First, a big thanks.
Thanks to everyone who came to this blog looking for something new, and finding nothing until now. I apologize, but as you can understand, it's been crazy-go-nuts for the last 24 hours or so.
Besides today's big news on the radio, my daughter is undergoing some rather involved oral surgery this afternoon at an area hospital. She's been in the O-R for six hours, and all is well, but as you can see, I've had to tend to the home fires before addressing what went on this morning. Add to that a son who has a solo in tonight's high school spring concert--he needs a cheering section, and I'm proud to provide it.
Time is at a premium, and I'd just like to say that the last hours have been the textbook definition of "mixed emotions": great joy at the honor of being given a chance to joint the legacy that is Newsradio 620 WTMJ, and sadness at the departures of two colleagues, Ken Hererra and my sidekick, Gino.
The way in which these two guys handled some really bad news is something to be admired--I don't know if I could do it as well as they did. I truly meant what I said on the air this morning about good things happening even after suffering such a setback. There were a million things I wanted to get in, but emotions made it hard to croak out even the basics during the final FM moments.
A new life awaits yours truly down the hall with an incredible ensemble--I'm humbled to be among them, and will do my best to deliver the proverbial goods. I'm TRULY stoked.
I'll be away the next few days, making milkshakes for a post-surgical daughter and trying to find out where they stash the stationery on the 'TMJ side of the building. Stay with me, folks, because the blog isn't going anywhere.
I just have to change three letters in the name.
Thanks to everyone who came to this blog looking for something new, and finding nothing until now. I apologize, but as you can understand, it's been crazy-go-nuts for the last 24 hours or so.
Besides today's big news on the radio, my daughter is undergoing some rather involved oral surgery this afternoon at an area hospital. She's been in the O-R for six hours, and all is well, but as you can see, I've had to tend to the home fires before addressing what went on this morning. Add to that a son who has a solo in tonight's high school spring concert--he needs a cheering section, and I'm proud to provide it.
Time is at a premium, and I'd just like to say that the last hours have been the textbook definition of "mixed emotions": great joy at the honor of being given a chance to joint the legacy that is Newsradio 620 WTMJ, and sadness at the departures of two colleagues, Ken Hererra and my sidekick, Gino.
The way in which these two guys handled some really bad news is something to be admired--I don't know if I could do it as well as they did. I truly meant what I said on the air this morning about good things happening even after suffering such a setback. There were a million things I wanted to get in, but emotions made it hard to croak out even the basics during the final FM moments.
A new life awaits yours truly down the hall with an incredible ensemble--I'm humbled to be among them, and will do my best to deliver the proverbial goods. I'm TRULY stoked.
I'll be away the next few days, making milkshakes for a post-surgical daughter and trying to find out where they stash the stationery on the 'TMJ side of the building. Stay with me, folks, because the blog isn't going anywhere.
I just have to change three letters in the name.
17 comments:
I am very glad to hear your sticking with the blog. Its such a great read, and I thank you for the time you take to do it :)
good luck!!!
How on the face of this earth can anybody want to listen to two transplants over Gene and Gino???
Gino was awesome and was never fully exploited for his talents!
How about a proper sendoff. That is pretty normal for people of this caliber.
Instead they just pull the plug.
Really Pathetic Journal Broadcast Group..............
Yeah! You are going to keep blogging. I love your blogs. Yeah! But, I'm still not going to listen to KTI. Your going to keep blogging! Yeah!!!
Best wishes Gene. I may just have to switch to the AM side of the dial (is it still a dial???) I left Journal Communications 4 1/2 years ago to take a job that has me away from home 4 or 5 days a week. I've enjoyed the link to the radio recently, as I felt I was still at home.
It won't be the same to not take you and Gino to other cities with me. (BTW, you've traveled to such exciting places as NYC, and some not so exciting ones like Battle Creek, MI and Marshall, MN - 3 hours from Civilization).
