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| Alisa's tweet that prompted this block was "THIS RT @eliztesch @ralphgarman @kevinandbean #BringBackLisaMay" |
Frankly, I don't understand why the station is letting a bad situation get worse with every passing hour.
When the announcement was made on Friday that two of the show's veterans would no longer be part of the show, people immediately took to social media calling for a boycott until Doc and Lisa were asked back. Sadly, Garman's on-air response to this was "go ahead, leave." Those words were delivered not in a matter of fact way, but with anger as though fans were ungrateful, spoiled little children having a temper tantrum. Not only did Garman's words sting for many fans, but they alienated them even more.
The thing is, fans would have revolted if any of the show's personalities had so unceremoniously been let go. If listeners had received that same news about Ralph, there would have been an uproar. Because, it wasn't just about loving Lisa May, it was about loving the morning show family that so many fans have spent 10, 15, 20 or more years with.
It was about inside jokes (butthole week, anyone?) that go back 12 years. It was about routine, familiarity, and an on-air family that fans started each and every weekday with as they got ready for work in the morning or were stuck in traffic. A family who laughs at Kevin's "this is not how you run a life" goofiness, jokes about Bean's love of IHOP and his New Music Tuesday routine, cried as Ralph lost his son and marvel at his ability to do amazing impressions and hysterical bits, smiles when hearing Lisa's laugh and appreciates the sweetness, kindness, and balance she brought to the team, and looked forward to the biased and sarcastic news updates from Doc on the Roq that you can't get from any other news guy out there.
Regardless of whether fans had ever met them in person, these people were extended family to so many loyal listeners. Family that many folks stayed connected with long after they left LA, thanks to the wonderful invention of podcasts.
Despite six days of fans posting to Facebook, not one official reply has been given to any comment or post from an unhappy listener. Despite six days of tweets to the show's Twitter account and those of the other morning show members, fans still feel as though they're being ignored.
Countless listeners have posted to social media to say they're done with the show and will not listen anymore. However, the saddest part is that the morning team is just seeming to accept this. They're not fighting to keep their fans.
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| Tweet sent to Kevin after this listener was blocked by Ralph. |
Unfortunately, that acceptance is only coming off as indifference. Indifference to the fans who have been with them through so much, the fans who wear their t-shirts, the fans who have their bumpers stickers on their cars and fridges, the fans who have bought every single one of their Christmas albums, and the fans who would slather their meals with Kevin & Bean Gravy if only the FDA would let them.
This problem, at its core, isn't that there was change. It is how that change occurred. Aside from three major bombs dropping all at once, which was horrible planning on someone's part, this problem is about the station not being upfront. Had they just said, "hey, we feel like it's time to start doing something different with the show so Doc and Lisa's last day will be in two weeks and we'll be bringing in Allie, who you guys know, to start doing more bits with Ralph, coming up with contests, and other cool stuff to make the show more fun," fans may not have been happy, but it would have been honest. Lisa and Doc could have gotten a proper send-off and listeners would have had the chance to transition to the new show without all the hard feelings.
For the record, I love Kevin and Bean. I always have. (And, yes, I've had a crush on Bean that whole time. Do not judge me.) I've listened for 24 years and stuck with them through the changes, but those changes were different; not like this. And, at this point, I fear the damage is irreversible.
I hope the guys can come back from this, I truly do. Please, give your fans a reason to believe in you again.
Signed,
A Loyal Fan and Longtime Listener
(Ralph, you can block me now.)
* UPDATE: It has come to my attention that Ralph's rant about upset listeners on Friday was edited out of the podcast. Click HERE to access the K&B archive which has the complete show.
This!!!! Beautifully said. After I tweeted about how could Kevin, Bean & Ralph let Lisa go without a fight, BAM! Ralph blocked me. He's acting like he's 2 years old. So disappointing. Ralph was my favorite part of the show and I just can't listen to them anymore. They don't deserve to have Lisa. I hope she finds a radio home somewhere that is up to her high standard.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting, Lil. It really is a shame. Had the team just handled this differently, it wouldn't have turned into the rage-filled mess it is now. :-(
ReplyDeleteGreat illustration of the devotion from the fan base.
ReplyDeleteIt's impossible for me to remember all the different people that have come and gone. But the one thing about Lisa is she's been there (almost) since the beginning. So it's understandable why so many fans feel disheartened by how this transition shook out. Ditto to what you said, if Kevin or Bean or Ralph were gone, without notice, there would be a similar outcry.
With that said, it's not easy to see another person on the show act so nonchalant about her departure. She's not just another person who was on the show. She's been there 20 or more years and was fired without the ability to say goodbye on her terms. Hopefully, we will get to hear her on another station someday, soon.
