I did not know Kevin Metheny. Heard many things--good and bad-- and read about how terrific and wonderful a man he was. Of course, Mr. Metheny passed away earlier on Friday. He left behind two daughters. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
While being a vocal critic of Mr. Metheny and chiding him over his short, but consistent bad rule, (in my opinion), at KGO, I am not doing somersaults and exulting glee over an individual's tragic death. I don't wish my worst enemy any ill health or unexpected demise. Therefore my feelings about Mr. Metheny were primarily based on his professional conduct here and other cities where he worked.
My frequent references to the nicknames, "Pig Virus" and "Pig Vomit" were used and only intended for professional purposes. They originated from the 1997 movie, "Private Parts", a Howard Stern movie in which Mr. Metheny was portrayed by actor, Paul Giamatti. I didn't make up the nicknames but referred to them quite often in the blog based on other's use. Cruel, tasteless, and unbecoming? Certainly, and in retrospect, if I could alter some of those references --especially in light of Mr. Metheny's passing, I most certainly would do so. But do I regret any of the content? No.
This is a critical blog. I write, for the most part, about what I perceive as negative, positive and unusual--for better or worse, TV and radio content and I'm wanton to being honest and upfront. It's not intended to be anything more than what it is and always will be: a 24/7 on-line destination for those people here in the Bay Area and beyond interested in our San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose media market. That's it.
Trying to cater to everyone's interests and subject matter, along with protocol is obviously near impossible given the nature and flavor of this particular media site. Not everything, nor any or all images or written content will be, nor should be appreciated by all those who come here, hopefully that's fairly obvious. I do my best.
For those who would make inferences that I'm secretly happy, exalted or excited about a man's demise are grossly mistaken and uninformed. That's the record. And while I may occasionally verbally stray into deep and darkened words that might be deemed offensive, for that, I'm sorry if one takes issue but that's the world in which we live and there's nothing I can do about that, it's really life.
My writing and posts with regard to Mr. Metheny dealt squarely on his conduct with regard to KGO/Cumulus in particular and broadcast radio in other markets in general. To repeat, I'm sorry about Mr. Metheny's passing and based on what I read about him from his friends on Facebook, I'm sure he was a very nice and jovial man contrary to other people who did not share the same feelings but that is not the issue now.
I hope this will clear up any and all details about my feelings toward the late Mr. Metheny.
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NOTE: I will not be posting a column on Saturday in observance of Yom Kippur.
Come on Rich, you didn't have to write this post. The grown ups who frequent your blog know that you have passion and don't hold back. Sad that the guy passed away but that doesn't instantly make him a saint. You wrote the truth as you saw it. Btw the horrible host named Weintraub is back. He sounds very happy on air. No mention of the passing of Metheny...
ReplyDeleteJust because he's dead doesn't make him a good person nor does it mean you have to start defending your comments about him that you had already made. His reputation is what it is for a reason and just because he passed away doesn't change that. There are always going to be people who suffer when someone dies but that doesn't change what the world was like when they were living.
ReplyDeleteI work at KGO, and everyone here was asked NOT to mention Kevin's death publicly until we were sure his family had been notified. That's why Weintraub didn't mention it on his show. It was out of respect for Kevin's family.
ReplyDeleteAnd dogs.
DeleteRich, one of our local ex city councilmen died of a heart attack in his sleep at 51. He was either loved or hated by people he worked with. I had nothing against the man personally, being the stuff he tried to do to me was minor comparison of the lives he ruined in the process. I had issues with his political views and goals for the city, but nothing as a human. He never tried to really fuck with me or my family, or he would have been deal with quickly and harshly.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the guy who passed above, but I feel bad for his daughters never the less.
Agree with 12:19pm. it's not necessary to write some long, drawn out explanation Rich. You didn't like the guy's work, and that's your opinion. He's gone and now we all move on. I hope in the future however that you refrain from impugning people with crude and cruel nicknames such as 'Pig Vomit.' Consider the source..Howard Stern...one of the biggest blowhards in our industry and a big reason why radio has fallen so far. it's a sad commentary on America that his guy is considered to be one of the icons. He is a first class dysfunctional tool, and Mr Metheny had him pegged that way all along, although to his credit, Kevin never took shots at the guy after they stopped working together.
