Kirk and Callahan: Done

Seels

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2005
4,948
NH
Dennis and Callahan are probably the single biggest reason I went away from listening to sports radio in general. Them, the loss of Michael Holley, and the uptick in podcasts have made me not listen to EEI for more than 5-10 minutes a month in years.

It would annoy the shit out of me to be in the car and listen to Callahan for even the smallest of intervals. He never discussed sports, and when he did his views were garbage. Way way way too much about politics.
 

jayhoz

Ronald Bartel
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
17,367
Chad Finn has an article on Callahan and the general state of EEI

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2019/07/15/gerry-callahan-ouster-finally-gives-weei-facelift/agsD0QWofeHpxFqCXMpRsJ/story.html
A few months ago, during a conversation with a national media personality about the state of sports radio in Boston, I mentioned that for all of the changes in the industry, the market, and how sports fans consume content, WEEI basically had the fundamental lineup as it did 20 years ago.
But if you had tuned in to WEEI for the first time in, oh, say, 18 years, at any time from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you were liable to hear a voice you heard all those years ago. The only main difference is that they are on FM rather than AM now.
It’s going to be strange without him. While change at the station was overdue, Ordway and the afternoon drive program seemed the more pressing issue. And Entercom’s plan for replacing the show is a curious one. While Hill is well-known and established in the market — he’s been on the air at WAAF for 29 years — he’s unlikely to provide a ratings boost. His show had the same share in the spring among the men 25-54 demo (6.5) as Mut and Callahan.
 

shaggydog2000

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 5, 2007
11,483
If you could wager on “Will WEEI become a country station by July 2021?”, I wonder what the current odds would be?
Oooh, I want it to become a "Modern Urban" station or whatever silly name they make up for hip-hop, just so Callahan's brain explodes.
 

Tyrone Biggums

nfl meets tri-annually at a secret country mansion
SoSH Member
Aug 15, 2006
6,424
Did the bagel boss write this?
Anyone who doesn't agree with letting those two racist hacks go needs to get reality checked. Although I'll give Kirk credit where its due. At least he got Curtatone pretty good. Lord knows that POS deserves anything coming to him.
 

Tyrone Biggums

nfl meets tri-annually at a secret country mansion
SoSH Member
Aug 15, 2006
6,424
DA? I liked him, I didn't think SOSH did, but didn't he leave the area? And there is an Adam Jones thread that suggests he is not good young talent.

I would love Trennie, but I fear how Boston would treat a female host.
She would be awesome but of course the fear is warranted. She didn't want to go back on the morning show because of the misogynist callers. She's very knowledgeable. Would have been much better than the racist/sexist stuff from Callahan or the sexist pig Hillman. Adam Jones sucks. He tries way too hard to be a more out there version of Felger.
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

critical thinker
SoSH Member
Dec 19, 2009
9,386
Behind a paywall. :(

She would be awesome but of course the fear is warranted. She didn't want to go back on the morning show because of the misogynist callers. She's very knowledgeable. Would have been much better than the racist/sexist stuff from Callahan or the sexist pig Hillman. Adam Jones sucks. He tries way too hard to be a more out there version of Felger.
I will give Greg credit for one thing: he doesn't tolerate (or at least didn't) callers who are just trying to get a rise out of someone, especially if that person is a colleague. It was one thing when they'd pick on Spaz, because his role was to be the comic relief and was why he was the call screener. But if someone started going sexist on Danielle, I'm pretty sure Greg would shut it right down (or she would). Trenni might do okay as a guest on there.

A lot of social media comments on Callahan's departure has his loyal followers (and would-be NO MA'AM members) pledging to never listen to WEEI again. While I'm sure most won't follow through on that threat, Hill is not the same type of personality. He's a little more relaxed and nonchalant about most things that Callahan might have a meltdown about. He doesn't seem to be a guy whose blood boils easily or hides it well when it does. If he's not going to start ranting about the Dems and the libs and whatnot, morning show loyalists will probably start tuning out more and more (or just stop calling in) and the show's tone will shift gradually. Of course, if he tries to be the next Callahan/Rush type, it'll whip them up more and nothing will change.