I never thought this would happen at this station with my favorite morning crew. So sad to see it happen that way.
Phil Barbaro I
ReplyDeleteknow. this will be the end of this show. I've taken them off my presets
on my car stereo and at home. I only listened to the first 20 minutes
on monday. that was enough. I've been a listener for 20 years. I put up
with crappy music played over and over,
inane commercials, and unlistenable beermug interviews(I always change
the station when he comes on). this move was the last straw. Ralph has
turned into a giant d-bag through all of this. It's as though kevin and
bean don't care what happens to their show or about the long time
listeners. angry ralph needs to go I think.
Yeah, she's been there 24 of their 25 years.
ReplyDeleteSomewhere else someone brought up Rockin' Fig. I had forgotten about him and those surf reports in that classic surfer voice. And way back to Producer Frank. Yes, lots of people have gone, but there was always an acceptable reason.
This time, sadly, this reason was not acceptable and as much as I've tried to not make this about Allie, she really is not resonating with most longtime fans in the least.
and he can take allie with him. let them start their own show.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your comment, Phil. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWhat you've said is what so many others have said. And that in and of itself should be weighing heavily on the station's decision makers (you'd THINK it would, right???). It's amazing that so many people feel the exact same way. We've always stuck with them, but this time, this time they just really botched it.
I hear ya. I'd vote for Allie to have her own show on another station. She might be some people's cup of tea, but she isn't cutting with the current morning show audience.
ReplyDeletetrue. it really sucks to watch this show that I used to love go down in flames like this. nothing they did makes sense. even bean for his annoying habits were funny, especially when it pissed off everyone else...and I have to give Bean some credit, last year my dad had a kidney transplant surgery and he came across the story about Bean donating his for Scott Mason. Reading how that turned out made my dad feel a lot better about his surgery. He went in feeling good and is coming up on a year in April since the surgery and couldn't be doing better. But it sucks now that the people I listened to for the past 20 years up and bailed on the long time fans and seem to not care about what is happening. So I've moved on.
ReplyDeleteyep, I don't think there is any coming back from this move. They've let it go for too long without an explanation. They will find that eventually people will stop bitching, which means they aren't listening anymore. The ratings will slide and cbs will pull the plug and no one will care that they are gone. And all of this just to get a friend of ralphs on the show.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a great story about your dad. And a very fitting illustration of how these radio people have been part of our lives. It now feels like a lopsided relationship where one person loves the other person more. We loved them more than they loved us, at least that's how they've made the longtime fans feel. And THAT is the problem.
ReplyDeleteA terrible way to approach their Hall of Fame induction. Everyone is sour and bitter now. Whereas we would have been throwing them a parade before this whole mess went down.
ReplyDeleteAgree, anyone brought in would be getting as much heat. So she really shouldn't take it personal. Doing that repeatedly seems to play victim card.
ReplyDeleteYeah so many people over the years but yes, she's been there a long time. I think Lisa has a special connection with the fans for numerous reasons. She's down to earth, friendly and generally seems like a nice person (just to name a few). I don't think I've ever heard her say anything really crude on the show. So any minimizing of her importance by anyone really seems uncalled for (that includes the 'get over it attitude' someone was copping on Friday).
I've seen so many tweets directed to Lisa from people who said they met her at KROQ events and how kind she was to them. That's the family part of this. She was not just the traffic gal, she was an important part of our morning show.
ReplyDeleteWell, it was understandable when Tad left, and other "regulars" moved on to bigger and better things. Psycho Mike on dancing with the stars, loveline. In fact, many former regulars still make guest appearances on a semi-regular basis.
ReplyDeleteWhy are Lisa May and Doc any different? They were both beloved--why not handle this with dignity and grace? Have Lisa say bye and then she could come back with Donna to help raise funds for back to school or for Boner's therapy dog charity.
My guess is Kevin and Bean are not long for the KROQ world. They MIGHT have been let go earlier had it not been for their induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.
Maybe I will write Bean? I had been holding off since I like to think better of him. But he has always replied to me in the past, using many of my letters on the air. Simply because like the Post Office and IHop Bean has an ungodly fondness for my weird name, Millicent. He adores anyone named Millicent LOL Bean has definitely been "carrying" the show since Lisa and Doc departed. He's struggling.
ReplyDeleteyep, now it will be like the members of Kiss getting together. that's what the pisser about all of this. They HAD a great show!! yeah some things could've been tweaked but to just absolutely self-destruct like this just boggles my mind.
