Sports Columnists

By Mayhem

March 7, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait to hear Nick read this article in his best Furman on Monday.

By ozzfest

March 7, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

We love you Furman, but the only radio-related question we want answered is this: Munson 2008?

By FSJR

March 7, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bisher you are 100% on point:

1. I switch back and forth too.

2. I tune in for sports talk not skirt talk and when they start that, they lose me too. It’s like the sports bars here are turning into “meat markets” the sports talk radio guys can be “meat market” too.

Belue and Kincaid mainly stay on point (sports) the majority of their shift while the others…one morning commute (one hour) was filled with nothing sports related (award shows, Idol-mania) which made my drive miserable.

Anybody know of a sports bar that’s still a sports bar? I’m about to break down and get a 40…inch that is.

By GM R

March 7, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

I’m afraid Mr Bisher that you haven’t heard much sports radio outside the south. Truth is that both the Zone and the Fan are very poor imitations of their equivalents in the North East. Steak Shapiro was chased out of the Imus show on 680 the Fan in NY. Buck and Kinkade offer no real insights into local teams - nothing you didn’t already know. Listen to Mike and the Mad Dog if you ever get the chance - brash for sure - but they have forgotten more about NY sports than their counterparts on the Zone and Fan down here will ever know.

By biggerthanbigdawg

March 7, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Chris Dominio is the real talent at 790. He gives a lot of insight into baseball and other sports as well. Kincade, I like his passion but he has recently tried to come off like a Don Imus junior, shock jock type and does not pull it off. Celini and Bell on 790 are the clowns of their programs and they do an excellent job at doing that. There is a chick on the Mayhem show, I can’t remember her name, and she keeps every thing together sorta like a Leslie Fram. All in all both stations are really good.

By 680 is No Bueno!!!!

March 7, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

I do not listen to 680 at all. I have tried to listen but it is very boring. They only have 2 shows that are broadcast here in Atlanta. The other shows are syndicated. I want to know what is going on here in Atlanta, not some other place. If I want to know what’s going on elsewhere, I will use the internet and tune in to ESPN. That’s another thing, the only guests on 680 are those you can find on ESPN. They lack an inside guy with the Braves, unlike Chris Dimino at the 790. That guy is the greatest baseball guy and is good friends with lots of Braves players. Where was 680 when 790 was down at Spring Training giving you interesting insight into the game and the players lives? Although I do have to admit that some of the guys on 790 are full of themselves and can’t stand them sometimes. If they did not just “keep in in the family” with their hiring policies (if you know what I mean), they would be leaps and bounds better than 680. 680 better watch out because if 790 gets a better signal, they might just steal every listener.

By No Market Share

March 7, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Has anyone actually looked at the market share of the sports talk stations in town? It’s a joke. Their market share is completely inconsequential in the overall radio game. These guys are so small, that WSB doesn’t even know they exist.

By Ernie Hemingway

March 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

I can take only an occasional slice of Atlanta sports talk radio. They babble mostly about things they’ve read in the newspaper that morning.

The Zone features a group of northeast know-it-alls, two guys with a Jessie Jackson agenda who mangle the English language and Mike Bell—who never EVER shuts up.

Buck is okay in a slow-witted Andy Griffith kind of way but Kincaid is a little too mean-spirited for me. He gets downright nasty with callers who disagree with him.

All in all, I think I’ll stick with the financial advice shows.

By Gene

March 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

I enjoy Buck Beleu but find Kincaid a little shrill. Some of the others on ESPN are just too silly. I am significantly younger than Furman, but I well remember listening to Mel Allen call baseball and some football on the radio in the 1950’s. Mel went to the same high school as my father, and my uncle knew him. We had an annual with Mel Israel’s photo that is long gone. There was a biography of Allen that came out a few years ago that was good reading about Allen other radio announcers. My brother listened to the one-game playoff between the Yankees and Boston in 1949. It must have been on WSB. He has a perfect memory of it. That was a bit before my listening days, but I remember smuggling transistor radios to highschool and listening to the World Series in the early 60’s. I am not sure that things have changed for the better.

By jock

March 7, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Great column, Furman!

The Fan’s Chris (or is it Rick..)Rude still thinks he is on 96 Rock (the corney voices, the drug comments, being devil’s advocate) and the Zone’s crew are too much into strip clubs, strippers and booze (Steak owning a club got something to do with it?).

I don’t care about American Idol, I don’t need to know what goes on at the local club and I DO want to know what is going on in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. P’s me off when the playoffs are on and all we hear about is Spring exibition baseball….AGH!

My morning drive time (6-7am) is screwed for sports talk. The Fan jabbering about some TV show and the Zone’s signal is sooo weak, it won’t come in. It’s NPR for me!

By stevethehawk

March 7, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

GM R,

Somehow Mike and the Mad Dog became the standard by which “2-man buddy system” sports talk in measured. And its a shame b/c they are sooooo overrated. They dont offer much either. You are probably a NY sports fan, so listening to them interests you more than hearing about ATL sports and CFB. Their Zone and fan counterparts dont have to know about NY sports? Why should they? Bad point GM R. There’s another side to that coin…ATL sports and college football, thats what the Fan and Zone people have to know about…knowledge Mike and the Mad Dog lack. So turn off the dial and tivo MIke and the Madgog on YES if you want to hear about the Jankees and the Los Mets.