I'm still bearish on the show surviving the transition but I don't have a lot of fears that it'll be complete retread. I just don't think Greg Hill gives enough of a shit to go nuclear on any given topic the way Callahan would and did. It might actually even be a fair comparison to call him the conservative version of Dale Arnold with maybe a little more personality. But definitely sexist.
 

Senator Donut

post-Domer
SoSH Member
Apr 21, 2010
5,500
If you could wager on “Will WEEI become a country station by July 2021?”, I wonder what the current odds would be?
I'd wager strongly against it. WEEI can still make a lot of money as a fifth place station instead of essentially tied for first as it was two years ago. This is especially true if it continues trimming the salaries of incumbent hosts such as Callahan. Moving away from sports would also go against the general trend of Entercom/CBS management in recent years.
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

critical thinker
SoSH Member
Dec 19, 2009
9,386
Is country radio the latest trend in radio?
It has, tragically, become a trend in general over the last few years. That "Old Town Road" song that's such a smash hit speaks to this: it's pop country fused with hop-hop/rap. The West Texas Rednecks would be appalled.

On a more serious note, pop country (and that's what it is, lest anyone fool you into thinking anything from today's current artists is on the same level as the stuff previous generations used to listen to - Gretchen Wilson is no Patsy Cline) has been infesting every aspect of music for a long time. It's become music for the LCD, going all the way back to Toby Keith's halcyon days (and probably before) to the current crop. Nearly every song covers one of several broad categories, often more than one: love found, love lost, trucks, beer, America/the military, being country/redneck, and divine love. And, yes, those topics are pretty ubiquitous throughout music (maybe not so much the trucks part) but generally are done with a little bit more subtlety. If 80s hair metal was when rock and roll went off the rails a bit in terms of artistic depth, country's Aquanet days have been in full swing for awhile. Not sure what the country version of grunge may be but the success of the fusion heard in the "Old Town Road" song may mean that it's going to skip straight to the nu metal/rap-rock days.

Sigh.

P.S. No offense to country fans intended.
 

CantKeepmedown

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
2,581
Portland, ME
I really don't want to listen to it. Anyone want to take one for the team and send out some notes?
I listened to a good chunk of it. Basically, Kirk thinks that EEI ultimately go what they want, ratings be damned. They caved to Murchinson in order to keep him and their advertisers happy. Kirk said that since their initial involvement with Murchinson, they met probably 2-3 times a month. They offered to meet with trans people and do PSA's. He said some of it was worthwhile, but a lot of it was pandering. EEI lived in fear of Murchinson. Kirk said he saw copies of emails that Murchinson sent to advertisers, bringing up all the transgressions the show had committed over the past few years. He thinks that Murchinson was never giong to stop until Gerry was gone too.

He thinks that if EEI had told Murchinson to pound sand when he first got involved, everything would have blown over and he'd still be there. Advertisers wouldn't ignore the numbers they were getting. But instead, they went the other way. He thinks that EEI really doesn't care about their ratings and just wants everyone to be happy. They want safe, boring shows that finish 6-7 in the ratings every book.

He and Gerry seem to be fine (said that Gerry will never join his podcast, as a regular) but is sure he'll get a job, maybe even with Howie Carr.
He really hates Sam Kennedy. Said that Kennedy took he and Gerry to lunch a few years ago. They were actively criticizing the Red Sox broadcast and Kennedy asked them how they could improve it? Sox upper brass agreed it was a boring product. But when the Murchinson stuff happened, Kennedy publicly bashed them.
 

John Marzano Olympic Hero

has fancy plans, and pants to match
Dope
SoSH Member
Apr 12, 2001
24,548
See, this is the type of thing that bugs me about people like Minihane and Callahan. They were dicks and were called on it. Instead of introspection or apologizing, they blame the person who they offended.

"They offered too meet with trans people and do PSA's." fuck off with that shit. Those two idiots wouldn't get anything out of that and would stare at their watches until their meetings were over. They don't want too learn, they don't want to grow, they don't want to progress. They just want the time back when straight, white, Christian dudes can say anything they want and the rest of the world could die. And they're only emboldened by the fat racist in chief who does what he wants without any repercussions.