ReplyDeleteHe tweeted that he read this post. He's definitely engaging with listeners more than anyone. I know a few people have emailed him and heard back. It's gotta be a lot of stress to deal with this much backlash.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I suspect, if handled well, Lisa would have loved to come back for guest spots.
ReplyDeleteI'm bummed they've messed this all up before the Hall of Fame thing. Just taints their legacy. They've been such a great show with so many fans, but they're just screwing this up royally and it's getting worse each day. I so want them to fix this.
exactly. and I have a nice Lisa story for you. several years back I started emailing her from time to time about stuff on the show. She did a review of a Stephen King book on writing. I read it and told her how much I enjoyed it and how I found it useful. I told her I was writing a short story and she offered to read it and give me feedback on it. and now whenever I have something ready she's more than happy to read it. Plus every year she has a friend that puts on a small comedy show to raise money for a women's shelter downtown and I've been invited for the last 5 years. I've gotten to know her a little, nicest person I've ever met.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great story! She's someone special, indeed!
ReplyDeleteI have been one of the more vocal on the show's Facebook page. To me, the move, and as you wrote, the way it was handled is bewildering.
ReplyDeleteRalph's strident position on the subject is cancerous.
I think the listeners are justifiably hurt at the callous change. To try and 'soften' the news with "change is never easy" misses the mark. It's not like Lisa was in a horrible car accident and is unable to return. Doc didn't die! When Jimmy, Adam, Tad, Lightening, Pshyco Mike departed, it was always to greener pastures - not as some sort of strategic nonsense under the guise of improving the show. Last I check the K&B show still dominate their demographic and time slot (despite the abysmal signal strength).
It was a heartless maneuver made worse by Ralph's arrogance towards the fans.
This echoes what I believe every loyal K&B listener is feeling.
ReplyDeleteI actually tried to listen today, even after swearing them off for good. I've told you before that I absolutely adore Kevin and Bean (mostly Bean because I'm a WEIRDO too!) but it wasn't the same. I felt a divide between me and my invisible morning BFFs that kind of made me wince. Knowing what I think I know about the situation made me so uncomfortable and I couldn't enjoy it. Then, I heard Allie's voice. Nope. Big nope. She belongs on KIIS FM, not KROQ. It's a bad fit, Kroq has screwed the pooch and I'm truly saddened by it all. Lisa May and Doc do not deserve this treatment. It's shameful.
Plus, there is a history of Jimmy, Adam, Lightening, Psycho Mike returning as occasional guests and friends of the show. For some reason Doc and Lisa are BANISHED--Why?
ReplyDeleteI listened too, and it was tense. I had to shut it off.
ReplyDeleteI did too. Lasted maybe 5 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI find it amazing that we all feel this way! There HAS to be something to that. Why won't KROQ listen???? This new change is not working. You're right, it's like KIIS. Someone else likened her to Kathy Griffin, which I thought was spot on. I hate Kathy Griffin.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the change card doesn't work here. We've endured change before and listeners have NEVER rioted like this. This is different.
ReplyDeleteAnd I checked. Lisa is NOT in the basement!
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list of people that Rsph blocked on Twitter because of a benign comment of support for Lisa.
ReplyDeleteKevin B
There are so many people like you, Kevin! I keep seeing tweet after tweet after tweet of people being blocked. And they're not attacking anyone or abusive. They're just pro-Lisa tweets that are getting people banned.
ReplyDeleteEven if you don't agree, ignore people, but blocking fans is an aggressive act that is alienating people and making this mess even worse!
I'm sorry you were blocked. None of you have deserved it.
Great open letter. I definitely would have felt the same had it been any of the others. I listened to the podcast and don't remember Ralph's comments, but I may have still been in shock. Management really bungled this. I don't know about Doc, but I'm pretty sure Lisa wouldn't have given an "I quit this bitch!" moment had they been allowed a farewell show.
ReplyDeleteIt is odd that Lisa followed everyone on the show on twitter except Ralph. And I'm pretty sure she hadn't changed her account since the firing, so it's been that way for a while.
Thanks for reading, David! I've been told they didn't put Ralph's rant about fans boycotting into the podcast. Someone over there at least realized that wasn't smart to include.
ReplyDeleteAs for Doc, ha ha, I think you're right. I can see him going out with a bang. ;-)
Haven't hard the courage to listen since the bomb dropped Friday. So I can't really truthfully state an opinion on how she sounds on the show. But it always seemed like she was pretty full of herself on KTLA. She does have the drawn out type of speaking that Kathy G employs.
ReplyDeleteI did notice that she tweeted Jimmy Kimmel to have her on his show to read mean tweets. Like anyone outside of LA has any flipping idea who she is. 3 days in and she's trying to parlay her new job to a spot on national TV.
