Tell WGN Radio How You Feel About “Kathy And Judy” Being Fired
2009 May 22
Let WGN Radio hear it! Do not be shy. The email address is below. Tell WGN management how you feel about the needless end to the “Kathy and Judy” radio show. Too often radio management think they operate above the listeners. Truth is they do not. Without us listeners, radio management would be unpacking boxes at Jewel-Osco.
In case you have not heard the news about ‘the girlfriends” read it here.
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When I needed mind numbing dumb conversation in the background, I listened to Cathy and Judy. I thought Cathy was a bit of a dope, she often missed a point of someone’s comment. I loved the Holiday Medical Letters…but they would repeat from previous years….so it got old…. WLS also eliminated interesting women like Catherine Johns and a conservative black women, whos name escapes me at this time…but she was good! Seems talk radio prefers to stick with loud mouthed men in the afternoon spots…Rush wannabeeeees-I am not against Rush’s thought process, just his presentation….loud. Chicago radio really needs smart, funny women ….to appeal to all the girlfriends out there. We are not being represented…….
It’s mid October and I still haven’t gotten used to Jarret…. Paul Green on Wednsdays is the only reason I listen EVER…. Bring Williams back to morning drive, the girls back to mid mornings and put Jarrett in the Garry Meier time slot….
A big amen to your comment! Get rid of Garry Meier!
Get over it and move on its just a radio show for gods sake.If you dont like it dont listen .thats why radios have dials.Do you really think they give a rats ass about what you think about kathy and judy
I have giving WGN a chance with its new format, but I no longer listen. I too was a long time listener, from morning to night my radio was tuned to WGN, now I listen to the FM side. Reading all the other posts proves my point, you guys really screwed up a great radio station. I think Wally Phillips and Bob Collins are turning over in there graves.
Since you took Kathy & Judy away, your station has really suffered.
Dull and Boring is on tap, especially in the morning. Please bring them back.
I like Gary Meyer because he does not do all the constant political crap.
What a sad state of affairs at WGN. Kathy and Judy were the best and they are no longer on. Jerry Agar is subbing this week for Steve and Johnnie – probably not Steve and Johnnie’s idea! Milt is sounding older and more and more opinionated every night. John Williams is limping along in Kathy and Judy’s time slot – certainly a step up from Agar but not in the same league with the girlfriends. Nick is subbing for the second half of Steve and Johnnie this week. What’s up with him? His programs are usually about only one thing – movies. His other tactic is to make lists of favorite or worst things. It’s like he is just cranking out the program now and really not trying to have a great show. More and more I find myself turning WGN off in the car and at home. It’s really not much fun to listen anymore. Hope the execs are happy!
I am so glad I found this site. My opinions of the new WGN format are the same as most of the posts I have read. If the station thought a change was needed, they have not improved the programming. All my radios were set to GN 24/7 but now I find there isn’t much I care to listen to anymore. Greg Jarett is so self centered, and not at all entertaining in my opinion. His show seems to be mostly about him and how much he knows. The rest of the new people are just obnoxious. I switched over from WLS to GN years ago but now GN seems to be a WLS wannabe. (WLS didn’t even want Gary Meyer.) It is so good when I can catch Dean Richards on Sunday or Lou on Saturday morning. John and Nick and Brian are also my favorites. I too am so disappointed in WGN.
We are glad they are gone. We never thought that they were funny or entertaining.
Hey What the heck are you thinking of. My friends and I have decided to switch stations in the mornings. Also Advertisers. Long time listener of wgn radio. Grew up with Wally. Really dissapointed in new management. My only listening now is to Steve and Johnnie ,and Nick!!
I understand that management must make changes at times but I think losing Kathy and Judy was not in your best interest. I for one have resorted to books on tape to fill the void and as a result, (with the exception of Lou Manfradini on Sat. mornings,) I rarely listen to the radio any more. I used to have it on all day, and into the evening. So as that filters down, your advertisers lose too.
I for one am pleased they fired these two! I listened to an interview with my good friend Robert Goulet. They were mad that he din’t sing, and were their usual know-it-all selves. Result, he walked out of the studio! Who did they think they were, to trash Bobby Goulet? They were pushy, obnoxioux women, who didn’t let you critze them. WGN was RIGHT. Now if they could get rid of that big mouth Nick Degillio. The only good people on there are Steve and Johny. Them and the late, great Eddie Schwartz.
As for Kathy and Judy, good ridence to bad rubbish!
Robert Alexander Taber
Something died in May 2009; a part of my day is gone. I miss Kathy & Judy like old friends. They were suddenly taken away from us! I can’t say too much about the new format, because I no longer listen to WGN. Does management care about losing a baby boomer listener who started with Wally Phillips back in 1966? Now I listen to WLS. I can’t say I like it, but I will not listen to WGN out of loyalty to Kathy & Judy.
I agree! I can’t find too many of the WGN people to listen except for John and Steve. Maybe someone will start a station for the idiots headed by Garr Meyer.
Dear WGN Management:
Congratulations … by canning the Kathy and Judy show, you have managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Apparently you and the twenty-something and under population can’t recognize the importance of having a mid A.M., mature type program on your station.
