Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2008 > January > 11 > Entry
1/11: Q100 moving to 99.7, Fram & Craig out at 99X, Regular Guys back?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OUT: Leslie Fram and Steve Craig
IN? :Steve McCoy & Vikki Locke
OR IS IT ACTUALLY THESE GUYS?
This entry feels like it’s been updated more times than George W. Bush’s Wikipedia entry. But it’s because I feel like I’m trapped in Alice in Wonderland.
It’s now nearly 1 a.m. Saturday morning. FIrst, let’s review what’s definitely true and get to the absurdities next:
99X is going away. This we knew by mid afternoon. The more popular Q100 is going to move to the stronger 99.7 signal. The Bert Show, Q100’s franchise, will simulcast on both signals the week of January 21 before 100.5 changes format.
The bottom line is they want Bert on a stronger signal to take on Star 94. Cumulus wanted to buy the 100,000-watt signal Star 94 and stick the Bert Show there but couldn’t meet the price Lincoln Financial wanted. So moving the Bert Show to 99X was a perfect plan B.
This morning, Cumulus canned 99X’s morning show, including original 99X morning host Leslie Fram (under contract until July) and Rob Jenners (three weeks severance). They also ousted Steve Craig, the midday guy who has been there since 1992 as well. Afternoon jock Axel Lowe, Organic X guru Matt Jones and night-time team Matt C and Lewis appear to have survived so far. (Craig, under contract with Cumulus until July, said fans and friends can reach him at radioflyer99x@yahoo.com.)
99X has seen a steady decline in ratings and revenue since 2002, a victim of competition and the faltering fortunes of the alternative rock genre, plus an inability to put together a successful revamped morning show.
Fram was instrumental in developing the sound of 99X and was part of the successful Morning X with Jimmy Baron and Steve Barnes in the ’90s. Just this past November, she was rewarded a lifetime Achievement in Radio award at the March of Dimes annual radio banquet.
Okay, that’s the easy stuff. Now here’s the odd sequence of events:
I heard rumors throughout the afternoon that the Regular Guys were coming back to the Atlanta airwaves for a third time, this time to 100.5 in a revamped rock format. So when I got a hold of Larry Wachs at 5:45 p.m., vacationing in St. Martin, he told me yes, that’s true. He was reuniting with Eric Von Haessler a third time after being fired twice at 96rock. “It’s astonishing,” he said. “I’m feeling very good about it.” I asked him why they are getting back together considering the fact both guys vowed after each prior firing that they’d never work together again. “Here’s the funny thing about the future,” Wachs said. “You never know what’s going to happen.” Indeed, if they get back together, it’s financial expediency; they clearly understand their value as a team is far greater than as separate entities. And getting rid of Fram and Craig helped clear the budgets so they could pay for Larry & Eric.
I posted this at 6:15 p.m. here, got it on ajc.com and noticed the same info landed on allaccess.com, a radio trade Web site. And Radio & Records was about to write the same thing.
Then the situation got a bit warped.
At about 7 p.m., I got an email from John Dickey, executive vice president for Atlanta-based Cumulus Media. He wrote, “Larry is pranking you.”
Hmmm… okay. That wouldn’t be totally out of character. I called Dickey, who implied that Cumulus was actually chasing former Star 94 morning hosts Steve & Vikki (who are not technically able to go back on air in Atlanta until May or June because of a noncompete clause in their contracts), not the Regular Guys.
Larry confirmed that he had lied to me a few minutes later. “I got to get a job. I need publicity!” Wachs said at 7:15 p.m. “I got nothing to lose.”
So we pulled the info about the Regular Guys and I said I had been “punk’ed” by Larry. Allaccess changed their story, too, and R&R held off just before deadline.
But now, after a few hours of rumination, I think I’ve been double crossed. First of all, Cumulus still has former Regular Guys producer Tim “Porn Czar” Andrews around and he reportedly was not fired. Plus, the station did not get rid of all its rock jocks, which is odd if they are pondering a move to Lite-style Celine Dion/Michael Buble type radio station.
Did Wachs accidentally leak the info to me about his return at 5:45 p.m. before Cumulus was ready to release the info to the world? (Cumulus may not want to tip its hand too early and give competitors a chance to re-tool.) If this was so, did Dickey then call Wachs between 6:15 and 7 p.m. when “The Regular Guys are back!” headlines had hit the Web and convince Wachs to tell me that he was just making up the story to get publicity?
Sources now tell me that the Regular Guys return is true, that Dickey was using the Steve & Vikki gambit to make people think they’re going the female-friendly soft rock route instead of sticking with male-oriented rock.
The Regular Guys were a huge hit earlier this decade with men 18 to 54, a broad appeal that brought in huge bucks for Clear Channel and 96rock at the time. But in 2004, a few weeks after the Janet Jackson Super Bowl imbroglio, Wachs wanted to mock the whole situation by playing a porn star talking dirty backwards. But they taped it and it accidentally aired over a Honda ad. (I heard it!). Given the toxic atmosphere at the time, the Regular Guys were canned. But once the dust settled, 96rock hired them back a year later. Unfortunately, the pair were neutered by tougher FCC regulations which cut out the sex-related talk. Ratings never quite got back to the heights of 2002 to 2004. In October, 2006, Wachs taped sister station Viva 105.7’s Yogi & Panda in the bathroom and aired it, mocking them incessantly. The embarrassed Yogi & Panda sued Larry & Eric and soon, they were out of a job again.
Neither Larry nor Eric have gotten full-time radio jobs since then, a long 15 months.