Yeah, nice work KROQ.
Really? I only heard the podcast. Might have to hit the archive site to hear it
ReplyDeleteFunny, I'm learning that lots of people didn't hear that since they're podcast listeners. It was smart of them to omit it, but those listeners didn't get the whole story.
ReplyDeleteAlso strange, the lack of media coverage. I can google my mother in law and get more results than "Lisa May Fired"
ReplyDeleteI've seen a few sites announce Allie's appointment, but yeah, the Lisa May/Doc thing isn't really out there except in social media. Good observation. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteK&B are BIG news in Los Angeles and their impact is far-reaching thru pod casts and the fact that they have been a spring board for celebrities like Jimmy Kimmel, not to mention TMZ and the Hall of Fame award.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised not to see coverage in LA Weekly and LA Times, among other sources. Aside from your open letter there are only two other "kind of" articles about what happened.
Oh, you're right. Now that you point it out, that is strange.
ReplyDeletePart of me feels so silly for caring so much. Punishment for being too loyal! Ultimately they chose the casual masses/new listeners over the core die hards and here I am stressing out about a show that I loved so deeply (didn't find out how deeply until these past few days) when I know they could care less about my one little pair of ears :(
ReplyDeleteI've become one of the many...Blocked By Ralph. i always had this illusion that Ralph was tough and crusty on the outside and gooey on the inside. HOO BOY has he shattered that. I'm just super sad for Bean mostly, Kevin too. I'm sad the show has treated Lisa and their most loyal fans so badly.
ReplyDeleteSadly, that IS how it's making the longtime listeners feel, huh? And we all seem surprised to learn how much we cared, really cared, about these people and this show. Thanks for sharing that comment, Jocelin. I think it's an important one.
ReplyDeleteI know. They have worked so hard to build this show and within moments it has crumbled. Who knows how much of the decision making was theirs, but they have to be feeling the powerful backlash at this point. :-(
ReplyDeleteI want them to start off tomorrow's show with an apology and a pledge to fix this. I know that won't happen, but I want that so badly.
Sometimes you do not recognize the key players until it is too late--
ReplyDeleteHere is the letter I just sent to Kevin and Bean:
ReplyDeleteDear Kevin and Bean,
I hate that I have to write this letter to you but the recent changes and the response to those changes in your show have made it necessary. First, let me say that I am happy to be one of your fans since the day you took over for Poorman. I used to tape episodes of the New Detective of the radio. I still have cassettes of your Christmas albums at my parents home in Arcadia (I have lived in Tokyo for many years now. Thank god for podcasts). I used to love the sports news with an attitude from your sports guy (what ever happened to him anyway?). I'm sure you have heard similar accounts this week.
Simply put, the way in which Lisa was dropped from the show, the amount of silence surrounding it and the rumors flying around have been extremely disheartening. You guys have been like a family to me in a strange way. Even when living in far away Tokyo, I could count on your show to bring me back to LA in a way and keep me entertained. The show has been a constant for me in a world where so few things can be counted on.
And let me just say that I am not completely against change. Although I really disagree with the dropping of Lisa (you and I both know she was a HELL of a lot more than a traffic reporter to the show) the way in which this change was made with its lack of transparency, suddenness and lack of any kind of closure is unacceptable. Now, with the lack of details surrounding this change and the sudden inclusion of Ally (without any formal introduction on the podcast) rumors and innuendo have taken over the KROQ facebook page and beyond. Ralph is being made into a villian and as much as I don't want to believe rumors on the Internet it has clouded my image of Ralph and my enjoyment of the show.
Some people on the Internet, of course, can be nasty no matter how you go about changes but it is clear that the handling of this has made things much worse, damaging how many think of your show and the character of your cast. From what I could hear from listening to the last few podcasts (it has been hard to get through them) the silence on this issue is deafening and I think what your very loyal fans are asking for is not out of the question. All we want is the truth and some transparency.
I have always believed through the years that underneath all those drunken slurs, strange quirks, and poorly executed comedy bits that you guys are decent, good guys. That belief and enjoyment of your show made me seek out the podcast after moving to Japan, making sure my day doesn't go by without listening to your show. This whole experience has clouded that and prevented me from enjoying your show. Please resolve this with the openness and sincerity that your fans are craving. Even if you can't hire Lisa, have her come on the show for a send-off deserving of her service and a top ten moments with Lisa. Give us the closure that we need so we can get back to enjoying your show.
Thank you for all the laughs through the years,
Shawn
I listened to it on the archive link. It's #13 the second show biz beat for those who are wondering. The always include the first and third showbiz beat on the podcast, so I'm not surprised that it was excluded, but I'm sure they breathed a little relief.