I have listened to the replacement you put in that slot and you really need to resign for that decision alone. I listened to some guy talk about his old, green mustang … like that’s really of interest (?)
When Kathy and Judy were still on the air, I had senior and younger friends ask me if I also listened to Sex Thursday.
Did you ever bother to check the ratings or do a survey or do anything to judge their performance before disposing of them?
This is little like how Jay Leno was axed. He had the “top” show, #1 rated and they replaced him. My grandchildren really like him though.) Have you recently checked the new Night Show ratings? I’ll give him another six months before he’s let go. Have you now checked on your own mid morning ratings?
Do me a favor. Hire me, (under $100K per year) before you make another stupid decision then ask for my advice before you screw up something again. Just think about it … who’s at home in the mid-morning? …. c’mon, you know. Hint:: There are more than unemployed twenty-something people with ears! Ready? Answer …. Most of the damn seniors and the over 40 crowd you blockheads.
Now, before I write to all of the WGN directors I’ll give you a chance to redeem yourselves. Either bring back the Kathy and Judy show or give me one good reason why you terminated them or … send me a copy of your resignatio
I still can’t believe you cancelled Kathy and Judy. What were you thinking? Who do you think you have on now that would appeal to their audience? I was trying to give Greg Jarrett a chance but his huge ego makes it very difficult to listen to him. Kathy and Judy, and Spike and Bob Collins were the most humble and likable people – the kind of people you enjoyed having in your home. The afternoons are ok. I have to admit I’m liking Gary Meier more than I thought I would (once again, a humble guy) and Steve Cochran’s very entertaining.
I really miss the freshness of Kathy and Judy…Bring them back!
Management,
Like all the comments so far all I can say is ===YOU MADE ONE BIG MISTAKE REMOVING KATHY AND JUDY. My radio buttons both at home and the car were welded to WGN–not now. I can’t believe you don’ t know that the kids don’t listen to am and really don’t even know it exists. They don’t have the income to spend on the sponsors anyway. The replacements are terrible. You just can’t listen to the pounding opinions all day. K $J were a welcome respite from the constant battles. They were on target, up to date, funny and just plain easy to listen to. Needless to say I have found a new button on the radio, and though it doesn’t provide the great entertainment and laughs K and J did at least I am learning to appreciate country music!
What were you thinking, WGN management, when you ended The Girlfriends?
You did put John Williams on at a reasonable time. But then look what follows him……the news junky????? What is he about? You have made it easy for me to turn off WGN. It is really hard to understand your way of thinking.
I am not listening to anyone WGN puts in the girl’s spot. That includes John Williams. I miss Kathy and Judy. They got me to get on FaceBook to view their page and now I have over 80 friends!
This is a copy of the second letter I have sent to WGN concerning the Kathy and Judy show. In the first letter I said I was willing to give the new people a chance. I’m not sure anyone at WGN really cares what I think, but I wanted to share my thoughts with other long time WGN listeners.
Dear WGN Management,
I wanted to take the time to thank you, the “powers that be” at WGN radio. When you fired Kathy and Judy, I first listened to Garry Meier for a while to give him a chance. His chance is up. Then, I discovered the “News Junkie” and felt my blood pressure rise each time he ranted on and on (ala Rush Lumbaugh) about a subject, repeating over and over his view of the issue until I wanted to scream like he does. I was relieved to hear that John Williams has the 9:00 slot now, at least he is intelligent enough that he doesn’t need to yell into the microphone, and Steve Cochran is funny and irreverent, but thought provoking as well. So I do listen to these two personalities–unless they are gone and replaced by the new guys–and to Pat and Ron when the Cubs are on.
Now, this was intended to be a Thank You note. The Thank You is for helping me to rediscover PBS! That’s the channel I turn to when the new “wackos” are on air. At least PBS has intelligent personalities on, and the classical music is soothing to someone who is still mourning Kathy and Judy. I don’t in my wildest imagination believe that this will make any difference to your little corporate minds, but it certainly helps for me to vent. Again, Thank God for PBS!
Sincerely,
Fran Mapel
I am still sad and missing the girls – glad for downloadable podcasts.
We are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO disappointed in WGN .How could you do this?????????????? I hope you lose ALL YOUR SPONSERS!
Well, it’s been a month after 22 years of faithful listening to WGN I still quit! I have not listened..and I will not listen untill Kathy and Judy are back. They were the only fresh voice on the radio. I loved Spike, and I like john…but they need to be back on the radio!!!
Glad they fired those two old hags. Glad to have Garry Meier back on the radio. Not sure which one it was, but one of them sounded like Bea Arthur on 9 packs of smokes a day!
The only time I’ve ever written a letter to a radio station was when I first heard Jerry Agar on WGN-AM. I couldn’t believe that WGN was actually putting on another Rush Limbaugh wannabe. There’s nothing but far-right opinion on the radio any more, and I couldn’t imagine that the program directors at WGN thought that they were going to improve their ratings by doing the exact same thing as everyone else.
I never cared for Kathy and Judy. I guess middle-aged and older women who are home doing nothing find that stuff interesting, and that’s fine. Personally, I don’t need “The View” on radio.
