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 | Link to this
Thank goodness. Best decision. I’m so sick of them, especially the boring Leslie Fram. The morning show is full of stupid people doing stupid, moronic stuff. Leslie Fram is not all that people. Bring on the 80s hits format like Knoxville please!!!
By Ny Nick
January 11, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Bring 680 the fan to the FM DIal!!!!!!!
By Cat
January 11, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
I heard from a friend of mine that has worked at more than one alt. rock station that has gone off the air, that alternative stations have a hard time with the ratings b/c of the way people are surveyed. Apparently they use regular phone lines to select people to get their data from while many younger people use only cell phones. My sister works in advertising and knows the arbitron (spelling?) data comes from the devices they get people to wear around that log the frequencies that the device picks up (ie, the stations that the person has been listening to) but i still had to ask her, how do they select their random people to wear the devices, to which she guessed phone book.
By Wow Girl
January 11, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
I have lived in Georgia since 1987. I rememember when 99X uses to be Power 99 and I would listen to Barron, Fram and the other dude whose name I can’t remember. Then when they became 99X, it went to me downhill from there. They just were not funny anymore. I will miss Steve and his House of RetroPleasure. I learned a lot about music trivia from Steve’s College of Musical Knowledge. I wish both of them best of luck and Q100’s morning show is funny. At least there is one decent program out there to wake up too.
By sly
January 11, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
What? Say it is not so! Fram, the all time most absolutely fabulous transexual of all times is out of a job? Sigh. What will I do now with all of those empty 3 minutes in the bathroom each morning?
By jb
January 11, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
The sad thing is that corporate owned terrestrial radio stations will never produce quality content as long as MBAs, who have no musical knowledge, are making the decisions based on “target markets(ie.safe compromise).” Therefore our only choice is to head down other independent avenues to find good entertainment(internet, satellite radio).
By Jason in P-town
January 11, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
So I lived in Atlanta and still keep tabs on things but 99X went downhill and never really updated. A few funny bits but more ego than music. Laid back, good serious music is the way to go. Steve and Toucher were great but the constant repitition and catering to big radio/labels always got to me. Dave FM was good REALLY early but then started to blow. Now, satelitte and more stations have given them more competition, too. I live in Portland, Oregon where music is serious stuff and 94.7 one of the better stations out there. And they’ve got some that cater to the harder rock scene. It’s a nice vibe that Atlanta would do well to investigate.
By eric
January 11, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
the morning x has sucked for a long time. nothing like grown adults trying to relate to 16-year olds. leslie is very cool and connected and will land on her feet as will steve. if cumulus is reading this, give me a shot to program your radio station. did it in college and i have a very good idea of what you can successfully sell, but nothing in atlanta is going down that road. dave is as boring as it gets. once they canned the house of retro pleasure you knew it was over for steve. if you want some real music, listen to album 88 or wrek. rock on atlanta, oh wait, we are in atlanta. i meant to say yawn. and in saying that, none of the smaller acts seem to come to atlanta anymore but everyone tours in the northeast, and even nashville and dallas get better acts. time for a beer, cheers.
By Hooper
January 11, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Surprise, surprise. The writing was on the wall here for ages; Cumulus seems to have been trying for a while now to fire-sale 99x, ditching Toucher and the Retroplex and moving Dekker to some ridiculous internet gimmick. Pretty much everything interesting on their air has been gone for a while.
By WallyBalls
January 11, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Who listens to radio?
By Harry Balls
January 11, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Since Steve & Vicky got the boot can you tell me who is kissing Elton John’s Azz everyday?
By Brenda
January 11, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Bring back Dave Marino!! I really miss Z93. Oops, am I dating myself? I stopped listening to Atlanta radio when Z93 went away, Sirus Rocks!!
By jake
January 11, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
As a long-time friend & fan of Steve Craig, I will say that his show will be terribly missed. But as one comment said above, after they cut his retroplex, his show was not the same as he was basically handcuffed by the morons now in charge over there at that station. I can only wish him the best and 99x/q100 (or whatever the become) the worst. Both were removed from my programmed radio dial upon hearing the news. Steve, I’ll see you on the deck at some Mexican restaurant soon my friend - first margarita will be on me…
By The Lady Bootzee
January 11, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
There is a God. Thank you. The regular guys are coming back. I can unhook my IPOD and once again listen to morning radio.
By NICK
January 11, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Thank God the Regular Guys and Southside Steve are back.
They should have never been fired (twice) in the first place.
They were “canned” because they were white. If anyone listens to black deejays, these folks are allowed to say anything they want and get away with it.
Black deejays are THE MOST RACIST people on the radio. All they do is degrade white folk.
By the way, the BERT SHOW SUCKS! Those LOSERS should be the ones fired…For Bert to even have an advice column in Jeezebel magazine is unbelievable. He must be “blowing” one of the Dickeys…
By kimster
January 11, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
How about this for an idea - Doesn’t anyone listen to NPR in the morning? Or is reality too depressing?
Then how about Album 88?
By Dick the dancer
January 11, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Bring back the one and only KIMMER!
By Big M
January 11, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Forget all the above…return to the Power99 format with DOMINO in the morning!
By Santa Clause
January 11, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Hey…..I can’t have my Kimmer….BUT the Regular Guys are BACK!!!
Hell Yes!!!
W00t!!!!
Glad to have the Nazi and the Jew back on !!!
By Joshua
January 11, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
hay if good music is what you want then look here www.myspace.com/wearecapibara.
p.s. bring back “Bubba The Love Sponge” that was good radio
By NFLbelle
January 11, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
You can all thank Bert over at Q100 for this. He wanted a stronger frequency…you little whiny brat! I hope you are happy; you’ve ruined the careers of some great people who once called you “friend.” Karma is a you-know-what! I hope you one day know what it feels like to be numb. JERK!
By Joshua
January 11, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
hay if good music is what you want then look here (www.myspace.com/wearecapibara).
p.s. bring back “Bubba The Love Sponge” that was good radio
By Mark
January 11, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
THANK GOD!!!Its about time someone got smart enough to put these guys back on the air!LONG LIVE THE NAZI AND THE JEW!!!!
By jlj
January 11, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
There is a god…..thank you thank you thank you….Please lets next hear the kimmer will be on in the afternoon
By Charles
January 11, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
The “ir-regular” guys have sucked for a number of years. Bets are they will still suck when they come back on the air where ever. I am proud to say that I am old school fan of 96 rock with the “old wake up crew”. Far as this manufactured publicity stunt of a wayward porn bit, it was nothing more than a couple of Howard Stern wanabe’s trying to get atention for a boring show. Just like the 5 mintues to long of fame they got for the so called stunt where the Conyers PD got called in and shut there show down. They might have got “fired”, but I am willing to bet, that they are still under contract now, and have been getting paid ever sence! They do have agents!!
By Santa Clause
January 11, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Please bring back the F-U line too!!
Y’all some crazy MotherTruckers!!
By Name
January 11, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
WOW, i want to start taking bets on how long the Morning Crap last now. Looks like Cumulus and Bert want to sink them before they even get off the ground. WOW! To anyone outside of the industry, you have no idea how much this will hurt Suck94.
By MarkH
January 11, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Whoever hires Steve just for the lunch hour and the House of RetroPleasure will have a built in Fan Base. He and Axel were the only ones I could stand listening to on 99X. Hope you land on your feet man.
By Rodney
January 11, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Imagine that Rodney posts something not true! May wonders never cease!
By BiracialChick
January 11, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
I used to love this station… but not as much anymore.
I’m definitely a Project 96’er!
By Santa Clause
January 11, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Charles, You’re a douchebag!!
F*ck You!!