Ultimately, bringing the Regular Guys back would be great for many fans who deeply miss their sardonic brand of humor. Nobody seems to know exactly what type of rock music Cumulus will use at 100.5 later this month, but a logical pick would be classic rock although Atlanta already has “active” rock at Project 9-6-1 (mostly harder-sounding songs from the past decade with a smattering of Guns ‘n Roses and Led Zeppelin cuts) and “classic hits” at the River, a tight list of rock favorites by the likes of Aerosmith, Boston and Fleetwood Mac.
I’ll do more fishing over the weekend and Monday and see if I can get more clarification. As you are seeing, this is sometimes how the sausage is made and it isn’t pretty.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By PrettyPlease
January 11, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
OMG. This is big, big news. Rodney - thanks for sharing and please keep us posted as you hear more.
By Carl
January 11, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Q99.7
By Jack
January 11, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Ch ch changes. This is going to be exciting.
By Bye Bye
January 11, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
It’s about darn time Leslie is gone. Hmm… maybe bring Jimmy back?
By Flo Jean
January 11, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
A new home for Steve McCoy and Vikki Clot?
By SKINFAN
January 11, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
This sux,for Leslie. But, if Big Radio wants to get it right, go cutting edge. More rock, less talk. (Oh, that’s old skool radio). But it worked right? One voice (not a bunch of BFF’s yabbering), and some kick azz music. 99X, straight no chaser. I bet the people of Atlanta would appreciate that. A station that plays today and yesterday with someone who understands music. Not some ego maniac who thinks everyone wants to hear about his episodes in life.
By dylan
January 11, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
two words- REGULAR GUYS!
By dylan
January 11, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
two words- REGULAR GUYS!
By michael
January 11, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Ever since the Regular Guys left the air I haven’t even bother to listen to any of the stations for more than a few minutes and now at work all I listen to is talk radio.
By Kotter
January 11, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
The king is dead. Long live the King.
Atlanta radio is horrible, and this station was part of the problem.
THese stations need to play better music instead of the same 20 songs every day, and stop with the “echo effect” - playing another (or the same) song by the same artist within 3 songs of hearing it on another station.
99X was especially guilty of this.
By guit
January 11, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Not that I listen to 99X anymore, but I feel vindicated for all of those times I was flipping through stations and had to listen to their whiny voices.
By Toucherwastheman
January 11, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Everyone knows that 99x went down hill when they let Fred Toucher go…His ratings in Boston are through the roof. He was the closest thing to Stern that Altanta has ever seen (and don’t even start down that road bc Stern has over 8 million listeners)
By Larry from Alpharetta
January 11, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Von Haessler, Baron and Andrews? Those SOB’s. I hate them all. I wanted that gig.
By James
January 11, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
I agree with Dylan. Morning shows have sucked around here since the Regular Guys left. Larry Wachs was an ass at times, but they were entertaining.
By nopigs21
January 11, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Move 790 the zone to FM!!!!! I’m tired of losing the signal at night and in the early morning!!!!
By Larry from Alpharetta
January 11, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Von Haessler, Baron and Andrews? Those SOB’s. I hate them all. I wanted that gig.
By Kevin Jones
January 11, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
It is about time to get rid of them. Atlanta radio (Besides Rap) is one of the worst big markets in the country. Just terrible! I travel a lot so I get to hear a lot of stations throughout the country and a lot of smaller markets are WAY better than Atlanta radio.
Hopefully we can have some decent Rock/Pop station.
By QueDogTeaching
January 11, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
99x hasn’t been the same since Toucher, Crash, Calandro, and Fat Kid left the air. That was comic genius.
By chud
January 11, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
I used to be a big 99X fan but got so tired of the morning program—they always seemed to spend more time with their inside jokes or old tired stories. I wanted to hear music or at least some funny stunts. About 2 years ago, I got XM Radio and haven’t listened to 99X since. I believe that they are losing listeners to satellite radio and ipods because no one really wants to listen to these self-centered, blabber mouths (on alternative radio or any musical format).
By Gone
January 11, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
I grew up in ATL and moved, but still listen to 99X over the internet. There doesn’t seem to be any kind of alternative rock station like it in other cities. There is either pop or “classic” rock. It would be a loss. Who needs more easy listening stations?!?
By TPM
January 11, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Bring back the regular guys
By Gone
January 11, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
I grew up in ATL and moved, but still listen to 99X over the internet. There doesn’t seem to be any kind of alternative rock station like it in other cities. There is either pop or “classic” rock. It would be a loss. Who needs more easy listening stations?!?
By TRyan
January 11, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Terrestial Radio in general is in severe meltdown …… FCC regulation and endless commercials have seen to that
By erik
January 11, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
PrettyPlease—I assume your comments were sarcastic? I hope so. If so, loved it. If not…(sad)
By RT
January 11, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Good riddance!!
By Jessica
January 11, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Like it matters if Fram is gone or not. ATL radio will still suck. Just wondering… but with the amount of “diversity” around this place, why is it that we don’t have any kind of diverse formats? It would be sweet to have a bluegrass, reggae, jazz (not elevator but trippy funky stuff) or jam station around here. I guess that’s why ipod’s were invented huh?
By TRyan
January 11, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Terrestial Radio in general is in severe meltdown …… FCC regulation and endless commercials have seen to that
By timraymond
January 11, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
The Regular Guys are regular assholes.
By tremolo
January 11, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Atlanta should thank their lucky stars that there’s no more 99X morning show. It was the pits. How Leslie Fram won a lifetime achievement award is beyond me???
Now we should just hope that there’s no more 99X altogether.
Get Siris or XM - Atlanta radio blows!