I’m hoping that WGN is finally going to enter the 21st century. For many decades, WGN was a station that held absolutely nothing of interest for me. Now, I like Nick DiGilio and the Brian what’s-his-name who does overnights sometimes on the weekends. I’ve always loved their early-morning weekend stuff, but for a long time WGN was simply radio for retirees.
I’m hoping that WGN maintains it’s mainstream liberal opinions and doesn’t fall into the trap of trying to be like all the other stations in town that are ripping each other apart. The way to succeed is by distinguishing yourself from your competition, not imitating it.
I have been a faithful listener for over 40 years.I
listen to Steve&Johnny. John Willians leaves something to be desired.He has a soothing voice ,however he’s not very interesting in to methe morning.
I do not like early morning TV.
I’ve gone to Classical Radio.I read in the Suntimes a new guy coming from San francisco.
Often times K&J would get my blood boiling,It spiced up my conservation
Well life changes and therefore I’m surfing the stations to find some
interesting conversation that does not have anything to do with the daily awful news.
I am heartbroken to lose the “girlfriends”. I have been working full time and unable to listen to them for a while, but now I have Monday mornings off and was looking forward to hearing them. We need more laughter in our lives, not more yelling from opinionated “news” people telling us what to believe politically. I miss Spike, and now you are moving John–what’s up. Yes, I know these radio personalities did talk politics and news but not all the time. WGN you will lose a lot of audience members that feel the way I do. WGN was home whenever I was in my car and at home, I really miss it. I do like Paul Green and the way he discusses politics.
What is WGN thinking? We still miss Ian Punnit who someone at WGN thought it wise to dump. Now Kathy and Judy. We like Jerry Agar, and now we heard that he is not a permanent person on the 9-12 morning show. While we are on the subject has there been any discussion of “retiring” the Steve and Johnnie show? I love computers and love my car, but Good Lord, how many hours of that talk can we take every week. And Johnnie seems to think she is an expert on everything. When Kathy and Judy gave the weather forcast one morning when Johnnie had that job, she told the listeners that she would “rip their lips off” for trying to take her job. She has never carried on a show all by herself as most of the others have done. Have you considered more of Nick Degilio?
I truly feel a loss in my being. I would always tune in on Kathy & Judy in the mornings. They became my “girlfriends”, sharing all their views on current affairs and sex. I didn’t always agree on everything but I new I could agree to disagree sometimes. Then after K&J, Bob Sirott was my lunch time pal, he’s gone too.I really have no resaon to listen to WGN radio. I don’t know what the reasoning is that radio execs used, but it was very poor judgement. I now have switched to WLS/890am radio. They offer a rich programing schedule. I will always treasure the memories of my “girlfriends”. Kathy O’Connor
This is my second letter – the first one was the Monday after Kathy & Judy were fired. I don’t know where that one went, but anyway I was furious then and I still am. But I gave in and thought that maybe the “Powers that Be” at WGN had something interesting in mind and I should give them the benefit of the doubt. Well, I was wrong! This replacement guy is boring and political and opinionated and rude to the callers. I can’t even think of his name, that’s how much of an impression he made. If I wanted political I can listen to Rush Limbaugh or somebody like that. Kathy and Judy had a wide variety of topics and were funny and serious and just all around nice ladies. You never had to worry that they were going to make you look stupid if you called in which this guy does to people all the time. Doesn’t “management” know that the “Boomers” are they majority of their listeners, not the young people that they say they are trying to accomodate. They are all out looking for work! I can’t wait until Kathy and Judy get snapped up by another station, I’ll follow them anywhere! If WGN has an ounce of brains they’ll bring them back with a huge raise!
They seem to be going for the Tim McVeigh demographic; perhaps they told the farm product sponsors that such people would listen and buy their fertilizer for use in their homemade bomb…
The show segment I heard last week was nearly an hour of ‘I wonder how GPS works’; it was a ping-pong tournament of stupid remarks.Even when callers tried to give correct information, the host blew them off. Today he hung up on people because they didn’t agree enough. He sounded like Joe Piscopo’s Sinatra impersonation “yeah – sure – ok-SLAM!!” would go the phone. Not once or twice, but over and over.
Sorry, ‘GN, I too, used to flip past as a girl and never thought I’d become a listener, but we are done now.
You had me and then you lost me.
I can’t tell you how upset I was and still am over the firing of Kathy and Judy. I’ve been a “girlfriend” for most of the twenty years that they’ve been on the air and have shared many a laugh and even some tears along the way. The shortsighted management decision to go after a younger audience will, ultimately, backfire and they’ll end up losing market share in that time slot.
I’ve tried listening to the new guy, Jerry Agar, and I’m sure he was very popular wherever he came from, but he will not gain me as a listener nor will he get himself attached to the Chicago-land like the K&J.
Thanks Kathy and Judy for a wonderful twenty years.
WGN has been my daily companion since the days of Wally Phillips, and I have adjusted to the coming and going of hosts over the years. You’ve made some excellent choices, Steve Cochran being one of them. Kathy and Judy’s show was the kind of thing I would often plan activities around…..”Maybe I’ll save these quiet jobs, so I can listen to K&J while I’m working”. I was stunned when they were fired.
