The Demise of the Yellers
Media Gossip/Musings June 8th. 2008, 3:00pm
First it was Kevin Slaten in St. Louis, then Mark Madden in Pittsburgh and now it’s Mike North at WSCR in Chicago whose job is in jeopardy. North’s contract at WSCR-AM 670 is set to expire July 1. The morning is show is losing in the ratings war and North has been asked to take a pay cut.
North himself has banked $4 million (or so he said in February) with “real estate all over the country.” You would think that would make it easier for him to accept far less money—a “major haircut,” in industry-speak—to stay with WSCR.
But there’s another potential ego-shrinking issue at play: Would North, a Score founding father, accept a move to midday? Or a role as a designated interviewer, with his conversations dropped into shows throughout the day?
The article goes on to say that North’s “presence” is still coveted at The Score, which displays the radio industry’s out of touch connection with fans and listeners. The YELL and or disagree-just-to-make-a-scene way of doing things is an insult to listeners, and shows laziness and a lack of talent from the folks on-air all the way down to the decision makers. Not only is it contrived, it’s stupid.
The folks at NBC/MSNBC’ sports section still haven’t figured that out.
SPORTS WITH ATTITUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8 Responses to “The Demise of the Yellers”
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June 8th, 2008 at 3:18 PM
In a perfect world, Mike North will refuse to take a pay cut and the Score will have to fire him.
June 8th, 2008 at 3:20 PM
He did the Midday before moving to Morning. I’m indifferent about Mike North. A lot of people do turn to him just to hear what he says, including my father.
June 8th, 2008 at 3:27 PM
I hope this trend continues. I couldn’t listen to Slaten for more than 5 minutes without screaming at my radio, and I couldn’t be happier that the “king” has been dethroned.
June 8th, 2008 at 3:36 PM
North has one of the most annoying voices ever, seriously.
June 8th, 2008 at 4:26 PM
I started listening to The Score since it started back in 1992. I was 13 and North and his partner at the time had an entertaining midday show. He’s gotten worse and worse over the years. They won’t hire anyone on his show who will challenge the stuff that he says. I don’t even bother tuning in anymore.
His big tag line is ‘Undeniably Chicago,’ which if were true, is a horrible reflection on those of us from the Chicago area.
June 8th, 2008 at 5:14 PM
@Flying Sandos Brothers
He has lost that edge.
June 8th, 2008 at 6:29 PM
I’m not familiar with North, but I do know Madden from his ESPN weekend show. And being a non-St. Louisan Cards fan who listens to a lot of St. Louis radio(it keeps me connected; what can I say), I am quite familiar with “The King” Slaten. I’m surprised he lasted as long as he did. In fact, I’ve often wondered if Mike Claiborne ever wanted to(or did) punch Slaten in the neck.
Here’s another name I’d throw into that pile of “Yellers”- Cowherd. His act will eventually tire out his bosses.
June 8th, 2008 at 7:50 PM
@Gonzo – It seems like he’s trying too hard to have an edge. He wants to be part of the story. He has had some notable blow ups the past few years with Ozzie and A.J. AJ Pierzynski, and it is like he is doing it just to make news.
It is a shame his show is garbage now because he’s a great story and charitable guy. High School drop out and former hot dog vendor works his to millions & at one point the number 1 show in the Chicago sports radio market.