I don't cheer for people to lose their jobs, but I'm changing my tune on these two jackoffs.
 

shaggydog2000

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 5, 2007
11,483
See, this is the type of thing that bugs me about people like Minihane and Callahan. They were dicks and were called on it. Instead of introspection or apologizing, they blame the person who they offended.

"They offered too meet with trans people and do PSA's." fuck off with that shit. Those two idiots wouldn't get anything out of that and would stare at their watches until their meetings were over. They don't want too learn, they don't want to grow, they don't want to progress. They just want the time back when straight, white, Christian dudes can say anything they want and the rest of the world could die. And they're only emboldened by the fat racist in chief who does what he wants without any repercussions.

I don't cheer for people to lose their jobs, but I'm changing my tune on these two jackoffs.
He's also basically saying that the radio station decided on making money (by not losing advertisers) over promoting the artistic goal he had of being an inflammatory asshole.
 

NortheasternPJ

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 16, 2004
19,271
https://twitter.com/BackAftaThis/status/1151206623643426818
Minihane cites as one of the big problems with Dale Arnold that he's never said anything that got him in trouble. That kind of sums it up.
This is Minihane in a nutshell. He’s a trust fund baby with no need for a career. He can risk getting fired whenever because he doesn’t need it. Arnold got canned when he had young kids and it hurt him a lot. I forget what podcast it was on but he needs to work.

Its easy to play Kirk when you have nothing to lose because you don’t care about the paycheck.
 

Papelbon's Poutine

Homeland Security
SoSH Member
Dec 4, 2005
19,615
Portsmouth, NH
This is Minihane in a nutshell. He’s a trust fund baby with no need for a career. He can risk getting fired whenever because he doesn’t need it. Arnold got canned when he had young kids and it hurt him a lot. I forget what podcast it was on but he needs to work.

Its easy to play Kirk when you have nothing to lose because you don’t care about the paycheck.
Arnold and Keefe were talking about this yesterday when talking about how Mut is getting sent back to the night time show. Dale talked about when he got fired before and how hard it was with his family etc and Keefe made the point that they have to take work where they can get it, pretty limited skillset for these guys.
 

NortheasternPJ

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 16, 2004
19,271
I saw online today, WEEI is picking up CBS Sports Radio 8/2. Now they can have the horrid Amy Lawrence and John Kincaid!
 

Patriot_Reign

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 21, 2011
1,150
He was in no uncertain terms completely fucked.
That seems like a bit of a stretch. He was still under contract when he was removed from the mid-day show, so I don't think he lost any $$s being moved to fill-in guy role. And he eventually returned to afternoons/mid-days so did he really take a hit? And he also has always been employed by NESN, which must pay ok.
 

pedro1918

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 5, 2004
5,139
Map Ref. 41°N 93°W
I am not positive this is correct, but I recall that Dale was not on NESN when he was dumped from a full time gig at EEI. He had been the play by play guy from Bruins home games and Edwards did the road games. I recall him saying he had been offered the full time Bruins pbp role, but turned it down because of his EEI show. So Edwards took the full time pbp gig. Dale did not take the studio host role until after he had been let go from the regular EEI spot.

I could be wrong though.
 

the1andonly3003

New Member
Jul 15, 2005
4,371
Chicago
I am not positive this is correct, but I recall that Dale was not on NESN when he was dumped from a full time gig at EEI. He had been the play by play guy from Bruins home games and Edwards did the road games. I recall him saying he had been offered the full time Bruins pbp role, but turned it down because of his EEI show. So Edwards took the full time pbp gig. Dale did not take the studio host role until after he had been let go from the regular EEI spot.

I could be wrong though.
sounds right...and Dale was relegated to Sunday morning duty at EEI and started making weeknight appearances on Comcast Sports Tonight
 

Red(s)HawksFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 23, 2009
20,676
Maine
I am not positive this is correct, but I recall that Dale was not on NESN when he was dumped from a full time gig at EEI. He had been the play by play guy from Bruins home games and Edwards did the road games. I recall him saying he had been offered the full time Bruins pbp role, but turned it down because of his EEI show. So Edwards took the full time pbp gig. Dale did not take the studio host role until after he had been let go from the regular EEI spot.

