself you fool, your song and dance is about as tired as I don’t know what. It’s just you on these boards talking to yourself and it’s soooo obvious. You ran everyone else off with your angry black @-s-s.

By Amy

June 23, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

Grimm Reaper- Until someone asks for an opinion from a WAOK loving, hoodrat, sissy, punkazz beyach like you, then I suggest you go screw yourself.

By Dante

June 23, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Grimm Reaper

You took the words out of my mouth. BJ likes to bump his gums. This blog was about 102.5 and it turn into hate on WAOK. Amy, what’s up homegirl? Miss me? Glad to see that you can still spell Black Bourgeous!

By Amy

June 23, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

Dante- I am going to let you slide with those comments since you are probably in a state of ecstasy with Gay Pride weekend and all. I am sure you will be greased up with Crisco by 8pm and standing outside Bulldogs waiting for your yearly tip drill.

By B.J.

June 23, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

I was wondering when Jay McLaughlin’s lover (Danta) was going to chime in on this issue. Actually, I’m surprised that he/she/it had the time to comment—considering that he/she/it should be preparing for his/hers/it’s favorite weekend—gay pride—but I digress…

If Danta would have taken time to read the ORIGINAL blog item, then he/she/it would’ve EASILY realized that the Edison Media Research Piece was entitled: “A Breakthrough for African-American News/Talk” That title alone made WAOK game to discuss in this thread—as I so BRILLIANTLY expressed in two FASCINATING pieces here. However, being a WAOK junkie, there’s no way in hell that Danta has the intellectual capability to understand that. As for Grimm Reaper, you are damn right—I LOVE to “bump my gums”, as you call it—THAT’S WHY I AM A TALK SHOW HOST!!! How much “gum-bumping” does Lorraine Jacques White do? Shelly “the brown-nose” Wynter? NONE. CALLERS make their shows—unlike WAOK garbage, REAL talk show hosts make their shows—callers only enhance them. It’s too bad that the WAOK fan ZOO doesn’t understand this.

By Not WAOK

June 26, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Hey Grimm Reaper- did you have fun at Gay Pride this weekend? Here’s a tip. Use some lotion to get those scuff marks off your knees.

By B.J.

June 26, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

Not WAOK: I’m sure that Grimm & Danta had fun this past weekend… but I’m so glad it was rained out so much…. I guess they had to move their “festivities” inside… I guess they had to limit their (supposed to be) PRIVATE activities in its appropriate place (inside)…

Maybe Danta was able to find out what actually happened to Jay on WAOK (as if he doesn’t already know…LOL)

By Dante

June 26, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

B.J. and Amy

How can the two grand marshall of the gay pride parade talk about anybody? You guys sure know a lot about the hang outs and what goes on in the gay community. Just because someone disagrees with you, you want to call them gay. Look B.J., your time to come out of the closet was this weekend. Amy, since you know so much about Crisco, why don’t you use some to grease your nappy dug out, because I know you haven’t had none. BJ, get off this blog and get a job man. Nobody wants to read your thesis. The next time you get the urge to write a book on this blog, go take a dump.

You talk about WAOK like a dog, what about that station that your sorry show is broadcast from? How many people are advertising on that station? What are the ratings for that station since you been broadcasting there? Oh, I forgot, you pay them to play your sorry show. That station is not even look when it comes to ratings. If you are so good as you say, why has no one hired you? Because you are not good. Period. You will be on here next year talking the same song,just like last year. Get a grip on yourself (since you don’t like AnMdY, you probably already have a strong grip.)And finally, AMY, homegirl, when you reply to this blog, try to use diffrent words instead of the same ones you love to use. Get a dictionary and increase your vocabulary.

By Amy

June 26, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Dante- I have never referred to you as a pillow biter. However, I do believe that you are an ignorant, gutter coon who worships the WAOK family.

By B.J.

June 26, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Danta: That was actually pretty good—too bad that you don’t have the COURAGE to send me that privately, or call into the show with your comments… I know you aren’t up on Saturday mornings—I’m sure you don’t even know where “his” phone is to call, but I do have a 24-hour hotline—but you haven’t used that either… I guess the courage seminar during your pride festivities was rained out as well…what a shame for you… Go back and listen to WAOK—the station with talk shows hosted by moronic UNPAID callers (since the HOSTS certainly don’t have anything to contribute), but that’s fine with you—you have no standards anyway, and neither do WAOK listeners. That’s why they get absolutely NOTHING from listening to the station. They would get much more from listening to Air America—at least their hosts have something to ADD to the discussion… Now go back and hug Jan McLaughlin for your “community”…

By TruthHurts

June 26, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Can we please stop talking about the pillow biters? I had enough of seeing them act like over-sexed freaks on TV over the weekend.

By Weekendgirl

June 28, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

I thought Blogs were supposed to be full of short, smart phrases that really catch your attention. What’s up with these 3 and 4 paragraph “statements”…ridiculous. This is just too much…no fun! We’re all hiding behind our computers…just have fun people!!!

By Amy

June 29, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Another thing, Dante. So what if I am a lesbian? Sure, I had fun at Bulldogs last weekend. so what? Everyone knows that I am a muff diver. No news there. I am making that known right here, right now, so that it does not come up again. And why not? I look at all these women and my mouth starts watering……

By Whatever

June 29, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

Back in the house, but from my hotel suite in Dallas (out here on “bidness” (B.J.) you wouldn’t know anything about that. Doing the Cognos thing (oh you wouldn’t know about that either - sorry). Dante made a DAMN good point. For B.J. to talk so much about m-f’s being GAY, he sure as hell knows an awful lot about gay spots, events and all that, he is more obsessed with the gay lifestyle than WAOK, guess he rolls that way. I happen NOT TO, so I don’t know jack about none of it. Too many fine a* women in Atlanta, which by the way I’m really missing seeing, cause ain’t NO beautiful sisters out here in Dallas, hell no black people for that matter. Maybe I’m staying on the wrong side of town. Well anyway, it’s good to see that B.J. is STILL bitter as hell, and Amy’s still dangling from his tiny little balls like silly little “broad” she is.

And by the way, I logged in as “Grimm” last week before I left town just to make a comment. Hold it down B.J., and stop complaining about being HELD DOWN! You just like your people (LMAO).

By amy

June 29, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

Whatever- None of these slutty azz black women in Atlanta want you.

By amy

June 29, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

Didn’t you guys hear whiat I said? I is a lesbian!! And I’m PROUD!!

By Jesse

June 30, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Whatever- don’t you think you are a little too old to try to use this blog to pick up with women with your comments? Obviously, you are insecure about yourself since you feel the need to over promote your love of Atlanta Black women.