Tiger radio gossip

[Oblong]

I read Gregg Henson's blog and he says that with WXYT going to Opie and Anthony in the mornings that it signals that WXYT does not expect to have the Tigers/Wings contract renewed. There's no way the Ilitchs would let their teams be broadcast on the same network as a show like that. He expects them to go back to WJR. Also thinks WXYT will go away fom sorts and switch to HOT Talk.

Just some gossip. I know many would love to have the TIgers back on WJR.

[Bo don't know Ernie]

That...would...be...AWESOME!

[FloridaTigers]

Isn't WXYT more talk anyways? Not a surprise.

[spikesglaring]

Geez, O&A's reputation really precedes them.

[atomicrod]

Wow, Jim Price exhaling on a clear signal !

Jokes aside, this would be very good news. I can only hope it's true.

[Greenberg #5]

I read Gregg Henson's blog and he says that with WXYT going to Opie and Anthony in the mornings that it signals that WXYT does not expect to have the Tigers/Wings contract renewed. There's no way the Ilitchs would let their teams be broadcast on the same network as a show like that. He expects them to go back to WJR. Also thinks WXYT will go away fom sorts and switch to HOT Talk.

Just some gossip. I know many would love to have the TIgers back on WJR.

You read Henson's web blog??? WTF? That guy is the biggest loser non-talent douche bag in the world, plus isn't he in Texas or Arizona? How the heck does he know?

That being said, WJR would be awesome!

[Kamakzie]

Whenever I want to hear Detroit sports radio I listen to WDFN, I can't stand the WXYT guys.

[tiger337]

I'd love to see them go back to WJR. I can get it in Massachusetts. I don't usually need to listen on the radio with MLB EI available but it would be good if WJR was carrying games when I can't watch TV.

[sabretooth]

Having O/E in the region would stink, but if it puts the Tigers back on WJR, I'd have to go on oxygen to contain my excitement!

[holygoat]

I wouldn't mind JR getting the Tigers and Wings back, but having DFN as the only sports radio station would suck big time. Unless, of course, they sacked all the garbage currently working there and replaced them with the current XYT staff.

[cruzer1]

I wouldn't mind JR getting the Tigers and Wings back, but having DFN as the only sports radio station would suck big time. Unless, of course, they sacked all the garbage currently working there and replaced them with the current XYT staff.
I totally disagree.

[One Man's Fool]

I wish WXYT would go back to its old talk format when they had David Newman, Mark Scott, John McCulloch, etc. That was a great talk station.

I don't suppose any kind of talk format that includes Opie & Anthony would be anything like that, unfortunately.

The Tigers back on WJR would be excellent. That's where they belong.

[chasfh]

Non-issue for me. I listen to XM to whatever radio team is doing the game, and I don't crave listening to Dickerson/Price over other teams's on-air talent.

[Oblong]

You read Henson's web blog??? WTF? That guy is the biggest loser non-talent douche bag in the world, plus isn't he in Texas or Arizona? How the heck does he know?

That being said, WJR would be awesome!

they have, like, trade magazines and stuff. People talk to other people. that kind of thing. His blog is interesting to me. If it's not to you then don't worry about it. Nobody will force you to read it.

[motownphilly]

WJR has been falling into a stink hole ever since J.P. McCarthy and Nightflight went off the air...the loss of Tigers baseball and then the moving of David Newman's show and then losing him were the final nails for me in terms of "The Great Voice."

A return to Tiger's baseball would be a start for a former great station...dumping Dr. Laura and Rush Limbaugh would be an excellent next step...getting back to Detroit Radio completely instead of being just another ABC simulcaster would be fantastic.

[Dr. Jack Daniels]

WJR has been falling into a stink hole ever since J.P. McCarthy and Nightflight went off the air...the loss of Tigers baseball and then the moving of David Newman's show and then losing him were the final nails for me in terms of "The Great Voice." .

J.P. McCarthy died...there wasn't much the "Great Voice" could do about that. Ditto for David Newman's stroke. Saying he "went off the air" makes it sound like he was cancelled.

D.J.D.

[One Man's Fool]

Somewhere on WJR's web site I think there is still an FAQ that seems to imply David might one day return, although I suspect that is mainly a result of not having updated it.

That's a shame. If he's healthy enough to work, he is the best there is. I wish someone would put him back on the air.

