Redemption Day

Earlier today I announced to our staff some changes to the lineup of KTAR-FM.  Tomorrow marks Kid Stevens' last day as a full-time talk show host on KTAR-FM.  More about him in a minute.  The lineup change will be moving Larry Gaydos to 7-10pm and adding Phil Hendrie to the KTAR-FM lineup from 10pm-1am. 

I'll write more in the next few days about Gaydos and Hendrie.  Both are talented guys who will be a good team in the evenings for us.  Again, more on them in a day or two. Today, I want to make a few comments about Kid.

I hired Kid last Fall.  I've only been in the Valley for 16 months.  So, I never heard him and Rueben during their decade together as morning show jocks on hip hop stations here.  I did know of their success and was interested in talking to Kid when he contacted me asking for a conversation.

Before I meet with any talent I do my homework.  I do a LOT of homework.  In this case I wanted to learn more about why Kid had been fired from his job at another broadcasting company.  The company claimed Kid had made racially inflammatory comments about Hurricane Katrina victims.  I looked into those claims.

They were bogus. 

I hate it when people don't tell the truth.  I hate it when managers don't shoot straight with employees.  My experience is most managers don't have enough backbone to tell the truth, when it's unpleasant.  Fortunately, or unfortunately, I have always been a blunt communicator.  I also like it when others communicate with me that way.  Don't waste my time with crap.  If I'm not getting the job done, tell me.  If I am doing an awesome job, reward me.  Just shoot straight.

I wasn't involved in the firing of Kid & Reuben nearly two years ago.  I don't have all the details.  But, I also know that in a few weeks, when Kid returns to morning radio at another station in another format, I will be cheering for him. He's one of the good guys.   He's hungry.  He works his tail off.  He goes above and beyond.  He is a pleasure to work with.  He's a class act.

So, while I'm personally disappointed Kid is leaving KTAR-FM, I'm thrilled for his opportunity in music radio.  While most radio people and managers would hide details like those I'm sharing, I will instead take the opportunity to heap praise and explain what's happening.  If you've read this blog at all you know I think a lot of what happens in this industry is crap. We don't operate that way here.  So, Kid will talk on the radio tomorrow about leaving.  He'll mention the station he's going to. He'll talk about why he made this decision.  He won't simply disappear.

And, in a classy move, his new employer, has agreed to permit him to fill-in on KTAR-FM for vacationing hosts from time to time.  We'll be using him.

So, to wrap up, I'm bummed to lose Kid as one of our daily talk show hosts.

But, I'm thrilled his Redemption Day has arrived. 

He's back in hip hop and he will soon be causing the station that shoved him out the door two years ago to regret that decision. 

And, I'll be cheering.

Comments

[Kevin Schuhmacher]

You know I have never heard Kid or his show, but I would bet that he raised some eye brows after doing some research on the guy, more power to ya and keep it up! Having said that,I think talk radio is great and all but in todays day and age most people under 35 have an attention span of 20 seconds. Fast food, 7/11's, Circle K's, microwaves,instant messaging, blackberries, everything is now! I want things now, how long do you think you have to get someones attention in todays day and age? I say 10 seconds. Now if you don't want the people under 35 to tune in then don't bother, but in this plastic formed, computer generated gasoline hogged greedy political I want it now world you've got to be different and on the edge of insanity with intelligence to get people to listen. Right, left, in the middle, on top on, the bottom, who care's! Were all in the boat together! What are you going to do for ratings? Who is good enough to be on the air? Who can boost the ratings? Who has been fired for this or hired for that? Who hates or who loves? I would love the chance to get on the air and raise some eye brows as well. Much success! Kevin

[Chris]

Russ:

I just want to say how pleased I am that Phil Hendrie has found a so called home on the evening dials of KTAR. I've been following his show for many years, and have hundreds of Phil Hendrie Mp3s on my pc as well as cds stacked up to the ceiling. I've been listening to KTAR ever since Phil hit the KTAR airwaves in I believe July. Consequently, since Phil has been on I set my Number 1 station in my car to KTAR. So, when Im in my car I have also had the opportunity to hear such shows as Ankarlo and Gaydos After Dark. I very much enjoy the programming on KTAR and think that the schedule couldn't be much better. Despite the fact that I am white, some of the Ankarlo topics regarding illegal immigration rub me the wrong way I guess you could say. However, this makes for good radio. A truly good radio talk show host can get a person fired up positively or in many cases, heated to the point of being angry. Thank you for first, having Phil on the air in the late night, and second..for delivering an awesome schedule day in and day out. Keep up the great work.

