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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Kathy says:
I tried listening to Mr. Beck on 770…..there was not much to listen to…lots of teasers for other programs, then him and someone else chatting about NOTHING, then more commercials. 770 should give you his slot!!
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Sue says:
I too have quit listening to KVI since you are no longer hosting the morning show. Thank you for bringing the issues to us and providing the information so we could make informed decisions. Thank you too for all your work with charitable organizations. KVI made their first mistake when they changed your shows format to Kirby and Company, and their second when then let you go. God Bless. We hope to hear you on the radio again soon.
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Pat Luczyk says:
I miss you kirby..your were my shot of coffee in the morning for the past 7 years…you gave us all the up to the minute news here and in the world…,,we need you and your insight kIRBY AND conservitive enthusisism each morning….please get back behind the mic and keep us all informed!
Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family! -
frank Raiden says:
i no longer listen to kvi…what a shame…do they even have a clue to all the listeners they have lost?
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Roland B. says:
Upon learning of your firing by KVI and reading KVI’s non-explanation, an Email was sent to KVI. The subject: “Departure of Kirby Wilbur and Me”.
Hope to listen to you on another station. -
Sheriff Goober says:
Kirby I was floored myself of your firing. Personally I smell a fish. Obama got to KVI and told them “get rid of you” He’s doing this all over the country, especially with the internet and unnapproved websites being shut down, and people have disappeared nationwide, including 2 friends of mine who we don’t even know where they are.
And it’s gonna get much worse.Kirby you and I know each other, we’ve met several times, including OSOT rally in Issaquah in 2004.
In 2005 I moved back home, which is out of Washington State. But I did listen to you from time to time bia internet. We have a wonderful congressional delegation. Sens: Barrasso and Enzi and Rep. Lummis.
You should consider moving to Wyoming, which is a gold star state for gun rights. We have low crime, and no creeps like Clemmons killing police officers. Bravo to the police officer who shot and killed him and RIP to the other 4 officers he killed.Goober. (From Seattle at the time)
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Mici says:
KVI is history for me since you left. I enjoyed your show and I miss you on the air.
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gary mahon says:
I must admit, that I go all over the dial, staying where the topic interests me most. I was wondering what happened to Kirby! I have been listening to you off and on, since 1993! There is a void without you. I have met you several times, and called numerous times. I remember the singles boat cruise you put together. Change is the one constant, for sure. I may have to move back to Illinois, after 28 yrs around these parts. I don’t always agree, but, know you are a noble American. One day at a time, in these increasingly crazy times! I pray the Lord returns to rule all nations, and straighten out things everywhere. Best to you.
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Brad S says:
Kirby, you should have seen this coming. It is a pattern at KVI.
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colonelmom says:
Kirby was the one to present local issues that were not just political in nature. He kept us all informed so we could make our on minds up. His departure which is still not well explained by Fisher will be greatly missed and we also loose a great historian.
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mary says:
kirby-i am so sorry-will miss you have listened to you from the beginning-you will be missed-none was better-what a comunity servant. keep us posted. God bless you for your future.
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Robyn says:
I’m LOST! I absolutely cannot believe KVI could do this! I listened to you EVERY morning, and now can’t find a satisfying replacement. I sure hope you find a local radio job so we can all listen to you again. You were so inspirational, a great teacher, and I learned so much from you. I am glad that I remembered to look at your website – now saved to my favorites … and hope to be listening to you again soon.
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Russ from Lake Stevens says:
You will not be out long! Have a very Merry Christmas and know that you are loved by many. God bless you!
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Myron Rice says:
Kirby I will miss you on my morning drive to work. I have taken kvi out of my radio. you had a big part in forming my political views. I wish you all the best. the morons at kvi will regret what they did to you
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Holly H says:
I just found this site. So sad you are off the air. I can’t believe KVI got rid of all their local talent…you were the only reason I was listening to them any more. I hope to see/hear from you again soon.
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Larry says:
Kirby, KVI’s loss, you never bought me lunch I guess now I need to buy you lunch. I was a guest on your show a few years back. The fact that there are no local morning shows worth the air time they use. KVI made a poor business decision and will lose more money. As Buck Strickland said in King of the Hill “never shoot the golden goose” you were that to them. I did hear an ad one day when I flipped to KVI hoping it was all a joke and to hear KVI is having Carson on the air on the weekends what an ignorant man. No wonder KVI has lost it and will lose. If they had any b_ll’s (want to buy an A) they would come crawling back.
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MICHAEL SCHWARTZ says:
kirby i will miss you on the radio, mostly for you local comments on politics etc. i will no longer be listening to kvi there is no reason to anymore
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Janet Cleator says:
Kirby: We moved back to Washington from Texas ten years ago. I was leaving some great hosts in the Dallas Metroplex. Then we found you.
