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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Dave Taavetti says:
It truely is a damn shame. What bothers me the most, ol’ Kirb was live and local. We are down to a precious few live local voices in this city, and Im afraid the trend will continue. Before we all know it, there will be one radio station serving the entire country.
I can see it now…Beetlejuice in the morning…
Good luck Kirby. -
Jan Gundel says:
Dear Kirby: You are greatly missed. I am one of the 50+ actually 60+ and never missed your program. You actually gave me information about the Seattle area and what was going on in WA state. Now we have KTTH only.KVI’s loss, now mine! When I know you are at a station, then I will be a new listener. I don’t like that you are no longer at KVI, BUT neither am I. God bless and I will be waiting for you on the radio or wherever you go.
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stan cook says:
Kirby, I woke up and you were not on the radio now I KNOW WHY I have been listening to you on politics before you were on radio. These people at kvi have made a big mistake! IT was a perfect lineup with Kirby Dennis Hannity etc..you will go national soon good luck stan on Finn Hill.
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Carole Sue McNutt says:
I already wrote you, Kirby. What KVI has done is unforgiveable. I cannot believe they have let the entire northwest down by taking away the ONLY remaining host I listened to. I listen to sports when you’re not on because the rest of the hosts are frankly pretty awful. I PRAY you land somewhere and that I will again be able to listen to and learn from Kirby Wilbur. KVI has lost a LOT of support and fan base. I do listen to Peter once in awhile. He tickles me, but you are the one!!!
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Doreen says:
Kirby: I am deeply saddened over the recent events leading to your departure from KVI. Know from the bottom of my heart that I sincerely appreciated your show which I have listened to on my way to work for years. Your intelligence, candor, bold stand for conservatism is invaluable. In all honesty and I sincerely mean this, there really is no radio talk show host that I have ever enjoyed more than you. I know that while God has closed this door, another one is opening and this won’t be the last we will hear of you – perhaps something in the political arena, or at the very least, another talk show gig. Your conservative voice is way too valuable to be quieted. Thank you for all you did and I look forward to hearing you again soon.
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Todd says:
Kirby, It’s not enough to say that I was shocked when I searched the internet today to find out what happened to you. Thank you for this great summary. Everything happens for a reason and hopefully we will see or hear you again soon… perhaps on a National show! I wish you and your family the very best. KVI is loosing a true icon.
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Bobbi says:
Ok, now I am going to have to become a “Fan” on your Facebook as well as on Dick Muri’s, ha-ha
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JoAnne Peterson says:
I won’t be listening to KVI anymore, sadly that was my all time favorite radio station and I have enjyed your show immensley. Please keep us in the loop, I would like to know where you go so I may enjoy your broadcasts again. JoAnne Peterson from Custer, WA
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Boris says:
Funny how a Republican feels he’s ‘entitled’ to his job. Though I can sympathize, I suppose. It appears you’ve never missed a meal. Or a snack. Or a feast.
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Lynn says:
I’m going through withdrawl along with the rest of the commenters.
I’ll be waking up to 770 am now and I hope we can follow Kirby wherever he goes.
God bless you and your family, Kirby.
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KC Finlay says:
Kirby, I work odd on call hours at the railroad. One thing I always looked forward to was listening to your show when I got a morning call. I will very much miss that time with you and your crew. Maybe you and John Carlson could put together a radio station! I know you would have GREAT ratings!!!! You are a big loss for KVI, but more so a loss to the Seattle radio listeners. We will all miss you and look forward to supporting you on your next venture! God bless you, your family, and all of your crew!
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Bob Olson says:
Kirby,
I need to reprogram my radio off of KVI. Let me know when your new station KRBY is on the air!
Bob -
Lynne Hunter says:
Kirby – a week has gone by and my mornings are dragging. I think I am going through withdrawal. I have listened to you since you were on in the evening and after about 15 years of listening to you in the morning I don’t know what to do. Sure hope you are soon back on the air. In the meantime, I have let KVI know that I no longer listen to their station and I am keeping my eyes on your blog to see what you are doing next. You are truly missed.
