 
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 1472
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.84.183.189
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 6:30 am: |    |
I'm not 110% positive about this but I think part of the beef that some people have about getting rid of some of those hosts were that they played a little more eclectic and varied music (like them or not), but that was part of their charm or uniqueness. They played everything whereas Watroba, McDaniel and Jones (and I like them all) are more known for more of one particular genre of music.
To me, the charm of WDET was that I could literally hear Jimi Hendrix, Chopin, Johnny Cash, Coldplay, Charlie Parker, the Howling Diablos and whatever struck the DJ's fancy at the moment, all within a span of an hour. I liked the segmented & specialized programs like Ed Love's jazz & all of the three you mentioned as well. But what was special to me was being exposed to a SAMPLING of all sorts of music. Those samplings into different genres then prompted me to expand my musical horizons. How many of us here can honestly say that WDET hasn't helped shape our personal music collections (anyone remember the Sam's Jams store where they had a section dedicated to stuff "heard on WDET"?). |
Registeredguest
Member
Username: Registeredguest
Post Number: 342
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 70.236.170.81
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 10:28 am: | |
This letter to the Freep says it all:
"NPR remains an elitist outfit which only covers stories which reflect Western cultural themes, unless of course there is some nasty and graphic global nightmare in a Third World country. NPR's staff and programming does not reflect the diversity of the country. NPR's hosts are usually white with a token spiking of African-American insights. Asian and Hispanic Americans' contributions remain invisible. ...
"The promise of more news and NPR's middle-of-the-road syndicated programming is a prescription for afternoon naps and channel surfing.
"Hopefully, the new management at WDET will wake up from its blind loyalty to survey-driven programming and restore its alternative-theme local programming. Those who have supported WDET for years deserve what they pay for, not the predictable and boring syndicated programming of NPR."
-- Greg Thrasher, Birmingham
From http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20051214/ENT 03/512140424.
And then there is the letter to the editor from a certain poster here...
And my favorite, an alternative music resource guide.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20051214/ENT 03/512140423 |
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 1474
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.84.183.189
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 10:33 am: | |
I wonder if the station took into account how much more satellite radio and internet radio has taken a chunk out of their audience. I just heard that since Howard Stern signed on with his firm how many people have jumped onboard satellite radio now. |
Aiw
Member
Username: Aiw
Post Number: 5134
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 209.216.150.127
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 10:44 am: | |
For the record, I was contacted by the author because of my posts about WDET here on this forum, and asked for my opinion. |
Jmy8
Member
Username: Jmy8
Post Number: 2594
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 12.75.53.74
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 10:56 am: | |
NPR Birmingham remains an elitist outfit which only covers stories which reflects Western cultural themes, unless of course there is some nasty and graphic global nightmare in a Third World country and its citizens donate money to the Red Cross to assuage their guilt. NPR's Birmingham's staff and programming mayor and city council does not reflect the diversity of the country. NPR's Birmingham's hosts residents are usually white with a token spiking of African-American insights. Asian and Hispanic Americans' contributions remain invisible. ...
tee hee |
Lurker
Member
Username: Lurker
Post Number: 1520
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 65.196.220.198
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 10:58 am: | |
Bravo, JMY8, Bravo...
I wonder how Mello_D feels about this subject? Maybe we can have a meeting at the think tank to discuss it further. |
Jmy8
Member
Username: Jmy8
Post Number: 2595
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 12.75.53.74
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 11:03 am: | |
Probably thinks the paradigm has shifted. lol...lol...lol |
Bussey
Member
Username: Bussey
Post Number: 90
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 70.236.200.238
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 11:05 pm: | |
so where is the incredible music now from 5am to 7pm?
This sucks
91.5 will remain on the top of my presets
how much is xm or sirius |
Aiw
Member
Username: Aiw
Post Number: 5142
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 64.228.202.146
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 11:33 pm: | |
91.5 CJAM? |
Bussey
Member
Username: Bussey
Post Number: 91
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 70.236.200.238
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 12:42 am: | |
Of course
"Its 6:30 and your listening to the Professor on CJAM. And now another selection from Dean Martin." |
Wmuchris
Member
Username: Wmuchris
Post Number: 109
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.51.137.10
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 12:51 am: | |
Now that WDET has become another anonymous NPR station from Mon-Fri 9-7pm, I am forced to find an alternative. I'm glad that Matt Watroba is back, always liked him. But what are we supposed to do during the day????? Thankfully they haven't f-ed
with Liz Copeland. She Sounds HOT!
