Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2009 > January > 28 > Entry
1/28: Magic 107.5 debuts, BET’s “Somebodies” not coming back, Don Sutton back
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today, Magic 107.5 has taken over for Smooth Jazz 107.5. As noted here before, syndicated hosts Steve Harvey and Michael Baisden will move over there soon. For a time, 102.5 and 107.5 will simulcast and mid-day syndicated talk-show hosts Warren Ballentine and Al Sharpton will soon go away. (See more below)
The simulcasting has not started yet. (Also, it might actually be named Majic. Why change the spelling? Who knows! I’m still awaiting confirmation of the spelling.)
The station is now straight R&B, competing directly with Kiss 104.1, which was Atlanta’s top station in December.
This past hour, Magic has played Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson, Barry White, Anita Baker, Betty Wright, D’Angelo, Rene & Angela, Raheem DeVaughn and Stephanie Miles. It appears to be skewing a smidge younger than Kiss. During the noon hour at Kiss, the station played the Whispers, Natalie Cole, Loose Ends, Minnie Riperton, Prince, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass and Lisa Fischer.
The expectation is Praise 97.5 will move to 102.5 at some point and Magic will simulcast on 107.5 (which skews Northeast) and 97.5 (which skews Southwest). Steve Harvey confirmed he will be on both stations with me earlier this week. I’m also sure Si-Man will move to middays between Harvey and Baisden.
The station head honcho Tim Davies provided an explanation for the end of Smooth Jazz at (www.1075wjzz.com](http://www.1075wjzz.com) noting the ratings were not high enough to justify its existence. (Interestingly, the smooth jazz format has played about half R&B anyway so the change is not incredibly jarring.)
Before 102.5 was Grown Folks Radio, it was Magic 102.5 so Radio One is reclaiming the old name under a new signal.
What do you think of these moves?
ABOVE: Hadjii checks out one the steadicams during the shoot in Athens of his show “Somebodies.”
-BET’s first scripted show “Somebodies” is not coming back.
Shot last summer in Athens and aired over the fall, the one-camera comedy was created by a UGA grad Hadjii. He confirmed the news to me today. Hadjii played a man unwilling to grow up. He was surrounded by wacky characters. It had a “Seinfeld”-ian quality to it, focused on people’s quirks and annoying behavior. Ratings were okay but not spectacular over its 10-episode run, averaging about 500,000 viewers. I thought the shows had potential, had their moments. It wasn’t slapstick; it wasn’t traditional in its approach.
“I’m not bitter,” he said. “We did our job. The marketing and PR, things out of our control, was not there.” He said the departure of the show’s ally and BET boss Reggie Hudlin last fall didn’t help matters.
“He wanted to change the reputation of BET,” Hadjii said. “We did our part. We were taking the network in the right direction. You can only do so much creatively and artistically.”
He’s shopping “Somebodies” elsewhere now and offering up other projects. He hopes to anything new he does will remain as a Georgia production. “We definitely want to stay here and follow the footsteps of Tyler Perry, turn this into our own little Hollywood.”
BET spokeswoman Michelle Clark said she does not have an official confirmation but I would tend to think if the creator says so, it’s true.
-Don Sutton is coming back as radio announcer for the Braves. (My colleague Dave O’Brien wrote the story.)[http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/01/27/braves_sutton.html]
-Fans of Warren Ballentine and Al Sharpton have a petition to get him back on the air in Atlanta. Here’s the press release:
Call To Action: Politically Motivated Radio Station to Dumb Down the Atlanta Market with the Removal of Warren Ballentine and Al Sharpton Based on Biased PPM Ratings The Peoples Attorney, Warren Ballentine, to be Removed from the Atlanta Station - 102.5 Grown Folks Radio.
Atlanta, GA, January 26, 2009: Information was received from a source that Radio One’s CEO will be phasing out Warren Ballentine and Al Sharpton’s radio slot on or about February 6, 2009. According to this source, Radio One is basing their decision off of the ratings, or lack thereof, of the Portable People Monitor (PPM). However, on January 7, 2009 Arbitron settled several PPM Lawsuits - the suits alleged that the rating company engaged in deceptive marketing in the deployment of its portable people meters. The New York suit also charged Arbitron with failing to disclose flaws in the New York PPM that resulted in the underrepresentation of African-American and Hispanic radio listeners, causing financial harm to minority broadcasters in the market, (http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/local-broadcast/e3i8e621449d41d95c1226913969aa0f808).