By android
January 11, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
I have Sirius so I don’t listen to radio anymore - thank goodness. But Leslie does deserve credit for her longevity and Steve Craig was very easy to listen to and had lots of great trivia. I wish them luck. Left of Center Sirius 26 is what 99x used to be.
By Eric
January 11, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
Another reason why we’ve had Sirius for nearly 4 years. When we weren’t living here and would come back and visit (before moving back), just for fun we’d turn on 99X and guess what? They’d play the same darn songs that they had played seven years prior. Stale, old, and pathetic.
By Kathy
January 11, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Kudo’s to the crew at the Bert show and Q100, they’ve earned a better signal!
By Needle Nose
January 11, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
99x sucks… Who cares.
By Needle Nose
January 11, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
99x sucks… Who cares.
By tang
January 11, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
This 40-something woman really, really wants “the regular guys” back. They were the only intelligent, funny people on in the morning (besides Neal Boortz.)Sometimes Larry got too gross, but that’s what the music stations are temporarily for.
By Santa Clause
January 11, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
G******* YOU LARRY WACHS!!!
DAMN YOUR JEW SOUL….IF YOU HAD A SOUL!!
By yoyo
January 11, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
You mean I won’t get to hear the same Stone Temple Pilots song over and over and over again???? NOOOOOOOOOOO! My God - why have you forsaken me??????????????? I might as well end it now.
That being said, I will miss the Sunday School show. Can we have a show that plays that type of music round the clock?
By Wade
January 11, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Oh great! The Bert Show gets stronger signal to talk about crap like American Idol. Yawn.
By Wade
January 11, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Oh great! The Bert Show gets stronger signal to talk about crap like American Idol. Yawn.
By tldawgfan
January 11, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
99X was a good station for a long time — keeping the same format with many of the same people as DJs for as long as it did, which was something near 15 years, is rare indeed in radio. Back in the 90s, 99X used to break new artists like Marvelous 3 and Shawn Mullins into nationwide prominence. It hasn’t been nearly as good as it was then for probably the last 5 years. I’ll miss the station as a choice away from the flavor-of-the-week American Idol crap and the flavorless light rock stuff. I guess this means I’ll listen to Album 88 a lot more…or I’ll just keep listening to XM exclusively. At least there I get music all the time.
By tldawgfan
January 11, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
99X was a good station for a long time — keeping the same format with many of the same people as DJs for as long as it did, which was something near 15 years, is rare indeed in radio. Back in the 90s, 99X used to break new artists like Marvelous 3 and Shawn Mullins into nationwide prominence. It hasn’t been nearly as good as it was then for probably the last 5 years. I’ll miss the station as a choice away from the flavor-of-the-week American Idol crap and the flavorless light rock stuff. I guess this means I’ll listen to Album 88 a lot more…or I’ll just keep listening to XM exclusively. At least there I get music all the time.
By joey
January 11, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Way to ruin a good station you douche bags!
By Daniel
January 11, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Please move the Morning Mess from Star 94 to another station 99X or someother station. But bring some class back to Star 94.
By Renee
January 11, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
The Regular Guys were the best morning show in Atlanta - ever. Since they left, have only listened to XM. 99x, 94 and Q100 are horrible morning shows with lame and unfunny personalities. Bring back Larry and Eric!
By Daniel
January 11, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Please move the Morning Mess from Star 94 to 99X or someother station. But bring some class and dignity back to Star 94.
By Daniel
January 11, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Please move the Morning Mess from Star 94 to 99X or someother station. But bring some class and dignity back to Star 94.
By Bud
January 11, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Praise reason & logic! 99Xcrement is going to be flushed down the toilet. It’ll be replaced by something just as bad, but that’s OK. We’ll have a new station to put down.
By Renee
January 11, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Leslie Fram = Jeff Hullinger
By ATLGuysince81
January 11, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
I am not a fan of liberals but i respect a different side; Leslie for you. Steve’s College of musical knowledge is the best thing on the real radio waves. Q100 is the worst case of socialistic popularlity blended into the daily dose of soccer mom meets cheap stripper tipper dad. Q100 makes me want to vomit on myself and then vomit again. Isn’t Q100 responsible for that lady drinking too much water and drowning herself for a concert ticket. I remember caller 99 power99 real atlanta radio. Q100 is for all you transients sent “hear” to the south to suffer for more money longer commutes to work and not to mention your awful taste for cooperate controlled airwaves. These are the same men and women,driving while on the phone and smoking a cigerette and drinking coffee trying to wake up. Welcome to Atlanta Radio 2008! Just because the regular guys are coming back doesn’t mean i love atlanta radio it means the end is coming soon. Remeber your college radio and your favorite wake up at noon show. Radio has changed into a money making conglomerate similar to the douchbaggery flipping their tuners to Q100.5 Take back radio make it your own that is what radio is public access to taste something unheard and unchanged and unincooperated. Music is an art, better unchanged and free to express emotion. Q100 will fall like every radio station in atlanta at one point or another but not 88.5 suckas listen to free your mind in which music is supposed to do anyways.
By Jenny
January 11, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Fred Toucher was a genius. I miss his show every day — Jimmy and Wally were excellent comic foils.
I’m just glad this means Seabass will be canned. What a hack.
By RadioInsider
January 11, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
BAD NEWS IF YOU’RE A MALE OVER 35 - NONE OF THE RADIO STATIONS WANT YOU AS A LISTENER!!!
So stop your pathetic begging about the washed-up Regular Guys and satellite radio, and FOLLOW THE MONEY!
Whatever show and format attracts 18-34 women (or even 25-49 women) will be HOT among advertisers.
THAT’S why Steve & Vikki will be back on July 1 with a big splash - hope they bring Tom Sullivan, Rob Stadler and “Dano” back, too!
So if you’re not a young female, the stations don’t care what you think!
Deal with it!
By Dan
January 11, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Toucher rocked. He still rocks on WBCN in Boston. I wish XM would pick him up for afternoons.. O&A, Ron and Fez, and Toucher and Rich.
By Halberstram
January 11, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Good job confirming it before you ran with the story. That would have been great if the regular guys came back. How about show the Cumulus people how much the regular guys are missed. You owe that to everyone at least Rodney.
By Sheriff Bart
January 11, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Radio is dead! And whoever thought that Steve and Vicki were ever entertaining are total douchebags! 18 - 34 women are a really poor target audience if you are a 50 year old DJ. LAME. And I am not fooled, Leslie Fram is no woman but a man!
By Will
January 11, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
I stopped listening when they started trying to be experts on everything instead of playing music. Full of themselves, no music.
By Larry
January 11, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Atlanta radio is so far behind the times. Who ever takes over should do us all a favor and stream in 98 KUPD Phoenix Az. Get to listen to a real Rock station thats not a Project either.
By GSU EAGLES
January 11, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
where can i buy the fat kid and danshe episode when fat kid gets drunk? ive never worked so little in my life when that was on the radio… i still wanna die laughing to that… alf-ahn-so soh-wah-nono (alfonso soriano) for those who dont remember haha. now i graduate college and come back and dont know what the hell is on any station anymore… s**
By DMC
January 11, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Fram has face for radio…
By Daniel Thomas
January 11, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
nothin’ but AM since TRG got the ax
By Noneya
January 11, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
I see radio is just as rude as every other corporation in disrespecting long-time employees. A little respect for these folks is in order. They built the best alternative and retro radio station in town once upon a time. 99X still plays a lot of great music I don’t hear regularly on any other station: White Stripes, Bravery, Perry Farrell… I for one will be sad to see them go. I wish they hadn’t started pandering to the young, dumb, drunk crowd trying to compete with project 96.1. I think that’s when they got lost.