Sattelite Radio is our only chance now.
http://www.sirius.com
Seriously get sirius.
do it... do it... |
Drm
Member
Username: Drm
Post Number: 760
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.255.233.76
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 2:32 am: | |
quote:Liz Copeland. She Sounds HOT!
She is hot. |
Aiw
Member
Username: Aiw
Post Number: 5143
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 64.228.202.146
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 8:46 am: | |
 |
Broken_main
Member
Username: Broken_main
Post Number: 500
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 198.109.44.2
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 9:05 am: | |
You have to see her when she walks out of the studio on a bad day to see truthfully how she looks. Everyone has a good picture day, every now and again. |
Meliss
Member
Username: Meliss
Post Number: 208
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 209.69.34.80
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 9:44 am: | |
Sounds like you are stalking Liz, Broken_main. Very creepy.. |
Broken_main
Member
Username: Broken_main
Post Number: 506
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 198.109.44.2
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 10:38 am: | |
Meliss...Never heard of her until today, so how could that be deemed as stalking??
By the way...I know where you are....lol
Also I think you are referring to a statement I made on another thread. Good one!!
(Message edited by broken_main on December 15, 2005) |
Llyn
Member
Username: Llyn
Post Number: 1299
Registered: 06-2004
Posted From: 68.61.197.206
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 11:41 am: | |
Since:
(1) Liz is a friend of mine, and
(2) she has been stalked before on more than one occassion and was very very creeped out, and
(3) besides she recently got married, and
(4) I'm sure that Broken_main would never stalk anyone...
I think that we should move along here. Nothing more to see.
 |
Meliss
Member
Username: Meliss
Post Number: 209
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 209.69.34.80
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 11:53 am: | |
Hey, Llyn.. been there too. That's why BM's comment struck me as odd.
Copland's the best thing WDET's got going for them now. |
Toolbox
Member
Username: Toolbox
Post Number: 780
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 65.196.220.198
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 12:25 pm: | |
quote:Bussey
Of course
"Its 6:30 and your listening to the Professor on CJAM. And now another selection from Dean Martin."
Damn straight! CJAM is #1 in the car. |
Aiw
Member
Username: Aiw
Post Number: 5145
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 209.216.150.127
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 12:45 pm: | |
CJAM is the #1 reason I can pick up WUOM in the house... lol...
They do have an interesting mix of programming. That is pure college radio. Nothing commerical there. |
Bussey
Member
Username: Bussey
Post Number: 93
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 63.242.128.101
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 6:52 pm: | |
thats why they have been better than wdet for ever.
The changes Coleman made at wdet would have been more welcomed by me if he had placed actual students in charge of the "college" station. CJAM's mix of music is great. They even have some good discussion shows.....queer radio and Animal Airwaves are two examples.
CJAM Yeah! |
Jimg
Member
Username: Jimg
Post Number: 530
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 152.163.100.195
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 7:21 pm: | |
WAYN is the 'college station', Bussey. WDET is Public Radio. Although WSU holds the license, they have never had a direct hand in programming or ops. They provide facilities and other support. |
Bussey
Member
Username: Bussey
Post Number: 95
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 70.236.200.238
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 9:27 pm: | |
well they should provide DJ's too.
What is the dial # for WAYN? |
Talleman1
Member
Username: Talleman1
Post Number: 2
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 198.111.56.48
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 11:19 pm: | |
News instead of Music oh Yeah that is so what I want to hear all day, well time to start PIRATE radio. |
Broken_main
Member
Username: Broken_main
Post Number: 536
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 198.109.44.2
| | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 8:42 am: | |
Llyn
There was no harm or insult intended for my statement. I will delete my post. Forgive me if I offended anyone. |
Aiw
Member
Username: Aiw
Post Number: 5151
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 209.216.150.127
| | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 10:17 am: | |
Untill I googled for pictures of her, I always assumed that she was 4'5" and weighed about 600 lbs.. lol... Ususally if they sound hot, they are UGLY! lol... I wouldn't have known her if she was sitting next to me... |
Sawyers
Member
Username: Sawyers
Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 69.133.86.212
| | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 12:42 pm: | |
I posted a rather emotional message the other day, strictly from the perspective of a listener that will sorely miss the eclectic weekday music offerings from WDET, which I feel were something unique in the Radio Universe.