Your station has definitely taken a severe left turn: most of the hosts sound like clones of one another: They’re edgy, and too often sound angry and loud. I have listened to them all, hoping that you would have considered ‘mixing it up’ a bit. Think of the variety of WGN hosts over recent years: Bob Collins, Spike O’Dell, Kathy and Judy, etc. These people had completely different political opinions, but they were opinions, not agendas. I loved listening to them….didn’t always agree with them, (even called in a few times), but my opinion was always respected. That has all changed. I just listened to Simon, from France, who clearly let me know that everyone who doesn’t agree that our country should imitate the French with socialized medicine is money-hungry and absolutely heartless. Every listener who called in was told the same thing.
Whoever is making decisions at WGN needs to re-consider the choices. For the first time in my adult lifetime, I’m surfing the stations to find other options. Not my first choice, but you continue to drive me away.
I am a snowbird and one of the first things I do when I return to Illinois is tune in to the Kathy and Judy Show. I am so disappointed that they are no longer on the air. The person that I have heard at their time slot does not appeal to me at all. What I have heard recently is very political, critical and argumentative.
I still enjoy listening to John Williams. Hope he is not on your cancel list.
You have made a terrible mistake. I will no longer listen to wgn and cannot believe you had a convicted felon on all Sat. morn. Your station must be extremely hard up for entertainment. We are looking for another radio station for entertainment.
A day without Kathy and Judy is like a day without sunshine.There humour was refreshing.Their topics always current. Now WGN looses me for the day after John Williams.There is always TV for the Cubs.
What a stupid move.
I do not listen to WGN any more since the Kathy & Judy Show was cancelled. I listen to the John Williams Show and then I turn on the TV. BIG MISTAKE TAKING KATHY & JUDY OFF THE AIR.
The only good radio talk show left is John Williams.
I was so sad to realize I wouldn’t be able to listen to the girlfriends every morning. My radio was on WGN 24/7. I’m still so upset that now I will only tune in for the Cubs. As far as I’m concerned firing the girlfriends is as idiotic as the Cubs getting rid of Wood & DeRosa-same mentality. This is the end of an era, a very sad end
I have been listening to WGN since Kathy and Judy have been on the radio, while I didn’t always agree with them they were always entertaining. the host that is currently in the 9-12 spot is very rude, argumentative and is not interested in what the callers have to say if they do not agree with him. Kathy and Judy offered a different perspective on things and would listen to their callers opinions even if they didn’t agree with them. I think Kathy and Judy made the new boss uncomfortable. Maybe he should put his big boy pants on and grow up. I have tried numerous times to listen to the new host he is so obnoxious I’m done trying. It makes me sad to say but I’m finished with WGN.
I remember my grandparents listening to WGN, then my parents, myself and my husband’s family. WGN’s response that they are trying to reach a younger demographic–well for years this was a generational station–sure we strayed from time to time–listened to rock and roll, npr, the lite, but we always came back because the on air personalities were quality and they were easy to relate to. The latest change of dropping Kathy and Judy will not bring us back, it just shows how out of touch the management is–you may gain a few younger viewers but you are losing an audience of consumers who had relied on WGN and will no longer be there to help the ratings.
Kathy and Judy are gone? So am I – from WGN! I may tune in occasionally to listen to the Cubbies. You made a big mistake – BIG – HUGE! I also refuse to support WGN advertisers! So glad to hear that Hornbaker Gardens will not be renewing their contract with WGN!
management
you have made a horrible mistake taking kathy and judy off the sir
you cannot imagine how many people/women and men i have spoken to
who are sooooooooooo upset that they are of the air the new direction
you have chosen is aawful the loud mouth in the am is horrible and now i’m so sad to say the wgn is not on at all in our house as of kathy and judy’s last show yes i do hear the cubs you made a BAD
mistake you will never know all the people kathy and judy have helped in there crazy am girl/person show shame on WGN i have listened with my folks at first in the late 50’s and have been a constant listner ever since but my radio is now silent!!!!! to bad for you and your advertizers and to bad for me you can take your new men and flush them because they are just SHIT!!!!!!! sorry but that is what they are BRING BACK KATHY AND JUDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WGN has been turned off forever.
Are you crazy. They are the reason I turned WGN on .Kathy and Judy are who made our mornings bearable.Bring them back before someone else grabs them. The guy that is on now is so not a girlfriend. I have gone back to regular radio……… And turned off WGN. The ONLY time I now listen is when the CUBS play.
I’m retired and work around my home or I’m in my car. While Spike was here, my radio(s) were nearly always tuned to 720. A while back you had Spike, K & J and John. Now you are down to John.
You screwd up giving up K & J (BIG Time). I listen to John then I push the buttons to move to other stations.
Good luck, I think you are going to need it.
Maybe you’ve not heard the news but the Tribune Company is on a mission of self-destruction. I think you’re opening comment should be corrected … the person(s) who removed Kathy and Judy couldn’t handle the work at Jewel-Osco.
