The Rock lives...the radio show doesn't...for now.
Well it happened...
Last night was the big meeting...they herded us all into a room and at 7:05 PM Karey Pine got up who is the head of RIT's Student Organizations...and reminded us all to be civil to each other no matter what is said. It was at that point I knew what was coming...
Well...I mean I knew it before that...the writing was on the wall.
I managed to corner the program director on Friday while at the station. He was there after Hockey doing his new show "Skank On"...and when I spoke to him I asked him Man-to-man whether The Living Rock would continue. He wouldn't answer me...he looked up and to the left when I asked again and said "We haven't made any decisions yet"...a sure sign he was lying and I knew then.
However I still had hope and last night the hope was dashed.
The Living Rock is one of the cut shows by WITR. Along with Weathered Steel, Uncle Samoo's Zoo, Histories, Axecalibur, and Jeff and Jeff (However as of this morning...I understand THEY may be brought back).
Looking at the list and genres...let's see what they cut:
The Living Rock - Positive Rock (Christian Based)
Uncle Samoo's Zoo - New Independent Christian Music
Weathered Steel - Hardcore Metal (with a Christian slant)
HIStories - Not sure what she played...
Axecalibur - Metal
Jeff and Jeff - Some Modern Music
With Jeff and Jeff possibly coming back...it's now more BLATENTLY obvious who the targeted shows were. They did keep 'The Answer' a Gospel based show...with great Gospel music...however...they put it on Sunday Mornings at 9:00 AM...where would a host of Gospel music be Sundays at 9??? CHURCH?!?! (Their current show ran Saturday and Sundays from 7-10...however with a 9 oclock start time on Sunday with hosts rotating...Wardell one of the MAIN proponents of that show has been effectively removed as he's leading church elsewhere).
I am hurt by this...beyond losing my own show. This is really the first time I've ever been targetted for my beliefs. Maybe it's something that has happened to a lot of people...and could be telling of the way I live my life...maybe I'm not on fire enough for the Gospel...or too sheltered in my niche of Christian friends. I just feel so saddened by this. Even in my company...which has quite a few non-christian and liberal people...I don't think I'd be off saying that I have good friends whom disagree with me philosophically and debate me...but respect my beliefs...and even ACCEPT me FOR them...and wouldn't change me if they could. That's an AMAZING thing to say and one of the reasons I love working where I do.
It's my hope that Jeff and Jeff aren't the only shows brought back. Johanna was REALLY torn up about her show...and ya know...I have a feeling her specialty show fits closer to 'format' than some others they kept. She deserves her show back....and the same with Axecalibur. I love old metal and frankly I'm sure I'm not alone. So it's not necessarilly MODERN music...but it is close. They need to bring these shows back.
However for me...I'm going to let The Living Rock go for now. To push myself on them...to bring up that 3/5 of the shows they axed were religious based...and that to disquise this obvious TARGETTING of these shows with nailing OTHER shows is just a ridiculous idea would have NO positive outcome from what I can see. I think the other 2 shows SHOULD and probably WILL be asked back in the future. They NEEDED to have other shows. Without that we'd have a legal base (probably) to make a case for religious discrimination. I wish they just had the stones to stand up and say "We're not a religious station...we don't want these shows here.". I'd respect you a LOT more for doing that than just whacking GOOD shows with GOOD followings because you want to kick God off your airwaves.
That's been my main problem with this E-Board though. I said it last night to them publicly...that they have a LOT to learn about respect. I gave the new Program Director the opportunity last Friday to treat me like an adult and shoot straight. I asked him about my show (and don't tell me he didn't know) and he could have had a grown-up conversation with me about it...but he didn't want to.
Instead they flew a slide for all to see about what shows they're keeping on the air...your name isn't on it??? You're off. That is such a lame and passive aggresive way to boot off people. I recommended that in the future they could simply say "We're gonna come and see you when you're in for your show...and talk to you about it"...then own up to it. Say what's really happening. By doing it the way they did...they made EVERYONE effected in the room process the emotions PUBLICLY. If someone got angry (and some did)...they could then look like agressive and unreasonable. It's a shady way to play it...and frankly I lost a lot of respect for the e-board last night.
