Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2008 > July > 08 > Entry
7/9: Whatever happened to… Chris Krok?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former WSB-AM night-time talk-show host Chris Krok, who was being groomed at WSB-AM to be the next Boortz, was quietly dismissed last December just days after winning an Achievement in Radio Award at the March of Dimes fundraiser.
He’s been busy filling in for talk show hosts across the country and seeking new employment. And he’s finally answering a few questions for me via email. He shed no light on why he was dismissed. I suspect even he doesn’t know and he skipped over my questions asking him whether he was given any clue that WSB brass wasn’t happy with him. If he was bitter about his dismissal, he’s not conveying it in his email comments.
Krok, who worked at the station for nearly two years, has a Web site up dubbed www.chriskrok.com where he lists which stations he’s going to be working at in upcoming weeks.
He focused heavily on local issues and was often frenetic and passionate about causes. His biggest issue was illegal immigration, whch led to two big rallies, which drew hundreds of people. (That photo above is from the second one last year.)
Here are some of his answers to some of my questions:
What was your reaction when you were cut after two years on WSB-AM?
It’s radio. It happens. It’s not the first time, nor will it be the last!
Do you feel you improved and matured over your two years on the air?
Absolutely! The past two years were a fantastic growing period for me. [Program director] Pete Spriggs is the best boss I’ve had. He taught me a lot.
Obviously, the staff liked you cos you won that AIR award. How did people react when they found out a few days later you were gone? Any words of wisdom from Clark or Neal?
People were as surprised as I was. Clark and I went to IHOP! I brought the coupon, no kidding!!
What have you been doing since you left WSB-AM?
Full details, including a blog are on the new website: www.chriskrok.com. But for the most part, I’ve been filling in at great stations like WLS/Chicago, WMAL/D.C., KLIF/Dallas and in markets like Vegas, Portland, OR and Phoenix. I’ll be filling in for two network shows [including G. Gordon Liddy] later this month.
Tell me a bit about your Krok summer tour?
The Summer Tour concept came as we were creating the new website. It’s a neat way for listeners to see where I’m at and when I’m on..FUN! As to why I’m on all these stations…..As I Iook for my next opportunity, I get a chance to showcase myself. Some of these stations are checking me out for employment. Others love having a guy of my caliber on their station to fill in. So, it keeps my skills sharp while I pursue my next challenge in radio.
Any chance you think you can stay in Atlanta?
Who knows! We’d love to stay. If any news breaks, we’ll put it up on the site, I promise!
Have you listened to much Atlanta radio since you left WSB? Any shows you like? Dislike?
Not much listening, as I’m focused on national news and local news in the markets I’m busy filling in at.
What do you feel you contributed most to WSB while you were there? Highlights?
Getting out on the streets. Making causes and making them happen. Getting people passionate and stirred up. Doing it Krok-style, baby! Highlights? You can see them on the website, complete with pictures at www.chriskrok.com.
What did you like most about the WSB-AM gig?
A tie: my boss, Pete Spriggs and the resources!
What hot-button issue in Atlanta would you be honing in on now if you were still on the air?
As I mentioned, I’m focusing more on national stories and local stories in local markets outside of Atlanta that I’m filling in for.
And are you smoking more or less since you left the station? And are you jogging more or less?
I quit [smoking] last August, while still at WSB! I jog less, b/c my schedule is a bit hectic, filling in for different stations, different time zones and different shifts! You really want to see what I’ve been up to? Check out the blog on the website!! It has some interesting pics with me and the kids!
Comments
By Al
July 8, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Do you think WSB fired Krok because his show sucked?
By Randall Bloomquist
July 8, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
I wanted to hire Krok after WSB fired him, but Deskins said we only needed one person to clean the toilets, and since that’s my job, I’m not about to fire myself!
Bip! Bop! Diddlewhack! Boing!
By Chuck Deskins
July 8, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
Bloomquist, you big moron! There’s a reason why you are known as the Colonel Klink of Atlanta radio programming. Now get back to cleaning the toilets in The Building of Death!
By Phil
July 8, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
I’ve been wondering where he’s at or what he’s been doing. Though his show was actually pretty good. I strongly preferred him to Savage.
By Neil
July 8, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Maybe I was wrong about him. He seems so genuine. I just wish he had a website so I could get in touch with him.
Hey Rodney, how about finding Denny Shaffer and Ian Punnett while your at it? It could be a trilogy of Atlanta radio nobodies.
By Doofy
July 8, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Denny has been back on the radio at WCWA/1230 in Toledo,OH from 10:00am to Noon weekdays.
Punnett? Who cares?
By "Hurricane" Randall Bloomquist
July 9, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
I have nude photos of John Hogan’s wife. Thats why I havent been fired yet.
By Tom
July 9, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
I’m sure all future journalism majors can take notes from Rodney. What exactly does cos mean anyway in that usage?
By john hogan
July 9, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
And I have nude photos of the Mays brothers and Larry Craig. How else could a guy who’s cost the company a billion plus get a five year exetension?
By Andy
August 6, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
He’s">http://www.kroktalk.com">He’s still around.