Move America Forward Head Loses Morning Host Position

MELANIE MORGAN FIRED

KSFO/ San Francisco Host Removed Without Warning



***4pm: Major Update Below***


Sackings are becoming routine at ABC Radio, where conservative morning show host Melanie Morgan has been yanked from San Francisco's KSFO-AM without warning. What happened?

In a statement to Move America Forward supporters, an activist organization she heads, Morgan said she was unexpectedly asked to return her door access card Friday.

After contract renegotiations between station management and her agent hit an impasse late in the week, Disney/ABC suits simply pulled the plug and kicked her out of Mickey's Front Street Mouse Pad.

As word leaked out late in the weekend, some (such as SactoDan, here) wondered if it was merely a publicity stunt for KSFO, but that's exactly what was said about Michael Graham when he disappeared from WMAL/Washington.

Graham didn't return to WMAL and his supervisor departed as well, after a flap involving the former's on-air Islam comments.

Adding to the strange circumstances in San Francisco: today in broadcast trade publication Inside Radio, an ad seeking a new KSFO program director was published. Respondents were to send materials to Operations Manager Jack Swanson, who happens to be Morgan's husband.

From Morgan's public statement:


My contract with KSFO was set to expire on Friday. My agent had been in negotiations with the station manager of KSFO (an ABC owned and operated station).

We had already worked out the 'big issues' - I had agreed to a very small increase in salary and did not have any major demands. I thought everything would be routine.

During my time at KSFO we have emerged as one of the highest rated local radio programs in the nation. Certainly the station had to appreciate that!?!

But, for some reason, the negotiations hit a brick wall and I was asked to accept a number of bizarre compromises. My agent tried to work through the issues but I was told that for some reason the station was playing hardball. I was told on Thursday that Friday morning would be my last day of employment. I was to turn in my ABC card key that allowed me access to the building.

Given what happened recently to another prominent ABC radio talk show host (Michael Graham of WMAL-Washington D.C. was just fired from his job) I obviously have been quite uncertain about what my fate will be.

My agent and I have been in contact with the station management. Since I announced on the air on Friday that my employment with KSFO was over the station has been flooded with phone calls and emails. I am hopeful that in the coming week we can come to an agreement on the issues that remain. Until then I will be off the air.


Removing a low-rated show from the airwaves is one thing, but Morgan, with co-host Lee Rodgers, have enjoyed a track record of substantial success.

One of the few talkers to avoid big recent ratings losses, KSFO has fended off competition with ease. A major part of this audience dominance and loyalty has come from the morning show.

Morgan's activism through her highly successful political organization, Move America Forward, has been key to keeping KSFO strong, the Radio Equalizer believes. When listeners feel hosts are doing more than just talking, a stronger bond is created that carries over to increased listenership.

With Move America Forward repeatedly in the headlines over the summer for organized efforts to counter Cindy Sheehan's Texas circus, support our troops in Washington and visit them in Iraq, one wonders if ABC's notoriously liberal suits could no longer tolerate Morgan's political effectiveness.

Because talk radio's talent pool is now down to nearly zero, finding an experienced, entertaining replacement will be next to impossible.

The Radio Equalizer is requesting comment from ABC, any response will be noted here.


UPDATE: Apparently, there was an instant outcry from KSFO listeners and activists around the country, who immediately demanded Melanie's reinstatement. Late word is that a deal has been reached for her return tomorrow.

Did ABC wish to avoid another round of bad publicity? Is this any way to treat top-level air talent? What a rollercoaster ride for Morgan.

UPDATE: Morgan has issued an exclusive statement to the Radio Equalizer:


"I was pretty stunned. Never saw it coming. Negotiations were routine, until I got a call Thursday evening that I was not to report on-air Monday morning.

But here's the good news:

Negotiations resumed Friday, and today Mickey Luckoff and I have agreed to new contract terms.

I expect to return to the airwaves tomorrow morning.

And what was especially gratifying is how quickly listeners from all around the country and especially here in the Bay Area reacted to the news of my 'demise.' Hundreds and hundreds of phone calls, e-mail by the thousands. Faxes too numerous to count.

That plus several job offers makes me feel pretty terrific.

I was saddened that the senior management at ABC chose such a drastic solution to what was essentially a done deal.

But the momentary madness is over, and I am safely ensconced behind the microphone for the next two-and-a-half years.

And that's a good thing, I've got a lot more jujitsu moves to practice on the left-wing whackos around the country."


Good to hear these sometimes do have happy endings.



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Melanie Morgan photo: Chris Stewart, San Francisco Chronicle