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.
284 Responses to “Eastside Republican Club dinner/auction Dec 5th”
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Cheryl Schy says:
I am also one who sent an e-mail in to Fisher expressing my displeasure. How appropriate for it to have been on Friday the 13th of all days. I kept waiting for it to be all a big prank and that Kirby would be back on my dial on Monday. THen I saw Fisher’s announcement in the Times and knew it was permanent or at least until they wise up. They have now lost me a as a listener with no more Kirby. I missed Rush when he left, then they kept shuffling Carlson around before exiling him to Komo as a “Commentator”. Now my morning drive in show is gone – no more Kirby at 5:00 AM. No more local perspective and humor to start my mornings. It is such a vacuum now in the morning that I may have to listen to a music station. KTTH already got my afternoon drive with Michael Medved and David Bose. Now if they just put Kirby on in the Morning, they will have completed the takeover. You are missed Kirby, but I am sure that you will find another great oppertunity, the good ones always do. It is us listeners who will suffer and hopefully Fisher will feel it even more in the ratings and the pocketbook as well. One more former KVI listener.
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Wes says:
Wow! What can I say that someone hasn’t already said. Ditto the other comments. Kirby, have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas! We’ll expect to hear your next step soon.
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I have been a loyal listener since you started in the evenings at KVI.
I was there at Evergreen State College with you when they had the Cop Killer for a graduation speaker. (I did comment on your wardrobe for the day
) The color guard and the wife in full dress. Here’s Kirby in Jeans in the background. I wish you the best Kirby. I hope you find another venue locally. We need your voice. What happened to your team. Charlene, etc.
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Cammy says:
Kirby! I’m incredibly upset that your show was cancelled! What is wrong with KVI? Have they lost their minds? Please, Kirby, will you be staying in touch with your listeners somehow? I also wanted to thank you for hosting such a wonderfully informative and interesting show. I’m no longer listening to any show on KVI. I’m boycotting them.
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liz says:
They will lose a lot of their fan base over Kirby’s departure.Management was ill advised and will surely soon see their mistake.
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Linda says:
I no longer listen to KVI. As far as I’m concerned, Kirby WAS KVI…without you they are just another talk radio station. Is this persecution of Christians?? PLEASE let us know what you will be doing next. In the meantime, please be assured of our prayers for you and your family. We truly love you, Kirby.
God Bless America, Linda -
john says:
Likely the Obama machine is working its way .. but waht is talk radio if it is not JOhn Carlson, Kirby, Medved, Beck Rush and many more each has a spot some will do beter than others. some are national and some more local..the Loss of Kirby is great.. KVI you screwed this one up big time.. IMHO….
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Patty Japhet says:
I am so concerned about our country at this time. I have listened to you for over 10 years and now have to listen to national talk hosts. I miss you Kirby and hope when you find a new venue, you will let us all know.
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Annie says:
I just sent an email to KVI. In the email, I stated that I will take particular delight and enjoy watching the declining ratings and demise of KVI as a power in Seattle, after their handling of Kirby Wilbur.
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Madelyn J says:
Living in Western WA is like living in a nightmare…politically. At least we had you Kirby in the morning for a reality check. Now, I also miss Sean Hannity at noon but won’t give KVI the satisfaction of me tuning them in. I will catch SH on Fox. Good luck Kirby and I hope to hear you real soon on a station that listens to its listeners!
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Philip Giambri says:
Thank you for your side of the story, it needed to be known. If you ever come up to Whidbey NAS to visit, please let me know, I’m buying. God has and will continue to bless you. PG
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Just another letter of support for Kirby. I, too, sent an email to KVI explaining that I will no longer be listening to their programming. Wishing the very best for Kirby and his family. Dave Hulbert
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Michael says:
Kirby, you have been a great source of news and analysis and will be greatly missed. May God Bless you in your future endeavours
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SN says:
For all who’d like to read a letter sent to Jim and Dennis at KVI, enjoy….