[pfife]

there are rumors that xyt might stop with sports altogether. Oblong, I have heard the same rumors that you have heard, from a different source.

[motownphilly]

J.P. McCarthy died...there wasn't much the "Great Voice" could do about that. Ditto for David Newman's stroke. Saying he "went off the air" makes it sound like he was cancelled.

D.J.D.

I knew both of those cases...what I was trying to say is, we had some good local voices...Paul W. Smith is good, not as much a fan of Mitch Albom but he's okay but the rest of the day is being filled in with drivel I can get on my local stations here in SC. There is no reason to even try to strain my radio for what they offer now.

[eastside billee]

I'm not totally thrilled with WXYT. But Opie and Anthony is absolutely ridiculous.
I hope they don't think that's an improvement of any kind.

However, WDFN is a waste of my time. The only time I listen to FM is on the way to work, at lunchtime and on the way home. I try to find baseball talk.
That is NEVER on WDFN. That station has been anti-baseball for years so they lost my listenership. They'd rather talk about beer drinkin, boobs,
and anything non-sports related.

Sports radio in Detroit is like music radio in Detroit -- it's a pile of GARBAGE -
and that is truly a sad thing.

[Oblong]

I liked WXYT's morning show because th4ey talked about sports. The only thing WDFN has over XYT is Rome.

Surprisingly, the best local sports show is Parker and The Man. They actually talk to the callers.

[Kamakzie]

I can't stand Valente and Foster.

[Greenberg #5]

they have, like, trade magazines and stuff. People talk to other people. that kind of thing. His blog is interesting to me. If it's not to you then don't worry about it. Nobody will force you to read it.

I didn't say you were telling anyone to read it, I was just saying that guy is as unprofessional and as big of a jerk as I have ever met. That's all, no need to get defensive.

[cruzer1]

Stonie & Wojo is the best show, followed by Jamie & Brady. They talk plenty of sports, although they talk too much Pistons for my taste. They're catching up with the Tigers.

[rhino]

I've gotten spoiled with two sports talk radio stations to choose from in Detroit. Losing WXYT would take a little getting used to.

Having the Tigers move back to WJR would be a long overdue move. IMO, the Tigers move to WXYT for the extra money was counterproductive. The many promises of expanded coverage throughout the state, and increased strength in radio signals, effectively, never materialized. It would make sense to go back to WJR and remedy both of those problems, even if it means taking a little less money for the broadcast rights.

[DET Mr Malefic]

I wouldn't mind JR getting the Tigers and Wings back, but having DFN as the only sports radio station would suck big time. Unless, of course, they sacked all the garbage currently working there and replaced them with the current XYT staff.

Agreed.

[Oblong]

Jamie and Brady's show is too contrived. It's obvious they just pick a topic, flip a coin, then argue whatever side they picked.

Plus the stupid games, on both of their major shows, are way past their point of entertainment.

[monkeynuts]

Stonie & Wojo is the best show, followed by Jamie & Brady. They talk plenty of sports, although they talk too much Pistons for my taste. They're catching up with the Tigers.

I completely disagree. I think Stonie and Wojo are terrible. They spend a ton of time talking about non-sports, and when they do talk sports, they just are not informed enough at all to respect their opinions. I agree about Jamie and Brady...I'd put them at number one.

[Bondo]

WXYT hands down.

WDFN makes me wanna hurl most days.

Wojo's voice is abssolutely horrible, and Beligian(however its spelled) most days he goess off one this completel ynon sports rants and just talks circles. I think they cover almost zip baseball as well. I can care less about the fing pistons every second or the Red Wings.

At least XYT seems to talk more baseball with Caputo and Doug Karsh, and I like Regner. Valente and Foster some days annoy the piss out of me, but some days their funny as hell.

[tigersfan25]

Stoney and Wojo are awful... they did when I lived there, and they do when I occasionally stream them...

[FloridaTigers]

http://www.big1059.com/pages/paulandron.html - These guys do the best morning talk show I've ever heard. Its funny, and not annoying to likes of O/A.

[eastside billee]

Stonie & Wojo is the best show,

On what, the kiddie network? This used to be a good show. It started off with Rob Parker and Stoney, the Parker left and Wojo came in. The show was great at first. Now it has turned into the male version of "the View". The games are inane. They rarely talk about sports. When they do talk about baseball, they interrupt each sports statement with something stupid. They can never focus on anything. Wojo is an imbecile on the radio. Stoney is pompous and not that knowledgable.