By Larry Munson's Gin Blossom
January 11, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
It’s about time Leslie Fram is booted.
Leslie = Horrible Radio, Scary looking woman
Good riddance.
My only regret is that the Regular Guys aren’t still around to make fun of her. Hopefully it will get a mention on Larry’s blog.
By GTinMass
January 11, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Move to Boston - 104.1 is the best radio station around. Opie and Anthony in the morning and (Fred) Toucher and Rich (Shertenlieb) with Crash Clark in the afternoons. Kick-A$$ music in-between
By Budro
January 11, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Good riddance! I was so sick of hearing Leslie. She’s as smart as a box of hair, constantly mispronouncing words and leaving out parts of articles she basically read straight from the AJC.com. She needs to stay behind the scenes. Jenners as well…a 30 year old with the brain of a 6 year old. He was always saying things to prove he didn’t make it to 7th grade and never picked up a book after 6th grade.
By johndawg
January 11, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
all Metal all the Time! that’s what we need in ATL!
By tremolo
January 11, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Atlanta should thank their lucky stars that there’s no more 99X morning show. It was the pits. How Leslie Fram won a lifetime achievement award is beyond me???
Now we should just hope that there’s no more 99X altogether.
Get Siris or XM - Atlanta radio blows!
By Mike
January 11, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Bring Christopher Rude back to Rock!
By TRyan
January 11, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Terrestial Radio in general is in severe meltdown …… FCC regulation and endless commercials have seen to that
By David
January 11, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
I really enjoyed 99X from ‘92 up until maybe ‘97 when all that neometal crap started clogging up the airwaves (hello Project 96). Haven’t really cared about that station in a very long time, but I do wish Leslie and Steve the best if they are indeed gone.
By RJ
January 11, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
The fact that 99X has been left to de shows just how out of touch the “Radio Execs” are with what people want to hear. Why are we playing the same 20 songs on 4 different stations? They tried to make 99X too much like the other guys and they just couldn’t keep up.
oh for the days when 99X actually played NEW music that no one had ever heard of before!
But I will miss Steve and Leslie. They actually cared about the music, and actually knew what they were talking about. Unlike the other jabberwockies they have on that station that are too busy pretending like they’re still in college…
By doodiebuddy
January 11, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
XM radio was my solution. 77 a yr and you can get a radio to plug into your aux. attachment or tape adapter for very cheap.
Dave FM is OK in the AM, at least they don’t yammer on all morning about crap nobody cares about.
By GenXDen
January 11, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
There’s a reason people are putting satellite and HD radios in their cars…they don’t want to hear someone pontificate about every little detail of their existence. I remember when radio stations actually played good music in the mornings! We’ve been conditioned to accept mediocrity as the norm for our morning commutes. Makes you wonder why all the road rage.
Oh…for those young ones who don’t know what I’m talking about (this includes the station executives):
MUSIC (myoo’zik) n. Vocal or instrumental sounds having some degree of melody, harmony, or rythm.
(hee hee hee) Notice that the definition mentions nothing about nonsensical ramblings of an egotist?
By GaVaHokie
January 11, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Well, this about clinches it for me… I’m getting Sirius Satellite Radio. Everything else in town is garbage.
By aeiger from Atlanta GA.
January 11, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
I hope they don’t change the format. I’m an old guy but I listen to 99X at times. Atlanta has the absolute worst rock radio in the US. The river plays the same eagles, queen, etc. songs every 30 min. it seems. I love to visit my daughter and grandkids in Pittsburgh so I can hear real rock on the radio. ATL rock sucks.
By Thomas
January 11, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
So long 99X, Thanks for the ride!!!
By jay
January 11, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
I hate it for Steve Craig. He is one the nicest guys I have spoken to. His House of Retropleasure show was the best and I wish him well. Thanks for everything Steve!
By DW
January 11, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
I agree. I sit in my car for 1.5 hrs on average and haven’t listened to FM radio since the Regular Guys went off the air. Just not as enjoyable a ride listening to unfunny, bald, soprano wanna be sports guys talk about their weekends in vegas and eating at the palm. Bring back the regular guys and I’ll listen. Heck I’d even tune into Tim Andrews and Southside Shirley. Peteetonng!!
By Big balla
January 11, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
I agree w/ most. I am an early thirty something and grew up with this station, but it has blown ass for the last 5 or 6 years. And yes Fred Toucher was awesome and they screwed up letting him go. bring back z-93, just kidding!!!!!!!
By CUMULUS BROADCASTING
January 11, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
We at Cumulus Broadcasting would like to say. Leslie Fram. YOUR FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now its time to get you back with what Atlanta is going to get. A new station.
By Jason
January 11, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
They had the “it” factor back in the mid 90’s through early 2000’s…since then, just the same old stuff, over and over and boring, but with less music and more about their daily lives. All these overpaid DJ’s who think they are “radio personalities” should take heed and realize we don’t care about YOU, just the music with the occassional sports/weather/traffic info.
By Big balla
January 11, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I agree w/ most. I am an early thirty something and grew up with this station, but it has blown ass for the last 5 or 6 years. And yes Fred Toucher was awesome and they screwed up letting him go. bring back z-93, just kidding!!!!!!!
By WhyDJs?
January 11, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Um, is there a law that states that every radio station MUST have morning DJs? If I wanted to listen to idle chit chat and “Oooh, what did you do last night?” conversations, I would TiVo Kelly and Regis! Play MORE music and give us traffic updates. Enough with the blabbing!
By Joey Mills
January 11, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
It is a sad day indeed. Turn on your radio to 99.7 and listen to the last hours of what was a great radio station.