Someone asked for a link to Gino's blog. It's here:
http://ginosalomone.blogspot.com/
Gene, it sounds like you're really looking forward to your new position and I'm happy for you. I'm just devastated at the loss Milwaukee suffered this morning in you and Gino on KTI. I started listening to you when you joined Jim Rodeo on QFM. When you left there, I followed you a couple notches up the dial and there I've stayed for 25 years. Reitman was a tough loss for Milwaukee but we all had time to prepare ourselves for that. Many literally cried over that loss but hey, he's a legend and his retirement was understandable and well-deserved. This morning, on the other hand, was an absolute and utter shock!
I felt lost all day today and I dread tomorrow morning. By reading the responses to your blog posts, it seems I'm not alone and I'm sure there are MANY others who haven't come here to post who also feel this way.
Best wishes to you! I'll miss you very much! I don't tune into AM radio but I just may next Monday so I can hear your friendly and familiar voice!
God bless.
Gene,
Thanks for blogging. Many of your listeners such as myself feel cheated and betrayed. It is difficult to believe anything mgmt says. I do, however, appreciate Bob Walkers attempts to respond to each e-mail individually. FM radio with "personality" no longer exists in Milwaukee.
Thanks for the memories!
Lisa
Vernon
Best wishes Gene! I'm glad you will still be blogging because I look forward to your take on many things.
As far as the 'goodbye', I didn't hear it personally, but was called by my sister-in-law who was nearly in tears about it all. I had to agree. Change is ok, but this was a virtual upset...hope everyone is ok. :)
What will happen to Gino???
I am so glad that you are keeping up with your blog, and I look forward to reading more of them as time goes on.
I am so sad about what happened though. I will miss turning on KTI and hearing yours and Gino's voices. You guys had me laughing out loud every morning, to the point where I think people were looking at me strangely as I drove to work. =P
Good luck with your new show. I am sure I will hear you over there!
I have tried to figure out for a day and 1/2 why veteran personalities along with many veteran listeners were treated like this. I loved listening to you with Gino, and previously Amy and Bob. I will miss your wit but will catch it on TMJ, but what about Gino? And we can't even listen to your goodbyes if we didn't catch them. Hope your daughter heals quickly and your son was a hit last night. Thanks for the memories!
Pam
This is a very sad year; first Reitman retired. Then, the old faithfuls; i.e. Gene, Amy and Gino held things together. Then Amy left, Gene moved, and Gino was left out in the cold. What a cold business. I've listened to WKTI for for more than 25 years, but I'm done now. Can anyone tell me how I can send a message to Gino?
Thank you!
Kathy
I agree, thanks for the memories! I have been a loyal listener since the mid 80's and won't be tuning into KTI anymore. I'm switching to WTMJ 620 in the morning. You guys have always been such a pleasure to listen to. You help to get my day off to a happy start. It just won't be the same without your KTI team in the morning. It's hard to believe that KTI management can be so misguided.
Please let us know where to find Gino when he lands a new gig. He has so much to offer. I'm sure he will land on his feet.
Good luck to you. I will be listening.
Congratulations on your new opportunity, but I'll miss the show on WKTI. I can't begin to understand how the radio business works, though. Sometimes it can be really cold and heartless. You and Gino deserved a better send-off and we listeners deserved a chance to wish you both well.
I was away from the radio for a few days and was really surprised on my way to work this morning to hear new voices. After reading your blog and others comments, I'm glad I missed the good-byes. I can only stand to listen to WTMJ for sports -- too hard-core conservative for me. So good luck Gene! I've been listening since the start in 1982 and have identified with you always since we're about the same age. I'm switching to WKLH for my morning laughs.
Thank you for the many wonderful morning laughs I had when I listened to you, Bob, and Amy. I was shocked when I heard the new voices on your morning show. I've attempted to listen to them, but miss your humor, warmth, and personality. Keeping blogging so your listeners know where to find you.
I've tried listening to the new morning team too and there is just something missing. I listened to WKTI for years, you guys definitely brightened my mornings. I listened to WTMJ 620 the other morning and it was great to hear your voice! Take care and good luck!
Post a Comment