  Gdub Member Username: Gdub Post Number: 904 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.248.15.192 |
"Martin Bandyke, who hosted a hip alternative music program on WDET-FM (101.9) weekday afternoons from 1-4 p.m., is no longer with the station. Bandyke —a 22-year station veteran with the last 15 years full-time— referred all comment on his departure to his attorney Mike Novak. Novak said Bandyke was notified over the weekend about his termination by mail from WDET-FM general manager Michael Coleman." http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20051205/NEW S11/51205005 | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5088 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
WOW! As much I as get sick of hearing Bandyke's constant rotation of Los Lobos, this is quite the shocker... Very interesting. Cloeman sure is stirring up the mix over there... Now bring back Car Talk! | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 596 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 69.246.13.131 |
Not unusual in the radio biz. It's all about personality and if the boss man likes you. At least they sent him a letter, Many times you find out that your key does not work anymore, thats your first hint. Its a cold buisness. | ||
Atl_runner Member Username: Atl_runner Post Number: 1726 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.209.118.72 |
or subscribe to Sirius where you can hear that and all the good NPR programs. Several Canadian and 2 CBC feeds just started this week on Sirius as well. Developmental french artists on one channel. So much for so little. Local radio cannot compete. | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1110 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.40 |
Getting rid of Bandyke is a pretty dumb move. As much as I get tired of his Los Lobos, Rolling Stones, etc. fixations, I have to say he's one of the best DJs on the radio, especially in Detroit. He consistently brings great music that wouldn't get played otherwise to the radio. Dumb, dumb move. First they get rid of TAL and Tavis (and then brought them back) and now probably the most popular DJ they have. Coleman obviously doesn't get Bandyke's role at the station. | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5089 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
Atl, you'll see more and more Canadian stations slowly appearing. They have recently approved licenses for XM & Sirius to broadcast in Canada, however license requirements are such that there needs to be Canadian staitons avaialble. | ||
Gogo Member Username: Gogo Post Number: 1142 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.20 |
I think what makes WDET so great is its huge emphasis on local shows. If you want to listen to all the standard NPR shows, I'm pretty sure most of Detroit can hear 91.7. While I don't really listen to Martin Bandykes show, I hope the emphasis at the station remains on local shows and DJ's. | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5090 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
Bvos, I don't nessecarily think this is a bad move, Bandyke can be good, but he can also be very stale... I'd love to see fresh air back in the 3:00 slot. | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5091 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
I can only get 91.7 in the car, not in my house. I think we covered the range of the other NPR staitons recently.. | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 698 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.201 |
When Bandyke was on he was on, but lately, I he has gotten stale. I would be really upset if they got rid of Ed Love, his jazz program is the best. | ||
Treelock Member Username: Treelock Post Number: 60 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 67.149.59.223 |
Yeah MB is talented, but he had grown predictable. How many Nancy Griffith/XTC/California Guitar Trio/Traffic/Eric Clapton sets can a listener really take? I will miss his live studio sessions, interviews and film talk with the freep's Terry Lawson, however. | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3224 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.103.104.93 |
Hmmmm...something is odd about that article and I can't quite place what it is. Usually a station gives a reason for dumping somebody...you know... "Slipping ratings..." "Are moving in a new direction....." "Artistic differences...." I wonder if there is more to this story that will come out later? | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5092 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
When questions are directed towards an attorney, it makes you wonder.... | ||
Track75 Member Username: Track75 Post Number: 2151 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 12.75.24.84 |
Kinda sounds like there's more to this story... | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 700 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.201 |
Yeah, the attorney thing really makes you wonder what really happened. And he has been off the air for a while, so that really makes you wonder. | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 701 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.201 |
Here is a freep update. Says he resigned. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20051205/NEW S11/51205005 | ||
Track75 Member Username: Track75 Post Number: 2152 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 12.75.24.84 |
Hmmmm, I don't think he resigned, I think he "resigned". Why would the station "reconsider" if it was Bandyke who "resigned"? | ||
Chris_rohn Member Username: Chris_rohn Post Number: 138 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 71.144.84.66 |
DET: You haven't been here in a month! You're fired! MB: You can't fire me, I resign! | ||
Wmuchris Member Username: Wmuchris Post Number: 100 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 141.218.94.184 |
Oh No... Bandyke was great, I can't believe that he is gone. I literally grew up listening to him. As much as i didn't like the Los Lobos stuff, I think that he was/is one of the best DJs in Detroit. Who do you think will replace him. Please not Judy Adams!!! She gives me heartburn. | ||
Wmuchris Member Username: Wmuchris Post Number: 101 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 141.218.94.184 |
It almost makes me think that Coleman is gonna turn WDET into another Michigan Radio type of station. More Talk, Less Music. I'm glad that this American Life is Back, and I'd love Car Talk. But not at the expense of our local music shows. Seriously! I'm really upset. | ||
