99XWatch.org

Steve's Farewell

Steve Craig writes on his MySpace:

I really wanted to say goodbye. 
I remember when Sean Demery got to say goodbye several years back.  THAT was a great exit. Surrounded by the entire staff, he thanked, kudoed, wept and said goodbye. Today, the day that 99X ceased to exist, I was in the middle of my show, having been informed that my boss and longtime friend Leslie Fram and her morning show co-host (and a hell of a nice guy) Jenners were both fired.  I was trying to keep it together and be the professional music presenter that I am,  But you can only go so long wondering about your fate.  Some other staff members were being told that they were OK, but no one knew what was going to happen. I wondered why the corporate guy wouldn't come into the studio and say "Steve, don't worry, you're fine, and we'll talk more after your show"...  So I went to him and asked point blank.  I was told right then that I would no longer be needed, and they called in Axel to finish my last hour.

After 15 years, all I wanted to do was say goodbye.

Because I loved being with you every day... I love what I do, and I loved what I did at 99X.  Taking away the Retroplex was like lopping off a leg, and then being blamed for not being able to run.  That really broke my heart.  What really hurts, though, is that our corporate guys never really understood what 99X was. And they wouldn't listen to those who did. 

But what the "understanding few" accomplished here, I hope will never be forgotten. Because we did some pretty cool shit! 

So I join the spirit of Wil Pendarvis, Leslie Fram, Fred Toucher, Crash Clark, Jimmy Baron, and my best friend of almost 30 years, Sean Demery... and say

I WAS 99X!

If you want to contact Steve, his email is RadioFlyer99X@yahoo.com.

Retroplex Petition and John Dickey on 99X

Rebekka, a "concerned listener" has started an online petition to bring back Steve Craig's Retroplex, which was discontinued on 8/21.

Rodney Ho has an interview with John Dickey about 99X's future and sagging ratings.

“I think the morning show is doing a good job,” Dickey said. “I think the morning show is fine. One year is nothing in the lifespan of morning radio. We’re tracking fine. We love the [alternative rock] format. We love the results the format gets. In terms of listeners and what we do for the advertisers, the music and product has been great.”

Retroplex No More

From Radio & TV Talk:

After 13 years on 99X, Steve Craig’s signature “Retroplex” nostalgia lunch hour today has been dismantled, replaced by something called 99X-press lunch.”

Another great decision from the team that let Toucher go to Boston and replaced Jimmy with Jenners.

Two More Years of Retro-Pleasure

Rodney Ho reports:

Steve Craig, a pillar of stability at middays at 99X and best known for his lunch hour retro-request hour, has signed a new contract with the new owners for two years, according to John Dickey, head of Cumulus Media programming. Dickey is based in Atlanta and oversees a whopping 360 radio stations in 70 markets. But he knows the Atlanta stations well and has deep respect for Craig, who now also has the music director/assistant program director title under Leslie Fram.

Steve Craig Defends Leslie

Addressing AJC Writer Rodney Ho (and posted with Steve's permission on Rodney's Blog, Radio-Talk), 99X midday guy Steve Craig writes:

...[I]n my 28 years in the business, I’ve never been witness to such a childish and unprofessional display of behavior as in the past several months. Giving out private phone numbers, cell numbers, sending malicious packages to spouses, taunting and shouting obscenities on mic in public, not to mention the continued on-air assault.

[The morning of Thursday, May 25th] there was no basis for what Wally was saying. He spoke for other people like Fred Toucher, saying that “Fred never wanted to work with Leslie”. Leslie was the one who hired Fred, and they had a great working relationship. It was Cumulus who chose not to continue with Fred and Wally. I just can’t believe that he would get sucked into what Chris and Whip are doing. The comments have turned away from competitive ribbing to vicious and mean-spirited personal attacks. To me, this is appalling, considering how much Leslie did for Chris’ career. I’m sure you’ll agree that the only people who have ever had a bad word to say about Leslie are ex-employees now working for Clear Channel. I’ve worked with Leslie for almost 15 years and while there are always philosophical programming differences, she has never treated any fellow professional with anything other than kindness and respect. It’s just sad when I get phone calls and emails from listeners who keep asking why The Buzz is being so nasty. It’s not the least bit funny. Whip constantly points out how old Leslie is, when he himself is 40-something, trying to act like a 20 year old. Axel and Wally were friends (or so I thought) and now Wally’s including him in the verbal assault.

Steve Craig Courted by dave fm?

On Radio-Info.com (in a not yet deleted thread) AJC Feature Writer(and  blogger) Rodney Ho posted "Steve Craig ... was wooed by Dave last year but he decided to stay with 99X and sign a new contract."

While a lot of radio stations consider their non-drive time personalities to be disposable, it's good to see that 99X is willing to go the extra mile to keep a talent like Craig