But Jason Stein, of LA's KFI has been hired away from his enviable position at the #1 talker in the country, to make the smart radio consumers of Seattle listen to R & D (KIROFM m-f, 3-6p).
That's a tall order for the idiot twins: even when they're making sense, they sound stupid... plus- they're up against NPR, and KOMO News! (Dave Ross couldn't make it in this slot).
Stein has produced some of KFI's biggest shows. Like the powerful John & Ken Show, Bryan Suits, and more. The station actually improved its standings with the new electronic ratings system, which, along with the disastrous FM flip, helped put KIRO at the bottom.Can R&D become listenable? Can the ex-wannabe FM shock-jocks news-up and be credible with the news-hungry of the afternoon? Probably not, but it's the first inkling that Bonerville is getting serious about this entirely unserious drivetime disaster. Doubt they could or would do much to change Dave and Dori, (nor should they) but they gotta do something.
We hear it may be the last chance for these two, and they know it.
After six years, Stein is sick of LA, (he's from Wisconsin) he and his wife are ready for Seattle.Bryan Suits told Blatherwatch that Stein is the best (tied with John Hiefield) producer he's worked with.
"He knows that a winning show is local, informed, smart, tax-paying, registered to vote and pissed off. The majority of the audience is not hyper-partisan. But they are hyper-worried and they need a show that sounds like them. THEN, give them something they won't hear anywhere else. That's KFI's secret."
Welcome Jason, you've got your work cut out for you...
I suppose I should listen to them in the next few days so I can tell if he helps them be better.
Hope he is smart enough not to spend more than two minutes per day visiting here.
Good luck Jason. You're going to need it with this goofy crowd. Seattleites are weird puppies. So weird that even our liberal county folks are closing up their Animal Control Dept.
Posted by: chucks | October 29, 2009 at 05:17 PM
When is Suits gonna get sick of LA and move bc to his place in Monroe? KIRO could get rid of Dimb & Dumber, and Bryan could work with his old friend Jason... just sayin'
Posted by: Marks | October 29, 2009 at 05:30 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FREEMONT
Posted by: sparky | October 29, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Happy Birthday Fremont.
1 e, right?
Posted by: chucks | October 29, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Why would I leave America's #1 news/talk station? Happy birthday Fremont.
Posted by: twitter.com/KFIBryan | October 29, 2009 at 07:02 PM
That comment about listeners being pissed off but not hyper partisan is very insightful.
I think if talkers like Dori exressed specific frustrations but didn't make it a point to blame an entire ideology they might connect with listeners better.
If mellow moderates like Dave acted more affected and outraged by outrageous things they might connect with listeners better.
The idea that things like road repair and social services are poorly managed and progressing at a glacial page is common to almost everybody, but once you add political religion to the mix it spoils everything.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | October 29, 2009 at 09:22 PM
There's a lot of road repair going on. And it is moving along nicely. Thank you, Christine.
Posted by: joanie | October 29, 2009 at 10:03 PM
I can't believe that R and D ever got a job on an adult station in Seattle. I couldn't understand it when it happened, and I'm not surprised that they have driven more listeners away from the once-great KIRO. Why doesn't Bonneville just put them down? it's inevitable, anyway. Bring back Styble, at least he was fun to laugh at.
Posted by: Mark C. | October 29, 2009 at 10:34 PM
joanie, whether road repair is slow or fast is beside the point. For the purpse of radio perception is everything. When you're stuck in traffic road construction tends to seem pretty good god damned slow.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | October 29, 2009 at 10:54 PM
That's my point, Andrew. I travel north a lot. I am stuck occasionally in traffic. A lot of roadwork got done this summer and it went pretty fast. Nice I-5 going north.
I'm happy.
Posted by: joanie | October 29, 2009 at 10:59 PM
What a disaster to hear a soccer game on KIRO-FM last night. What are they thinking? So....yhey gut the AM signal to make it sports, and then put sports broadcasts on the floundering FM talk station. Brilliant!
