Funny when someone in the news business BECOMES news.
I can't speak to anything that you've read in the paper or on the web in the last 18 hours or so, but things will be made clear at around 7:35 or so this morning on KTI.
Thanks for everyone's interest.
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101 comments:
WHAAAAAT??
Did you guys have this whole thing planned out before Bob left?
A conspiracy?
A coup? Well, that would be some kind of 'backwards' coup, wouldn't it?
Whatever.
My whole life. You've been there my whole (radio-listening) life. Starting in the my Random Lake high school days.
What to do, what to do.
OK. Now I am talking myself down from the shock.
Best of luck to all of you!!
For reals, yo.
Please let me know what was announced. I can't listen to radio at work, so I've missed it. Am I loosing more of my favorite people in the morning??????
Please say no.
I came in the middle of the discussion of someone leaving...who's leaving? Geno? Gene? Why???? What is happening to KTI?
So I just heard that right????? Both Gene and Geno are leaving! What is going on!
Gene is going to mornings on WTMJ. Geno is gone. WKTI mornings might be filled by two DJs at different stations in the country.
WOW - they just left! This is horrible - are they trying to kill WKTI!!!!!!!!
I echo what Angela Marie said ... I have listened to you in the am for as long as I can remember. Ok, I do kind of remember Larry the Legend . . .
Getting used to Reitmann being gone, well, we did have a long time to get ready for that.
We had two weeks to be at peace with Amy leaving and as I posted (although now it's gone?) Jenna was a seemless replacement.
Now Geno's gone after today? ---Hey, wait, it's only 8 am and you're all gone--- I was hoping to follow my paisano on his journey of name-dropping life.
I know this is the radio biz . . . but it truly feels like someone in the family has passed on.
Good luck Gene. I will give you a listen on TMJ.
Keep up the blog!!!
Did Geno get walking papers? That's kind of the way they made it sound. At first I thought he was leaving on his own but then Gene said something about "not leaving they way one intends" (or something like that). It's really a bummer but I wish the best to you both! I wonder what the new radio show will be like... these guys will be a hard act to follow!
Sorry to hear the news this morning, A great show will be missed. Unfortunately for KTI I will no longer be a listener. Hopefully sponsors also recognize and take their business elsewhere. Good luck Geno, Gene, and Jena!!!
We are such creatures of habit - and the WKTI morning show has been my habit for more years then I care to admit. I was running late to work this morning, and am grateful that I was, or I would have missed the whole thing! I enjoyed starting each morning with you guys - you were like old friends keeping me company on the way to work - I'm in shock. Gene, I will continue to listen on TMJ - you are one of the funniest guys in Milwaukee. Geno you deserve better than the treatment you got, and Gene is right - you will go on to greatness, and then you can bite your thumb to them all! And as far as listing to KTI in the mornings - I guess it is time for a new station. You guys blew it this time!!!!!!
Lisa O.
I have to echo that I will no longer be listening to WKTI. I listened to them to catch up on their lives and laugh in the mornings...changes at TMJ have been crazy and unfortunate this year there.
I wish the both of them the best of luck
I have to say, I was sad to see Bob go, troubled to hear Amy was leaving. But now I'm crushed and heartbroken. This is the final straw. WKTI has let it's best people all leave, and seems to be some were forced to leave. These were true gems of Milwaukee, not just another "slick" radio team with a canned act that can be taken anywhere.
We'll never see these kind of people with true heart and soul again in the morning. I may even switch over to the AM show just to get a taste of a real hometown personalty. WKTI is loosing a huge part of their listeners by their poor decisions.
I wish Gene and Gino the best, I hope Gino ends up in a venue that truely displays his talents and that we will be able to still see him regularly. Good luck to Gene in his new venture. Whether it's sprots, news or everything in between, I love hearing your opinions and take on things.
Thank you for all your years!!!
I agree I will now not listed to 'KTI anymore
"ahhh the times they are a changing'
This is a sad day for morning radio in this city.
We will miss all of you and only wish the best.
Thank you for starting our days...with humor and insight
Ouch KTI! That hurts! I LOVED the chatter in the mornings (though they could have spent 2 less days a week talking about idol). Milwaukee is loosing it's only good morning mostly talk show! I'll miss you KTI!
Guess whatever the business decision was to finish out this way was a poor one. New folks in Corporate? Sounds like that to me. I was an avid listener for years, so were my kids. I'm sure many will reflect the sentiments of anonymous 6:05 AM. Everyone is loosing here, sponsors, charity fundraisers, local artists, most of all you're 7 loyal listeners. Best of luck to all and thank you for all the mornings you made me laugh on my drive into work. The next ones that should be walking are the chuckleheads that made this decision. Good-bye KTI it's been swell and thanks for the memories!!!!!!!!!!1
Good luck to you, Gene. You have brought smiles on my way to work for many years. The morning drive in will not be the same without you.
I agree I will now not listed to 'KTI anymore. Best of luck to Geno
I have to agree, no more KTI. What's the point?
I moved to Milwaukee in the mid 80's, moved to Minnesota for 3 years and came back to Milwaukee. I didn't miss a beat when I moved back. I will really miss the morning show. The laughs, the tears and the advice.
Gene and Gino, I wish you both the best and deserve it and have earned it.
I may have to go to AM radio.
After many years of listening, I will not be tuning in to WKTI any longer. Best of luck to Gene and Gino! You will be missed.
The shock has not worn off for me yet. I just drove in to work in a daze after the announcement this morning.
Silly me, up until you headed into the 7:30 news and the upcoming "event" started to take on a more ominous tone, I thought you were going to announce that Jenna was coming on as a regular. The the old one-two punch....
With the exception of the first 6 months or so, I have listened to you since the beginning of Reitman and Mueller (I was a Larry the Lege person, so it took me awhile to be convinced to try something new!).
I love you guys like you're my family. Waking up to your lighthearted banter was the highlight of my morning, and I will even admit that I actually would only take my shower during the newscast so I didn't miss a thing you were talking about.
This is too much to process right now. Losing Reitman and Amy was hard, but knowing that it's "officially" over is numbing.
Gene, I'll be following you over to 620. It's what I turn to after the gang signs off at 9am every day anyhow. It's going to be different, but hopefully I'll adjust.
Just like the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz, Gino, I am going to miss you most of all!!
Bad move KTI. You've lost this 25 year listener for good.
Best of luck to all of you. I love you guys!!
:(
I cannot belive this, no fanfare, no nothing, after all the YEARS they gave 'KTI! I have woken up listening to Reitman, then Reitman & Mueller, etc. longer than I have been waking up next to my husband.
I understand that sometimes change is good, however this could have been done with more dignity. I guess change is inevidable, like i'll be changing to another station. Maybe i'm not the "target" audience you want anymore so it won't make a difference, however I know a lot of people my age who listen, and I don't think there are enough younger listeners to take our places.
Good luck Geno, I think you have so much more to offer than 'KTI realizes. I have admired your life you seem to be a genuine, sincere human being, everyone could learn how to be a friend from you.
Gene, what can I say... I might have to switch to TMJ... I will miss your laugh the most but I don't think you'll be laughing too much on news radio. You were so much fun to listen to in the morning, I loved your stories, and I feel like your family grew up with us, I'll miss hearing about your daughter graduating from college and your boy starting his college years.
I feel like I need to take today off that there has been a death in my family. And you both probably feel you've been euologized! Good luck to you both, your presense will be greatly missed!
The reason I listened to WKTI was for the morning show, with Reitman, Amy, Gene, Geno and Jenna. You've lost a loyal listener. Best of luck to you Gene, Geno and Jenna. Foolish choice WKTI.
I take a week off to get married and I come home to this?? It's as if since Rietman left nobody else can stay according to the station. I only listened in the morning because i liked the fun of the show. I loved to listen to Gene and Geno. They are too funny.
After 9 I changed stations because of too much repitition of the songs. Now i have a good reason to switch.
I can't comprehend this. What utter B.S. Gene and Gino deserve a better send off then they received. Not only are we losing 2 very special guys, we're also losing Brian Houston, Jurko, Joe Queenan, and all the other wonderful guests they have on the show. I'm in total shock and feel like I've lost a member of my family. This is totally unfair to the loyal fans to not allow us to give them the proper sendoff. What a bonehead move by the suits at KTI. Obviously they have no clue how many listeners they will be losing.
I echo the same sentiment...listened to KTI mornings forever, while I was getting ready for school and now while getting my kids ready for school. 25 + years...gone in a flash. I guess like all the good people on KTI mornings, I am moving on too. No more KTI for me. Not a good management decision guys. Talk about bad choices. This is the beginning of the end for KTI.
No!!! Say it isn't true! Wow! I thought they were going to announce a new addition to the morning show...not announce that everyone is gone....just like that! And then they don't even give us a chance to digest it. They were just gone at 8:00. No more? Na Da What's up with that? No more Brian or Jurko or any of the other special guests?
I'm happy for Gene because he's always been the news geek type but what about Geno?? At first I thought why wouldn't they give him a chance if they were bringing in a new team but someone mentioned that they might use DJ's that don't even live here? Geeze. I've seen the advertisement for other radio stations doing that and thought that's what I like about KTI...they are family. We were all one big family. Local and know what's going on Milwaukee. They can make comments about the weather because they are here. They can talk about sports beause the cheer for the same teams we do. Boy, I sure hope they don't do that.
Jenna, you did a great job fillig Amy's shoes. You were one of the guys right away annd didn't miss a beat.
Gino all the best to you. I know there are great things for you in your future.
KTI? Boy, I don't know. I like all the other DJ's throughout the day but the morning show is at the top of my list for picking a radio station. Bon Jovi sounds like Bon Jovi no matter who plays it.
Please don't take too long to announce what you are doing. I'm not ready for a change but will if you force my hand. I can't believe you are leaving us blowing in the wind. I hope this is not the end.
I understand there is a business to run but I have to agree with the others. There is a way to do this so you don't upset so many loyal listeners. I'm sure you could have worked them into your new style or way of doing thigs.
I listen to WKTI fo so many years.
I will have to think long and hard before listening after today.
I was quite upset about the abrupt way this all happened.
Management needs to think before making huge changes like this.
I will be changing to another station also. 10 years of mornings and it is all gone in a flash.
This just seems so below the belt to me. What survey said this was a good idea?
losing Bob was hard because Gene and Bob were a great team. Losing Amy was okay, but losing Gene and Gino? No more KTI for me. Thanks to both Gene and Gino for helping me laugh on the way to work. I agree with the previous blog comment--we also will lose the fun of Brian Hauston, Joe Quinan and most of all, tuesday mornings with John Jurkovic. What are you thinking WKTI? I have already reset my radio buttons. 94.5 is no longer a choice.
I was shocked this morning to learn about the changes for the morning show! Initially I thought the announcement was going to be that Jenna was joining the show full time. I am happy for Gene if this is a career move he was seeking and not just something he took because he knew about the changes coming. I was even more shocked when it sounded like the station had fired Gino! What crap! I find myself wondering if both Bob and Amy knew this was coming? WKTI was different and we listened because of the chemistry that existed between these people and Gino was a big part of that. Too bad the station didn't appreciate Gino and the genuine warmth and sincerity he brought to the show. Are these changes the result of some poll or survey? Well, no one surveyed me. WKTI has lost a listener - - although it is apparent they don't care.
I don't even know where to begin to say how sad I am. I don't know if I am sad because of selfish reasons - they were what made me laugh everyday - or if I am sad because of the way it was handled. Our morning routines have been upset, but what angers me most of all, was that we didn't even get a chance to say "Goodbye". Gino is GONE!!! No Best Wishes, No Good Lucks, No Farwell Songs...Nothing. Just Cold. Gene and Gino I wish you both the very best in all that you do. We will miss your morning banter and all that you brought to our mornings! Thanks for the good times and great laughs! You will truly be missed!
P.S. I'm assuming this also means no more Brian Houston, No more John Jurkovic, No more Julia Sweeney?? Thanks for rocking our world.
Now that I have read some of these comments it makes a tad more sense but being a loyal listener of the morning show since its fruition back in the early 80's and I wake up this morning to this?
Unaware of what was actually going on behind the scenes at WKTI (I am sure I wasn't the only one!) this was a total shock to their listeners. I have been recovering from surgery for the last 2 weeks and did not listen in teh mornings. Not only did they jolt us with this news, but to then just leave the airwaves and not even acknowledge their listeners for their listening loyalty, nothing. I cannot believe it! Now maybe understanding a little more that it wasn't their fault, I hope that Gene and Gino would at least put something out to their listeners. This is really hard for us! I would have loved to see what the rating numbers were around 8:05 a.m. this morning as I am sure I wasn't the only one that turned my station pronto and will keep it off the dial!
I guess I just cannot understand why the listeners were not given some sort of explanation on what happens now or like I said not even a goodbye from them. Very poor taste and again, a "kick in the teeth". Is this the way that corporate runs their business? This is the way they treat their long standing employees? A country morning team? Get out !What a way to end....
A former WKTI listener -- YO
I also expected that Jenna would be announcedas a new member of the "team". The management at WKTI really blew it on this one.
Gene I will actually figure out how to work the AM part of the radio.
Jenna you were great much more than a "fill-in" you were a natural!
Geno good luck you like many people derved better then this!
Gene, I love you. I have listened to you since your show began. You are a part of my life's history. I will no longer be a listener with you gone. The 30- and 40-somethings of this city have been betrayed. No warning, no chance to say goodbye. Gene, Geno, Jena...we'll miss you. God Bless!
I turned on my radio just as the announcement was being made. I am still in shock! I will miss you guys soooo much. I have been listening for 20 + years! I had a hard time when Reitmann left and now this! Gino-I know you will find something wonderful and you will look back at this and know that this was meant to be. Gene-the job at 620 sounds perfect for you, I hope you feel the same way. Thanks for the fun and entertainment!
I have a 45 minute drive to work each day and I have spent the last 5 years waking up and driving to work laughing- it has been a wonderful way to start each day. Thank you all so much- Bob, Gene, Amy, Jenna, Gino (I wish I was a few years older, I would marry you in a heartbeat- I think you are a great guy!!!!!!)
All the best to each of you, may God bless you in all the things you will now get the chance to be apart of...
I guess I will now have to buy some CD's cuz 94.5 is no longer on the dial.
I have also listened to you guys for such a long time - since grade school, I'm 33 years old. I really will miss all of you. It was like you were part of the family. I'm very very sad by this. Good luck to you!
I am crushed. Seriously Crushed this morning. I've been a loyal listener for 24 years (listening all the way back to my middle school days) of this show and this is what I get in return from my loyalty. KTI listeners deserve better than this.
Bob, Gene, Gino, Amy, and Jenna were like family to me. I could wake up everyone morning and know that at least one of them would be there to get my day started. The KTI morning show was my cup of coffee. Gino was my 'morning crush'. Amy was my 'best friend', Gene was the resounding father figure. I'd like to say that I'd give the new show a chance, but with the way this was dumped in my lap...no effin way!
Good luck to KTI. Hope you find your audience again.
KTI, how dare you! People have listened to this morning show every morning on their way to WORK. Yours sponsors have benefitted from their well spent advertising dollars on this morning show. Shame on you! This is not the integrity this show embraced. Gene, Gino, Amy, Bob, and Jena....best of luck in your future endeavors. You are all best distanced from this idiotic corporate decision. I am sad to know this is how they view their listening public. Consider me GONE! Remember: Money talks, I am a consumer and I am taking my dollars elsewhere.
I can't believe it! First Amy and that shocked me and now Gene and Gino! I didn't even know what was happening so I didn't even get to hear them say goodbye. I have listened to WKTI in the mornings for the last 25 years. I think that they have made a HUGE mistake! I will be finding a new morning show to listen to and it won't be on WKTI. Good luck Gene, Gino and Jenna!
By the way, anyone out there have an alternative morning station they are switching to? Now that we are all in limbo, where to go where to go? Yikes! This is unbelievable!
The reason I listened to WKTI was for the morning show, with Reitman, Amy, Gene, Geno and Jenna. You've lost a loyal listener. Best of luck to you Gene, Geno and Jenna.
I think the new guy made a mistake.
This is still trying to sink in.... I just saw something! No more Jurkovich or Brian Houston either! God, this totally sucks ! WKTI, what goes around, comes around. We hope you are all happy with yourselves!
I have grown up listening to KTI in the mornings. My mom would have the radio on every morning, and that would be what I would get ready for school to, and now that I'm grown, I do the same thing every morning. The kids get on the bus, and KTI gets flipped on. It was difficult enough to get used to the idea of Bob being gone, and then Amy as well. But to lose everyone in such a brief period of time is just too much! Who will be there for us 7 listeners???
I know I'm only one person but I loved listening to the morning show. I've adjusted to the changes that were made and now this!! Can't do it, my radio in my car and at work are switching!!
I wish you guys the best of luck!
So sad to see you go. I feel like I have lost my morning show over the last few months. I wish you the best of luck on your new gig.
Good luck. You are going on to bigger and better things and I wish you all the best. For more then 20 years I have been a listener to 'KTI and have truely enjoyed every minute of it. Good luck and thanks for the best 20+ years!
'KTI, you have BIG shoes to fill. Not confident you can do it.
This is a sad, sad day in Milwaukee. I didn't get to hear the announcement but from what I'm reading here it sounds like things were handled poorly. I won't listen to 94.5 anymore if this is how people are being treated - neither the staff nor the listeners deserved this! I've listened for 23 years. I feel betrayed!
Geno - good luck to you - hopefully you'll find a way to get word out so we know where you have gone.
Gene - I'll switch to AM620 to catch you.
I am so incredibly sad - there is a lump in my throat. It is obvious to me that the management of KTI is no longer interested in the demographic that loved the KTI morning show. My children first got me interested 20+ years ago and I have been a loyal fan since. I loved the banter, humor and stability they started my morning with. The morning team was "down to earth" and truly a part of my family. I will never understand the treatment they received.
Goodbye, dear friends. KTI is now off my dial, even though I'm sure management and advertisers could care less.
This is crazy - I also happened to be running late this morning or I would have never heard the announcement. You can definitely count me as a WKTI listener that you have lost. To echo many of the other - Bob was a hit to take, Amy also but the whole team is unfathomable ---- WKTI management must not functioning on all cylinders. Best of luck keeping listenship.
I switched over to XM about a year ago for my morning commute. Recently I found myself coming back to hear the morning news from Gene and continuing to listen to Gene, Gino and now Jenna. Today's news made it very easy to go back full time to XM.
Check out this link, may answer some questions and Give you some heads.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=606156
I've been watching jsonline for some type of announcement or clarification on this, but nothing. I think the listeners deserve better than this. I wish I would have listened closer now because these posts seem to indicate that Gino was fired. I can't believe that. Didn't he say something about still appearing on Today's TMJ4? I'm so confused as well as incredibly sad!
So sad for us listeners ... only one thing to do: "unsubscribe" as an insider and start shopping for another station.
It was sure fun waking up with you all! ;o
I just read the current version of Tim Cuprisin's blog and the memo that the management or "whoever" wrote to employees at WTMJ, etc. Congratulating Gene on his new job, but nothing about Gino at all. How sad is that? Good Luck Gino in all you do. You got the shaft big time. I hope whomever was involved in this shakeup gets theirs in the end! No one deserves treatment such as that. This is just so ridiculous its not even funny anymore! And they think they are going to have a lot of listeners for the new format!? Who do they think they are kidding? With treatment like this not only to Gino, etc. but to all of us former listeners? Like most said, they don't care as they most likely are going to a new format/demographic. Whatever. Bob and Brian here I come!
I seriously am still shocked. I have listened to the morning show for years and I'm pretty sure Geno and I were meant to be together! Best of luck!
I think very shortly the listeners will see KTI take this blog off their website. I would assume the "higher ups" won't like the backlash they receive here. We listeners don't know the background of this decision and maybe there is more then meets the eye, but at this point, it seems that WKTI is moving on and probably will be doing so without their listeners. I am sorry to Gene, Geno and any others who have been unexpectedly let go after so many years of their committment to the organization and I am sorry for us listeners who will feel the loss of this great team. Bring in two knew hosts, but you will be losing many dedicated listeners. What is a bad decision on the part of WKTI, I hope will end up being a good decision for both Gene and Geno in the long run.
This is terrible. As with what many people have said. We all "Grew Up" with Reitman and Mueller, and Geno, Amy and Jenna too! As everyone has said - there has been a "DEATH IN MILWAUKEE" with the Morning Crew gone. So Long KTI - and Thank for the memories. Good luch to Bob, Gene, Geno, Amy, Jenna, Brain, Jurko and all the other morning extras -
Who will keep my dad company milking the cows? Who will I ride into work with? It's wrong to be sent out this way, and KTI is making a huge mistake-you are icons of Milwaukee, and I have known you since I was born-literally! Shocked and dismayed, I don't think I'll be a KTI listener anymore. I hate how the radio biz thinks they need to revamp all the time. Good luck Gino, you will be missed; Gene, my dad will catch you on the flip side but I don't listen to talk radio! Sorry about that :)
You were great at what you did for us in the mornings!!
The news this morning shocked me- I was actually crying on my way to work. We were really enjoying the combination of Gene, Gino and Jenna. Your show has picked me up many times and you will all be missed. I can honestly say that the way they have treated Gino I have no interest in listeing to 'KTI anymore! Good Luck, Gene, Gino and Jenna. Good-bye, 'KTI!
I did run late this morning so all I heard was Gino's very sad, strange goodbye. I realize he could not go into detail---I am sure management made sure of that. But it would have been nice for Management to at least post something on this website to help the loyal fans of WKTI understand what they are thinking. I will miss my morning laugh during my commute to work. Gene, Gino and now Jenna...and their many steady guests each day have been a bright spot every morning. Good Luck to you all...I know you will end up on your feet. Good luck to Gene---I may tune in to AM just to laugh with you in the mornings. Gino---you are a wonderful person and WKTI's management's stupidity is someone else's gain. Thank you for all you gave us in the morning. And am I crazy but did Jenna even get to say goodbye or was it just Gene's announcement, then Gino's, then off to a commercial and then Dan Kyle saying they were gone????? Did I Miss something? I take it that management would rather leave their listeners confused and dazed than to act like adults that are managers/owners and explain to their listeners, who choose to listen to their station why they have done what they have done. Act like a company that wishes to keep their viewers than a company that has no clue how to deal with the public. There are other stations---I guess they wish to portray the image of a company that really does not need the public----so we can switch our dial to another station that does.
Goodbye Gene, Gino, Jenna, John, Brian and all the other wonderful guests throughout the program. You will be missed dearly during our daily morning commute. I now have to find a different station to laugh with. This management team has severely dissapointed me in their lack of proffessionalism towards its listeners.
Wow! When you said you had an announcement to make at 7:35, I sure didn't expect what I heard. My heart just sunk. For 25 years I've awakened to your voice. I was sad when Reitman left but I understood and knew his retirement was well-deserved. At least I still had yours and Gino's friendly voices to start my day. I'm truly devastated by this news. As many others have stated here, KTI lost me as a listener this morning and I emailed them to let them know it. I'm sure they won't care but boy did they blow it with me. At least I see here that I'm by no means alone in being so incredibly disappointed. I really feel like someone died. I may never have met you, Gene but you really were a huge part of my life. Best wishes to you over at WTMJ and best wishes to Gino. I'm really going to miss you both!
Judy
Like so many others have already expressed, I am unbearably saddened by today's news. I have listened to Bob, Gene, Gino, then Amy and Jenna since I moved here from out of state 10 years ago. You had become like family to me. You hepled get me through the roughest few years of my life, and when there was very little to look forward to, or even smile about, you were there in the mornings and you actually made me smile, laugh and forget the troubles and heartache that were waiting for me. Of course you must have had troubles of your own, but you were consummate professionals and always made sure that the listeners had fun. That to me is pretty impressive. I thank you all for that you have given the people of Milwaukee, it is more than you will ever know. You will be painfully missed!!!
I had a feeling after Bob announced his retirement that things would be "shaken up" somehow, and probably for the worse, but to get rid of the entire morning team and start over with two guys from different areas of the country? No one wants them! We want local people who aren't "slick", "cocky" and "processed"! We want our team back. That's what we loved about them. They were real... Just like us.
You lost another listener KTI. And if I'm not in your desired new demographic... Well, that's too bad because my age group has all the money! :-)
I don't wish anyone ill will - I know this is a business and KTI will go on I assume. But I have to say this is the stupidest move this station could have made. Why didn't they give Gene, Gino and Jenna a chance? How heartless! I'm following Gene to TMJ and hope to follow Gino to bigger and better things
I have listened to the morning show on WKTI for more than 20 years. I will no longer listen to WKTI. I do enjoy other DJ's but the way this was handled is very unprofessional and "cut throat". I feel the listners deserve an explaination and Gene and Geno certainly deserved to be treated with complete respect and dignity. This was handled very poorly. I would imagine that the person who made the decision to execute this action will soon be dismissed as well.
I will truly miss my morning laughter. Gene and Geno you will truly be missed. Good luck to you in your future endevors.
Gene,
I literally sobbed on my way to work this morning! I came in too late to hear the whole announcement but literally gasped and yelled out when I heard you were both leaving. I have been listening to you since you joined Bob. That's a lot of years! You were like an extended part of my family - I'd get into work in the AM and say "Did you hear what Gene said?" or "Did you hear what Gino said?" You WERE family even though we never met.
It took some time to get used to Bob not being there. Then it took some time to digest the fact that Amy wouldn't be there. I had been hoping Jenna would be a permanent addition - the three of you were amazing! But then this morning I was devastated to hear the news.
I will most likely not listen to WKTI any more. It's not out of protest or anything...it's just that your show was THE reason I listened!!
You've always said that it's rare in this business for people to be able to choose their path and be able to leave when they want to. I agree and am thrilled you have a new opportuity! But I HATE how local TV and radio just changes format/anchors/DJ's so suddenly. The ratings might be slipping but there are still quite a few of us who listen/watch religiously and it's sooo incredibly unfair to us. We have no way to pay tribute to you or say goodbye. Yes, we can listen to you on TMJ from now on, but what about Gino? His blog is gone, his plans haven't been announced and we're going to miss Johnny, Brian, Julia, Colleen, Jenna, etc... And now we have no way of thanking them or wishing them well. Not your fault by ay means, I know...but it's just unfair.
I will miss your sense of humor and your insight on life. You've been a joy to listen to for the past 20+ years and I honestly feel like part of my immediate family has died. It's an incredibly sad, sad day in Milwaukee!!
Best of luck!
Mary
What a lousy organization WKTI has become. I couldn't believe what I heard this morning and then to just have Gene and Gino walk off the air! Talk about no class. I tried to email the station through the link on their site and got it back as undeliverable. What's the matter KTI - - can't take the criticism? Well, as a member of the generation with the disposable income, I wish you luck with your sponsers - - none of which I will be buying from after this. Need I say I also won't be listening?
ARE THEY NUTS? I am still in shock over today's announcement. I have been a faithful listener since Reitman and Mueller's inception and drove to work today with tears in my eyes and dismay in my heart. I will no longer listen to WKTI - I don't care who they bring in to DJ - even if it were Elvis back from the dead, or the Queen of England herself - I will be looking for another morning show on a different station. Gene and Geno did not deserve to be treated in this manner, nor did all of KTI's followers. I wish Gene and Geno the best of luck, and will miss the gang every morning. Bad decision for WKTI, you will lose many, many listeners, and I hope the advertisers jump ship also.
You're all assuming this was WKTI management's doing.
- What if this was Gene's dream job @ WTMJ?
- What if Jenna Mueller was truly only filling in? (She has children at home too, you know.)
- Gino gets the "hard choice" because he would be the only one left. The fact that he has other opportunities within Journal Communications that (should) allow him to still do the Movie reviews and such......
Journal Communications and WKTI may not be the evil you're all making them out to be.
(No, I don't work there, and don't know any of the people better than any other listener.)
I am also so shocked and upset about what happened today. A station that I faithfully listened to their morning show for so many years didn’t have the decency to consider its listeners in making this decision. I just can’t believe this. It was so sad when Bob left but I knew the rest of the group was so great that the show would continue to be the best around. I always laughed no matter what was going on in my life—it was one thing I could count on to brighten my day.
Another station I listen to after 9:00 went through a change not that long ago and let their morning staff go. They made some changes to the station but ended up bringing back their morning team because their listeners were so upset. I don’t know if WKTI will show the same respect for their listeners or not—I hope they will. This was the worst decision they could’ve made. I’ve swayed many people to listen to this station because of how much I loved the morning show. I regret ever doing that and now WKTI will end up losing a lot of its listeners because of the changes announced today.
I wish Gene, Gino and Jenna all the best and I will miss hearing you guys on the radio. I feel like I lost members of my family—so sad. I thought WKTI had more class and never would treat its employees and listeners like they did today—what an eye opener for me.
Take care.
Diane
Well, it seems like the last of my family has died. No more Gene...no more Geno...I so looked forward to the mornings with the two of you. You both made it fun, informative and sometimes I didn't believe what I was hearing. (shame..shame)I like everyone else will miss you two very much, however I do wish you both the best of luck in your new position and to Geno in whatever he decides to do. Tell him to keep us informed of whatever it is. Good-bye old friends
I WAKE TO WKTI EVERY MORNING AND HAVE FOR AS LONG AS REITMAN AND MUELLER HAVE BEEN AROUND. IT'S THE ONLY STATION I HAVE ON AT HOME AND IN MY VAN. I REALLY DIDN'T REALIZE WHAT WAS HAPPENING UNTIL I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK THIS MORNING. WHAT HAPPENED?????? ALL OF A SUDDEN EVERYONE IS GONE ? WHERE IS GINO GOING ??? NOT A WORD TO ANY OF US. AS OTHERS HAVE STATED " I " ALSO WILL NOW HAVE TO CHANGE MY STATION AND WILL " NOT " LISTEN TO WKTI ANY MORE.. YOU PEOPLE IN THE OFFICE DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE. THOUSANDS OF LISTENERS NOT JUST " 7 " WILL NO LONGER BE LISTENING TO WKTI. I HOPE YOU'RE ALL HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU'VE DONE. I KNOW WE ARE ALL UPSET OVER THIS. HERE'S HOPING YOUR PROFITS GO DOWN FOR THIS "BIG" MISTAKE.....
VERY DISAPPOINTED USE TO BE LISTENER.. GOING TO ANOTHER STATION FOR MY MUSIC...
OMG- for those non-AIM users, that stands for "Oh My God!" WKTI - what are you doing to your seven faithful listeners. You do realize that was just a figure of speech, there really are more than 7 of us. Proof of that is in this blog.
How am I going to start my day now? I can't fathom any corporate reason for the way this was handled. Even a Sadam Hussain got a better send off than this!!!
Not only did you lose many listeners, it will take an aweful lot to get any of your credilbility back.
Enough of the ranting and ravings...Gene and Geno you have made me laugh so many times in the morning. When sitting in traffic on my way to work in the mornings, I often find myself LOL (laughing out loud). Sometimes, I see other drivers smiling and giggling and I just know that they are listening to you too. You have no idea how many difficult mornings WKTI has gotten me thru - being a new mom, being a stay at home mom, being a working mom, going thru a severe bout with depression and now getting my life back in order. Boy, is this going to hurt my morning routine...I wonder what Dr. Phil would say about how this was handled. Almost feels like a death in the family!
No one wishes you more than I for nothing but the best to Gene, Geno and Jenna too (Amy and Bob included)
Your now unfaithful WKTI listener!!!!!!!
WKTI management is REALLY messed up. I don't care what the reasons are, there is a proper way to close a chapter, and the way they did it is 100% wrong.
Another example of a clueless management team in America.......
This is common sense stuff, and this management team clearly doesn't have what it takes. They should be fired..............
can't say how sad i am that you are no longer on kti. you will truly be missed.
There are no words to explain the sense of loss after hearing the announcement of today. I only know that while other personalities can be brought in to fill the time spot, they will never fill the job that Gene and Gino, recently Jenna, and Amy and Bob in the past, have done. Like all have said, this is like losing family and the incredible emptiness that brings. Apparently, WKTI has different ideas, but I know I will be searching for a different radio station - except for the afternoon show with Lips, or will that be on the chopping block next?
I'm so sad, but I figure I will now get more sleep, because I will no longer be setting my morning alarm clock to see what the guys have to say next...
WKTI has missed the boat, and we are truly the losers in this. I have no doubt that will be made clear in the days to come.
Lynne, Cleveland
Anyone know if there is a recording of this morning's happenings out there on the web somewhere that we can listen to? I missed the show and all I know is what I'm reading here in the comments.
When I started working in the Milwaukee area I found KTI. I would drive into work every morning listening to Bob, Gene, Amy and Gino. I like listening to them and thought they had a great job - just like a family or a group of friends getting together every morning. I thought when Bob left that KTI was a class station - they gave everybody time to get used to the idea of Bob leaving, they had clips from his early days and sent him off with a big farewell party. I thought that KTI was one big happy family.
Apparently I was wrong.
I can't believe they could not have done this with a little more respect for the people that helped make KTI the station to listen to. I am very disappointed, upset and mad that the station I thought cared about Milwaukee doesn't.
What where they thinking?
I've heard rumor of a format change also - to Country - If that's True you have lost a big fan for sure!!!!!!!! WTF!??? It was bad enough we lost Reitman, but to do this to Gene and Gino - You truly Suck! BTW - Country Music Sucks too! Idiots!
Gene and Gino - I can't believe this! You will truly be missed and best of luck to you. 'KTI management really screwed up this time!
I cannot believe that the morning show is completely gone now! I used to listen to Flashback Fridays and the morning show - that was pretty much it for KTI (unless a fave song played as I was going up and down the dial). Then Fridays changed, so it was the morning show. With the dismissal of Gino and Bob, then Amy, and now Gene leaving, I will no longer be tuning into to KTI - I'll even take it off of my radio presets!
Good luck to Gene and Gino, and I will tune into 620TMJ in the mornings now!
Everyone has taken the words out of my mouth. Like alot of us, I have listened to you for 25+ years myself, my oldest for 17 years and my middle child for 15 years. We are deeply saddened and shocked about this "death in Milwaukee". I cried when I found out this morning...my kids and I feel that we have lost a big part of our family. What we are going to listen to now for our morning route to school, is totally undecided. How crude you suits are with your decision to cut out Gene, Geno, Jenna and everyone else like this! Good thing Bob and Amy got out when they could!!! I am ashamed at KTI.
The announcement is right on the sign page for the KTI website. As for the country - Tim Cuprisin's collum on JSONLINE states that there is a possibility that a woman from St. Louis and a man from Denver are coming here Memorial day week to be the morning hosts. They are from country stations but it says nothing about changing the whole format.
I too will miss them all. I wish we would have had the chance to get our good bye's to them in a better way. I guess change is inevitable but this sucks!!
Good luck to Gene and Gino and to Jena - I will miss you all!! Thanks for a lot of great memories!!
Sadness, such sadness. I'll listen Monday, but that may be it. I'd also love to hear the explaination as to WHY?? Great team of people you had there. Gino said it so well this morning of what Bob, and Gene and Amy all ment to him. And what we meant to him as listeners... and then Gene and his farwell... Both such complete gentelmen.
My best to you all,
Jamie
You'll be missed on WKTI big time, Gene. I'll listen to you on your new station, though! I hope you're happy about the move ... I just wish they would have given you guys time to prepare people and to say good bye. You made such a good team!
All the best to you.
I work for a company in a non-entertainment business that a similar rearrangement of employees occured. I was one who was rearranged and looking back at it now, I am glad it happened. Yes, I miss the old job (sometimes), but I'm still with the company and wouldn't change a thing. Best of luck to all of you with your new journey. I plan to give the new line up a chance, because only the morning crew will be changing. There are still lots of great people with WKTI and now at WTMJ too!
I wanted to leave my two cents, as many have, of how disappointing it was to read of the rumors the last few days and then hear Gino's tearful, far-too-quick goodbye this morning.
I will not listen to WKTI again. I've never cared about its music, only the morning personalities - the interaction, laughter and conversation has brightened my mornings for years.
I'm not sure which of KTI's current listeners are going to be interested in this newer, "sexier" morning program, but I will NOT be one of them.
Thanks Gene for all the laughs. Best of luck in your new TMJ endeavor!
I am also shocked and saddened by what happened today on KTI. It completely caught me off guard and all I heard was Gino trying to say goodbye. A proper send off would have been the right thing to do. I like everyone else will not be listening to WKTI anymore. Good luck Gene, Gino and Jenna!