ReplyDeletethat's such a distortion of reality. Howard Stern has had run ins with many people in his career. I worked at CBS when he was there but in the end he only chose to crush one persons career, and it was Kevin Metheny. Stop pretending he was someone he wasn't post mortem.
DeleteKGO Staff was specifically asked not to mention Kevin's death until they were sure the family had been contacted. Expect some kind of on air statement on Monday. Many of us are in shock at his sudden death. Whatever people may have thought of his past career many of us found Kevin a very personable and nice man who had many wonderful stories to share of his life in the business. He is missed.
ReplyDeleteAnd many people didnt.
DeleteThat about sums it up.
You're damn lucky to have a job, Mr. Baker, from what I hear. In fact, an insider tells me that you "heaved the biggest sigh of relief" because Kevin's passing bought extra time."
DeleteFunny that of all the preaching you do that it's YOU who had to post your opinion by telling us what the staff is NOT to do in commenting about the death of your operations director.
Mel, ever since I witnessed your performance in Dec., 2011 at a "protest" at KGO, you are such a big ass. No wonder you're relegated to doing "the most" with the fake entertainer on Sunday nights. Get a real job, Mel. Maybe go back to print.
From the article linked:
ReplyDelete"When WGN’s audience rejected his new hires, Metheny blamed the listeners for failing to “figure out how to interact with someone with an opinion.” His solution was to air fake calls. “Our legacy listeners seem to leave our new talent hanging out to dry. . . . I’d like to prime the pump with a few more clued-in callers,” Metheny wrote in a memo in which he secretly solicited Tribune Co. executives to deceive the audience by pretending to be ordinary listeners."
Rich, how often does this happen in radio? Do you know of any local stations doing this?
Wattenburg often had fake calls to set up a rant or something he prepared for that particular show.
DeleteClear Channel had a program similar to that where they had planted phone callers for their hosts
DeleteArmstrong & Getty have long used fake calls as bits. Savage has, too. Pre-arranged calls are nothing new. Clear Channel pretty much invented it, however.
Delete"that's the world in which we live and there's nothing I can do about that" Well, yes there is Rich. You can be a better human and not write offensive and inflammatory statements about people YOU DON'T KNOW and are only familiar with by hearsay. You sit here casting stones left right and center...defaming people who have built long standing careers in the business and then when you look like a schmuck you come back and say it's nothing personal and that's our world. You have the freedom to write what you want, to put out in the world (or the blog-o-sphere) whatever you like. Fact or fiction, hyperbole, innuendo, gossip, whatever. You CHOOSE to be the cheap gossip; the pathetic old lady peeping through the curtains and supposing the worst about everyone. Spreading rumors about people, defaming their character, anticipating them losing their livelihoods. But yeah, it's your blog and you can do what you want. You CHOOSE the low road though,time and time again.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I can think of that's worse is that somebody (maybe more than one person) in the building at KGO thought to "tip" you to this story before Mr. Metheny's family was even contacted. I cannot for the life of me understand the mindset of such lifeforms. You're going to tip a blogger who has used his space to trash this guy from the moment he arrived? To what end? How can you sleep at night?
Says as much about Metheny than it does anyone if people weren't respectful in that regard. Think it through.
DeleteThank you Ms. Craft. (All Access)
ReplyDeletecoppersmom • 14 hours ago
I would hope Howard would want to help the two doggies Kevin Metheny left behind. It could happen to any of us
SFhost • 3 hours ago
Some real classy remarks. The man was a father, had a family, and by the way to the old talk show lady's first reaction is not sympathy but concern for his dogs. Sister, sounds like you're about ready for the loony farm. Didn't you blame the victim Diane Whipple of being partly responsible for two dogs mauling her to death.
No need to defend your comments on Metheny, Rich. You are not the only one to criticize him - just search for him on the internet. Thank you, Rich, for speaking the truth about the poor quality of Cumulus and the management they continually hired. Anyway, there's no denying that the KGO radio hosts' voices include a hint of relief this morning.......
ReplyDelete"The KGO radio shows hosts' voices included a hint of relief." Really? As the producer of the show I know that Sherry, Mark and Bruce were all saddened by losing a guy we were prepared to fear and dislike when he showed up this Summer, but whom many of us found to be a rather likable fellow. I for one saw no "Pig Vomit" in him and I think I would much rather have known Kevin than Fartman Stern any day.
DeleteWhat surprised and indeed heartened me the most on this day of Atonement, is that Rich - whom I'm often at odds with - took the high road and came across with some compassion for a man whom he had targeted in his blog. Kind enough and decent enough in the end to offer a cease-fire out of respect for the dead and for a life lived with all its greatness and faults.
Not so much the "anonymous" commentators, who among many other nasty remarks rip Christine for being worried about Kevin's dogs waiting in his home. None of us knew if there was someone to take care of them and rightly we fellow dog owners were concerned. Said rabble rouser somehow implied that worrying about his pets slighted Kevin's grown daughter's in their grief. I'm sure they were glad that Kevin's friends were concerned about their dad's pets.
For those dancing with joy or at least frenzied excitement wondering what's next for the hated KGO, Give it a rest! Outrage is a powerful drug, but maybe you should put down the syringe filled with hyperbole, at least for the day, as Rich was kind enough to do.
Yes, absolutely, definitely - everyone sounds a slight bit relieved. Not necessarily at someone's death but that the inevitably disastrous plans of Metheny are now at an end. No one is dancing with joy so get over yourself. We all still deserve the right to criticize without your blanket statement judgments that we enjoy someone's death. And, as someone who is up to their ears in SF culture like yourself, you must be aware that there are always people who complain about those who care for animals' rights. Anonymous comments or no, Metheny's history of actively participating in the decimation of radio is well known and well documented. His death does not erase that and the public (who own the airwaves) are able to complain about it as much as they want. And, f-you, Mr. Baker, because this is not hyperbole - again Metheny's horrid record is public for all to see. Respecting the dead should not mean revising the decendent's history, as any media employee ought to believe. Finally, while we have your attention, you should be ashamed to be the producer of that show. It is the exact same few stories repeated every hour, some stories are even recycled from the endless repeats of midnight to 2:00am. It goes without saying that you would rather have known Metheny than Stern because the dismal quality of your show and KGO's associated ratings reflect exactly that. For weeks now, I have turned on KGO in the morning out of habit and then immediately had to turn it off because of the piss poor quality of the news. While at work, please pay a little more attention to the quality of the work of people instead of who you would rather know.
DeleteAh well, it's a day later and I suppose the cease-fire is over. I trust the rush of anger from your syringe filled with outrage was satisfying oh Anonymous 6:28.
DeleteI think you make my point quite well. Remember to turn in your needles at the needle exchange because you shouldn't share them with others who may become (HIV +) High on Invective and Viciousness positive. It can be treated with a cocktail of compassion and rational thought. At least Christine and I are willing to use our names and take heat for whatever we say in the public square, but of course that takes away he buzz of rage.
Insulting the poster does not change the facts on what Metheny did that was destructive to radio. Try to distract all you want but this post is about the truth of Metheny, not your disdain for radio listeners. A news producer ought to be dealing in facts not hyperbolic metaphor.
DeleteHey, Mel, get a life. Talk show callers are "anonymous" too and still have freedoms, just like anonymity here on the "internets." You're such a pompous asshole and have been. Producer and newsman my arse. You fucking hack.
DeleteIf taking care of Metheny's dogs mean that much to you, Mel, or you, Christine, why waste time posting here and go do a good deed and take care of them YOURSELF? Don't come here like a goody two shoes then do nothing. You care. Great. Now, go do a good deed. You have access. Nobody here does. Call someone and make arrangements.
DeleteWhat? Someone else has taken care of them already, like, a caring neighbor? Good for them. So what the hell are you complaining about? Mel, you write like a little girl. Knock it off. Both you and Craft work for the 21st rated radio station in the Bay Area. Craft, only as fill-in if that. You guys have need to create a lot better radio station than one with a 2 share, that's for sure. Yes, you're a part of that failure, Mel, in both being a "producer" and a non-content mind. Christine is just irrelevant.
"And, f-you, Mr. Baker, because this is not hyperbole"
DeleteIt's really rather rich that you blast me for a personal attack with a personal attack! LOL
In any case how can "I" insult an anonymous poster with satire? For me to defame you or libel you, you would have to have an identity, since you are anonymous one can't even assume you are 6:28.
We'll now that we've exchanged angry retorts I suppose we can all get back to insulting people anonymously.
So 12:03, you assume that I didn't offer to foster these dogs here? You assume incorrectly. Tell us about the "caring neighbor". Will the "caring neighbor" take care of them for a day? a week? forever? It must really irritate you that none of this, about a suddenly deceased person's dogs, has anything to do with radio.
DeleteI don't ass-u-me on this, or any topic. Especially one that doesn't concern me from a thousand miles away. You have that ability being in Sacramento and near the Bay Area. So "action is stronger than words" Ms. Craft. Talking up a blue streak as you do is worthless on this matter. The dogs are getting hungrier, as you're not doing a thing about it. Secondly, it's not "our" business. You've made it yours, so, do something about it, quietly and humbly, not looking for recognition as you clearly are.
Delete9:51 is so incensed that someone would be concerned about the fate of two beloved companion animals belonging to the deceased, that he had to post this twice. Perhaps you should use your google, since you don't seem to know much about Howard Stern's advocacy for homeless animals. Mr. Stern played a significant role in Mr. Metheny's radio career, as you know. There is irony that though they clashed professionally and famously, they both loved dogs.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what constitutes"real classy" in your world, 9:51. Did you mean "really classy"? In any event, the fact that Mr. Metheny had adult children, in no way mitigates concern about what happens to his beloved dogs. My understanding is that the adult daughters do not live in the area. They may not be able to assure that the dogs stay together in a good situation. Next, I'm not a lady. My first reaction to the news was shock. To be concerned about the animals left behind is not showing a lack of "sympathy", but precisely the opposite. I'm not your sister. Two dogs did not maul Diane Whipple to death. Apparently you didn't follow the testimony in the trial. I'm not sure what a mauling has to do with this situation, at all, other than your odd, desperate desire to silence me.. In case you didn't know, life is fatal for everyone, including you.
Christine, I am not 9:51 but am happy to speak on his behalf.
DeleteThere is something seriously disturbed in Christine's thinking that leads her to take the occasion of Metheny's death to launch an extraneous, emotional argument about the tragic impact of a human's death upon his pet dogs.
Of course Christine will not back down, yield an inch, or fail to get in the final word. That is who she is and what she does. Invariably she will bring in various, utterly irrelevant arguments and self-aggrandizing anecdotes about her self.
Go to it Christine and don't forget to mention your prehistoric appearance on Letterman and your ancient lawsuit.
> There is irony that though they clashed professionally and famously,
Delete> they both loved dogs.
Why is that "irony"? Do you know the meaning of irony?
Meaningless coincidence is what it is. Lots of people love dogs. And tabasco sauce.
It's "irony" because Christine says so. Don't you get it?
DeleteRich Lieberman has made a habit of launching vile, personal, attacks upon certain individuals, including Kevin Metheny. These vicious attacks go well beyond the limit of objective, professional criticism.
ReplyDeleteGiven every horrible thing he has written about Mr. Metheny, Lieberman's "deepest condolences" are meaningless.
I have only one favor for you, Rich, after reading your statement. If you can take all the criticism for your statement, please do keep these posts on your page. Otherwise, if one comment strikes too raw a nerve, then delete and/or block said speaker. I am aware that your criticisms of Metheny were for professional only.
ReplyDeleteI share 7:34's opinion about Stern, but as I said before, as long as New York loves him, there's nothing any of us legitimate critics can do about Stern's endless popularity. Still, what Lieberman or Stern would say about Metheny will never come close to any future ruthless reaction by Cumulus, whose edicts can take similar executives like Metheny to the most extreme stress and even the worst result, which actually happened here.
We need Rich to keep beefing about the sad state of Bay Media affairs and beyond. The radio industry has clearly become less customer-oriented and more bean-counter-dictated. It's going to take thousands if not millions of listeners in order to change that for the better. Because as long as employees and customers continue to be ignored by the higher-ups, this industry won't get any better.