I'd love to hear the Tigers back on WJR simply so I can HEAR them loud and strong again.

[mtdman]

I listen to both stations throughout the day. Start with the inferno, switch to Rome until Stoney and Wojo come on. Wrap up the day with Parker and the Man or Pat Caputo. Losing a competing station would make DFN unbareable, and vice versa. And I've got no problems getting the Tigers where I live so I don't care if they go to WJR. Plus, DFN does that annoying power down at sun down and you can't hear them half the time half the year.

One thing to remember. Henson got his *** booted from the radio here by the sister station of XYT. He was fired by XYT after being recruited to start up their sports station. He loved DFN and basically made that station a sports success. He's obviously bitter towards CBS radio here in Detroit and his credibility, from 1000 miles away, is poor.

[belcherboy]

A return to Tiger's baseball would be a start for a former great station...dumping Dr. Laura and Rush Limbaugh would be an excellent next step...getting back to Detroit Radio completely instead of being just another ABC simulcaster would be fantastic.

I agree with the return of baseball on WJR and dumping Dr. Laura, but Rush is just way too popular of a radio show for WJR to dump. Even Hannity brings in his fair shaire of numbers (from what I have read). I don't think they could afford to have an all Detroit radio all day. Album and Paul W. Smith are basically Detroit radio, but I bet Rush and Hannity (to a lesser extent) pays a lot of bills for WJR.

I will definitely miss the 2 sports radio channels in Detroit if one were to change formats. I love being able to switch from one to the other when they begin talking about a sport I have little interest in, when they play a dumb game, or when they go to commercial. Between the two stations, I can usually find something I want to listen to.

[shauntacular]

My problem with DFN is that they very rarely talk about sports, and very very rarely do they talk about baseball. That's why I always liked XYT, because no matter how bad the team was playing the pundits would talk about it. DFN didn't even do that - it was as if we didn't even have a major league baseball team then, but they'd sure talk hockey hockey hockey -- because hey, everyone in Detroit loves hockey, right?

DFN didn't talk about the Pistons very much either before they started appearing in the playoffs regularly. At least they never stopped talking about the Lions, but to be honest that's only because it's such a compelling mess. That station is full of bandwagoners, and I just can't stand half of the people they have there. Sean Belligan? That guy is about as entertaining as a root canal - not to mention that he talks about hockey most of the time. DFN is very tired. Without Rome I'd be interested to see what kind of ratings they could pull. Just too much yakking about nothing and trying to be funny. Shut up and talk sports - we are not amused.

[FloridaTigers]

Wait, if WJR broadcasts Tigers again...does that mean Harwell will once again broadcast games or did he retire?

[Edman85]

Wait, if WJR broadcasts Tigers again...does that mean Harwell will once again broadcast games or did he retire?

He retired.

What it does mean is that Tigers fans outside of downtown Detroit will be able to listen to the games without a subscription. You know, the fans that would have to drive a ways to get to the game and don't have Fox Sports Detroit.

[sabretooth]

I'm actually ashamed to admit that I have wasted any time listening to DFN or XYT. The "guy-talk" that goes on there is mostly incompatible with enjoying sports or life in general.

Jim Rome is the only guy who actually talks about sports on a consistent basis. However, Rome is obnoxious and his mode of slang is extremely adolescent and even pretentious. His unfathomable pomposity makes his juvenille stupidity almost completely ludicris. I can't believe I just wasted this much cyber-space on this topic.

I feel as if I've killed brain cells whenever I listen to XYT or DFN. That having been said, it's a major step down to add Opie and Anthony, because during that program there will no longer be any break from the "guy-talk" format that John Lund currently employs for the occassional half-baked "sports talk" that sometimes breaks out accidentally on the current XYT and DFN shows. Now it will be sex-drenched BS constantly from 6-10am.

To whoever would listen to Opie and Anthony I say: I feel sorry for you, very sorry for you.

[spikesglaring]

I'm actually ashamed to admit that I have wasted any time listening to DFN or XYT. The "guy-talk" that goes on there is mostly incompatible with enjoying sports or life in general.

Jim Rome is the only guy who actually talks about sports on a consistent basis. However, Rome is obnoxious and his mode of slang is extremely adolescent and even pretentious. His unfathomable pomposity makes his juvenille stupidity almost completely ludicris. I can't believe I just wasted this much cyber-space on this topic.

