Eastside Republican Club dinner/auction Dec 5th
I wanted to invite you all to the ERC dinner/auction on December 5th. It will be a great event and I am the MC. For further info and tickets, go to www.eastsiderepublicanclub.org Come on out and have a great time.
UPDATE – FISHER HAS DEDICATED A PHONE LINE JUST FOR COMMENTS RELATED TO MY DEPARTURE. 206-404-3010. FEEL FREE TO CALL.
First, let me thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support, friendship and love. It is overwhelming and humbling, and was totally unexpected. You all will never know what it means to me and my family. And, a special thanks to Dan and Laura Kiel. They are people of principle, and, if you need a mortgage, now more than ever, go see them.
Secondly, let me say that I wish that management had kept this a private matter, between them and me, where it should be. It is a personnel matter and should not be in the public arena. But, I will defend myself, and since they opened the door, here is my side of the story.
Money, management says, is one of the reasons for my departure. Really? Well, first, I was paid very well, probably too well. But my salary was not the result of long tortuous negotiations, or ridiculous demands and tantrums by me. Three years ago, Dennis Kelly, then Program Director, asked me one day what it would take to keep me at KVI. He said they wanted me to end my career there, to retire there, and wanted to do what it would take to keep me. I, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, said that I wanted more than John Carlson made ( this was before his exile to KOMO ). I had no idea what that was, we had never talked about it, but about a week later, I received an unbelievable offer from Dennis, about a 50% increase. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I called my agent and said sign before they change their mind. I would have stayed for no increase, but, they offerred.
Secondly, early this year, I received a memo from management about our contractual annual step increases. I would guess there are about six of us at Fisher radio with contracts that allow for an annual increase. We were asked by Jim Clayton if we would consider not accepting them due to the poor financial condition of the company. I immediately said of course, I don’t need it as badly as Fisher does. Jim came to the studio with the proper paperwork to revise my contract and said thanks, my move was appreciated.
Thirdly, approximately four months ago, I sent an email to Mr Clayton with some ideas on taking advantage of the political situation in 2010 to benefit the station. In that memo, I told him that I was willing to take a cut in salary, because I understood the financial situation that Fisher was in. I never received a reply to the email. Several times in person I reiterated to both Jim and Dennis that I was more than willing to take a cut in salary, and when my pay was mentioned as part of our high overhead, I reminded them that my pay was the result of a generous offer made by management three years ago, that I would have been a fool to say ‘ That’s too high ‘, that I would have taken much less.
Now, ratings. I had a meeting after the show on Friday, November 6, with Travis Box, our Program Director. The new ratings had just come out and that was the main topic. Here is what I was told:
1.) Our ratings had been improving and climbing steadily over the past six to nine months.
2.) We were ahead of Glenn Beck, our competition, in the 35-64 age demo
3.) We were behind in the 25-54 age demo.
4.) We were the highest-rated daypart on the station, consistently outperforming the rest of the shows on the station.
5.) An expected upward tick in Beck’s ratings due to his appearance here in September did not occur
Mind you, Glenn has a national TV show, several best-selling books and lots of promotion money. We had nothing, zero, zip, nada to help us promote the show. And, if management was concerned about the ratings, at no time did they ask to meet with us on specific ideas or recommendations on how to improve them. We were told that we would rename the show ‘Kirby and Company’ which really didn’t help our ratings. When we came up with ideas, we were consistently told we had no money for promotion.
Let me say that the real losers in this are the many charities and good causes we helped, like the Boy Scouts, Operation Support Our Troops, Union Gospel Mission and Toys for Tots. And then, causes like the Medal of Honor Memorial at the University of Washington, which I doubt would even exist without the KVI audience.
There is more to say, but I think I have said enough. If management had kept this a matter between us, where it belonged, I would have said nothing. But, 700 emails on Friday, the loss of a significant advertiser, a steady volume of phone calls, I’m sure they were caught off-guard and had to say something. I understand some even suggested that all these calls were part of a GOP conspiracy and did not reflect real KVI listeners. I know better. They should.