Today, I'd like to offer something from a business perspective.
The FREEP article a couple of days ago speaks volumes. 175,000 weekly listeners, 10,000 paying supporters and a $300,000 budget deficit. I knew that WDET was on the ropes last year when Caryn Mathes made those drastic changes. My speculation was that the dropped shows (other than Arkansas Traveler and Folks Like Us) charge a fee based on listenership (as I understand ATC and Morning Edition do). My guess is that Caryn looked at the budget and the numbers above and said "we can't afford these shows" and cut 'em.
So I figured Something Bad was likely to happen. My worst fear was that either the format would change, or that WSU would decide to sell the frequency and shut down WDET entirely. I kept wondering why no one, especially during the pledge periods, were sharing the depth of their problems. If there were ever a time to put the Fear of God into those 165,000 listeners who weren't supporting the station, this was it. I got the feeling that everyone was "whistling past the graveyard".
So, Mr. Coleman comes in, and rather than attacking the problem by trying to reach those unsupportive listeners, he decides instead to change the format. What's his risk? He pisses off 165,000 listeners who don't contribute anyway. People have talked about a decline in support as a result of his moves. Well, if his listenership drops to 150,000 but his contributors increase by 1,000, he's coming out ahead.
Also, think about this - that $300,000 budget deficit would have required 6,000 additional contributors at $50. If 50,000 of those deadbeat listeners had kicked in only $25, the station would have had an additional 1.25 million in the coffers and Mr. Coleman would have had no motivation to touch the format.
Bottom line, in many ways we, the listeners, are getting the station we deserve. |
Jmy8
Member
Username: Jmy8
Post Number: 2603
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 12.75.31.141
| | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 1:01 pm: | |
quote:If there were ever a time to put the Fear of God into those 165,000 listeners who weren't supporting the station, this was it.
You obviously didn't hear any of Mathes's jeremiads during the pledge drives. It was all about g-d and deadbeat listeners, and fear of g-d and deadbeat listeners, and loving g-d and deadbeat listeners, and g-d and deadbeat listeners. Nauseating. And it made me want to cancel my support.
Maybe she shouldn't have said that if the station made its goal, she wouldn't cut popular programs and then cut popular programs after she got people to ante up for them. Mismanagement? |
Aiw
Member
Username: Aiw
Post Number: 5155
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 209.216.150.127
| | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 1:06 pm: | |
quote:
Maybe she shouldn't have said that if the station made its goal, she wouldn't cut popular programs and then cut popular programs after she got people to ante up for them
That's what pissed me off the most Jmy8. I'll never forget that. |
Northend
Member
Username: Northend
Post Number: 534
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 69.217.229.122
| | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 1:14 pm: | |
g-d?? |
Oldredfordette
Member
Username: Oldredfordette
Post Number: 401
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 68.61.98.175
| | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 2:44 pm: | |
I got two e-mails yesterday. One asked me to write to Michael Coleman and complain about the new format and to immediately reinstate the dj's and the old music format. The other applauded the new changes and asked me to write to Michael Coleman and thank him for returning WDET to news-based talk.
!!!!!!!!! |
Jmy8
Member
Username: Jmy8
Post Number: 2605
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 12.75.51.55
| | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 2:51 pm: | |
g-d = allah
How can Coleman reinstate someone who resigned? |
Sawyers
Member
Username: Sawyers
Post Number: 3
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 69.133.86.212
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 12:27 am: | |
I'm not defending Caryn Mathes' management (or mismanagement, as the case may be). I am saying that if only 10,000 of the "loyal" listeners can see their way clear to support this station, then maybe they need to suffer the consequences of having a jerk like Mr. Coleman make the decisions.
I don't have their full financials before me, so I can't say for sure what the situation was that Caryn faced. Maybe they made their "goal" on the pledges, but half those people who pledged didn't come through. What I do know is that Mr. Coleman has all the ammunition he needs to make whatever drastic changes he wants to, and tell any second-guessers (in the short term, anyway) to go take a hike.
