Post by bossradio93 on Oct 14, 2003 14:50:34 GMT -5
A Fond Farewell. One of the signature features over the decades at all-News KNX has been the editorial, as voiced by the long-time general manager George Nicholaw. Infinity very quietly released George and KFWB gm Roger Nadel last week No press release praising two long-time executives. In an LA Times story, an Infinity spokesperson said the company had no comment about the reason for the firing. They were unceremoniously dumped without a public utterance recognizing their contribution to the company.
George told his staff that he didn’t want a retirement party because there was nothing to party about. He said he was terminated. George spent much of his last day on Friday consoling other employees at Columbia Square who were upset at his termination. On Friday night one member of George’s dinner party described the exiting gm as being in “good spirits.”
George told the LA Times: “It’s been a great long run for me, but I’ve enjoyed the bumpy ride. I’m leaving with a great deal of sadness but also joy at accomplishing a great deal with KNX. I really believe it’s a great radio station.”
Larry Stewart, LA Times radio/tv sports columnist wrote about Nadel last Friday. “The radio business, where outlandish and boorish behavior among on-air talent and off-air executives is almost the norm, is really hard to figure. Occasionally you find a hard working, well-liked, respected, normal individual. Roger Nadel, gm of Dodger flagship station KFWB, is such a person. So what happens? After 27 years with the station’s parent company, he’s given his walking papers. Today will be his last official day at the station he has run for the last 7½ years.”
Brian Lowry devoted his Friday Daily Variety half-page column to the anticipated changes at KNX and KFWB. “Speculation is that Infinity will differentiate the two stations’ product, with one offering some variation of news/talk or sports/talk as opposed to vying for the news audience,” wrote Lowry. He cited the way tv “duopolies’ operate in the market. Lowry guesses that “it’s hard to imagine much of Nicholaw’s spirit surviving for long – especially with Viacom president Mel Karmazin pressing execs to boost sluggish profits from the radio division.”
Lowry went on to speculate about the nervousness of news staffers. “David G. Hall’s hiring announcement – in which his new boss hailed him as ‘the best programmer for the spoken word formats in the country,’ making no reference to news or journalism – doesn’t appear to bode well for them.”
George Nicholaw’s final message: “This is not a KNX editorial. It is a heartfelt message from me to all KNX listeners, to all KNX clients, and to all members of the exceptional KNX staff. Today is my last day as vice president and general manager of KNX due to a managerial reorganization. After more than a record-breaking 36 years in this position, I would like to thank all of our listeners and all of our clients for their support and for their loyalty.
Since August of 1967 when I presented my first editorial, it is with pride and good fortune that I can say KNX has not missed one day of presenting an editorial or an editorial reply. My thanks to the KNX editorial board: Monica McGarva, Ed Pyle, Dottie Sharkey, Pat Smith, and editorial director David Ysais for their efforts to inform our listeners of issues of concern and for applauding positive action that makes our community a better place to live.
My thanks to KNX general sales manager Mike Masterson and his staff for successfully telling the KNX story to our clients.
My thanks to KNX news director Ed Pyle, executive news producer Ronnie Bradford and our outstanding news and technical teams for lining our hallways with hundreds of awards for journalism at its best.
And a special thanks to my executive assistant Pat Smith - the perfect partner. It has been a long run and she has played a major role in our success.
To all KNX listeners - keep listening. To all KNX clients - keep your messages on our air so our listeners will remember you when they need your services or your products.
And to all the members of the KNX staff, my sincere appreciation for your valuable contribution to our station and to our community. Keep dedicated to providing our listeners with the finest and most professional news coverage in Southern California. Finally to all, remember that 10.70 spot on your dial. KNX is a great radio station!”
“Ok, so Pat Duffy ain't my cup of tea, but, his and Infinity’s lack of class for a man who has given 30 years of his life delivering to the company, including its predecessor, is a disgrace,” wrote John Rook after seeing yesterday’s headlines. “Infinity should have had Mel Karmazin come out, throw a giant dinner and send off for George Nicholaw who is leaving on an extended retirement vacation anywhere he wants. The mayor, and even godfather Sumner Redstone himself could have been a surprise guest," offered Rook.
"I know that's how ABC's founder Leonard Goldenson, would have handled it. Infinity has every right to choose a manager. But, good God isn't there any class anymore?” asked Rook.