May God bless you and may He bless the United States of America.
288 Responses to “Eastside Republican Club dinner/auction Dec 5th”
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Kathy Monroe says:
Ok…whats next for you??? I am sure missin you bad in the mornings….take care and know God has bigger things for you.
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Bob Rifenbury says:
Kirby you where the primary reason I listened to KVI. I feel you allowed me to keep up with what Olympia was trying to do. Without, I have resulted to turning on KVI’s competition(I can’t say its yours anymore) in the evening. David wrote a nice comment about you too. I hope you stay in the Seattle area and are soon on the airwaves again. Oh by the way, I don’t think 1090 would accept your resume
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Connie mcbroom says:
My whole fam loves you Kirby. You do not stand alone! We know you are a man of integrity and God will honor that. May God surely bless you!
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Dear Kirby,
I was one of those many emails and calls to Fisher. Your friends and fans will support you no matter what to be honest you have really out grown them. You are meant for bigger and better things my friend. Keep the faith. What Fisher did was shady to say the least. Laurie Keil and all of Keil Mortgage are great Americans and Kirby so are you. My entire family is looking forward to what is next for you. We love you Kirby! -
Kirby didn’t just talk about things, he made them happen. Kirby is the smart guy who helps make us smart as well. Now we’re left without a conservative local voice in the morning. It’s Glenn Beck or Christian Radio for me. Prayer, persistence, and patience, Kirby!
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Kirby, we love you and are so blessed to have you in our corner. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom for so many years…may God bless you in your future endeavors!! Love, Zitny Family
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Aaron Kaiser says:
There’s no question KVI has made an awful mistake, Kirby. You are the most talented host the northwest has to offer and, if they haven’t already, they’ll soon realize what a poor business decision they’ve made. I, for one, miss your show already and truely hope it reappears somewhere soon. Please keep us all up to date when you are able to, Kirby and please know conservatives from all over the area are firmly on your side.
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Dan Neuman says:
Hang in there Kirby. There is always a reason for things happing the way they do. I known something better is coming your way. You are too talented for it not to. I was one of those who e-mailed KVI of my disappointment with your departure. I advised them “No Kirby, No KVI”. I have not lessoned since, and will not unless you return.
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SuperDave says:
I wondered why politicians would express one set of views before they went to washington, and when they get there, “viola! I am now a moderate!”. I think someone gets to them. Pictures or video of some “over the top” party or something. I think that may be why KVI did that. The data doesn’t add up to the actions. Someone was “persuaded”.
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lisa wilkins says:
you were done wrong…what crawled so far up their rears that they would want to loose you? Before this you’ve always been nothing but positive about your position at kvi as well as publicly very supportive of kvi as well. First John, now you… I’m done with KVI. I can’t stand Beck so my listening will be solely online now. Good luck to you!
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Hey Kirby.
It sounds as though you made all the right moves along the way and that KVI just flat out made a huge mistake.
I’ve always appreciated listening to you on the car radio. In my opinion you have always been THE most courteous of all the host I’ve heard.
Now that this has all taken place just remember that from before the foundations of the world, God has known about your current circumstance and has His next situation for you well-planned!
Blessings!
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Harold says:
I’m going through withdrawals! You have been a big part of my morning routine for at least three years from 5am when I wake up to when I walk through the door to work at 8am.
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Bonnie Hicks says:
My mother, Eleanor Hertz, listened to your radio show every morning for years and enjoyed the variety of topics discussed, your knowledge of those topics, and how very couteous you were to listeners who called in. Mom is 92 and does not use the internet so she is hoping you will be back on the air soon!
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Thanks for the update Kirby! You are going to be missed, but I am also sure that you are going to find something even better to do.
Maybe another book?