I feel as if I've killed brain cells whenever I listen to XYT or DFN. That having been said, it's a major step down to add Opie and Anthony, because during that program there will no longer be any break from the "guy-talk" format that John Lund currently employs for the occassional half-baked "sports talk" that sometimes breaks out accidentally on the current XYT and DFN shows. Now it will be sex-drenched BS constantly from 6-10am.

To whoever would listen to Opie and Anthony I say: I feel sorry for you, very sorry for you.

That's a BS attitude to have toward anyone. It's snobby & makes you look pretty classless to judge people solely on something like that.

Also, FYI, Opie & Anthony are not a show of "sex-drenched BS." If you actually took the time to listen to their show for any extended period of time, you'd know how far off base you are. While they are an edgy show, it's not the Howard Stern show where strippers & porn stars are constantly on there. As a matter of fact, most of the time O&A avoid those type of guests because the act is worn out & doesn't make for entertaining radio. Much of their talk is current events nowadays, with bits being few & far between.

[7kidzzz]

WJR has been falling into a stink hole ever since J.P. McCarthy and Nightflight went off the air...the loss of Tigers baseball and then the moving of David Newman's show and then losing him were the final nails for me in terms of "The Great Voice."

A return to Tiger's baseball would be a start for a former great station...dumping Dr. Laura and Rush Limbaugh would be an excellent next step...getting back to Detroit Radio completely instead of being just another ABC simulcaster would be fantastic.


And, even though i am an alum of MSU, what was up with 'JR dumping Michigan football? Surely there can't be as much revenue from carrying MSU??

[Oblong]

He retired.

What it does mean is that Tigers fans outside of downtown Detroit will be able to listen to the games without a subscription. You know, the fans that would have to drive a ways to get to the game and don't have Fox Sports Detroit.

I don't live in downtown Detroit and I can hear the games just fine.

[chasfh]

I have no respect for WJR as a major radio station anymore. They have totally devolved into a typical talker reminiscent of the #2 or #3 5000-watt directional AM stations in any number of markets througout the country.

Know who now is like WJR used to be? WGN in Chicago. All original programming, none of this syndicated, agitated, formulaic blowhard right-wing crap. Every major market deserves a station like that. Detroit had one once.

Worst thing the FCC ever did was relax the rules on broadcast station ownership (several times). WJR is Exhibit A as to why.

[holygoat]

I have no respect for WJR as a major radio station anymore. They have totally devolved into a typical talker reminiscent of the #2 or #3 5000-watt directional AM stations in any number of markets througout the country.

Know who now is like WJR used to be? WGN in Chicago. All original programming, none of this syndicated, agitated, formulaic blowhard right-wing crap. Every major market deserves a station like that. Detroit had one once.

Worst thing the FCC ever did was relax the rules on broadcast station ownership (several times). WJR is Exhibit A as to why.

So if it were local, original blowhard right-wing crap, you'd be okay with it?

[chasfh]

So if it were local, original blowhard right-wing crap, you'd be okay with it?

I'd be more OK with it. It's not the political position I find as objectionable as I do the soullessness of radio's non-local corporate hegemony.

[belcherboy]

I have no respect for WJR as a major radio station anymore. They have totally devolved into a typical talker reminiscent of the #2 or #3 5000-watt directional AM stations in any number of markets througout the country.

Know who now is like WJR used to be? WGN in Chicago. All original programming, none of this syndicated, agitated, formulaic blowhard right-wing crap. Every major market deserves a station like that. Detroit had one once.

Worst thing the FCC ever did was relax the rules on broadcast station ownership (several times). WJR is Exhibit A as to why.


In my uninformed opinion (I really don't know why they have changed, just guessing), the above radio station you described doesn't make enough money anymore. I'm sure you could find a few that are the exceptions (WGN being one), but I don't believe WJR would still be as big a name without shows like Rush Limbaugh, especially in the Detroit area. I've read some things about how much money Rush brings to radio stations (major reason why he won't go to satellite).

There just isn't enough talented guys out there to make a good, local talk show very profitable. If they are good, they get swallowed up to a national show and/or bigger market. I can only think of a few guys in our area that are good enough to go national. Drew and Mike are one (although Drew is MUCH better than Mike and would probably go on his own). Mitch Album tried it and as far as I know failed miserably (although I could be wrong there).