What scares me is a comment by a previous writer suggesting that this administration would love to get rid of all conservative talk show hosts. (So the truth never gets out) Interesting that Rush has been hospitalized in Hawaii –isn’t Obama there too? I am not suggesting but think about it and stay alert for more of this. -
Richard says:
Kirby,
First ran across KVI in 1993 and found for the first time a true American Talk Show Host that believed in the Constitution. Your hard work and dedication has opened the eyes of many that were lost within the slanted views thrust upon us by the liberal leaders that still today attempt to destroy and reinvent America.Jan. 2008 I moved from Washington to Texas where my vote will be counted. Was a listener via internet but after this comment will delete KVI from my favorite places. I miss the 5:00am commute to Seattle each day but thats water under the bridge. May God Bless You and forever be GOP Positive.
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Gary Plavidal says:
Kirby,
Great to hear your voice on with David Bose today. Like so many others, I really miss your show in the morning.Thanks for sharing your side of this issue. You’ve been loyal to KVI and Fisher, but apparently they are unworthy of you. God bless you anyhow for being such a class act.
Please keep us informed about new developments and doors the Lord opens for you. If you have a newsletter I’d be happy to add my email to the list. In the meantime, I hope everyone keeps up the infield chatter here.
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Gary, I am not going anywhere right now, lots of fight left in me and lots of fighting left to do. Right now, I am trying to keep my blog here updated and keep you all informed as best as I can.
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Cal Stanford says:
Wow Kirby! I’ve listened to you since I moved back to Seattle in 1997 after retiring from the Air Force. It’s just not the same without you on the air; especially with the local perspective. We met one time at Car Toys out in Tukwilla, and I called in a couple of times, but after listening to you for so many years, I feel like I’ve lost a trusted advisor!
Bless you and your family Kirby; you’ll do well in whatever you do.
Cal Stanford
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Thom says:
Kirby,
I hope that you will not be gone from the radior for long. I miss your local perspective and I have forwarded that concern to the station. In Seattle we do not have hardly any local voice left. This is of grave concern as it makes it harder for us to keep up on some of the current goings on with our local liberal leaning governments.
Godspeed
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Thank you Thom, trust me, I did not leave voluntarily. Be sure and listen to David Boze on 770 from 3 to 6, he is my ‘legacy’ as he described himself on Monday.
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leslie says:
Kirby- We first met at the Toys for Tots drive in North Bend. We went to support the drive and visit you. My husband has listen faithfully to you for years. He is waiting patiently for you to resurface. Of course when you do, we will be there. You have always had our respect for standing on priciples of truth and personal freedom. Please keep us posted on your whereabouts.
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Lila says:
I tried to stop listening to KVI when they dumped Bryan Suits but I kept coming back to you in the morning. Now I want to stop listening because they dumped you & they’re bringing Bryan back??!?! ARGH!!! Thanks for the last several years of helping me become an informed and active conservative! Continue your good works & God Bless you Kirby! I’ll be back here regularly to check on you
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MARK says:
WOW!! JUST FOUND OUT KIRBY THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER ON KVI,IM SORRY,WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.KVI JUST LOST ONE MORE LISTNER.
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Mike Kelly says:
Kirby,
As soon as I heard KVI had let you go I worte them and let em have it with both barrels. It just did not make any sense to let you go. I even tried to contact you via email to show my support etc, but was not sucessful at that time. Today I looked again and found this site. First thanks for sharing the facts, secondly please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have left KVI and miss your am show during my commute. I hope you find your way back on the air soon.
Blessings to you and your family -
Al Gingras says:
Kirby,
It’s obvious that you were well followed by many people as comments are still coming in to you as well as KVI, even three months after your termination from the station. Unfortunately KVI, a right minded station owned by left minded people will soon be playing old Perry Como music as listenership continues to dwindle. They have made several bone-headed moves the last few years so it’s only a matter of time, which is truly a shame.
It was a pleasure meeting you in D.C. a few years back in the Omni Shoreham lounge. I also called your show several times and appreciated your perspective on issues. Good luck in your future endeavors and I know you will succeed in whatever you end up doing.
God bless America
Al Gingras, CMSgt, Ret. USAF -
dorothy collings says:
Kirby: I do miss your program…I am sure you will do fine–in fact I have been praying for you that God would open a new (and surprise) door and that you will note that it will be greater than you have known even up to date….I do miss not being able to be at attendance at Eastside Club dinners–I wiah there was someone on this side of the pond I could ride with–The group I used to ride with have long gone.(Bert Hupka etc.)
Anyway best to you and your dear wife…
Dorothy Collings
Kirby – I just emailed KVI today to tell them my thoughts. My parents started listening to you when you first came on the air and you brought me back to KVI a few years ago. I am no longer listening to their station and wont be supporting any future sponsers. I wanted to let you know I am getting married next summer at a B & B owned by a member of the Kiel family. Now more then ever I am so thankful for choosing that location and being able to support such a nice family. Thank you so much for everything you taught me and I will keep my eye out for what the future holds for you. God Bless