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John C says:
Kirby,
The only reason I have consistently listened to KVI over the past decade was due to your broadcast. Best wishes and I hope to hear you on the air soon. -
rick says:
e-mail sent to fisher radio: Having only 1 hour of “local flavor” left on your programming schedule (Wiseback) will make an easy decision for me to look for my listening enjoyment at another radio station. Dropping Kirby Wilbur from your line up is a mistake, he connects with people in the Puget Sound area and most importantly he and his “company” provide a much needed avenue for donations to local and national charities that you will not be able to replace with any of your “nationally syndicated” hosts. I seriously doubt that Mr. Wiseback, with his one hour of programming, will be able to draw the necessary numbers to make a worthwhile contribution to any charities that your listener base wants to give to. When John Carlson was forced out, I stayed because I liked the rest of your programming schedule. Now you are forcing Kirby out. While I still like the rest of your schedule, Sean Hannity, Dennis Miller and Mark Levin specifically, this time I will not be staying. I have several friends at work that also listen on a daily basis and you can be sure I will be urging them to boycott this loss to our “community” and that’s just what it is. Our community in the Puget Sound area shouldn’t lose out to your numbers.
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Bob Allen says:
Kirby,
I was sorry to hear you were no longer with KVI – I thought you might have taken a better offer. I wish I could say something that might help relieve the cloud you must feel but know that your entrepreneurial spirit (which you have openly declared) will rise up.
The moment I heard you were no longer with KVI I hoped you would choose to run for US Representative – choose any one of the districts really. Adam Smith’s new opponent doesn’t strike me as a conservative – who launches their campaign from a Casino? Give your theory a real life test – run as a conservative for US representative. Prove it can be done to the rest of the doubting world. I might even do some campaigning for you – if I can help be in touch.
Still, know that God has a work for you – and that work might be reshaping political landscapes.
Bob -
Stephanie Kuemerle says:
Kirby, my husband Dave and I were stunned to turn on our radio at 5:30 am (like we have for years) and hear a boring, irrelevant show in your time slot. We are angry and upset at the shabby treatment you received. But, we know that you will turn this set back into opportunity! We know that God will continue to bless you and your family. Thank you so much for all the years of keeping us informed and for your invaluable service to the community.
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Erich Britton says:
I leave for a business trip for a week and half, and when I come back You are no where to be found on the dial. Your high class talent for keeping us informed will be greatly missed. If KVI doesn’t pull it’s head out quickly I fully expect to tune into one of the other local stations and hear you back on the air real soon. I am still pinching myself about this.
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Sharon Smith says:
Hi, Kirby, my mornings are not the same. I am sorry that you were treated that way since you were the one I listened to on KVI. They have lost a listener in me also. I am optimistic that I will be hearing you again on the radio. As they sat, one door closes and another one opens! God Bless.
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Theresa says:
Although I enjoy “The Laura I.’s” program – I was SHOCKED and confused not to hear Kirby’s voice on my drive to work earlier this week. I thought it was a “fluke” and checked back the next morning… same thing… no Kirby… Now I read about what’s happened – so sad – poor decision on KVI’s part. They lost a GREAT radio host – the best in so many ways!
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Todd says:
Kirby, I am shocked to hear you are no longer a part of KVI. I enjoy listening to you every morning. Although I enjoyed your competitor at that hour, Glenn Beck, I consistently found myself listening to you a lot more because I feel your views are balanced and not sensational. I like Glenn but sometimes I feel like he goes a bit extreme on the doomsday. I respect him but enjoy you more. I will miss you and hope to see you pop up again where I will look forward to listening to you. Take care, you will be missed.
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Rob Barrans says:
Kirby, I started listening to you when you were on from 9pm to midnight. That is a long time. Hope you are on soon on another station. KTTH could use you. Everyone call KTTH.
