Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2007 > July > 20 > Entry
7/20: Ramona out at Hot 107.9 (UPDATED)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Long-time mid-day jock Ramona DeBreaux is no longer at Hot 107.9. Hot just let her go Thursday, no explanation given beyond the standard “we want to go in a different direction” routine. Her name has been wiped off the Web site though her page hasn’t yet been completely eliminated.
Above is her photo off her myspace page.
I got a hold of her Friday afternoon (though her boss Wayne Brown hadn’t gotten back to me as of 5 p.m. Friday). She’s been at the station since the beginning in 1995, first doing overnights, helping out Ryan Cameron a bit as morning co-host in the late 1990s, then mid-day gal the past seven-plus years.
Amazingly, on a top 10 station in a top 10 market, DeBreaux did not have a contract until last year. Although she wouldn’t say how much she had been paid over the years, she admitted she was probably underpaid compared to other jocks in town. She only got a contract when another station she wouldn’t name wooed her. (My guess is it was V-103) To justify the fact Hot kept her around with no contract for so long, she said enjoyed the experience of learning radio, that Hot enabled her to do all sorts of amazing things like fly to London to interview people at Live 8 like Bono and attend both the Republican and Democratic conventions. “It wasn’t about the money,” she said, on why she turned down other opportunities at higher pay. “Just give me a fair salary.”
And she felt some level of loyalty to Hot for helping her get her start.
“There were definitely individuals who made a lot of positive things happen for me,” she said, including Mary Catherine Sneed, former Radio One COO who started Hot 107.9 12 years ago and hired her. (Sneed left more than a year ago.)
DeBreaux didn’t have a clue the firing was coming. She said her ratings have been solid, outperforming mornings and afternoons.
“I didn’t feel burnt out,” she said. “It seemed like second nature for me. It became philanthropy for me. Wow! I can help people get past a lot of problems. That really became a big thing for me.”
She’s done voice work, self-published a relationships book and has some TV deals cooking. DeBreaux overall sounded very upbeat, not upset at all. “For me,” she said brightly, “the skies the limit!”
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By hdhdhg
July 20, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant believe it.
By hdhdhg
July 20, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Why would Hot do this? Did she leave on her own or did the push her out.
By MBA gurl
July 20, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
I really liked Ramona. She seemed like an intelligent positive sister. I wish her well!
By tony
July 20, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
gangsta grills gonna take her spot
By Lady from Decatur
July 20, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Can she sing?
By stephanie
July 20, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
I will miss her, but i think she’d made an album a few years back.. I don’t really know how it did, but the chick can really sing… Congrats Ramona do your thing…
By die hard Ramona fan
July 20, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
BOOOOOOOOOOO! i am switching to satellite!
By die hard Ramona fan
July 20, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Booooooooo! i switchin to Satellite!
that stinks.. hey Ramona… good luck in whatever u do….
u can always defect to V103……
By liberalextremist
July 20, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
I hope RadioOne did not kick you out because they did not think that you could hang with Porche Foxx. Please, you can beat that druggie with your eyes closed.
By ajazzy1
July 20, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
I kinda figured she would be on her way out….she didn’t seem to fit in at Hot anymore…I did like that single she had out a few years ago….Good luck to ya, Soul Sista!
By sportsmommy
July 20, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
That’s horrible, I hope they don’t put someone like Mizz Shyneka in there. Her voice grates on my last nerves.
By Brinton
July 20, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
Everything will be alright for Mo-Mo! She is a survivor and a long-time friend who put in more than enough time at HOT (no offense to them). I guarantee when you see her resurface, it’ll be bigger and better!!
Keep on movin my lil Soul Sis!!
By TG
July 20, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
I agree with you sportsmommy about that Shyneka chick’s voice—HORRIBLE, don’t know who in the WORLD thought that was suitable for radio, that ghetto southern twang is not happening. I disagree that this is “horrible” about Ramona though. Without any details right now, I’m inclined to think this move was something she probably wanted to do…don’t know if there was room for any more growth at that station. Sometimes it’s time to move on. Ironically, that’s a running theme on that page Rodney provides. Hmmm…
By Roger
July 20, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
who?