Valkyrias Member Username: Valkyrias Post Number: 177 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 66.238.129.197 |
well, since bandyke has been mia, i've still been listening to *his show* at the same time every day...and i think it rings true to his style, even though they have had about 3 different people fill in. i hope they don't get rid of it altogether though...that would suck. they definitely play a lot of stuff you don't hear on the radio, even if there is a lot of los lobos (which i do actually enjoy listening to  ) | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 365 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.61.98.175 |
Willy Wilson! Give Willy his slot! Whoo hoo hoo! | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 518 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.201 |
Talk is a hott format in NPR, has been for a while. Depends upon what demo you're after...if you stay the same too long, you find your average listener is middle-aged. Not good. If I'm not mistaken, the music variety format was championed by Judy A...hmmmmmm. You hit the proverbial nail on the head, Psip - it is indeed a cold business. | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 519 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.201 |
Should also second those posts that praise Martin - excellent programmer, affable host, has solid music knowledge. In a word, gifted. | ||
Urban_shocker Member Username: Urban_shocker Post Number: 219 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 71.144.82.70 |
I know admittedly little about the business end of public radio, but I always figured the format and its success wasn't beholden to the almighty 18- to 34-year old male demographic like every commercial product in the hemisphere. While the (at least nominal) goal for the station should be to serve all the public, is it any surprise when the audience skews a little older than average? And wouldn't that actually have a positive effect on donations? Or am I totally lost on this, and the little on-air sponsorship ads and the folks they reach are what drive revenue? | ||
Xd_brklyn Member Username: Xd_brklyn Post Number: 78 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.88.89.94 |
Knew Martin starting out from his days working at Dearborn Records. Always thought Public Radio was meant for people with his background and knowledge of music. Disappointed with WDET and Martin's departure. | ||
Vic_doucette Member Username: Vic_doucette Post Number: 232 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 65.196.220.198 |
One of the dailies this morning is reporting that Matt Watroba and Larry McDaniel will soon return to WDET-FM. (Message edited by Vic Doucette on December 06, 2005) | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 375 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.61.98.175 |
Oh yeah. The reign of Caryn Mathes is truly over. Huzzah! Not that I'm in a hurry for Larry McDaniel, but an unjust firing is an unjust firing. | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5094 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
I wonder if she's wrecked the DC station yet? | ||
Pffft Member Username: Pffft Post Number: 699 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 12.34.51.20 |
Vic -- It's not a secret: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20051206/E NT02/512060400/1032/ENT | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5096 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
I think that Bandyke might have the worst website ever... http://www.martinbandyke.com/ | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 377 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.61.98.175 |
Does he think he looks good in that hat? | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1113 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 141.217.84.66 |
From Martin's site: "I should also mention that I am at your service if you need an award-winning, kick-ass DJ for any special event you might have coming up - weddings, parties, Super Bowl blowouts, etc. Give me a shout if you’re interested." Can we say desparation! | ||
Jenniferl Member Username: Jenniferl Post Number: 213 Registered: 03-2004 Posted From: 4.229.36.24 |
I hope WDET doesn't evolve into a talk radio station. I LOATHE talk radio, except for Peter Werbe. | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 520 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 152.163.100.195 |
Urban Shocker, the mission of 'DET is, or was anyway, to 'play what the others won't' - represent the entire listening commumity's interests. But within that mission there is much flexibility: in the 1970s 'DET had dozens of eclectic programs (Gayly Speaking, Heritage of Armenian Culture, History of the March, El Grito De Mi Raza to name just a few), the 80s saw the rise of jazz pgm, and the 90s was about 'music variety' with jazz in the eves, misc stuff on weekends. And each GM could claim, with some accuracy, that under his/her watch the station was serving the community. Mr Coleman may have a different vision, one that includes more eclectic programming. Stay tuned... | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 705 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 64.12.116.195 |
WDET has competition from the new station WRCJ, Classical Days and Jazzy nights (90.9). The jazzy nights will compete with Ed Love. Chris Felcyn, who did the Sunday morning classical show The Listening Room, is the afternoon guy at WRCJ. | ||
Soulhawk Member Username: Soulhawk Post Number: 248 Registered: 04-2004 Posted From: 68.85.153.94 |
This is the best news I have heard in awhile! I can't stand Bandyke's attitude or his show. I am very excited to see who get the permanent slot. | ||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1044 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.122.57 |
More on this subject from today's Freep... "DJ tied to CD, ticket misuse Bandyke allowed to resign from WDET Monday Violation of Wayne State University policies regarding acceptance of free concert tickets and proper use of recorded music played a part in the departure of WDET-FM (101.9) midafternoon music host Martin Bandyke. A highly placed source familiar with WDET station operations told the Free Press that Bandyke was suspended in November after station management alleged he trafficked in recorded music and accepted free concert tickets in violation of WSU policy. He was allowed to resign Monday. Other station employees may face sanctions on the same issues. ..." http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20051207/ENT 03/512070302 | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5103 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