Jim or Dennis,
So which one of you geniuses has the MBA? I bet both of you do. One of the things that really goes wrong in the “higher” education process happens in the dark corners of the Masters of Business Administration school late at night. They teach these little known classes on how to stick your head up your trow-port and see the world in a different light. You boys must have gone back for seconds on that class. Offing Wilbur immediately shoots to the top of the 10 dumbest things in Seattle radio history. You looking to change formats? Maybe go with some rousing polka music? Why don’t you send KVI to new heights with some good old Mel Tillis and some Jimmy Rodgers. I miss Jimmy.So while you’re busy ignoring messages like this from the people and advertisers who put your Conservative station on the map in an otherwise McDermott-loving swampland of toxic ignorance, we’ll happily turn our radio dials, ears, and dollars to a station with a management group that can see through the sphincter of clouded financial politics and mismanagement and is interested in listening to its hosts and audience. Lest you cry foul over our rush to judgment based on incomplete facts and one side of the story, you need only look in the mirror at YOUR actions to see the root cause of your future demise. That is if you can see the mirror from the vantage point bestowed upon you by your “higher education.”
Great job fellas. Now go pat yourselves on the back, grab yourself a cold one and a deep breath and slide back in your hole of collective incompetence. We’re done with you. -
Nancy K. says:
Kirby, I was in Hawaii when I heard the news. What a sad day for all of your listeners but I’m sure God will direct you in your future plans. I will always remember fondly our group trip to the Shawn Hannity Freedom Concert in 2004…what an amazing experience. KVI has made a serious mistake with this decision and I’m sure there is a lot more behind the scene going on that we don’t know. You were not only a local conservative host on the radio but were so involved in local community activities that will be at a real loss. So sad for all of us. You and your family are in my prayers.
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Lance A says:
Best of luck Kirby. I had been a listener since ‘93 and truly miss your show on my morning 2 hour commute. Thanks for the memories.
I applaud all of your fans for their response to KVI and I recommend they keep it up. They should also let the advertisers know that they have changed their listening habits as well.
One other thing that they could do, is to start emailing and calling KTTH to let them know that they should be thinking very hard about giving you a morning/daytime time slot. If the same number of emails and phone calls (I guess the great RW conspiracy) are directed there, maybe they’ll see a great opportunity to turn Seattle radio upside down.
I also let KVI know, in no uncertain terms that I would no longer be a listener or a supporter of their sponsors.
Best of luck and have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year. -
An addendum to my previous post. The email I juust sent to Fisher:
Have you, Fisher broadcasting, forgotten the first rule of ANY business?
That is to keep your customers happy.
I know in radio, your direct customers may be your advertisers, but their customers are your listeners, ergo, your customers.
By dropping any last remaining vestiges of local programming (i.e. Kirby Wilbur), you have just shot your local advertisers in the foot and given them and your audience base the finger. I suspect a slight rate increase for your sponsors would have more than made up for Kirby’s salary. The minor increase in rates could have been easily spread out over your advertisers customer base. Basic economics.
Mr. Wilbur’s draw wasn’t that he was the greatest host ever to broadcast a show, it was because the market is flooded with national talk shows and Mr. Wilbur put a local perspective on the airwaves from 5 to 9.
Now, however, you have lost your largest local advertiser, Kiel Mortgage, and I suspect others, if not now, then certainly by years’ end, as your ratings day over day plummet.
I am sorry that I do not and cannot wish you the best of luck nor your advertisers (those that remain at any rate).
I feel that if you were to put Mr. Wilbur back on the air, I still would not return to listening to KVI as your station has proven in the past with other local hosts that you would not long honor your contracts.I suspect that within a year or so, 570 KVI will be no more than a cheap automated, dime-a-dozen radio station.
Lance Atchley
l_atchley@comcast.net -
Doug Vogt says:
I am an accountant. If they have no money for advertising/promotion than they are really in big trouble. The program manager was trying to save his own job. KOMO may be thinking of selling KVI. Why don’t some of your friends think about buying the station?
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Kirby;
I have been disappointed in KVI for a while, ever since John Carlson had been moved around. What I liked best about both of you is you looked at issues, and seemed to be fair. You gave credit to the other side when it was due, and I think you helped us to be better informed. Too many talk show hosts only paint one side and take to character assassinations.
I know you will land on your feet, you have too much to offer. You will be missed. I wonder if KVI will miss us as well.
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Well Kirby, this shows that Fisher is more concerned about their politics that revenues. I always thought that when they got rid of Rush. Remember Kirby that when one door is closed, God opens a window somewhere. Please keep us informed of your future, I know it will be bright.
