Jane shannon to KOMO! linda thomas gets the KIRO job!

 Ain’t this just the month of changes in Seattle radio?! This week’s load comes without anybody getting fired, which we’re sure, has a lot of people breathing easier.

(We’re a little behind the times, since we’re in Hawaii, and the nearest wifi is 5 miles up the road where the locals make us buy way too much coffee in order to plug in. We’re flying tomorrow, and will be back up and we hope, a little more current by Friday). 

First it was veteran newsie Jane Shannon (she hates it when we call her a “veteran") to join Herb Weisbaum as co-host of afternoon drive (2-7p) on KOMO effective February 1. Jane wasn’t on the beach long after being fired from her long time morning perch at KIRO. It would be unlikely that such a voice and established talent should not be back on the radio soon, and it’s not without a irony that Jane upgraded to a station enjoying higher ratings than the one from she was so ignominiously fired just a few months ago. And hell, she doesn’t have to get up at 3 ayem anymore!

 Wednesday, KIRO announced that Linda Thomas, veteran newsie (she hates it when we call her a “veteran”) and frequent news fill-in on KIRO, has been hired in Jane’s old slot, (m-f, 5– 9a ) co-hosting with the prick-ly Gregg Hersholt. Linda has worked hard and long to get this job, and brings a great and warm energy. (And, of course, we wish she and Greggg the very best in beating hell out of the freakish Glennn Beck who’s kicking everyone’s ass opposite them on their sister station KTTH). 

Linda is not only an experienced journalist, but also, we’re happy to say: a successful blogger, having won an SPJ award for her Seattle P-I blog, "Educating Mom;”  and tweeting her heart out on As @TheNewsChick. 

KOMO verified what we’d reported on Sunday that The Commentators will be cut to two hours in order that John Carlson can prepare for his new show. 

Comments

[Julia]

Congratulations Jane Shannon!

I'm so sick of the silliness of the KIRO morning show and Greg Hersholt's bad humor, ridiculous mannerisms to the stock market changes, and just plain bad personality. I've missed Jane and truly look forward to hearing her. I can't believe that KIRO is still relevant.

[Jane]

Thank you. That's much appreciated.

[Mysterion]

Will be good to hear her voice on the radio again!

[Greg Hershold]

Yes it will.

[Andrew]

Getting axed often opens the door to opportunities you didn't previously realize were there. Take heart, Corperate Suit.

[Fatso]

What's with all the hot chicks on the radio? I thought you had to be ugly to work in radio - these two need to be on TV or something.

[Rich]

ALL RIGHT!!!! ESPN 710 is starting to get a little old in the pm. Go Jane.

[joanie]

Did you forget Lisa Brooks? I understand she's out.

But am happy for Jane and agree that she's been moved up in the business. Go girl!

As for Lisa Brooks, sorry for her. Was she the one who co-hosted with Pat Cashman or was that Lisa Foster? i get them mixed up.

[Kellylford]

Lisa was on in the afternoons on Komo and tweeted that she lost her job last Friday.

[Where's Waldo]

Lisa Brooks was Pat Cashman's original co-host on KING 1090, ironically was replaced by Jane Shannon, then Lisa Foster. Once again, Jane Shannon will replace Lisa Brooks. I will miss Lisa Brooks' contribution. She was smart, funny, professional and shined with whomever they paired her with. Word on the street is that they kicked her to the curb with no severance. KOMO is true to form. Losers.

[Peeroy Jabbar]

12-3 has been devoid of programming for people with a brain between the two kiro's and ktth. 2pm to 3 will offer an alternative to this dreck and drivel until ron and don come on.

[Peeroy Jabbar]

that is 2 to 3 pm on komo with the mellifluous Jane Shannon.

[gurlgurl]

Chiming in here to add another shout-out about Lisa Brooks, who was indeed let go from her gig at KOMO. Anyone know the full story behind that?

[Reuben and the Jets]

KOMO and KVI owned by Fisher Broadcasting are in the league of NBC for sucky management.

[joanie]

Big News! Volcker back! See Huffington. Also, corporations can spend it big time! I guess they're people. Haven't read it yet. See Huffington.

