Jason Stein will start producing Mitch in the Morning, (KJR, mpf, 6-10) on January 2.
Remember Jason? he was the producer of The Ron & Don Show (KIROFM m-f, 3-7p) run off by Don O'Neill. That, after bringing the show from the depths of the toilet into ratings Valhalla.
It is safe to assume Jason Stein will be motivated to destroy Bonneville's 710 ESPN, plus lure (25-54) male listeners away from the KIROs. After all, he was treated like shit there... by "I would be" Don, the dimmer of Dim & Dimmer (think Tommy Smothers with pre-natal alcohol syndrome).
There's more Don O'Neill news, which would be funny, if it weren't so pathetic.
'Where are the men?' he snorted on air and on line on Oct 28. He was chiding the men of the region to become Big Brothers, which, of course, is a well thought-of mentoring program that R & D, to their credit, make a lot of noise about.
Flexing his mighty guns, O'Neill said, "If you don't look out for them, no one else is [sic] there are ways for us to stand up for kids and be a part of their village."
(photo: Don with a villager under his wing)
Guess who ISN'T standing up for kids and becoming a Big Brother... that's right, Don O'Neill. Seems partner Ron Upshaw has become a BB, but has been unable to convince his radio partner to put his time and effort where his big, fat mouth is.
Poor Jason has jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Mitch Levy ("Mitch in the Morning") isn't an idiot, but he does have a reputation for being very difficult to work with, and runs through producers like water. I hope he gives Stein the respect he deserves, but history suggests he won't.
Posted by: Pete | December 15, 2011 at 03:12 PM
Spare me the Don O'Neill news, Mike. As dim as they are, they still out rate Dori Monson and Dave Ross. Amazing. Where have all the intelligent KIRO listeners gone?
Posted by: Lois the Pie in Shelton | December 15, 2011 at 08:21 PM
I have finally figured it out. Ron and Don claim to be the most listened to show, when actually they know they can count on nobody challenging them because nobody is listening to hear them make the claim. There it was in front of me all this time.
Posted by: Sheldon Adelson | December 15, 2011 at 09:26 PM
I think that Mitch is at the top as far as sports broadcasters and any criticism of Jason will be tough and harsh, but fair and with merit.
Posted by: Mike Barer | December 15, 2011 at 10:12 PM
By the way, those who have listened to Ron & Don over time know that Don was a big brother for several years in the past.
Posted by: Dar | December 16, 2011 at 09:15 AM
I hate to say it, but Ron & Don's eternal charity fundraising is extremely BORING! It's all very nice and all, but terrible radio. I always take my ears elsewhere when it starts, but of course I'm not wearing a PPM.
Posted by: Peaklimiter | December 16, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Mitch won't be doing much criticizing of Jason Stein, one of the most capable producers in town. He came here with tremendous resume from KFI in the 2nd largest market in the country. He polished the turds to make R & D successful. No mystery why he was hired--Mitch needs some help.
Posted by: JimF | December 16, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Jason Stein if you are reading this.....I only listen to Mitch for the Daily Schnoz segment, interviews with 3 or 4 sports reporters in other cities about interesting stories of the day.
There is too much un-interesting nonsense and uninformed opinion.....(with the exception of ex-QB Hugh Millen).....in other parts of the program for me to stay tuned in.
Good luck.
Posted by: Joe | December 16, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Mitch in the morning is more interesting to hear than Ron and Don. The Daily Schnoz, Breakfast with Beano, Hugh Millen are good features.
The best sports talk on that station is Ian Furness 1-3 PM, IMO. I'll listen for the changes. Between KJR and KJR-FM, they have the corner on morning talk shows in this area.
Posted by: KS | December 16, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Talk about community service....Gasman (and Groz) have done their share. Class acts and very entertaining. I think they have become legends in this community. Too bad this blog doesn't say much about them and sportsradio in general. it is "talk" after all. And with 2 sports stations in town, too bad Vinnie couldn't find work here...as hokey as he is...he was a driving force to save the Mariners.
Posted by: PRS | December 17, 2011 at 05:20 AM
Mitch in the morning is more interesting to hear than Ron and Don. The Daily Schnoz, Breakfast with Beano, Hugh Millen are good features.
The best sports talk on that station is Ian Furness 1-3 PM, IMO. I'll listen for the changes. Between KJR and KJR-FM, they have the corner on morning talk shows in this area.
Posted by: KS | December 16, 2011 at 10:39 PM
spot on KS. the dirty little secret is that sports talk radio that is live and local is a successful business model.
Posted by: Puget Sound Blathers | December 17, 2011 at 09:21 AM
I would agree with PRS, however, the writer does not choose to cover Sports Talk radio, and I respect his decision.
I believe there are some blogs (including mine) that have written about STR occasionally.
Posted by: Mike Barer | December 17, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Mitch in the morning is great radio. Part of the reason I enjoy Mitch the bitch is because he doesn't take callers. OMG...do I really care what some lame ass dude from Wallingford thinks? That would be hell no.
And Ron and Don...I think the reason they get so many listeners is due to the lack of any other program that is live and local between 3-7.
Posted by: kate | December 18, 2011 at 02:26 PM