Today, I tuned in 720 AM for the first time in a couple of weeks and heard someone babble about his 70 something, green Corvette. Yeh, that was really interesting. Just what we need another dribble talk show. Not only did the alleged manement screw the GN listeners they also screwed themselves by cutting out the advertisers for the boomer group. It’s sort of like snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Soooooooo glad they’re gone!!! I WAS a longtime listener for many years for their entertainment value, but stopped listening when the “Obama Lovefest” began. They should have kept their political views to themselves, Nice choices on the changes that WGN has made.
Listening again.
FOR MANY YEARS NOW, I TURNED ON WGN WHEN I BEGAN MY DAY. I WAS A FREQUENT LISTENER TO SPIKE AND KATHY & JUDY. THOUGH I WOULDN’T CONSIDER MYSELF A “GIRLFRIEND” AS I DIDN’T PHONE IN, ETC. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE BANTER ON MOST DAYS. I ALSO ENJOY JOHN WILLIAMS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY MISS MOST OF HIS EARLY SHOW. NOW THAT KATHY & JUDY ARE GONE, I HAVE NO WHERE TO GO BUT WBBM. JERRY MAHLER IS ABMISMAL! AND A
ONCE MORE, CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN (STEVE COCHRAN,MILT ROSENBERG) AND ONE MORE MALE VOICE. WHO IS MAKING THESE CRAZY DECISIONS? WHAT ARE YOU THINKING??
My mornings will not be the same without Kathy&Judy. They were the best on your station. The new people are just like the other men on WLS.. UCK. Your station has gone down the toilet, I can’t stand to listen now. I hear Regis and Kelly for light conversation on the TV with my morning coffee. No more WGN, you no longer exist for our family!What a stupid blunder to take them off. I refuse to buy any thing that was advertised on your station. Women are shoppers and remain loyal to Kathy and Judy. I hope many others will do likewise to show their support for the horrible way that K&J were treated. I listened for 20 years now I can’t take even 20 seconds.I hope your station ends up last in future ratings.
WGN turned off Kathy and Judy and I turned off WGN. Permanently.
Are you crazy. Kathy and Judy are who made our mornings bearable.
Bring them back before someone else grabs them. The guy that is on now is so boring. I am sure he is a nice guy but he is not a girl friend.
I am glad they are finally gone and off the air. They were very unfair with their political views and now I will listen to WGN from 9:00 – noon. You gained a listener, you did not lose one!
What were you thinking?? I am through with WGN, and the new morning show stinks. Don’t you programming executives liten to the listenership?
Bad news.
Wow just like everybody else I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!!! Kathy and Judy have been so much fun. Believe it or not some of us like to laugh and not be constantly burdened with this all man bla bla bla about politics and arguing. I guess WGN is now no different than all the boring talk radio hosts that just like to argue and insult people. I haven’t had any reason to listen to WGN since Kathy and Judy were let go. I sure hope whoever is the one who came up with this dumb idea of firing Kathy and Judy is feeling a little persecuted , because that is the point. Sirius Radio here we come.
p.s. watch out Steve and Jonnie
Interesting! My May 30th comments were not posted. No bad words used just mentioned Mr. Z and included comments regarding his dumbing down of the Tribune. I’m another “former” WGN listener.
All comments I have had on this topic are posted. Perhaps there was a problem in your sending it. Feel free to repost.
Thanks!
Big mistake in firing Kathy & Judy. They added much dimention to many lives. They are smart and witty, and equipped to speak on most any subject, and have been very creative.
As my job requires I drive much of the day, to appointments, they have been my companions for many years.
Sorry to say, but I will no longer listen to WGN ( wrong gone nuts).
I find Steve funny but another groupie of the fox news propaganda. At least when the girlfriends were on there was another position that was open for thought. Does WGN want to be fox news (I use the word news associated with the name fox laughing)?
Unbelievable…. gone for the holiday weekend and return to chaos. I patiently waited thinking they too were on an extended holiday only to learn of this rediculous change. I feel violated in the sense that they – WGN, could have forewarned of this change. I feel like I missed out on the last show – real time. I have enjoyed WGN for years and I AM DEOMOGRAPHIC they are looking for. MORONS!! I will have to go elsewhere. If anyone cares enough to read the feedback it is a complete landslide in favor of the Kathy & Judy Show. And FYI: While I do like Bob Cirott, he toghether with Marianne as replacements would pale in comparisson to the K & J show. I would rather listen to my grandfather snore than those two. Way to go WGN… why dont you just sit the whole company in an inner tube while you go downhill…you’ll get there faster. No longer a listener.
I am just flabbergasted!!! I cannot believe you canceled such a unique
pair of radio personalities. I am a staunch Conservative, but their leftness has never bothered me. If I really didn’t care for the subject on Sex Thursday, I just turned the radio down for that period of time. I had many of my friends (men & woman) listening to Kathy & Judy. Someone made a really bad decision and he/she should definitely be let go/fired. Things like this debacle usually happen when a company pays big bucks for someone to come in and make things more efficient and profitable. Kathy & Judy are worth every penny WGN was paying them and more. If you had to let someone go, the 4 to 7 guy is the one. I love the radio and I listen to WGN constantly. I feel as if
someone in my family died. How could WGN do this to Kathy & Judy?