This is where it is going to get personal...but it needs to.
In my PERSONAL opinion...Greg is the WRONG guy as your GM. He demonstrated last night his COMPLETE inability to lead. When asked to speak about the changes (as the new PD looked like a deer in headlights...having been Program Director for 3 days...he shouldn't have had to answer for this)...Greg stumbled and stuttered all over the place. He was consistently unable to answer direct questions about reasons for these changes. When pressed he would pass the buck to others as their decision...without realizing that HE was at the end of the day responsible. Greg has SINGLE-HANDEDLY RUINED this station. By limiting specialty shows to 2 hours...and only LATE at night or Sunday Evenings...he's saying that this genre of Modern Music; which accounts for VERY FEW actual record sales...and is such a BROAD genre as to appeal to very few people...is the wave of the future for these kids and what they want. However when pressed for HARD evidence of that...when asked about what he's done to POLL the campus or find out what the students want...he couldn't answer because he hadn't done it. When asked how he'd measure success...he couldn't answer because they didn't know. When asked WHY they're making the changes however...they said that the 'format' needed streamlining to allow for the music to appeal to more students. How though did he come to that conclusion??? He asked a buddy of his. The fact is...Greg doesn't know how to lead. He's in his late 30's or early 40's and a fifth year student at RIT. He's starting over (and should be commended for it)...however he lacks any real leadership abilities and I'm sorry to say...any REAL integrity. A real MAN and LEADER would have come to talk to the people effected BEFORE a meeting. He wouldn't have hidden behind the administration. I know Ms. Pine and Carol asked for the community meeting...but my thought is...WHY DIDN'T HE?!? The reason is...I believe...he was scared of the backlash. He lacks the intestinal fortitude to stand behind his policies to FACE the heat. He'll take the accolades (if there are any) and the credit if it works...but he didn't respect Samme, ZipDryve, Johanna, Geno, Jeff and Jeff or me enough to stand in front of us as a MAN and MANAGER to say "We're going in a new direction" and to hear what we had to say about it. Looking back...they cancelled only 5 shows...and those 5 represented PEOPLE who have given of their time, talent, money and sacrificed family things to go into a little radio station and play some music. We committed to being there not just for our show...but the station...to make it consistent. I did it for ministry too...that some may hear the gospel of Jesus Christ through music that is enjoyable and approachable...but overall I did it because I loved it.
I deserved better...and frankly that's what hurts the most.
To those who's shows weren't cancelled...I celebrate with you. You're all GOOD at what you do. I'm very glad you're ok and I hope you find success.
As to me...I'm going to lick my wounds...and wait for what's next. The Living Rock was always Samme's show. He came up with the name...and the idea. I was the on-air talent. I am going to seek the Lord for what he has for me. I may come up with my own idea...I may focus my attention elsewhere. Having a radio show ya know...it was always one of my dreams. One thing I always wanted to do. I got to do it. How many people can say that? Like all good things...it was going to end eventually. I wish it were on my terms...in His time...but it wasn't. To get angry...to go on the air and tirade these next two weeks would be immature. I'm going to leave with my head high...because I represent Jesus Christ...my last two shows will be special. This Friday will be the all-time favorites of the Tuna. I'm gonna play the tracks that I loved for the last 4 years. It'll be a cornucopia. Trixie (Deb) will be with me and we may banter...but I want to play some music I really dig and wouldn't otherwise have heard had it not been for this show. The final show is still a work in progress for me. I may do a lot of Christmas music...I know me and Zip are going to share a few segments toward the end...I may play more of Tuna's faves. I'm still praying about my sign-off and what it will be.
To those who listened...thank you so much. I meant what I said when I said that this was LITERALLY a dream of mine for a long time. To be able to do it...is just awesome. I stand now ready for what's next (I still dream of getting that Green Lantern Power Ring that will let me fly...who knows)...but I know that whatever happens is His will for my life. I'll be fine...I'm gonna lick my wounds...but I'll move on.
Thanks for reading;
Last night was the big meeting...they herded us all into a room and at 7:05 PM Karey Pine got up who is the head of RIT's Student Organizations...and reminded us all to be civil to each other no matter what is said. It was at that point I knew what was coming...
