Tuesday, January 21, 2014

As promised...



I felt it very important to explain to you...those who cared about Rush Radio and its purpose...what happened back in September 2013, that resulted in my being off the air and led to my separation with WTKK. First and foremost, I do have health issues that qualified me for short term disability. I had my spinal cord stimulator surgery coming up but I'd been having trouble with my hands going numb. There's obviously a cervical disc that needs repairing, so I'll be out of commission for a while. I could leave it at that but it wouldn't be the whole truth. I believe you deserve as much truth as possible. You gave the show your loyalty and I wouldn't dream of treating you so disrespectfully. 


First, I want to tell you that, despite what many jocks feel, I never had a problem with Clear Channel. I worked for them in Tampa-where I led the morning show to second place in women in 3 years. Not to shabby for a first morning show and being a girl lead, to boot. I worked with (and filled in for) Glenn Beck and shared the mornings with Bubba the Love Sponge down the hall and the MJ in the Morning Show, who ruled Tampa in ratings for well over a decade. You know him now as Todd Schnitt. I also got to work with Dave Reinhart, Gabe Hobbs, Randy Lane and Chuck Morgan; four of the most gifted men I've known and who took me from 'Disc Jockey' and shaped me into a real radio personality. 

(May you rest peacefully, Dave. Thank you. You are missed.)

From Tampa, I took our morning show to Minneapolis, where we bit the dust. It was there that the lesson Chuck Morgan taught me-and that I'd promptly forgotten-came to kick me in the ass. "Never Violate the Expectations of your Listeners." It would be the LAST time I made that mistake.
 

Yes...I know this is reading like a memoir but, dammit, it's MY site and MY story...so there!!! ;)
 

Back to NC, a short stint with the company that gave me a start in radio-Curtis Media-and then Rush Radio. I was ready for another win and I would have it...but it would be too short. Too damned short. 

The first man I met was Ken Charles. Ken was dynamic and he knew what great radio was and how to get it out of you. Ken gutted me my first week on the show. The original host-a guy named Bo-quit two days into the show. KC, who had been hired as a producer from his part-time job in Minneapolis as a phone screener for another talk show host, was put in place. We were going into a break, when I said "Jesus could kick Mohammed's butt." 

I thought it was funny. Ken did not. 

Ken SHREDDED me and I cried all the way home, while calling Ken every name in the book. But even then, I felt-as I still do now-that I would work for Ken a thousand times over. He's that damned good. He mentored us through the first year of the show and taught me a great deal. Clear Channel promoted him to a VP position. He deserved every bit of it.

The second person I met was Clear Channel's Rush Radio Greensboro GM, Kim Pyle. She was incredible...she was the female version of my boss, Dick Harlow and I deeply regret not getting to know her better. She is what I've always considered myself to be...the last of the good ol' broads. We're women who are capable but demand chivalry. At least, that was my impression of her and understand...the good ol' broad title is the highest 'award' I would ever give a woman. Considering how I feel about women in general (that's what my NEXT post will be all about-trust) she ranks high on the list of how women in business should behave. That is "I don't expect you to GIVE me anything...I'll work my ass off for it...I don't mind." She really is 'beast', as my 10-year-old, Austin, would say. 

CML public service announcement: I'm sure the 'ass-kissing' label is being used generously at this point and you're more than welcome to slap it on me as many times as you like. But I'm NOT wasting time speaking negatively about the people who were dishonest, arrogant or so afraid of being fired they couldn't make a sane decision. I don't waste time on that...I owe it to the people who helped me and believed in me. THEY are the people who deserve accolades and I will damn well hand them out. That is all.  

The next person I want to talk about, as his story is relevant to all of this-is Dick Harlow. Dick was my GM. He is incredibly charismatic, charming-and, at times, a hothead who scared the shit out of me when I was on the receiving end- with the proverbial heart of gold. He ran a tight ship; he was also the rare manager who knew that you couldn't manage employees the same way. He quickly learned what worked with whom and used it to the company's advantage. I thought the world of him AND his wife....also one of the 'last of the good ol' broads'. I genuinely loved the both of them.

Case in point: One of our regular listeners got shipped out to Afghanistan. I asked him to keep in touch and was thrilled when he did.  We talked via email and I found the unit could use some entertainment in the form of music and cd's, which Dick instantly approved.  I insisted my friend tell me what he and his unit ould enjoy most and their request was simply 'coffee'. It was Dick who handed me a credit card and told me to get what they needed and ship it. Because of him, I was able to send 20 big cans of coffee AND two coffee machines! He did the same thing when I asked for items for different charities I was always involved in and never questioned it. He believed in the community and demanded we be a part of it.

