KTAR Programmer's Posts

Times Change

This morning, a man I've never met before wrote a column in one of the tabloid sections distributed by the Arizona Republic in some neighborhoods in central Phoenix. I did not see it, until someone emailed me to point it out.

The column carries a note saying it is by a man who makes his living in public relations, I believe. (I don't have it in front of me at the moment.) He laments the state of Phoenix radio and longs for yesteryear.

In his column he bashes one of KTAR's competitors as full of hate. He calls the station I work at "a quasi news" product, saying it isn't what it used to be. And, he goes on to yearn for the days that disc jockeys used to play fewer songs on Phoenix radio and talk longer about local things and places.

I can relate.

I am an Army brat. Never in my life did our family live anywhere longer than three years. We experienced the whiplash that comes from moving from places like Alabama to Germany to Oklahoma. The cultures were a little different.

Life changed. Friends stayed. And, we left.

As I've gotten older and had my own family I've sometimes thought about some of the places we used to live when I was a child. I've reflected on how life used to be. It's interesting how the past truly becomes "golden." The rear view mirror can make things look so good.

But there's a reason automakers give about 8 square inches to the rear view mirror and a whole heck of a lot more space to seeing what lies ahead. Focus on the past too much and you're likely to break your neck.

I've never understood anyone's desire (other than widows) to live in yesteryear or turn back the clock. And, I'm a history fanatic. I am a student of the past in business, politics, culture, and religion. But, maybe because of my age I am obsessed with the future.

Stuck with a decision between Hillary and Obama, I choose the latter.

The present is so exciting. The future holds so much promise. I value the past, and look forward to tomorrow.

Someone taught me long ago that perception is reality.

It's a lesson for which I've always been grateful.

The Race No One Predicted

For those of us who are political junkies the last couple months have been a riot.

The 2008 Presidential Race has been flipped upside down. Hillary is struggling. Obama is surging. Rudy is missing. Romney is rising. And, Huckabee is soaring.

How the heck did all this happen?

A few months ago I was one of those who firmly believed this was a New York showdown: Hillary vs Rudy. And, the odds on favorite for victory was Mrs. Clinton. She had the organization, the advisers, the experience, and Bill on her side. Plus, she offered something different for all those people desperate for a major change from The Bush Years.

But, now she doesn't appear such a safe bet. And, Rudy has Struggled, to be put it mildly.

Why did all of this change?

How did Huckabee catch fire?

When did Mitt become a major player?

And, why is Obama suddenly a contender.

My theory is these two words: Iraq & Terrorism.

The news cycle has been nearly absent of Iraq and terrorism stories for the last three months. On KTAR-FM, it's rare now that ABC News leads one of our hourly newscasts with a story out of Baghdad. If there is a story, it's positive.

Wow, what a change.

And, is it just me or has the nation's sensitivity to terrorism completely changed? Do you think about a possible terrorist attack as much today as you did a year ago? The media doesn't. Osama has released two audio tapes in the last two months and they've been ignored. I bet you don't even know what he said in either one of them.

So, Iraq is going better. Much better. And, the negativity-obsessed media has vacated the story. Try logging onto the websites for The New York Times, The Washington Post, or CNN right now and look for an Iraq story. You'll have to look. They're hard to find. When things go well, we in the media become bored and turn our attention to other things.

With terrorism and Iraq off our front pages, the political climate has completely changed. The candidates that benefited from those issues in the forefront are losing ground, and the contenders are actually, contending.

Who would have thought the final month before Iowa would have been dominated by stories about the Bible and Christianity? And, so Huckabee and Romney are gaining. And, Obama has a chance.

The footnote to this whole argument is how quickly this can change. Several bad weeks in Iraq or one major explosion by radicals can turn the race another direction.

And, that's what makes politics so interesting.

Tim & Willy Guest Host on KTAR-FM January 2nd

Valley radio icons Tim & Willy dropped a bombshell on radio listeners today as they announced their departure from legendary country radio station KNIX.

Thousands of Tim & Willy fans are wondering what the crap happened.

Today on KTAR-FM Tim & Willy appeared on a one hour news special with Pat McMahon. They shared more about why they left KNIX and the uncertainty of their future.

The duo said they have no deal ready to go with another country station or any other radio station for that matter. They said they could not agree to terms on a new contract with their previous employer and decided to leave even though they weren't sure what the future holds.

We offered Tim & Willy the opportunity to fill in for afternoon talk show host Mac Watson who is going to be taking a few days of vacation the first week of January.