[Oblong]

WJR used to be great back in the 90s. I liked Kevin Joyce's show. I liked the overnight show. Sports Wrap was good.

Paul W. Smith's show is just one big love fest. Oh, look, Paul W's at this big fancy golf club. It's nice to listen to him tell us how nice it is there. Oh, the governor called. Make sure to get those talking points in. Oh, it's the CEO of Daimler Chrysler. Make sure to get those talking points in. Oh, it's the marketing manager for golf course X. Make sure to get those talking points in. Now give us the same traffic/weather report that's heard on every other station.

WXYT was great too. Scott, Newman, Rush, Leykis. There was a 2 or 3 year period where radio was really great, around 1994 after WDFN got here. I couldn't make up my mind.

[atomicrod]

Paul W. Smith's show is just one big love fest. Oh, look, Paul W's at this big fancy golf club. It's nice to listen to him tell us how nice it is there. Oh, the governor called. Make sure to get those talking points in. Oh, it's the CEO of Daimler Chrysler. Make sure to get those talking points in. Oh, it's the marketing manager for golf course X. Make sure to get those talking points in. Now give us the same traffic/weather report that's heard on every other station.


Great point. That is all news programs on television/cable/radio are now. They are totaly used by pr companies, sports agents and political parties to just click off topic points. Anything original is very difficult to see/hear unless you go into the specalized stuff like Rush or others who can carry their own show.

Like Rush or not, you have to admit the guy can sit there for 3 hours, well actually 2 hours when you factor in the 20 minutes of commercials per hour, and talk about issues without needing guests to fill space. It's all on him.

That is the problem I see with sports radio and ESPN and just regular talk stations. People who can do good shows are so rare that radio stations just opt for the fluff factor and use thier size to get an interview with a celeb or a head coach. In both cases, neither one of them say anything orignal that is not a cliche or off some pr script given to them prior to the "interview".

WJR tires to do local stuff with Beckman, Paul W, and Album, but in a lot of cases those are just shows who have guests call in and talk like Oblong mentioned.

It would be great to see the Tigers back on there simply because of signal strength.

[chasfh]

In my uninformed opinion (I really don't know why they have changed, just guessing), the above radio station you described doesn't make enough money anymore. I'm sure you could find a few that are the exceptions (WGN being one), but I don't believe WJR would still be as big a name without shows like Rush Limbaugh, especially in the Detroit area. I've read some things about how much money Rush brings to radio stations (major reason why he won't go to satellite).

There just isn't enough talented guys out there to make a good, local talk show very profitable. If they are good, they get swallowed up to a national show and/or bigger market. I can only think of a few guys in our area that are good enough to go national. Drew and Mike are one (although Drew is MUCH better than Mike and would probably go on his own). Mitch Album tried it and as far as I know failed miserably (although I could be wrong there).

For an "uninformed" guy, you make some solid points, and I agree with many of them.

The main thing I would add is that, with major media corporations able to own up to 8 stations in a single market, in as many markets as they choose -- they used to be limited to 20 AM and 20 FM total nationwide -- this has allowed a darwinian whittling down of not only weaker ownership groups, but strong ownership groups that simply couldn't compete with monoliths like Clear Channel and Infinity. It has restricted the number of independent voices by allowing these corporate behemoths to use their huge pull in the marketplace to saturate the airwaves with the same air talent in every market in the nation.

I don't think it is their primary intention to control public discourse -- although that is a happy consequence for them -- as much as to achieve tremendous economies of scale and maximize value for shareholders, who in the wake of the late 90s tech boom have limited appetite for returns that are not constantly increasing.

I agree that the quality of such national talent is top-notch and entertaining, even the stuff I hate, but it also comes at the unfortunate cost of making it unprofitable to put local voices on the air -- they simply can't operate at the same cost. It's more lucrative for Clear Channel to pay some kid $7.50 an hour to traffic commercials and handle national programming cut-aways than to invest heavily in local talent.

I believe the marketplace of ideas is far poorer as a result.

[Oblong]

well now we have the internet and blogs to take care of that. Even message boards. I've learned more about baseball from people here than anything on the radio. The format, even during it's heyday, just doesn't support a good marketplace of ideas.