By Ultimo Dragon
July 20, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Liberalextremist,
Your comment regarding Porsche Foxx and speculation on the reason for Ramona’s departure is irrelevant and ignorant. Foxx has been back on the air 2 weeks today. How can 2 weeks show a good trend in terms of ratings? Your comment is illogical.
By Reggie
July 20, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
Ramona,
Blessings come in many shapes and forms. Go do your thing!!!
By tippy
July 21, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Think of it as a blessing and soar to higher places. You are a unique person. We will miss you on the air.
By JRoc
July 21, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
They got rid of Ramona? DAMN IT!!! Hot got rid of the wrong chick. They need to get rid of that chick that be on with E4 Real in the afternoons. She annonys the HELL out of me.
By JRoc
July 21, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
They got rid of Ramona? DAMN IT!!! Hot got rid of the wrong chick. They need to get rid of that chick that be on with E4 Real in the afternoons. She annonys the HELL out of me.
By TheUpgrade
July 21, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
Best wishes. Sometimes GOD closes doors to open others. Watch what HE will do.
By david
July 21, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Ramona was one of the more cooler heads at hot 107.9,much more mature than all the others especially that weak childlike morning show that they run on the weekdays sometimes I really used to wonder how griff and shyneka got their jobs,with the ghetto talk and nonchalant attitudes. Well perhaps I,ve matured I pretty much listen to sports talk now,when ever frank ski is interrupted by the lowlifes that shouldn’t be on radio,wanda and the he-she individual. One thing I loved about Ramona was that she always commented on political issues,always threw her little two cents in…youths these days don’t have that mindset.
By DON IMUS
July 22, 2007 6:01 AM | Link to this
Did she call somebody a “nappy-headed ho”?
By ThoughtTrain
July 22, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
The bigger story is that they probably knew since last year that they were going to ease her out but since they didn’t have a contract with her, they knew that she could immediately jump to another radio station in the city & take a portion of her fan base with her; probably only gave her a contract so that when they finally let her go she would have to sit out of the Atlanta radio market for a couple of months as part of her non-compete clause.
By Pamela Truth
July 22, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Yikes, how could they do that to her? She was a good DJ.
I hope Griffy 2K nor Akini the Black Mac will not take her spot. Their voices irk me…it sounds like somebody is pushing a lawnmover over rocks whenever they talk.
Every time they start talking my cat runs in circles.
By diddy
July 22, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
I haven’t listened to Hot 107.9 since it was Hot 97.5 back in 2000. I do remember her though. I’m sure she is straight. Big opportunities will come your way.
By Val
July 22, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
HOT107.9 is making changes for the worse- Sercy DOES NOT fit in with that morning crew. He will probably take Romona’s place. If they listened to their “listners” they would know that Griff voice annoys the h*ll out of just about everyone (I too turn when he speaks), E4Real is too boring- CORNY!!! and Shyneka… I like her but most times she goes on and on about HER- nobody cares. Well, I don’t listen to 107.9 much anymore, mainly the music- when the hosts talk, I turn. But don’t worry 107.9 none of the other stations are any better. Auuuugh!! CD and XM for me!
By CT
July 22, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
If HOT 107.9 should fire anyone it should be Ms.Shyneka!! Her voice is horrible and sounds like she has a 5 pounds of saliva in her throat!! Oh yeah and Griff…his voice sounds like a dirty old man..not to mention that he acts like he is all that and makes mean comments to listeners who call the show. It amazing me how he is still on air, as well as Ms. Shyneka! If anyone should go it should be these two. Romana will be missed but I am sure she will keep being on top. She seems to have a nice personality. HOT 107.9 should listen to their listeners!! Get rid of Ms. Shyneka and Griff.They R horrible radio personalities!! 4 REAL!