I’ve been reading all the comments. First thing that strikes me is how many long time listeners are angry and leaving. I’m in that category too. I’ve listened most of my life, because my dad listened. My kids…if they listen to AM…listened also, because they grew up listening to WGN. I don’t even live in Chicago…never have. Second thing is how many of those making comments are women. There just aren’t many female voices on radio and to have K and J replaced by a man speaks volumes to me. Third, I read a comment by Mr. Matheny saying they wanted on-air people who would stir controversy, not just throw something out and see what people think. From what I’m reading here, even if your guy creates controversy, he insults the callers. What good does that do? Fourth, I agree that one of the most appealing things about WGN over the years has been the variety of “voices” on the air. I used a lot of what I heard in my college classes to spark discussion or support discussion, because so many viewpoints were available to hear. (and just a quick side note… in order to say Sex Thursday was perverted, you had to have listened. Kathy and Judy were very clear about the content, so if you were going to be offended you didn’t need to listen. ) Last, like most of the other writers here, I’m not listening to WGN now. It’s very sad. Before, I turned in on before I even had coffee in the morning, had it on my computer at work and listened in my car. I realize management doesn’t care, because I’m not a young white male or a conservative Republican. I’ve learned a lot over the years from listening to WGN, and will miss that. I’m sad, but I can’t support what’s happening now.
I am just flabbergasted!!! I cannot believe you canceled such a unique
pair of radio personalities. I am a staunch Conservative, but their leftness has never bothered me. If I really didn’t care for the subject on Sex Thursday, I just turned the radio down for that period of time. I had many of my friends (men & woman) listening to Kathy & Judy. Someone made a really bad decision and he/she should definitely be let go/fired. Things like this debacle usually happen when a company pays big bucks for someone to come in and make things more efficient and profitable Kathy & Judy are worth every penny WGN was paying them and more. If you had to let someone go, the 4 to 7 guy is the one.
s a radio show get over it and get a life…while I agree they were entertaining there is a life after K & J……………. if its that important that this has “changed your life” did you really have one????
WGN Management: You guys are nuts!
how i miss kathy and judy. you have replaced them with the same arguementive people—–garry, jerry, sean etc. how boring! what we need is another SEX THURSDAY. HELENE
It has been more than a week since Kathy and Judy were bounced from the airways and I miss them every day.
And to add insult to injury WGN has replaced them with a strident right wing male voice that we could easily hear on many other stations if we chose to do so. Kathy and Judy were entertaining and unique. That is why I listened to them for 20 years. You have lost me as a listener from 9-12 and perhaps forever.
I am not a great fan of Kathy and Judy but do know they have a big following. I cannot understand how you could let them go. The new man subbing in the morning is terrible. My biggest complaint is Gary Meier. He is rude, arrogant, not interesting, and in general a terrible host. What is management thinking. I know I will have to look for a new station. The only good people you have is Bob Siroit and Milt Rosenberg.
I am so upset about the cancellation of the K and J show. Do you realize that they were the only daily female talk show hosts we had ?? I will no longer listen to wgn.
Dr. Howard Moon expressed my sentiments perfectly. Your dropping Kathy and Judy and substituting these angry idiots who treat your listeners like cretins is disgusting radio. Garry Meier is terrible, just like most of WLS angry goons.
I found Kathy and Judy way too liberal and they should not have used their microphone to politic for Obama. However, I still listened because they touched so many people so significently. I’m sorry but I won’t be listening to GN very much. I go back to Wally and Franklyn McCormick when I was a little boy so I’m so old you don’t care about me and my age group. You have succeeded in driving me back to my local Sterling and Dixon radio stations. I can almost promise you that you will be sorry after you have driven away your loyal listeners with the stupid, trite, over discussed trash spewed out by your little minded tyrants. Like the Tribune the station’s value will be declining every day you continue. I can’t believe you keep Orion and Milt.
It’s bad enough Spike left. I’m wondering if you ran him out of town. John Williams can’t touch Spike’s class. Now, firing Kathy & Judy. Many of my family & friends have stopped listening to WGN. And they had been listening for years. You have lost a lot more listeners. The way you handled the K&J firing was about as low class as you can get. I’ll go up the dial. No longer is WGN the staple on my radio.