ReplyDeleteI found Ralph's actual remarks rather calm, for him at least, but preceding it with the imitation of a pissed off fan was callous. It doesn't really imply guilt in my view--I think I would need to hear absolute proof--but he sure didn't seem sad. Grant it, they had lived with the news for a few days at that point, but Bean seems affected. When I listened to the podcast I figured it was just each guy handling it in his own way, trying to "keep it together" on air.
I don't begrudge Ralph for blocking people, as he has been quite vocal about blocking Bean for years. I'm guessing he feels he's being blamed and doesn't want to hear it constantly.
I don't think we'll ever know what really happened. It's sad, and I'm not sure if I'll keep listening after this week. I'm giving it a week, but it feels awkward when I listen. I want them to address it on air, but I'm pretty sure they're forbidden. I figure K&B are contract bound, so they couldn't quit in protest without suffering a huge legal battle. It's just sad.
Well, sigh... the segment this morning. The presumed mea culpa.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult for me to believe they're sincere. Ralph is damaged goods on the show now. He alienated so many fans with his offensive attitude. He's not a good enough actor to repair that damage, even with a softer touch today. We all know that Ralph, at the core of his person, didn't give a shit about Lisa's departure. He made that clear last week. So the whole dog and pony show this morning smacks of retroactive back-fill.
I still have love for the show, but it has been forever changed. Ralph is a funny man, but cruel and heartless. As such, he is now WAY less funny to me. In fact, he's not funny. He's a jerk.
After hearing the new woman say "How dare you?" four times in two minutes the other day I just left. I can't listen to the show the same anymore. There have been times when Ralph was gone and could be filled in. Even Kevin or Bean could be gone and replaced for a bit. But for some reason Lisa May's absences were more difficult to listen to. Not listening has made me discover a new show that reminds me of how Kevin & Bean's show used to be.
ReplyDeleteWhat a FRICKIN BRILLIANT letter! AND!! a fantastic idea to do a top ten moments with Lisa!!! WITH Lisa...there...in the studio. She's the only one, right now, who will bring me back to the K&B show.
ReplyDeleteI was introduced to K&B by my ex-husband in 2000 and have never stopped listening. But all this mess is so upsetting. I have never been one to be part of an uproar, but as you stated, "it is how the change occurred" and how they have handled it thus far. Lisa May was the sweetest and such a natural balance to the testosterone on the show. I have never liked how Ralph has always come off as a dick and is a huge bully (i also got blocked and don't mind at all). I am glad Bean is responding to some fans. He has always been my favorite. #bringbacklisamay oh yeah and #firebeermug
ReplyDeletePetition: http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/keep-lisa-may-on-the-air
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. The discussion this morning that had Ralph "apologizing" for blocking people had him blaming vitriol and threats. That was nonsense. He blocked anyone who showed any kind of support for Lisa. He's shown himself to be a petulant child and I for one would just a soon see him go.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this exists because it perfectly sums up my feelings.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea how much Lisa not being there affected the show. I miss her!
I wasn't listening this morning, but I think all of us forced them to finally talk about it since we wouldn't shut up. I'll be waiting for it to go up on the archive so I can listen to it unedited (you can't trust the podcasts to be accurate anymore).
ReplyDeleteI've seen the tweets people were blocked for and, you're right, they were benign. He was acting ridiculous with all this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your letter with us, Shawn! At this point, I can't imagine Lisa wanting to go back for any sort of tribute. Although if she did, I'm sure it be for the listeners.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding, right? How could they be so unaware?
ReplyDeleteLook at the show's dynamics-- look at who is missed the most. Ralph's gone all the time, no big deal, The same with Kevin-- but when Bean or Lisa are absent, there is a HUGE impact. The chemistry with Allie is completely "off"
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you got blocked. That is just ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're part of the uproar. Glad to have you! ;-)
It's like she got invited to the cool kids' table and is trying to get us all to like her.
ReplyDeleteBean seems to think we can't judge this early in the game, but I didn't like her when she filled in. Hearing more of someone i don't like won't make me miraculously like her. What's the new show?
I actually listened to it on File 15, not 13. Maybe you heard something different. As for the blocking, he was blocking people who weren't even saying anything bad. Sometimes it was just the #bringbacklisamay hashtag.
ReplyDeleteThey actually did finally address it today. I think this had reached a tipping point. They admitted it was their decision, so no reason to quit in protest.