Posted by: Dave | October 30, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Dear Frank. This is how not entertaining you have been lately: people would rather listen to someone talk about about a bunch of guys aimlessly kicking a ball around a field than listen to you. I'm not pretending your job is easy but if ever their was a time to exercise a stroke of genius now would be it.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | October 30, 2009 at 01:35 PM
McD's apparently just changed shifts.
Posted by: fRed | October 30, 2009 at 02:20 PM
you must be late for work
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | October 30, 2009 at 03:00 PM
Personally I would rather watch AuthenticAndrew and Joanie singing Sonny & Cher duets than watch Soccer.
Sorry Joanie.
Posted by: ryder | October 30, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Boobooville has given KIRO radio the worst ratings since the 1960's! Their program director and the higher ups (or should we say higher oopps)should be fired. Forget Ron and Don, the very survival of KIRO FM (and Dave and Dori) is bent on going back to AM...immediately! I can't believe they have not owned up to the fiasco of their own makiing. Switching the AM to FM in a mountainous region is dumb, switching the AM to sports is even dumber!
There have been 3 books now under PPM's and KIRO AM/FM keeps falling!
Better to shut off the power than waste the wattage. As of this moment in radio history, I am ashamed of ever having been associated with the once great KIRO Newsradio. What fools these mortals be!
Posted by: Bill Wippel | October 30, 2009 at 04:40 PM
I agree with you totally Bill the AM/FM switch is a big mistake and the longer they take to fix it the lower their book will be. It's the epitome of shooting oneself in the foot.
Posted by: MadMenViewer | October 30, 2009 at 04:51 PM
I hate to claim that people in the radio business uninformed about their very own business but 100.7 The Buzz was the very essense of "Ron and Don" style FM talk radio and it sank after numerous attempts to make it even more FM i.e. getting rid of Dr. Laura and another female talker and bringing in BJ Shea. From the looks of things they want to pattern KIRO FM after what the Buzz used to be, and KIRO is probably far far far more costly to operate than the Buzz ever was.
The cancellation of TBTL is another sign that the FM experiment is going badly because the move was probably supposed to take shows like TBTL and Ron and Don to the next level and that's not panning out. It's clear more than ever that KIRO is an AM station drowning on the FM dial. The death clock is ticking.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | October 30, 2009 at 05:15 PM
We've posted reams about the stupidity of Bonneville's decision to move the mighty KIRO. Entercom is beginning to good by comparison.
Anybody hear Grayson on Randi? He's my new pin-up boy. He is smart, articulate and sure calls the right absolutely accurately.
He said there's no moral equivalency between truth and lies which is what Fox and the crazies like Bachman put out. And he said the msm treats the lies as if they are morally equivalent to the facts.
He also gave a great dialogue between a democrat and republican:
DEM: The fact is that the public option . . . and people can opt . . . and it because the medical infrastructure is already paid for . . . and it won't cost . . .
REP: Socialist.
DEM: Bla bla bla million people are dying . . . because the insurance companies . . . and all we have to do is . . .
REP: Socialist.
DEM: The insurance companies have a monopoly . . . and they are using preexisting conditions to . . . and people who think they are covered try to . . .
REP: Communist.
This is, of course, paraphrased. But does that sound like anyone we know?
Dems try to talk issues and Republicans reduce it to personal attacks. End of story.
And before you tell me that I do that, just remember you crazies are idiots.
I was laughing. He's absolutely unique. I wish he were our Congressman. I love him.
Posted by: joanie | October 30, 2009 at 07:31 PM
Happy, happy birthday, Fremont!
Even though you're not around.
Kinda miss you, that's for sure.
Your wit was always quick & pure.
You have that certain special allure.
I'm having a rhyme-challenged day!
Happy Halloween to all!
Posted by: joanie | October 30, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Interesting how the background of what prompted the responses from the DEM. and REP. is missing. Typical mainstream media trick. Sound bytes may cut it with the reactionary progressives, but the rest of us know that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Grayson is a total wack job and is full of shit - no wonder Ph(J)oanie likes him. If he were a GOP and said what he did, the press would crucify him instead of giving him a pass as they did. He makes Joe "You lie" Wilson seem polite.
