Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2005 > February > 04 > Entry
Interesting blog about 99X
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since I’m doing a blog, I may as well note another one. Some guy named Jim recently started a site called www.99xwatch.org in which he basically critiques conservative comments made on the Toucher, Jimmy & Leslie morning show. Here’s his original item:
Why We’re Here In October of 2003, WNNX Atlanta (“99X”) debuted its new morning show: “The Don Miller Morning Show”. Leading a cast of both familiar and new personalities, Fred Toettcher aka Toucher, brought a Howard Sternesqe brand of humor that had been missing from Atlanta radio. In Early 2004, two events converged. The New Hampshire Primary, January 27th, signaled the beginning of the Presidential Campaign. The Superbowl, February 1, brought Janet Jackson’s breasts into the national spotlight causing an already conservative FCC to clamp down further on free speech. Toucher reacted by openly endorsing John Kerry and criticizing George Bush at every opportunity. Toucher’s opinions were balanced by those of admitted Right Wing Conservatives Gary “Wally”: Wallace and Christopher Callandro.
On June 17, 2004, a poorly thought out parody called Babies Can’t Wait, resulted in the firing of then Program Director Chris Williams. Things began to change. The show’s name changed and so did the show’s political composition. More time was given to the opinions of Wallace, Callandro, and conservative callers, less time was given to any progressive viewpoints.
Susquehanna Radio Corp at this moment has 33 radio stations. While 99X likes to market it self as “forward thinking,” Susquehanna, though not as visible as a Clear Channel, stood to gain a great deal from a Bush reelection, due to the consolidation friendly policies of Michael Powell and the Bush picked FCC. Leslie Fram, 99X’s program director, deservedly earned a reputation early in her tenure for breaking unsigned or independent label artists. Today, however, the vast majority of new music played on 99x comes from major record labels. 99X may like to project the image of Jack White, but its reality is closer to Jack Welsh.
Did 99X Management instruct Toucher and company to stop giving progressive opinions while turning a blind eye to any conservative ones? Was the firing of Chris Williams a sword of Damocles used to supress liberal speech? Does 99X turn a blind eye to statements that are offensive to progressives? Tune in.
Comments
By Carrington
February 4, 2005 11:26 AM | Link to this
Is anyone here?
By divine1c
February 4, 2005 11:28 AM | Link to this
I am, where is everyone else?
By Paul Leigh
February 4, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this
If you are looking for a radio morning show that is both informative and funny, then listen to The Tom Joyner Morning Show.
By Joyner Fan
February 4, 2005 12:44 PM | Link to this
Hi I can’t start my morning without the Tom Joyner Morning Show.
By Joyner Fan
February 4, 2005 12:45 PM | Link to this
Carrington and Divine1 are you guys still here (psst It’s me Shoe)?
By MsK
February 4, 2005 12:49 PM | Link to this
Hey you all!
This whole “meet on the radio blog” is not really working.
How is everyone today?
By Jael
February 4, 2005 01:01 PM | Link to this
Hey Carrington, Divine1 and Msk, you guys ready to take over?
Divine, I read your post on our ususal blog… wonder what’s up with it being active? Mayb it missed us too?
By MsK
February 4, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this
Hey Jael!
So on today’s topic. I don’t listen so I don’t have an opinion. lol
By jael
February 4, 2005 01:25 PM | Link to this
MsK, I don’t either and apparently so did many others…this place is hmmmm what’s the word? so what’s the real topic for today?
By divine1
February 4, 2005 01:42 PM | Link to this
Hey MsK, Shoe & Jael. Don’t know if Mr. Carrington is still here. Are we still trying to meet for a Happy Hour event this weekend?
I really don’t listen to 99x so I have no comment.
By divine1c
February 4, 2005 01:44 PM | Link to this
Maybe we should venture over to the other site. LOL.
By MsK
February 4, 2005 01:45 PM | Link to this
I am going to the High Museum right after work, but I am open after 730 or 800. I am thinking about going to Jazzy Blues.
Sunday I still have no plans to watch the game.
By MsK
February 4, 2005 01:49 PM | Link to this
side note- Ossie Davis died
By jael
February 4, 2005 02:07 PM | Link to this
Hey Shoe, sorry I missed you earlier.
MsK, what’s Jazzy Blues? That reads real nice and just my style. Have you checked that one out Divine1?
Sad to read about Ossie… talk about love married for 55 years! To be so loved!
By jael
February 4, 2005 02:24 PM | Link to this
Msk, can’t get to yahoo from my work pc.. can you send me the link? Please I am not working today, just here physically
By MsK
February 4, 2005 02:25 PM | Link to this
jael
you’ve got mail
By MsK
February 4, 2005 02:38 PM | Link to this
jazzybluessoiree is the site
By divine1
February 4, 2005 02:43 PM | Link to this
@MsK - Join us you know where.
By MsK
February 4, 2005 02:48 PM | Link to this
divine I have no idea what you are talking about You mean today or Sunday? That place in Dekalb?
By JMills
February 9, 2005 12:43 PM | Link to this
You commentors suck. Use e-mail not this website. 99XWatch is great and anyone else wants to do any buzz on 99x, I believe will be surely appreciated.