History will show whether his moves put the station on a sound financial footing or not. I can tell you right now what I think of what he's done to the cultural value of the station. It would have been wonderful if he'd been a Right Guy and tried to achieve both goals, but again, the lack of support has put all the marbles in his bag. |
Oldredfordette
Member
Username: Oldredfordette
Post Number: 402
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 68.61.98.175
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 4:58 am: | |
I still want to know what happened with Bandyke. It's the missing piece. |
Barnesfoto
Member
Username: Barnesfoto
Post Number: 1574
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.2.148.193
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 11:26 am: | |
Saturday really sucks. Unbearable twangy folk music all day.
WDET sounds more like a small college town station now.
CJAM was great fifteen years ago, now it's got lots of dull special interest programs...
But at least Liz is still there at night... |
Jimg
Member
Username: Jimg
Post Number: 531
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 152.163.100.195
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 11:28 am: | |
If only those who posted on this thread were larger in number - like, x10,000 - any whosesale programming changes based upon fiscal need would not be necessary. Sad fact: only a tiny % of listeners actually put $$$ on the barrelhead...Public Radio is not independently wealthy.
Caryn was a fiscally prudent manager. She helmed WDET through the often treacherous waters surrounding WSU.
I do wonder how many listeners whose affections have been alienated (and who never gave a dime to 'DET - 90% never contribute) will now pony up for a satellite radio subscription.
As far as Martin goes (or, sadly, went), he's a stand-up guy and I don't believe for one second he did anything that hurt WDET. WSU has myriad rules/regs and it ain't hard to mis-step and hit one of 'em.
This is a classic case of "GOTCHA". |
Llyn
Member
Username: Llyn
Post Number: 1305
Registered: 06-2004
Posted From: 68.61.197.206
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 12:25 pm: | |
"Llyn
There was no harm or insult intended for my statement. I will delete my post. Forgive me if I offended anyone."
Hey BM
I assumed it was innocent, but knowing what Liz has felt like in the past, I didn't want it to go any further.
Peace |
Jmy8
Member
Username: Jmy8
Post Number: 2607
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 12.75.52.109
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 12:40 pm: | |
I wonder if all those enraged protesters will burn their tax receipts in the street.
I guess I don't get where you're coming from Sawyers. Mathes didn't get people to contribute and alienated a whole bunch of them who did when she went back on her word. So much for her management; now lets see what Coleman does. Can't please all of the people all of the time.
Can't say the all day talk format does much for me, but it's different than the stale air coming from Martin and Judy. Maybe Coleman identified a couple of spots that had rigored and needed a revamp.
I turned off WDET every day at 10:03 am, just about the time Judy threw Pat Methene's latest, 20-minute elevator pleaser. (Running late again, Judy?) No one can tell me that Martin and Judy hadn't been phoning it in for years. Time to go. Buh-bye.
Speaking of good-byes, hopefully time will tell when it comes to Martin's departure. The whole thing stinks. One doesn't get a lawyer and take up an offer to resign when one has no reason to be fired in the first place.
If people want him reinstated, then they need to ask why he was fired in the first place. But wait, he resigned. Oh, the conundrum. |
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 1476
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.84.183.189
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 2:13 pm: | |
Okay, I'll admit it. I woke up this morning to Car Talk and heard the boys yukking it up. That admittedly is one of the few reasons I'll still turn on WDET (the other being Liz Copeland late at night). Granted Car Talk can also be heard on WEMU's feed as well, but WDET is their infinite wisdom (sarcasm meter here) has got it at a much more convenient hour for me. I never understood why for a city so engrossed in automobile culture, that WDET would cast them adrift. Granted I've heard they are one of the more expensive shows to get but you'd think it's justifiable in this car crazed area.
Or is it because they also unbiased and happen to rip on American cars for their foibles?? I've always found the Maliozzi Brothers funny, refreshing and knowlegable. |
Oldredfordette
Member
Username: Oldredfordette
Post Number: 403
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 68.61.98.175
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 2:29 pm: | |
But it dosn't add up. If they hadn't fired him for whatever he was "caught" doing, would he still be there, and there would be no mid-afternoon talk, still Bandyke? And would Penney and Wilson be there too? The results are different than the chain of events, which means missing info. I'm just curious.