By WhyDJs?
January 11, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Um, is there a law that states that every radio station MUST have morning DJs? If I wanted to listen to idle chit chat and “Oooh, what did you do last night?” conversations, I would TiVo Kelly and Regis! Play MORE music and give us traffic updates. Enough with the blabbing!
By big balla
January 11, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
I agree w/ most. I am an early thirty something and grew up with this station, but it has blown ass for the last 5 or 6 years. And yes Fred Toucher was awesome and they screwed up letting him go. bring back z-93, just kidding!!!!!!!
By jimmy
January 11, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Serius Radio Man - its the bomb! You want music you hear music, not a bunch of blow hards trying to pump up their own egos. By By 99X…
By Radio?
January 11, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
What is this thing you call radio? Curious.
By 311
January 11, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Yeah they were all annoying. SOME of the skits they had on there were funny. I liked the You Can’t Win contest. But other than that I just listen to my iPod. But all of the Atlanta radio stations suck and are too repetitive. I swear I hear Beyoncee 25 times a day and I hate Beyoncee.
By Julie
January 11, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
I haven’t really listen to 99x since they took Crash, Toucher, and Jimmy off the air. The only great show is Steve. This station needs to make some major changes.
By Bob
January 11, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Several of you were right. 99x and Atlanta radio in general went down hill after Toucher left. I got Sirius radio for Christmas 2 years ago. I have Howard Stern in the mornings, Bubba the Love Sponge in the afternoons, commercial free music all day and night, and no FCC BS to put up with. Once the idiots in Washington stop lying to themselves and the public, stop wasting our tax money on research, and allow Sirius and XM to merge, it will be even better. To those of you still listening to regular radio…try the alternative and you will never go back!! The subscription is the best money I have ever spent.
By big balla
January 11, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
I agree w/ most. I am an early thirty something and grew up with this station, but it has blown ass for the last 5 or 6 years. And yes Fred Toucher was awesome and they screwed up letting him go. bring back z-93, just kidding!!!!!!!
By big balla
January 11, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
I agree w/ most. I am an early thirty something and grew up with this station, but it has blown ass for the last 5 or 6 years. And yes Fred Toucher was awesome and they screwed up letting him go. bring back z-93, just kidding!!!!!!!
By jimmy
January 11, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Sirius Radio Man - its the bomb! You want music you hear music, not a bunch of blow hards trying to pump up their own egos. By By 99X…
By jimmy
January 11, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Sirius Radio Man - its the bomb! You want music you hear music, not a bunch of blow hards trying to pump up their own egos. By By 99X…
By Bob
January 11, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Several of you were right. 99x and Atlanta radio in general went down hill after Toucher left. I got Sirius radio for Christmas 2 years ago. I have Howard Stern in the mornings, Bubba the Love Sponge in the afternoons, commercial free music all day and night, and no FCC BS to put up with. Once the idiots in Washington stop lying to themselves and the public, stop wasting our tax money on research, and allow Sirius and XM to merge, it will be even better. To those of you still listening to regular radio…try the alternative and you will never go back!! The subscription is the best money I have ever spent.
By Tim E!
January 11, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
99Q
Farewell Leslie Jimmy, Jenners, yada yada yada I never liked you
By Todd
January 11, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Sorry to see Steve go. But please don’t put Q100 (Q99.7??) and Bert on this station. He spreads more misinformation than anyone else in Atlanta radio — Leslie doesn’t come close. He is so ill-informed on everyday topics. You’d think he’d try to get his facts straight.
By DeacinGA
January 11, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
What will happen to Producer Mark now?
I’ll miss Steve Craig…House of RetroPleasure was awesome!
By Tim E!
January 11, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
99Q
Farewell Leslie Jimmy, Jenners, yada yada yada I never liked you
By Dan
January 11, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
I’m not suprised that this is happening. The music they play sucks.
By fan1
January 11, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
99x was great until Cumulus took over. Leave it to money grubbing corporate America to screw everything up.
Good luck Steve and Leslie. Atlanta will miss you.
By jjack
January 11, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Who cares? I got Sirius radio two years ago and don’t have to listen to the crappy local stations anymore. All I ever hear is commercials and some morons blabbing about nothing. Oh, yeah and they play the same 12 songs to death. I don’t miss the 4 minutes of commercials at 20 past and 10 till each hour.
Go get a satellite radio and be happy in traffic again…
Bye Leslie, I won’t miss you.
By Jason
January 11, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
The 99X morning crew is lame. They’re the radio equivalent of that massive tool Carson Daly. They’re the kid who drinks three beers at a party and brags about how wasted he was the next morning. Go away, you massive tools.
By jabster
January 11, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Would it be too much for someone to put on a station that plays 70s AM gold (not classic rock), or 80s pop and new wave, or 80s rock? This is a big void in the ATL. These formats do well in other cities (like Tampa’s 101.5 The Point, owned by Cox). 105.3 The Max was killed by the poor signal out of the SW and CC’s over-rotation of songs on an ever-narrowing playlist.
If Cumulus takes 99.7 soft-rock, B98.5 could do 80s pop, rock, and new wave without too much of a playlist change. Heck, it could be Cox’s Point format in all but name.
Also, trivia: 99.7 going soft rock would be full circle back to the WLTA 100 and Warm 100/99.7 days, when WLTA was the original FM AC station in ATL.
Next up on the chopping block: Dave FM, which like 99Xcrement can’t seem to keep a 2 share despite 100kW of power.
By LEVI
January 11, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
LESLIE FRAM GONE THANK YOU JUST ABOUT 10 YEARS TO LATE.