I too listened this morning and felt the same way. I feel like they only did it because of the backlash they've encountered. Unfortunately for them with today's social media avenues it's hard to escape what people really want to say. I tried listening today again for the 1st time in a week and it was just Ok. I used to subscribe to the podcast but will definitely be cancelling that now
ReplyDeletePoor move KROQ #bringbacklisa
This morning they said it WAS their decision and that they had many meetings about it before bringing it up to Ralph who then agreed. They said they wanted a new direction but never planned for it to go down the way it has. I don't know how much of that is true but that's what they said on-air today
ReplyDeleteThanks for the posts, Amber.
ReplyDeleteThe violence in the dismissal of LisaMay is heartbreaking. And justifying it with "traffic doesn't sell anymore" is infuriating. We didn't lose the traffic reporter, we lost an important member of the show.
I won't blame Kevin&Bean (or Ralph) for their reactions. It is a difficult situation for everyone.
When you listen to a radio show every morning for 5, 10, 20 years, it becomes personal, and it feels like a betrayal.
Yes we know things have to change eventually, but this change hurts a lot. And bringing AllyMcKay right away (although she is good and will succeed) makes it worse. Just let me grieve for a minute ok.
Good luck to sweet Lisa May.
The show lost it's 'family' feel with this debacle. Maybe the guys are sincere in regretting how it was handled, but they clearly don't regret the decision itself. The show went from sounding like a funny bunch of friends each of us could identify with in our own way, to a business - a comedy troupe borne of producers and executives.
ReplyDeleteThe show lost it's innocence. It's changed forever.
That's a good analysis. Yeah, now that you put it that way, I think you're right.
ReplyDeleteOk, I've tried to stay away from this issue for most of the day. Maybe a bit more time away has given me a bit more clarity on the topic.
ReplyDeleteI didn't listen to the show today, so I didn't hear the apology or clarification, but the staff change is just the culmination of the recent changes on the show.
Maybe it's my imagination, but there seems to be far more UFC and call in topics this year. I also thought I heard a phrase that pays like contest recently. All of these changes are geared toward a younger audience. Add in hiring a younger person, it doesn't take a genius to figure out what they are doing...chasing a younger demo.
This talk of "adding new features" and allowing more time for the show in place of news and traffic is bs. They're just allowing more room for commercials. If someone were interested enough, add up the length of each days content on the archive site. I bet the shows are no longer this week than last week.
So at the end of the day, it was purely a business decision. I'm in the 40+ demo that they could less about. I bet most people upset by the change could say the same.
It is a real shame that KROQ is no different from the other stations. I always viewed them as an underdog due to their history, poor signal and their adherence to a diminishing format. Nothing could be further from the truth. For every 2 people my age they lose, they might gain one in the 18-25 crowd. I bet they'd have no problem with that math.
We all knew it would go away someday soon. For us long time fans, it has
It's interesting to me that the thrust of this decision seems to be a desire to 'manufacture' more comedy (with bits, voices and skits).
ReplyDeleteBut the funniest stuff they ever did was when they interacted with each other on a personal level. There are few things funnier than Ralph when he's angry at Bean. The true comedy was borne of their personal relationships and ball-busting.
Manufactured comedy is unlikely to be as funny. The funniest parts of Carol Burnett was watching Tim Conway interact with Harvey Korman (regardless of the backdrop-skit).
I actually most like the call in topics (especially when it surrounds the cast themselves - something they've said, done, bought). The interaction with their listeners (and not just calling for concert tickets) was their bread and butter if you ask me. It gave them the best opportunity to improvise and rif on callers.
ReplyDeleteThe whole mess has just gone totally corporate now. They're going to manufacture comedy the way the music industry manufactures pop stars.
And you're right, the older demographic (I'm 49 and have been listening for 23 years) wont tolerate it very well (just like we all hate that infernal banjo strumming crap music they have in rotation. We all want more Nirvana, Offspring, Weezer, Beck and Depeche Mode.
I'd agree, always laughed when someone screwed up, pushed the wrong button, etc. The aborted show openers last year were great. Sort of like KROQ going back to it's low budget roots
ReplyDeleteNailed it with that last sentence.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been far far better if they would have gotten their award, retired and then everyone moved on. A whole new show would then come in. But this episode will always be a black mark on their career.
I listened to the podcast of their explanation and just don't really buy it. If they wanted to go in a new direction they would have actually fired beermug for starters. His interviews are painful and not good radio. If they want time for more segments then how about doing more live radio and not replay taped segments from earlier in the day or day before. If I listened to the first hour or so of the show I could guess what segments I'd hear later in the show after 9am. I still don't believe ralph was totally blameless. Plus his response on Friday was such a d-bag move, just turned me off. we don't need his entertainment reports either. Lisa was a nice balance on the show, I don't think they get that. allie is just another dude on there. they are all into sports, their humor is played out at this point. my interest in the show had been waning. I would have moved on without a second thought but because I got to know Lisa a little it really bothered me. I felt horrible for her because she spent so much time on the show just to be tossed aside like that was not cool. Anyway, I've about had enough of this whole mess. It all stinks of desperation. I'm hoppin' in the life boat and not looking back.