I am looking forward to "Deep River". |
Cozmikdebris
Member
Username: Cozmikdebris
Post Number: 77
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.14.153.177
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 2:55 pm: | |
John Penney's thoughts can be read here: http://www.velvetrope.com/ubbt hreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board =UBB1&Number=720846
From Bandyke's newly retooled page: "I encourage you to write/call/email whatever outlet you feel would be a good home for yours truly (whether it’s XM, Sirius, WXPN, WXRT, WRCJ, WCSX, WRIF, etc.) and tell management to hire me."
(Message edited by cozmikdebris on December 17, 2005) |
Sawyers
Member
Username: Sawyers
Post Number: 4
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 69.133.86.212
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 3:42 pm: | |
Where I'm coming from Jmy8 is that with the station running in the red, Michael Colemen pretty much has carte blanche to do things his way. If it was running in the black, we would all have plenty of reason to jump down his throat, protest, take
him to the woodshed, arguing "don't mess with success".
I'm just as upset with the change in format as anyone else who has depended on WDET as the only remaining bright spot for eclectic music on the radio dial - satellite radio and podcasting included. Where I'm coming from is that because the listeners didn't provide sufficient support for this format, the new management has all the justification they need for changing it. The management could have decided to keep (or even improve) the format and found other ways to fix the problem. Mr. Coleman could have brought back Larry and Matt and added Robert - changed Martin and Judy if (as has been suggested here) they were too expensive, and added back some of the NPR programming to the mix. But he decided to gut the daytime weekday music programming, and I personally think that was wrong.
Too bad what I think. The finances say the station was sinking and Mr. Coleman had the job of turning things around, and he gets to make the decisions.
If we support the programming, we call the shots. If we don't, management calls the shots. It's that simple. |
Jmy8
Member
Username: Jmy8
Post Number: 2610
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 12.75.50.178
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 5:04 pm: | |
Okay, I've got a better idea of where you're coming from. We differ in the belief that he's doing this to spite the listeners or because he's a mean guy. You keep writing about WDET's bottom line, but your opening gives you away.
quote:Where I'm coming from Jmy8 is that with the station running in the red, Michael Colemen pretty much has carte blanche to do things his way. If it was running in the black, we would all have plenty of reason to jump down his throat, protest, take him to the woodshed, arguing "don't mess with success".
If Detroit were fabled Boston (what, 30-min. pledge drives?), Why would he change a thing? (Well, besides Bandyke.) |
Jimg
Member
Username: Jimg
Post Number: 532
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 152.163.100.195
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 9:47 pm: | |
Bunch of resumes will shortly turn up on the PD's desk at WRCJ... |
Motownlifer
Member
Username: Motownlifer
Post Number: 5
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 68.43.233.171
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 10:47 pm: | |
How do you like all that red-neck honky music all Saturday? Coleman thinks white peeps like hillbilly music. What an ass. |
Aiw
Member
Username: Aiw
Post Number: 5159
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 64.228.202.146
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 11:15 pm: | |
Well those are the shows who's listeners pony up at pledge time... |
Pffft
Member
Username: Pffft
Post Number: 707
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 70.228.1.84
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 3:50 am: | |
Neither Judy nor Martin played jazz...why should WRCJ be interested?
Are there any "adult alternative" stations in town? |
Sawyers
Member
Username: Sawyers
Post Number: 5
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 69.133.86.212
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 4:17 am: | |
Now I don't know where *you're* coming from Jmy8. I don't understand your comment "but your opening gives you away". I didn't know I was trying to hide anything that I was giving away. He's neither doing what he's doing to spite the listeners, nor is he doing it because he's mean. He's doing it because a) he has the power to make drastic changes and b) he has a station that won't be around much longer if it continues to operate on a deficit hence justifying to the people that hired him those drastic changes and c) he obviously has a very poor appreciation for the contribution that WDET was making to Detroit's musical life.
My whole point is that this whole sorry chapter should have come as no surprise to any of us who gave the financial health of WDET a moment's thought, and considering that so many of the people that are probably whining very loudly right now about losing much of this wonderful community asset have contributed to the problem by NOT contributing to the support of WDET as I'm sure you did, and I know I did for the last 13 years.
Someone once said that for evil to triumph it only takes good men to stand by and do nothing, and I think this is a perfect example.