By DW
January 11, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
I hate to see people lose their jobs but I’m not going to miss 99x. In the 90’s they played the same music as star 94 and branded themselves as “alternative” which is a joke. The morning show with toucher just wasn’t funny. I’ve been commuting in this town for a long time and, like I’ve said before, the only show that actually made me laugh out loud and look forward to my morning hell drive was the regular guys.
By jabster
January 11, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Would it be too much for someone to put on a station that plays 70s AM gold (not classic rock), or 80s pop and new wave, or 80s rock? This is a big void in the ATL. These formats do well in other cities (like Tampa’s 101.5 The Point, owned by Cox). 105.3 The Max was killed by the poor signal out of the SW and CC’s over-rotation of songs on an ever-narrowing playlist.
If Cumulus takes 99.7 soft-rock, B98.5 could do 80s pop, rock, and new wave without too much of a playlist change. Heck, it could be Cox’s Point format in all but name.
Also, trivia: 99.7 going soft rock would be full circle back to the WLTA 100 and Warm 100/99.7 days, when WLTA was the original FM AC station in ATL.
Next up on the chopping block: Dave FM, which like 99Xcrement can’t seem to keep a 2 share despite 100kW of power.
By christian
January 11, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
whatever.
she’s old.
time for change.
overdue anyway.
she’s got enough coin to retire.
does anyone even listen to the radio anymore? …besides my 13 year old glued to 95.5?
By Christopher Calandro
January 11, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Good thing I made the switch to news-talk.
By Ramblin Wrecker
January 11, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
The alternative rock movement is officially over. That grunge sound that has now been assimilated into mainstream music, is no longer pushing the need for a 99X type station. It wasn’t the morning show that held that station together for a decade, it was the music stupid. Now the music isn’t what it was back in the mid 90’s and so the morning shows and DJ’s become more heavily scrutinized. Not to mention that 99X made a huge mistake in letting Fred Toucher leave. The proof is in the pudding. WBCN’s ratings kick ass and that show with Toucher and other 99X alums (Rich & Crash) is a smash hit in Boston. Too bad these radio genius’ were too short sighted to see it. Now Atlanta morning radio is a barren wasteland. I’ve turned to sports talk radio myself and haven’t looked back. I just wish the signal was better. Hey maybe someone (like 680 the Fan or 790 the Zone) should start broadcasting in FM. That would would be so much better than the junk on now.
By Atlanta W.
January 11, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
This is flipping awesome news… Leslie really missed the ball ever since Toucher was let go… 99X blows!! bring back Jimmy!
By iam99sux
January 11, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Woo Hoo! Ya know, I found it strange that Jenners was out yesterday (Probably dusting off his resume). Producer Mark and Leslie struggled badly with missed audio cues and such. Also playing previously taped segments. Doom is hanging in the air.
By bopfly
January 11, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Oh happy day! Finally Jenners and Fram are gone. It’s about time!! I do feel for Steve though, he was one of the only good things left. Now get rid of those jerks Matt C and Lewis. They are super lame!
By Chase
January 11, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
The REGULAR GUYS are the answer to the problem. ATL radio is awful since they were wrongfully kicked off the air. Atlanta needs a real rock station, the “project” and 99x are a joke!!!!!!!!!!!
By Ramblin Wrecker
January 11, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
The alternative rock movement is officially over. That grunge sound that has now been assimilated into mainstream music, is no longer pushing the need for a 99X type station. It wasn’t the morning show that held that station together for a decade, it was the music stupid. Now the music isn’t what it was back in the mid 90’s and so the morning shows and DJ’s become more heavily scrutinized. Not to mention that 99X made a huge mistake in letting Fred Toucher leave. The proof is in the pudding. WBCN’s ratings kick ass and that show with Toucher and other 99X alums (Rich & Crash) is a smash hit in Boston. Too bad these radio genius’ were too short sighted to see it. Now Atlanta morning radio is a barren wasteland. I’ve turned to sports talk radio myself and haven’t looked back. I just wish the signal was better. Hey maybe someone (like 680 the Fan or 790 the Zone) should start broadcasting in FM. That would would be so much better than the junk on now.
By Goonies
January 11, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
VIVA LOS REGULAR GUYS!!!!
By Goonies
January 11, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
VIVA LOS REGULAR GUYS!!!!
By Goonies
January 11, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
VIVA LOS REGULAR GUYS!!!!
By MILF in Paulding
January 11, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Bring back The Regular Guys!!!! I miss Larry & Eric so much! ATL radio is horrible in the morning. I miss the F U line.
By ViP
January 11, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
After Fred Toucher (best Atlanta radio-personality of all time IMO) left 99X, I turned the knob to WABE/NPR (I know, it’s lame of me), and it hasn’t turned back since. I don’t think 99X can or wants to ever recover from this wreck. I’m sure Leslie did a fine job behind the scenes, and built up the station or whatnot, but she had no business as an on-air personality.
By g_from_dooluth
January 11, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Good riddance!!
By darrel
January 11, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
By Todd
Sorry to see Steve go. But please don’t put Q100 (Q99.7??) and Bert on this station. He spreads more misinformation than anyone else in Atlanta radio — Leslie doesn’t come close. He is so ill-informed on everyday topics. You’d think he’d try to get his facts straight
Todd—your a tool! where do you get your info at?
By C from Marietta
January 11, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Regular radio is dying. Satelitte radio ROCKS! Soon regular radio will be all gangsta rap, Hip Hop and talk radio blabber mouths! If you like music buy Sirrius radio and forget about commericals.