By Queen5733
July 22, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Ramona’s out not a surprise since they seem to get rid of anyone with class. I too agree that the morning show has truly gone ghetto. Rashawn plays ghetto one minute and then Miss proper the second minute. Sercy has too much class to be on the morning show. Ramona god bless!
By N2U1977
July 22, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Not Ramona! They let go of the wrong one. Rashawn w/ her “My Brother/My Sister” comments, Griff w/ his irritating voice, Akini in all of his lameness, E4Real in all of his corniness should be the ones to go! XM & CDs for me too.
By Kiana
July 22, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
I think it was a good look she was toooo comfortable with her mouth! She’d do best behind closed doors and off the air! Congradulations 107.9!
By Hater Alerter
July 23, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
Kiana, it doesn’t pay type your bitter comments about someone as talented as Ramona. So do her and everyone else a favor and SHUT THE “F” UP!!….oh yeah, and learn how to spell before you diss somebody fool (it’s congratulations with a “t” not “d”..dumb azz!!
By 2TRILLION
July 23, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this
Ramona is a GREAT friend of the Morning Show and we will always be friends with her…on or off radio. When GOD has a plan for you it doesnt matter what man has… now to some of your comments … I would like every person with negative comments to email me directly or go to my website (www.GRIFFY2K.com)…Its easy to ‘get yalls off’ on a blog … as a comedian I was always taught to say it in peoples face. Take Care and Stay Blessed … IRRITATING VOICED A.D. Griffin ..P.S. Rashan says ‘Heeeeeyyyyyy’ in her ghetto voice … Yall be killing us
By Fire Griff
July 23, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this
Griff, your comments just reinforce my belief that you are a very immature man. “Say it in peoples face”…you sound like a kid. Grow up! I get so sick of hearing you on your “holier than thou” rants. You claim to be a man of God but your comments on here and the radio come off as anything but God like. The only reason that I keep listening is because of Rashan, Searcy, Akini…basically everyone but you. Yes, 107.9 would probably gain listeners IF THEY GOT RID OF YOU! And you had to add Rashan’s name to your comment?? Like y’all are in this together…lol Dude! YOU ARE NOT ON HER LEVEL! You, Griffy2Penny….be killing us.
By Val
July 23, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this
GRIFF- if that is truly YOU- trust I am headed over to your lame @ss website. YOU don’t scare anyone, take your criticism like a man. You sound horrible on the radio- you say awful things to listeners who call, the morning show “sucks” and GRIFF2K is soo d@mn old, corny and played. I like Rashawn and I think perhaps her and Sercy should do the morning show. On a blog or not… I’d say the same thing, cause Im real with mine. I’ll see you at your spot… I ain’t scuuuured!
By Oestar68
July 23, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
I agree with ThoughtTrain:
By ThoughtTrain July 22, 2007 11:29 AM | The bigger story is that they probably knew since last year that they were going to ease her out but since they didn’t have a contract with her, they knew that she could immediately jump to another radio station in the city & take a portion of her fan base with her; probably only gave her a contract so that when they finally let her go she would have to sit out of the Atlanta radio market for a couple of months as part of her non-compete clause.
Hot knew what they were doing! Good business sense, but I hate they let Ramona go like that.
By OEStar68
July 23, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
I agree with ThoughtTrain:
By ThoughtTrain July 22, 2007 11:29 AM | The bigger story is that they probably knew since last year that they were going to ease her out but since they didn’t have a contract with her, they knew that she could immediately jump to another radio station in the city & take a portion of her fan base with her; probably only gave her a contract so that when they finally let her go she would have to sit out of the Atlanta radio market for a couple of months as part of her non-compete clause.
Hot knew what they were doing! Good business sense, but I hate they let Ramona go like that.
By Malik
July 23, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
Hot 107.9 wants to cater to the Marta crowd in their entire white-tee splendor.
Radio died along with real music in the 90’s not to mention hip-hop. Since hip-hop has become all thuggish and sexually explicit, Hot 107.9 probably feels that they must match such a demeaning expression with their on-air personalities. After all, the commentators should reflect what they play - right?
It’s time for a black musical revolution where self degradation is not rewarded and to malign black women will get you ostracized and rebuked.
When will black women say that enough is enough and stop blaming their affections with the music on the beat? The proverbial “I don’t listen to the lyrics” is shameful. You should listen to the lyrics. They’re about you and how low these so-called artists want your character to be.
We need a black music upgrade were real music artistry gets full recognition, financial support and the cultivation it deserves. Then your on-air talent will be chosen for their sophistication, class and wit.
Until then, you’ll have to get low, drop it like it’s hot and toot that thing up gurl!
Much bliss…
By Archie Bunker
July 23, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this
Hot 107.9 and V-103 cater to the ghetto trash of this city. No wonder that they do not have respect for anything or anybody. Their foul music encourages them to act lewd and nasty. This explains why all of them wear white tees and dress like skanks and strippers. Until they all have a reality check and stop popping out babies like roaches, the next generation will be doomed.
By Val
July 24, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
NEVER MIND… there is always going to be a certain segment of the population who will turn a healthy debate- difference of opinions into an opportunity to spew hate and separation of the classes. My God..people! Good luck to Romona, I enjoyed ya girl. Best wishes to the ENTIRE morning show and 107.9 radio station.
By Cynthia
July 24, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Maybe I missed something here but it seems that the only thing that they hate is the crazy music that’s destroying our people. And as far as class is concerned, the music actually creates the class division too.
Can you recall a time in black music history when we weren’t so polarized and divided about our music?
When someone makes a song called “Pop Lock And Drop It”, what class designation are they targeting?
Don’t you miss the days when we loved and embraced the same music as our parents? The music was respectful and actually brought us all together back then.
“What’s going on”, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”, “Ain’t no stopping us now”, were all favorites of ours and they didn’t have to worry about if they had the clean version or not.
Our parents can’t embrace this music today because the music itself spews hate – self hate. Who else talks about killing their own people and debasing their women? You won’t find a white artist talking about his women like that and getting away with it.
I think it is healthy to expose this sickness and root it out.
Remember: While we sleep, others are awake!
By Sonya
July 24, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Griff,
Do not let me people take you to a level where you do not have to be at honey. You know what a difference you make to the children, underpriviledged families and what a difference you try to make for our people. Now to everyone else* This blog is suppose to be about Ramona leaving the show, NOT tear our PEOPLE down.
Come on my people. Don’t we have enough problems with our communites to show these racist people like “Archie Bunker” that we can’t get along. We all can agree to disagree but tearing each other down is not the answer.
God Bless.
S.
By Sonya
July 24, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Griff,
Do not let me people take you to a level where you do not have to be at honey. You know what a difference you make to the children, underpriviledged families and what a difference you try to make for our people. Now to everyone else* This blog is suppose to be about Ramona leaving the show, NOT tear our PEOPLE down.
Come on my people. Don’t we have enough problems with our communites to show these racist people like “Archie Bunker” that we can’t get along. We all can agree to disagree but tearing each other down is not the answer.
God Bless.
S.
By Archie Bunker
July 24, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Sonya- why dont you go hug a tree, you big mouthed walrus!
By Yalanda
July 24, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this
Ramona Debreaux (the host) launches Chic Talk Television. A tongue-and-cheek talk show, where women discuss fashion, love, men and more. www.chicktalktv.com
By Val
July 24, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
CYNTHIA- Indeed you have missed something… actually alot! My comment were directed to “Archie Bunker” his comments were racist and divisive. But since you went there, I shall follow. Todays music is indeed dividing a community. However, it is no more dividing than the music of yesterday. Old Schoolers (which I am) need to remember their own music and the division it caused. I remember the emergence of rap- not as shocking as today but “White Lines” was shocking at the time. I recall Marvin Gaye singing “Sexual Healing” and the shock that it was being played on the radio. And don’t forget Betty Wright’s “Tonight is the Night” and my mother daring me to sing it! At the same time, I remember my mother swooning over Jackie Wilson. I totally agree that Rap has gotten out of hand but freedom of speech is just that. My children are now grown but they went from “Gansta” music to Crunk music to now crack music. I accepted the change and used it as an oppty to talk over many life issues, choices and decisions with them. My daughter rejected it and it’s messages. I’d like to see a change just as any other parent but I recognize just as my generation and generations before me pushed the envelope.. so will this one. I believe we have to accept change but not embrace it. So, they want to have X rated lyrics and videos- what we should be pushing for is to have this music sold and veiwed where it belong… in adult stores and pay per view. Hoping for censorship is like wishing on a star.
