Statement From Rich Lieberman 415 Media On Kevin Metheny

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.