I ALREADY WROTE ONE LETTER THE DAY I FOUND OUT WHAT WGN WAS DOING – BUT I GUESS IT’S OFF IN CYBERSPACE SOMEWHERE. SO I’LL SAY IT AGAIN – JUST AS SO MANY OF THE PREVIOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID. WHAT THE H___ WERE YOU PEOPLE THINKING? WGN INDEED WAS THE STATION OF CLASS, AND INTEGRITY. IT WAS FUN. YOU TOOK THE LAST VESTAGE OF THAT ERA AWAY FROM US – YOUR LOYAL LISTENERS OF 50 YEARS OR MORE. FROM WALLY ON UP… K & J COULD BE SILLY/CUTE/NORMAL/AND YOU NEVER KNEW WHAT WOULD COME OUT NEXT! ( NOT JUST FROM THEM, BUT FROM THEIR LISTENERS!) YES – IT DID GET A LITTLE “SPICEY” – BUT FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T WANT TO LISTEN – THEY COULD TUNE OUT FOR AWHILE! BUT INSTEAD? YOU TAKE THEM AWAY FROM ALL OF US. AS I SAID IN MY OTHER LETTER – I WILL MISS STEVE, AND MAX AND BIG O MOSTLY. OF COURSE THERE ARE A COUPLE OF OTHERS. BUT NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE UP FOR THIS BIG CHANGE THAT YOU WHO HAVE THE POWER – HAVE CHOSEN TO DO SO. NOT CAREING ABOUT THE LOYALTY OF YOUR LISTENERS. WHEN I THINK OF ALL OF THE PRODUCTS I HAVE TRIED OVER THE YEARS – SIMPLY BECAUSE I TRUSTED THE PEOPLE OF WGN. YOU WOULDN’T TRY TO SELL US SOMETHING THAT WASN’T GOOD! HA! JUST A BILL OF GOODS IS ALL! I AM LEAVING THE AM STATION NOW, AND WILL SWITCH TO FM. I WILL LISTEN TO THE ONLY CLASSICAL STATION FULL TIME NOW. OR I’LL PLAY MUSIC ON THE COMPUTER, OR PLAY MY CD’S. WE GAVE YOU OUR LOYALTY! YOU OWED US GOOD PROGRAMING! WE HELD UP OUR END OF THE BARGAIN! AND YOU RENIGGED AT OUR EXPENSE! HOW SAD FOR US…
I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU PEOPLE! Judy and Kathy are the very best you had! Spike… Judy and Kathy, hmmm…. Do you have an agenda going?
These two knew how to entertain and INFORM!
I am done with you from 9-12.
ON protest!
BIG MISTAKE, WGN!
You let go of a gem of a show with a refreshing format offering honest insights and viewpoints from perspective that was unique and original. Listening to today’s conservative closed-minded host leads me to believe that management has a political agenda it wishes to impose on the public. You have lost many listeners that you will never get back. Good bye!
Glad they’re finally gone.
Kathy and Judy made me stop listening to WGN altogether with they’re liberal views and perverse talk about sex on thursday.
Good ridance.
watch fox news if you want propaganda, oh I forgot now you can listen to WGN!!!!
I never thought I would be looking for another radio station. My radio
would be on from 7AM John Williams all the way through to Steve Cochran. It was an education to hear other peoples’ opinions. With Kathy and Judy gone so too is your station and sponsors. Kathy and Judy have varied opinions and spoke to men and women alike. You are looking for YOUNGER listeners…..guess what they are at work or they are out playing or they are on their ipod. They don’t have time for radio. John, Steve B., Steve C., Dean, Bob S. as much as I like them
I will not be listening. Without K & J you are nothing. They were the
glue to hold it together….as well as being informative and silly.
I was very sorry that Kathy and Judy were taken off the air. I did not agree with their politics, but looked forward to hear what they would be discussing–and I learned a lot from them. Big mistake WGN; haven’t turned your radio station on during the day at all. Thank God for Milt!
It is a shame that Kathy and Judy were taken off the air. I tuned in a couple of times between 9 am and noon and after a couple of minutes changed the station. Please reconsider and either bring them back or get someone EXCITING!
Kathy and Judy knew how to “work” an audience and how to relate to them.
I miss them.
Verla Carol Stream IL
Umm . . Margaret and Bill H., Didn’t you have to be listening to know you didn’t like them?
I love and miss Kathy and Judy (have for 20 years) and Steve Dale. Also like–and miss–John Williams, Nick D, Dean Richards, Steve Bertrand, Steve and Johnnie, Spike, Bob Collins, maybe Steve Cochran. What I really miss is the way callers were treated. All the new people treat them like cretins with no opinions, and act as if all callers are just something in the way, things they have to put up with. I suppose phone-ins will be phased out soon. I’ve gone to WBBM, but the people I miss most are the people who called and gave their opinions which may have been different from the hosts’, but they were allowed a voice anyway and were not made fun of because of it. That’s what made things really interesting. WGN has been the only station in my house for years, but no more. The loss of a major female voice from a major market station can’t be a good move.
Too bad WGN is missing the boat. Kathy and Judy were a pleasant oasis from the extreme right and left hard line talk shows that are all too common. Such is big business……….You don’t know what you got till it’s gone. God bless you K & J. Thanks for carrying me through many, many mornings.
Former GN listener,
Vince
Goodbye Kathy and Judy, GOODBYE WGN. Hello WIND. I have been a long time listener of WGN, all day, home and car. John Williams is now the only one worth listening to. Cannot believe the trashy “talent” that WGN now is using. Was a great station, but no more!
In my opinion, the only show worth listening to anymore on WGN is John Williams. Why in the world would you make such radical changes in programing when WGN was the most listened to talk station. I will no longer tune in, even to John Williams. I used have WGN on all day long, whether at home or in the car. I feel like I have lost my best friend. Kathy and Judy were the best! If they still want to work in radio, I will surely follow them.
How could you do this, I am dissappointed and will change stations
I’m anticipating the Girlfriends won’t be off the radio for long…. they’ll just be in a new home. Let’s keep in touch so we can all join Kathy & Judy on their new show.
WGN Thanks for the good years. I need to find were I fit the target demographic now!
