Kirk and Callahan: Done

[Fratboy]

It's about fucking time.

 

[ramfan]

I'm willing to bet that Greg Hill not only voted for Trump but thinks he's doing a great job and is still YOUR PRESIDENT. He likely has a MAGA hat in his home.

I hate the hot take hosts and the wannabes but Mutt is just boring. People claim that they want all the show's to just talk sports but if you're not interesting you will fail.

 

[Mueller's Twin Grannies]

At sister station WAAF, longtime personality and morning show sports anchor Lyndon Byers will remain with the station in a new capacity.

Ah, thanks, I missed that.

What a weird choice to leave the ex-athlete on the dying rock station while the middle-aged schlub goes to the sports talk station.

 

[ramfan]

Most people already know and not exactly shocking to those who haven't,but WEEI got destroyed in the 2nd quarter book.https://twitter.com/GlobeChadFinn/status/1149376217205940224

 

[Tony Pena's Gas Cloud]

Speaking of WAAF, it's had its own issues over the last few years but who takes over in the morning spot when the show moves? Simulcast? I fear WAAF's format is going to be changing before the end of 2020 with the way things are going for radio, especially a rock radio station that doesn't play anything recorded prior to 2005.

You clearly haven't listened to WAAF outside of the morning show. With the increasingly draconian playlists given by Entercom, the biggest complaint among WAAF listeners is that it has become essentially a classic rock station very similar to WZLX. Maybe 5% of the music was new material, and what did get played either stunk (Godsmack) or didn't fit the format (Of Monsters And Men), until essentially the new material was only Five Finger Death Punch. Some big name rock artists have released albums in the last few years - Metallica, Judas Priest, U2, Whitesnake - but you'd never know that if you listened to WAAF, since they played the same three or four songs by every artist ad nauseum.
I stopped listening a year or two ago, and supposedly there was a station revolt where they publicized that they'd be revamping their format and playing more new music. My wife still listens and on the few occasions I've heard, it seems that nothing has changed.
So, no, the biggest complaint among WAAF listeners is that it DOESN'T play any new music.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

Interesting that LB is not making the transition over (not surprised about Hsu). It's Hill and Murr and I assume a rotation of reporters. I would think that if they like what Hill brings to the table, they wouldn't change the formula too much. Hill without LB is a significant change to the formula.

 

[Koufax]

For the last year their show has devolved into one radio personality insulting another, often someone not then in the studio. Who wants to listen to that? Good riddance to boring, mindless radio. Obviously the political slant was terrible as well, but the refusal to actually think about and spend effort coming up with sports-related content was suicidal.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

For the last year their show has devolved into one radio personality insulting another, often someone not then in the studio. Who wants to listen to that? Good riddance to boring, mindless radio. Obviously the political slant was terrible as well, but the refusal to actually think about and spend effort coming up with sports-related content was suicidal.

I think it's been closer to 3 years. Kirk really started the WWF vibe on the station and it just deteriorated from there.

 

[joe dokes]

Interesting that LB is not making the transition over (not surprised about Hsu). It's Hill and Murr and I assume a rotation of reporters. I would think that if they like what Hill brings to the table, they wouldn't change the formula too much. Hill without LB is a significant change to the formula.

What about Hill and Schill?

 

[henrydog]

What about Hill and Schill?

I might actually tune into that because I hate myself.

 

[Koufax]

I think it's been closer to 3 years. Kirk really started the WWF vibe on the station and it just deteriorated from there.

Time flies when you're not listening to that BS.

 

[The Talented Allen Ripley]

If Toucher & Rich can make the transition from rock radio to sports talk, I suppose Greg Hill can.

The only difference is that Hill is a smug piece of shit with an odious worldview. Which is strikingly similar to the guy they're bringing him in to replace, so whatever the hell Entercom is doing with this particular case of musical chairs, I have no idea.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Hill is also in his mid-50's and not in their mid 30's when they're trying to switch. It may be easier for Hill since T&R broke a lot of the mold in terms of what's on "sports radio". WEEI has developed zero talent over the last 15 years and its showing.

 

[Mueller's Twin Grannies]

You clearly haven't listened to WAAF outside of the morning show. With the increasingly draconian playlists given by Entercom, the biggest complaint among WAAF listeners is that it has become essentially a classic rock station very similar to WZLX. Maybe 5% of the music was new material, and what did get played either stunk (Godsmack) or didn't fit the format (Of Monsters And Men), until essentially the new material was only Five Finger Death Punch. Some big name rock artists have released albums in the last few years - Metallica, Judas Priest, U2, Whitesnake - but you'd never know that if you listened to WAAF, since they played the same three or four songs by every artist ad nauseum.
I stopped listening a year or two ago, and supposedly there was a station revolt where they publicized that they'd be revamping their format and playing more new music. My wife still listens and on the few occasions I've heard, it seems that nothing has changed.
So, no, the biggest complaint among WAAF listeners is that it DOESN'T play any new music.