 Dick was one of the rare GM's that understood the complicated dichotomy between programming and sales. The bottom line is that radio is a product. Radio stations can be built or destroyed by patronizing or attacking advertisers. It's not a big secret...the Libs know it very well and while we despise them, they managed to bring Rush Limbaugh to his knees. Remember that. If we could organize and be that effective, you'd have solid, Conservative radio on in every radio market. But we're NOT organized. Nor are we impassioned.
We've become apathetic and we're reaping the punishment. We'll continue to suffer until we are thoroughly whipped and we decide to either step up or give in and lick the boots of the Progressives.


Damn. Didn't mean to head straight to CML...IN WRITING!! HAHAHAHA


Back to Dick Harlow...I respected him. He made Rush Radio successful. He never hesitated to encourage me, inspire me or rip me a new a**hole when I needed it. Dick was scary when he was mad...but he was one of the few men in charge that could excoriate you and then it was over. He would always end any meeting...informal or not...with his standard "Now, get outta here." If you learned your lesson, you would think it completely forgotten. Dick had numerous meetings with KC and me. You won't be surprised to learn it was due to  our constantly butting heads. Typical morning show crap. At least, it was typical the
first year. By year 3, we were ALL getting tired of it. But more on that later.

In January of 2013, Dick was fired by Clear Channel. No one gave us a reason, but rumor was...and this is RUMOR, mind you...that CC got tired of Dick telling them 'No.' In short, Dick had made the Raleigh cluster one of the most profitable in the company. Our cluster was successful because Dick had the cahones to SAY no, when necessary.
He knew what needed to be done and HOW it needed to be done because he knew the Triangle, the Triad and upper management didn't. Clear Channel is a little top heavy; meaning there are a LOT of managers: Area, Regional, Market, Division, etc. and management was always changing, it seemed. But regardless of the
'why', the fact remained that he was there, then he was gone. I was devastated. Absolutely disheartened.

Months later, we would eventually get George Allen as our GM and though we didn't work together long, I can tell you he is a very smart man and a good man. I hope he's successful. He's the kind of guy you root for because he's got a lot of heart. 


Now, as you know, there are things I cannot get into. I wish I could. The primary reason I wasn't on the air after  September 17th was due to my health. The reason I stayed on the website is due to them having to hold your job open for a specific amount of time. That's all. 
When Clear Channel and I discussed what I wanted after being released from medical leave, I did tell CC that I couldn't go back into the same situation: the morning show atmosphere was toxic and that I believed there was no way the show would ever be effective with the behind the scenes drama that I simply couldn't think about dealing with while healthy-much less returning from two back surgeries and a progressive auto-immune disease.

In short, KC and I HAD a great morning show at one time...it's too bad that only one of us knew it.

At the end of the day, Clear Channel and I had an amicable separation.  They were fair and I feel they made the best decision they could in such a situation. I am deeply grateful to them and I appreciate the opportunities they offered me over the years. 

The thing I'll miss most is you...the people who faithfully gave their support and embraced the show. If there's anything that really hurts...that really cuts me to the core...it's that you and I lost a valuable spot on the air that gave validation to the Conservative cause and support to people that continue to lose their voice against this administration's attempt to subjugate the people and those who wish to revise history as well as our Constitution. 


But the fight isn't over...it hasn't even begun. When it does, you and I will stand shoulder to shoulder and we'll win...or die trying. 

E Pluribus Unum









33 comments:

  1. First let me say I hope your health is better. That's the most important thing.
    Second I don't know about Rush being brought to his knees. That may be a tad of a strong statement
    Third I did not listen much but when I did it was because of you. You were funny. I did not listen a lot and I don't listen now because "K" talks all the damn time and cuts people off because he does not ShutUp soon enough to take calls. I can't stand it. It sucks. And I haven't called. He comes off as a know it all prick.
    Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck.

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  2. Regarding you assessment of the weakness of conservatives, you are accurate, but the core seed of what the greatest weakness is: Those firmly on the Right believe all that matters is truth, facts and integrity. Progressives are very polished in exploiting that political character flaw. Progressive weapons: 1) Whatever the Left is doing, accuse the other side of it. All they do after that is defend against the accusation. 2) Repeating over and over the same smearing ads, deceptions and lies has been working very well ever since Woodrow Wilson. They are not going to change what works.
    Carl

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  3. KC is an arrogant know-it-all prick. I listen to AM 850 now. KC bore the hell out of me with his pathetic attempts to be "pragmatic" and play Devil's advocate. Carmen, you may be one scatter-brained broad, but you are honest. He is just an empty suit. Best of luck!