Interesting... Thanks K. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 5192 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.198.22 |
Ugly. The article quote Caryn Mathes saying she condoned the policy of trading duplicate discs at used record stores for music the station didn't have in it's collection. Seems they are walking the thin line of legalistic jargon to eliminate the highly paid talent...I cannot imagine who and what they will be left with when this is done. I don't know ONE DJ who doesn't take advantage of the access to concerts to further their understanding of the music...that has been going on since time-out-of-mind in the industry. I'm sure the IRS wants that value declared as income, too. If this is the ONLY reason, then I will no longer support WDET...this will be their death blow, especially if John Penney goes. Perhaps it is some overall plan to have a commodity to SELL on the open market, one of the treasured middle-dial frequencies. This stinks. | ||
Caseyc Member Username: Caseyc Post Number: 558 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 206.18.111.5 |
I am shocked, SHOCKED, I tell you, to find on-air personalities at WDET gaining free entry into local concert venues.... regardless of what you think of Martin and his musical oeuvre, that's an absolute joke. Next time you see Willie, Liz, Ralph or anyone else at the Majestic/Stick, St. Andrew's, State et al., be sure and ask them if they paid for their ticket. | ||
Xd_brklyn Member Username: Xd_brklyn Post Number: 79 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.88.89.94 |
Total joke. Having worked at DET in the early eighties, the staff was on every club's guest list. Then again, at that time it was volunteer and we had to supply the records. | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3240 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.103.104.93 |
Well, I said that something sounded fishy in the first article and there was probably more to come. This still doesn't sound like it s the full story. A lawyer out pre-emptively defending his client and a station that is staying tightlipped while a "highly placed" and unnamed source is the only person feeding info....who knows how accurate the info is and the sources motivation? I get the feeling this is not nearly the end of it all. | ||
Pffft Member Username: Pffft Post Number: 700 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 69.221.94.49 |
Hmm, could that highly placed secret source...be MB himself? He's telling people about the ticket/CD thing. | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1123 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.32 |
I've heard of Payola, but this is a pretty minor infraction of that. There's got to be more to it than CDs and some free tickets. At least Martin has access to a lot of free CDs for his DJ gigs that he'll be doing now at weddings, bah mitzvahs... | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 5193 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.198.22 |
...not if he's locked out of the WDET music library. The article stated that these swaps at used record stores were specifically to bolster the station's library gaps. The more I consider this, the sicker I get. I'm going to listen to silence today in protest...it'll be good for me. | ||
Jmy8 Member Username: Jmy8 Post Number: 2580 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 12.75.49.78 |
Eh, I've decided to double next spring's donation in celebration. If Judy goes, I'll double the one I make in the fall. | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 521 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.220.142.7 |
Was common practice, before "volunteers" turned into "paid staff", to get free tix or admission to clubs. And any event the station endorsed thru on-air announcements etc welcomed Hosts. Rec companies (almost) always give multiple copies to a station, and often the Pgm Director would give them to people at the station - no big deal. They used to cart loads of dup recs to Sam's Jams and get stuff the station didn't have. I believe MB was music director - for him to trade in CDs for other CDs makes sense. The rules tightened up as time went on - couldn't announce an event if you were involved with the event. | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3242 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.103.104.93 |
Thats the feeling I get...lets ride this one out a little and see what comes up. | ||
Cozmikdebris Member Username: Cozmikdebris Post Number: 74 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.153.177 |
Anyone know exactly when they started paying the staff? I've been listening to WDET since about 1972 or '73, but I confess I recall little of its history, beyond a few DJs (Greg Smail(?), Mike Halloran) and shows (Morphogenesis, Radios In Motion, etc) I used to listen to. Their website's timeline is sketchy. (Message edited by cozmikdebris on December 07, 2005) | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 522 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.220.142.7 |
I believe it was 1985, just after Caryn Mathes came on board. She 'made it so'. | ||
Philm Member Username: Philm Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 66.77.102.10 |
I was at DET from 1969 to 1974, all of it paid, starting with 'Work Study' and eventually on staff. However, I had lots of responsibilities in addition to on-air work. All of the on-air talent that came in only to do their programs was volunteer, as near as I can recall. Phil Mendelson quote: "Anyone know exactly when they started paying the staff? I've been listening to WDET since about 1972 or '73, but I confess I recall little of its history, beyond a few DJs (Greg Smail(?), Mike Halloran) and shows (Morphogenesis, Radios In Motion, etc) I used to listen to. Their website's timeline is sketchy. " | ||
Ilovedetroit Member Username: Ilovedetroit Post Number: 1807 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 63.149.5.130 |
If they ever got rid of Ed Love I would help rally a band of troops to attack WDET with pitchforks and shovels! | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 384 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.61.98.175 |
Dave Dixon got paid, so did Ann DeLisi when they worked there in the early 80's. | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 523 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.220.142.7 |