By southside z

March 7, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

steak is gonna be p** (ego manic that he is) // furman prefers 680 hahaha- i do too when im not on the 100.5//but if you want real morning radio, give us a listen because(as our motto states) WERE EXPLODING ALL OVER ATLANTA FACE!!!!!!! YEA C’MON

By Lou

March 7, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

The Rude Awakening is simply terrible. I can literally snooze through their show. I do however switch to them when 790 goes to break. The 790 guys are pompous, but entertaining nonetheless. Folks, it’s entertainment. As much as I love sports, it’s good to hear convesation outside the sports world every now and then - and 790 does an excellent job of balancing this.

Buck and Kincaid aren’t bad, but when the day comes that Belue stands up for something, will be the day that pigs fly. To his credit, he does his best to not ruffle any feathers.

By Joe Bland

March 7, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Furman, it’s good to know I may still enjoy the chicas if I’m fortunate enough to reach near 90.

By harry

March 7, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

I second the first line second paragraph. Our’s was a Freed(?) with three knobs one for tuning, one for volume and one that didn,t do anything. Only one station - WCCO out of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Remember sunny, warm late fall days listening to World Series outside(neighbor had a better radio - a portable.) Don’t listen to sport talk radio or neal boortz. Good column. Always enjoy reading your columns!

By Mike

March 7, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Is this a column or an ad for 680 the fan?

Buck and Kincaid bore me to tears. At least the Stewart brothers know how to entertain.

By Nick

March 7, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Anything is betterthen those two thugs on 790 in the afternoon. They are pathetic. Pretty sad that they don’t even know English. They will be off the air in no time. Maybe they can start Ebonics radio?

By B. Thenet

March 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Middlebury Football?? All of a sudden he’s Dennis Miller with the obscure name drops.

We have two pretty decent sports talk stations here in Atlanta, and that is better than most cities get.

By gcrunk

March 7, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

For the guy looking for a good Sports Bar that is not a meat market go to Famous Pub in Toco Hills Shopping Center..they will switch to any game you want.

By James

March 7, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Market share??? Sports talk is not for Geeks and Nerds,go away Dude.Great job Furman.

By The Truth

March 7, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Great comments, Bisher! (and stop stealing my handle above, poser) … 790 wants to be some tamed down version of Howie Stern, while 680 is about passion for the sport, even if most Atlanta sports fans don’t give two back flips about hockey.

By southside z

March 7, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Ill eat that bush with butter but i aint gonna eat that stalk

//yea c’mon

By GH

March 7, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

790 is far more entertaining then 680. The fans morning show is extremely boring and Rude really doesn’t know sports. The guys at 790 may get off on their tangents, but when he comes to the local teams no one covers them better. The week 790 was in Orlando for spring training was by far the most entertaining radio. It seems 790 has a better relationship with our local franchise’s. They definitely have better interviews with local players then 680.

By Johnny

March 7, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Both stations suck, worst in the nation. No one cares about there wives or girlfriends. Here’s a thought, since they are both sports talk station, TRY TALKING ABOUT SPORTS. Thank god for ESPN on SIRIUS

By New York Teams Suck

March 7, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

GM R, You’re an absolute tool. Go back to New Yawk and chew on a rotten hoagie. No one here gives a crap about NY’s overrated spawts teams and their pathetically overhyped rivalies. We get plenty of that garbage from the Yankees/Red Sox network, er, ESPN. Get a clue moron. You’re in the Atl. Most of us want the Yankees, Mets and Knicks to rot.

By Bubba Grump

March 7, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Furman is dead on the money! 680 is definately better than 790 overall. I do switch back and forth and do prefer the local shows to the syndicated ones as someone else said earlier. 680 should add one to their mid day lineup. I absolutely despise Mary Lorentino and his USC / Mets rule crap. He needs to go! John Kincade needs to be fired and replaced with someone else. Buck does a good job most of the time. On 790 the the morning show is half decent sometimes, the Two Live Stews are totally unbearable and the Saloon show in the afternoons just is plain stupid. Bad comedy is not what I am wanting on my drive home. I have heard Chuck Oliver say several things lately that were later proven VERY wrong (Turner no way going to the Falcons for example). I wish WSB did more sports. Sometimes Clark Howard is more interesting than 680 and 790! GO DAWGS!!

By Smart Guy

March 7, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Funny, The Stews are criticized yet they are a nationally syndicated show and the others are not. Stew on that!!

By FluffAlbright

March 7, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Kincaid is a complete hack. A Cowherd sycophant who even steals from his own partner. His MO consists of picking up the newspaper and then kicking whoever is down…how original!! His act is tired and transparent and I’m very surprised ESPN gave him a gig.

By Gene

March 7, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I forgot to mention Red Barber who ended up on NPR until he died in the early 90’s. Those old timers were gentlemen and did not feel the need to be insulting or patronizing. Furthermore, they knew how to use the English language, which seems to be a lost art.