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    1. Absolutely agree with Jeff, including the part about AM 850 in the morning. Doug is terrific there. Carmen, I hope you continue to blog and maybe become a guest commentator somewhere - give Doug a call! (doug@isright.com)

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    2. I totally agree with Jeff here. I greatly miss your strange laugh and 'take no prisoners' attitude. You're one great broad Carmen. Don't let anyone tell you differently.

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  4. Thanks for the info sweetheart. We loves ya!

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  5. I loved the show with the two of you there. It was the only talk radio show that my wife enjoyed, she really bonded with you. Best wihes on your carrer and most of all I pray for your health.

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  6. OMG- Carmen I miss you sooooo much! Hope you feel better...and really, really hope to hear you back on the air. I've been searching for info about you for ages, it seems! I still proudly have my CML sticker on my car (next to my Mickey Mouse, remember?) Please let us know your progress on the health front and the work front. Love ya girl!

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  7. I am going to miss you on the morning show. The show has lost something since then. I will light a candle after Mass for you. Life is too short, pray hard

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  8. I miss you, I can not listen to the arrogant bore-fest from the Great Western US with stories about living on the frontier. Please get back on air!!

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  9. Well Carmen, it will be a thrill to hear you again whenever that happens. Conservatives are just waiting for a REAL leader to line up with. He or she will be along soon. Until then, keep up the fight. BTW, i tune in promptly at 9AM now. I am probably not alone.

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  10. When the history of the American demise is written in years to come the reason that will be at the fore front will be that a populace willfully ignored truth in favor of manners, i.e. political correctness. This scourge has been skillfully forged in to a weapon to be used to silence political enemies. The result of this is failed grievance politics, a dumbing down of the entire society, and the end to the upward trajectory of a once proud people who walked on the moon, defeated tyrants, and raised more people out of crushing poverty than any other in the history of mankind.
    Carmen is a voice that stands against that weapon. Thank you Carmen.

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  11. So sorry to see you go! Let us know when you make it back on the radio because I know you will! You and Ross MADE KC and he is too egotistical to know it. Wishing you better health also. Miss you lots!

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  12. The only reason I listen to KC now is that all the other shows on the radio suck more. He's a smart guy, but he doesn't have enough personality to carry the show by himself.

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  13.  Excellent tips. Really useful stuff .Never had an idea about this if you want more information something like visit back pain albuquerque get more details.

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  14. I loved the show when both you and KC were on it. I still like the show and listen to it religiously. I would love it better if you were back with KC, but I guess that will not happen. Rush Radio is the only station I listen to, and Fox News channel is the only TV I watch. It would be great if you could get on a Liberal TV or Radio station to blunt their Democrat agenda. I love my all-time favorite Rush Limbaugh, and sometimes listen to Glen Beck (even though he seems to have a passion for making as much money as he can). Hope to hear you on your own show soon.

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  15. Ross carries the show now. He's so much funnier than KC. Miss you Carmen!

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  16. Carmen: I quit listening when you left. KC is a BORE to say the least!

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  17. I listened to the show occasionally when Carmen was there. She clearly helped make the show worthwhile. I never listen now. I cannot stand hearing KC talk all the time.

    However, I felt there was some negative racial overtones being expressed by Carmen especially toward President Obama. That to me made the show toxic. I understand expressing what people want to hear but there are consequenses to that here in America. That's not very helpful to your black audience. Oh well.