Actually, quite the opposite: I've avoided the morning show at all costs because I long since got sick of the format, the misogyny, the celebration of mediocrity, and Greg's unabashed holier-than-thou attitude. I abandoned the station, largely, because of what you mentioned but I do stop by now and again when I hear something I like and am in the mood to listen to the radio.

I got into a little bit of a spat on Facebook with whomever runs WAAF's social media account who tried to tell me that they've been playing popular new songs a lot more after bringing on a new program director (Mistress Carrie was the previous one and is so stuck in the 80s hair metal era that it's a wonder she doesn't use more Aquanet) and that my criticisms were unfounded. I even compared them to ZLX but the person blew it off. Whomever it is like to get into it with the commenters if they take shots at the station, but your wife is dead-on-balls accurate with her assessment.

It's why it's a dying format and why I don't think it'll survive past 2025 without a major overhaul. If Entercom isn't willing to do that, they're going to get what they deserve.

Interesting that LB is not making the transition over (not surprised about Hsu). It's Hill and Murr and I assume a rotation of reporters. I would think that if they like what Hill brings to the table, they wouldn't change the formula too much. Hill without LB is a significant change to the formula.

LB and Hsu could be a fun show, if LB can stay sober and show up often enough. I've heard he recently stepped away to deal with personal issues, which screams rehab to me, but someone who listens more often could probably tell me better.

How long until Tom Brady no longer wants to chat with Greg?

 

[Haunted]

Wait, Hsu isn't moving over with Greg? That's a shame. I wonder what he'll do now?

So will WAAF just go back to playing the same 6 songs they do all day in the morning now?

 

[Mueller's Twin Grannies]

Wait, Hsu isn't moving over with Greg? That's a shame. I wonder what he'll do now?

So will WAAF just go back to playing the same 6 songs they do all day in the morning now?

Playing music in the morning would be a change. I can see why Hsu wouldn't want to go. He's not the most sports-oriented person. He'd rather talk weed and music. Better bet to keep him on 'AAF. He might actually push for more new content.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

Wait, Hsu isn't moving over with Greg? That's a shame. I wonder what he'll do now?

So will WAAF just go back to playing the same 6 songs they do all day in the morning now?

According to the article, Hsu is going to the afternoon slot. Looking at WAAF's website, they don't seem to have really had anyone there for a while (it just says "WAAF Afternoons" with no details).

 

[Tony Pena's Gas Cloud]

Playing music in the morning would be a change. I can see why Hsu wouldn't want to go. He's not the most sports-oriented person. He'd rather talk weed and music. Better bet to keep him on 'AAF. He might actually push for more new content.

I 100% agree that Hsu is better staying at AAF. I've met him at various shows over the years and he's extremely knowledgable about rock music, both classic and current. He seems to be one of the few personalities who seems interested in thinking outside the box when it comes to expanding the format. Years ago, before Entercom stepped in, he hosted a death metal/screamo show on AAF that featured a slew of new bands. Not really my cup of tea musicwise, but he deserves credit for thinking beyond the same three Nirvana songs on repeat and trying to capture a different market for a couple hours a night.

 

[DJnVa]

Most people already know and not exactly shocking to those who haven't,but WEEI got destroyed in the 2nd quarter book.https://twitter.com/GlobeChadFinn/status/1149376217205940224

Not to be too much of a prick, but that's been threaded throughout like the last 30 posts.

 

[Haunted]

I 100% agree that Hsu is better staying at AAF. I've met him at various shows over the years and he's extremely knowledgable about rock music, both classic and current. He seems to be one of the few personalities who seems interested in thinking outside the box when it comes to expanding the format. Years ago, before Entercom stepped in, he hosted a death metal/screamo show on AAF that featured a slew of new bands. Not really my cup of tea musicwise, but he deserves credit for thinking beyond the same three Nirvana songs on repeat and trying to capture a different market for a couple hours a night.

"Harder, Faster". It was great. They'd play local bands too. But, like with everything else, Entercom ruined it.

Mike Hsu is a terrific guy - I've met him a number of times and he's always fun. I probably won't listen as the WAAF playlist is hot buttered garbage, but I'll always root for him.