PPM ratings are based on audience estimates and are the opinion of Arbitron and should not be relied on for precise accuracy or precise representativeness of a demographic or radio market. Upon research of the December PPM Client Update, 1,946 people carried this monitor in the Atlanta market. Of the 1,946 persons selected, 623 were Black, 158 were Hispanic and 1,165 were an unspecified “other”, (http://www. arbitron. com/downloads/monthlyppmclientupdate12_31_08. pdf). The number of Black residents that did carry the PPM in the Atlanta market was not a concise enough consensus to base a decision to remove Warren Ballentine and Al Sharpton from the airwaves. Further, there is no way to definitively determine that the participants who carried the PPM were reflective of the demographic in which either show targets.
With regard to the aforementioned data Radio One’s decision is strictly based on presumptuous advertising dollars that was forecast according to listenership during the primary and presidential-election season. Bottom line the expectation and demand for quality programming, is assumed, no longer required in the Atlanta market now that President Obama is in office. It is totally incomprehensible to the vast majority of both host’s audiences that Radio One would take this stand being these two individuals have such a huge following. Listeners are disappointed with this decision and demand that Warren Ballentine and Al Sharpton remain on the air. Their shows educate and empower people to stand up and take action for themselves and in turn give back to their communities. Everything will be done to prevent the removal of these two moguls.The people will be heard!
A petition is being circulated to stop the removal of Warren Ballentine and Al Sharpton - http://www.PetitionOnline.com/truth241/petition.htm
Call, write, fax; Grown Folks Radio 102.5, 101 Marietta St. 12th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303, Office General Info: 404-765-9750 ask for Derek Harper, Office General Fax: 404-688-7686, General Manager: Tim Davies
Call, write, fax: 102.5 Corporate, Corporate: Radio One, Inc., 5900 Princess Garden Parkway, 7th FL, Lanham, MD 20706, 301.306.1111 main number, President, Alfred C. Liggins, III, emai: info@radio-one.com,email:IR@radio-one.com
Comments
By Kinia
January 28, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this
*Stop the madness*
I’ve learned a lot about politics, my community and people in general by tuning into Warren and Al daily. I’m extremely disappointed but not surprised to hear that those in high positions and behind closed doors would try to silence the voices that bring the truth to the public. Amazing how other shows that talk about nothing but trash or play music that encourages stupidity and low self esteem manage to slide by year after year without fear of being removed!
We have come too far to allow such non-sense without a fight. I’ve heard Warren long enough to know that a good fight is in store, and have no doubt that we will hear from him over the air waves in Atlanta again.
Truth fighters never sit idle, we can’t.
By Nick Wright
January 28, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
It shows that the Atlanta radio companies are suffering from a serious lack of ambition. You don’t expand the radio audience by consolidating all the stations in town to a handful of formats. Smooth Jazz may be on the way out, but trying to split Kiss’s pie is only a recipe for stagnation.
By Bud
January 28, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this
It’ll be good to have Don Sutton back. He’s smart, well spoken, and he’s a hall-of-fame pitcher who knows the game inside out. He’s a class act as well. Welcome back, Don!
By finally
January 28, 2009 6:14 PM | Link to this
I started listening at 8 am and they are repeating songs already, PLEASE you have almost 30 years worth of songs to pick from, seriously expand your playlist. 102.5 was a great station when they started, I had waited 20 years for a station that had their playlists and DJs but I live in Gwinnett and can’t hear it now even though it is mostly talk. I am hoping that they are just replaying songs frequently as more and more tune in and then they will NOT play the same song more than once a day.
By roberta
January 28, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this
Uh excuse me? Wasn’t it Magic 107.5 Atlanta’s R&B Oldies Station way back before Smooth Jazz or 102.5 was ever even thought about? Now that was a classic station, they brought James Brown here one time I think. This was back in the late 90s with Crystal Stevens and Don Alias. Then it went to today’s R&B and Jammin Oldies or something like that with Bob Mitchell in the afternoon. Interesting move let’s see how it works out.
