Sunday, February 23, 2014

Karel Mangles KGO's David Weintraub On-Air And, Well, The Rest is History

Karel
  Just before midnight Saturday, KGO alleged talk-host Karel, and 12-2 AM, host, David Weintraub got into a mini-kerfuffle on the air. It wasn't a spectacular bout, but just good enough, (here's the link to listen--pay attention to the last five minutes).

Forget what caused the bitch-out and forget the subject matter--that's not important.

What is important is how much Karel is despised by the other few talk hosts and how his irresponsibility keeps him from getting the axe from timid management although this latest fracas might add to his eventual demise.

Said a broadcast staffer: "He's a moron. He's not smart and he's intensely disliked."

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David Weintraub

66 comments:

  1. Anyone know at what approximate time this dustup happened? I'd like to listen to get the details.

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  2. I'm sorry I missed hearing David Weintraub, he's a cool guy!

    Yesterday, Pat Thurston said she won't be on today, Sunday.
    Is there another CAL Game? How can KGO call it a Talk Radio Weekend Show when they put up these terrible Cal Games?
    Or is Christie Craft replacing Thurston today? That would be great!

    If not...I'll listen to the KSFO's Hateful, 'Holier Than Thou'...Barbara Simpson.
    I'm a Catholic, as is Simpson...she thinks she's so much better than Liberal Catholics!
    In fact, all of the Christian Right think they're far, far superior!

    And yet, Republicans have forgotten the most importing warning:
    “Truly I tell you, whatever you have done for the least among you...
    you have done for me.”

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    1. I too am Catholic AND a Tea Party member. True Faith has no political party or earthbound label. However, those of us who live our lives close to what we believe ARE indeed superior to what are sometimes called "Cafeteria Catholics", the kind who pick and choose what commandments to obeserve, as though perusing an open box of chocolates. Acknowledging that one is living a clean life is not a sin of pride, when it's an actual fact.
      You listen to Barbara because you know she's right. You begrudgingly agree with her quest for righteousness. None of us is perfect or ever will be, but we need not stand still and knowingly sink in the mire and ooze of vulgarity either. You are a Catholic, you are one of us. Give love and show a little kindness today. I try to do the same in my life.

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    2. Seriously 3:01 you are "superior?" That line of thinking tells us that clearly, you are not.

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    3. What a good and thoughtful post! I sometimes listen to Barbara Simpson, and although I sometimes disagree with her, she never struck me as being hateful or self righteous. She has strong opinions and values. So what? She's willing to listen to other points of view and she's usually good humored. I have sent her emails to which she has replied in a polite and professional way. When I turn off her program it's because she is doing an interview on a subject that doesn't interest me, or, if I'm not in the right mood, some of her callers drive me nuts. But Barbara herself I respect.

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    4. Gee. I wonder how non-Christians fare in this "observant" Catholics are superior to others. My faith background involves several religions, as well as the one I chose as an adult, and I hasten to say that no one of any religion is superior to anyone of any other religion, or sect thereof. Not judging others, humility and love thy neighbor are Christian values. 3:01 might want to seek remedial Bible reading. 3:01 Tea Partier, do you recall this? "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's"? I would say the Tea Party is that of Caesar's, but since I'm not Christian, I suppose I don't have a right to say anything since I'm even lower than "cafeteria Catholics." Oh, such judgment. Such humility. Such profane hypocrisy.

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    5. BTW... I don't agree with Barbara on most anything. She's more white than dry wall... But... I like her and her show.

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    6. @3:01...You have it folks, The Tea Party personality in full focus!
      They and only they are the superior Americans!
      The Righteous Indignation from our Republican RightWing is absurd as they sadly live in a dream world of the 1950's past!

      But, the oddest thing, is how the The Tea Party misguidedly believe PBO and Liberals are forcing 'Progressive Thinking' down America's throat!
      No, My friend on the Right...America is evolving all on their own! And you regressive Tea Party folk...stuck in your old-ways without a lick of Empathy....are going to be left in the Dust Bin of History.

      Here's a brilliant photo of our San Francisco Tea Party:

      "Don't Tax Me Bro, Spread The Poverty"!
      http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kFRd_WlRDIk/T4szAQN9ldI/AAAAAAAADiY/OsoWcAPEqhg/s1600/L1004839_1600-1475.jpg

      'Spread The Poverty'....the Selfish Tea Party Axiom!
      And these folks think they deserve our White House back!

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    7. You might want to talk to Barbara about her "whiteness".seriously.

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  3. I understand what you're saying, but I don't really see anything major here. I hear this kind of bickering between hosts on KNBR and callers all the time. Well its usually the guys at Noon arguing with the callers but it seemed like it was a semi-regular occurrence. Disclosure: I stopped listening to the noontime guys a few years ago.

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  4. Well, now I know what a competition to see who can be stupider and more annoying sounds like. How do either of those guys have broadcast jobs?

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  5. Rich, I know you are the opposite of a Karel show fan. I can take him or leave him. Certainly flawed.

    I didn't listen to the show, and I don't really every listen to him anymore, but I have in the past. I listen to the last 4:00 or so minutes of the show when Karel and Weintraub were doing a warm handoff. Karel is never good at interacting with people on air, it is always hard to listen to. However, in this handoff Weintraub was a jerk. Karel's first two or three sentences were light and clearly attempts at levity. Weintrab's first couple of sentence all clearly had sharp barbs. When Karel did his usual bowling over another speaker to make a point (like he does all the time) Weintraub yelled with what sounded like anger. At that point whatever engagement there was between these two was clearly won by a single knockout punch by Karel when Weintraub whined 'don't stop me from making my point' and Karel correctly said he will because it is his show. An argument winning statement of fact.

    Weintraub came out aggressively and maybe angry, and with that one phrase Karel ended the conflict.

    Not good to listen to. Weintraub could have smiled, announced his topics, and two minutes later started his own show. What was he thinking?

    Again, Karel is usually terrible at handoffs, but this bad radio was initiated by Weintraub and abruptly ended by Karel.

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  6. Karel, please pick up your toys, disconnect yourself from the radio & leave...you're disgusting.

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  7. I'm waiting for Karel to get it on with ...... "Marie Lee Dixie" ... from Texas Traffic Control.
    Traffic with a southern accent,..... and a queen talk show host....Cumulus style.
    Love that 2 hour late..... so called..... "Breaking News"
    plus the 2 day old news..... read off the internet.
    "Ya-all now tune in now please".......Love u from Texas..........
    Marie Lee Dixie ..... can u help....Maureen?

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  8. Weintraub "hey hey hey hey let me finish my thought"

    WoW - I've forgotten what a huge baby and hypocrite Karel is. It never was an issue that he was gay, but he tries so hard to sound like a black gay man....

    Then he needs to tell Weintraub that it's his (Karel) show.

    WTF?

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    1. Karel, tries to sounds like a black man?!? Seriously? I swear I thought he was a black woman back in the day - like way back before he was fired the first time.

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  9. What's eating David Weintraub?

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  10. I'm well aware that Karel certainly has his share of detractors. That's what he strives for: controversy. But Weintraub is - plain and simple - an idiot. He's a lightweight with no teeth in his topics and an irritating delivery. Never listen to him - there's a reason he has this time-slot.

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  11. My guy tells me he has that slot so they can move him into someone else's. Why give someone new a slot like this if you have no plans?

    As for Weintraub, he clearly instigated it but I'm guessing it was because Karel was calling him by the wrong name.

    If you listen to his show right afterward I think his point is clear, but I don't think he was very tasteful to a fellow host. Neither of them were.

    From an intellectual standpoint, Weintraub seems to blow Karel out of the water. The guy makes interesting points. I wish he took more callers and had guests, but he's carrying that time slot alone. I'm not sure another KGO host could do that. His first show on KGO was so bad but now I find myself listening.

    Weintraub will replace someone at KGO soon. Mark my words.

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    1. I like the point that KGO David stands his ground and doesn't take shit from Karel, nor does he bow down to "established" talent - especially the unprofessional and egocentric one.

      David is entitled in the transition, to voice his opinion, whether Karel likes it or not. He doesn't control the transition; he is merely part of it and so is the following host. Karel has had these dust ups with other hosts -- Wattenburg, Thurston, Craft and others. Controversial? No. Just hype, usually. I think that Karel knows what side his bread is buttered and somehow, masocistically, enjoys being disliked and mistrusted. That's his key to being "red carpet" material.

      He is, however, wrong. His not being dismissed long ago is probably do to his "You won't fire me, I'm gay and you'll hear from it with the backlash" he will manufacture. That, however, isn't job security. Someone with balls and the ability to put reality for a sinking radio station back together, piece-by-piece, will eventually come to their senses.

      Cumulus has done it with Ralph Barbieri and others and will do it with Karel once they get out of "discrimination" mode.

      To hear Karel talking about "Chitty-chitty Bang Bang" is not talk radio for an hour. It is boring and a voyeuristic look into a weird mind. That's why I listen, to see what's next. I hate that he keeps mentioning that freebie junket to Ireland next month, like he deserves it. Then, he comes back to see if he has a new limited option one year "up" on a new contract.

      Hopefully, saner minds will prevail. His act has worn old and cold. I'd rather listen to Weintraub get into a caller's grill. Maybe that's what he's being groomed for. Let's hope.

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  12. "Never listen to him" but yet you have an accurate assessment...

    Listen, it's okay that you can't do what I do, or that people hide behind their anonymity. It's your right. Enjoy life on the sidelines.

    As for last night, karel and cw's take(s) were simpleminded and pointless. I called that out. I continued to call it out in the next segment.

    As for a Karel directly, I don't care what he does on his show. It's his show. But any time he wants to discuss ANYTHING of substance he knows where to find me. No teeth? Think you're talking about the wrong person.

    I'm not worried about my future, and I work hard at this. If I want you to like me you will. If I don't, you won't. It's up to me, as obnoxious as that may sound. If you know me then you know it's true.

    It's flattering any of you would talk about me, as it is for any host.

    Now go enjoy your anonymity.

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    1. Very un-anonymously, it must be said that this is by far the most clever? way of explaining away bad ratings. Let's see if I have this right. If Mr. Weintraub secures great ratings, it's not because he's a good or bad talk host, but rather he wanted the audience to like him, really like him. If, on the other hand, the ratings for his program are abysmal, it's because he didn't want the audience to like him? Is this right? I don't know about Mr. Weintraub's ratings history. Perhaps he could enlighten us? I do know that whether you love or hate Karel, he has a history of ratings accomplishment at superstations.

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    2. David - as long as you don't reveal "anonymous" callers on your show, their is no reason why anyone here needs to reveal their identities to you. First, it wouldn't work. We'd all lie anyway, just to keep morons from callng us out for their ego-inflamed dislike of those who call them out. Next, if the administrator of the blog can't seem to control that content outside of blatant censorship, that's his problem. He's been advised how to fix the problem and doesn't. Until then, sources -- both inside and out -- are protected anonymously and it forces readers of the blog to make their own decisions and think for themeselves. I like that. Be fortunate that we can still be responsible enough as a society in this country to do so, whether people agree or not. It avoids the humiliation and retaliation of those who would use ridicule rather than fact, truth and expression to disagree with those who make valid points and those who need to protect their identity, just like callers to your show do.

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    3. Genius, I mean one on one. Not ratings. Referring to people I work with. Because Rich's post refers to opinions on Karel, and a supposed spat between two of us. Try to stay on point here.

      I don't care about his ratings.

      But by all means, Christine, feel free to weigh in on my future. You've got something to say here about everything else, always.

      Talk amongst yourselves...

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    4. I didn't opine about your future, just your past. I don't need your approval to think or opine. That said, do you have a history of ratings victories somewhere? Is that a question you prefer not to answer, specifically?The one that makes you suddenly a quiet little pussycat?

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    5. Sorry, Christine. You need to take off your Pollyanish rose colored glasses. Karel was fired twice from KFI -- one after he and his husband slid downward ratings wise and the second time as a failed solo act. He was fired by the PD who saw that the uniqueness had long worn off. He's never been on a superstation in success in that daypart, including at KGO. His numbers are abysmal and he is trying, again, to reinvent himself to no avail.

      As for Weintraub, his act isn't even rated by Neilsen or Arbitron when they did ratings overnight, unless it is a separate, costly, special report. I remember when Mickey Luckoff bought one such report a year, maybe. The all night numbers, especially on weekends, are meaningless because the audience isn't there.

      The only reason why Karel's dayparts are rated is because 6-midnight or 7 to midnight are "regular" weekend dayparts and are broken out by hour. His dayparts are the worst in radio ratings history, the dungeon of ratings, especially in prime, sellable "younger" demographics. Any chance of success is in the 6-9 daypart where Pat Thurston is or from 7 to 10 where he is on Sundays.

      The weakest of all dayparts, as you know, Christine, is anytime after 7 pm. Most radio stations would be better off by signing off after that time because the audience becomes vapor ware.

      Ratings accomplishments? Come on. Show the proof. You can't, nor would you whether based on truth or whether you ever wanted to work again in this market for divulging the facts. Karel, who you subbed for frequently on his little show weekdays is no ratings bonanza, trust me.

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    6. You've gone right past my point,missing it utterly, without even knowing it. Mr. Weintraub presents himself as such an expert on successful talk radio that he, without apparently any portfolio, can instruct others in how they can improve their programs. He prides himself in telling his audience that he doesn't need to prepare for his shows bcause he is so hip and angst-ridden that he just can't bother. When someone, anyone, makes that sort of claim, then the next, obvious question(the one you missed) is,"What are their credentials? their past accomplishments?"
      I was at KGO the first day Karel started. I remember distinctly, that when he took over a weekend show, the ratings improved. The numbers were always available to everyone on the air, hour by hour, daypart by daypart. Mr. Weintraub doesn't have to reveal anything from his current employer. He could say, generally, that in his prior job, he had good or not so good ratings. I'm a lawyer, I understand what is protected contractual information and what isn't. Does it disappoint that I'm not intimidated by your"never work in this town again" histrionics?

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    7. Christine, you are still so sad and mad. Year after year, Month after month, week after weed, day in, day out. What is wrong with you? Doesn't this guy work at the station with you? Couldn't you find this information out just by asking someone, or even him? Weintraub has been on for like 2 weeks, right? Didn't he produce for Savage or something? You're also suggesting that Karel when he began is the karel of today. That ratings never fall or rise? That doesn't make much sense. I think we all understand that Karel is your only hope for a radio outlet these days, but normally hosts use a non-threat to replace them. That should tell you a lot about what Karel thinks of you. Who said "you'd never work in this town again?" Are you just making things up? What is the matter with you?

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    8. I have often enjoyed filling for Karel. Why would that bother you? I most recently have done the Ronn Owens show (this Thursday past )and the Brian Copeland show, yesterday on KGO. I've never met Mr. Weintraub, not he,me.
      Mr. Weintraub is the one who presents himself as one who intuits and creates great radio,and who states that he believes the LA Times is useless. It's such a "refreshing" point of view, that inquiring minds want to know. Does he have a history of past successes in radio of which we are unaware? ...something from which we can all learn? or not?

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    9. Who cares? He's entertaining. What's the difference? And as the previous post asks, why not ask him yourself? No one else cares but you! Get over yourself. Leave the thread already!

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    10. I must agree with Christine (very rare). I still remember Weintraub coming onto Rich's blog after his disastrous first show talking big, like he's somebody. He's a nobody. Compare him to any talk show host EVER on KGO and he's at the bottom of the list. I'd place him along the lines of Ryan Scott and Maureen Langston. It'd be difficult to pick between those three as to which one is the worst since all three are awful. Karel at least has accomplished a lot in radio. He was on KGO when KGO was the best station and it was relevant. Weintraub was picking up Michael Savage's oily Chinese take out. No comparison at all. Weintraub is of the newish generation who thinks history has no relevance and anything new "must" be better than the past. The saddest part of this thread is that we are talking about a pissing contest between a nobody and a has been. Yet another reminder of how a once great station was decimated. I can't believe I'm now tuning in at 3pm to listen to Tom Leykis Live! Radio sucks man. No, Weibtraub you ain't gonna save it Dude.

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    11. Something tells me you're of the older sort. Numerous times on this blog I see someone making a reference to "dude." My gut tells me it's the same person repeatedly. It really wreaks of desperation, and shows an aversion to anyone younger. Having just listened to both the Karel argument and the first half hour of Weintraub's show, I didn't take away from either an immaturity that you're suggesting, or that the hosts weren't well thought out. However, I do believe you're not adapting to changing realities. I see parts of kimmel and Fallon almost every night. There's much more "dude" there, and yet they are now the future of late night TV. To suggest radio still needs to be old, or strive to be, shows a tremendous lack of foresight on your part, even if you're straining to make a point that's not even evident.

      Yet you like Tom Leykis. Irony.

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    12. I like good radio. Back when KGO was good I'd hardly ever tune in to Tom Leykis. My point is that at 3pm the best live radio I can currently find is Tom Leykis and he's 57 years old! The host's age is not important to me. I don't give a damn if Weintraub is 21 years old if he's a good host, but he's not. I've tried listening to him and he is clueless. Can't carry a topic, does not engage callers, keeps repeating the same thing over and over as if reading from a script...and his voice sucks! I read his bio somewhere online and apparently he does voice over work and one of his specialties is to do the voice of regular "dudes" at the bar drinking beer. That's what he sounds like. A regular goofy dude trying to be intellectual. Not good at all!

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    13. yes, we must all be careful of what "wreaks".

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    14. Tom Leykis isn't young. He's much older than, and much heavier than..Karel.yes?

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  13. Looking at this picture, Karel never met a chocolate cake he did not like.

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  14. And nothing is eating me. I just hate stupid commentary. And people who back up the monied interest to protect their own asses in order to make themselves seem balanced. It's weak.

    Anyone. Anytime. Any day. Feel free.

    I'm not on the radio to entertain the insiders, who by and large are a miserable lot. I get it. It's a rough business. But grow up.

    Thanks.

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  15. I was on my 2nd glass if scotch at about that time. What the heck are you folks doing listening to talk radio at that hour?

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  16. First, between both Karel and Weintraub it was meaningless babble. It meant nothing and was a waste of broadcast / transition time.

    Secondly, the way I heard it, it started going south when Karel annoyingly, as he always does, got hyped when Weintraub "dared" to disagree with him. Karel started to holler over him before Weintraub got annoyed enough to shout him down with the "Hey hey hey hey". Anyone could have, and many do, react that way when they are cut off and dominated like someone is preaching as Karel always does.

    Thirdly, the line from Karel about "....It's my show," is horseshit. He doesn't own the show, unless he is paying for the time. It's KGO's show. Karel just fills the time with his "talent." That was weak=kneed ego personified. Weintraub is heard to say,that he was going to just walk away, but failed by coming back and getting in Karel's face, to no avail. Karel tries to make it sound like he is smarter than everyone, but if you look back on it, he fails so much more than he succeeds.

    Weintrub should have quit while he could and stayed out of the toxic zone. You can't win against someone so argumentative and Karel was determined to win by talking down to Weintraub who also has quite an ego. Sad. Karel should be gone. The ratings rove it.

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  17. That picture looked like one of Tom Leykis.

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  18. David Lazzarus as a talk show host would wipe the floor with David "amateur hour" Weintraub. Weintraub's insecurities came through loud and clear in the exchange. His was a sad sack imitation of the douche who says: " do you know who I am!?". Weintraub, nobody knows who you are and those of us unfortunate enough to have heard you on air wish we had never heard your poor imitation of a talk show host. The only reason you are on air is because the Dickey brothers decimated a once great station and you work for peanuts. Your grating "dude" voice at the bar is grating. Your voice sounds just like the Casey Barthelemou character on air right now. Is he your dad? Same inflection too. Yikes!

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    1. I'm sure he would. Presumably, he's wiping the floor elsewhere.

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    2. Lazzarus was a business writer for the Chronicle and quit his side gig as talk show host at KGO radio to become an editor at the LA Times. I'm not surprised the Dude Weintraub never heard of Lazzarus. What can we expect from the guy whose biggest accomplishment in radio was screening calls for Michael Savage? Lazzarus could easily go on air today and create a more compelling show than the Dude.

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    3. Why would someone from NYC hear of this guy? I live here and don't know who he is. And why would Karel refer to the guy more than once on his show? Is he that clueless that he believes Lazzarus is following him still? I've rather enjoyed Weintraub's shows. I liked them more when he was filling in for Langan but maybe that's because I wasn't hearing her.

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    4. Is Weintraub also broadcasting from NY? Are he and Maureen Langley roommates? They both suck sooo bad! I curse the Dickies!!!

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  19. Last thing I'll say on this...

    I have vested in interest in Karel doing well. I've nothing against him. In fact, I've even reached out to him and given him some thoughts on things if I thought I could help him.

    However, as mentioned, if someone is talking about something on the radio I think is wrong, I will say something. How they want to handle that is up to them.

    Nothing more/nothing less.

    Ideally, he has great ratings and provides a great lead in.

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    1. Ideally? He doesn't have great ratings and doesn't provide a great lead in. You know better, David. Be honest and true to yourself.

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  20. I have been fortunate to cross paths with both these individuals, or unfortunate depending on who you ask. Karel used to be more tolerable as a person but something has certainly happened to him. Maybe he hides some sense of anger, or maybe he's not hiding it at all? I don't know but when I hear his show I can't help but think about an angry person. Weintraub is not an angry person but he's VERY aggressive and always talking, which I guess is good for a talk show host? Generally seems like a good person who gets along well with most people but he does rub people the wrong way. Chip on his shoulder isn't the right term, but there's something there. Not sure if it's intentional or not. After listening to this it seems to me Karel invited him onto his show and then shouted him off it. I don't think either of them paid attention to the purpose of the two of them talking in that moment although Weintraub did then start his program with the same topic. Seems like much to do over nothing.

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  21. How did a thread about Karel and David Weintrub become about Christine Craft?

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    1. You must be new here. It's all about her. Most often when it's not. Just an angry person. Sorry to contribute to the CC aspect of this. I haven't had a chance to listen to Weintraub, but I've heard Karel enough. I used to enjoy his program a bit but these days it doesn't do much for me. Not sure why they ever brought him back.

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  22. Well if either of them did this as a ploy it worked. I listened to Dave Weintraub's show based on this. Started strong but finished a bit weak. There's something there for sure. Can't think of any other reason to have him on so late unless they plan on moving him. If I was a KGO host I'd probably be concerned. Seems younger and has energy. Also seems liberal which works there. Or at least it used to.

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  23. This Comment Section would be less tedious, if Christine and Stan ran off together, never to be heard from again.

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  24. Why do you even waste the time talking about this guy Rich? I know you don't like him, but to me, he's not even worth mentioning. He's a dysfunctional, annoying clown who would never have gotten a sniff at a job on SF area radio 15 or more years ago. Unfortunately, the standards have dropped alarmingly in broadcasting, and that's why nit-wits like Karel, 'Monte-mature' (who is thankfully now in SLC), and the 'NY Witch' have jobs in the industry.

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  25. If we looked at this situation like a financial analyst would, Weintraub would be a "buy" with upside, while both Christine and Karel would be "sells." There's not much more to be said here. - Roy

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  26. Too many people have told me to check the comments...again, so I'll bite.

    I appreciate the back and forth. Reading thru these comments, I'm really miffed that some professionals act the way they do, but that's on them. So be it. I do realize there are a lot of bitter people out there, and I understand some of the reasons. I wish you the best in your endeavors.

    I've tried to help others when I can. You can ask Karel, you can ask Maureen, you can ask Pat, you can ask anyone you want. I want all the hosts to be at their best. I'm not intimidated by that. Rising tide, etc. etc.

    My background is in radio, television, and writing. Not a VO artist in any way. Not going to toot my own horn on ratings successes because with successes come failures as well. But I've had more positive experiences than negative, by a wide margin. Either way, that's not why I'm on the air at KGO. That was never discussed. I'm on the air because someone believes I know how to entertain people, and hopefully drive listeners to the station. Fingers crossed.

    For the people referencing my "first show." I don't recall what I wrote here exactly, but I do believe I was my own biggest critic. I fell into my own trap that night, from which I could not escape. But as suggested by some other Anonymous person, anyone judging a hosts first show on air at a new station probably hasn't ever managed people. What I said here regarding that show is I was trying to do something, but admitted it didn't work. I didn't claim i was the best at anything. Again, I referenced how I failed. But don't quote me. That was a WHILE ago.

    Does anyone remember Tom Leykis's first shows? I do. I know Tom. Go find the tape, and then compare the two. Tom was a disaster. What about Glen Beck's? Does anyone remember his early shows? I do. What about Craig Carton, now on CBS's Sports Platforms. I remember Craig. It was tragic. Now he's great. It's a process.

    I wasn't Savage's call screener at all. Rumors are fun though.

    I'm going to have winners and losers, like everyone else. As for the show, believe it, or not, I'm actually trying out many different things, intentionally. To see what does work, and what does not. I've literally crafted shows differently almost every week, even if I tend to fall into patterns. The goal is to create the best version of my show that is possible. I'm starting to get a sense of what works, and what does not.

    As for callers. There aren't many at those late hours. I've been told by others I get more than everyone else at those hours, so that's nice to know. Yet I'm not going to beg for callers to call when I believe I have something to say. They either will call, or they won't. Radio shows are not about callers. It's my job to talk, and not theirs to call. My favorite hosts don't take many callers. It's just a preference thing. Taking callers is easy, IMO.

    I hope the show is a success. I hope you like it. Because as I mentioned on the air, "it's free!" You can turn it off. Some of you will. Thank you to those who don't.

    I appreciate even the consideration given to me on this forum.

    Now I'm going to go swig some beers, smoke some cigs, get that voice all gruff, and say "dude" a lot.

    Feel free to be in touch: kgodavid@gmail.com - I'm a helpful chap.

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    1. Why would any talk show host take the advice of a guy who admits he is still trying to figure out how to be a talk show host? This Weintraub character might have a larger ego than Matress mannnnnnn! At least Ronnnnnn has accomplishments...

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    2. ^^ tremendously stupid comment on many levels. providing examples would be pointless. but i'll give you one: what if said host was also an excellent producer? i can't tell you how many great producers i've worked with who became talent in broadcasting.

      i don't think he claimed he was trying to figure out how to be a host. just trying to find out what works best. no?

      i find weintraub's need to defend himself unnecessary, and comments like yours to be childish and idiotic. i think he's wrong to suggest radio professionals are weighing in. if he's right, then i more clearly understand why the business is failing.

      this doesn't strike me as egotistical, but you strike me as idiotic and immature. the guy has been on a handful of times and this is your take on things? i hope you don't work in broadcasting.

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    3. Weintraub stop pretending your "anonymous". You have a lot of nerve dishing out unsolicited advice to other hosts when you yourself are still trying to figure out what "works" on air. You can keep "crafting" (crafting like you're some high minded artist) all you want the product is as bad as that first show. I'd tune in to Stacey Taylor at midnight in a heart beat. Not a guy still trying to figure out what works..

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  27. I am surprised Karel hasn't weighed in on this forum.  He seems like the kind of guy who keeps close tabs on anything anyone is saying about him.  Oh, this brings up that great Oscar Wilde quote:  "the only thing worse than being talked about is NOT being talked about".

    Still, I think he showed some restraint here.

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    1. Re: Karel "Not weighing in on this forum". I'll give you the easy answer, the underarm pitch for a plastic bat; Don't you think El Karel could have already dropped by our Costume Party wearing a beaded mask like we do every day? He could have 'borrowed' somebody else's mask. Or do you think he could not resist a dramatic Victor/ Victoria style removal of his disguise somewhere midst his windy rant? It's not difficult to remain faceless if you want to.

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  28. Being a "producer" doesn't mean becominng an on-air talent -- or a guarantee of "greatness." It didn't work for Mark Silverman at KSCO when he left producing for Ronn Owens at KGO. It didn't help Gene Burns' producer for "Dining Around." Nor did it help John Rothman's last producer. Then, there's the former KCMO, Kansas City producer turned KGO menace for Ronn Owens, Jared Hart, who terrorized the staff and, now, has the programming reins at CBS has-been WPHT in Philadelphia. Let's not former "Sporting News" producer in Chicago turned screaming host, Monty Montemeier - who snowboarded his way into Salt Lake City radio. One might consider KSFO's Spencer Jose Hughes. I think he did some producing before joining Fox Talk, only to get kicked to the curb and back to KSFO.

    Producers, as a rule, don't make good air-talent unless one gets horribly lucky like Jane Velez Mitchell of HLN who, for some reason, has her own ratty show on HLN, after being Nancy Grace's producer. Mitchell also served as an on-air news reader at KCAL 9 Los Angeles.where she was, as now, horrid.

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    1. What?!? Gene Burn's producer Joel Riddell IS doing the show and has been dong the show since Gene's stroke. In fact, Joel inherited the show when Gene died.

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    2. @3:09's point is well taken. Weintraub aka The Dude thinks being a former producer is a guaranteed spring board to future success and 3:09 blew that assertion out of the water with perfect examples. As to Riddell, it is a well known fact he is a trade out artist and rode Gene Burns' coat tails for years. Due to health issues Gene never did a single dining around show on 910am. It is absolutely unlistenable radio with Riddell on the helm and I couldn't finish listening to a single hour. How the over the top flamboyant Riddell remains on air is beyond me! His ratings must be in the minus category.

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    3. RickinBwood, you mssed the point. Producers don't translate into good air talent in many cases and Riddell is not up there with great air "talent." Joel is an ok producer, but he is not much of an air talent. He and Gene were in different leagues and different ballparks.

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  29. Honestly the worst producers are ones with on air dreams. Why? Because they are constantly looking at a topic for themselves or thinking "wow if that was me I'd sell it better," "that point sucks, i would say it better," or "how come xx person is on air I'm not."

    Weintraub's problem in the building is he likes to offer help but says it as I know I can get you to #1 or he has the best way to the top. It comes off as arrogance and condescending. But that's david. David is also a lone wolf which is off putting. He operates as if no one is supportive or wants him to succeed. It rubs people wrong and he fights most with the people who do support him.

    And for clarification David was Savages most hated board op not call screener.

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