Maybe Obama got the message. Let's hope so.

[Tim]

Oooooo, Ouch! The Market is not liking that news. Thanks for always being on top of it joanie.

[thothman]

air america is going into bankruptcy and ending live programming, will be playing encore shows until monday. what a time to be on vacation!

[Brian]

Love you Jane, glad we'll have you back!

[Brian]

Funny there's no mention on this blog of the Dems getting their asses handed to them on Tuesday. Thank God for Rush, Hannity, Miller, Nedved and all of the right wing talkers that exposed this corrupt administration and our inept congress!

[Doug Ellis]

I thought this may be of interest to Kiro listeners. Don Oniel, one half of the "Dumb down Duo" hired to keep the Kiro listeners informed on current events and politics from 3 to 7 isn't a registered voter. This is Rich.... Check it out.

http://www.soundpolitics.com/voterlookup.html

[TommyOate]

That sir is because that is not his real name but nice try.

[tad]

Yo, Oatmeal, who ya pretending to be tonite? Not Tommy008? He's tons smarter than you. Better lookin too!

[joanie]

There's been little mention on this bog, Brian, because it is all over left-wing media.

But, since you need to read it here, what do you want us to say?

Obama was given a mighty message. I hope he got it. If he did, you right-wingers might not like him so much cause he may not be as nice as he's been to you. Ingrates.

[Reuben and the Jets]

"Funny there's no mention on this blog of the Dems getting their asses handed to them on Tuesday."

One theory is that the left wing residents want to pretend it didn't happen and forget about it because it was only one candidate. Another theory is that the conservatives, independents and progressives have become disillusioned with Obummer because he is either too far left or not far left enough. The last theory is that it was bound to happen because of lack of good leadership and but above all, it was Bush's fault.

[joanie]

Do you really need theories, klueless? Didn't I just answer the question.

Is it possible you can't comprehend what you read? We leave the CONSTANT WHINING to you guys. Got it?

[Dr Bill]

now wait hold on.. I'll be back after this message from the made in china folks at CCrane radio

[Reuben and the Jets]

You are living in a parallel universe, so I gave my moderate take on it, phony joanie. The progressives can either back off or keep acting like the Taliban - it would take a big smackdown say in November..

The left wing media obfuscates so much, they have one foot in reality and the other one in avatar or another world.

"Obama was given a mighty message. I hope he got it. If he did, you right-wingers might not like him so much cause he may not be as nice as he's been to you. Ingrates."

Bullcrap ! The Chicago mobsters created that message and they have ruled like a bunch of rank amateurs - unemployment is actually 17% no small wonder that independents and conservatives are pissed off and elected a GOP senator in the most liberal voting of the states.

Obamy has not been nice to anyone who dissents - only when he gets slapped down by the masses does he show any humility, crazy lady - your'e smoking crack !! Ingrates - pot meet kettle. The definition of ingrate - see liberal progressive. Once again, you have succeeded to go off the tracks and over the guard rail.

[joanie]

left wing media obfuscates...

You must sit with a thesaurus next to you. I don't think you even know what half the words you use mean.

And your whole post - almost as verbose as sputs - is just another long, long whine.

foot in reality . . . Chicago mobsters... Obamy... slapped down... smoking crack... definition of... and then no definition.

God, you're ignorant. Keep whining. It is what you do best. Some day you might even make sense. Or at least say something factual.

[ksr]

While you all were (still) futzing over what's going on at KIRO, you missed an important development at YOUR radio station:

Breaking: Air America Ceases Live Programming, Will File for Bankruptcy
Jan 21st 2010 at 4:59 pm

From AirAmerica.com:

It is with the greatest regret, on behalf of our Board, that we must announce that Air America Media is ceasing its live programming operations as of this afternoon, and that the Company will file soon under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code to carry out an orderly winding-down of the business.

The very difficult economic environment has had a significant impact on Air America’s business. This past year has seen a “perfect storm” in the media industry generally. National and local advertising revenues have fallen drastically, causing many media companies nationwide to fold or seek bankruptcy protection. From large to small, recent bankruptcies like Citadel Broadcasting and closures like that of the industry’s long-time trade publication Radio and Records have signaled that these are very difficult and rapidly changing times.