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John Sheridan says:
My wife and I were saddened, and shocked about Kirby’s departure. My first thought was “this smells like a rat!” And we both seemed to say outloud, “What fools management are!” Every morning since the “Wilbur’s Warriors” days in 1993 my wife and I have glued our dial to his KVI show PM and AM hours. His voice and content and guests and callers were all a breath of fresh air of reason and a call to action on the issues Conservatives hold dear in their hearts and minds. In the case of the program manager this was like striking out looking in the bottom of the ninth inning of a World Series game, with two outs, bases loaded (with us the listeners on base)and the batter – program manager caught looking at the make-believe scoreboard of ratings in a fiction land. I was one of the Friday callers.
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Bud Garske says:
Kirbuy i met you at the 24 showing at the casino, Ihave listenedto you for4-5 years ,now ihave called Kvi and said goodby And goingto KTTH, hope they pick you up, GOOD luck. Bud Garske
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Butch says:
Kirby…. Your firing floored me… we have met,and I have been a caller in the past to your show… You know what I do… Much love to you… I will never listen to KVI again, thus I will never be spurred to go to any of their advertisers…. Will go elsewhere… May you and Trina have a Happy (as you can) Thanksgiving…. God Bless you Kirby… May you rise like a Phoenix!!!
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Craig Williams says:
As I told another local host who is down the dial and still on the air, I feel as if a sniper is taking out our local hosts. You are a quality guy, with an outstanding show. Even the little things say things about who you are. Faith is first on what you stand for. To me, that speaks volumes. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future. You are a man that we would love to have sitting at our table, talking and enjoying a beverage of choice. Quality.
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KVI seems to like you well enough to continue playing commercials that use your voice so their advertising revenue continues. I am very surprised that the station would remove our best source of local information and a great conservative spokesperson. A lot of us very much appreciate your show and your insightful interviews.
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Douglas Allyn says:
Kirby, you have been on the radio in my car for over 11 years. Wherever you go, I hope you either find another broadcast medium here in Seattle, or find a way to have your next show affiliated to a station here. But if nothing else, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO “GO ROGUE”!!! You can go to my facebook page to see my response last Friday to the news of your cancellation.
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Kirby, I once heard a story about a man who was lounging in his hammock drinking lemonade on a hot day. His neighbor came over and asked to borrow his lawnmower. He declined to loan his neighbor the lawnmower. His neighbor demanded an explanation. He stated that his wife was making soup. The neighbor exclaimed, “what has that got to do with me borrowing your lawnmower?”. The man calmly replied “One excuse is as good as another”.
They wanted you gone and any reason would do for their purpose. Who knows the real reason, we can speculate though! LOL
Kirby, you speak up and voice the truth, dissect the junk and get to the heart of the matter. They don’t like that and you are a thorn in their side. You are a voice of freedom, reason, and conservatism. I am not a “republican” or a “democrat”, I am a citizen of the United States of America who votes for the best person. I respect your opinion, I may not always agree with you, but I always know where you stand.
So Kirby, always stand in the light, be who you are, and never allow those “Big Bullies” silence you. Warmly and best wishes,
Sheila
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Cathy says:
I just want to know when you will be back on the air!
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Susan Johnson says:
As so many in KVI county I did not know what to think when you were not on the air on Friday. My morning had a big empty hole in it. Needless to say I will not be listening to your replacement. The loss is KVI’s and your listeners. You will succeed in whatever the future holds for you. Have you reconsidered running for congress?
Thanks for all the great years. -
Zintradi says:
Kirby, I’ve been a listener of KVI since I was in high school. Every morning I tuned into your show because it was the best local show out there. Anyway, i sent kvi my rant which ended up being a lamentation for KVI becoming a shell of it’s former self.
here it is…
I’m going to add my voice to the hundreds of others to express how disappointed I am in KVI for dumping Kirby Wilbur.
I stuck with KVI through the years and would start the day with Kirby because I liked his insight and the fact that he was local and it was my beloved KVI. I have listened to you guys since I was in high school (15 years now)
You dumped Medved
You dumped Carlson (or at least exiled him to Komo, should’ve moved him back to his 3pm slot)
You dumped Suits (although he is flourishing in his new gig at KFI and I can podcast his shows so I can’t bemoan that TOO much)
Now you dumped Kirby,so I dump you.