They agreed to come in for two days (and promised to not do too much damage) and so Tim and Willy will guest host from 3-7pm January 2nd and 4th on News/Talk 92.3 KTAR.

Chasing Corn Vendors

Normally, fireworks are shot off at night.

This morning is an exception. Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris decided he wanted to light up the morning sky across this state with a very public challenge of Mayor Phil Gordon. It worked, the sparks are flying.

The Arizona Republic scored an interview with Harris in which he boldly disagreed with Gordon, questioning the Mayor's decision to change police policy to allow officers to check on immigration status of suspects.

Harris adamantly opposes that approach and instead prefers a policy that allows illegal immigrants who seek to live in the darkness to go undetected. He prefers his employees, our police officers, not ask someone in their squad car whether they are in this country legally. The chief says that would create too much work and distract cops from investigating more serious crime.

The chief isn't mincing words. Instead he's seeking a public showdown.

How about this flame thrower from the chief:

"Do you want me to take the people that were working the Goudeau case and have them chase corn vendors?"

Ouch.

Chief Harris is not an idiot. He knows how risky today's show of disagreement is for his future as Phoenix's top cop. And, he clearly feels passionately enough about the issue to put his chips on the table.

"If you were in my position, would you take those very limited resources and divert them to go after landscapers and dishwashers because they're in the country illegally?"

"Sorry. I've been a cop for 36 years. I disagree with that concept," Harris said.

Here's the problem, though.

Chief Harris works for us.

You see, if he was the head of a private security firm, he would be fully entitled to disregarding the public will and deciding policy based on only his experience and his opinions.

But, when you work for the government, the boss is the public. And, there can be no confusion about what the overwhelming majority of residents of this city and this valley want done regarding immigration.

I respect the chief's opinion. I expect someone in his position to offer their perspective from years on the street and behind the desk. He knows better than any of us what impact this policy change will have on his cops. There is great value in his opinion.

But, at the end of the day. The public gets to decide. And whether he, you, or I agree with the majority's view on this subject doesn't matter.

If there's one thing the people of this state have been consistent and outspoken about it's illegal immigration. They're sick of it. They want every possible effort taken to stop it.

The public has spoken.

It's time to chase the corn vendor.

Will They Revolt?

A judge is about to decide if the tough new Employer Sanctions Law goes into effect January 1st.

Make no mistake about it. Police chiefs, mayors, our governor, and big box store managers are closely watching the courthouse these days. Most of them are desperately hoping the judge puts this law on hold.

They're all very concerned about what will happen in January if the restraining order isn't granted and this sucker actually takes effect.

In the last month I've had several private, and completely off the record, conversations with elected leaders or staff members of elected leaders about their fear surrounding The Law. They're bracing for the worst. You think the Pruitt's protests have been bad. You ain't seen nothing yet, or so, these individuals have told me.

The big fear, that no one is talking about publicly, is the Superbowl.

Valley elected leaders and public safety officials are worried the illegal immigrant population will revolt. Reportedly the activists who make their living off speaking for the illegals are quietly planning a major public display of anger timed when this town is crowded with satellite trucks.

Imagine hospitality workers, restaurant bus boys, groundskeepers, and drive-thru clerks all walking off the job the week of the FBR Open, the Superbowl, and Arizona's Presidential Primary. It may sound like a far fetched plot, but this is exactly what half a dozen sources have quietly communicated to me they fear will happen if the Employers Sanctions Law takes effect.

When I've challenged a couple of these political staffers about the likeliness of something radical like this happening, they've pushed back, suggesting it's in the works right now.

I still have my doubts.

Sure, our immigration debate is intense. But, I've been surprised at how civilized the debate is here compared with other communities I've lived in, whether in Texas or California. Here, radical leaders of La Raza don't scream in the media. And, on the other side, extremists who actually do deserve the racist label aren't prevalent.

Yes, the dialogue has become an intense debate. But, it's still humane.

That could change though, if the bus boys and clerks walk.

Hand Me the Remote!

The story is all over the Internet.

Headlines blare that another Hollywood Superstar has declared She's Gay. At least this time the homosexual community can be glad the lesbian is better looking than Rosie.

Today, during a surf across the online sea of news stories, I got flashed with Jodie Foster's sexual declaration. Another woman has decided she likes other women. Great.

The announcement apparently came at an awards ceremony in Beverly Hills. The biggest shock has to be this awards event isn't allowed to consume six hours of prime time TV. Hooray for Hollywood! But, I digress.