[Brando7]

(Music)I'm going to speak for the real Bud Dickman. Phil does not give two Sh$$S what the critics say.... thats the beautiful thing about him. Phil would want you to know... he does not have the moves, theres no drinking or smoking on the show, thats right sweet heart, He wants you to know , he's not good lookin , He's not going to make you feel good, he's not good sexually, he does not have sex appeal, and heee.. won't take you in his arms, and keep you warm, why? Well , not because he doesn't love you, but because he doesn't..... know what he is doing. SeXually , he is underdeveloped,,, he's Tramaine... (music)

[Les]

I heard Paul Harvey say on air that the pilot who was lost was found alive. The rich adventurer. What was going on there?

[Les]

I feel that talk radio is losing it. I am interested in knowing the formula for estimating audience.
In the interest of entertainment I feel each host is far to involved in his own opinion. On KTAR I have made a study. I turn the radio down and ever once in awhile I turn the volumn up. Far to often I get a commercial or traffic and weather together. Duribg drive time I can see it. I do not et it when 90% of the audience is laying on their bed and checking the weather out their window. How often do you go to the window to see if it is raining? Every 10 minutes is a little much.
The program director needs to tell the sales staff to raise the rates and cull the ads.

[Fritz Kron]

Who is the moran at your station that is taking off Paul Harvey? Big mistake, i will change to the other station like 550am etc.

You dont take off an Icon with the best following etc.

[VinceK]

I've been a KTAR listener for a number of years. Always a listener, never a caller. I spend 2-1/2 hours per day driving to and from work, so I listen to KTAR in hopes of getting news -local and national - as well as local sports, and talk radio. I've been in the valley for 24 years now and was previously accustomed to having live 24 hour news format radio like KYW Newsradio in the Philadelphia/ eastern PA/ NJ/ Delaware areas. To me, KTAR came closest to filling that format of "immediate news", so I became a regular listener. I've listened, with interest, to the recent parade of changes on KTAR. Less of Liebowitz was a very good thing. Pat McMahon is bland, milk toast, but not offensive to the taste. I believe that Ankarlo is the best move that KTAR has made and whether I agree with him or not on each issue, I enjoy the work he puts in to be informed on the subject matter of his shows. It took a little getting used to The Kid and Gaytos during my night time commutes, but I liked the call-in format which keeps the host on their toes and usually keeps things moving. Whenever I hear Jay Lawrence's voice come on air, a prompt dial change was in order. He's tired, tiring and quite a bore and I'm glad that he is is no longer a regular. Recently however, I've had the unfortunate experience of listening to the Phil Hendrie show on my homeward drive. At first, I did not "get" what he was doing - and didn't like it; but now that I understand his format, I dislike it even more. He comes across as a burnt out, boring, quasi-commedian, who's best years were entertaining his fellow high school classmates with "risque, anti-establishment, sophomoric humor in times long past. He is so in love with listening to his own voice that he drones on and on with his cast of poorly developed, flat, lifeless characters, playing the net in a form of verbal ping pong. I cringe at most of his off color monologs, not because I don't enjoy off color humor (I love Chappelle, or "The Mind of Mencia"), but because it is embarassing to listen to an adult stoop to childlike toilet humor. Hendrie appears to be a washed up standup comedian who is too lazy to stand up any more. I was so annoyed at having his BS to fill my radio drive time that I went online -AFTER getting home of course; no texting while driving, (but THAT is a different sore point)to see what I could find out about this lamester. The best I could find in his Wikipedia Bio was that in 2006, he announced the end of the Phil Hendrie Show. Why didn't he stick with that decision? Why does KTAR put him on air? There really ARE people listening late at night in Phoenix, so PLEASE give us someone intelligent to listen to! Bottom Line: until KTAR decides to put some intelligent life form on during the 10PM to 1AM time slot, I'll have to go elsewhere to fill my drive time. VinceK

[VinceK]