By Cahee
January 28, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this
THAT JAZZ STATION WAS GREAT!!! HOW COULD THEY TOTALLY TAKE IT OFF!!! ATLANTA SUCKS!!! THE LAST THING IT NEEDS IS ANOTHER R&B OR RAP STATION! GIVE ME A BREAK! GET SOME CULTURE WOULD YOU! CAN YOU TELL I’M P’D OFF ABOUT THIS!
By jazzlistener
January 28, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this
Former WJZZ listeners, if you’re missing Smooth Jazz, check out www.ijazzglobal.com. It’s run by the former programmer of the Smooth Jazz station in Philadelphia, and features a live webstream playing a great variety of all forms of jazz, plus much more to do and see on the ijazzglobal.com website. Easy way to get your Smooth Jazz fix.
By Rich
January 28, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this
Stupid decision to make 107.5 all R&B. We don’t need another station like that when we have next to nothing when it comes to Jazz. Thank goodness we still have WCLK (for now)
By randall andrews
January 28, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this
Im so glad that smooth jazz is now magic! Atlanta needs a SERIOUS R&B hits and oldies station. Kiss 104.1 does not even compare to a variety. Don’t get me wrong…. I love 104.1 because I love old school r&b…. but that’s all they play… 107.5 will bring that variety that is missing when it comes to r&b radio in atlanta. 102.5 was becoming talk…lol move warren ballentine and al sharpton to AM lol…. seriously…take them off FM and put on some music in the midday… not them talkin! Now only if they would get rid of michael baisden and put on monique in the afternoons! Oh yea… throw some gospel in on sunday mornings atleast until noon. Im really excited about the change…. if y’all still want jazz…. tune in to WCLK….91.9 they have a great variety of jazz…. I don’t think they will be goin anywhere they’re member supported and the members LOVE WCLK…not to mention…it’s a broadcast service of the GREAT… Clark Atlanta University!!!!!!
By randall andrews
January 29, 2009 12:00 AM | Link to this
Im so glad that smooth jazz is now magic! Atlanta needs a SERIOUS R&B hits and oldies station. Kiss 104.1 does not even compare to a variety. Don’t get me wrong…. I love 104.1 because I love old school r&b…. but that’s all they play… 107.5 will bring that variety that is missing when it comes to r&b radio in atlanta. 102.5 was becoming talk…lol move warren ballentine and al sharpton to AM lol…. seriously…take them off FM and put on some music in the midday… not them talkin! Now only if they would get rid of michael baisden and put on monique in the afternoons! Oh yea… throw some gospel in on sunday mornings atleast until noon. Im really excited about the change…. if y’all still want jazz…. tune in to WCLK….91.9 they have a great variety of jazz…. I don’t think they will be goin anywhere they’re member supported and the members LOVE WCLK…not to mention…it’s a broadcast service of the GREAT… Clark Atlanta University!!!!!!
By CeeCee
January 29, 2009 12:00 AM | Link to this
Guys, they’re not ADDING another R&B station.
WAMJ (102.5) is moving to 107.5.
Frankly, I thought that the talk needed to be put on AM somewhere. With all due respect to Warren & Al, when I want talk, I can seek it on a TALK station, rather than in the middle of my music station. ALWAYS thought that it was a poor fit.
I just hope that other than that, they don’t mess with WAMJ’s format. I like it fine just the way that it is.
By randall andrews
January 29, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this
Im so glad that smooth jazz is now magic! Atlanta needs a SERIOUS R&B hits and oldies station. Kiss 104.1 does not even compare to a variety. Don’t get me wrong…. I love 104.1 because I love old school r&b…. but that’s all they play… 107.5 will bring that variety that is missing when it comes to r&b radio in atlanta. 102.5 was becoming talk…lol move warren ballentine and al sharpton to AM lol…. seriously…take them off FM and put on some music in the midday… not them talkin! Now only if they would get rid of michael baisden and put on monique in the afternoons! Oh yea… throw some gospel in on sunday mornings atleast until noon. Im really excited about the change…. if y’all still want jazz…. tune in to WCLK….91.9 they have a great variety of jazz…. I don’t think they will be goin anywhere they’re member supported and the members LOVE WCLK…not to mention…it’s a broadcast service of the GREAT… Clark Atlanta University!!!!!!