[Casimir]

The Tigers back on WJR would be fabulous for me. But in the meantime, when is WXYT going to follow through with their plan to expand their signal?:cheeky:

[Bo don't know Ernie]

It would be great to see the Tigers back on there simply because of signal strength.

and to hear the classic jingle "TIGERS!!! on double-U JJJJJ RRRRR!!!!!!!

http://www.detroitradioflashbacks.net/bumperstickers/images/0000076wjrtigers_jpg.jpg

[chasfh]

well now we have the internet and blogs to take care of that. Even message boards. I've learned more about baseball from people here than anything on the radio. The format, even during it's heyday, just doesn't support a good marketplace of ideas.

You're right that new media such as this forum creates more opportunity than ever to feed your muse, whatever it might be. But because of the fragmentation inherent in those media, nothing on the Internet will probably ever attain the influence, scale, credibility and sense of shared experiences that a Rush Limbaugh show does. To the vast majority of people, radio is considered "legit", while the Internet is seen as second-rate in comparison.

[atomicrod]

and to hear the classic jingle "TIGERS!!! on double-U JJJJJ RRRRR!!!!!!!

[/IMG]

Everytime I hear that double-U JJJJJ RRRRR !!!!!!! I think of the Howard Stern movie with pigvomit trying to teach Howard how to say doubya NNNNN BB C!!

I'm not that big of Stern fan but that cracks me up evertime I hear WJR say the station id like that.

[OldTimey]

That's a BS attitude to have toward anyone. It's snobby & makes you look pretty classless to judge people solely on something like that.

Actually saber is correct and you are wrong.

[OldTimey]

I don't like Rush, Dr. Laura, Hannity or Mitch Albom. But they all bring money in. They would be foolish to rid themselves of any of them. I mean, out of spite is a good reason for me. But monitarily it makes little sense.

[atomicrod]

You're right that new media such as this forum creates more opportunity than ever to feed your muse, whatever it might be. But because of the fragmentation inherent in those media, nothing on the Internet will probably ever attain the influence, scale, credibility and sense of shared experiences that a Rush Limbaugh show does. To the vast majority of people, radio is considered "legit", while the Internet is seen as second-rate in comparison.

You might be right there, especially with the signal to noise ratio the Internet often brings. However some news sites/forums/blogs have fuled stories the traditional media has often over looked.

(Correct or Incorrect, Good or bad, the Internet fuled these stories and possibly changed outcomes of the Presidental Election)
Senatory Kerry and Swift Boat Ads
Bush's National Guard Memos
Daily Kos's fundraising ability for the Democratic Party.

Just some examples on how a group of people on the Internet have fuled changed in mass media. The amount of traffic driven to the Kos web site has changed the way the Democratic party is doing business for example of an Internet based outcome.

Movies and Television have been changed as well by Internet forums and write in's
The movie Serenity got made
Family Guy returned to TV
Futurma is returning to TV

I think the time is nearing as a younger generation comes to promance who have been raised with the Internet as always being there, that things on-line will become far more acceptable and have greater influence. Just look at the amount of blogs for every major newspaper, sports page, political section. In order to be successful they are having to move their business model to something Internet based. Just look at how many people watch the Tigers game using gameday audio and MLB on-line. The change is happening quickly.

[estrepe1]

I don't like Rush, Dr. Laura, Hannity or Mitch Albom. But they all bring money in. They would be foolish to rid themselves of any of them. I mean, out of spite is a good reason for me. But monitarily it makes little sense.

I am not a fan of them either. I am not a fan of shows like Bob and Tom, Opie and Andy, Howard Stern, Jon Boy and Billy, etc.. I just try to avoid things that try to be funny, but are not..

[ewsieg]

I can't stand Valente and Foster.

Actually, while i'm not a fan of wxyt, I do like Valente and Foster, more so for Valente, but Foster works well with him. Stoney and Wojo are my favorites, but I understand my friends that aren't big fans of theirs...but they work for me.

As far as WJR broadcasting the Tigers again, that would be so cool. Just to imagine listening to the Tigers on the radio while I'm working on in the garage would be awesome. Living way out in Warren has put a damper on my ability to do so now.

[monkeytargets37]

Opie and Anthony is an acquired taste. You have to listen to the show for a few weeks before you really start to understand why it's funny. Sometimes they can get annoying when they ramble on and on about Howard Stern or things that their fans post on their messageboards, but besides that, it's a brilliantly sadistic program for people who have a somewhat evil sense of humor.

[Brian]

If they return to WJR that would be great! Because I get it here in Columbus, Ohio. I'm all for it.