True, Oldredfordette, but Ann was also Music Director and Dave was on every day - full time. Should've been more specific - volunteers hosted the weekly specialty shows and were not paid until 1985. Hey Phil, shoot me an email: JamesJazz@aol.com | ||
Cozmikdebris Member Username: Cozmikdebris Post Number: 75 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.153.177 |
Your name rings a bell. You weren't one of the guys at either the April or October '74 (Lyman Woodard Shelby Hotel) WDET fundraisers, were you? I was just listening to them, trying to hear the names of the guys sitting with Kenn Cox telling the listeners to "call that number" and give the station some money! Wish the station still did stuff like that/ | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 524 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.201 |
Cozmikdebris, I can help you i.d. those voices....if you're interested my email is JamesJazz@aol.com | ||
Motownlifer Member Username: Motownlifer Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 68.43.233.171 |
Wish I could be terminated | ||
Philm Member Username: Philm Post Number: 7 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 66.77.102.10 |
Cozmik, I might have been part of it if it were in April, but not in October, as I moved in August of '74. At most of those live events, I was the one mixing the band. Phil | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3273 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.103.104.93 |
As an employee of Wayne State and knowing the pretty stringent work termination and discipline procedures for union protected employees and knowing Bandyke was union protected.... There is no way this termination did not occur without the union approving it somehow, ESCPECIALLY such a high profile employee. This termination had to have gone through the normal channles of review. The fact that the union has not filed grievances nor even commented publicly about this is pretty telling. Bandyke is also protected from having reasons revealed by the University - Union agreements as well. If I were a betting man, I would wager Coleman must have had a pretty rock solid case if the union is not all over this. Probably more than just tickets and trading CDs. Just my hunch though. I really get the feeling that this isn't about cleaning house seeing as Coleman has brought back McDaniels and Watroba | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 396 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.61.98.175 |
Unless a grievance has been filed and not reported on. Are you sure they haven't? I agree it must be more than the tickets etc. The whole thing seems pretty fishy. | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3274 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.103.104.93 |
Can't verify if one has or has not been filed yet, but if it was ONLY the CD/tickets thing one would have been filed by now knowing about how swiftly the union acts in matters like this. Keep in mind Bandyke was off the air for more than a month before he was fired early this month. It wasn't like this came out of the blue. I'm guessing there was a lot of paperwork and activity during that time that has resulted in the actions we now know about. | ||
Chandyside Member Username: Chandyside Post Number: 3 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 208.44.60.32 |
Just got an e-mail from Willy Wilson announcing HIS departure, citing the station "changing formats." WTF?! | ||
Vic_doucette Member Username: Vic_doucette Post Number: 235 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 65.196.220.198 |
Chandy, my boy, a double "WTF" here! | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 5249 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.198.22 |
Uh Oh. John Penney goes, the ship is sinking. UGLY. It ain't like it wasn't working...although we did get some revealing negative reviews in an earlier WDET thread last year here. Shit, they take away my hourly update for news I'll NEVER know what time it is. Watching from the sidelines...still listening, too. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 5250 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.198.22 |
Perhaps we should push for Chris Feltsyn to get his job back too...the overall sense of humor there has dropped without him on the air. | ||
Pffft Member Username: Pffft Post Number: 705 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 12.34.51.20 |
Felcyn is on WRCJ-FM, 90.9 ...middays. Think he's pretty happy there. | ||
Emanon Member Username: Emanon Post Number: 48 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 152.163.100.195 |
Now Willy is leaving??? Well so are my pledge dollars...I heard W.Kim Heron thanking his audience for "support over the years" at the end of his show...sounded like a goodbye to me... WTF is going on??? | ||
Dang Member Username: Dang Post Number: 25 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.73.198.190 |
The station has been slipping for about two years now. Bandyke introduced me to some new music, but has indeed been predictable in his Los Lobos/XTC/etc... rantings. I still can't stand Judy Adam's Milky Mom sets. same beats for the last 10 years... and I just can not stand it. | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 398 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.61.98.175 |
From Matt Watroba (just arrived). Jon Penney off Sunday afternoons. Shit. Happy holidays everyone! For Fans of Folks Like Us and roots music programming in general, have I got a present for you... WDET (remember my old station?) is under new management, and one of the first things they did was to restore some of their best supported hosts and programs. As of Saturday, December 17, Folks Like Us, with me, Matt Watroba, The Arkansas Traveler (With Larry McDaniel) and Deep River (With our old pal Robert Jones) will return to 101.9 FM. Folks Like Us will go from 11AM until 2PM on Saturdays followed by The Arkansas Traveler from 2--5. Robert's new show, Deep River, will be on Sundays from 1--3PM. THIS IS EXCITING NEWS! Thanks to the unbelievable support of folks like you (I'm talking THOUSANDS of e-mails and letters) and the vision of the new General Manager, Michael Coleman, The boys are back in town! I know how difficult it was on everyone when the shows were booted 15 months ago. I hope you can forgive and come back to support and listen to a station that is committed to a balance of news, information and TRUE music variety. I know I will. Please join me this Saturday at 11AM at 101.9 FM for the next chapter in this wonderful radio ride. My heartfelt thanks to the good people at WEMU for taking me in for the last year and providing radio space for the music we all love. They deserve your support as well. We will update all these changes at www.folkslikeus.org. Check back often! One more thing... You can now purchase my latest CD, Jukebox Folk directly on line at www.cdbaby.com/cd/watroba Maybe still in time for Christmas! Thank-you Thank-you Thank-you For ALL your support. This time it REALLY paid off! Matt Watroba | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 527 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.12.116.195 |