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DavidM says:
Its just not the same,.. I go on vacation and come back to this! Tell us where you go and we’ll follow if we can. You’ll be greatly missed.
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Marsha Kriney says:
I have started a small movemment, with a few others, to start working on the advertizers that you personally recommended, like Niovita,Zero Rez,The General,and any others we can think of and plead with them to pull their ads from KVI as well. GOD BLESS KIEL mortgage!Love ya,MISS YA,KVI is on NONE of my radio presets now.
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Don says:
Sorry to see things turn out this way. Kirby & KVI should have been able to celebrate his 20 years together as a victory, but obviously something went awry and I think obviously it was more than money. Time and God heals all wounds, and I hope and pray down the road, management and Kirby may reconcile. I apprecieated Kirby’s insights and wisdom thru the years since he first began in the evening slot. Believe we will here him again in the future.
Don -
Denise Irwin says:
I too was shocked when you disappeared from KVI. They have now lost me as a listner too.
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Janell says:
I moved back to Puget Sound from Idaho three years ago after a 13 year absence, and have listened to you every morning on my way to work since then. I’ve appreciated your voice of reason in the midst of a crazy world! Thanks for your commitment to the folks. And as far as I’m concerned, whatever the reason, the powers that be at KVI got this one wrong.
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Susan says:
Hi Kirby, Thank you for sharing your side of the story and thank you for all that you have done over the years to help so many important causes such a s the Union Gospel Mission and especailly for Toys For Tots (my dad you one of the orginal Marine Corp Toy for Tots organizers). KVI made a big mistake for them…but I believe that God has a bigger plan for you. This is a critical time in our history and you are a natural born leader that will help us navigate through it. Please stay in touch with all of us who admire you so and rely on your good judgement. How about giving Jay Inslee a run for his money? I’ll sign on to be among your first volunteers!
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Cooley says:
Hey, Mr. Wilbur I only listen to you and Mr. Hannidy on KVI now I just listen to him. I really miss your voice on the radio. As well as the alerts for things coming down the pike.
best wishes in the future and God bless you -
Matt says:
What a stupid move by kvi. You were the only show I listened to there. Sean is on satellite.that’s where I listen to him and mark.
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Hello Kirby, your show was the only reasoned I listened to KVI, I very much enjoyed you “LOCAL” commentary. Needless to say I no longer tune into KVI. Thanks for all you do for us.
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Jim says:
Kirby,
I have a hunch we haven’t heard the last from you! I’ll stay tuned to you (not KVI).
Jim -
Dallas says:
Kirby, it sounds like Fisher should change their name to fish’n. Now having snapped a line and lost the biggest thing they have ever had on the hook. we serve an awesome God and He has bigger plans for you. I hope you, Trina and the boys have a great Holiday season. The charities can still be met through your website, say the word, when and where. It would be fun to see if the “new media” can meet, match or multiply the old.Congratulations on your promotion to the next step of this life’s adventure.
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Timothy Ramsey says:
Kirby,
You were one of the best on KVI or any station for that matter. Your approach was logical, level headed and usualy gave me insights and information I didn’t have before listening to you. You said what we were/are all thinking and then supplied facts and information to back it up. You provided a great service to area listeners and I will miss your perspective very much. Good luck with your future and God bless you and your family.
Timothy Ramsey -
Lisa says:
I also emailed KVI and told them that I had been listening to you and KVI since you were on the night hours (15 years ago?) and that now that you are gone, I would be listening to John and Ken and then go over and spend the rest of my time listening to KIRO because of the local issue and hosts. Bless you and your wife. I miss you. You were the only reason I listed to KVI the past year or so
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Carolyn Sturtz says:
We don’t listen to KVI now. David’s and my alarm was set for Kerby. Kerby was reachable! I was discussed and angry when Kerby’s show was axed. It had to be more than “income” for Fisher. Pride of national recognition? Of course we follow Fox commentary; but its so similar in nature. Kirby helped me think. I miss his company while I was just being a “homemaker”. I could, too, articulate the issues with others using my voice in common places .. even WalMart. David was disappointed, also, but knows with Kerby’s talent God can give him a greater voice to tell us the truth. God bless you Kerby and God Save America!