By ugadawg
January 11, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
They still have radio stations. I haven’t turned on a broadcast station since I went XM 5 years ago.
By SamIAm
January 11, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Cumulus management is beyond incompetent. Letting Toucher go is proof of that. I tried to listen to the new show and just cringed…Never laughed once. This should have happened long ago…
But Steve and Vicki????? gag.
By Brian
January 11, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
This is fixing the big mistake made by 99.7’s Rick Stacy on October 26, 1992.
Everybody, one more time: ALTERNATIVE TO WHAT?? LOL, Flannel always made me itch.
Good riddance to 99X and the unwashed vermin it brought with it.
Must tape its last gasp.
By caller you are on the air
January 11, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Rodney come on. Two things to consider if The Regular guys were coming back and Larry leaked the story before Cumulus wanted it out they would make him rescind it. They want to give all the attention to Bert and the signal change first.
Also no way would he mention S & V if he was serious about him. If it is true I want to play poker with him. Plus don’t you think Steve is under contract at Eagle?
Perhaps Jimmy and Eric are coming back as a team?
By Lou
January 11, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
The day the Regular Guys were canned, I went out and purchased satellite radio. The only reason I would ever go back to “free” radio, is the Regular Guys….
By c
January 11, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
99X was once the most powerful rock station on the east coast. So many bands got their break via 99x back in the day. Many good memories listening to that station since 1992, and many good times at their concerts, parties and other events too.
I’ll miss 99x for what it once was, and what it has ment to music fans and young Atlanta.
By thommys boys
January 11, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Two Words: Satillite Radio
By jes8
January 11, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Wow. There are some seriously strong opinions on here. I, however, have some class, and will not insult any of the existing stations. I grew up on power 99/99x, and recognize the incredible longevity of Leslie Fram. I wish her well. I am very very happy q100 will be moving (will we now have 99Q?) because I love the Bert Show. I’ve been struggling listening to Q100 on the east side of Gwinnett for a while now. Now I don’t have to wonder if I’ll hear South Carolina traffic instead of the E-buzz.
By Mary
January 11, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Sully on DavdFM in the afternoons is the only thing I listen to on Atl radio. Note to DaG…white people need radio too.
By jabster
January 11, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Maybe a new AC station at 100.5 will help continue to push B98.5 in a harder direction.
B98.5 has been the hardest rocking AC station I have ever heard for 10-15 years…kind of like the old 94Q that mixed pop and AOR. Most AC stations don’t play Boston, Floyd, and Nazareth, nor their newer counterparts!
By Thrash
January 11, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
99Q? Should still be WNNX so unless they change call letters, Bert will be the new morning show at 99X.
By know
January 11, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
I know steve mccoy. he is a good man and a hard worker, but he outgrew star. if cumulus wants to design a station around his talents and audience, it will be a big success.
By Joey Mills
January 11, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
It looks like I need to find a new local radio home. Hello DAVE. I am thinking about protesting the move to a LITE format. I understand moving Q to 99.7, but giving up on rock radio?Dickey can go screw. I will stick around all week to see what’s going to happen. We can all blame Bert Weiss and his contact stipulating that he has to be on a better signal. This is Bert’s fault, but I can’t blame him. Melissa Carter is still my favorite girl and I can hope the best for her and her show.
Rodney - Larry punk’d you which punk’d all access. Go Larry.
By redhdsuzq
January 11, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
i am so confused.
By redhdsuzq
January 11, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
i am so confused.
By Joey Mills
January 11, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Oh Steve and Vicki can go screw.
By JD
January 11, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
I don’t care much for The Bert Show. I’ve tried to listen to it but it’s geared more to 20-30something females. Bert is a douche-bag anyway… and a cocky one at that. Same goes for Jeff. Bert is 40 yet he dresses and acts like a 22 y/o frat boy. Grow up, Bert!
By Adam
January 11, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
This is absolutely horrible. 99x was the only station that actually played decent music in this town!
If Leslie, Jenners, Steve et al. read these for any reason, thank you very much for everything. WE CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU TO GET BACK ON THE AIR.
By Barney Strickland
January 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Toucher was OK, but nothing special. Wanna talk about dead air, go to Boston sometime….. it really sucks up there!! Anybody could have smash ratings in that FM s** !! I think Jimmy Baron was the funniest on 99x ever…… Oh well, back to Boortz and MP3’s………
By Ashby
January 11, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Remember Power 99?
By FlyingWolfPup
January 11, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Thank God for 90.1 and 91.9. I just loathe listening to garbage like 99X, Morning mess and Q100 junks. None of them offers the indepth news like 90.1. Great job Steve Goss. keep the npr going.
By boo ya
January 11, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it strange that a town that is as COOL as Atlanta has the worst radio stations? I just moved to Denver and they have at least 3 alt rock stations, and its half the size of Atlanta. What’s the deal?
By Jaime Gaverts
January 11, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Hey Framm, it looks like those “metal meat heads” at Project 96 got your ass kicked to the curb. Thank goodness. Concept: play tunes, stop flapping your gums.
By John B
January 11, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Hey Rodney,
Love you as I do, you kind of buried the lead on this didn’t you? 99x gets canned and the Larry being desperate for a job is the top of the story?
By Bob
January 11, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
Its interesting and sad to see another demographic lamenting the demise of the last major station that tried to cater to them.
Welcome to the club boys and girls. If your over 34, the marketing geniuses at clueless channel, cumuli-nimbus and all the others don’t think you matter any more.
After all, you and your wife are set in your ways with your 2 & 2/3’s kids. You’ve already picked your favorite tooth paste. and you watch the same shows every week. Did you catch tonight’s Odd couple and Love American Style?
Nope. Nobody wants to do broadcast radio that caters to you, even though all the ads have music snipets from songs you like and used to listen to.
I just love it when the folks chime in about too much talk….
It all used to work. Then media started listening to the whiners. “Squeaky Wheel…”
Any how. Go get XM/Sirius, unless you want to get an Ipod instead.
That’s the real problem. The rocket scientist’s are chasing a market that doesn’t give a flip about them, while ignoring the markets that want attention.
Have a good weekend
By John B
January 11, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Hey Rodney,
Love you as I do, you kind of buried the lead on this didn’t you? 99x gets canned and the Larry being desperate for a job is the top of the story?
By Bob
January 11, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Its interesting and sad to see another demographic lamenting the demise of the last major station that tried to cater to them.
Welcome to the club boys and girls. If you’re over 34, the marketing geniuses at clueless channel, cumuli-nimbus and all the others don’t think you matter any more.
After all, you and your wife are set in your ways with your 2 & 2/3’s kids. You’ve already picked your favorite tooth paste. and you watch the same shows every week. Did you catch tonight’s Odd couple and Love American Style?
Nope. Nobody wants to do broadcast radio that caters to you, even though all the ads have music snipets from songs you like and used to listen to.
I just love it when the folks chime in about too much talk….
It all used to work. Then media started listening to the whiners. “Squeaky Wheel…”
Any how. Go get XM/Sirius, unless you want to get an Ipod instead.
That’s the real problem. The rocket scientist’s are chasing a market that doesn’t give a flip about them, while ignoring the markets that want attention.
Have a good weekend
By JB
January 11, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
What a bunch of management boobs over there.
They fire hilarious Fred Toucher cause I guess they didn’t want anything edgy? Then they bring in the disaster known as the show that followed it. Now contemplating Steve and Vikki? Guess its not so much they didn’t want edgy, they just wanted super sucky. They keep getting closer to their goal, although its hard to imagine anything super suckier than Sean, LESLIE & Jenners. At least Steve & Vikki were capable of sometimes bringing up something interesting to at least somebody some of the time. I feel bad for anyone out of work, but lame is lame.