By Thrash1

March 7, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I listen to my sports on Sirius radio. I got completely fed up with the seven minute commercial breaks and chatter about drinking and dinner out on 790 and Rude’s complete ignorance of sports over on 680. Not being a GA Dawg, I can dislike the condescending tone of Buck and the other guy. Go to Sirius or XM, you’ll never listen to the local crap again.

By Jo Bling

March 7, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I definitely prefer 680 The Fan. It’s the perfect mix of local talent on either side of great syndicated shows. Before he left the mid-day slot, Dan Patrick’s show was outstanding. I can’t believe no one has mentioned Colin Cowherd. That guy is the best thing that’s ever happened to sports talk radio. Pure entertainment. He knows how to make sports talk lively, entertaining and - especially - opinionated, whether you agree with him or not. And when he veers off topic to talk about women or sex or whatever, it’s usually just hilarious. I could listen to that guy all day.

Buck and Kincade are an excellent combo who are great together. Either one of them on their own, however, just doesn’t get it. Sometimes Kincade will fill in for Colin Cowherd on the national syndicate, and he just isn’t the same on his own.

I like the Rude Awakening alright, but I agree with the comments that it’s not sports-focused enough. Even when they are talking about sports it seems like they are always trying to force a sexual or pop-culture angle to it. Still better than crappy FM music, though.

Over the course of about two years, 680 The Fan has become pretty much all I listen to anymore in the car.

By Rod from Stone Mnt

March 7, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Thanks Bill for your worthless input. Don’t miss Russ Limbaugh 12-3pm daily. More likely your taste …garbage!!!

By Harey Carey

March 7, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Domino is the only knowledgable talent on the radio in the Atl. White, black, yellow, green or any other color. Sad that in a “sports” town of Atlanta we can’t get better sports talk. With the state of each franchise (omit Braves) these stations should be all over ownership and players. Instead they all try to be cute. Annoyed is how I usually find myself when listening to sports talk radio. By the way, Kamal is the best play by play man for hockey on the radio. Get rid of everyone else.

By bonzo

March 7, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Buck and Kincade are decent, but pale in comparison to other shows like Mike and the Mad Dog (aka Fatso and Fruit Loops) in NYC. Callers are smarter, more literate, but I guess you’d expect that. Kincade is a Cardinal O’Hara grad (home of the crooked refs, but a basketball hotbed) and he knows his stuff. Buck seems bothered when he has to talk hockey at a 3rd grade level (he has graduated from kindergarten a while back). And if I have to hear him say “How ‘bout them apples, Kofar (sp?)” to his producer one more time, I might even have to call and chew him out. Kincade subs in on ESPN passably (I was on a trip and heard his voice in rural Oregon one day…bizarre)but his future in a bigger sports market some day.

By regular guys fan

March 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

I have listened to 680 for 6 years now. I grew tired of “herp, ho” and having my blood pressure boil over the latest political wrangling (though i’m sad to see kimmer out of a job). I turned to sports - because it’s - sports. And , sports - at the end of the day - won’t affect my tax bracket, my child’s education or whether or not I can buy a beer at Kroger on Sunday. I listened to Rude before, then after the Regular Guys returned, got fired then returned again. The Regular Guys have a sports guy - it’s Larry Munson Jr. You should check him out.

John Kincade is a hater. He enjoys spectacular, and sometimes even mediocre failure in athletes. He’s a cheap shot artist along the lines of Warren Sapp (yeah, i know John - i have a choice and most days i exercise it - to XM with ML baseball talk with Rob Dibble and Kevin Kennedy). He loves to point out the flaws and warts of misery. He’s a true “spanker”…

By YO BILL

March 7, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry about THUGS on the radio. The dangerous one is in the White House

By Tommy the Tard

March 7, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

I have listened to 680 for 6 years now. I grew tired of “herp, ho” and having my blood pressure boil over the latest political wrangling (though i’m sad to see kimmer out of a job). I turned to sports - because it’s - sports. And , sports - at the end of the day - won’t affect my tax bracket, my child’s education or whether or not I can buy a beer at Kroger on Sunday. I listened to Rude before, then after the Regular Guys returned, got fired then returned again. The Regular Guys have a sports guy - it’s Larry Munson Jr. You should check him out.

John Kincade is a hater. He enjoys spectacular, and sometimes even mediocre failure in athletes. He’s a cheap shot artist along the lines of Warren Sapp (yeah, i know John - i have a choice and most days i exercise it - to XM with ML baseball talk with Rob Dibble and Kevin Kennedy). He loves to point out the flaws and warts of misery. He’s a true “spanker”…

By Riley's Brew

March 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

GM R—yet another idiot from the north. what is it about you people that makes you name drop new york into conversations that have nothing to do with new york? you and your teams are a total waste.

By N YO FACE

March 7, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

It sports talk radio is tops on your agenda, You deserve John Mccain as your best option.

By George G.

March 7, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

680 flat out owns 790. They are MUCH bigger, have far superior ratings, and a much better lineup. I heard that they now have surpased 640 as well. Rodney Ho, care to comment on the 680 wave of success?

By cory

March 7, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Its funny what exactly do you people want from sports talk radio. There is only so many times you can go over stats and scores. The local teams are horrible right now the hawks suck, thrashers suck, falcons suck, and the braves haven’t been to the postseason in years. I guess people want to hear all UGA football all day and all nite but I will laugh loud when their season ends up 8-4 and the Jackets end up 10-2. GO JACKETS.