By Adam
January 11, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
It’s about time - maybe I’ll listen now that Leslie is gone. Bring Jimmy back!
By jack
January 11, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Anybody heard of the “jack” format. Many different kinds of old and new music mixed together. Heard it in LA and it is a refreshing change. Plus, no DJ’s. Who needs them anyway.
By Gaguy
January 11, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Wasn’t she around when the first radio signal was aired back in the twenties? I recall my great grandmother telling us how mucj they liked her when granny wa kid. Poor Granny died 45 years ago. I’ve seen her, she ain’t going on televison.
By Christopher Calandro
January 11, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Good thing I made the switch to news-talk. Whew.
By jack
January 11, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Anybody heard of the “jack” format. Many different kinds of old and new music mixed together. Heard it in LA and it is a refreshing change. Plus, no DJ’s. Who needs them anyway.
By jack
January 11, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Anybody heard of the “jack” format. Many different kinds of old and new music mixed together. Heard it in LA and it is a refreshing change. Plus, no DJ’s. Who needs them anyway.
By wantsgoodradio
January 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
They need to put a modern hard rock station on like Sirius radio has. People WOULD listen. Atlanta radio does blow. Hard. Where are the rock stations? We have one station that kind of sort of is (96.1). Desperately need another one that is actually good. Sirius here I come if they don’t get it right this time.
By John
January 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
I was born in ATL and grew up on 96 rock. I miss 96 rock. The 99x billboard with the screaming lady was enough to keep me away!
By joeybagofdoughnuts
January 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
They should change the whole format to Mexican Mariachi music. Call it Viva Illegal Alternativo… Believe me the corporate tight wads at their parent company are thinking about it. Remember Lake 102…?
By Larry
January 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
I have to believe with all the baby boomers in the metro area that a golden oldies format (50’s & 60’s) would work here. There isn’t one on the dial anywhere.
By LuvforToucher
January 11, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Thank god!!! Bring in Toucher and Rich. Atlanta needs some good talent. Cumulus needs to lick their wounds big time for letting Fred go!!!!!!
By Dickey
January 11, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
You should know that instead of listening to Bert whine and complain about the new Star 94 morning show, and how it’s younger, fresher and more aggressive…we’ve decided to give him a signal that can compete. He better not screw this up!
By iam99sux
January 11, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
I am sorry but Toucher sucked. He may have been the best thing for that station, but that is like saying you are the smartest retard on the short bus.
I like the music they play on the projects better, but that morning show is like a conversation between two boring guys watching sports, that don’t know they are on the radio.
By no hope
January 11, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
If there was only one station that played a good variety of music in the morning, everyone would listen to it. Star 94 has made the biggest “mass” in the morning. I know is called “the morning mess” but they are so cool, it sounds like “mass” when they say it. It sounds like they are inviting someone to church. This morning I heard one of their phone pranks and I had to change the station. You could hear their forced laghter in the background and it was the closet thing to pathetic I’ve ever heard. After, they put an idiot on the air that wanted to say how funny they were and how hard he laughed. Agghhhhhh. I almost vomited. At this point, the only half decent station our there is The Bull. I was not into country music and now I am because that’s the only station not playing little stupid games in the morning. Like you have time for that before coming to work and having to put up with more trash.
By Da G
January 11, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
yall white people crack me up. who cares about no damn rock station? dats why da clubs don’t play that wack crap, because it be sorry. yall white people need to listen to dat hip hop, dats where it be at. dis aint no newz, dis is dumbz.
By Ashley
January 11, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Savannah had the “jack” format for a while. It was great! No DJs, just music and a few commercials.
By Andy
January 11, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
It would be nice if they simply changed dave fm into a true alternative station, since that station plays more alternative than core Triple A artists.
Atlanta needs a REAL Triple-A station — I’ve lived in Denver and Austin, and a menopausal hag like Mara Davis would lucky to be doing overnights on great stations like KBCO or KGSR.
By bigblackfurrycreaturefrommars
January 11, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
All the stations in ATL suck balls. Just as it has been stated above, I think ATL has the worst radio stations on a whole in any major market. Thats definitely true. If it werent for a bunch of crap country stations flooding every little town and market in between, we would have the worst radio in the entire country, hands down!
I was driving cross country a while back and went through Colorado on my way to Washington State. They have the best collections of radio stations I’ve ever heard. Every time we changed a station in the car, they were all stellar. Funk, and great rock, and the songs you hear in great indie movies, or like every song from superbad, or great touring bands currently (basically any band you dont hear on 99x)
Anyway, they have great radio and we do not. I could care less about leslie and all of them anyway. AtL radio is best left unmentyioned
By PrettyPlease
January 11, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
No, Erik. There was no sarcasm there. Those were my words and I stand by them. To me, this is big news. For you, obviously not. Joey Mills has said it best. This is a sad day for Atlanta radio. Sorry if you don’t agree. One of my concerns is which radio station will now sponsor alternative acts when they come to ATL? Project 9-6-1? God, I hope not. Without ATL terresterial radio sponsorship for those acts, many bands might skip ATL because they’ll realize that the radio station won’t be there to help promote the show and ensure strong ticket sales.
By Bobby
January 11, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
IMHO, Steve was one of the bright spots of 99x. I didn’t listen to the morning show (had a later shift) so I don’t mind if the morning show changes. But I really liked the Retroplex as well as the general playlist of 99x (except Beastie Boys) - so it’s sad to hear the rumor that those are also being removed just because the morning show sucks.
By jim
January 11, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Leslie Fram, a face made for radio.
By JK
January 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Should have known something was up when Steve left in the middle of the show. Would have been nice to at least let him give a goodbye on the air.