By boduk
January 29, 2009 12:06 AM | Link to this
You also have Jazz on 89.3 WRFG Mon-Fri 10pm to 12Pm and on Saturday morning 9am until 11am. Real Jazz! Plus, Blues Mon-Fri 6a to 10a and Sun 7a until 9a.
By G5
January 29, 2009 7:07 AM | Link to this
I loved Smooth Jazz. It was always nice to turn on mellow music when the day was getting a little stressful. Plus, I would turn it on the radio when the kids were going to sleep. Atlanta Radio is dying a slow painful death. Thank god for my IPod.
By David
January 29, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this
I’d like to thank the genius that decided to get rid of smooth jazz for another R & B station. It just goes to show that you along with the governor are the leading j** of the state of Georgia. I will no longer be listening to the new station or format. Instead I will be listening 91.9 for jazz.
By Nancy
January 29, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this
I will truely miss 107.5, even though it wasn’t a “true” jazz station, it was a nice break from the usual. On a Sunday evening, listening to 107.5 was the choice. As far as 102.5, it will be nice to clearly hear them on 107.5 without the interference of other stations. And I will be able to hear Steve Harvey on my radio at work instead of streaming….I will miss Warren and Al, if they decide to take them off. I thought their fit was perfect between Steve and Michael Baisden. It gave them the audience to try and reach more people with their message. The AM frequency is not strong enough, unless you are 790, The Zone, or 750, WSB.And we all know they are not getting rid of either. 1380 AM is okay but again the frequency is not strong unless you are streaming and you can’t stream in your car….I really hope they reconsider Warren and Al….
By so glad
January 29, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this
Dittoing everything randall andrews said…..kiss is cool, but Atlanta has seriously been missing an adult r&b station with r&b hits and oldies (1990s oldies…not all 1960s oldies)….102 was becoming too talk heavy……
By sharon
January 29, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
Will Warren and Rev Al still be heard via internet. Thats all I want to know. I mean I feel for the people that do not have access to a computer, but as long as I can stream both of them, I will be fine. I am at work during the time these two shows are on the air, so it won’t affect me that much. That is, until the signal messes up and I can’t get them online. I do think it is a shame though, these two gentlemen have very, very, very informative shows. Not just about politics. They are just plain informative about the BLACK PROSPECTIVE.
By Camille
January 29, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
Love Magic 107.5, just what someone needs during the day at work…even though I can hardly do my work…such a great selection of songs. Will miss Smooth Jazz, but I love this station.
By Camille
January 29, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this
Love Magic 107.5, just what someone needs during the day at work…even though I can hardly do my work…such a great selection of songs. Will miss Smooth Jazz, but I love this station.
By barb
January 29, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this
Another example that Atlanta radio does not care about their listeners. Smooth Jazz was great and it makes me sad and angry that it is gone. I will not be listening to the new format.
By randall andrews
January 29, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this
I cant believe you ppl think “atlanta radio does not care about their listeners” if you want jazz… you have options! 91.9, other stations that were listed on here for jazz….and if all else fails.. put some jazz on your ipod, buy some jazz cds… GET OVER IT! OMG!!! lets face it… the ratings for smooth jazz was down. thats the very reason majic is here to run the game lol
By barb
January 29, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this
Thank you SOOOO much to the person who suggested I go to ijazzglobal. I checked it out at once and I love it. Thank you thank you
By TLD
January 29, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this
Rating People,not Atlanta, not the Governor or the Mayor caused the changed. If you loved it so much then you should have supported it. I have been to several concerts and festivals for this station 107.5 and the ticekts sales were bad. I filled out several listener surveys telling them to stop playing the same CONTEMPORARY jazz over and over. I got tired of the same artist over and over. I love 91.9 because they give you a VARIETY of jazz (Real Jazz) I have been through several changes with the radio stations here in Atlanta and my advice is like the other person. If you don’t show support “Get Over It.” It’s all about money and sponsors. Frankly I’m looking another change.