 

[RIFan]

You clearly haven't listened to WAAF outside of the morning show. With the increasingly draconian playlists given by Entercom, the biggest complaint among WAAF listeners is that it has become essentially a classic rock station very similar to WZLX. Maybe 5% of the music was new material, and what did get played either stunk (Godsmack) or didn't fit the format (Of Monsters And Men), until essentially the new material was only Five Finger Death Punch. Some big name rock artists have released albums in the last few years - Metallica, Judas Priest, U2, Whitesnake - but you'd never know that if you listened to WAAF, since they played the same three or four songs by every artist ad nauseum.
I stopped listening a year or two ago, and supposedly there was a station revolt where they publicized that they'd be revamping their format and playing more new music. My wife still listens and on the few occasions I've heard, it seems that nothing has changed.
So, no, the biggest complaint among WAAF listeners is that it DOESN'T play any new music.

I just flipped over to the stream and these were the last songs played.
Dr. Feelgood - Motley Crue
Right Left Wrong - 3 Days Grace
Hard to Handle - Black Crowes
Remedy - Seether
Alive - Pearl Jam
Ramble On - Led Zeppelin
Monsters - Shinedown
Renegades of Funk - RATM
Do Your Worst - Rival Sons
Dead & Bloated - STP
Back In Black AC/DC
Footsteps - Pop Evil
Remember When - Bad Wolves

That's a surprisingly decent mix of classic and new, including some emerging bands like Bad Wolves & Rival Sons. Small sample size and all, but roughly 1/3 are new(ish) songs. I think that's a good ratio for today's rock radio. That said, new music from any band formed prior to 1990 is going to struggle to get radio play no matter how good the songs are. A lot of bands have put out their best work in decades and it's like a tree falling in the forest.

I bailed on AAF afternoons after Fitzy took that slot. He was horrible and wouldn't shut up. It looks like he's gone so maybe I'll tune in again, especially if Hsu is on.

 

[BJBSJ]

I'm amazed that Callahan was fired not for some on-air controversy, but due to the fact that the listening public has lost interest and stopped listening to his dull radio show. I guess that's a victory for good taste.

The Baseball Paper’s Op-Ed editor and a sociopathic centimillionaire in Metrowest successfully conspired to kill a radio station. Do you want to stake your livelihood on trying to make Mike Mutnansky listenable? Gerry was winding down but two years ago that was the most popular local show in any major market.

 

[jose melendez]

Good riddance to an aggressively vicious and mean spirited bigot. He was an embarrassment to the city, and Boston is a better place without his hatred polluting the airwaves.

 

[ramfan]

Not to be too much of a prick, but that's been threaded throughout like the last 30 posts.

You are a prick and my post was the only one with the actual rating numbers in the last 30 posts. I also prefaced it with "Most people already know"

 

[MuppetAsteriskTalk]

Good riddance to an aggressively vicious and mean spirited bigot. He was an embarrassment to the city, and Boston is a better place without his hatred polluting the airwaves.

Agree 100%

Too bad they decided to replace him with another blowhard.

 

[Mueller's Twin Grannies]

I 100% agree that Hsu is better staying at AAF. I've met him at various shows over the years and he's extremely knowledgable about rock music, both classic and current. He seems to be one of the few personalities who seems interested in thinking outside the box when it comes to expanding the format. Years ago, before Entercom stepped in, he hosted a death metal/screamo show on AAF that featured a slew of new bands. Not really my cup of tea musicwise, but he deserves credit for thinking beyond the same three Nirvana songs on repeat and trying to capture a different market for a couple hours a night.

"Harder, Faster". It was great. They'd play local bands too. But, like with everything else, Entercom ruined it.

Mike Hsu is a terrific guy - I've met him a number of times and he's always fun. I probably won't listen as the WAAF playlist is hot buttered garbage, but I'll always root for him.

Last off-topic post but agree 100% with both of you. I've never really met Hsu but did talk to him on the phone a couple times when I was and he was just a great dude. I loved that he was a voice for metal music on mainstream radio. I hope he gets a good role and some influence there.

As for the playlist @RIFan put up, it would be fine if the majority of those songs weren't already on heavy rotation on ZLX. Four current songs isn't much for the only station in town that plays current hard rock music.

 

[Ale Xander]

Why is it so hard to have a real sports show in the morning window?

Moving from Call to Hill seems like a lateral move, to be honest. Maybe give Mut an entertaining but not bigoted partner instead and try that ?

Also time for WEEI to find someone from the "minor leagues" to replace Big O, he said himself he's about to retire. It sucks that the best 2 shows IMHO go up against each other. (Keefe and ZBH)

 

[jsinger121]

Here’s a good take on this situation.

http://www.tbdailynews.com/gerry-callahan-done-at-weei-after-20-years-because-bob-murchison-runs-programming-there-now/

 

[NortheasternPJ]

This quote is the reason why I think it’s awful radio.

Take this morning for instance. Gerry and Reimer were arguing about Megan Rapinoe and I listened to every word of it. I completely agreed with Gerry, and he’s the only guy on the station who calls out her BS. But Alex plays his part as the token liberal too, even though I don’t think he actually means it, and it makes for good radio.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Why is it so hard to have a real sports show in the morning window?

Moving from Call to Hill seems like a lateral move, to be honest. Maybe give Mut an entertaining but not bigoted partner instead and try that ?

Also time for WEEI to find someone from the "minor leagues" to replace Big O, he said himself he's about to retire. It sucks that the best 2 shows IMHO go up against each other. (Keefe and ZBH)

Who are these entertaining and not bigoted partners and guys from the minor leagues the stations should call up?
There is no Pawtucket equivalent with Michael Chavis out there.

Other than Arcand, neither station has added decent new talent in over a decade, likely longer.

 

[Koufax]

DA, Trenni and Adam Jones come to mind. The problem is that real talent goes national.

 

[The Social Chair]

Here’s a good take on this situation.

http://www.tbdailynews.com/gerry-callahan-done-at-weei-after-20-years-because-bob-murchison-runs-programming-there-now/

Did the bagel boss write this?

 

[joe dokes]

Here’s a good take on this situation.
http://www.tbdailynews.com/gerry-callahan-done-at-weei-after-20-years-because-bob-murchison-runs-programming-there-now/

careful. Linking to turtleboy increases the risk of a flesh-eating bacteria destroying your typing fingers. Reading it may cause blindness.

 

[PC Drunken Friar]

We are at the point of linking Turtle Boy as legitimately news/editorials. Good Lord!

 

[Mueller's Twin Grannies]

Here’s a good take on this situation.

http://www.tbdailynews.com/gerry-callahan-done-at-weei-after-20-years-because-bob-murchison-runs-programming-there-now/

Disagree.

Strongly.

 

[terrynever]

Too many print guys doing radio. I can’t think of any print guys that have radio talent. I mean, when they put McAdam and Bradford and those guys on.... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

And then on the other station you have Mazz and Felger... more awful.

It’s just brutal.

McAdam started off in radio before taking a sports writing job in Providence, mid-1980s. Great voice. Knows his sports.

 

[thebtskink]

It feels like a lot WEEI's best short term options are at NBCSN - Curran, Trenni, etc would fill the role nicely, but I dont think many would be willing to pull double duty like Holley was.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

DA, Trenni and Adam Jones come to mind. The problem is that real talent goes national.

DA? I liked him, I didn't think SOSH did, but didn't he leave the area? And there is an Adam Jones thread that suggests he is not good young talent.

I would love Trennie, but I fear how Boston would treat a female host.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Bertrand, Keefe, Joe Murray, DA, Arcand I all like. bertrand is worse now than he was before. Does Hardy count?

Jim Murray’s awful but some people like him.
More than anything WEEI has even tried.

 

[BaseballJones]

McAdam started off in radio before taking a sports writing job in Providence, mid-1980s. Great voice. Knows his sports.

McAdam is boring as hell.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Bertrand, Keefe, Joe Murray, DA, Arcand I all like. bertrand is worse now than he was before. Does Hardy count?

Jim Murray’s awful but some people like him.
More than anything WEEI has even tried.

DA is national. Bertrand is terrible, Keefe is ok, but we are looking for good. I don’t know Joe Murray, when is he on? And I listed Arcand as the only good recent add to the Boston airwaves. Does Hardy cuount as what? New or good? I don’t think so

 

[terrynever]

McAdam is boring as hell.

He came up under Chuck Wilson at WPRO. Chuck was a very serious sports announcer at a time when the business was starting to change. Sean is similar. He relies on good reporting and knowledge in an era where screaming and yelling passes for sports conversation.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

DA is national. Bertrand is terrible, Keefe is ok, but we are looking for good. I don’t know Joe Murray, when is he on? And I listed Arcand as the only good recent add to the Boston airwaves. Does Hardy cuount as what? New or good? I don’t think so

DA was 98.5 and got promoted to National. I don’t think Bertrand is terrible but everyone differs. I’d take Bertrand over everyone at WEEI except for Keefe. I think Hardy is the best but I know a lot of people don’t like his sarcasm. Regardless that’s way more than WEEI has even attempted.