By the way Pffft, Judy and Martin didn't make Jazz a staple, but Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Al DiMeola, Wes Montgomery, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Hugh Masakela, Bennie Goodman and many, many other jazz artists certainly found a place in the mix of both hosts on a regular basis. I agree that they may not be the kind of hosts that would find a home on WRCJ, but to say that neither played jazz is a gross overstatement. |
Pffft
Member
Username: Pffft
Post Number: 708
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 70.228.1.84
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 4:24 am: | |
I've never been a big fan of fusion jazz, it's not real jazz to me... and that's mostly what I heard Judy play. Never heard any jazz from Martin, although I didn't listen that much. |
Jimg
Member
Username: Jimg
Post Number: 533
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 205.188.116.201
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 11:27 am: | |
Say what you will, Judy and MB also played jazz, and, possibly, (con)fusion. Guess it depends how you define those terms...btw, Ann Delisi didn't play much classical music prior to landing a slot at WRCJ.
The issue I had with DET's "we play it all" mix is that only the well-known jazz artists got airplay. We've all heard "All Blues" about a gazillion times, but odds of hearing Bennie Moten or Chu Berry were about 1 in (number with a bunch of 0's after it). Thus, the appeal of specialty programs... |
Jmy8
Member
Username: Jmy8
Post Number: 2611
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 12.75.53.118
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 12:05 pm: | |
quote:My whole point is that this whole sorry chapter should have come as no surprise to any of us who gave the financial health of WDET a moment's thought, and considering that so many of the people that are probably whining very loudly right now about losing much of this wonderful community asset have contributed to the problem by NOT contributing to the support of WDET as I'm sure you did, and I know I did for the last 13 years.
We're on exactly the same page here, anyway. LOL. |
Motownlifer
Member
Username: Motownlifer
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 68.43.233.171
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 4:28 pm: | |
They did not give us any option - no warning of this cataclysmik event |
Emanon
Member
Username: Emanon
Post Number: 51
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 205.188.116.201
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 6:31 pm: | |
Regardless of what the audience thinks about the programming changes, don't forget for a second that Detroit has among the highest unemployment in the country (& the 'burbs ain't doing too hot either). Money has been tight around here for a while now & those of us fortunate enough to even be able to pony up for charity might want to direct it to the starving & freezing, rather than any radio station. Having said that, I did my part for 'DET, but maybe for the last time. |
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 1481
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.84.183.189
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 3:08 am: | |
I know my WDET donation won't be coming this year. |
Sawyers
Member
Username: Sawyers
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 69.133.86.212
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 12:30 pm: | |
I've struggled with that donation thing myself since Der Tag.
I want to support all the music programming that's left - Larry, Matt, Liz, Chuck, Robert, Ralph and John are still playing music I want to hear, and I just spent some money to allow me to create my own podcasts of this music so I can listen to it on *my* schedule, so I feel compelled to continue to support this station - otherwise, Mr. Coleman will decide that there is no reason to keep even THESE shows on the air, and they too go the way of the Dodo bird.
The other argument that I made to myself is that some of my donation goes to support NPR, and without the news that I get through NPR, I'd be pretty ill-informed.
So as angry and upset as I am, I'm afraid that I'll still pony up next time 'round, but I'm going to make it clear that it's in support of the MUSIC programming, and that without it, I'll just support WUOM. |
Treelock
Member
Username: Treelock
Post Number: 71
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 68.77.166.98
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 2:19 pm: | |
John Penney's comments on that blog are interesting and suggest the station has evolved into a real mess.
In the end, at pledge time Coleman will see whether his experiment has paid off. I suspect the station will do no worse than before and may even do better (it's no coincidence that so many other stations have gone the talk way, after all), but music/pledge hosts will read the names of plenty of benefactors who insist on tacking on messages such as "bring back the daytime music." I'll probably do just the same.
Here are my own preferences:
1.) Bring back Willy Wilson. He's a great DJ (with admittedly a bad radio voice), and Saturday morning blues on the radio had become a valued tradition in Detroit. Wilson also has a deep arsenal of kick-ass, greasy and garagey rock'n'roll that appeals to a large segment locally.
2) Give Jon Moshier a daytime slot. His fill-ins for MB during the last month were refreshing. He is a master of the true "music variety" concept who's not afraid to deviate from the safe AAA crap peddled by MB and Judy Adams. Or encourage him to re-introduce his vintage radio theater segments late nights.
3) Back before it shut down, WRCJ-FM (and its predecessor, WDTR) had a DJ on Saturdays — I think his name was OC/Ossie (sp?) — who hosted the Reggae Sound Blast. He was as rambunctious as can be, which might not suit señor Coleman, but he played a great variety of roots and dancehall reggae that went over so well on a winter day. Hire him and let him expand into hip hop.
4) Drop some of the syndicated talk shows and replace one of them with a local affairs program. |
Chandyside
Member
Username: Chandyside
Post Number: 4
Registered: 08-2005
Posted From: 208.44.60.32
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 2:40 pm: | |
Treelock: Home run on your wish list. That's exactly what would make me genuinely excited to support DET under the circumstances. Well said. |
Treelock
Member
Username: Treelock
Post Number: 72
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 68.77.166.98
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 2:52 pm: | |
Thank you very much. I'm here all week. |
Gdub
Member
Username: Gdub
Post Number: 924
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.248.15.192
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 3:01 pm: | |
Treelock--
Especially #3. I lamented the disappearance of the incredibly exhuberant O.C. Roberts when WRCJ transferred to Public TV ownership or whatever, and changed its format to Boring. On the dreariest Saturday, I could tune in while driving around the city to hear O.C. declare "It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon!" |
Corktownmark
Member
Username: Corktownmark
Post Number: 136
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 68.42.79.14
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 3:18 pm: | |
You right Gdub. Really miss Ishmeal Achmed world music too. Really made saturday afternoon an interesting listen. |
Blessyouboys
Member
Username: Blessyouboys
Post Number: 206
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 69.209.145.130
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 5:49 pm: | |
Just drove home...Holy crap does Detroit radio blow. |
Oldredfordette
Member
Username: Oldredfordette
Post Number: 406
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 68.61.98.175
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 7:07 pm: | |
It has for years. |
Sawyers
Member
Username: Sawyers
Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 69.133.86.212
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 1:31 am: | |
I too like your wishlist, Treelock. I can't complain much about what Coleman has added (Nice to have Afro Pop Wordwide back BTW), it's just that the weekday is dullsville.
While I had no problem with MB and Judy Adams, I too think John Moshier was a great replacement for MB in the afternoon. Not sure who in the current lineup I'd put in the AM - John Penney or Willie Wilson would do great though I think they both have day jobs.
By the way, if anyone is interested in my time-shifting solution, I'll be glad to share what I've worked out. I was listening to Liz Copeland's broadcast from last Thursday in the car today while running some errands, and was listening to Chuck Horn's broadcast from last night while working in the office. |
Jblaze
Member
Username: Jblaze
Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 69.14.120.66
| | Posted on Saturday, December 24, 2005 - 5:54 pm: | |
The changes at WDET prompted me to buy an XM system. I love it - "XMU" is a great channel.
The "protesters" need to ask how much they donated (not to mention get their priorities straight - in a world of woes, this ranks low).
The new daytime format is fine, but I MUCH preferred the music. I can always listen to WUOM or stream NPR shows at my convenience.
I will do my best to catch Liz Copeland, Chuck Horn, Ralph and the truly amazing Jon Moshier (man, he was great subbing in the afternoon). I'll still donate, but not as much.
But i have to say i was secretly wishing Martin Bandyke would go away. I mean, enough Los Lobos marathons, 6 straight cuts from the new Beck CD every other day, and the DAMN middle-aged, watered down blues (modern Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, etc)! Not to mention the guy was a bit arrogant.
Hell, at least he liked Wilco... Judy Adams was very sweet, but, as someone else mentioned to me, the 20 minute Pat Metheny tracks...blech.
Move Liz up to 10pm at least, give Willy Wilson his show back and give Jon Moshier more exposure (sorry for the bad rhyme), and i will double my already generous donation.
Peace... |
Oldredfordette
Member
Username: Oldredfordette
Post Number: 417
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 68.61.98.175
| | Posted on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 6:45 pm: | |
I LOVE Democracy Now!. Such a wonderful thing after the long ugly right wing Caryn Mathis days.
Heard Billy Bragg and Howard Zinn today. My cup runneth over. |
Oldredfordette
Member
Username: Oldredfordette
Post Number: 418
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 68.61.98.175
| | Posted on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 6:45 pm: | |
Oh, and Deep River lives up to expectations. Whoo hoo! |
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