By Ross And Wilson
January 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Can we come back now?
By BiteMe
January 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
99X once used to be a great station back in the early 90’s, but has just declined over the years. When they got rid of the Retroplex, they might as well have cut off the station then, as that was the only thing worth listening to. I don’t think anyone even likes the morning show anymore, and Axel is a DICK….as well as Barnes, who I was THRILLED about leaving the station! Leslie always annoyed me, and Jimmy…..well, let’s not go there.
I can’t stand the radio anymore, all commercials and DJ talking about total cr@p. I will turn off my radio and drive in silence (which I do quite often!) if I cannot find a SONG to listen to…..and one that I like, mind you……..
Bring back the Regular Guys and South Side Steve - Sure, a bunch of idiots, but they were at least fun to listen to. Otherise, I am done with talk jockies and 24-7 commercials! If I had the money, I would get Sirius radio.
By Corey
January 11, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
All I can say is “IT IS ABOUT FREAKING TIME”!!!!! While I am sure that Leslie is one of the nicest people on earth as is Steve Craig. They both have the driest, non entertaining whits on earth. Leslie should have been off the morning show way before Barnes, Jimm, Axel, Wally, or anyone. She is sooooooo boring and out of context with the youth that listen to the channel that I cannot even begin to tell you what a relief this is and how apt I am to actually start listening to the station again. Leslie, I am sorry to say this, but an “easy listening” station is where you need to be. Good luck guys!
By ConvertedtoBoortz
January 11, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
OK. So, this was a long time coming. I completely lost interest in the mess after Toucher left. Moved away from the chatter and moved on to something better. I say move Q to 99.7 and how about Atlanta’s first FM Talk station on 100.5? It would be nice to hear intelligent conversation without the scratchy AM signal.
By iam99sux
January 11, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
I am sorry but Toucher sucked. He may have been the best thing for that station, but that is like saying you are the smartest retard on the short bus.
I like the music they play on the projects better, but that morning show is like a conversation between two boring guys watching sports, that don’t know they are on the radio.
By alohavampire
January 11, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
I’ve been on Sirius sat. radio for 4 years.
That means …. NO COMMERCIALS, UNCENSORED, UNREGULATED, KICK AZZ RADIO!!!
Get a clue ya’all … Get on Sirius!!
PS, 99x ha sucked for years. Good riddance!
By Radio Junkie
January 11, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
This is a very sad day for the two former Susquehanna stations. Leslie Fram is a brilliant legend in the rock arena and those that had the pleasure to work with her will always know the enormous contributions she made. Steve Craig is also going to be greatly missed. I can only hope Leslie, Steve and Jimmy B show up on another Atlanta morning show. SOON.
By MD native
January 11, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Glad to hear Axel is still on board. Sorry to hear Steve is gone…loved lunctime with him. Was never a fan of the Morning X or Fram so I feel no real loss there. Best of luck to them all.
By jabster
January 11, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Citadel (ABC) owns the rights to the Jack brand. If one of their country stations (Kicks and Eagle) loses out to the Bull, we might see it.
Sorry, Larry, after a certain demographic age “oldies” formats get dumped. The last major nostalgia (30s and 40s music) stations went out in the 80s (like Joy 104.1 and Stardust 68), along with the “beautiful music” stations (like the original Peach) that played Muzak versions of old standards.
Fox had to dump the 50s songs before giving up the ghost altogether (although their “good times and 8 oldies” playlist didn’t help). Cool 105.7 couldn’t hack it, and it went mexicano along with Lake 102 and Sunny 100 (both now La Raza). You’d be hard pressed to get ratings with any music older than the 1970s.
The closest to any kind of oldies station in the metro area is Majic 102.9 out of Gainesville. Most of their playlist is 70s AM gold, though, and even they are starting to play 80s pop as “oldies”.
Georgia 105.1 out of Helen, with a Jack-like playlist, plays some oldies, but most of their playlist centers on the 80s.
Unfortunately, both 102.9 and 105.1 are hemmed in too tightly against other stations for them to up the power and “move in”.
It’s my opinion that the future of terrestrial radio lies with local content (news, talk, sports) and music formats that appeal to people who can’t afford satellite (country, urban, Latino, teenybopper).
By Ross
January 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Bring Back John-Boy from 96-Rock (back in the day). Anybody remember him?
By Radio Junkie
January 11, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I should clarify— Leslie, Steve CRAIG and Jimmy B should have a new morning show…
By Sarah
January 11, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
I won’t listen to 99x if they get rid of Leslie Fram, Axel or Steve Craig!!!
By Sarah
January 11, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
I won’t listen to 99x if they get rid of Leslie Fram, Axel or Steve Craig!!!
By Tom
January 11, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
BRING BACK ROSS & WILSON!!!!!
By siouxperfan
January 11, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Bring in Bubba!
By Perrynoid
January 11, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Youre welcome Atlanta. I got rid of 99X & Leslie Fram as promised.
Perrynoid told a national audience back in July of 07 on XM RADIO that Fram and 99X should pack their bags when The Giant Show rolled into town.
ALL HAIL The Giant Show
By JH
January 11, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
I’ve lived in Atlanta all my life and sadly this is the worst period that I can remember for radio. Most of the stations are just awful now. Who’s running these outfits anyway? There’s no accounting for programming that’s for sure. I can’t stand the music choices anymore. I hate 96 The Project and its been a long time since I cared for 99x either. And I never want to go through another syndication experiment again. I hate syndicated shows. The Atlanta radio market is single-handedly driving everyone to satellite radio or country.
By Leslie Fram
January 11, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
I’m melting…I’m melting….