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Linda Campbell says:
Kirby,
I really miss the Star Spangled Banner! You had some of the best versions. I especially liked Whitney Houston. She always sent chills up my spine when she hit the high note. What are we to do without Hero of the Week? Never mind the local political news. We could always count on you. KVI has lost me too. -
Paul S says:
I finally had time today to find out what happened to Kirby. Yikes – he got the shaft. Well it will be no more KVI for me. Kirb – get a job at KTTH!!!
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Sharon Aguilar says:
I can’t even wake up in the morning now without you Kirby. If you got up, so could I, now what do I do? You kept me thinking and questioning. Oh, we miss you.
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Gaille says:
Finally, decided to see if you had a personal site to see what on Earth has happened to you! How wierd to wake up to a “stranger’s” voice. It just hasn’t been the same in the mornings! I’ve always appreciated your respectful, thought-provoking commentaries and opinions. Your voice is so easy to listen to – not rancorous like a few other “right-siders”. It was such a treat to listen to a local talk show host, who included local news and events in the dialogue – not just national partisan issues. More than anything else, I’m so glad the reason for your absence isn’t due to some family or personal medical concerns – couldn’t help but think of Tony Snow after realizing you weren’t just on vacation …..
Sure wish you the best of everything. Thank you for all you’ve done for our community – both on air and off. Let us know ASAP when you start up at another station. Like another mentioned, I already listen to Micheal M. and David B. on KTTH in the afternoon…. I am selfish when I agree w/ you that you’re more effective on air than in a political position, but if it comes to you running for a political position, I’ll be rooting for you! -
Susan says:
Kirby, i miss you so much! I always woke up to your show, and now there’s nothing to look forward to. Can you move to a different radio station, or does your current contract say you have to wait a year or whatever Michael Medved had to do?
I can’t believe you are off radio, you mean so much to all of us. KVI has some jerko people there, they way they treated you!
So good to find your new webiste though, and be able to tell you how much you mean to use.
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JCW says:
Well, I’m finished with kvi. I can get coast to coast on a Bellingham station. I now listen to beck in the morning and KZOK. Now have reason to listen to more pod casts of other shows not on kvi.
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WAKE UP KVI!, your making a huge mistake.
I have been listening to KVI for many many years and without Kirby on the Air I have no reason to continue to listen to KVI.
BEST OF LUCK KIRBY!.
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Mark Hollkamp says:
Kirby, You and I have met (Toys for Tots Garlic Jims 2007 really tall guy in the “24 T-shirt) It is a fond memory because I am a huge supporter of Toys for Tots (I usually buy toy guns) it was an honor to meet someone who believs in the cause like I do. I miss the show already man. With you gone I have no reason at all to listen to KVI anymore. I listened to you every morning for the last 10 years. Let us know were you land so hopefully we can all listen again.
P.S. As you mentioned the charities are going to take a huge loss because of your departure. I am going to the store to buy 2 additional toys this year for toys for tots (In your Honor) I hope everyone who reads this will do the same.
God Bless Brother -
Paul says:
You and I always drove to work together – nice to listen and start my day, and when in my 2nd home in Thailand I listened on the internet. Well now KVI is just a memory as I really like the LOCAL touch you brought to us. East to get a “National” talk show but news with a local flavor – difficult. May God give you a wonderful new way to get your message out. We sure need it in these times.
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Henry in Medford, OR says:
Kirby, I listened in to KVI on the internet to get the latest TRUTH about the police murders. I’m sorry about the station’s decision. These bleek times tempt management do self defeating things when nothing seems to work. I wish you the best.
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Joel says:
I have been listening to you since about 97 and have enjoyed the perspectives that you have. I hope that you will be able to be back on radio soon and so we could hear what you have to say.
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I think this will be a great thing for you Kirby! You can do so many wonderful things for our community and on the National level. This is your God given opportunity to move into something new that will prove to be perfect for you. No ties to keep you down! Fight for our country, our military and our freedom! Your just moving up the ladder a bit before you had expected. We will watch and follow the wonderful things that lie ahead for you Kirby!
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Jerry L says:
Unbelieveable! But then I smell left politics from Olympia swarming in to KVI. Is that just me? Local conservative talk radio will suffer without you Kirby. For all of your listener’s sake, I hope your voice is heard on another frequency soon. You are a man of integrity and principle. Keep the faith as I know you will.