By Regular Guys Fan
January 11, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Someone please bring back THE REGULAR GUYS!! Any station, format, whatever… I’ll listen. Mornings in Atlanta radio haven’t been the same.
By Regular Guys Fan
January 11, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Someone please bring back THE REGULAR GUYS!! Any station, format, whatever… I’ll listen. Mornings in Atlanta radio haven’t been the same.
By LizDawg
January 11, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Glad to see 99X canned, bring back the Greaseman! I got 2 words for you = i and Pod! That’s ALL I listen to now. 790 is the f* station of Tech football, which as we all know is a complete mediocre joke.
By Bob
January 11, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Original response was rejected for some reason … basically I said there is now no reason to listen to FM radio in Atlanta. Long Live Boortz!
By Jason
January 12, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
XM. ‘Nuff said.
By truthteller
January 12, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
OMG..how really gives a crap about this.
By EverythingBacon
January 12, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
Since 99Xcrement is going the way of Power 99 and being replaced by Q100’s lame pop tunes, I think 100.5 whould become a hard rock station. I repeat again, hard rock. Not Fall Out Boy, Finger Eleven, Lenny Kravitz, etc but Heavy metal, industrial, hard rock the likes of Pantera, Avenged Sevenfold, Machine Head, Megadeath, (HED)PE, Chimaira, Disturbed, NiN, Sevendust, etc. Shoot, even an 80’s Hair Station would triumph over the current repertoire of 99X.
By J
January 12, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
I agree with Bob. There is basically no reason now to listen to FM radio in Atlanta. No one listens to the Bert Show except young teenage(when they aren’t in class)or college age females. Everything else, including the Giant Brian show is crap, except for maybe the Ally show on 96.1. So either tune into your sat. radio or enjoy listening to your CD collection unless you can stand AM radio.
By G
January 12, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
Your reporting and this story are clown like….
By mr.niceguy
January 12, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
99x was a great station, I live in both denver and atl and you have no idea how bad some rock stations are out there. now we have absolutely no good radio stations in atlanta. sure there are a lot of mexican, country, and crap pop stations but thats about it. real good idea letting go of 99x.
By mr.niceguy
January 12, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
99x was a great station, I live in both denver and atl and you have no idea how bad some rock stations are out there. now we have absolutely no good radio stations in atlanta. sure there are a lot of mexican, country, and crap pop stations but thats about it. real good idea letting go of 99x.
By Brian
January 12, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
Toucher was the funniest person I had ever heard on the radio. I sometimes hated his a$$ but that was what I enjoyed. He riled me up on the way to work in the morning. Jimmy was a clown and Fat kid was too funny. I saw him duct taped to Calandro on the way to work one morning waiting at the bustop and I nearly wrecked. I couldn’t get enough. The last show of Toucher’s was the last show I listened to on 99x. I don’t listen to the Bert show because they all have those stupid robot voices. Don’t call if you don’t want to be on the radio! I now listen to 680thefan and Colin Cowherd in the AM. I enjoy it but I always said I wouldn’t be like my dad listening to AM radio and since Toucher left I’m done, I’m now my Dad. Good luck to whoever takes over whatever spot. I just won’t be listening. God Bless
By David
January 12, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but this move with 99X was long overdue. I loved this station like no other back in the day. There was nothing else like it. Memo to Fram: Nickelback is just crap, nothing more. Bon Jovi for the Bushies. This station got way off track when it switched to playing exclusively all of that nu-metal garbage of the late 90’s, then didn’t veer away from it until long after people started throwing garbage at the likes of F. Durst. That still p** me off, so I say good riddance. By the way, I’ve listened to more stimulating and content filled NPR affiliates in the middle of freaking Kentucky. WABE is reason enough to get satellite. I insist on it when tooling around the ATL in the rentals I drive, since I now live in another radio waste land - Dallas/Ft. Worth.
By LB
January 12, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this
Thank goodness for WRAS and WREK.
Atlanta might have the worst commercial radio for a large market, but it has two of the better college radio stations in the country.
By hitwriter
January 12, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
What Atlanta needs is a radio station that hires personalities with music knowledge and let them play what they want. Let the DJ pick and play the music… any genre, format, local or national. Don’t let some PD at corporate decide what 20 songs get played on their 50 stations! That would make some great radio.
By Pendarvis
January 12, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this
Time for Fram to launch her Drag career now. I hear she’ll be appearing at Blake’s on 10th street over by the park. Anyway, RIP 99x. Loved ya when you started out in ‘92 but you’ve sucked hard for the last 8 years. Time to be put down and out of your misery like a dying horse.
By xfan
January 12, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this
First thing’s first: Fire Rodney Ho. I took 1 journalism class in college and could do better than this SH!t…
I will miss some of the music, but everyone’s right about the jaw-flapping. No one cared. The Dickeys are about the worst “management team” ever - this beats the Queer Channel f-ups of late 2006 by a mile.
I knew this was coming when the Retroplex got dumped. I loved that show. I also got a HD radio for my car recently and like the HD-2 station. It was GREAT variety and deep cuts. Shoot, just use that without jocks, since you fired the only good one (Steve).
Leslie was/is a good programmer but should’ve left the air when her buddies Jimmy and Toucher did. Or maybe even before that. She didn’t have the personality for it.
Guess iPod, Dave, and the other HD stuff can save me for now. Someone fix this disaster, please.
By bogus
January 12, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this
oh ok so what you’re saying, rodney, your theory here, might actually make some sense. they’re probably staying “rock” of some sort because otherwise, all of the staff would be fired. a “real” flip needs a start-over. this is some crazy s$%^.
By Matt
January 12, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
Sounds like the Return of Power 99 The Best Atlanta Radio Station in the late 80s and early 90s Bring Back Crash Clark and Major Tom
By dignen
January 12, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this
Congrats Q-100 but save your money while you can make it. Satelite radio is why most stations are going under so enjoy the final 3-4 years of FM radio. It will turn in to the new AM. But what does that mean for AM??? lol
By MarvAlbert
January 12, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this
What’s up with all this talk of Fred Toucher being the greatest ever in ATL? LOL. You’ve gotta be kidding me? He was pretty good when he was working the evening shift, but I wasn’t a fan of his morning show. Like a few others have said, he was probably the best on the station while he was there, but that’s not saying much at all. Another thing…99X was already well on its way down the toilet before he left. To say his departure is why they’re in the position they’re in is laughable. It’d be like saying the Falcons finished with a 4-12 record this season because Bobby Petrino left to take the Arkansas job w/three games left on the schedule.
By Matt
January 12, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this
How Much will anyone Bet that Steve and Vicki Go back to Star 94 once they see what a ridulous mistake they made in The Morining Mess I give to April and Steve and Vicki come Back to Star 94 as a April Fools Joke They are Famouse Good April Fools Pranks
By Bubba
January 12, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this
This is why I listen to sportstalk “guy radio”. Music has sucked since the 80’s and all these Dj’s are awful.
Try ‘Mayhem in the AM” on 790 the zone in the mornings.
By Barb Golden
January 12, 2008 3:15 AM | Link to this
Giant Brian! Giant Brian! Giant Brian! Giant Brian!
By HD-Dave
January 12, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this
They can do whatever they want w/99X, just don’t take away 99Xcess (HD2)! 99.7-HD2 is awesome!!! 96.1-HD2 is good too…but 92.9-HD2 (Dave Roots)…yawn!!
For the best Alt/Punk/New-Wave (1982-1996) music…check out 99.7-HD2 before it goes bye-bye. All music all of the time.
By rid0617
January 12, 2008 6:01 AM | Link to this
I haven’t missed corporate radio since I learned about satellites.
By Stephen in Birmingham
January 12, 2008 6:05 AM | Link to this
For anyone who was in their 20s and 30s during 1990s, 99x truly shaped the culture.
I lived in Atlanta for 20 years and watched the place grow from a insular cow town to something resembling a real city.
They were ahead of the curve on music, playing many artists and songs that no one else would even think of. They set national trends. They were stunningly progressive on issues like gay rights and open-mindedness.
I’ve been away for almost a decade, so apparently I’ve missed the decline, and I’m sure it wasn’t pretty, or profitable. But it was always nice to drive back through town and hear something that was an essential part of my youth.
It was weird to be proud of a radio station, but I was.
Thanks, guys.
By Jeff
January 12, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this
Bring back Wil Pendarvis!
By lysistrata
January 12, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
Bring back Air America Radio! (Ha! As if that would ever happen….)
By Amanda
January 12, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
Wow, it took thirty whole comments before somebody started talking about how great XFM/satellite radio are. Y’all spammers need to wake up and get back on the ball!
By David
January 12, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this
I never listen to FM morning shows. You bring back The Regular Guys and I’ll switch back over to FM again. It’s as simple as that (and keep their show music free as well).
I find the quote about 99X’s troubles are in part due to the “falterting forunes of alternative rock”. I’ve listened to “alternative” music for 25+ years now and to me the scene is still quite interesting with plenty of cool choices (Shins, Arcade Fire, Cat Power, etc.). It’s not alternative music that’s lost it’s way, it the CRAP that alt-stations began programming in the late 90’s. What a shame.
By Anastasia Beaverhausen
January 12, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
Say goodbye to 99xcrement!
By Scott
January 12, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
J-A-C-K FM is the answer!!!!
By Amanda's Daddy
January 12, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Amanda, get off the computer and get your mouth back on MY BALLs!
No Gagging.
By Mark
January 12, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
88.5, 89.3, 91.1
By Mark
January 12, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
88.5, 89.3, 91.1
By Mark
January 12, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
88.5, 89.3, 91.1
By Flo Jean
January 12, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
How ‘bout all Xmas Music…all year. Ho Ho Ho
By James
January 12, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Here, here, Mark!
88.5, 89.3, 91.1 88.5, 89.3, 91.1 88.5, 89.3, 91.1 88.5, 89.3, 91.1
These are the stations ANYONE in this city SHOULD give a damn about.
By elmo
January 12, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
what a great day… man fram is fired and wachs hired!! weeeeeeeeeeeee Everything Bacon rules
By sorry to see you go 99X
January 12, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Mark is right if you want real alt rock and modern rock those are the places on the dial to tune to. I think it’s sad that 99X sold out when they did. They HAD to know that cumulus would ultimately kill them. Cumulus is just as bad as clear channel. But I guess the reality is it’s the listens with god-awful taste that help to promote these kind of changes…it’s all about the marketing dollar.
Bummer, 99X had lost it in some respects, but still held a good place in Atlanta in many others. It’s a shame they lost the battle. Now I have even less reason to turn on the radio, and if the Regular guys return, I will have ZERO reason to tune to their station, talk about useless ignorant blather.
By Older than Jesus
January 12, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
You and your college radio stations. Typical DJ: The song before that was the 3rd track off of the Meat Puppets first album Meet the Meat Puppets which was recorded in LA although part of it was recorded in Iceland because they wanted to record the sounds of ice. The album cover is interesting because they have a photo of the band that wasn’t supposed to be used but they decided to use it anyway. Another story about the Meat Puppets…..blah blah blah. No one cares. Graduate from college and shut up.
By Mark
January 12, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
99 was only good when it was Power 99.The Giant Show sucks,99X sucks,Burt sucks,ALL FM MORNING SHOWS IN ATL SUCK!ATL NEEDS TRG`S!!!
By James
January 12, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Older Than Jesus…
Are you a beer swilling, rebel flag waving, shotgun toting, bug zapper watching, moonshine stilling, no teeth having, sister banging, card carrying member of the KKK?
You can always pop in an 8 Track of Lynard Skynard if you don’t like college radio.
By Rowan Davis
January 12, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Petition anyone? I’ve been listening to this station since I was a little boy in the 90’s. Now I’m pretty p** that it is leaving.
By Almost All Wrong
January 12, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
RODNEY- Once again, you have it all wrong. X did not completely scratch their jocks for two reasons (which are obvious): -They still have to function in some was as ‘99x’ until January 25th.
-99x.com will still host programming and events- meaning they will need, possibly, jocks to do that and certainly staff to maintain that.
Also, Q100 is moving to 99.7fm, not to ‘99x’. There’s a difference. As a radio reporter, you should know that.
I read the same press releases you did!!
By Mick
January 12, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Larry Wachs wrote this cryptic statement in his blog on December 24:
Recent events suggest that 2008 may have a shot at being a good year, and I look forward to sharing news with you when fantasy time ends in January’s dewy first days.
By Billythekidd
January 12, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
ATL RADIOGUYSINCE81 is a college jock..hows the GSU Student Union food this semester?
By Bud
January 12, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Let there be Classic Rock! With a 700+ song format and without a station bumper between each and every song. They’ll crush The River & regain a lot of the 96Rock listeners who have been dispossesed over the past year.
Long live Rock…Be it Dead or Alive!
—Bud—
By Brian
January 12, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
By Rowan Davis January 12, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this “Petition anyone? I’ve been listening to this station since I was a little boy in the 90’s. Now I’m pretty p* that it is leaving”*
Petition for what? To save a dead radio station playing a dead genre of music? When your 12,500 watt station is beating your 100,000 watt one in listeners, revenue, buzz and visibility then it is time to make a change. Take down those Eddie Vedder and Kurt Cocaine posters and join the rest of us in the 21st century.
By Deirdre
January 12, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Wow…Rodney, maybe they’ll give this blog a social-networking site, too!
I copied and pasted and sent this to both my kids. Greg used to work at Q100 before Cumulus took over. And Brian was a HUGE fan of 99X back when it was good!
By Jay
January 12, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Good riddence 99X. And welcome back TRG. Although, I wouldn’t mind if Larry would team up with Tim Andrews instead of Eric.
Now…another thing about Atlanta radio that p** me off. I am forced to listen to V103 during the day at work. Why in God’s name do they have a 6 song playlist??? And they play those same awful songs over and over and over and over. I am so ready to go Postal.
By Kennesaw Dave
January 12, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Geez Rodney, Can we say running around like a headless chicken! To a degree I hope the rumors wind up being true. I listened to Steve in the mornings since he use to be with Z93 but I have to say the Regular Guys definately kept me laughing more consistently. Yeah the humor is juvenile and crass but funny nonetheless. I only have one question though, if they do come back will Southside Steve be a part of the show like he use to be?
By Kennesaw Dave
January 12, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Geez Rodney, Can we say running around like a headless chicken! To a degree I hope the rumors wind up being true. I listened to Steve in the mornings since he use to be with Z93 but I have to say the Regular Guys definately kept me laughing more consistently. Yeah the humor is juvenile and crass but funny nonetheless. I only have one question though, if they do come back will Southside Steve be a part of the show like he use to be?
By Fram is a 4 letter word
January 12, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
I’m just glad Fram is gone (ding dong the witch is dead). She stumbles, mispronounces everything, and is a general wet blanket. Her only saving grace is that she has a face for radio. Unfortunately, she also has a voice for newspaper.
By TonyVendome
January 12, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Cumulus exec’s = The Dickey Boys = The Jerry’s Kids of all Media…
Maybe they’ll try Perry or Kincaid over on the FM side…We know they’re “fire-proof” over there…Boy oh boy!!! If Rodney can ever get a hold of the pictures those two must hold!
By James
January 12, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
99x was my favorite radio station until a few years ago. I just figured tastes change when you get older but I just didn’t care for the new music being played.
I bought XM and really enjoy it but I always had Steve’s House of Retropleasure on @ noon. Once that show was killed I never turned 99x on again. Will miss hearing Steve every day. Next time Roger Clyne is in town, I will see you there buddy.
Thanks for all the great music and good luck to everyone who made the station what it was.
By Rodney Ho
January 12, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
I think they’re trying to get “Southside” Steve over to the revamped Regular Guys show from Eagle but I’m not sure how easy that is going to be and what sort of contractual noncompete provisions are in Steve’s contract over there.
By Jamie C
January 12, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
I just want to know WHY!? 99X had a good thing going. I listened to the morning show every morning as I drove my kid to school. Then I hear about the stupid powers that be canning everyone and getting rid of a good station. I really will miss the 99x sound on my radio. It was the main station I listened to because of the music they played. I hate hearing all that pop junk and love the alternative sound! Now we are stuck with 2 stations in ATL that play that ‘pop crap’ and maybe throw in a old Green Day song to keep people happy. Sigh! I am getting Sattelite radio and BOYCOTTING the new stations! I will miss you Steve, Leslie, Jamie, Axel, Seabass, Jenners, and producer Mark!
By Joey Mills
January 12, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
i doubt Southside Steve is going anywhere
By regular cat
January 12, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
frank ski rules kills another am show
By Beavis in Buckhead
January 12, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
This is just another example of mismanagement and poor choices at the Administrative level of Atlanta’s lame radio community.
(Anyone remembers the “Planet Radio” goof that WGST made in the late 90’s??)
Radio has been weak in this town since the mid 90s and has become more and more homogenized since then.
Thank you, media giants for giving us McRadio.
Amazing how the locally owned and operated stations like Album 88, GA Tech, and NPR have diverse programming and cater to the local tastes.
I love to be able to hear jazz, oldies, and styles other than Pop, Talk, Rock, HipHop, Latin, and Country.
Oh yeah, that’s called Satellite Radio!
Seriously, Media Moguls. Will you really succeed in this business if your McRadio is just like everyone else’s?
By Halberstram
January 12, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Good job confirming it before you ran with the story. That would have been great if the regular guys came back. How about show the Cumulus people how much the regular guys are missed. You owe that to everyone at least Rodney.
By russ
January 12, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
I appreciate all your investigative work but honestly what difference does it make, all options mentioned are old, stale and offer nothing but the same ole crap… in the end what difference does it make anyway, its not like any of these losers are going to solve any major problems or issues, put Bert and Ernie on or Big Bird and Cookie Monster you’d get more innovation and insight than from any of the aforementioned acts/names…
By D.A.D.
January 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
When 96Rock canned The Regular Guys for the last time I took the station off my pre-programmed buttons. What really sucked was losing the Braves on FM for a while but I switched back to AM and lived with it. I also switched to 680 TheFan for the morning drive. 96Rock is banned from all radios in my family because they fired TRG. Any station that puts Larry and Eric back on will get my patronage — a mid-30s highly paid professional female. I will miss 680, but I miss TRG more and 680 will still get me in the afternoons and for Thrashers games.
By Jamie C
January 12, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Its just sad in all cases that a good station gets handled in the wrong way and lots of listeners are regulated back to AM for sports and talk, and the same old crap you hear everywhere… 1 or 2 pop stations that play the same old run down crap you didnt want to hear the first time, a billion country stations (yuck) and some r&b stuff. The town that I am from is like this. Everything is country music and then you get one rock station that comes in if you are in the right part of town. Plus, the head honchos dont care about what we want… its all about the ratings. It would be a novel idea that someone that owns a station would give a damn.
By Jamie C
January 12, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Its just sad in all cases that a good station gets handled in the wrong way and lots of listeners are regulated back to AM for sports and talk, and the same old crap you hear everywhere… 1 or 2 pop stations that play the same old run down crap you didnt want to hear the first time, a billion country stations (yuck) and some r&b stuff. The town that I am from is like this. Everything is country music and then you get one rock station that comes in if you are in the right part of town. Plus, the head honchos dont care about what we want… its all about the ratings. It would be a novel idea that someone that owns a station would give a damn.
By Adam
January 12, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Hopefully, when the dust settles, Leslie Fram and Steve Craig will wind up at a new station in Atlanta when their Cumulus contracts expire in July, and this city will once again have a free-to-air source for alternative rock radio. Until then, my car is going to a very silent place: college station signals don’t make it all the way to Cumming.
By Al
January 12, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
I could never understand why a woman in her 50s, as Leslie is, would try to dress like a 17 year old with those hideous tank tops. It just made her look even more ridiculous. She looks like an old hooker with those outfits.
By Me
January 12, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Please, please, please, please let TRGs be back on air in Atlanta. I’m sorry to hear that Steve Craig was canned, he was the only reason I listened to 99X. I don’t have anything nice to say about Leslie Fram so I won’t.
By Joey Mills
January 12, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
A THANK YOU LESLIE, JENNERS, AND STEVE PARTY PLANS COMING SOON!!!
By bob
January 12, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Geeez took people long enough to fire her, that show has sucked for years and house of retro pleasure was horrendous.
And for you people thinking toucher is doing great in boston you are fing crazy, their show is barely in the top 15 and has to get constant boost from OnA in the mornings but they still cant crack the top 10. They are just as sucky as they were in atlanta but now they just spend the day talking about how us southerners and hillbillies didnt get their humor. Hey guys, newsflash for you, youre not funny.
Seems to pave the way for TRGs to be back and p** every one off, S&V arent coming back cause steve doesnt need the money now.
By Rick
January 12, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Now that the Dickey brothers have completed their destruction of 99x ( which began when the idiots got rid of Fred Toucher), I can only hope that some other station will become the new home of New Alternative and become a cutting edge station that combines good comedy in the AM with NEW music during the day. The door is open now DAVE FM. Now jump in!! Start by hiring Freddy T Crash and Rich and you’ll blow the doors of of all the other station!
By Drew "Screw" Hayes
January 12, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
I’ve destroyed three stations in Chicago, and I’m ready for the ATL! I’ve finished my playlist: tight rotation of more than 20 hip-hop versions of Public Domain faves such as Yankee Doodle, Jimmy Crack Corn, La Cucaracha, Dixie and I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead You Rascal You. Finally something for EVERYBODY! I am so smart! I am so smart! S M R T! I mean ….
By Randall Bloomquist
January 12, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Wow…people sure are upset at the 99X/Q100 changes, and for once no one can blame me! For once, I actually look good!
By Reverend Mike
January 12, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
WTJH Rocks!
By Chuck Deskins
January 12, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Hey Bloomquist - you are still a MORON!
By John Hogan - Clear Channel CEO
January 12, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Deskins & Bloomquist - You’re both morons, and real soon you will be unemployed morons.
By Brian
January 12, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
“I can only hope that some other station will become the new home of New Alternative”
New alternative what? What is alternative music the alternative to? Empty term, “alternative.” And DEAD too.
“The door is open now DAVE FM. Now jump in!!”
I am positive that DAVE, which is just starting to show some signs of life, will jump at the opportunity to flip to a format that just failed up the dial.
“Start by hiring Freddy T Crash and Rich and you’ll blow the doors of of all the other station!”
They couldn’t hack it here, hence their move to Boston.
By I AM 99sux
January 12, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
YESSSSS! bring back the Regular Guys! Toucher is a F-A-G!
By jabster
January 12, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
I would love for 100.5 to become a “heritage rock” station featuring album rock (AOR) from the 70s and 80s, including a lot of 80s metal and new wave, plus some later stuff by those same artists (which doesn’t get any airplay anywhere).