By jabster
January 11, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Ross Brittain (WREK alum) is a radio consultant (www.rbreport.com) and Brian Wilson is a talk radio PD. And the “Another One Bites The Dust” rumor is an urban legend: http://boortz.com/nuze/200704/04262007.html
Question for everyone: as long as we’re talking about old ATL DJs, where is Dale O’Brien? Literally!
By MsWordWiz
January 11, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
The morning show got really lame when toucher left, I am sorry people are loosing their jobs, but nixing the Retroplex at lunch was a bad move, shame on Cumulus. Oh god no Q on 99x, Bert is a PUTZ!!!!!!!!
By Scott
January 11, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
This is great news…they shoulda changed the name from 99X to 99sux years ago. Barnes, Jimmy nor Fram had any talent for a morning show to begin with, and although I listen to alternative I never tuned in as I couldn’t stand the rhetoric of the DJ’s over there. If you don’t listen to AM radio, just tune in Sully on Dave FM, or Project 96.1 for good music.
By Boo Yah
January 11, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Good, that morning show is horrible. Bring on some new talent. I’m tired of hearing the whining and more whining.
By David Lee (davidlee@yahoo.com)
January 11, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
I say bring back the “Morning X version 2.0 - Barnes, Leslie, and Jimmy” - so us late 30 year olds can feel young again. Looking back Barnes was a complete a*******hole.
By Christian
January 11, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
They should have taken some of my advice/criticism to heart since 1996 when they started to try to legitimize corporate butt-rock as alternative music. If anyone would like a list of all the emails I have sent to 99(su)x(crement)over the past 10 years, let me know. And, if any of the corporate big wigs would like to talk to a music program director who has a finger on the true pulse of music, shoot me an email - ninety8problems@yahoo.com
I can even send you the same music playlists that I gave to them…
By Valtool
January 11, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t mind seeing a reappearance of a FOX 97.1 style station, but I think the ultimate mind blow wold be the return of…..
POWER 99.7! (j/k)
By Joey Mills
January 11, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Perrynoid… You have been riding on Ron and Fez’s coat tails for years. You suck.
By Mads
January 11, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Here’s a novel idea. Why not can the morning show altogether and just play some damn music!
By Mads
January 11, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Here’s a novel idea. Why not can the morning show altogether and just play some damn music!
Ever since I got an ipod for christmas I haven’t turned on the FM dial in the car AT ALL.
By Mike
January 11, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Wow… the two Cockroaches in the Atlanta radio market gone… I mean that in a good way. Leslie Fram and Tom Sullivan have been in Atlanta radio since WSB was on top of the Biltmore, and have survived a lot of upheaval. “Atlanta & Company” is really bad, but hopefully Leslie will find something more entertaining to do.
By It's Me
January 11, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Everything went down hill when you let go of Toucher and Jimmy.
By tim
January 11, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
This is the absolute truth- several months ago when they axed the House of Retro, I stopped listening to 99x, as they became just about the same as the other crap in Atlanta. At just about the same time I went back home to Pittsbugh and heard WDVE playing the most incredible mix of music. I finally decided, after being PO’ed since then, to e-mail Steve or anyone at 99x and tell them to listen to that format. Get on line and listen for yourself. They would wipe out all the other stations in ATL, and then they would be the ones being copied. It would work!!! Just think for a minute-The River is Atlanta’s top rated station. ARE YOU KIDDING? Someone please listen to me.
By Christian
January 11, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Axel,
Keep playing Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Candlebox and we will make sure we have a special place for you, too!!!
99x - The best of 1996’s BUTTROCK!!!
Oh yeah…play more Linkin Park. Just effin kidding.
By Margie
January 11, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Cumulus sucks. THEY ruined Q100 and 99X.
By Margie
January 11, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Cumulus sucks. THEY ruined Q100 and 99X.
By Margie
January 11, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Cumulus sucks. THEY ruined Q100 and 99X.
By Margie
January 11, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Cumulus sucks. THEY ruined Q100 and 99X.
By Margie
January 11, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Cumulus sucks. THEY ruined Q100 and 99X.
By wallace
January 11, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
BRING BACK DUMMY SCHAFER!!!
By Margie
January 11, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Cumulus sucks. THEY ruined Q100 and 99X.
By DUH
January 11, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
The number one reason they were fired is money. They were the highest paid people left in the building, aside from C*’s own suits.
You can rest assured that means they will not be hiring the regular guys (who’ve said they won’t get back together anyway), toucher and rich, or jimmy baron (who left BECAUSE of cumulus).
I predict: Matt Jones to mid day, Axel stays, someone new at night, and Matt C and Lew to mornings.
By jb
January 11, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
99X became irrelevant when it decided it was going to stay in the 90’s/early 2000’s music timewarp, which by many is considered the dark age of music in general. Tack that onto that it decided to devalue it’s on-air programs to the lowest common denominator just to play catch up with the other dreg stations and you have a recipe for disaster.
That leaves the only place we have left to find fresh rock music are our college stations, WREK and Album88(who both regularly kicked 99X’s bottom in the musical substance category), internet radio, and satellite radio.
By Christian
January 11, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
www.indie1031.com
LA station with heady smart morning show w/Joe Escalante (bassist for The Vandals), afternoon show with Steve Jones (guitarist for The Sex Pistols), nightly shows hosted by Dave Navarro, The Crystal Method, and Henry Rollins.
www.indie1031.com
Best radio station I have ever heard. If you want to hear more indie type music, check out…
www.woxy.com
www.lala.com
By JR
January 11, 2008 5:49 PM |