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Janet Catt says:
I had noticed they were replaying old Kirby tapes but I thought maybe you were on vacation and I went on vacation. I finally realized you were no longer on the air and got on the web where I found the reason. I am sick about this and have changed my radio dial to 770 permanently. I am no longer a supporter of KVI Radio. I am very disapointed in their decision. I don’t like John Gibson and I don’t like Dennis Miller. Those are the two that are on during my commute. I want a local person for at least one of my commutes. My husband and I will miss you Kirby and wish you the very best of luck. Janet
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Judy Ann says:
We were so shocked when you disappeared from KVI. My mornings will never be the same without you, Kirby. We just miss hearing your voice! We have been listening to you on KVI since you first came on over a decade ago. You have been a voice of reason and faith in the screech of liberalism that dominates Western Washington. Remember that God never closes a door that He doesn’t open another window of opportunity. May God direct your paths. I know we will be hearing lots more from you. Seattle needs you Kirby!
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Michael says:
I really enjoyed your mix of local and national topics and was shocked to find you off the air. I won’t be listening to KVI in the morning any longer without local commentary. Bringing on another national syndicated show seems to be the wrong way to compete against KTTH, and not a very sophisticated strategy. I hope you find an audience once again on a local show here in Seattle or elsewhere. I’ve enjoyed many years of listening to your show, and will miss it.
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Kendall Klingerman says:
We miss you, and my wife and I have pray for you and your family. Please remember us in prayer as well.
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cleve wix says:
I miss you , wish you were back on. i had wondered why you were not there in the morning. hopeto hear you soon.
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Ellie says:
Words cannot express….You are appreciated Kirby….Kirby Wilbur was the strength at KVI….God Bless you and Trina
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James Rohrer says:
Kirby,
I have never been fortunate enough to have personally met you but I feel like I’ve lost a true friend. You are so genuine, caring, love of country, our military, firefighter, police officers, and the list goes on and on. It is unfortunate that one of the few radio broadcasts in this liberal part of the country has gone over the edge. Many listeners, as you are aware, have stopped listening to that station. If you don’t run for office or do something on the private side, KTTH is where you belong. You are the truth. BTW, what has happened to Karlene and the young conservative that used to be heard on the station (until that liberal joined up)? You are a leader and we need you. God bless you and your family and I hope someday when you are in the Milton/Edgewood area, that I will have the privilege to meet you face to face. James R -
Ben says:
When KVI turned the show into Kirby and Friends I knew the end was near. With the huge push for Glen Beck they had to move the K&F show or dump you. I always enjoyed listening to you, but the others were a distraction. Keep your next gig solo. Even liberals could enjoy your show – Beck not so much. I’m gone to KTTH and Thom Hartman on 1090.
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Carole Sue McNutt says:
KVI lost me until Kirby returns.
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Kris Schoenlein says:
Like the other 222 people, I was truly disappointed that your voice was no longer on the radio. I loved your local connection and your sensible articulate approach to things. I certainly hope to hear your voice again.
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Gordon Moorman says:
Kirby- you were the best conservative talke show host in the Seattle market and I was a consistent listener for the past 10 years. I appreciate your committment to the conservative voice, your Christian perspective and patriotism. I hope you find another local station soon.
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georgie says:
Kirby – Thank you so much for all that you did (along with many others) to eat away at the Republican Party. I know you were a member but by promoting fringe candidates (see Ellen Craswell and John Carlson) and fringe ideas (see just about anything you said) you moved the party so far to the right that Republicans have no power in Washington State.
Thanks again!
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Tamara says:
I loved listening to you at 5 am as I jogged. I am not finding an acceptable replacement for you. I loved all the local information you gave us. I have listened to you since you began doing the morning show. I wish you the best. Merry Christmas!
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Da\/3 says:
Thanks Kirby for all the great years on the radio. I’ll be looking for your return.
So much for keeping an eye on the fox in the Olympia chicken coop.
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Elaine Kinney says:
Kirby, my mornings are just not the same. I stream your show on my computer as I live in Eastern Washington now and cannot get you on the radio. Good luck and God Bless you and your family.
For those of you who would like to listen to Sean’s show, you can stream it on your computer. There are two stations I have found that you can listen live. KSFO out of San Francisco and 77-WABC out of New York. -
David says:
Kirby — KVI is not the same. I so looked forward to you in the mornings. I have switched to KTTH (770) but it not the same. You are missed. All the best and many thanks.
Do you suppose they were pressured by Wash,DC because it was you and your listeners who nearly single handedly turned the tide on Hillary care?