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    1. Thank you for your comment. I'm sorry you felt that there were racial overtones toward Barack Obama. I can absolutely assure you any and all of my criticism had to do with what a lousy job he was doing as well as the fact that he's a Communist. His being half black didn't mafter to me. Considering I'm married to a full blooded Hispanic, well, I think that pretty much dispels any charges of racism on my part. Obama is incompetent, a liar, a fraud, and someone who has done his best to tear this country apart racially and politically. None of his behavior is indigenous to half black people. Obama's issues are absolutely those of an arrogant asshole. That being said, you did attempt to play the race card so let me address that very clearly. The black community has a cancer in its midst, and the cancer was created and cultivated by the black community and it's so called leaders. I can spit statistics all day long but I don't have to… you can look them up yourself. There are many blacks, although far too few, who see the travesty perpetuated by so called black leaders and this president. But no one wants to listen to them. Because their message is one of self-reliance and perseverance. In my opinion, there's no color that makes someone a better person or a worse person by nature. Being raised in a white family with white relatives and no mixed marriages or relationships, until me that is, we were always taught to be respectful and civil and polite to everyone we met. My parents never qualified that by following it with color sex creed age or anything else. We did not have a lot of interracial relationships or marriages when I was growing up here in the south. But that was a mutual thing. Black families, as many white families did, did not encourage or support mixed marriages or relationships. The reason is that both black and white parents knew that society made it difficult. And by society, I mean black-and-white alike. And who wants their kid to have a tough life? Nowadays, things like that aren't a big deal. which proves that we were well on our way to a color blind generation. I would like to know some of the things that I said that were supposedly racist in nature because I am pretty sure those remarks were either misheard on your part or perhaps misdelivered on mine. Either way, I'll be glad to clarify anything I said. Thank you for your time...take care.

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    2. So, give us an update on your health? How are you? Love you and miss you. I spoke with you on the radio. Your were so kind and supportive. I have always remembered that. God bless and have a great day!!!

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    3. Not all black people were supportive of Obama. Those that followed Martin Luther king's philosophy judged him by his character and didnt vote for him simply for his color of skin which strangely was also half white, but somehow in bi racial children the white DNA mysteriously disappears in the womb

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  18. Hey Carmen, we have something in common, (other than pretty much everything else), I too have a implanted spinal cord stimulator. Got mine in 2008 due to a fall from a 28 ft extension ladder while wiring houses as an electrician in Fayetteville. Lucky to be alive actually. Damaged my spinal cord at C-2, C-4 thru C-7 and L-4 to S-1. Still have to take 3,600 mg of neurontin and 400 mg of tramadol daily but the stimulator helps. (Otherwise I wouldn't be able to stand the stinging/burning/numbness in my forearms and hands and legs and feet.) I know what you're going through and have sympathy for you, I wouldn't wish spinal cord injuries on anyone!
    Hang in there, it could be worse (that's what my wife keeps telling me anyway) I do keep up with you and your posts on FB as well.

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    1. I’m sorry I’m so late in seeing your post! I hope your spinal cord stimulator is still helping you… Mine isn’t. One of my leads scarred in the wrong place, and I couldn’t turn it up at all due to that lead triggering a nerve in my left side. I need to get it taken out but I just don’t want to go through any more surgeries right now. God bless and merry Christmas! Much love !!

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  19. Miss you! Here's something that might bring some cheer...a song parody to our "beloved" departing dictator. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwswuu-PIfc

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    1. I STILL look at this occasionally and laugh. Look at this...it’s a look at the lib media on election night. I pee every time I watch it.

      https://youtu.be/monFrbRDa6w

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  20. Miss you! Here's something that might bring some cheer...a song parody to our "beloved" departing dictator. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwswuu-PIfc

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  21. Carmen we miss you. Time flies been quite a while. I listened to you and KC. Thought you were a great team. Are you back on the radio? If so let us know. Stay healthy. Charlie

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    1. How true! No...I gave radio 25 years of my life and, in return, I was given stress-related high blood pressure (probably from working with all of the damned alcoholics and drug addicts and sheer cowards) and a bad back. Well, ok...radio didn’t do that but it respond well to the stress and high blood pressure 😁 I’m fully retired now.

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  22. I just thought it was because you were late for work all the time. :D

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  23. Look...it wasn’t MY fault that the I was detained by TSA for carrying live ammo into an airport. Geez...talk about overreacting...

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  25. I started listening to your show when Chrissy or Christy (think that was her name) was the engineer before Ross. Anyway I have mixed opinions of your purpose there. While listening to the show I could feel a tension between you and KC but what I did hear was what seemed your lack of commitment. I remember one morning you were on your phone shopping Amazon or some on line company and not contributing one thing to the show in fact you were disrupting it with snide comments and complaining. Many times we had to listen to you ramble on about your kid who wouldn't keep his clothes on or behavior issues with him at school.It seemed you were trying to obstruct the intentions of the show. I feel KC is a brilliant man and is able to explain almost any situation political,governmental,social etc. etc while informing and educating his audience. I did not get that feeling from you. I am sorry about your health situation that is not a fun situation to be in.I do wish you luck in whatever you end up doing but most of all I sincerely hope your health improves.
    And if you do become reemployed as a radio DJ or host good luck with that also.

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