Don't hold yer breath awaiting Felcyn's return....he's plenty happy at 90.9 | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 5170 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.42.168.211 |
So long, Judy: http://www.wdetfm.org/links/sc hedule.php | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5122 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.228.202.146 |
Wow Great news, great changes.... Things look almost back to the way they were before Caryn Mathis fucked the station up. Fresh Air is back every day... Car Talk. Ed Love is still on (7-11) Gene Elzy, Jon Moshier & Kim Herron too... I am a happy guy... I can almost take WUOM off my presets... If only DET would pick up the BBC World Service News at 11... Thanks Michael Coleman. | ||
Northend Member Username: Northend Post Number: 416 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 69.212.227.66 |
I wonder if these changes will affect their $$$$ drives? | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 528 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.12.116.195 |
Think they will, Northend...for a minute, anyway. | ||
Urban_shocker Member Username: Urban_shocker Post Number: 226 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 63.85.13.248 |
Hey, Ed Love is stealing two of Liz Copeland's hours! | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5123 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.228.202.146 |
Yeah, for the better. | ||
Northend Member Username: Northend Post Number: 419 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 69.212.227.66 |
Did the amount of pledges go down 15 months ago?(I believe I read on an earlier post that changes took place 15 months ago) | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 529 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.12.116.195 |
None of these changes are too surprising, really. Mr Coleman comes from WUOM....talk 'n roots music. The 'homogeneous sound' to avoid 'audience churn' had its day, at least on DET. | ||
The_aram Member Username: The_aram Post Number: 4562 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 141.213.175.233 |
Urban_shocker, does that mean 2 extra hours of the Ed Love Program each week? Excellent. | ||
Urban_shocker Member Username: Urban_shocker Post Number: 227 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 71.144.82.70 |
That part's not all bad, but I don't stay up all night like I used to, so Liz back to late school nights means less Liz for me. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 5257 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.198.22 |
I could never grab hold of Chuck Horn early in the day, although I liked the energy of his music selection late at night. Cannot believe Jon Penney is gone, too. Big bummer...always loved running during his show...he had the right beat and attitude for these legs. OMG...news until ten o'clock in the a.m. again. NOW, if they go back to LOCAL volunteers answering phones I am in heaven. Heaven. Was always a high point of my year, times two. I will miss the music...they will 'churn' me back to listening to CDs during the days...but I did that with some of Judy's and Martin's choices anyways. Going to miss the best live music on the radio...that is now money wasted on those studios...hope they don't disassemble them. They could probably make money turning them into recording venues. News until ten a.m. again... | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 5258 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.198.22 |
Maybe even a local political news analysis show...their news department could rotate hosting it with their brilliant minds prying into various stories with some in-depth follow-up. I would be interested in hearing that... | ||
Michigansheik Member Username: Michigansheik Post Number: 43 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 69.242.215.232 |
wtf? how many times can we hear about a poor village in china and the war in iraq in a day? | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1132 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.227.207.200 |
Wow, no music until 7 pm. Great, now I'll have to listen to my neighbor's WRIF or Smooth Jazz shit at work. I really enjoyed Chuck Horn's midday show. He really played some great electronica. Sad to see him back in his old spot in the graveyard shift. I won't be able to listen much. I enjoyed Judy and Martin's shows for the most part as well, all though I did have to take breaks every now and then to cleans all the monotony from my system. Coleman has esentially gutted what made WDET unique: they played real music. No one else on the dial plays (played) what DET did. That is what they were known for. Now they're just any old public radio station. The only time they're spinning stuff with a beat is midnight - 4 am. There goes my annual support. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 5271 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.198.22 |
Maybe even a LOCAL political news analysis show, Sheik. Don't need to know any more national or international stuff, you're right. But nobody goes in-depth with local stuff since Bill Bonds retired...Lessenberry tries and does well in the Metro Times, but his radio show is much broader and doesn't seem to work. He might be too much of an asshole for radio. Craig Fahle, Celeste Headley, Jerome Vaughn, Quinn Klienfelter, Joanne Silvi, and that upstart Jeff Watrick can each wrestle passionately with various local news stories and call those accountable to task for thirty to sixty minutes a day apiece (in rotation) and help change the course of the history of this town using DIScourse...the power of words. If you listened to the special disc collection of stories they did on various aspects of race relations in this town...you'd understand what I'm talking about. We have some of the most brilliant minds in the news business in ONE room in ONE building in the midst of our city...and they get maybe fifteen minutes, thirty if you count the evening...to air their discoveries, distilling them down to just the basic facts. Ain't enough to make the difference that they have the potential for, in my opinion. Bvos, I know what you mean. Could have struck a better balance, perhaps, but those personalities would never have accepted lesser hours on air. At least Martin's ego would resist restrictions...he fed it too much. Give Jon Penney and Chuck Horn a few hours through the day and make room for a few of the national shows...but that might have been too expensive. Penney was always fresh...losing him is too much for me to bear. It's easy when we're just sitting on the sidelines...right?! | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 1464 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.84.183.189 |