Those companies that remain are facing audience fragmentation as a result of new media technologies, are often saddled with crushing debt, and have generally found it difficult to obtain operating or investment capital from traditional sources of funding. In this climate, our painstaking search for new investors has come close several times right up into this week, but ultimately fell short of success.

With radio industry ad revenues down for 10 consecutive quarters, and reportedly off 21% in 2009, signs of improvement have consisted of hoping things will be less bad. And though Internet/new media revenues are projected to grow, our expanding online efforts face the same monetization and profitability challenges in the short term confronting the Web operations of most media companies

When Air America Radio launched in April, 2004 with already-known personalities like Al Franken and then-unknown future stars like Rachel Maddow, it was the only full-time progressive voice in the mainstream broadcast media world. At a critical time in our nation’s history — when dissent on issues such as the Iraq war were often denounced as “un-American” — Air America and its talented team helped millions of Americans remember the importance of compelling discussion about the most pivotal events and decisions of our generation.

Through some 100 radio outlets nationwide, Air America helped build a new sense of purpose and determination among American progressives. With this revival, the progressive movement made major gains in the 2006 mid-term elections and, more recently, in the election of President Barack Obama and a strongly Democratic Congress.

Laws have changed for the better thanks to this revival…..but all the same our company cannot escape the laws of economics. So we intend a rapid, orderly closure over the next few days. All current employees will be paid through today, January 21. A severance package will be offered tomorrow to full-time current employees with more than six months of tenure.

We will strive to assist affiliates and partners in achieving a smooth transition. Starting at 6 pm EST today, we will provide our affiliates, listeners and users a selection of encore programming until 9 pm EST on Monday, January 25, at which time Air America programming will end.

We are proud that Air America’s mission lives on through the words and actions of so many former radio hosts who are active today in progressive causes and media nationwide. In the years ahead, as we look back, we should all be proud of our passionate determination to assure that our nation’s progressive voice would be heard loud and clear. Through the hard work and dedication of current staff, and those who preceded you, a lasting legacy was forged which will now continue through other voices and venues.

Thank you.

[joanie]

KSR, with all due respect, we didn't miss it. We just didn't whine about it.

Why don't you guys get that?

Besides, all the people on KTPK (except for Reagan) are with other corporations. I get Randi online and she's Premier (same as Rush); Malloy is independent; Schultz is Jones Network; Stephanie and Hartmann are distributed by someone else. Sparky knows this stuff better than I do. Even Bill Press is distributed by someone else. As for Richard Greene? God, good riddance. I will miss Ring of fire but I bet they get picked up elsewhere as well. Reagan will land on his feet too.

Oh, and Goldman isn't AA either. Geez, ksr, get with the program.

I don't care as long as I can hear them. So take your gleefulness somewhere else. Doesn't mean a can of beans to me.

You have to admit, they got something started, didn't they? Real venture capitalists in radioland. I think you and klueless should meet.

[Weasels ripped my flesh]

Here you go; Main Entry: ob·fus·cate
Pronunciation: \ˈäb-fə-ˌskāt; äb-ˈfəs-ˌkāt, əb-\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): ob·fus·cat·ed; ob·fus·cat·ing
Etymology: Late Latin obfuscatus, past participle of obfuscare, from Latin ob- in the way + fuscus dark brown — more at ob-, dusk
Date: 1577
transitive verb
1 a : darken b : to make obscure
2 : confuse

phony joanie - you ignorant so-and so. You can call gloating whining - I don't care.

You are not happy unless the playing field is tilted toward the Progressive (government & taxes only) movement and even Obama is not far enough left for you. I am still gloating about MA electing Scott Brown and also like the SCOTUS decision on Campaign finance - I'm sure you will whine about that and when you do, I'll remind you and keep pushing back against you progressive pain in the ass hyperbole.

Awaiting your denial, quasi-Cleopatra.

[KS]

Oops, the light called truth is too bright for Joanie amid her obfuscations- she has left the building.

bwahahahahahaha

[supra shoes]

Friendship is like earthenware: once broken, it can be mended; love is like a mirror: once broken, that ends it.