Short of getting Limbaugh and Medved back, I don’t think there is much that will get me to listen to KVI. Ingram is too shrill, John Gibson calls it in, and well he’s not Rush, Hanity too obnoxious, Wiessbach to weird. Miller is pretty good but I’d rather listen to a local host in the afternoon so I listen to Bose (oh wait isnt that ANOTHER local talent KVI let get away?)
So long KVI It was good while it lasted but it seems as though the mantle of local conservative talk has officially passed. Will KTTH take it up? they are good but have a ways to go right now they are KIRO radio’s red headed stepchild.
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Cary Frates says:
God Bless you Kirby. Way cool on the new website.
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I hope KVI loses even more advertising because you were the best thing to ever happen to them. I wish you all the luck in the whole world.
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Armand Thompson says:
It appears that not only has MSNBC, CNN, CBS, NBC and ABC given up on little things … like integrity.
KVI has joined the fray … and dropped their collective trou to let their integrity hang out for everyone to see.
So long, 570.
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Rob says:
Speaking as a member of the vast right-wing conspiracy, mornings just aren’t the same without your voice waking me up on the clock radio! We all miss you, Kirby, but know you’ll be back on the dial somewhere soon. Good luck and God Bless!
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Steve says:
Thank you for telling your part of the story Kirby. Please keep us posted on where you end up. I, like many others, have stopped listening to KVI now. My mornings are empty without you. When you land somewhere else, I’ll definitely tune in.
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Semper Fi! Our family is black&white & we love you Kirby! been blessed to know you since the days long ago when you had those nice summer invites in your own backyard just to serve the rest of us!
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John Stevens says:
Kirby, Another door will open,hopefully a double slider! I have two students enrolled in Hillcreek Christian School (Mount Vernon) that would be honored to have you speak to the fold on matters that are effecting our nation. Would you contact either myself at this address, or Patty Huey at huey1@earthlink.net.
It would be greatly appreciated. These students are Home Schooled/Private schooled and I believe some out of this fold will be the next generation of leaders and I believe you wisdom and experience would benifit them greatly.
Thank you and God bless,
John Stevens
Wildwood Custom Homes llc
Anacortes, Wa
360-708-0957 -
Jerry Bullat says:
You know where Nancy and I stand! You are right about the charities, thats one of the first things we thought about. Remember the soccer balls? Don’t worry, when times get tough it doesn’t mean God has abondoned us, it just means he is mad and is sending in the reinforcements! Ask Sarah!
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Cheryl Steffen says:
We’ll miss you Kirby and will look for you on a new avenue. When doors close, others open and your followers and supporters will be there waiting for you with open arms. The station has made a horrible mistake. One that I doubt they can back paddle. Many Blessings.
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Todd Westby says:
Kirbi,
I will check here frequently to find out where you end up. I hope to hear you back somewhere, soon.
FYI, you were the only reason I listen to KVI in the first place since they lost Rush though for the short time John and what’s his name were back I loistened to them too. I wrote them, KVI, a letter letting them know that since they no longet had any local shows I will listen elsewhere.
I with you and Trina a happy Holiday season and a Merry Christmas.
There are alot of us out here that miss you very much and anticipate your re-emergance on Seattle radio.
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Todd Myers says:
GOP conspiracy? Who do they think their listeners are?
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Steve Loy says:
I have been a fan for many years. You have always been a beacon of conservative values in the fog of Puget Sound liberalism. I will miss you on my 5:00 am commute from Enumclaw to Shelton every day. Good luck and hope to hear you on the air again in the future.
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Becky Carney says:
Thanks for the update, Kirby. Those who KNOW you, whether in person or through your consistent, straight-shooting radio personality, would NEVER believe that you are tantrum-throwing money-grubber. We are thankful for your years of dedication to speaking the truth, and your strong voice for American and her values. Hang in there! With love and prayers for good things head.