Posted by: KS | October 30, 2009 at 08:14 PM
um fucktard, Joe "You lie" Wilson interupted the President of the United States during an official assembly just to blurt out some idiotic and nonsensical phrase.
Alan Grayson make poignant arguments within the time he's given to speak.
It doesn't matter what side of the aisle you're on. Joe Wilson is a lowly little house representative. Barack Obama is the god damned President. In another country Joe Wilson would have been shot for his outburst.
You're so dumb it borders on entertaining.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | October 31, 2009 at 02:59 AM
Poor Andrew -aka Blatherwatch answer to Voltaire- he gets one 'B' in his PolySci 101 class at a Seattle Junior College and now feels free to spend his time pontificating on who is 'smart'.
KS
Don't mind the boy Andrew. He just gets overly excited when writing dirty words.
He tosses out stuff but when called upon to back it up he can only run away from the argument. Still waiting for those 'conservative' homeowners to get arrested, Andy.
Posted by: Puget Sound | October 31, 2009 at 07:09 AM
Andy is a sycophant libtard and excited after drinking the progressive kool-aid and like Ph(J)oanie,
I consider the source. Noting the level of conversation and lame ass replies, that's why you see less of me and noted I see less of you, PutS when I surf over here. Life is better enjoyed off-line.
Posted by: KS | October 31, 2009 at 10:06 AM
"Noting the level of conversation and lame ass replies.."
I think you are being too hard on yourself, KS!
Posted by: sparky | October 31, 2009 at 10:19 AM
No, I am being blunt considering the comments I read. Nothing personal, Sparkles.
Like I'd ever want to get to know most (not all) of the authors behind the lame ass comments, Kapisch ?
Posted by: KS | October 31, 2009 at 10:57 AM
No, I am being blunt considering the comments I read. Nothing personal, Sparkles.
Like I'd ever want to get to know most (not all) of the authors behind the lame ass comments, Kapisch ?
Posted by: KS | October 31, 2009 at 11:01 AM
KS says "that's why you see less of me and noted I see less of you, PutS"
go away
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | October 31, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Putz, just because the people who committed that crime haven't been caught doesn't mean they aren't the type of people I described. Take a logic class and get a job.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | October 31, 2009 at 01:23 PM
andrew,
the concept for today is non sequitur.
it doesn't necessarily follow that because you don't like a class of people (conservatives) that they committed the crime of arson for no other reason then propinquity.
if memory serves, you'll get into that towards the end of this semester.
oh yeah, i'll take some catsup with my fries and my friend KS would like some cheese for his burger.
now step to it, hubba hubba...
Posted by: Puget Sound | October 31, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Puts - go away in kid Andrew speak means come back more often in this upside down blogosphere. However, I don't see enough cogent and substantive arguments from the conservatophobes to keep me from going blog hunting. I trust that you and Duffman (when returns) and a few other straight talkers will hold down the fort of sanity.
Speaking of blogosphere, I miss hearing from Blago, the former Gov. of Illinois. It seems like he may have been the fall guy for Rahm, Jesse Jackson Jr. or another Chicago mobster in the White House. At least Blago is still with his wife, which is more that can be said for another sitting Gov. in South Carolina. Blagoyovich was a guest on Dennis Miller a few weeks ago and they seemed to have a reasoned discussion.
Posted by: KS | October 31, 2009 at 10:56 PM
putz, it follows that you're a fat ass who can't miss a chance to mention cheeseburgers and fries.
puts, stay or go, just don't press the "post" button.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | October 31, 2009 at 11:52 PM
oh andrew, i'll ease up on pressing your buttons with logic and wit. now be a good boy and get ks and i some of that 'secret sauce' your place advertises...
ks,
i also miss the whole blago trial. it stinks of such politics that special prosecutor Fitzgerald prematurely pulled the plug BEFORE we found out which prominent Dems were willing to pony up the dough. Now the story has receded. Although Sen Burris does provide entertainment...
2010 elections are coming soon.