By Rod
January 29, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this
The smooth jazz format wasn’t great. How can R&B artists be considered jazz? It was very difficult listening to Boney James and then hearing Anita Baker right afterwards. That’s why smooth jazz stations are folding. Look at WQCD in NY. I think it was in the market for 20 years there and they changed it. The format needed someone to stand up and play 90% jazz instead of having it 50%/50%.
By Tupac Fan
January 29, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this
I just want to say I agree with the poster Randall Andrews.I want to hear more variety from the 80’s, 90’s and today and so far I like what I hear fron Majic 107.5 and while I know there are no live DJ’s yet,it’s still good for me….That stuff wasn’t Jazz anyway,it was just lite FM,not Jazz.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about knowledge so I seek it for myself and I love Ballentine and Sharpton at times but the depression they peddle is a bit redundant for me.To me they are the opposite side of Bush Limpballs,he sells racism and all of them dumb down their listeners by either keeping you depressed or mad.
By Sean Bissette
January 30, 2009 8:16 AM | Link to this
I hate that WJZZ 107.5 is no longer jazz, but it seems like a lot of stations now are either getting rid of the format or mixing it with a lot of R&B songs and pop music, giving it a watered down feel. I don’t understand why they want keep at least one of the smaller signals (102.5 or 97.5) smooth jazz.
To all the jazz fans missing smooth jazz on 107.5, check out “The .wav (wavjazz.net) for some of the best contemporary jazz around.
By jo
January 30, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this
Terrible decision. The old 107.5 was the only choice in northeast atlanta for some sort of jazz and smooth listening. Had it on every evening to unwind. I cant stand R&B/Rap so it Sirius at home too. Another poor decision for atlanta radio.
By CassandraR
January 30, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
Wow, that’s unfortunate!! We should learn to appreciate all types of music and artists. I’m going to miss the jazz, it would always get me through my work day, easy listening.
By CassandraR
January 30, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
Wow, that’s unfortunate!! We should learn to appreciate all types of music and artists. I’m going to miss the jazz, it would always get me through my work day, easy listening.
By CassandraR
January 30, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this
Wow, that’s unfortunate!! We should learn to appreciate all types of music and artists. I’m going to miss the jazz, it would always get me through my work day, easy listening.
By Tricia
February 2, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
Why is Jazz so hard to keep on Atlanta radio stations? Smooth Jazz was a real pleasure in a town so into Hip Hop & Country. Please find a way to bring it back. The clubs are nice but radio is all access. Does anyone remember Piedmont Park & The Atlanta Jazz Festivals??
By Tricia
February 2, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this
Why is Jazz so hard to keep on Atlanta radio stations? Smooth Jazz was a real pleasure in a town so into Hip Hop & Country. Please find a way to bring it back. The clubs are nice but radio is all access. Does anyone remember Piedmont Park & The Atlanta Jazz Festivals??
By Tricia
February 2, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this
Why is Jazz so hard to keep on Atlanta radio stations? Smooth Jazz was a real pleasure in a town so into Hip Hop & Country. Please find a way to bring it back. The clubs are nice but radio is all access. Does anyone remember Piedmont Park & The Atlanta Jazz Festivals??
By Sydney
February 4, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this
I think we have too many radio stations playing the same thing. We really need a neo soul station that plays current ( not POP) r & b. New Soul Artist like Anthony David and Algebra…
By Dee
February 4, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
I agree, why is it so hard to keep a good contemporary Jazz station on the radio in Atlanta? I know there is a large audience for Jazz here in Atlanta. I do enjoy the new 107.5, but I wish they could have moved the Jazz station someplace else. I will truly miss it. Not everyone has access to the internet to listen to contemporary Jazz. I also listen to 91.9, but Smoothth Jazz was my favorite when I want to get away from R&B. I hope the new 107.5 does not get into the same rut as 104.1 & 102.5(I love those stations as well), but they do not have enough variety.