I thought part of the WDET ideal awhile back when they cancelled so many shows WAS they couldn't afford all of the national shows such as Car Talk, Fresh Air & Tavis Smiley. Now they suddenly broom out some of the afternoon hosts and there's suddenly this huge influx of money available?? I'm glad to see Chuck Horn still sneak in a few hours but to see John Penney & Willie Wilson leave will be a shame. Here's the new WDET schedule... http://www.wdetfm.org/links/sc hedule.php | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 5273 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.198.22 |
Never, ever would Caryn have considered brooming her two old friends to make room for national shows. They were entrenched...literally. Certainly those two salaries...added to the other live dj payrolls...could always have paid for the other type of broadcasting. Makes Mr. Coleman look either superhuman or super-stupid...we'll only know in a few months during the next pledge drive after the next round of Arbitrons are tallied. | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5125 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.228.202.146 |
Gannon I had an e-mail from Michael Coleman, who I had e-mailed to let know I was very happy to have Car Talk & Fresh Air back... Amongst other things in the e-mail there was this part I know you'll like:
Back-local-atcha! | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 5274 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.198.22 |
Yee-HAW!! No more trying in vain to explain our weird street names to some person in Salt Lake City. They didn't even understand my 'accent' when I called in...I know over-caffeinated Midwestern is a tough dialect, but damn they were supposed to be professionals. Thanks AIW, another thing making my day today...little sleep obviously. Cheers! | ||
Registeredguest Member Username: Registeredguest Post Number: 334 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.236.170.81 |
Great. So we have a station that is identical to every other NPR station across the country. More talking heads, more people telling us how to think, less music. Rather than a pioneer, we get a replica. I'll be tuning; and donating my money elsewhere. Coming from a lifetime doner. Once again, WSU leadership (Michael Coleman, who is selected by WSU cronies) destroying more of our city. It's a shame organizations with such great potential are constantly destroyed from bad leadership. | ||
Island Member Username: Island Post Number: 8 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 207.91.212.254 |
WWJ-am just announced their new all-music format, with local music "on the 8s". Bandyke flies the chopper. | ||
Drm Member Username: Drm Post Number: 759 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.252.132.251 |
Not that it matters to anyone, but I am happy with the changes. I had been listening to WRCJ all day at work, anyway as I couldn't stand WDET's daytime lineup. Democracy Now! is a first-class show that deserves airtime in this area. Ed Love and Gene Elzy have the best music programs on the radio. RegisteredGuest, you do realize that all news shows are "people telling us how to think." I am glad that WDET is attempting to provide balance to our steady diet of right-leaning news programs. | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3279 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.103.104.93 |
After chatting with some media folks who track numbers, the Arbitron numbers have been dropping steadily since the 2004 shake up. The more talk pulled, the lower the numbers. I also note that the more the programming drifted towards all music, the more we saw WDET not be able to meet its fundraising goals. The Fall fundraiser missed by more than $160,000 from what I understand. Thats 3,200 Bandyke fans that did not pony up their $1 per week pledge. I too will miss the more music heavy format, but the truth is the numbers were slipping and the donations were dropping. Lets see what happens over the next year with Coleman's changes. | ||
Awfavre Member Username: Awfavre Post Number: 15 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 69.3.206.177 |
I used to listen to WDET virtually all day long. Half of my music collection comes from listening during the day. This change truly is like ripping the floor out from under me. Now I'll have to find something good on the Internet (thank goodness for that "what are you listening to" thread). Bottom line for me is if I wanted all-talk during the day, I'd listen to WUOM. I'll never listen to DET again . . . & never send them money again. (Message edited by awfavre on December 13, 2005) | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3281 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.103.104.93 |
....which is apparently what a lot of folks said when other talk format shows were yanked out from underneath them. The challenge is that neither are commercial formats that make money and must rely on listener support. If there aren't enough listeners supporting it, it goes away. End of story, turn of the transmitter, stop schtuping the interns.... The statements made to this effect during pledge drives are not hyperbole. They are real. I'm not overly enthused by the changes as well, but I'll take half a sandwich I like and half a sandwich I don't like over having no sandwich at all. | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 719 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 64.12.116.195 |
You look at how they added time to Ed Love's program and you can see how they are directly trying to compete with WRCJ's jazzy nights format. | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 574 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.77 |
I know I'm jumping on this thread late in the game but I never liked the music-heavy format of WDET. I always got program envy while traveling and listening to all of the great shows other public radio stations aired. Now, I read the whole thread but I'm still not clear -- does anyone know for sure if This American Life will be part of the new programming? | ||
Machoken Member Username: Machoken Post Number: 1084 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 65.86.12.2 |
Susanarosa: http://www.wdetfm.org/links/sc hedule.php This American Life is on Fridays, 3pm | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 5278 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 151.144.197.23 |
That fundraising shortfall also tracked other non-profits though, right?! Harmonie was talking the other day about how United Way was down outside of gifts for Katrina victims...if I heard correctly. But if the percentage drop MATCHED the Arbitron figures...wouldn't be able to find any arguement there. I'm behind them all the way...as much as I'll miss the music. Hell, I found myself listening to that suburban public radio down at the small numbers while driving much of the time anyways. It could NEVER get as bad as Chicago's public radio...heh...and I gave THEM money when I spent half my time there. (of course, they have Ira Glass) (Message edited by Gannon on December 13, 2005) | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 575 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.77 |
Thanks Machoken, the moment after I finished typing that I thought to myself "why don't I check the website?" | ||
Machoken Member Username: Machoken Post Number: 1085 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 65.86.12.2 |
Maybe I ought to start a new thread, but does anyone know of any good internet radio stations that have music mixes similar to the WDET previous daytime format? I lean towards the Chuck Horn program, but Bandyke or Judy Adams were fine too. | ||
Northend Member Username: Northend Post Number: 429 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 69.212.227.66 |
i'm listening to Amy Goodman right now and her voice is so depressing....never struck me that way on FSTV | ||
Northend Member Username: Northend Post Number: 430 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 69.212.227.66 |
nevermind, she just apologized for her screwed up voice... | ||
Chris_rohn Member Username: Chris_rohn Post Number: 148 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 71.144.84.66 |
Maybe I ought to start a new thread, but does anyone know of any good internet radio stations that have music mixes similar to the WDET previous daytime format? The closest I've found is http://www.radioparadise.com - fantastic variety of old and new music. http://www.woxy.com also does a great job keeping current with all the new rock. | ||
Machoken Member Username: Machoken Post Number: 1086 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 65.86.12.2 |
Thanks Chris_rohn! Right now on their playlist it says they are playing Buffalo Springfield, Dar Williams, Marvin Gaye... I'll check it out. | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5126 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
That's exactly what I said when they Fucked around last time. I'll be proud to pledge this time. You win some, you lose some. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 1465 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.84.183.189 |
Anytime there is change with a format, I think there will be some people that will embrace it and some people that will hate it. And with the economic times being what it is, I think donations to this public station as well as others across the nation are going to be lower. To use lower donation amounts as a reason to change formats seems a little shallow. program directors are brought in to put their imprint on a station and obviously Mr. Coleman wants to be a little more talk heavy during the day. I know I will miss the music heavy format during the day because the DJs (love 'em or hate them) played a wide diversity that couldn't be heard anywhere else on the radio dial. But that's not to say I won't adore the additional hours of Liz Copeland at night. What's sad to me is that we lose out a few more local voices in our choir of music. We'll be exposed to less new music as well as their local views in favor of more national programs. I look forward to catching Car Talk again as well as Tavis SMiley & Terry Gross. It's change. It won't be easy to adjust to just yet. I'll try it. If I end up hating it, I'll switch... simple as that. | ||
Registeredguest Member Username: Registeredguest Post Number: 335 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.236.170.81 |
"RegisteredGuest, you do realize that all news shows are 'people telling us how to think.' I am glad that WDET is attempting to provide balance to our steady diet of right-leaning news programs." Indeed, I realize it -- and I don't care for it, whether it comes from the left or the right. How much talk can one take? How many times can you listen to someone re-analyze the same freaken news stories so you can regurgitate some trite speaking points on this message board? We had a unique, Detroit based institution which featured local talent, local businesses, local community organizations and local artists. It was one of those assets that could help build the ever so coveted "creative class" in this region. It could have been a benchmark of local pride. Now we get more NPR; more syndication; more bland, pre-fabricated news from non-local sources. And, as previously noted, the constant changes in format will do nothing to earn more ratings or more pledges. And why? + The vast majority of those previously alienated from the first format switch have found replacement radio stations and shows. It'll be difficult to lure them back + To lure back these previously disgruntled folk, WDET would have to do a major PR push, which it obviously does not have money for + The new listeners attracted to WDET Music Variety are now leaving the listening ranks due to the lack of music + Donations to all non-profits are at an all-time low in Michigan So, WDET is left with its diehards, who'll be around thick and thin. Unfortunately, they're few and far between. | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 399 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.61.98.175 |
WDET was a Euro-centric music format in a black city. I hate to be so blunt, but there you are. Now there is news variety all day, jazz and techno at night and very popular local music shows for the weekend. I will very much miss John Penney and Willy Wilson but I can't say this format is bad. Plus now I don't have to download the Democracy Now podcast or listen to Jerry Springer! What I want to know is what is the real deal with Martin Bandyke. This is a clean sweep. Was everybody implicated in the CD/ticket swap "scandal"? The first story doesn't ring true anymore. | ||
Caseyc Member Username: Caseyc Post Number: 560 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 206.18.111.5 |
Interesting point Oldredfordette. As reported in today's DetNews by local Lester Bangs memoirist Susan Whitall, it looks like they're adding in some gospel/spiritual mix into the rotation. | ||
Treelock Member Username: Treelock Post Number: 63 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 68.77.166.98 |
I didn't see Judy Adams' name on the new program schedule. Was she axed, too? | ||
Chris_rohn Member Username: Chris_rohn Post Number: 149 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 71.144.84.66 |
Yes. | ||
Treelock Member Username: Treelock Post Number: 64 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 68.77.166.98 |
You all should send comments to the station via wdet_listener_service@wdetfm.o rg. Me, I'm super glad WRCJ started up. We have enough talkathon shows during daytimes up and down the radio dial and, especially now, a real scarcity of non-corporate-approved music. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 1467 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.84.183.189 |
I wonder if WRCJ will be broadcast over the internet anytime soon. I always thought that was the best thing for public radio- the fact that ANYONE can listen to their hometown public radio station. I think with the switchover to the more nationally syndicated shows on WDET, they've lost quite a bit of the local flavor. WRCJ might suddenly be my new "hometown" station now. | ||
Emanon Member Username: Emanon Post Number: 49 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.201 |
I am still shocked & beyond disappointed...with everything else bottoming out around here, now I think Detroit radio,(music based at least), has finally hit the bottom...It's been a rough year--WQBH goes under, Chandy leaves 'Radio Fever' & now the end of WDET as we've known it for a couple of decades. The only bright spot has been the addition of Air America. No local flavor on the dial of a city that once boasted some of America's Great Radio Stations, to paraphrase Ed Love. Public radio was our last refuge for an eclectic music mix. Three more years of Bushy, at least 4 mo of Kwame, but station managers don't have terms, so one wonders how long this Michael Coleman will last... Methinks Coleman is some kind of egomaniacal dictator (like the aforementioned), building 'DET to his own vision,(& probably that of his superiors) the current listeners & music staff be damned. I applaud the return of Fresh Air, This American Life & Car Talk (& equally, I confess, the exit of Judy Adams, 'DET's weakest link, on air anyhow). Do we really need another (repeated) hour of Morning Ed.? Couldn't there be a compromise between music & talk during the day, at least for a trial period? I did listen continuously from 7-3 today & I have nothing against the new shows,(some better than others) but I have no desire to listen to talk every day for 8 hrs. Is there really a direct corelation between a a declining market share & alleged donation shortfall? Might the local economy have something to do with that? O.K., Judy Adams TWICE a day & the loss of TAL,FE&CT didn't exactly inspire me at pledge time, but I still coughed up my usual donation. I need music during the day, on the R-A-D-I-O. I think I am in the majority of 'DET listeners, (or is it "members"?) on this. I guess I am going to have to break down & go satellite, where there are myriad of musical choices & also many of the syndicated NPR/APR shows that are now part of the "exciting" new lineup. | ||
Blessyouboys Member Username: Blessyouboys Post Number: 188 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 69.209.185.243 |
Agreed Emanon, I think they really do need a compromise of talk and music. Maybe during the evening drive-time when all other stations are playing their commericals? | ||
Sawyers Member Username: Sawyers Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 69.133.86.212 |
Like many others, I felt like I'd been punched when I saw the sad news in the Freep this morning - something that I'd been somehow dreading as a distinct possibility with the New Management and Martin's departure. I kept hoping that Mr. Coleman would have the wisdom to broom a few personalities, make some schedule changes, but keep what to my ears was a unique and uniquely valuable format. Sadly, that is not the case, and it would appear from his comments in the Free Press article that Mr. Coleman hasn't the wisdom or insight to understand the magnitude of what he's done. He speaks of technology overtaking this industry, making the "free form" format of the music programs passe. However, most every talk program he has put on in their place is also available via podcast or satellite radio. What you can't get in either format, and that was offered by WDET was an intelligent host who selected music that they found worthwhile and shared with their audience. You can find satellite radio channels that will play wall-to-wall country, or swing, or classic rock. You will NOT find one that will play Frank Sinatra, Frank Zappa, the Mills Brothers and the Isley Brothers and Hank Williams all in the same three-hour segment! Such an occurance was not uncommon on WDET, and could occur on the watch of any number of hosts. I'm going to miss it, and I don't know where I'll turn now for the musical education I used to receive courtesy of the folks at WDET. I love Liz and Chuck and John and Ralph, but those aren't the times I'm usually listening - I've been listening to WDET from 9-to-5, M-F for 13 years and they've been responsible for almost every CD purchase I've made during that time. What a sad, sad day this is... | ||
Pffft Member Username: Pffft Post Number: 706 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 68.248.11.235 |
Good grief, they reinstitute THREE local hosts; Larry McDaniel, Matt Watroba and Robert Jones, and yet all this whining. For the "world music" schlock Judy and Martin played? Come on ... Jones' new show is going to be great. And finally, in Detroit there will be African-American-hosted news/talk shows on the schedule -- Tavis Smiley and Ed Gordon. |