If you ask me, I think God just got sick and tired of waiting for Meth to remove Sussman & Green from ksfo. He decided it was time to 'weed the garden' and start over. Nothing really changed for the Morning Show, after a whole summer of going 'BOO!' into the radio night.
ReplyDeleteMeth, I hope you left a proper protege, because your 'fix-it' work was nowhere near done.
I think the only thing wrong with Mr. Metheney death is its timing.There is doubt that this is a tragedy. There is no doubt what he has done to KGO and his past at Cumulus. Richdards' opinion is based on fact and I think his condolences are sincere. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteClassless.
DeleteHey 7:19- At least Pechner posted using his real name and didn't post anonymously like us "classy" people.
DeleteMike- 3 words: On. The. Money.
"I think the only thing wrong with Mr. Metheney death is its timing."
DeleteWTF? Pechner can't really mean that. LOL
His passing is sad for family and friends, but the fact is Metheny destroyed a lot of lives in Radio over his years as a "legendary broadcasting talent who touched many lives in his remarkable 44-year career". No revisionist history, please.
ReplyDeleteIs mine another heartless post? Maybe, but that doesn't change what this guy and a lot of others like him have done to Radio, which is help to destroy what was once a great medium.
And 9:40- If you hate Lieberman's choice to be "the cheap gossip" so much, you could choose not to read the blog. But you can't stay away, can you?
The fact that Metheny walked into a tough situation at KGO and was in the midst of some very hectic and tense times didn't help his health any. Sure, he was used to the daily pressure of the radio world, but the cumulative effect of 44 years in this intense, pressure-cooker of a business probably played a major role in the demise of this unfortunately gentleman.
ReplyDeleteMetheny was busy trying to help coordinate the move of KGO to new studios on Broadway and Battery which will open sometime in January. KNBR, KNBR 1050, KFOG, KGO, 'the Bone,' and KSFO (all of them a part of the 'Cumulus cluster') will be making the move as well. The logistics for these kinds of moves are hectic and sometimes nightmarish.
Metheny was also busy fighting an uphill battle with a company that wants to go cheap, as was hoping to at least partially restore KGI's once prestigious standing as one of the nation's legacy stations. It's sad to see that KGO has gone from being the number one station in the bay area for many years to now tied for 21st overall.
Metheny was going to try and tweak things to bring about some sort of change, but now KGO's future is up in the air because who knows what kind of a PD that Cumulus will hire to take his place. Metheny aside, Cumulus doesn't exactly have a winning record of choosing top notch front office people for their radio operations.
Rich, could you please try to be more honest with yourself and your readers. Your statement: "My frequent references to the nicknames, "Pig Virus" and "Pig Vomit" were used and only intended for professional purposes"
ReplyDeleteIs simply not believable. That disclaimer doesn't fool anyone. Your animosity toward Metheny was anything other than professional.
Wow, Howard Stern got even with Roger Ebert, and now he evens up another old score...the power of that man!!!1
ReplyDeletehoward didnt hate ebert
Deletehe despised pig virus
*Please* Christine needs to get laid.
DeleteShe's gonna end up alone with 93 cats.
Wow. I didn't know that the annoying guy in the Howard Stern movie I saw 20 years ago was still working in radio and at KGO...
DeleteI thought "Pig Virus" was simply Rich's nickname for another clueless manager.
But it's actually the same guy!! No wonder radio is so fucked!
dear 11:22...from what deprived portion of your brain did you concoct the idea that fucking makes someone not care about dogs?cats or horses?or that not fucking makes them care more?
DeleteIn fact, I've worked very hard to support Doris Day's national spay and neuter day, as well as the wonderful law in Santa Cruz which requires spaying and neutering. The goal, you see, is to assure that fewer animals are killed in shelters, not more. Every animal I've ever had has been spayed or neutered. I've contributed time and money to local spay and neuter efforts here in Northern California. Why does that irritate you so?Do you get a sexual kick out of the reality of euthanasia needles jabbed directly into the hearts of unwanted dogs, cats? etc?