By Dwight
February 5, 2009 12:23 AM | Link to this
It is sad to see smooth jazz 107.5 leave,but in my opinion it is their own fault! Not enough variety in the playlists, same songs over and over again. I am in and out my vehicle 8-10 hours a day(sales) and was a loyal listener,sent this complaint in to them and very little changed.Besides, most of the jazz??they played was nothing more than cover songs which get boring very quickly. We have two R&B stations already do we really need three? I will listen more to 91.9 plus try ijazzglobal.
By Lexus
February 5, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this
I am so disappointed in the switch. I too agree Atlanta needs to step to the plate and embrace all genre’s. There are more than enough Oldies, or R&B stations here. Nothing worth listening to on the radio anymore. I’ve gone back 104.1, will check out ljazzglobal.
By Regina
February 5, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this
One word on the subject…Sirius…
By Sean Morgan
February 7, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this
A prime example of why I moved to Sirius…
By Jim
February 9, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this
I find this most interesting! yes, the “former” station was very repetitive in their music…but you are no different with your repetitive “porn” sexually explicit music. Already offices all across the city that played “their” music AREN’T playing yours due to the offensive nature of this so-called new sound. they too have an “audience” to think of and it’s not with your new “porn” sound. Sad!
By Pamela
February 10, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
I love this station!!! Please don’t leave again!!! this is what us grown folks needed. 107.5 magic is the best station on with a variety of old and new. Loves it!!! Better than all the others…keep it coming!!!
thank You
By Will
February 10, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
I to am dissapointed that WJZZ107.5 changed formats to R & B. That’s the last thing ATL needed. Another typical example of corporate america looking out for its wallet, not it’s listeners. I have seen this happen over / over in Atlanta, they wont last a year, and they will convert to Amigo Radio.
By G5
February 10, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
Smooth Jazz was great. Commercial radio keeps getting worse and worse and I’m not going to pay for something I can get free. Besides, satellite radio is living on the brink of extinction anyway. All I have to say is Thank God for my Ipod. I can listen to what I want when I want. I have a choice of thousands of songs as opposed to the 10 songs radio plays.
By TiasNan
February 11, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
Kudos to the person who suggested ijazzglobal.com!!!! Now THIS is smooth jazz. After five minutes I knew that not only had I found what was missing when 107.5 was broadcasting half heartedly as smooth jazz (true all smooth jazz format); but what I will be listening to at work and at home. Eons better than the crap I’ve had to suffer through for years on radio.
By FNG
February 12, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
If they weren’t making money, how could they stay in business for 30 years? What kind of business operates with no money for 30 years? Sounds fishy to me. Sounds like more of the same “get rid of smart Black radio (or anything) and replace it with non-offensive trash”.
By Sebrina
February 12, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
My friend Gerald warned me that the people in Atlanta were ignorant as hell before I moved here. And here I thought by having informative talk radio in this market Atlanta was stepping up it’s game by being informed and passionate about what is happening in the nation and the world. Now I find out that just as my friend warned me, so sad, it’s true the ignorant truly are bliss and want to stay that way.
By gapeach4peace
February 12, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this
I am very disappointed in Atlanta radio and insulted that you have reduced the urban community to one format of music, R&B .
I have many of the same sentiments as other postings however I must say my piece.
First, I loved the smooth jazz station. It played the music that added comfort and easy listening to my day during stressful times. I did not like the R&B mix during air play but aside from that it worked and I learned to loved it.
Additionally, I loved the talk radio element of Warren Ballentine and Al Sharpton. Once I stopped and listened to what they had to say, I recognized they both were very informative. We were educated and informed of matters and issues accurately and truthfully-what radio and journalism is supposed to do.
It is a disgrace that Radio One has made a choice, in my opinion that goes against its original and true purpose in our community.
By red9th
February 13, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this
I’m not the brightest person in the world,but i’ve learned a lot listening to Warren &Al.All thes people talking about how good the change will be,probably has everything they like to hear in thier I-Pod,BlackBerry,Etc.so what’s wrong with some real truth from time to time.Wake the hell up people!!!!
By Marlo
February 16, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
This is absolutely ridiculos, I am sick and tired of music. I need to be informed. If I want to hear music I’ll play a CD, ipod, and yess I still have a tape recorder. This is not the change we can believe in.