And one more thing. If you want to read about Nicholaw's legacy at the KNX Web site, don't bother. It was like he wasn't there for the past 36 years. George was wiped off the site with the click of the Delete key.[/i]
Source: Los Angeles Radio People
George told his staff that he didn’t want a retirement party because there was nothing to party about. He said he was terminated. George spent much of his last day on Friday consoling other employees at Columbia Square who were upset at his termination. On Friday night one member of George’s dinner party described the exiting gm as being in “good spirits.”
George told the LA Times: “It’s been a great long run for me, but I’ve enjoyed the bumpy ride. I’m leaving with a great deal of sadness but also joy at accomplishing a great deal with KNX. I really believe it’s a great radio station.”
Larry Stewart, LA Times radio/tv sports columnist wrote about Nadel last Friday. “The radio business, where outlandish and boorish behavior among on-air talent and off-air executives is almost the norm, is really hard to figure. Occasionally you find a hard working, well-liked, respected, normal individual. Roger Nadel, gm of Dodger flagship station KFWB, is such a person. So what happens? After 27 years with the station’s parent company, he’s given his walking papers. Today will be his last official day at the station he has run for the last 7½ years.”
Brian Lowry devoted his Friday Daily Variety half-page column to the anticipated changes at KNX and KFWB. “Speculation is that Infinity will differentiate the two stations’ product, with one offering some variation of news/talk or sports/talk as opposed to vying for the news audience,” wrote Lowry. He cited the way tv “duopolies’ operate in the market. Lowry guesses that “it’s hard to imagine much of Nicholaw’s spirit surviving for long – especially with Viacom president Mel Karmazin pressing execs to boost sluggish profits from the radio division.”
Lowry went on to speculate about the nervousness of news staffers. “David G. Hall’s hiring announcement – in which his new boss hailed him as ‘the best programmer for the spoken word formats in the country,’ making no reference to news or journalism – doesn’t appear to bode well for them.”
George Nicholaw’s final message: “This is not a KNX editorial. It is a heartfelt message from me to all KNX listeners, to all KNX clients, and to all members of the exceptional KNX staff. Today is my last day as vice president and general manager of KNX due to a managerial reorganization. After more than a record-breaking 36 years in this position, I would like to thank all of our listeners and all of our clients for their support and for their loyalty.
Since August of 1967 when I presented my first editorial, it is with pride and good fortune that I can say KNX has not missed one day of presenting an editorial or an editorial reply. My thanks to the KNX editorial board: Monica McGarva, Ed Pyle, Dottie Sharkey, Pat Smith, and editorial director David Ysais for their efforts to inform our listeners of issues of concern and for applauding positive action that makes our community a better place to live.
My thanks to KNX general sales manager Mike Masterson and his staff for successfully telling the KNX story to our clients.
My thanks to KNX news director Ed Pyle, executive news producer Ronnie Bradford and our outstanding news and technical teams for lining our hallways with hundreds of awards for journalism at its best.
And a special thanks to my executive assistant Pat Smith - the perfect partner. It has been a long run and she has played a major role in our success.
To all KNX listeners - keep listening. To all KNX clients - keep your messages on our air so our listeners will remember you when they need your services or your products.
And to all the members of the KNX staff, my sincere appreciation for your valuable contribution to our station and to our community. Keep dedicated to providing our listeners with the finest and most professional news coverage in Southern California. Finally to all, remember that 10.70 spot on your dial. KNX is a great radio station!”
“Ok, so Pat Duffy ain't my cup of tea, but, his and Infinity’s lack of class for a man who has given 30 years of his life delivering to the company, including its predecessor, is a disgrace,” wrote John Rook after seeing yesterday’s headlines. “Infinity should have had Mel Karmazin come out, throw a giant dinner and send off for George Nicholaw who is leaving on an extended retirement vacation anywhere he wants. The mayor, and even godfather Sumner Redstone himself could have been a surprise guest," offered Rook.
"I know that's how ABC's founder Leonard Goldenson, would have handled it. Infinity has every right to choose a manager. But, good God isn't there any class anymore?” asked Rook.
And one more thing. If you want to read about Nicholaw's legacy at the KNX Web site, don't bother. It was like he wasn't there for the past 36 years. George was wiped off the site with the click of the Delete key.[/i]
Source: Los Angeles Radio People