Well...I mean I knew it before that...the writing was on the wall.
I managed to corner the program director on Friday while at the station. He was there after Hockey doing his new show "Skank On"...and when I spoke to him I asked him Man-to-man whether The Living Rock would continue. He wouldn't answer me...he looked up and to the left when I asked again and said "We haven't made any decisions yet"...a sure sign he was lying and I knew then.
However I still had hope and last night the hope was dashed.
The Living Rock is one of the cut shows by WITR. Along with Weathered Steel, Uncle Samoo's Zoo, Histories, Axecalibur, and Jeff and Jeff (However as of this morning...I understand THEY may be brought back).
Looking at the list and genres...let's see what they cut:
The Living Rock - Positive Rock (Christian Based)
Uncle Samoo's Zoo - New Independent Christian Music
Weathered Steel - Hardcore Metal (with a Christian slant)
HIStories - Not sure what she played...
Axecalibur - Metal
Jeff and Jeff - Some Modern Music
With Jeff and Jeff possibly coming back...it's now more BLATENTLY obvious who the targeted shows were. They did keep 'The Answer' a Gospel based show...with great Gospel music...however...they put it on Sunday Mornings at 9:00 AM...where would a host of Gospel music be Sundays at 9??? CHURCH?!?! (Their current show ran Saturday and Sundays from 7-10...however with a 9 oclock start time on Sunday with hosts rotating...Wardell one of the MAIN proponents of that show has been effectively removed as he's leading church elsewhere).
I am hurt by this...beyond losing my own show. This is really the first time I've ever been targetted for my beliefs. Maybe it's something that has happened to a lot of people...and could be telling of the way I live my life...maybe I'm not on fire enough for the Gospel...or too sheltered in my niche of Christian friends. I just feel so saddened by this. Even in my company...which has quite a few non-christian and liberal people...I don't think I'd be off saying that I have good friends whom disagree with me philosophically and debate me...but respect my beliefs...and even ACCEPT me FOR them...and wouldn't change me if they could. That's an AMAZING thing to say and one of the reasons I love working where I do.
It's my hope that Jeff and Jeff aren't the only shows brought back. Johanna was REALLY torn up about her show...and ya know...I have a feeling her specialty show fits closer to 'format' than some others they kept. She deserves her show back....and the same with Axecalibur. I love old metal and frankly I'm sure I'm not alone. So it's not necessarilly MODERN music...but it is close. They need to bring these shows back.
However for me...I'm going to let The Living Rock go for now. To push myself on them...to bring up that 3/5 of the shows they axed were religious based...and that to disquise this obvious TARGETTING of these shows with nailing OTHER shows is just a ridiculous idea would have NO positive outcome from what I can see. I think the other 2 shows SHOULD and probably WILL be asked back in the future. They NEEDED to have other shows. Without that we'd have a legal base (probably) to make a case for religious discrimination. I wish they just had the stones to stand up and say "We're not a religious station...we don't want these shows here.". I'd respect you a LOT more for doing that than just whacking GOOD shows with GOOD followings because you want to kick God off your airwaves.
That's been my main problem with this E-Board though. I said it last night to them publicly...that they have a LOT to learn about respect. I gave the new Program Director the opportunity last Friday to treat me like an adult and shoot straight. I asked him about my show (and don't tell me he didn't know) and he could have had a grown-up conversation with me about it...but he didn't want to.
Instead they flew a slide for all to see about what shows they're keeping on the air...your name isn't on it??? You're off. That is such a lame and passive aggresive way to boot off people. I recommended that in the future they could simply say "We're gonna come and see you when you're in for your show...and talk to you about it"...then own up to it. Say what's really happening. By doing it the way they did...they made EVERYONE effected in the room process the emotions PUBLICLY. If someone got angry (and some did)...they could then look like agressive and unreasonable. It's a shady way to play it...and frankly I lost a lot of respect for the e-board last night.
This is where it is going to get personal...but it needs to.