ReplyDeleteMarketing 101: throw a going-way party for Lisa May, celebrating her 24 years on the air with a retrospective, get her on Jimmy Kimmell, Good Morning America, Loveline, campaign for a star on the walk of fame, do a tie-in with the Hall of Fame radio award for K&B. Ask FANS to post highlights Get national coverage. Pressure Total Traffic to release her from her non-compete contract. With Lisa's blessing, they could have had a campaign to find Lisa a new job or asked listeners to vote on what she should do next. She could have sat in with Cat one day and then Stryker another. They could have done a reality show of Lisa auditioning for other radio stations. There were so many possibilities besides what happened.
ReplyDeleteThey were totally INsincere. Their "explanation" actually made things worse, to my mind. I listened to all three segments (two talking heads, one "listener call-in" segment which was 100% pre-scripted), and came away angrier and more alienated than ever. It's like they have no clue how off-putting Ralph comes off. He sounds arrogant and defiant, and at this point, I have no desire to listen to any show Ralph is on. Kevin's not much better. There was definitely an attitude of "it's our show, eff you if you don't like it." And their "reasoning" was utter B.S. I feel sorry for Bean who is stuck working with these d-bags. No wonder he moved out of state. It's only a matter of time until they announce The Kevin and Ralph Show. This is the beginning of the end. And I'm already gone.
ReplyDeleteBecause Lisa was let go. The other people left of their own accord.
ReplyDeleteI listened for an hour this morning and decided to take action: I sent letters to K&B's advertisers. Maybe I am only one person, but if I were spending ad money as a family-owned business, I would not want to be associated with a show that showed such a lack of loyalty to its long-time co-hosts.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.galpinhonda.com/contact <-- Galpin
http://www.alexanderbmw.com/contact-form.htm <--Alexander
http://oreillyauto.custhelp.com/app/ask <--- Oreily Auto Parts
You're full of idea, Millicent! You should be in their marketing department!
ReplyDeleteI think the hardest part is I don't think of K&B in the same way anymore, or Ralph. I've always loved them; now I don't like them nearly as much as people anymore.
ReplyDeleteI heard that Phrase That Pays thing. I was stunned.
ReplyDeleteAllie actually is in her 40s, so comparable in age to Lisa. And, ironically, it's older listeners who can buy the expensive cars that they advertise. No 22 year old is buying a Mercedes!
TTYTT, right now I'd rather just hear Lisa with Allie, just get rid of the guys, award or no award - and here's why. They lost me with a) how it was handled. They discussed everything w/o Lisa at ALL yet Ralph was included wrt to 'shaking things up'.. b) really bad backpedaling. Massive backpedaling. Then (did any1 catch this) -- saying 'hey look. Allie's not that young *or* that hot!' First it goes from modern technology and budget cuts and longer K&B segments to freshening things up and bringing in someone with different skills. Both L and A are talented with loyal followings, they both worked hard to build standout careers in the field of entertainment.
ReplyDeleteLisa has the love + support of so many people, I look forward to her next move wherever that will be. Not gonna cr*p on Allie, though.. it's the guys who handled it all wrong. Or Traffic management or the station, whoever. gaa..
Yep, me neither. After reaching stage 4 or 5 of grief, I've moved on. Hard to break a 20+ year habit, though. I always downloaded Thursday's and Friday's podcasts for my long training runs on Sunday. So, today for the first time since '08, no K&b to push me along. Tried the "Woody" podcast, but was out after the "guess the gas" segment. Oh well, it's a big world in the realm of podcasts, something will turn up.
ReplyDeleteAgain, thanks for the site and giving us a forum to vent and express our loss.
I didn't enjoy Allie when she filled in for Ralph, so more of her wasn't what I was looking for in the mornings. But, yeah, agree with everything else. A real lack of good judgment all around.
ReplyDeleteI tried the Woody podcast and didn't like it at all. Yeah, hard habit to break for sure! Thanks for all the good discussions, Rob.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was offended by them saying small percentage, too. I is/was SO NOT a small percentage. It was an overwhelming percentage!
ReplyDeleteI know Amber, I have that same problem. I was talking to a friend about this today and we agreed that it seems like they are just phoning it in now. they never really explained why they did it. their reason is an excuse and it's a lame one. I laughed when they said people don't tune in for news and traffic. turns out a lot of people do. I have no respect for these guys anymore, especially ralph.