By Steve

March 7, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Neither station focuses much on analytics, which is the future of sports. Hard-core sports fans want opinions only when supported by facts. It’s not a contest to see who yells the loudest.

By Matt the Brave

March 7, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Good to see a soon-to-be classic Bisher article. 680’s morning is ok…do like Buck and Kincaid in the afternoons, though. Not much else shakin’ in the afternoons in Atlanta anyway. If you get a chance, Kincaid’s Saturday show is usually VERY good, just early for most of us who don’t get to sleep in during the week (or if you’re not listening to the Lawn and Garden show on WSB).

By Ryan

March 7, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

790 seems to be targeting the transplants in Atlanta. 680 seems to target the locals, of which I’m one. I bet that you can guess where someone is from by just asking which of the two stations they prefer.

By FSJR

March 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

gcrunk This past football season was a joke for so-called sports bars. I prefer a football environment when I’m watching football. Thanks for the tip.

By The Baby Sophie

March 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

I wish my daddy would talk about me more.

By Fred Garvin, Bettendorf MP

March 7, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Its too bad there is not a syndicated group of radio stations outside of metro Atlanta…Rome, Valdosta, Macon, Savannah, Augusta, Americus, etc etc. Buck Belue would RULE that syndicated show!

There are too many Yankee transplants in metro Atlanta to know what an Icon that Buck Belue is. I laugh because my neighbors say they are Southerners living in a tract-neighborhood. They are from Cleveland (OHIO)! TRY living in Savannah, Augusta or Macon for starters….that is the South “YOOTS GUYS”.

Isn’t UGA the Northernmost Southern School with all coeds coming from the Yankee transplants living in metro Atlanta?

By bonzo

March 7, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

I’ve been reading sports columns for 30 years plus and spent several years as an editor on a major daily sports desk. I can tell you Bisher is regarded as nothing more than a mediocre regional guy. This column about his discovery or re-discovery of local radio is poorly written and conceived; he just wanders around and throws in a few salient points, things we already now, or at least any sports radio fan would know. I have no idea why he wrote it either…I cant imagine it was his idea.

By Long Ago

March 7, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Furman, I am 70 now, I was introduced to you by Johnny Suggs, Louise Suggs, Hall of Famer LPGA father at Sunset Hills Country Club, Carrollton . You were beat writing for Atlanta Crackers and just starting your legendary journey with Atlanta Journal Constitution. I was 12 years old then and read your columns during my high school, college and career. I am retired and still are reading.THANKS FOR THE MOMENTS

By Roswell Ed

March 7, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Why were my comments taken off?

Is doing a parody of a Too Stewed Live listener off limits.

Is their show not shuck and jive?

These are their terms:

Dogs and poodles

All right all right all right

You’re in the dog house

And I am gone

Please email me AJC and tell me what rule I broke!!!!!

They kind of remind me of Stuart Scott. The man is a UNC grad for god sake and he tries to act like he’s all urban and what not.

Cooler than the other side of the pillow.

Three jackarses these guys are.

Back to my point. Why were my comments pulled?

They were dead on and you know it.

I’m pi$$ed. It was funny.

By Pay Attention

March 7, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Hey 680 is no bueno…do your research before posting a comment.

680 The Fan was down in Orlando at Spring Training THE ENTIRE WEEK like they have been for the past few years and had a different Braves player, coach, or executive on at 30 minutes past every hour “giving you interesting insight into the game and the players lives”

790 was there for only three days and haven’t been down there since God know when.

There is a reason that 680 has DOUBLE the ratings than 790…they are a much better station who puts out a much better product!

By The Truth Hurts

March 7, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

There are really two morning shows on 790 - The one with Steak that is horrible and unlistenable, and the one without Steak that is actually entertaining

By Bonzo is a Bozo

March 7, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Bonzo, take your face out of the paint can and go back to editing your school paper. You’re a buffoon. Furman’s great work speaks for itself… as does your asinine post.

By Jonesy

March 7, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

They don’t change up their formats enough. It’s all shennigans not enough style. Great Topic Furman by the way.

There are a lot of good people in Atlanta that get overshadowed by crap. If it weren’t for the AJC the majority of Atlanta Sports talk radio information wouldn’t exist. They don’t freaking prep worth a crap.

The late night guys, the high school football guys.. Brandon and Jeff Wolverton do some of the best informative radio anyway. I do enjoy hearing some insight occasionally from the Kang but he dosen’t seem to realize we read the same publications he does… I like when he’ll go to training camps and give observations… same with Buck when he watches practice or talks to some people he has special relationships with. Kincade is generally a nicer guy than he ever gets credit for and he largly does a great job on the radio. Tirico is on middays for a reason… wow is that show boring…I wish he’d stick to PXP. I liked the Stews a lot more when they stuck to Atlanta Sports and shade tree Sports talk before they got too big and important.

I wish they would give thier younger people a chance and more time on the air. Really these guys have all been in Atlanta sports talk for years… it’s a little boring getting the same perspective day after day…

You can always tell the best prepped broadcasters too C. Dimino is one of the best because he does his homework.

