Project 9-6-1’s Shaffee said goodbye today – just in case
March 2, 2010, by
Most radio personalities seldom get to say goodbye because management usually cans them right after they end their shift. The brass doesn’t trust the airwaves to people walking out the door, fearful they might say something damaging to the station.
The list is long. The Kimmer. Gene & Julie. The Morning Mess. Porsche Foxx. Cledus T. Judd.
Rather, stations often act like the show just disappeared into thin air and acknowledge nothing. Poof! Gone!
But Shaffee, morning co-host at rock station Project 9-6-1, wasn't taking any chances today. He decided to do a pre-emptive goodbye on air. No, he's not going anywhere per se. Let him explain via email:
"In this business, shows suddenly disappear all the time and they never get to say goodbye to their audience. So this morning I said goodbye to Atlanta. I never fear losing my job, but I feel good knowing that I had my chance to say goodbye in case it ever happens."
His former colleague "Giant" Brian Carothers left a few months back after he couldn't come to a new contract with the bosses. He did not get to bid adieu.
Some stations have allowed jocks to say goodbye. 99X's Steve Barnes said farewell on the Morning X a few years back. Fred Toucher got to do the same. Steve & Vikki got a sendoff at Star 94 where the staff, led by then GM Mark Kanov, came in and held up signs thanking them.
Last week, Steve McCoy at B98.5 did not get to do so. Cox Radio let him go Thursday after the show ended at 9 a.m.. Star offered Vikki Locke a solo job July 1. We are still awaiting to hear whether she takes the job or not.
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