ReplyDeleteRalph said he didn't have a "special relationship" with Allie. I beg to differ. They were definately close friend is all I'm saying. This was taken and posted 3 months ago by Ms. Allie MacKay: http://yooying.com/p/854369940255396681_30598187
ReplyDeleteI am not an Allie fan, but K&B did her NO favors either.They set her up for failure, then, blamed Lisa-loyal listeners for not giving Allie a chance.
ReplyDeleteK&B threw Lisa under the bus then threw Allie to the wolves.
What better way to ensure failure than to bring on a new co-host with no introduction or build up, RIGHT after firing a much-beloved 24 year K&B family member?
"It appears that Kevin and Bean don’t necessarily think too much of their listeners — or at least their listeners’ intelligence.. . .the entire world knows May was far more than traffic. She was indeed an integral part of the program. In fact, I would bet that most people didn’t realize she wasn’t in the studio with the boys. Of course, the boys themselves aren’t in the same studio either; Bean (Gene Baxter) moved to Seattle over a decade ago and broadcasts from his house (like Mark Thompson does on The Sound). May has been with the show almost since its inception back in 1990. She’s funny, intelligent and a perfect partner for Kevin and Bean." Article in the Whittier Daily News
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dailynews.com/arts-and-entertainment/20150304/another-controversial-exit-from-kroq-traffic-reporter-lisa-may
I read on the Boycott FB page that Ralph was making fun of the Boycotters yesterday. Anyone know which soundbite it was on?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kevinandbeanarchive.com/audio.php?dir=audio/-------March 04 Wednesday-------
On K&B's Facebook, the "Posts to Page" (left side) have been mostly about Lisa May, where as the K&B-generated content (right side) has little activity, in comparison to what it used to have. The tone is almost ,like, April Fools? Kevin Smith? Who cares. Where's Lisa May? Bring her back!
ReplyDeleteBoycott FB page??........could you please provide a link? Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThe reporter got the part about Lisa not being in the studio wrong. She's been in the same studio with Kevin for 12 years.
ReplyDeleteFour weeks after Lisa's departure, I thought I would point this out (and did not want to muck up Lisa May's nice interview with these comments)
ReplyDeleteOK. So let me get this straight: Big Tad was fired, then re-hired, then fired again. Came back a few times then Kimmell hired him. K&B dropped "sports" but Money still does guest spots. The Armenian Comedian called the POLICE about K&B and HE is still part of the K&B "family." But K&B decides to "it's just business" and we're "going in a different direction" so Lisa May is banished? FOREVER? Not that she would want to BUT, she can't guest host or fill in. She cannot return to pitch a book or the Vagina Monologues. She won't be at The Weenie Roast or get a QVC gift on air this Christmas.
Double standard? Bro-dudes are always family I guess.
Although you are right please keep in mind that Kevin, Bean and Ralph didn't make the choice to let Lisa and doc go, it was higher management and there's little they could do to stop them. The best thing they could do to help is not make a big deal out of it and make management upset.
ReplyDeleteSame here
ReplyDeleteI'm still sad about this whole thing. Every monring I turn on KROQ as I get into the car to drive to work. After about 10 minutes I end up changing stations because it's just too boring now for some reason. Same bits and everything, but without Lisa May it's just like they're trying too hard to be funny. Nothing against Allie, but the show doesn't do it for me any more. Unlike so many others, I haven't fell in love with another show, which is why I keep giving the K&B show a chance. I've tried listening to the Woody Show, Heidi & Frank and that guy on 100.3. But don't enjoy any of them. Any other suggestions?
ReplyDeleteI know your pain! I had to stop listening because I was just so mad at the guys, plus I don't care for Allie's personality. I tried listening to two other morning shows, and HATED them. I'm lost!
ReplyDeleteCan't really stand their show anymore. I never really liked Ralph, but Lisa always brought a certain balance to the show that's now missing. Allie says almost nothing unless spoken to, and its just a testosterone fest at this point.
ReplyDeleteAfter all this time I STILL do not understand why firing two long=time KB family members was a good marketing plan. I have not listened to the show for a couple months now, but my disgust for KB over-rides any potential humor. I cannot get past the back-stabbing.
ReplyDeleteIt was probably just reallocating money. Save on news and traffic. Probably could pay Allie less, too. Dumbest move ever.
ReplyDeleteSoooo,.......Lisa May is going to KLOS??........Anyone here try listening to that show yet?
ReplyDeleteSettle down dorks
ReplyDelete