Posted by: Puget Sound | November 01, 2009 at 07:23 AM
puts, your first comment in this thread was a reply to one of my posts. Who's pushing who's buttons? keep running forrest.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | November 01, 2009 at 12:41 PM
actually, andrew (aka my huckleberry)
i utilize you to illustrate the knee jerk mindset of many smug liberals.
i don't want you to go, i'd rather you keep on posting.
Posted by: Puget Sound | November 01, 2009 at 06:39 PM
seems like I'm the only reason you're here at all. pretty unsettling seeing as you think I'm some lowly fast food employee. You're a sick puppy.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | November 01, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Working in fast food is noble. Don't feel bad. I have a neighbor down the street that pumps septic systems and services porta-potties. It to is honest work.
Don't even be the least bit embarrassed Andy.
Posted by: chucks | November 01, 2009 at 07:29 PM
I don't work in the food service industry.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | November 01, 2009 at 07:44 PM
really, don't feel ashamed andrew.
chucks is correct -as usual- that there is no shame in work.
i have confidence that one day you can leave the smell of french fries behind you.
i see you one day becoming a bike messenger.
dare to dream, andy. dare to dream...
Posted by: Puget Sound | November 01, 2009 at 07:49 PM
I don't work in the food service industry.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | November 01, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Ron and Don is a show I have listened to in the past. At times I have found it damn interesting such as the discussions on Katrina and their personalized stories from being at ground zero for example.
They have great chemistry together but I found their topics -in the past- such that I don't really look for 'em on the dial. It reminds me of a sports show without the sports...so when I want that I hit K Calabro on 710 espn.
But with the new producer coming on board I'll give 'em a listen again.
Posted by: Puget Sound | November 01, 2009 at 07:59 PM
They are hungry and probably jonsing for a happy meal
Posted by: willamette | November 01, 2009 at 07:59 PM
yep, so tell andy to stop pontificating on what he learned in junior college today and get to work on those chicken mcnuggets.
Posted by: Puget Sound | November 01, 2009 at 08:01 PM
I don't work in the food service industry.
Posted by: AuthenticAndrew | November 01, 2009 at 08:39 PM
most conservatives eat fatty foods, do you hang out with rush, puget?
Posted by: willamette | November 01, 2009 at 08:49 PM
Do you have any documentation to support that assertion or is that just more ass gas ?
Posted by: KS | November 01, 2009 at 08:54 PM
i would say your interest in fatty junk foods would be a clue. why dont you just get off your fat can and order some?
Posted by: willamette | November 01, 2009 at 09:36 PM
I want your icon, williamette. That's the first one I've really liked.
As for chux and working, well, working anywhere is better than freeloading off the gummernt bride. Isn't it chux?
Posted by: joanie | November 02, 2009 at 02:03 AM
When Puget isn’t attacking someone personally, he is obnoxiously wishing ill will on the country to satisfy his political bent. BTW, everyone knows KS is the huckleberry on this site.
Posted by: Athletic DEPT | November 02, 2009 at 12:34 PM
While this is purportedly a website dedicated to the pluses and minuses of Seattle radio, I continued to be dismayed by the posters here who, with the intelligence found in a wooden plank, are simply incapable of even TRYING to remain on-topic. Look at the last two-thirds of the posts above. With perhaps one or two exceptions, valuable space is wasted by the personal and unintelligible dreck that passes for "witty observation" in these parts. No wonder this site flounders to the point where begging is all that's left: by providing an unedited forum for a few folks whose daily highlight is pound out a "stream of nothingness," this board thus caters not to those interested in the current state of radio, but instead a handful that need a place from which to bleat. Come on, MODERATORS, mind your website and keep this place on track.
Oh yeah... the sooner we send these vagabond job-hoppers that are "Ron and Don" back down the road to Small Market DJ Land, the better. Mindless, senseless and worthless. Intellectually inadequate, this pair of chuckle-heads serve no other purpose than to provide white noise between traffic reports.
Posted by: BenSeattle | November 02, 2009 at 03:31 PM