[kajoreh]

chas makes some very important points in his posts above...
especially in regards to the monopolization of the mass media in the hands of a few individuals...fact becomes much harder to define from opinion when the raw data is edited from only one viewpoint...and it is the abject truth that suffers...history has repeatedly shown the problems that this can produce...our current "ism" is capitalism...it will be most interesting to see how this period of "journalism" is viewed thru the lens of history

[Glutn4Pnshmnt]

wjr switched to msu becuase they offered more money than um. money talks.

[OldTimey]

Right because they are a business. And the goal of a business is to make money.

[Euphdude]

I've heard many radio shows described as "acquired tastes", as Opie & Anthony was previously described. I take that term as meaning "it's not very good, but since so many people are telling you it's good I guess there's something wrong with me, so I better teach myself to like it". Granted some things are actually good once you learn to like them, but in my experiences that is the exception.

[RobSk]

That's a BS attitude to have toward anyone. It's snobby & makes you look pretty classless to judge people solely on something like that.

Also, FYI, Opie & Anthony are not a show of "sex-drenched BS." If you actually took the time to listen to their show for any extended period of time, you'd know how far off base you are. While they are an edgy show, it's not the Howard Stern show where strippers & porn stars are constantly on there. As a matter of fact, most of the time O&A avoid those type of guests because the act is worn out & doesn't make for entertaining radio. Much of their talk is current events nowadays, with bits being few & far between.

Sorry guy, I agree with saber. I've listened to them a couple of times, and that was a couple of times too many. They make local sports talk look good, and that's really hard. I like sports. I don't want to hear a couple of losers talking about T&A or hiring people to have sex in church. If you like that kind of "edginess", well, I think you're way off. It's your radio, though.

Rob

[chasfh]

Sorry guy, I agree with saber. I've listened to them a couple of times, and that was a couple of times too many. They make local sports talk look good, and that's really hard. I like sports. I don't want to hear a couple of losers talking about T&A or hiring people to have sex in church. If you like that kind of "edginess", well, I think you're way off. It's your radio, though.

Rob


Just goes to prove that there is no absolute in matters of taste.

[Oblong]

What's up with Mitch Albom having that guy from New York who sounds like Mel Brooks talking into a telephone? Can't they do better than that? It sounds like the guy is busy working on something and every 15 or 20 minutes he'll interject something but you can't hear him right away so they have to ask him to repeat himself.

Last week I heard the same John Travolta movie review skit that was on that show 10 years ago. It wasn't even that funny then... not even the first time.

[spikesglaring]

Sorry guy, I agree with saber. I've listened to them a couple of times, and that was a couple of times too many. They make local sports talk look good, and that's really hard. I like sports. I don't want to hear a couple of losers talking about T&A or hiring people to have sex in church. If you like that kind of "edginess", well, I think you're way off. It's your radio, though.

Rob

My God, you would lead one to believe T&A & sex in church is the prominent topics of the show. That's simply not the case. People are going to remain under this impression because they are bias & refuse to believe otherwise. The facts are they are a very topical show nowadays with a dark sense of humor more than a "sex-drenched show."

I know I'm fighting a losing battle here anyway. My opinion isn't of the popular variety, but I don't even care. I think anyone who judges a person on what they find entertaining is ridiculous. If you don't like it, then fine. You have no business judging others because they do.

[sabretooth]

My God, you would lead one to believe T&A & sex in church is the prominent topics of the show. That's simply not the case. People are going to remain under this impression because they are bias & refuse to believe otherwise. The facts are they are a very topical show nowadays with a dark sense of humor more than a "sex-drenched show."

I know I'm fighting a losing battle here anyway. My opinion isn't of the popular variety, but I don't even care. I think anyone who judges a person on what they find entertaining is ridiculous. If you don't like it, then fine. You have no business judging others because they do.

Sorry that you feel that way, but I never said I judged anybody. I said that I feel sorry for anybody that listens to that program. That may be a little harsh, but it's hardly "classless".

I feel sorry for myself that I've wasted so much time listening to a lot of sports talk radio (but not "hot talk" or "guy talk") -- sports talk is stupid, adolescent crap most of the time.

Just because I like sports doesn't mean that I give a damn about hot chicks and strip bars and all of the obnoxious nonsense that substitutes for adult behavior.

I would prefer to say that I'm passionate and angered at the gutter mentality that passes for male-oriented entertainment now, and there's practically no escape from the "hot" everything.