Well, this just sucks. Is WKTI managed by the same people who thought putting "Food For Less" in the middle of Wauwatosa was a great idea?. Somebody doesn't understand the midwest very well, somebody hasn't done their demographic homework. Loyalty is the motivator, not change. Months and months of jerking us around, and then this. I've listened to the am show for over 25 years, raised 3 kids through it and it brightened many mundane and difficult days. I will miss it emensely. I will switch to 99.1. I will unsubscribe my KTI listener membership. I will not watch WTMJ 4 unless absolutely needed. Boycotting WKTI is more effective than boycotting gas. We don't HAVE to listen to WKTI-we have choices. And how outrageous that management treated the exit of 2 very excellent media personalities with no thought for them or the listening audience; it's rediculous and an insult to us. Having another great DJ sit in and do the dirty work, dirty rotten scoundrals in management all of you. Naughty, naughty management; shame on you. Gene, you were my virtual husband, and Gino my virtual boyfriend, and Amy/Jenna my virtual best girlfriend. Best of luck to all of you. You will continue to succeed because you are genuine, knowledgable and good at your craft. And you can use all of us as a reference if you need. My condolences to all the other great people at WKTI who will have to endure the whiplash of all of this mess. Crap.
I had tears in my eyes this morning on the way to work. I think WKTI owed it to their employees and listeners to do this the right way. I reset my preset stations on my car radio on the way home and replaced WKTI with another FM station. The listeners are what make the station and we deserved a chance to say good and good luck. WKTI is the loser here. I wish both you and Gino well.
KTI is going DOWN DOWN DOWN!
I've been listening to KTI since Larry the Legend and the a.m. show has been a big part of my life, even my children of 13 and 8 yrs.
Looks like I'll be tuning into a new radio station as well as my entire family
Best of luck to you Gino. Americani = cane!
Gene, although I'm not a talk radio fan I will tune into hear you in the a.m. but have to find another station for the daily entertainment and music
Hi Gene,
You are a true gem and a great example of "class"! I'm sorry I'm not an a.m. radio fan. In fact, when my husband tunes into a.m. we fight (everytime). I might just have to give it a chance with your new role.
Take care & thanks for being yourself; a true midwesterner!
Maria
Mequon
Wow Gene! 93 comments? Damn, I thought I had you all to myself all this time.
;)
Gene,
I wanted to go on record with a comment but I have nothing to add to what has already been said.
as of yesterday a former KTI listener......
-beth
Waukesha
At least you said good-bye. Some media personalities just disappear without a word. I'll check you out at WTMJ since I'm already a Sykes listener. I understand your need to move on and up, but I don't have to like it.
You're the best Gene, plain and simple. Best of luck with whatever YOU do to make YOURSELF happy.
:) Cheers
One of the bloggers suggested this may not be KTI's doing...Yes, it could be Gene's dream job -
BUT, if it was not KTI's creation this entire thing would have been handled in a more dignified way. A week of farewells from Brian, John, Colleen-Heather, etc....
Like many others, I listened because the show was different. It wasn't just canned music that could have been produced in another city and broadcast here. These guys were your family and they treated us that way.
Goodbye KTI...I, like many of my coworkers, will be checking out Gene at TMJ and/or searching for another family.
Wow, this is really sad. It's been almost a week now since "the announcement" --- and I still haven't found a new station to listen to in the morning. I know it's a job promotion for you and it's still nice to hear you on WTMJ, but the constant commercials on the AM side don't do it for me.
But I still wish you the best! :)
WKTI has also lost me as a listener... I will NOT give the new morning team a chance. I have listened to you on my way home from work the last 4 1/2 years I have lived in Milwaukee and there can be no replacement for you. I'm not sure who I will settle on yet, but not 94.5FM.
And yes, your send-off was crappy!
I currently work as a producer for a TV station here in Milwaukee and have been on-air in radio too in the past and know how "the business" works -- but still, you didn't have a good send off.
Journal pulled you off the air on KTI -- just like what happened to 104.3FM in Chicago (Formerly Oldies 104.3 -- now Jack FM) almost 2 years ago. Little if any time to say "goodbye".
The proper way I think would have been to have you, Amy, Gino, and Bob back for one LAST show.
Sorta a reunion?
Since that isn't going to happen my wishes now would be for KTI to acknowledge you cant be relpaced... the "new" morning team to stay in their respective cities -- move Lips and Dan somewhere else -- and just make WKTI into a jockless "JACK FM" format -- that MIGHT get me to come back and listen.
Maybe if the new AM team does bad this COULD happen afterall?
Who knows?
But Gene, thanks for the laughs over the past 4 1/2 years -- I wish I came to Milwaukee sooner so I could have listened to more of you and Reitman. Good luck at TMJ.
UGH!!!!! I can't believe what is happening to 'KTI. I've woken up to Reitman and Mueller since elementary school. We all knew the day would come and Bob would retire. We also had plenty of time to adjust to the idea and wish him well.
Amy was a huge loss. As a mom with kids around the same age, I loved to listen to her stories and could relate to some of what she was dealing with at home.
Now this? Completely missed the announcement and farewell with Gene and Geno because of being a work where I can't get good enough reception for 'KTI. No chance to say goodbye? Whose choice was this? Doesn't seem like it was made by Gene or Geno. What a stupid move on management's part.
'KTI's morning show had very loyal listeners and we liked our hometown people. Now they bring in some generic show that could fit any market and try to sell it as this great new show? We want our Gene and Geno!
Well, guess the choice has been made and we all have to suffer. I get my Mueller fix on 'TMJ. Goodbye 'KTI - you blew it.
Best wishes to Gene and Geno - Wisconsin loves ya!
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