By Archie Bunker
July 24, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
Val- I speak the truth about the whorish and thuggish ways of most of your people…I’m sorry everyone wants to think its divisive but its the truth. Why do you think most decent people (black and white) dont want to have anything to do with the ghetto culture that has overtaken this town? Your culture needs a wake up call, but no one wants to admit that because your so called, stupid leaders are too concerned with accepting checks from corrupt preachers, spewing ignorant conspiracy theories on black radio, and accepting mediocrity.
By Archie Bunker
July 24, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
Val- I speak the truth about the whorish and thuggish ways of most of your people…I’m sorry everyone wants to think its divisive but its the truth. Why do you think most decent people (black and white) dont want to have anything to do with the ghetto culture that has overtaken this town? Your culture needs a wake up call, but no one wants to admit that because your so called, stupid leaders are too concerned with accepting checks from corrupt preachers, spewing ignorant conspiracy theories on black radio, and accepting mediocrity.
By Archie Bunker
July 24, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
Val- I speak the truth about the whorish and thuggish ways of most of your people…I’m sorry everyone wants to think its divisive but its the truth. Why do you think most decent people (black and white) dont want to have anything to do with the ghetto culture that has overtaken this town? Your culture needs a wake up call, but no one wants to admit that because your so called, stupid leaders are too concerned with accepting checks from corrupt preachers, spewing ignorant conspiracy theories on black radio, and accepting mediocrity.
By Val
July 25, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Archie- your response does not warrant a reply. Just remember “your” culture has some “Girls Gone Wild” too.
By Strong not Thug
July 25, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Well, I will speak on it! Archie Bunker You and some other non- blacks are so afraid- yeah I said it YOU ARE SO SCARED OF BLACK MEN, you see us as thugs. And whorish is the reason most black men turn to white women. But this blog is about music, so I won’t go into what culture or race is worse than the other. ALL have their degenerates. As for music- no race has a lock on trashy music. ROCK, if you could understand what they are screaming is no less vulgar. Take time and listen to country women lyrics. Hmmm, what they won’t do for a man. Rap music, yes it has gone too far, but again I stand with the freedom of speech. “We” as a race or culture (hip-hop) do not all accept or listen to such music. For every rap CD there are two, three, four or more black R&B, Jazz, Blues or pop cd’s. So please stop grouping all of “us” together- Don’t hate us, cause you can’t be thugs (strong) like us-
By solo
July 25, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
It is amazing that everyone shares the same views in the current state of music and radio locally,nationally and abroad. Instead of doing a blog make your thoughts actions and do not support those music genres, personalities, radio stations that degrade or segment us to a reality that we do not belong. Education is the only way to win.
Ramona is going to be better now. Things happen for a reason and trust that she is going to win in the end because she is truly happy everyday she gets up because she gets to make her own rules now. If we could only be so lucky…..
By miss e
July 26, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
i heard a few weeks ago that osei was moving over to hot 107.9 after porsche fox came back to do the 10-2 shift. i dont know how much truth there is to that. i wish ramona the very best. with the ever changing face of the music industry it’s only natural for radio to start making major changes to improve ratings and keep listeners. Hot 107.9 still has some major changes they need to make and adding gangsta grillz as a daily night-time show was not a change for the better. i guess i will just be listening to cd’s from 10-2 everyday now until they find a better replacement. hopefully they won’t hire from within b/c everyone that is currently on 107.9 can’t do the 10-2 and whoever this pizo in the crib guy is needs to STOP IT- IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!