"I would like to thank my beautiful Cydney who sticks with me through all the rotten and the bliss," Foster spoke into the microphone. No, she didn't say Caleb or Calvin. It wasn't Carl or Carson. No, she said Cydney. And, yes that's a girl's name.

Look, I've got nothing against homosexuals. Some of the highest quality people I have the privilege of knowing are gay. Don't call me a homophobe. As a father of three, I'm just asking for a little help here.

If my kids were old enough to watch something other than Noggin' and could surf the net beyond NickJR.com, I wonder what their view of reality would be like. Certainly they'd be well aware of homosexuality. They'd know all about how sex factors into casual relationships. They'd think almost all marriages fail. And, they'd certainly be conscious of drugs and alcohol.

But, how familiar would they be with the healthy family unit?

The Sierra Club couldn't be more screwed up. At the top of their list of endangered species should be the traditional family.

You know what I'm ready for from Hollywood? How about a speech like this from a leading actress at an awards show:

"I'd like to thank the Academy, and my husband of 27 years. He was there for me when I decided not to do drugs. He supported me as I have always controlled my social drinking. And, when I left my house with the proper under clothing on and did not seek shots of my crotch on TMZ my hubby believed in me. You're the best, Pumpkin!"

I love Bill Cosby's latest book. When he takes a break from lamenting the current state of Black America, he goes after the very entertainment industry that made him rich.

"Too many programs - where do we begin? - use sex as a way to capture an audience. Today, even during the so-called family hour, TV shows are so loaded with sexual innuendos, suggestive situations, and foul language you'd think you were watching the adult after-hours channel," Cosby wrote.

As if the shows weren't bad enough, the media coverage of actors and actresses is limited to the newest nude pictures, drug arrests, custody battles, and declarations of homosexuality. When was the last time you saw this headline on the cover of an entertainment magazine:

"Hollywood Star Announces He's Straight, Committed to His Wife and Children, and Doesn't Have a DUI! Pictures Inside!"

Cosby continues. "Few of these shows [on TV] say one word about love. The industry's idea of a relationship is - "You see me. I see you. You want it. I'm going to give it to you. We're both hot. Now let's do it."

"Where is the courtship? Where is the tension? Where is the romance? Mothers and fathers used to protect their daughter's virtue or at least tried to. The boy had to respect the girl and honor her parents. This did not always happen, to be sure, but there was at least the expectation of it, and the media reflected that expectation," Cosby wrote in Come on People.

No, I'm sorry Dr. Huxtable, times have changed. Today the world cheers when yet another celebrity has the courage to declare their homosexuality. Young, beautiful female stars advance their careers by leaving behind their panties for the paparazzi. And, oops, another DUI leads to a leading role.

It's too bad the stands are emptying in the cheering section for morality and family stability.

No, you see that crowd has become distracted with fighting over whether Mormons believe in the Real Jesus or Catholics have purged the pedophiles.

And, as Cliff points out, the suite of apathy is sold out.

After all, kids will be kids. Right? Heaven knows if they're going to have sex they're going to have sex. They're going to try booze at some point anyway. And, what's the harm with a laptop in Johnny's bedroom?

What can we do about it?

After all, times have changed.

Honey, hand me the remote!

Send the Protesters Home, Mr. Mayor

I used to wonder why they were there. Now I know.

You've seen the signs: "No Loitering." I remember being a kid walking into a convenience store and wondering what the sign on the outside wall meant. What's loitering? Someone (I can't remember whom) explained it to me.

Then, as a young adult I remember seeing the signs again. This time I wondered who was lazy enough, or had enough time, to sit outside a convenience store and loiter. Then, again I've always been a fast walker and a multi-tasker.

The owners of Pruitts Furniture know all about loitering. They've suffered through years of it by people in their parking lot in central Phoenix. Only there's one difference. When the bearded clerk at Circle K picks up the phone and calls the police to report someone hanging out and scaring the caffeinated masses, officers respond and remove the offender.

After all, the sign says "No Loitering."

Things don't work that way at Pruitts.

For some reason, that remains a mystery to me, the loiters come and the police do nothing. And these aren't average loiters. These are people seeking to take advantage of a broken system and make money illegally. They stand outside Pruitts looking for misguided drivers out to hire day laborers.

Michael Sensing, one of the owners of Pruitts, decided to take matters into his own hands and hire security guards. Heaven forbid a business owner seek to provide a safe and convenient parking lot for his customers.