I could be wrong though.
This is true. He lost the Bruins play by play gig in 2007. He got bumped to weekends/fill in at EEI in 2011. He went back to NESN as the pre/post game host for the 2011-2012 season.
 

Van Everyman

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2009
26,993
Newton
The Callahan proud boys are out for blood on Twitter for @Chad Finn -- is this because he had the gall to write that (somewhat) flattering Felger piece a few years ago? What the hell is the backstory here?
 

Mystic Merlin

Member
SoSH Member
Sep 21, 2007
46,769
Hartford, CT
Simplest answer is they’re angry, resentful people who identify with Callahan’s own anger and resentment, related entitlement he feels to say whatever he wants about whoever he wants without any repercussions, and his strange but fairly typical persecution complex. And Chad, a guy with one of the bigger platforms who reports on Boston sports media doings, hasn’t issued either a scathing rebuke to Entercom and/or fawning tribute to Callahan. I think it’s more opportunism than anything; some of the Callahan sympathizers want to attack SOMEONE for what has happened, and a noted reporter who hasn’t shown he is ‘Team Callahan’ is as good a target as any to bombard with their frustration.

As far as I can tell, Chad has been characteristically measured on Callahan.
 

allstonite

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 27, 2010
2,472
Yeah if you've followed Chad for the past 5 years you see how much shit he gets from the WEEI troll army. Every time he would report the ratings and their binkys weren't in first they'd come out of the woodwork to call him a Sports Hub shill and writer for that Liberal rag. It's so bizarre because he would just report the objective facts of the numbers and ended up with all this blow back that he sometimes engages with. He's become their boogeyman for some reason. Of course we're in a post-fact world so it's not like it mattered that he was right and just doing his job reporting the numbers.
 

CantKeepmedown

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
2,581
Portland, ME
Some/most of it stems from the Felger article a few years back, which K&C mocked for weeks. But a lot of also has to do with Chad not getting a comment/story from his co-worker, Shirley Leung, about everything. If you believe the Callahan army, she was all in with Bob Murchinson to take them (K&C) out. I know Chad said something along the lines of it not being as easy it looks, or something like that. But that's certainly not enough for the trolls.
 

Patriot_Reign

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 21, 2011
1,150
I wish Chad would address the Leung stuff. A reporter/ columnist reaching out to the station's advertisers to disparage the station doesn't seem ethical. The job is to report the story, not be a part of it.
 

BJBSJ

New Member
Feb 17, 2019
39
Hill pulls the same ratings that Callahan got fired for but he’s viewed as safe. Go into the tweets of Hill and Spaz, it’s littered with homo this and fag that. Murchison may be back for seconds.

It’s completely dishonest for Leung to ignore that the WEEI morning show got gutted, and then smugly opine that Callahan was jettisoned because of ratings when they gave him the likes of Alex Reimer, Mutt, and online stalker Marc James to work with. And Finn quickly goose stepped to fall in line, as he always does.

The Red Sox and a media company attacked a competing media company, and then hid behind ratings and waning interest quotes when called on it. At least have the guts to take responsibility for it. Then you could at least respect the grudge.
 

Bowhemian

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 10, 2015
5,701
Bow, NH
Hill pulls the same ratings that Callahan got fired for but he’s viewed as safe. Go into the tweets of Hill and Spaz, it’s littered with homo this and fag that. Murchison may be back for seconds.
Um, first of all, Spaz hasn't been an employee there for several years. I think it is possible that he has tweeted homophobic things, but he is no longer employed by Entercomm. So that point is moot. With that said, he is a complete tool.
Secondly, I highly doubt that Greg Hill has ever tweeted something homophobic. He may be a pure-bred right winger, but he has never come across, to me anyway, as being a homophobe. Perhaps some of the commenters to his tweets have done such a thing.
 

doc

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
4,476
25 posts all in the media sub forum, obviously doesn't like Chad, who is this dude?
 

doc

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
4,476
Thanks, it was a rhetorical question, but my god that website is worse than his posts
 

Humphrey

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 3, 2010
3,163
Being from Framingham and now living in close proximity; if Mike The Can Man's voice gets on WEEI, the station's dead to me.