In my PERSONAL opinion...Greg is the WRONG guy as your GM. He demonstrated last night his COMPLETE inability to lead. When asked to speak about the changes (as the new PD looked like a deer in headlights...having been Program Director for 3 days...he shouldn't have had to answer for this)...Greg stumbled and stuttered all over the place. He was consistently unable to answer direct questions about reasons for these changes. When pressed he would pass the buck to others as their decision...without realizing that HE was at the end of the day responsible. Greg has SINGLE-HANDEDLY RUINED this station. By limiting specialty shows to 2 hours...and only LATE at night or Sunday Evenings...he's saying that this genre of Modern Music; which accounts for VERY FEW actual record sales...and is such a BROAD genre as to appeal to very few people...is the wave of the future for these kids and what they want. However when pressed for HARD evidence of that...when asked about what he's done to POLL the campus or find out what the students want...he couldn't answer because he hadn't done it. When asked how he'd measure success...he couldn't answer because they didn't know. When asked WHY they're making the changes however...they said that the 'format' needed streamlining to allow for the music to appeal to more students. How though did he come to that conclusion??? He asked a buddy of his. The fact is...Greg doesn't know how to lead. He's in his late 30's or early 40's and a fifth year student at RIT. He's starting over (and should be commended for it)...however he lacks any real leadership abilities and I'm sorry to say...any REAL integrity. A real MAN and LEADER would have come to talk to the people effected BEFORE a meeting. He wouldn't have hidden behind the administration. I know Ms. Pine and Carol asked for the community meeting...but my thought is...WHY DIDN'T HE?!? The reason is...I believe...he was scared of the backlash. He lacks the intestinal fortitude to stand behind his policies to FACE the heat. He'll take the accolades (if there are any) and the credit if it works...but he didn't respect Samme, ZipDryve, Johanna, Geno, Jeff and Jeff or me enough to stand in front of us as a MAN and MANAGER to say "We're going in a new direction" and to hear what we had to say about it. Looking back...they cancelled only 5 shows...and those 5 represented PEOPLE who have given of their time, talent, money and sacrificed family things to go into a little radio station and play some music. We committed to being there not just for our show...but the station...to make it consistent. I did it for ministry too...that some may hear the gospel of Jesus Christ through music that is enjoyable and approachable...but overall I did it because I loved it.
I deserved better...and frankly that's what hurts the most.
To those who's shows weren't cancelled...I celebrate with you. You're all GOOD at what you do. I'm very glad you're ok and I hope you find success.
As to me...I'm going to lick my wounds...and wait for what's next. The Living Rock was always Samme's show. He came up with the name...and the idea. I was the on-air talent. I am going to seek the Lord for what he has for me. I may come up with my own idea...I may focus my attention elsewhere. Having a radio show ya know...it was always one of my dreams. One thing I always wanted to do. I got to do it. How many people can say that? Like all good things...it was going to end eventually. I wish it were on my terms...in His time...but it wasn't. To get angry...to go on the air and tirade these next two weeks would be immature. I'm going to leave with my head high...because I represent Jesus Christ...my last two shows will be special. This Friday will be the all-time favorites of the Tuna. I'm gonna play the tracks that I loved for the last 4 years. It'll be a cornucopia. Trixie (Deb) will be with me and we may banter...but I want to play some music I really dig and wouldn't otherwise have heard had it not been for this show. The final show is still a work in progress for me. I may do a lot of Christmas music...I know me and Zip are going to share a few segments toward the end...I may play more of Tuna's faves. I'm still praying about my sign-off and what it will be.
To those who listened...thank you so much. I meant what I said when I said that this was LITERALLY a dream of mine for a long time. To be able to do it...is just awesome. I stand now ready for what's next (I still dream of getting that Green Lantern Power Ring that will let me fly...who knows)...but I know that whatever happens is His will for my life. I'll be fine...I'm gonna lick my wounds...but I'll move on.
Thanks for reading;
Comments
Well written and as one of the original talent that started the shows in 1993 before you and zippy took over the new format. I am happy you got to fulfill a dream. I know it fulfilled a dream for me as well that grew into what I do today.
God's Blessings on you and your family this holiday season.
Mike Thaxton aka Mighty Mo