 

[MuppetAsteriskTalk]

DA is national. Bertrand is terrible, Keefe is ok, but we are looking for good. I don’t know Joe Murray, when is he on? And I listed Arcand as the only good recent add to the Boston airwaves. Does Hardy cuount as what? New or good? I don’t think so

I think he's on T&R for 5 or 10 minutes at a time talking about gambling lines. Maybe he fills in sometimes or something but I don't think he has a regular show.

 

[Vinho Tinto]

He came up under Chuck Wilson at WPRO. Chuck was a very serious sports announcer at a time when the business was starting to change. Sean is similar. He relies on good reporting and knowledge in an era where screaming and yelling passes for sports conversation.

He’s very low energy. I love McAdam’s sweet baritone and thoughts, but he could use a can of Monster before hitting the mic.

 

[BaseballJones]

He’s very low energy. I love McAdam’s sweet baritone and thoughts, but he could use a can of Monster before hitting the mic.

That's it. He has good things to say. He's just boring in his presentation. And I'm NOT the guy who wants Jim Rome-esque antics and ravings. My favorite sports radio show is Joe and Evan on WFAN, when I can get it. They're fun, funny, talk sports nonstop, and are great at what they do.

 

[Marciano490]

Actually, quite the opposite: I've avoided the morning show at all costs because I long since got sick of the format, the misogyny, the celebration of mediocrity, and Greg's unabashed holier-than-thou attitude. I abandoned the station, largely, because of what you mentioned but I do stop by now and again when I hear something I like and am in the mood to listen to the radio.

I got into a little bit of a spat on Facebook with whomever runs WAAF's social media account who tried to tell me that they've been playing popular new songs a lot more after bringing on a new program director (Mistress Carrie was the previous one and is so stuck in the 80s hair metal era that it's a wonder she doesn't use more Aquanet) and that my criticisms were unfounded. I even compared them to ZLX but the person blew it off. Whomever it is like to get into it with the commenters if they take shots at the station, but your wife is dead-on-balls accurate with her assessment.

It's why it's a dying format and why I don't think it'll survive past 2025 without a major overhaul. If Entercom isn't willing to do that, they're going to get what they deserve.



LB and Hsu could be a fun show, if LB can stay sober and show up often enough. I've heard he recently stepped away to deal with personal issues, which screams rehab to me, but someone who listens more often could probably tell me better.

How long until Tom Brady no longer wants to chat with Greg?

Mistress Carrie is still on the scene? Wow. Sorry for the lack of substance, but that’s a shock.

 

[Don Bradman]

That's it. He has good things to say. He's just boring in his presentation. And I'm NOT the guy who wants Jim Rome-esque antics and ravings. My favorite sports radio show is Joe and Evan on WFAN, when I can get it. They're fun, funny, talk sports nonstop, and are great at what they do.

Completely agree about J & E. I listen to FAN on several long commutes each week and they are exactly as you describe. They don't take themselves too seriously but they still come off as credible. IMO, Boomer & Gio are similar. I wonder why Boston can't have something like those shows.

 

[Rich Garces Belly]

Actually, quite the opposite: I've avoided the morning show at all costs because I long since got sick of the format, the misogyny, the celebration of mediocrity, and Greg's unabashed holier-than-thou attitude. I abandoned the station, largely, because of what you mentioned but I do stop by now and again when I hear something I like and am in the mood to listen to the radio.

I got into a little bit of a spat on Facebook with whomever runs WAAF's social media account who tried to tell me that they've been playing popular new songs a lot more after bringing on a new program director (Mistress Carrie was the previous one and is so stuck in the 80s hair metal era that it's a wonder she doesn't use more Aquanet) and that my criticisms were unfounded. I even compared them to ZLX but the person blew it off. Whomever it is like to get into it with the commenters if they take shots at the station, but your wife is dead-on-balls accurate with her assessment.

It's why it's a dying format and why I don't think it'll survive past 2025 without a major overhaul. If Entercom isn't willing to do that, they're going to get what they deserve.



LB and Hsu could be a fun show, if LB can stay sober and show up often enough. I've heard he recently stepped away to deal with personal issues, which screams rehab to me, but someone who listens more often could probably tell me better.

How long until Tom Brady no longer wants to chat with Greg?

LB has been battling cancer the past few months and works when he is able to.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

I hope for the beat for him. Heard him talking Bruins during the Finals and he would have been best served by not talking