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Todd Rosenow says:
I have listened to you since I got out of the Navy in 1993. I have live here my whole life and you were a breath of fresh air everyday for the last 16+ years. Thanks for all you have done and I will be looking forward to your next endeavor in life. Good luck and God bless and you will do fine.
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Jason says:
Wow. I thought you took a week off and that John Gibson guy was just filling in from 05:00 to 06:00. It wasn’t until I went in to work a little later today that I noticed that the 06:00 to 09:00 time was being filled by Laura and not Wiesbeck. I will now have to listen to 770 am or 105.3 FM in the morning.
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Kirby, you made KVI. I had been slowly migrating to KTTH but never missed your show on my way to work. Now there really isn’t a good alternative. I have not settled anyway in the mornings.
I miss your common sense and I miss the way you were a focal point for us all. The entire community loses there.
As far as KVI goes, well you were the glue that held me there in the AM. I’ve been giving the new shows a chance, but I find myself drifting. I like the FOX folks, but none of them are the same as a local voice.
The best to you and your family. I’m keeping my ear to the ground to hear of your good news up ahead.
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LeDeane says:
Kirby, as stated above many times, you are the reason I listened to KVI. I started listening to you in 2003 so I could keep up with what was going on in Iraq. My mornings are not the same without hearing your voice. KVI now has no local voices/views. What a stupid move. But management often shoots from the hip and does stupid things when employees stand their ground. Good for you. Though I must say that I have been expecting you to go national for some time. I will be checking your website regularly to see where you land. And land you will, and in a much better place.
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Mike says:
Kirby, I started listening to KVI in the early 90’s and Im turning 40 next month trust me you’ve planted a seed. This weeks drive to work has been tough. Thanks for all the eye opening and mind opening shows. Do one more thing for all of us stand in line down at the unemployement office. Show this country the presidents stimulus bill has done nothing. Then right before they turn you into a mind numb robot come back swingin for the fences
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laura says:
Kirby I have listened to you for years. Thanks so much. So much for KVI let us know where we can listen to you soon.
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Clara says:
I cant believe you are not there for me in the morning. Thnaks for explaining what what is going on. Now I have to fine another station that will be interesting to me. Wish you well and KVI doesnt know what it has lost. God Bless you and This Great Country of ours..
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Kathy from Edmonds says:
I am shocked and saddened by your departure Kirby. Big loss for KVI…big loss for its’ listeners. Best wishes Kirby…you are missed.
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Chuck N says:
KTTh could go mostly local by dumping Beck and pickingyou up. I love listening to you in the morning and Boze in the Afternoon. I was surprised to wake up and not find you anymore and thought that you had taken a vacation. At least you get to sleep in for a little while. I hope to hear you soon,
Chuck of Lake City -
Juel says:
I have listened for years and will check back here from time to time. I agree with the well wishers – you will certainly have other good things ahead.
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Wendy says:
Kirby, I am a 49 year old left of center leaning female but despite that have enjoyed listening to your thoughtful, and respectful take on politics for several years. You are likeable whereas I find other conservative talk shows hosts not. KVI no longer has me as a morning listener.
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Diane Lutovsky says:
I waited all week for some kind of announcement about “what happened to Kirby”?? I’m glad I finally had a chance to go to your website and get the scoop. I am no longer a KVI listener. The liberal northwest NEEDS you Kirby! Please let us all know where you go from here. We will follow. God Bless you and your family.
Kirby, I am so saddened! I have learned so much “History” from you. My mornings are not the same and but I am looking forward to hearing you again somewhere soon – life is always changing and we don’t always know the path it may take. KVI has lost me. I always took a NW pride in there conservative line up. Done, gone. The very best to you, Trina and the boys.