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Beth says:
Kirby was KVI. Without you, Kirby, KVI would not have gotten the place in market share. You were with us from the start, when Rush was hitting it big, and you ARE OUR LOCAL connection to everything political in the Northwest. Without a local voice keeping us all together, on a medium that is easy for everyone to access, we lose a great deal of local activism that keeps the wrong side of the debate from doing us in. Thanks for the update. We’re standing with you and know KVI is completely in the wrong for their JOKE of a decision.
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S. Alexander says:
Thank you Kirby for sharing “Your side of the story”. We were all so shocked at your departure and waiting for some definitive explanation. Fisher/KVI is the loser here. Remember that! You will go on to a much ‘bigger and better’ place!
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Tricia Richards says:
Excellent Kirby — you are a man of principle, integrity and honesty!
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Kathy P. says:
I was rudely awakened to Jon Gibson on Monday morning, after taking a long weekend! You’re a truth talker, you stand up for your convictions and it’s so refreshing! I’m going thru withdrawls! I’ve moved around the conservative dial in the Puget Sound area because I want to hear about local issues. If conservatives want to keep chipping away at the liberal barriers in WA we need a place to share our ideas. I considered KVI one of those places in the morning. We also need leaders, oh how we need principled leaders! And I mean principled! Thank you Kirby for all you have done in the past and all you are going to do in the future. I hope we haven’t heard the last from you.
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Deanna Krause says:
Oh my gosh, are you kidding. KVI made the most egregious error in letting you go. Please find another radio station we need you, please! I rely on your insight and political intelligence and I have been a faithful listener for so long. I will pray for you and your family and that you will find another station SOON! Maybe TV??
God’s blessings,
Deanna -
Mickey says:
God bless you Kirby.
I would hope you will become involved at a national level to help save this country.
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Barbara A Hill says:
There is room in this country for Kirby and Beck. Both are need and valuable. This will turn me away from 570KVI. They are sending us to Beck in the morning. KVI management needs rethink this.
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Dave & Pam Clark says:
Kirby, you are a man of Honor and we will follow you any where you go, we do not have KVI on our radio at this time. We were upset when you went to that Kirby and Company and went to Glenn Beck, but we checked back and found that you returned to your old format so we came back. You were a light at the end of the tunnel and gave us local news and comment, now there is nothing, except Dorry Motson on 97.3 FM. We hope you can find a new home or KVI will get the message and bring you back like they did with John Carlson or you could run for the US Senate against Patty Murry, we would just love that and we would work on for you,,,,
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Delcia Rosenow says:
I turned on the radio yesterday a.m. and no Kirby–now I know why. It’s Fisher’s loss, but I’m not surprised you received all those emails–you are the best source of local and national information and comment in the a.m.–it would be the same no matter your time slot. The blog will suffice for now–but we want to HEAR you live soon! No one does it better; not even Rush or Hannity–that’s a conservative truth. And I’ve always appreciated your Christianity–one Lutheran to another.
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Debbie Cowman says:
Kirby–KVI have shot themselves in the foot, axing their anchor morning show. I will greatly miss you in the mornings.
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Gregg says:
I’m glad this didn’t stay a matter between you and management. I think we, the audience, are due an explaination when a show we’ve grown to love and depend on disappears without warning. Good Providence Kirby, I eagerly await your next endeavor.
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John and Fern johnson says:
John and I were truly shocked to learn you were not on KVI anymore. In these tough times this would seem like a bad business decision but KVI seems to have a history of shooting themselves in the foot. We know of your strong faith, Kirby and The Lord has promised to be there in all times especially the tough ones. Lean on Him. We know that we will hear your voice of freedom again. We willwait with anticipation to see what your next assignment will be. All our best to you and your family. Fern and Jhn Johnson
Kirby, thank you for sharing your side of the story. I have not tuned into KVI since your departure, no reason to. To say you’re missed is an understatement. Hoping to hear you on the air somewhere that will appreciate you for who you are and what you stand for!