Again, for some reason that I can not understand no matter how hard I try, some in our community have revolted against Mr. Sensing's actions and made his business ground zero for the illegal immigration fight in Arizona.

It's clearly time the illegals go home.

And, I'm not even talking about a country. I'm talking about the structure they live in.

Oh, but activist Salvador Reza and his crowd are determined to make Pruitts suffer. How dare the furniture store hire security to clear its parking lot, Reza shouts.

Now, Mayor Phil Gordon is once again showing some leadership by proclaiming he's going to get involved in this dispute. "Something needs to be done," the Mayor said.

He's right. He should send the loiters home.

There's nothing more to discuss. Does Phoenix want to be known as a place where the police won't protect private property rights? The illegal immigrants are impeding the flow of business. They are infringing on private property rights.

What is there to negotiate here?

Leadership is about making tough decisions. Leadership is about taking action that is often unpopular but in the best interest in the group the leader oversees.

And, like the police immigration issue, the Pruitt's Furniture debate is crying out for leadership.

I give the Mayor major points for getting involved. Now, it will be interesting to see his leadership talent at work. The community is watching...

The Speech

He did it.

The man I met in Salt Lake City as I covered the 2002 Olympics walked up to the podium in College Station and delivered "The Speech."

The reviews are pouring in and they are overwhelmingly positive.

Bloggers to columnists to talk show hosts are praising The Speech as Mitt's finest moment. Some political columnists are even going so far as to call it the most powerful speech of the 2008 Presidential Race, so far.

President Reagan's finest speechwriter approved saying, "he seized the opportunity to connect his candidacy to something larger and transcendent: the history of religious freedom in America. He made a virtue of necessity."

I was impressed.

Mitt did not deliver the speech I wrote for him. He couldn't. Who, in their right mind, would try to turn the attention of a Starbucks Nation to why he doesn't drink coffee?

Mitt's double-down gamble beat the house not so much because of what he said, but because of how he said it. The plastic candidate showed he may actually have a real heart as he appeared firm, unmovable, and emotional. It's about time. He must do that more if he stands a chance of victory.

Romney reminded us of how much we've missed a leader who can deliver speeches with multi-syllable words. He appeared at times to be a man of grand vision and optimism. Americans are longing for a President who spends more time speaking of the promise of the future rather than the fatalistic threats of today. We know the dangers are real and our way of life is threatened. That requires strength. But that can exist without constant reminders to the world that we can, at any moment, obliterate any or all of them.

Romney's finest moments yesterday came when he delivered these lines:

"I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from 'the God who gave us liberty.'"

"There are some for whom these commitments are not enough. They would prefer it if I would simply distance myself from my religion, say that it is more a tradition than my personal conviction, or disavow one or another of its precepts. That I will not do. I believe in my Mormon faith and I endeavor to live by it. My faith is the faith of my fathers – I will be true to them and to my beliefs."

"Some believe that such a confession of my faith will sink my candidacy. If they are right, so be it. But I think they underestimate the American people. Americans do not respect believers of convenience. Americans tire of those who would jettison their beliefs, even to gain the world."

The man who has waffled too often finally appeared as a man of conviction.

And yet, of all the reactions the major media of this country could have to these lines, the Washington Post chose to focus on this line in their main editorial this morning:

"Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God. Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone. "

The Post found that misguided. The weighty question on their mind is whether Romney offended the atheists.

The Post said, "where Mr. Romney most fell short, though, was in his failure to recognize that America is composed of citizens not only of different faiths but of no faith at all and that the genius of America is to treat them all with equal dignity."

And what The Post failed to recognize is the anger most Americans feel towards the media is based on this type of misguided pandering. Yes, the Godless deserve dignity and liberty. But, the God-fearing deserve a great deal more defending by the seemingly soulless media.

Romney provided that defense yesterday and is thus reaping the benefits today from those who kneel on knees and bow heads.

It is difficult to see how logical thinkers like David Brooks of the New York Times fail to appreciate the volume of attention to the unbelieving and criticism of those of faith. Brooks obviously battled an internal struggle as he penned his column for today. He sought to praise Romney but found himself concerned the agnostic might be offended.

Yes, there are a few on pews who wrongly seek to silence the unbelieving. What the media doesn't seem to comprehend is they embolden this minority as they increasingly seek to paint religion as a preoccupation of the eccentric.

Today, A Mormon Speaks

I've debated internally whether to post this blog entry. After some consideration I roll the dice.

Before I begin I need to make something perfectly clear. This blog is MY space on the web. I have gone to great lengths to make sure this blog has never been hosted on KTAR owned servers. Most of the time I speak my personal views as an employee of KTAR. But, today I speak as Russ Hill, the individual. I venture into a very personal space. This has nothing at all to do with KTAR. It contains my views on a major story in the current news cycle.

I am a Mormon.

Normally that doesn't matter.

But, according to Google tonight there are more than 6,032 articles in the media that have been uploaded to news sites in the last 24 hours dealing with my faith. Almost all of them have to do with a man named Mitt Romney.

As you know Romney is scheduled to deliver what his campaign bills as a major speech on faith in America this Thursday. The speech will get massive media attention. Unfortunately, I don't think Mr. Romney will say what America wants to hear and what Mormons like me want him to say.

If I were typing the speech tonight, I would make this the opening line:

"Americans, What the crap are you smoking?"

Okay, maybe it wouldn't be quite that blunt. But, I wish Romney would utilize his biggest moment yet in the media spotlight to talk plainly with the American people about the faith he and I share.

Tonight, newspapers across America are printing articles with references to my religion as a cult. Don't believe me? Check out this one. Or, maybe this one.

Cults wear trench coats, hide in caves, and sit around pots of steaming brew while plotting mysterious acts of destruction. I put on a suit and go to church on Sundays in a fully lit building where the doors are unlocked and the services are open to anyone.

I wonder in amazement at all the polling data that claims to reveal what my neighbors, peers, and fellow citizens think of people like me who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. NBC News says their poll shows 62% of Americans don't think America is ready for a Mormon President. More than 3 in 10 Americans say they would never vote for a Mormon candidate.

And, in a new scientific survey from Vanderbilt University today, researchers found Mormons are the subject of more bias than blacks in America.

It's clear to me one of two things is happening. Either Americans think Mormons are complete freaks or most Americans don't know anything about Mormonism. I prefer to think it's the latter (maybe wishful thinking).

I wish Romney would help clarify this confusion about the LDS faith. He might appear genuine for once. Instead his advisers are making it clear he's going to do the politically correct thing. Here's what I wish he would say:

Mormons have one wife. Just like all Christians (read the Bible) there was a time when it was different, but not anymore. The LDS Church ended the practice in 1890. Enough already.

Mormons believe in Jesus Christ. If a person's name is in a church's name it might be a clue those people worship that individual. Mormons belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe Christ was born to Mary, lived a sinless life, suffered for all mankind's sins, and rose from the tomb on the third day. We worship him as the King of Kings. We put up Christmas trees and read Luke Chapter 2. Sound familiar?

Mormons live by a health code. It's true we don't drink coffee, tea, or alcohol. We don't mess with tobacco or illegal drugs. (I think some energy drinks should be added. That's a joke.) Without getting too doctrinal on you, Mormons believe God gave us our bodies and cares what we do with them. Thus, some general guidelines on health were provided. (Thank goodness God didn't become preoccupied with the whole Super Size concept.)

We also believe life isn't an accident. Yes, it's kinda cool we all showed up on this little blue ball called Earth. We happen to believe it's all part of a grand plan and that we're here to be tested. There have been instructions given (scriptures). Examples have been provided (prophets). Mormons believe in revelation. That means individuals can pray to God and He could actually answer. I'm not talking tablets here. But, rather parents kneeling beside a bed asking God to help them know how to best raise their children. We don't believe angels will likely appear but rather impressions will come in quiet moments.

Mormons believe the Bible isn't the only book of scripture in the history of the earth. We believe in the Old and New Testaments and in another record we believe was written at the same time in this hemisphere. We believe there might be other records of additional civilizations out there that haven't yet been discovered.

We believe in modern day prophets. Mormons think God didn't become distracted or lose interest in mankind after Moses, Noah, and Paul.

Mormons believe that there is life after death. We believe family relationships are eternal. You won't hear "till death do you part" at a Mormon wedding. We believe after this life all people will be judged in two main areas: obedience to God's commands, and service to others. We believe God's laws generally don't change and that societal trends shouldn't be the basis of one's decisions of appropriate conduct.

On the subject of service to others, Mormon Sunday services are dominated by discussion of the need to spend more time with our children, contribute more of our time helping those in our community, and giving more of our substance to those without. Christ's teachings are the focus. Sorry to say, but unlike the "cult" label might suggest, we don't sacrifice animals, although I've suggested something involving cats.

You might not know Mormons have their own welfare system. We do not believe government should be our safety net. Rather, we believe we should help each other. If a Mormon is working hard and can not afford groceries, they are provided. If a Mormon temporarily loses his/her job a check is immediately written to pay that month's mortgage if the rainy day funds we are urged to save are not sufficient. Mormons donate time each year at farms, canning facilities, charity stores, etc to help build up a global network of regional storehouses. When hurricanes or disasters hit, more than Mormons benefit from these facilities. The staffs at these places are not paid. The staff is us: the members of the LDS Church.

Mormons don't believe in paid clergy. All of us donate time each week to help run this little religion we believe in. We are all equals. One year you might be asked to help teach 8 year olds on Sunday. The next year you might be leading the entire congregation as bishop. I currently spend about 4-6 hours a week working with teenage boys. This individual service keeps the religion running and is incredibly rewarding as well.

I could go on. But, I think I've done enough damage already for the boys on bikes.

You'll have to forgive me and a whole lot of other Mormons who might be a little testy when it comes to being characterized as members of a "cult" or something other than Christian. Mormons tend to be sensitive to their public image. Our faith has been the target of suspicion for generations. As some of you might know, our ancestors once suffered greatly as they tried to escape religious bigotry in this country. My relatives were among those who walked 1300 miles from the midwest to the barren Salt Lake Valley simply to save their lives in a country that had promised religious tolerance and freedom.

You might be aware that Mormons are the only religious group to have ever had an executive order signed by an elected official in the United States authorizing their murder. Do a Google search on Missouri Executive Order #44. It was signed in 1838 by Governor Boggs and stated, "The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the state, if necessary, for the public good. " Salt Lake City isn't the home of the Mormon Church because Mormons love mountains. It's because our ancestors carried their families across this country on barefeet until they found a place isolated enough where they felt their lives were relatively safe.

These are the things I wish Mitt Romney would say on Thursday. This is the story America needs to know. It should be told not to seek converts or sympathy.

It should be told because while Mormons are definitely a peculiar people, they aren't a cult.

A Crummey Day at KTAR-FM

Dozens of you have sent emails today asking about something you've heard on KTAR-FM, or something someone told you they heard on KTAR-FM.

"Is it true?"

"Please tell me when he'll be on."

Those are just some of the things you've been asking in your notes.

The answer is: Yes, it's true. Joe Crummey has joined the KTAR-FM team. Crummey makes his debut on FM radio this Thursday morning. This is something he, and KTAR-FM, have wanted for quite some time and something we're excited to finally be able to announce.

Some background might be helpful to those of you asking, who the heck is Joe Crummey. The quick answer is he was on AM radio in Phoenix for the last several years. His afternoon program was one of talk radio's most successful programs in this market.

Crummey was abruptly fired a few months ago when the station he worked for decided to go after an older audience with a slower-paced all-politics format. Getting rid of Crummey when moving in that direction was a wise move because he certainly didn't fit the mold. His approach of talking about the biggest stories of the day in an entertaining way, veering off politics when it bored him, and refusing to call Mayor Phil Gordon a KKK clansman made him stand out as too contemporary for that style of talk radio, and a perfect fit for KTAR-FM.

Crummey and I have talked for months about finding a great fit for him and for KTAR-FM. We've discussed various show concepts. Who knows what the future holds, but for now, Joe will become a contributor to Arizona's Morning News with Ned & Connie.

You'll be able to hear Crummey's take on the day's issues in a brief commentary during the 7 o'clock hour each weekday morning. His first piece airs this Thursday on FM News/Talk 92-3 KTAR.

This is a great introduction of Joe Crummey to the KTAR-FM audience. It's my hope that you'll hear him in a longer form setting from time to time in the near future.

Finally, let me briefly address a few previous posts I've made on this blog several months ago about Joe Crummey. Those of you who've been reading this blog for a long time know I was highly critical of Crummey's previous employer for being less than truthful about the show he did for them.

You see, that station went out of their way to make its audience believe Crummey's talk show was being done from Phoenix, when it fact Joe was doing it from Southern California. I thought that was less than honest and downright unethical. I've talked with Joe about this. He agrees. It wasn't his decision.

In the commentaries Crummey will be doing for KTAR-FM, he will never claim to be in Phoenix or the Valley. He will do them each morning from his family's home in Southern California.

It's important that's on the record.

Now it is.