By Mark Stolberger

March 7, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

I am the funniest man in the history of radio. Without me and my hilarious sports updates, 680 is just another 790 the Joke.

By lamar

March 7, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

bonzo

you are an idiot.

By Bonzo

March 7, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Bonzo here. I would like to take back those ridiculous statements I made earlier about NYC having better sports talk radio than Atlanta. I meant to say meatballs. And I lied about being a sports editor. I’m just a simple janitor at the Thrifty Nickel. Bozo out.

By Paul Finebaum

March 7, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

You should listen to me.

ROLL TIDE!!!

http://www.finebaum.com/

By Jim@PineMountain

March 7, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

We need to listen to the man. Mr Bisher is the best sports writer in American history.

By Centralflafan

March 7, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Great article Mr. Bisher. For all of you who think that sports talk radio (and everthing else listening to some of you), in the Northeast is better than Atlanta, there was once a writer for the AJC name of Lewis Grizzard, God rest his soul, who was very fond of saying “Delta is ready when you” and “take I-75 North”.

By Centralflafan

March 7, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Great article Mr. Bisher. For all of you who think that sports talk radio (and everthing else listening to some of you), in the Northeast is better than Atlanta, there was once a writer for the AJC name of Lewis Grizzard, God rest his soul, who was very fond of saying “Delta is ready when you” and “take I-75 North”.

By prosport

March 7, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

I love to listen to Buck and Kincade. I love how they play off each other. It makes my ride home from work more enjoyable. They get past the North/South thing and good naturedly rib each other about where they are from without coming across as superior.(Like alot of Yankees do!) I love Buck’s dry sense of humor. He is one of the funniest guys on the radio.

By al

March 7, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

the rude awakening is terrible. Perry is the worst. I didnt like Kincade at first but I do after listening for awhile.He has his opinion and sticks to his guns.Collin has the best show.

By Mark

March 7, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

I am from Philly also and how Jon Kincaide has a job is beyond me. He is absolutely abysmal. He could not be more negative, and routinely cuts off any caller that disagrees with him. He is unlistenable.

The only 2 guys in ATL radio that I like are Domino and Cellini. Domino knows his stuff and presents it in an interesting way.

Perry Laurentino is beyond nauseating.

All in all, ATL sports talk radio is AWFUL. 790 had something a few years back with Mayhem in the AM, but they have tweaked it too much.

Colin Cowherd is where it’s at.

By Steve

March 7, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Where’s NY NICK at? Have Not heard him on 680 the fan in a couple of weeks

By Brian, Marietta

March 8, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Great Article, Mr. Bisher!

Chris Domino is BY FAR the best personality Atlanta doing sports Sports Talk. He comes with facts, stats, and does not bash when our local teams are not playing well.

The ONLY time I listen to 680 is when ESPN programming is on. Their commercials are a joke and Rude’s sidekick (Perry) does not know anything other than how to talk about the Steelers and make excuses for them when they lose.

I know my next statement will make many on this blog mad, but we have gotten too much coverage of football. I could care less about the Dawgs, Falcons, and Jackets spring practice…it is baseball season. Let Domino do his thing!

Steak, your a loud mouth, and everyone is tired of your act.

By hockeyman3944

March 8, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

C’mon…they’re both mediocre at best, although they do have their moments…680? Rude brings a certain level of entertainment, his sports acumen is “everyman” and he keeps Lurentino in check most of the time slyly undercutting him and subtly kicking his chair out from beneath him on many occasions. Buck and Kincaid? Buck’s good, agreed he doesn\t know hockey even if he got his teeth knocked out by a puck and Kincaid is a “pile on” type who overstates the obvious. Dan Patrick /syndicated is the best…Tirico is tired. 790 the Zone? Eh, the only bright one is Dimino…prepared, insightful and knows his baseball when I’m in the baseball mood. Shapiro? Years ago Imus carved his a$$ up and made him look like a total fool and he never learned. Who cares about what he had for lunch? Trips to Vegas/Biloxi and his craps table adventures? Overated…good thing he owns the station. Cellini..wow, what goes through his mind? He’s one step away from being n axe murderer on one hand and then he’s just shrill, not funny in the least. Sandra Golden? Adds very little, should have kept Bell on the AM ride. Bell? Not as funny as he thinks he is. 2 Live Stews? Can’t listen to their ebonic foolishness, a waste of my time…nothing substantiative ever comes out of their mouths, hard to take. 680’s hockey coverage is great, Kamal does a pretty good job and Odgers has been a find, not usually stating the obvious. The nod? Goes to 680, slightly more informative with less bombast than 790..A winning trade? Move Dimino to 680 in a trade with Rude to the afternoon show at 790…My 2 cents, now about that coffee and Danish…

By RealDeal

March 8, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

“Sports” talk in Atlanta—-a total joke. If you’ve ever lived in New York or Chicago, or even LA, you’ve heard real sports talk. This stuff here—-10% real sports, the rest a bunch of BS about restaurants, women, and other stuff totally unrelated to sports. Buck Belue and Kincaid are the best of the bunch, but don’t spend enough time on local sports. Hockey? Who cares—-Atlanta is not a hockey town, regardless of the thrashers.