I've been a KTAR listener for a number of years. Always a listener, never a caller. I spend 2-1/2 hours per day driving to and from work, so I listen to KTAR in hopes of getting news -local and national - as well as local sports, and talk radio. I've been in the valley for 24 years now and was previously accustomed to having live 24 hour news format radio like KYW Newsradio in the Philadelphia/ eastern PA/ NJ/ Delaware areas. To me, KTAR came closest to filling that format of "immediate news", so I became a regular listener. I've listened, with interest, to the recent parade of changes on KTAR. Less of Liebowitz was a very good thing. Pat McMahon is bland, milk toast, but not offensive to the taste. I believe that Ankarlo is the best move that KTAR has made and whether I agree with him or not on each issue, I enjoy the work he puts in to be informed on the subject matter of his shows. It took a little getting used to The Kid and Gaytos during my night time commutes, but I liked the call-in format which keeps the host on their toes and usually keeps things moving. Whenever I hear Jay Lawrence's voice come on air, a prompt dial change was in order. He's tired, tiring and quite a bore and I'm glad that he is is no longer a regular. Recently however, I've had the unfortunate experience of listening to the Phil Hendrie show on my homeward drive. At first, I did not "get" what he was doing - and didn't like it; but now that I understand his format, I dislike it even more. He comes across as a burnt out, boring, quasi-commedian, who's best years were entertaining his fellow high school classmates with "risque, anti-establishment, sophomoric humor in times long past. He is so in love with listening to his own voice that he drones on and on with his cast of poorly developed, flat, lifeless characters, playing the net in a form of verbal ping pong. I cringe at most of his off color monologs, not because I don't enjoy off color humor (I love Chappelle, or "The Mind of Mencia"), but because it is embarassing to listen to an adult stoop to childlike toilet humor. Hendrie appears to be a washed up standup comedian who is too lazy to stand up any more. I was so annoyed at having his BS to fill my radio drive time that I went online -AFTER getting home of course; no texting while driving, (but THAT is a different sore point)to see what I could find out about this lamester. The best I could find in his Wikipedia Bio was that in 2006, he announced the end of the Phil Hendrie Show. Why didn't he stick with that decision? Why does KTAR put him on air? There really ARE people listening late at night in Phoenix, so PLEASE give us someone intelligent to listen to! Bottom Line: until KTAR decides to put some intelligent life form on during the 10PM to 1AM time slot, I'll have to go elsewhere to fill my drive time. VinceK

[Joe Jacari]

ANYTHING is better than the following spent talkers: Leibowitz, Pat McFlufftalker, Gaydos-toastertalk, and Dead-boring Simons.

Ankarlo isn't too bad, but does't have the weight of someone who will stand up to the local political establishment, since he met with them and shook hands with the Mayor when he got to Phoenix (nod, nod, wink, wink).

Last thing we need is the continuation of a mini-government media complex, status-quo KTAR on FM that prevailed on AM.

A good, real conservative talker (which KTAR doesn't have) will be what it takes to compete with KFYI.

Sorry, but facts are facts.

Jazzy intros and thumping bumpers and sound effects are catchy but real, authentic talk will always win the day over the long haul, once the novelty wears off.

I see arrogance coming from KTAR because it has a veritable monopoly position on FM talk. Better watch it! Reality looms large and will make itself felt!

I see Russ Hill is creating the malleable Ankarlo in his middle-of-the-road, vanilla, bland image/vision. Ankarlo, better not try to pander to the flavor of the month or
to Russ' flawed vision! You might end up rebelling to try to get your power back and lose it all!

Please, no more Leibowitz...ever! He had his time at KTAR and always kissed Janet Napolitano's a**. He could have stood up to her and her inaction on the illegal alien situation, but he would only have a love fest with her and his fellow liberal travelers.

Leibowitz is lukewarm; therefore, we spit him out! His type of radio is cooked. Stick a fork in its buttocks!

Plus, he's really, really happy as VP of some unknown public relations firm.

Let Leibowitz begone from KTAR forever. Begone you little, fluffy, liberal Leibowitz putz muppet, you!

[Dr. Reality]

There is definitely something else worth going to: 91.5 FM.

[jim]

I would really like to see Leibowwitz back.

[Jeff]

Hey Kid You will be missed on KTAR. I for one thought that what you brought to the News group was refreshing and I appreciate that your own show was not overly rehearsed and always seemed genuine. I do not listen to hip hop so I doubt I will check out your new show. However, I do look forward to you subing from time to time. I like the new KTAR. I think that while Gaydos acts like he is full of himself, he really wants to talk about the news of the day in an entertaining and humerous way. As far as Ankarlo goes, You rock dude. Or should I say "I dig you, man" Keep up the good work and I will keep my talk radio A.M. static free.

[Bobby Bouldin]

I can't wait until Gaydos goes the same path as Kid. I cannot believe that KTAR even had any one like Kid for any amount of time and it is even more unbelievable they still are purporting Gaydos to be a talent (what a joke). He should go into comedy - he would be a perfect Paul Ruebens look-a-like and he deserves about the same respect as Ruebens.

I still can't stand this Ankarlo guy - he is a jerk. I have been a loyal listener for twenty years and KTAR is at an all time low. I will probably stick with you just because there is nothing else worth going to - I just hope that you get rid of the rabble soon and get back to serious broadcasting. McMahon and Simons and Ned and Connie are all that you have left that is worth turning the radio on for.

[Marilyn Williams]

Listening to Gaydos talk in the afternoon about serious subjects is like listening to Bart Simpson discuss the Iraq war or analyze the last presidential election. Gaydos is an air head pretending to be a grownup.