I can't even turn on the blasted game with my boys without having to worry about the commercials. Then people get a laugh over a big obscene balloon floating over the field? I can't turn everything off.

I can respect people regardless of their taste (or not), but I don't have to respect anyone's tastes. And I don't have to be an expert in O/A to say that it's nonsense, and the reason it's on the air is because it's nonsense. Sorry if that offends anyone -- and no, I'm not going to spend time listening to O/A to check myself.

Back on topic, I would be thrilled if the Tigers and Red Wings would switch back to WJR for a host of reasons practical and otherwise -- principally because I can hear WJR without a lot of static, secondly because I don't want to patronize a station that has O/A-type programming.

[sabretooth]

What's up with Mitch Albom having that guy from New York who sounds like Mel Brooks talking into a telephone? Can't they do better than that? It sounds like the guy is busy working on something and every 15 or 20 minutes he'll interject something but you can't hear him right away so they have to ask him to repeat himself.

Last week I heard the same John Travolta movie review skit that was on that show 10 years ago. It wasn't even that funny then... not even the first time.

Mitch Albom has made a radio career off of a cheap imitation of Don Imus. Even the intro-clip "Albom!" is a rip-off. The only difference is that he hired preening doofuses like Rachel and Kenny to be his fawning lackies, whereas at least Imus' sidekicks act like they hate him occasionally, which can be kind of funny.

I actually liked Imus' show -- he had an interesting take on things and I liked his sense of humor. I was sad to see it go. I was even sadder to see "SNL in the Morning" replace it. I am even sadder now. Boo-hoo.

[Dawgs]

I live in Milford and cant get WDFN or WXYT after about 830 pm. I resort to 1050 AM out of Ann Arbor. Its a bit fuzzy but better by far than either of the Detroit stations.

Back in the day, I was making the circuit between Denver and Chicago every couple weeks supervising the construction of a couple projects for the company I worked for, and I could be assured of picking up WJR in the middle of Nebraska for my Wings fix (this was before the days of satellite radio and the internet).

[Glutn4Pnshmnt]

I live in Milford and cant get WDFN or WXYT after about 830 pm. I resort to 1050 AM out of Ann Arbor. Its a bit fuzzy but better by far than either of the Detroit stations.




Obviously your a UM fan. There is no way in hell anyone who follows teams outside of Ann Arbor would claim TKA to be a better sports station than either in Detroit. They talk about women's field hockey for crying out loud!

[rhino]

I live in Milford and cant get WDFN or WXYT after about 830 pm. I resort to 1050 AM out of Ann Arbor. Its a bit fuzzy but better by far than either of the Detroit stations.

.

Thanks for the tip on 1050 AM, I'll have to give that a try.

[49er]

Obviously your a UM fan. There is no way in hell anyone who follows teams outside of Ann Arbor would claim TKA to be a better sports station than either in Detroit. They talk about women's field hockey for crying out loud!

I think you miss his point completely. Read what he says about TKA in the context of his entire post. He means the reception is better.

Or maybe you were just joking, who knows.

[Glutn4Pnshmnt]

Are you sure? I live in Howell, further from Detroit, and don't find TKA an easier to get than the Detroit stations. I drive to Detroit, through Milford, everyday and of the 3 TKA has the weakest signal.

[49er]

This is what he said:

"I live in Milford and cant get WDFN or WXYT after about 830 pm. I resort to 1050 AM out of Ann Arbor. Its a bit fuzzy but better by far than either of the Detroit stations."

Based on that, yes, I do believe he was referring to reception, not content. Your experience may differ from his due to differences in location, time of day, and quality of radio receiver.

[nickclarke]

I've gotten spoiled with two sports talk radio stations to choose from in Detroit. Losing WXYT would take a little getting used to.

Having the Tigers move back to WJR would be a long overdue move. IMO, the Tigers move to WXYT for the extra money was counterproductive. The many promises of expanded coverage throughout the state, and increased strength in radio signals, effectively, never materialized. It would make sense to go back to WJR and remedy both of those problems, even if it means taking a little less money for the broadcast rights.
They could make up for lost revenue by whoring themselves out to advertisers a little more. Like having each inning sponsered by someone. Oh, wait. I know, they could have each base sponsered by someone. Then each player. Then each pitch. Each swing. Hell, each blade of freakin' grass!!! Just give me a rope and a chair. Christ on a rubber jump up crutch! :dead: