Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2007 > October > 11 > Entry
10/12: Rhubarb being phased out? (UPDATED)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’ve noticed a recently reduced role for Rhubarb Jones on Eagle 106.7, your ears aren’t deceiving you. He is now only doing the show live from 7ish to 10 a.m. He does some taped bits for the 6 to 7 a.m. hours. “Southside” Steve is in the studio live from 5:30 to 8 a.m. and doing street bits as usual. Dallas McCade is on the entire four-plus hours. Victor Sansone, the boss, said he simply wanted to give Rhubarb an extra hour of sleep and this is nothing alarming. “He’s part of the woodwork,” Sansone said. “He’s been doing this for 25 years. He deserves to come in an hour later.”
The show has also started playing more music and cut back on talk, although the show was never known to be heavily talk anyway.
No word from “Southside” or Rhubarb. This is a strange arrangement and it’s unclear how tenable it is long term. I’m also not sure how much time Rhubarb has left on his contract but this certainly doesn’t bode well for a contract renewal next year. Rhubarb is the longest-running morning host in the market at 22 years. Many of his peers have left or are leaving the scene. Kimmer and Tom Hughes were cut from GST last December. Spiff Carner was let go from the same station Wednesday. And Steve & Vikki are gone from Star 94 November 2.
After I posted this entry, Sansone sent me an angry email, saying I interpreted this situation wrong. I initially wrote it appears Southside and Rhubarb are being separated. Sansone denied that and he also said Rhubarb is not being phased out. He said some morning shows are split from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. He wrote that this is “very common when you have a long tenured institution.” Seriously, I have never heard of such an arrangement, at least in Atlanta or during the time I’ve been covering radio since 2001. “Maybe you shouldn’t bother calling if you’re going to write your own version,” he wrote. “Southside is on the street, it might not be sexy enough for you, but its the truth. Don’t call me if you write what you just feel like writing.”
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By John
October 11, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this
I hope that Rhubarb will be staying for a while. I don’t like to see him treated that way. He’s an Atlanta icon, but I guess that’s what happens to icons nowadays.
By JY
October 11, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
Rhubarb is one of the most informed talent in the market. Keeps up with everything and everybody. A true resource if they allow it to happen. Maybe the Bull is forcing their hand. But it appears to be a lousy week for talent. McCoy and Spiff. Rhub in trouble. Many one other major morning show. Sounds like we’re about to start all over.
By se music hall
October 11, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
Troubling times at the Eagle for true country music fans. First, one institution, Country Gold Saturday Night, is unceremoniously dumped after 22 years. Then another institution, Rhubarb, appears to be on the way to being phased out or, at the least, marginalized.
By Rosalita
October 11, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
Don’t let Rhubarb go! He’s the soul of that station. It’s making us listen to 94.9 because they’re funnier! Southside Steve is stuck on himself, though he can be interesting, and Dallas is not good without Rhube.
By Judy D
October 12, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Thank you Rodney for at least finding out something about why Rhubarb has not been on the air for weeks. I have tried….I e-mailed the station three times with no response from them, I called and was told someone would call me back (no response) and I wrote a letter (to date - no response). The station is handling this ALL wrong….and it will not bode well for them!! Rhubarb Jones is the “gold standard” in early morning radio personalities! If he goes…so do I….I will not listen to 106.7 again!!!
By country fan
October 12, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
What about doing this to go after The Bull? They have one “edgy” type show on until 8am (something with some Bubba guy and another man) and then Paul Coffee comes on from 8am to 10am. Seems like the same formula to me. Southside is a little more “edgy” and at least has that persona from his Regular Guys days and Rhubarb is more comfortable and safe, like that Paul Coffee dude. Nothing controversial about either of them. Seems like Eagle is copying The Bull. Too bad Eagle’s doing it better.
By Jim
October 12, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Something doesn’t feel right here. The spring and fall rating periods are biggest when stations are at their best with bigger contests and lots of TV and billboards. It’s not the time a major morning talent’s role is reduced to a few hours a day. Isn’t this the same GM who replaced Moby on Kicks with two unknowns that bombed in a short time. I hope he understands in a world of slick radio Rhubarb stands out as a genuine because he’s the real deal. But for what Rhubarb’s probably being paid working less for the same money doesn’t sound like today’s radio world. Victor does better when he doesn’t say anything. He’s always misunderstood and is later quoted with his favorite quote: “you misunderstood.”
By Judy D
October 12, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
The Eagle has messed up big time if they think “Southside Steve” can EVER take the place of someone like Rhubarb Jones in the morning!! Southside Steve is about as country as Paris Hilton and I’m still trying to figure out what he bring to the morning show on 106.7……he is just loud, crude and rude!! Big mistake 106.7….Big Mistake!!
By gina
October 12, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
Sansone is the biggest jerk this side of Steak Shapiro. He is a huge phony and a snake. Ask those who know him and work for him. Always a bully right Victor?
By On the Carpet
October 12, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Oops!! Looks like Rodney needs to be taken On the Carpet by Kincade for delivering opinion instead of fact.
By DOA
October 12, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
The Bul Morning show ends at 8A what’s the difference?
By nick
October 12, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
so what about WSB, they have split shifts all over the place
By easyP
October 12, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
I was told years ago that “If Victor ever put his arm around you…look out for knife he is holding in his other hand.” He’s a sleezy pot head.
By Dacer
October 12, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter what you think of Rhubarb as a person. He delivers no content or ratings. The show is a mess and Victor Sansone is an idiot if he thinks anyone believes his horse*t.
Citadel/ABC is like every other Wall Street radio player. They are trying desperately to squeeze 50% profit margins in the few remaining years that they can, if they can with a bare bones staff and almost no resources.
By caller10
October 12, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
two things: Make this date, and see how long Rhubarb is still there. since you all expect eminent change, we will see if Victor is or is not stand up on what he is saying.
eagle is not a bare bones operation
By Michelle
October 15, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
It’s a shame “if” he is indeed being phased out! If he is just enjoying life with his wife and kids, then more power to him!
But please…get rid of that idiot “Southside Steve.” …poor Dallas is now stuck with him on her own!
By War Husky
October 19, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Dallas Rocks! Marry me! You are the best Country DJ! Dallas makes the Morning!