Think of early to mid-80s 96rock and you have the idea. TRGs would fit just nicely…and enough carpool kiddies would be listening elsewhere so no mommies would be offended.
This would fill the gap between Project Buzzkill and Dave, which play little “alternative” (we didn’t call it that back then) from that older timeframe; B98.5, which plays a softer AC mix of this same music; and the River, which plays a very shallow playlist of “safe” 70s-80s AOR artists.
This would free up Dave to go more to a true AAA format, which I wouldn’t listen to because I generally don’t like music after the 80s.
Project Buzzkill could take the newer Aughties alternative and Dave the “classic” Nineties alternative.
River could then play a more traditional classic rock playlist (more late 60s AOR), making it again the “oldies” station in ATL.
So you’d have this spectrum of stations, from oldest music to newest:
River (60s/70s classic rock) 100.5/B98.5 (70s/80s heritage rock/new wave) Dave (90s alternative/AAA) Project (00s active rock/alternative)
Lincoln made it clear when they bought J-P that they wanted to get rid of their broadcast business. It’s obvious that Quixie and 94Q, I mean 790 The Zone and Star 94, are being packaged for sale (no new expensive imaging/branding, no expensive talent contracts). The new owners may take them in a different direction (particularly Star 94).
By I AM 99Sux
January 12, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
I thought Steve and Fatty quit because of her health. Why would Ho master think they would still do morning?
By Adam
January 12, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Thank you all the trolls on this thread, now I know what I’ll become when I have to resort to listening to Project 9-6-1 starting next week. An erudite bunch, indeed.
By Norma Lee
January 12, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
This is great ideal. Poor Larry really need his job back. He about to run out of money. I so excited that the gangs get back together. I going to call them nonstop when they get on the air. I have loved Larry for a long time. Going to get to writing a new song for the show. Come see my Norma Lee videos on You Tub.
By Denny Schaffer
January 13, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
Hey!! I’m back on the radio!! Sunday mornings on WCKY 103.7FM in Tiffin, Ohio. Listen on the Internet!! It will be fun!!! It’s that or you can listen to that racist Ike Newkirk on 790. At least I’m back on the radio!!
By simon
January 13, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Cumulus is halfway there. Granny Fram is gone as well as that idiot Jenners. Now it’s time to turn 100.5 into CLASSIC ROCK!!!
Will Cumulus do it? Probably not. More likely they’ll try something moronic like progressive country.
And the Regular Guys still suck. They will suck even harder since they still won’t have SSS to pick on. The rest of their show was total crap. Constant misinformation and boring-as-hell bits designed to show that most of their listeners are redneck retards.
By Mee Maw Rickman
January 13, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
My grandson Steven James needs a better gig, so please bring back TRG.
Norma Lee you stay away from Larry, you ain’t nothing but a cotton pickin’ stalker.
By 99xFan
January 13, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
I only listen to Dave or 99x (unless there’s commercials then I flip to Star94 or Q100 but usually can’t stand it). Since Dave doesn’t have a morning show I started listening to 99x and loved them. Leslie and that Sean guy were way past their prime, but Jenners, Producer Mark and the others are hilarious (DUIQ, Craig’s List Confidential, etc.) This SUCKS!
By AK
January 13, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
While I hated the 99x morning show (Jenners needs to go back to the frat house), I love their music. As a late 30s mom who’s a bit removed from the hipster scene, where else am I going to learn about the coolest new music.
Through 99X, I discovered The Killers, The Shins, Modest Mouse and got to hear the latest from my favorites like Foo Fighters. Top 40 isn’t going to cut it for me, and Dave FM has its moments but plays more old stuff than new. I just hope 100.5 doesn’t turn into classic rock. We don’t need more of that; we need somewhere that’s going to play the newest music without worrying about if the song is popular enough or is on the Billboard charts.
By Tag Team
January 13, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
I think maybe what’s really going on here is Cumulus is going to try a revolutionary new format in the morning- TAG TEAM RADIO.
The Regular Guys vs Steve & Vicki. If this is the case than my money is going on S&V. I think Vicki could take down all three of those guys at once.
By Tag Team
January 13, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
I think maybe what’s really going on here is Cumulus is going to try a revolutionary new format in the morning- TAG TEAM RADIO.
The Regular Guys vs Steve & Vicki. If this is the case than my money is going on S&V. I think Vicki could take down all three of those guys at once.
By Norma Lee
January 13, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Someone else posted in my name Jan 12. This article was bought to my attention today.
I wish Eric & Larry Good luck & happiness.
By bulldogat
January 13, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Except for Steve and Vicky, who’s show actually brough in ratings and will be on B98.5fm later this year, why are stations encouraged to go to “has beens”. The return of the regular guys? How many times can you make a rerun of TITANIC? Are PD’s that stupid. Is there some performance enhancer they’ve taken since their last disasterous show? We all know they’ll fail miserably again. Their humor is funny only to themselves - boring. Radio companies need to do a better job of developing new talent. Radio is theatre of the mind .. a concept few get .. listen to Dennis Miller, he one of the few newcomers who get it. Anyone can read scripts or jokes on the radio, we need more personalities who are what they preach. It’s a shame when the only true talent in town is Neal Boortz. Atlanta radio is really bad.
By bulldogat
January 13, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Except for Steve and Vicky, who’s show actually brough in ratings and will be on B98.5fm later this year, why are stations encouraged to go to “has beens”. The return of the regular guys? How many times can you make a rerun of TITANIC? Are PD’s that stupid. Is there some performance enhancer they’ve taken since their last disasterous show? We all know they’ll fail miserably again. Their humor is funny only to themselves - boring. Radio companies need to do a better job of developing new talent. Radio is theatre of the mind .. a concept few get .. listen to Dennis Miller, he one of the few newcomers who get it. Anyone can read scripts or jokes on the radio, we need more personalities who are what they preach. It’s a shame when the only true talent in town is Neal Boortz. Atlanta radio is really bad.
By howdy
January 13, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Southside Steve is gone from the 106.7 station…
By Kenn
January 13, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Well I can’t beleive that Cumulus is doing the exact same thing here as they did 5 years ago in the city I moved here from. They bpought out the local Alternative rock station and with in a year changed it to a classic rock station. That is probably the format the new q will take on. I guess cumulus must be trying to appeal to the geritol generation. Jeers to cumulus. I l;istened to 99X in my work truck daily from 6am -6 pm, I guess I will have to listen to country music or get an fm transmitter for my mp3 so I don’t have to listen to geezer classic rock or worse yet soft rock.
By gene yus
January 13, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
I am not sad that the morning crew at 99x will be gone, and for the most part have been listening to the Bert show for the last 5 years anyway. 99x has not had a good morning show in, forever! Leslie, while I’m sure she is a very nice person, is just not entertaining at all. Sean is just a bore, and Jenners is plain annoying. Just the sound of his voice, argh! Sounds like a wannabe Jimmy, and I didn’t like him either. I would flip to x once in a while when Bert show was at commercial or something, and think how can people listen to these 3 drone on about nothing; and those stupid tired ‘bits’ they did. BORING.
That lame, uninteresting, pedestrian material must’ve only appealed to a VERY young immature audience, which might be ok except the average age of the 3 delivering it to them was around DIRT.
Nothing wrong with old, we’ll all be there, but it just didn’t work with the format of the station. Frankly I though 99x had a good thing in the early years, but it got lost along the way. It seems they only know about 60 songs, and play them to death.
I’m just glad I now have XM in my car.. I’ve always thought Atlanta had the worst choice of radio stations of any major city. Now I won’t have to worry about that. Get Satellite radio people, its worth it!!
