Thursday, March 20, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: WHBC's Russell Out In Budget Cuts

Even in better economic times, even when radio groups aren't firing people left and right for "budget reasons", it's often said that taking a vacation in radio is dangerous.

NextMedia talk WHBC/1480 Canton talk show host Brady Russell found that out.

OMW hears from numerous sources that NextMedia pulled the plug on Russell's employment Thursday...while he was on vacation from his afternoon drive show on "NewsTalk 1480". He was scheduled to return to the airwaves on Monday the 24th - which won't happen now.

And as suggested above, OMW hears that NextMedia cites budgetary reasons for letting Mr. Russell go.

Starting next Monday, radio veteran Jim Albright, who has done much off-air work for WHBC in addition to hosting his own Saturday morning program, will take the 1480 afternoon drive position.

As far as we know, he'll also continue to do his Saturday show. We're taking bets on if he'll still also do his other off-air duties, and perhaps be asked to brush the snow off the satellite dishes.

Brady Russell has had a bumpy ride at Market South.

Before returning to the building to help build the schedule for the new talk format on the AM side, he was best known at WHBC for getting dumped from the FM side for controversial, umm, talk radio-style comments on the AC formatted "Mix 94.1"...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's sad about Russell's demise while on vacation for "budget" reasons. One wonders if his replacement is working for a cheaper pay?

When ABC Talkradio installed the "little black box" at WERE NewsTalk 1300, back in my (early 1980's) time, a lot of good local talkshow hosts got the boot. However, the move took the station's ratings with it!

Well, Russell, grab the back sections of broadcasting magazines and start sending out those demo tapes - or CD's! I wish you luck, man!

- Andrew @ MALL727.net -

kestrel9000 said...

When I worked at WHBC-FM, Brady Russell, because he didn't like my politics, made discrediting me, sabotaging my work, and trying to get me fired the cornerstone of his life.
So, you'll pardon me if I'm not shedding any tears.
Especially since I've been valued and respected everywhere I've gone since.
Karma's a bitch, they say.