By Montre Everett
February 16, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
Let me get this straight. You keep the programs that simply play music and tell jokes (no offense to Steve Harvey) but you get rid of the programs that inform and enlighten people? It’s because of Warren and Rev. Sharpton that so many people are now more socially involved in their communities. Looks like more shuckin and jivin’ wins again…
By nikki
February 16, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this
This is the worst possible move ever. I have been listening to talk radio since the days of Dr. Laura and Clark Howard oldest daughter was in elementary school. I was so overjoyed/uplifted/inspired/educated/entertained by the format of 102.5 that it was the ONLY radio station I listened to. Now I won’t listen to any of the Radio One owned stations based on principle. Tim Davies(others in mgmt) is a clown for making such an decision poor decision on the heels of this historic election. To co-sing another comment…just trying to keep up the schuckin and jivin…SAD commentary for Atlanta radio and the Radio One Corporation
By A. Campbell
February 16, 2009 9:27 PM | Link to this
I miss my jazz station and it’s only been a month. This 2nd time since the 80’s that our beloved jazz has been take from the airwaves here in Atlanta. My jazz CDs only go so far and satelite radio is about to go bankrupt. I like R&B, Gospell and Hip-Hop, but I have to have my Jazz while on my one hour commute to keep the road rage at bay. I do understand that all over the country that this kind of consolidation is occuring in the radio community. We must leave in place black talk radio for our community must stay informed. It amazed me how many of the people that I encounter over the past few years who were listening to blacktalk radio. I thought for the longest that I was on an island by myself listening to any talk radio when it came to black issues. I pray that my jazz and blacktalk will be back.
By al
February 18, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
al sharpton is a racsist. he’s says hateful, hurtful things and gets us all fired up…people wake up…he’s a cruel man
By dabdel
February 20, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
I’m disappointed as I often tuned into Warren B. during my lunch break. I felt he and Al Sharpton provided the best avenue for knowledge regarding the Black community and the important issues within. Keep in mind that Neil Bork is on the a.m. station during the same hour mostly providing the the negativities of our communities. It was refreshing to tune into Warrena and Al to know what’s really going on. Also, ATL listeners play a very active role, as many ‘Truth Fighters’ come out of here. It’s sounding a little suspicious to me that they would take them off the air here of all places. Hummmm….
By dabdel
February 20, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
I’m disappointed as I often tuned into Warren B. during my lunch break. I felt he and Al Sharpton provided the best avenue for knowledge regarding the Black community and the important issues within. Keep in mind that Neil Bork is on the a.m. station during the same hour mostly providing the the negativities of our communities. It was refreshing to tune into Warrena and Al to know what’s really going on. Also, ATL listeners play a very active role, as many ‘Truth Fighters’ come out of here. It’s sounding a little suspicious to me that they would take them off the air here of all places. Hummmm….
By Vera
February 24, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this
What a big mistake!!! I do not like majic 107.5. Whomever made this mistake needs to be in tune to the Atlanta people. I loved th 107.5 “Smooth Jazz” So relaxing when driving these rediculous roadways. Please bring back “Smooth Jazz”
By Precious
February 25, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
Outrageous! what is really going on!! First of all, Atlanta has a huge smooth jazz market, following and is desperately needed. You only need to look at the artists that perform here, the revenue captured, the various sold out shows from Chastain Park to the free Jazz at Centennial Park. How could Atlanta even think they can compete with real cities and not have a smooth jazz station. What a joke! The politics stink with this entire thing and that is why the city will never really be taken seriously. Secondly, both Warren Ballantine and Al Sharpton have been pioneers in the advancement of educating all people on the political enviornment of our country and there is not a day that goes by that you dont have Atlanta folks on the phone to speak and give an opinion. So you tell me, what poll was this that determined there was no market here for them either?? What a crock and it is horrible with this being a predominate african american city. Again, just another disrespectful slap in the face to the grown, mature, folks here who DO NOT WANT TO HEAR R&B ALL DAY LONG! AND WHO WANT TO HEAR OUR ADVOCATES.
This is enough to make you move out of this city. Yes, I said it.