By Vince

March 8, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

I would trade all of them for one

I would trade all of them for one Georgia based Paul Fienbaum. Without a doubt the best radio talk show in the South.

By AL

March 8, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bisher , grew up in Marietta and have been fortunate enough to live all over the country and test sports radio in several different places. Atlanta, save Buck and Kincaid is probably down around the bottom, for such a big market. David Lamm and Frank Frangie are good in acksonville. I like Paul Finebaum in B-ham. The Gulf Coast now has Max Howard who does a good job. I’m now in Seattle area and it is a whole different world. Talk about topics that have nothing to do with sports. Atlanta Sports radio tries to be in your face without substance. Frangie and Howard and those guys actually bring information not stupid bells and whistles with in your face opinion. Similar to Northeast where loud opinion over substance and knowledge rule.

By Steak Shapiro

March 8, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

790 is by far the better station in the morning. Does Chris Rude even watch sports? Has he ever played any sports? I mean, it’s an entertainment show. At least the Zone guys know their sports. Dimino is the best sports mind in town, but I will say he’s a bit blah. If he would loosen up a bit he’d be even better, in my opinion.

Kincaid is horrible. There’s no bigger narcissist on the dial. Not even in syndication. He hates on all athletes. Does 180s all the time and when he disagrees with a caller he antagonizes them and then hangs up. He is like the Skip Bayless of radio. It’s almost like he says things just to p** people off — rather than truly express his opinion. Oh well, I guess that’s how they try and boost ratings.

It just sucks that our sports radio in Atlanta isn’t better than it is…

By whatever

March 8, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

I hate to break down the racial barrier between Stew lovers and haters, but I enjoy the Stews. It’s kind of interesting to see “behind the curtain” a bit into black culture. I also like Buck and Kincaide, though sometimes Kincaide has to be turned off. I like the fact that an actual Southerner can get a job on Atlanta radio, and Buck is fun to listen to. The morning shows are all awful. The old Mayhem in the AM with Beau, Steak and AJ was entertaining. I listen to Cowherd in small doses, but he’s an arrogant blowhard. Sports radio is a fun mindless activity while driving through the horrific traffic.

By TommyP

March 9, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

If any of you think Belue is any good, you’re IQ is questioned. Brutally horrible.

The guy sounds like a poster-child from a Special Ed class.

I’ve never heard worse sportstalk than in Atlanta.

By Reggie

March 9, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Sport radio in Atlanta is pretty bad. The Fan is boring.It has a south georgia slant. “hey Buck can you tell me about the Lindsey catch again”. Perry sounds like the guy that athletes took his lunch money in high school. The Zone also morning show is Steak talking his family, Nick playing the “tired” tough guy role absent of radio talent, and Dimino has baseball knowledge but is boring with stats. The Stews know their niche. Their fan love them and they speak to what a lot of their fans are thinking. I cannot relate to Mr. Bisher” good ole days” just like he cannot relate to the Stews show. Everything is not for everbody.

By Ham Shapiro

March 9, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Anyone ever notice this about the 2 Live Stews:

They talk intelligently and clearly and are entertaining and well informed when they are on that Cold Pizza television show on ESPN.

But then when they go back to 790 The Zone, they bojangle for Steak and act like a bunch of retarded clowns - the worst of the worst stereotypes of black men are the image they give off.

It’s so sad. If they could not do better, that would be one thing. But knowing that they can do much better because I have seen them with my own eyes be much better but knowing that they are not allowed to be better just makes me shake my head at how deeply wounded their souls and hearts must be because “The Man” Steak Shapiro is making them sell out so bad in order to appeal to the lowest common denominator in order to get ratings.

The Stewart brothers, if you read this, we all know you are better than that tired act Steak is making you do. Fight The Power!

Why do they call him Steak anyway? His act and physique make him more like Ham Shapiro.

By Oakland

March 9, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

I wish 790theZone was not Georgia Tech’s flagship station. They can’t be heard outside of downtown Atlanta at night. A CB radio would work better. The local college station, WREK has to help them out.

By Frank

March 9, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Kincaid is the worst. We’re stuck with him on weekends on ESPN Radio. Living in Pennsylvania and rooting for all things Atlanta, I often wonder how…and why…sports fans there would put up with him. B R U T A L . Talks and talks and talks…but never says anything.

By Wow

March 9, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

I am more of a 790 fan but I would listen to Buck & Kincaid because they stuck more to sports even though I did get tired of all the GA fans talking about how great the Bulldogs are. However, when John made the comment about 790 catering to an urban audience I vowed never to listen to the station again

By Wil E. Coyote

March 9, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Bisher dishing on Sports Talk Radio is like Foghorn Leghorn trying to tell a chicken hawk how to catch that dog.

That boy’s about a sharp as a bowlin ball.

By iamright

March 9, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Thank you Furman! I am a 45 year old male with a wife and 3 kids 14,10,8. I think I fit the demographics of what sports talk is going after. I listen to either 680 or 790 90% of the time I am in my car. I am so sick of having to change the channel because these guys want to spend their time talking about the skirts instead of sports. The only ones that don’t go there are Buck and Kincaid and half the time you wonder where they are coming from. Brandon and Wolvy are another pair that I don’t get. Have they ever watched a sporting event or do they make it up as they go along? I like the Stu’s sometimes but they also go over the line a lot. Dimino is pretty good but I hate it when he and Nick C. kiss up to guys like Glavine instead of truly interviewing him. Anyway, just my 2 cents.

By GoJackets

March 9, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

I listen to Bill Shanks on 105.5 the Fan in Macon.(I live in Warner Robins)Bill ,Russ ,and Skip are awesome!!The show is 95% clean.They stay on subject very well.I really enjoy it.Y’all ought to try it online.

By Lego the Ego!

March 10, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this

Steak Shapiro’s overwhelming narcissism, and know-it-all disposition (especailly when it comes to food) makes it EXTEMELY difficult to listen to 790 ……. the guy loves Boston/New England so much, and seems to be so proud to have grown-up there, maybe he should take “his” show and move back to Beantown …….pa-lease!!

By JohnnyG

March 10, 2008 5:17 AM | Link to this

790

Does Dimino take a breath? You don’t need to say everything you know in one sentence.

Steak spends more time reading menus and the TV Guide then the sports pages.

680

Does Kincaide have his finger on the pulse of uptight white america or what? or what? or what?

Belue played on teams in both baseball and football at a higher level than anyone else on Atlanta Sportsd Radio. He knows when an athlete or team is deserving of criticism or praise.

By Getaway

March 10, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

I live in Durham. I wish I had something like 790 or 680. These local stations are pathetic. It’s all ACC all the time, with a little Hurricanes hockey thrown in. Not even the Panthers are dicussed. They will talk about ACC football, but not the professional team.

They make an exception with Boston teams. I don’t know if they are just frontrunners or if the DJs are from New England. Doesn’t matter it still sucks.

By Road Scrape

March 10, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Both station’s morning shows make me ill - talk about morning sickeness. Their MO is entertainment, with sports as an aside. Mike & Mike on ESPN are marginallly more tolerable.

Mid-day, Colin Cowherd is superior. He has good sports knowledge, sticks to his opinions with being shrill (unlike Kinkaid - though for the most park John does know his stuff). Colin appeals to most of us middle-aged, college educated guys by combining the realities of daily life with our penchant for sports (unlike Steak Shapiro - quit sports talk and stick to your restaurant you self-serving gas bag - by the way, my friends here from NY can’t stand you either).

Buck is OK, but I do wish he would be more opinionated. At least the play off of Kinkaid is usually tolerable, unlike the bobleheads on 790. Who cares if Buck doesn’t know hockey? Kinkaid knows more than I want to hear about it anyway.

Domino is a great analyst. He would be better served by moving to 680, but Kinkaid couldn’t handle it. Right, Stoly?

Why the heck 680 keeps Perry “Lorintina” is beyond me. Yet another reason to not listen to local morning shows. He and Steak would make a great team - they would gas-bag each other to death.

As for 790’s weak signal, 8 years ago they talked about how they were getting a stronger transmitter, blah blah blah. I guess they were talking about all the hot air that comes out of their Pharr Road office. It didn’t take 680 long to far surpass 790’s ratings. I guess that’s when 790 decided they would just be a niche station - as in Steak’s niche.

680 isn’t the worst sports radio in the south - those who say they are need a psychiatrist. They’re not the best either, but it could easily be worse.

Indeed, Paul Finebaum would be a great addition to 680 for an hour a day (9:00-10:00am PLEASE!). He is intelligent, backs up his opinions reasonably well, has a decent wit, and isn’t so condescending as the know-it-alls.

At least in Atlanta we have options, whereas most southern cities do not!

By RickSeel

March 10, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

790 is light years ahead of 680. Kincaid just wants to argue with people even if they agree with them. He rips people all the time then when they come on with them he sucks up to them. He has no spine and is a pathetic personality. Buck put’s me to sleep and seems like he is trying to hard, no flow. Rude is clueless, Perry is allright. Mayhem may get off of track a little but at least they keep it entertaining. You can always turn it to the regular guys and hear the same crap we did 10 years ago. How many times can we hear Southside get shot in the butt with a bb gun….. so played.

By JCSmalls

March 10, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Right on Furman…..Mayhem is pretty brutal since Mike Bell left. 3 arrogant Yankees that think their $hit don’t stink, but at least Baseball is coming and Dimino is really good at that. From 10:00 am on it is all 680 with some random stops by the Afternoon Saloon to see what Mike and the boys are up to, although I am pretty much tired of them pouring every caller a drink that calls in “yea, can I get a Hennessey on the rocks…sound effects!” Cowherd is awesome and Buck and Kincaid are very entertaining. As arrogant as Kincaid is, I do agree with most of the stuff he says and Buck’s dry humor is hilarious. Sorry Steaky, but I am a guy who used to listen to only 790, and now I barley listen at all.

By Jim R

March 10, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Real Deal: You are right on about cities like Los Angeles having good sports radio. Until Clear Channel ownership changed their format a few years back, we had XTRA Sports 690 in Southern California (“From Baja to the Canadian Rockies”) with their 77,000 watt blowtorch signal. It was an impressive lineup with people like Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton, Jim Rome, John Fricke (Now on Fox Sports Radio based here in Atlanta), Steve Mason, John Ireland, and “The Coach” John Kentera. I miss great sportstalk like that.

By old fart

March 10, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Okay … I’m firing this off because no one’s gonna read it anyway. How ironic to post it after an excellent Furman Bisher column

The Braves are living in a dream world.

Two 40+ yr old pitchers, an injury prone starter who hasn’t pitched in two+ years (now with a another injury), an old 3d baseman who can’t get out of a batting cage without pulling a muscle, a terrific 1st baseman who will be gone next year, a nobody in center, and no closer worth mentioning. And (though I love him to death) a manager who is exiting at the end of the season. Come on!

Unless or until management is willing to pay for talent like it did when the Braves were legitimate contenders … this year portends another third place finish.

By Peter

March 10, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Ok I really listen to 790 but I have listened to 680, and frankly it got mono and boaring………

I also wonder why on the AJC they had a profile about Mike Hampton and the movies he likes…….

Frankly I understand how it might be easy for Mike Hampton making what $15 Mil a year watching movies while hurt, and with all the time he is not playing…..you May consider him a Movie critic……..

But as a Braves Fan….. I just want to know if he is playing this year.

AND…….

Can this guy actually play into the post season ever again ?

No joke what are we paying 15 Mil for ?

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

FURMAN:

Try convincing a twenty-year-old you’re not dead, sexually that is. Oh, the arrogance of youth. I’m in that “dead-zone” myself so I understand those looks of shock from youngsters when I hold my wife’s hand in public or put my arm around her when she’s cold. Keep swimmin’ and I’ll see you further upstream, Mr. Bisher.

By scribe

March 11, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

You can’t pick up 790 outside of the perimeter so they are pretty much dead to me anyway…

By Da Stews

March 11, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

I went to 790 in the morning after the regular guys first went off the air. Loved it then, Mike Bell made the show-very funny guy.

Without Bell, the morning show blows! Dimino is knowledgeable but his delivery makes me cringe. Steak is a pompous blowhard and if I ever hear “The Baby Sophie” again I’m gonna puke.

790 tried to target the black market in Atlanta seeing how V-103 tops the radio ratings and they lost me. I’m not going to listen to a station that abandons me as a listener. Sports talk listeners average late 30’s-early 40’s in age and if you abandon white guys driving home in the afternoon you’re kissing off alot of people.

Buck and Kincaid work for me. Not sure about 790 afternoons. Love Bell and Chuck Oliver, Breeaaandon Leak is OK but his wierd pronounciation of certain words grates on me(picky, I know).

The guy 680 uses for commercials sounds like a high school kid trying to use a “radio voice”

Ratings don’t lie. 790, your experiment failed. The Stews are entertaining but their bias against all things white is too obvious.

See you at McDonald’s Matt Edgar!

By Kenyn

March 11, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Well let’s see reading this article a few points came to mind!

1. I thought Furman Bisher had moved on the great beyond years ago… LoL ok that was mean but funny!

2. Sports radio in Atlanta is all about choice. If you choose to get sports with wntertainment you will listen to 790. Sports (all opinions you will not agree with) Pop culture, food, the local scene. To much of anything is not a good thing. So they balance it out.

3. If you choose to hear Hannity, O’Reily, Andy Griffith and the Auto from the Simpsons do sports talk then 680 is your station.

Seriously Atlanta is a fairly diverse city. Down home southern folk, northern transplants and they all want to hear something different. So be thankful there is a variety to listen to! I mean it could be worse!

By Mr. Buckeye

March 13, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Great article Furman-I have been here since 97 so have followed both stations for a long time. First….790: DIMINO is a great source of interesting facts but doesn’t really add anything regarding true knowledge of baseball strategy or what is mot important talent evalauation. I never felt like I get any true inside understanding of baseball when I listenm to him, just facts that anyone can get if they spend enough time on the internet.

Cellini-has some comic ability but an incredibly poor predictable interviewer, Ex: “what were your emotions when you lifted the championship trophy?” But I have been very impressed with his ability to overcome an incredibly pathlogic childhood with an alcoholic dad. That alone is worthy of our applause.

Steak- I find him very entertaining and one of the best interviewers in ATL. Almost always asks the question everyone wants to know. Very self effacing in admitting he at times is a pompous a*. Mke Bell-one of the funniest guys around as long as you have no limits in your comedic taste. Unfortunately not woriking well in afternoon. Chuck Oliver- I find him very underrated because he turly tries to give inside information from the eyes of a coach, which he was, on technique and strategy.

Now 680: I agree wityh what most have said. Rude-still an FM guy Perry-Incredibly rigid and condescending to the realities of the human condition. Injects way to much poliitics into his comments.

Kincaide-mcuh like Perry-is very rifid in his view of human behavior, which sounds good when he is talking about a player on your team’s most hated rival, but overall is tiring and tedious. Buck-is who he is a nice guy who is a homer and again does not really add to our understanding of playing sports at a high level. This is disappointing because he could give us who haven’t been give the sports gifts he has great understanding and he just gives us more of the typical “catch phrases” biased especially to the braves, but Atlanta in general(but that is ok after all itis a n Atlanta station!!) Don’t get to listen to the afternoos shows so can’t say