By andy
January 14, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
You know, this morning I turned on the radio in the car and wasn’t hearing the morning x…thought it was odd. No mention of them or the show…still odd. Really odd? Not ONCE commercial. I knew something was up and in light of all the rumors that I’d heard of 99x changing formats or going off the air, that’s what I was guessing. Sad day.
99x was off of my listening list during work since the second week of August when they dropped The Retroplex in favor of the Express Lunch. That show was really my only reason to listen to the station. Otherwise, I listened to Sirius in my car and at work.
I’m anticipating that 99x is going the way of WOXY or KNAC. In which case, I’m cool with it as long as they keep the format.
By RENEE
January 14, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
thanks for info-will check back throughout day, please please, no more regular guys!
By D
January 14, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Its a shame that Steve Craig was fired, Retroplex was one of the best and most varied shows on the radio in Atlanta. The rest of 99x, however, left a lot to be desired. Even after their re-formatting a few years ago to concentrate on classic alternative from the 90’s and deeper cuts from 99x bands, everytime you heard a band like Green Day, Nirvana, or Pearl Jam it could be absolutely guaranteed it would be one of 3 different songs, that’s it. Add in some lousy nu-metal or whatever alt band of the week and that’s pretty much all 99x played. As my brother put it once, “99x sounds like they stole 12 of a frat boy’s CDs in 1996 and have been playing the same ones ever since.”
By Yeppers23
January 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Umm REgular Cat,
Frank Ski had nothing to do with this one. To be honest with you Frank Ski’s days..well at least his sidekicks days are numbered as long as Ryan Cameron works at V-103.
But back to 99X, I think they’ll go for a rock format but not with Steve and Vicki. I think they’ll go with an “All-types of Rock” type of station and bring in a woman to go with the regular guys.
By Storm
January 14, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I’ll miss 99x for what is represents! I hope they plan to put another alternative station on somewhere. I can’t stand having to listen to pop/rap on every single station! Star 94, 95.5 and Q100 are all horrible! I can only listen to Dave FM in small doses so…
I’ll really miss Steve Craig and the Retroplex…FYI..I’m still glad they got rid of that b******* Toucher. I could not stand him!! I’m sorry but he was a little bit racist. I’ve been one of the many long time, black (yes there are many)listeners, of 99X. I’m not easily offended but Toucher was just horrible so no love lost there.
However, 99X did repeat Nirvana, Foo Fighters, the Offspring and Pearl Jam about 100 times a day.
Anywho,thats what Ipods are for!
By GT
January 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
This former Atlanta jock (six years at 96rock) has one piece of advice for all of you: XM Satellite Radio. Or Sirius, if you prefer. It will change how you think of radio forever. Best money I ever spent.
XM is better for the music channel selection, Major League Baseball, and SEC football. Sirius is better if you want Stern and NFL.
By Eric S
January 14, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
I am still in shock of what i read late friday night that 99x was gone. I kept thinking this must be a dream. The morning X was part of my everyday work routine and 99x has been part of my life since i was in high school in the mid 90s i cant beleive the @$$’s at the coporate level can just kill something that means so much to so many people RIP 99x from barnes, leslie, and jimmy to jenners, steve, and axel We love you guys and you will all be missed and i am and we will always be 99x
By Eric S
January 14, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
I am still in shock of what i read late friday night that 99x was gone. I kept thinking this must be a dream. The morning X was part of my everyday work routine and 99x has been part of my life since i was in high school in the mid 90s i cant beleive the @$$’s at the coporate level can just kill something that means so much to so many people RIP 99x from barnes, leslie, and jimmy to jenners, steve, and axel We love you guys and you will all be missed and i am and we will always be 99x
By Brandon
January 14, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
It was bands like the cure, muse, silversun pickups and modest mouse that made 99x different. It was almost a more mature version of modern rock compared to the project.
btw bought SIRUS today. ALT NATION ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and so does lithium, classic rocks station (both).
By bullcrap
January 14, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Satellite radio you say? Hmmm. Never heard of it. I think I’ll try it. Will I like it even if I’m not a bitter ex-broadcaster who can’t find a job?
By atl music
January 15, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Um. yea… I wont hold my breath thinking they will do something good with Q100, or even play good music… why just make it and IPOD station… play everything with no commercials or people talking.. oh wait that would be XM, already have it.. so i wont worry about it Q100
By JP
January 15, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Great — one local station that played (somewhat) modern alternative, and it’s gone.
Thanks, Atlanta.
Cumulus, won’t be hearing your station on my iPod. Goodbye.
By JP
January 15, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
And Brandon, I’ll also miss Muse on local airwaves (Silversun and Cure, too ) — again, thankfully I have the iPod.
Only stations I’ll listen to now locally are Dave and 91.9 Jazz. 100.5 sucks, and it will just suck louder with a stronger signal.
By Radio Fan
January 18, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
I like chat in the morning - if you don’t - why even listen to the radio? Doesn’t your car have a CD player?
By Maclare
January 19, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Luckily for me I stopped listening to 99x when they canned the Retroplex, so I only shed one tear, and that was for Steve.
Screw Cumulus Media, in all it’s forms. I’m looking into XM.
Re: Leslie… OK, I understand not respecting her as a on-air personality, but what’s this “old and ugly” s**? Have you SEEN some of the geezers behind the mike?
By Joe
January 22, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Radio is dead….long live the new king. Mp3 and satellite radio. No one cares about what these low paid, musically inept people think.
By xander
January 22, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
i just think this is the dumbest thing atlanta can do. 99x is the best f*** radio station on the air and it should stay like that.
By xander
January 22, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
i just think this is the dumbest thing atlanta can do. 99x is the best f*** radio station on the air and it should stay like that.
By May
January 22, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
I can’t imagine driving to work every morning without 99X and Leslie Fram. Now just about all of the radio stations in Atlanta are for 12-year-olds. Great! Just what we need…more booty music and obnoxious DJs. I guess it’s time to hook up the ipod.
By Mike
January 23, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
99X Defined Alternative in Atlanta-Berts morning show is just garbage!!! Sirus here I come. Good luck Leslie, I hope you find something right here in Atlanta to bite Q100
By David
January 23, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Wow, Atlanta is full of a-holes now. All these idiots who miss The Regular Guys. Oh, that’s right — this is the Cox reader site.
By 99x listener
January 25, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
I was very upset by this when I turned on the radio this morning to the Bert Show. It is true that Leslie and her show were not great, but the Bert Show is horrible and they play nothing! I know I am relatively old, 42, but I loved the mix of 90’s rock and today’s rock. Ever since 96 rock went metalhead, I had to switch to 99x all the time. Now, what I am supposed to do - listen to Mara Davis? Talk about horrible!
By Matt
January 26, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
Give me back my 99X!! I cannot stand listening to 96.1 they were good when they first came out because of less comercials but seriously all you have to do is listen for two hours and you realize they play the same crap over and over. And this Q100 is no better. The problem with radio today is that it’s no longer controlled by the listeners. Some fat cat in LA decides what music is played just because of how much money the band is making or how they’re doing on the charts. Give me something original. Give me some new bands. i’m tired of listening to the same nickelback song over and over. America buys crap or at least what’s hot right now. I guess that’s why American Idol is so big. I’m tired of hearing the same crap on the radio all the time. Pop is so unoriginal it’s not funny. And most of it is hip-hop any way. Give me someone that wrote all their own music and lyrics. I’m tired of Britney and all the people that want to be like her. 99X had it’s faults but at least they had a good selection of music. They might have played too much Nirvana, but it’s better than nickelback. I don’t want to hear all this fluffy pop stuff. Do something original. Give us a reason to listen to the radio again.