[Duke Fan]

To Les Benton: Sadly, Duke Shirlaw (ex-"Middle of the Damn Night" host on KFYI) passed away some years ago. He is missed.

[Mike]

Kid was unlistenable, but despite his absence, KTAR's evening lineup is still the worst I've ever heard. I try, but just don't get it.

[Samantha]

Because Kid is a hunter he advocates the abuse of animals? I hope you don't have any leather shoes, use animal by products, use anything tested on animals and certainly don't eat meat or your just as much an "Animal Abuser" as Kid. Give me a break! I thought I had seen it all. But then again, nothing suprises me anymore. Best of luck with your new station Kid. I for one will miss hearing your solo talk radio show but look forward for your return with Ruben.

I also wanted to say that I like the new lineup on KTAR. Gaydos is a crack-up and Phil Hendrie has taken me a while to get used to, but I'm starting to get what he's all about.

Last point, thank you Mr. Hill for showing such class with this situation with Kid. It's truly refreshing to see radio act like a civilized industry. For far too long we've been subjected to the bottom feeders of ethics and character. My respect for KTAR grew immensely when I heard/read how this panned out. Great job! I'll be listening.

[Greg Sawyer]

Love your station. My Mom introduced me to the station because she loves Gaydos, he's a riot. I like all your hosts. However I am so glad Kid is gone. As much as I try to value, understand and respect the opinions of other people, I cannot find it my heart to respect someone who advocates the abuse of animals. He did it when he was hosting with Rueben on the 92.3 morning show and here he was doing it again on talk radio. One thing I can say is at least he is honest about it and that's respectful in one sense but the lack of compassion and respect for those who can't speak for themselves is disgusting. Personally I am glad he's gone, besides, he's annoying most of the time.
Love the rest of your hosts and you station.
Kudos for the compassionate and excellent coverage of the helicopter collision.

[Kate]

I can't believe Gaydos and Hendri are still on the air. I tune out your station whenever I hear them. No wonder your ratings have fallen. The best hosts you have or ever had are Pat McMahon, Michael Dixon and Bill Strauss. All three know how to hold an intellingent conversation and never have to resort to foul language to make a point. Neither do they use such silly words as PEEPS! PLEEASE! Just because demographics have changed do you need to dumb down your broadcasts?

[Doug]

Thanks for the update on this. It's always nice to know the details behind changes. Else we're always stuck wondering and learning just bits and pieces. Kid was very good. He'll be missed. Glad he'll be filling in from time to time. Quit smoking Kid!

[Les Benton]

My talkshow listening and calling history goes way back. At first I did not like the way Kid screened calls. But being a pro I jumped around all that interuption. I got to like Kid. I hope he does fantastic which I know he will. I suggest that if an opening comes along KTAR adds Straus and/or Bob Witkowsky or Duke Sherlough(sp) They are all ver entertaining. Bob is in Prescott as a photographer. Straus is head of the anti-defamation League. Duke was working for Batteries etc. or somewhere that sells batteries. They are all casual and very easy to like.

[Ed]

I too am sorry to see Kid go. He was one of the best. I am impressed that you were so open about what was going on. Nothing ticks me off more than "getting to know" a host only to have them disappear without a trace. I second the majority of the comments about Phil Hendrie....very boring. I will not listen to him. I much prefer Gaydos in his 9 to midnight, 9 to midnight, 9 to midnight slot. You should replace Kid with either Bruce St. James or Liebo or Famino. I will add I much prefer Jaymie to Heidi. Also Ankarlo is king!

[Sam]

I had the pleasure of meeting Kid and Reuben a number of years ago and both were really nice guys. I was happy when he came to KTAR and he quickly became my favorite host (with Gaydos a close second). I listened to both every night as I drove around for work. Now I catch most of Gaydos, but generally switch stations after 10:00 as national talk shows don't interest me. I'm happy that Kid is back to doing what makes him happy, but disappointed that I won't be getting to hear him very often. (Hip-Hop is definitely not my thing!).

On another note. what happened to "more in a few days"? It's been two weeks since we've heard from you. You haven't forgotten about us, have you Russ? :)

[Anthony]

Good job! You seem to know what you're doing. But, I love Gaydos and would like to see him back with B Nicks! Thanks for the blog!

[Vanessa]

Gaydos is my favorite!!! i dont get to listen to him much now that the slots have changed...I enjoyed Kid Stevens, good to hear he's doin his thang...

Phil Hendrie is a terrible bore though, and he doesnt take callers like Gaydos does!!! he has no peeps and thats boring :)

all the ladies love Gaydos too!!!