I AM TOTALLY SHOCKED !!! WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING ? I WILL ON LONGER LISTEN TO WGN, KATHY AND JUDY WERE MY FAVORITE PERSONALITIES !!! I AM NOW LOOKING FOR A NEW STATION TO LISTEN TO, I HOPE ANOTHER STATION PICKS THEM UP, AND REAL SOON, AS I MISS THEM ALREADY !!!!
please relay my full comment to Kathy and Judy
Today I actually called 312 591 7200 to find out why I was listening to another strident male voice pontificating about “whatever” and I had a sinking feeling – confirmed by the producer who said the last Kathy and Judy show was last Friday. Aside from the thunderous personal loss I felt (as in losing a cheerful, engaging good friend suddenly), I was struck with how dangerously cynical and meaningless (and mindless) the world might be becoming.
There was never one day over the last 15 years or so of listening frequently that I didn’t experience at least one full belly laugh as I heard (as if I were part of the conversation) good language from people themselves interested in the language and words speaking about topics that “hit home” virtually every time, in authentic voices, using actual experiences as a backdrop. In short, people viewing the world at large with intelligence, insight (you don’t always have to be right to have insight) and extremely good humor. Even Sex Thursday was done without prurient interest but cleanly and openly and with good humor. Steve Bertrand was an absolutely perfect foil who represented the best of the male perspective as well as an educated and careful, informed perspective. I suppose he’s gone, too.
Now the only listenable person with humor is Steve Cochrane and the actions here suggest his days are likely numbered also (I’d like to like John Williams, but find him supercilious (managers who made this decision will likely have to look that up and still won’t understand it).
Just one more thing – please respond with some rationale for this action – I can’t believe the ratings were low and you HAD to make this decision.
Howard Moon, PHD
WGN “WAY GONE NUTHEADS” AFTER LISTENING SINCE I WAS SIXTEEN AND I AM NOW 65 I WILL BE JOINING THE WBBM STATION SINCE YOU ALL SEE FIT TO JERK AROUND WITH ALL OF THE GOOD THINGS THAT YOU HAD. WAY TO GO!!!! LOST ANOTHER LISTENER!!!!!
Boy, I sure miss Kathy and Judy. Leaving WGN and the Kathy and Jduy Show for me was almost as bad as quitting smoking. I had been a WGN fan for almost 50 yrs. Now I won’t even turn it on for a Cubs game ! I can get that on TV. I’ve discovered a local radio station that has losts of potential for me and has managed to retain unique radio personalities even in a bad economy. Hang in there Judy and Kathy fans
withdrawal is horrible but little by little WGN will be just a distant memory.
Karen
I’m a 38 year old American woman living in France…I’ve never been to Chicago nor the Midwest for that matter, and found K & J by chance. Loved them so much that I got family & friends living in 5 different states all hooked on the girlfriends, too. Now, none of us have any reason to ever tune into WGN…and won’t
Farewell, Kathy & Judy…we will miss you so much
It had to be an untrained baboon that canceled the Cathy and Judy Show. I have listened to WGN forever well forever stopped last Friday. I will no longer buy or support the Trib in anyway I will read about the Cubs online and listen to NPR. I can’t imagine that the baboon is paid a salary to finish off WGN with a blow like this.
I still can not believe that WGN thought it was a good idea to get rid of Kathy and Judy. Having been a loyal listener for the past 15 years, I have been trying to give the “new direction” a chance. Gary Meier is awful…AWFUL! Negative and crude and not at all what WGN used to stand for. After Friday’s broadcast, I removed the WGN preset from my car radio and from the kitchen radio that used play WGN all day long. No more. I will miss John Williams and Lou Manfredini but I think your listeners deserve better. I KNOW that Kathy and Judy did.
WGN . . .what were you thinking? The girlfriends had a following like no one else. It’s the last straw for our group at work and your station has been switched at work for the first time in 20 yrs. The girls were funny & serious & sad & opinionated & ready to listen and there to help. They treated people like people. Lost listener toll from my job alone 20 and counting!
WGN you lost me as a listener. You really need to replace Kathy and Judy with two more girlfriends. The station is all male except for Johnny Putman. Please listen to your audience and get some new girlfriends on. After all women make up at least 50% of your listeners.
Bravo, WGN!!
The cancellation of the “Cathy and Judy” show is well overdue.
The Sex Thursday show not only pushed the boundaries of good taste, it was highly inappropriate. Two middle-aged women giggling over the caller’s sex questions was not entertainment. I e-mailed WGN management my concern and received an inadequate response. I stopped listening altogether.
WGN is finally respecting the views of listeners.
Why, oh why would you take Kathy and Judy off the air..They were the best team you ever had in that time slot..If you say it’s because of ratings…well WGN’s ratings will really drop now.. I for one will not listen to WGN radio any longer nor will I re-new my Tribune newspaper subscription. as someone else here said… Listen to your listener’s…or is that beneath upper management.. ????
I am very dissappointed that Kathy and Judy have been canceled. Gary Meyer in the afternoon was my first hint that WGN was really going down the tube. I will not listen to WGN again, maybe Mr Fix It on Saturday. Maybe you should listen to your listeners!
kathy and judy were and are the bes, you people don’t care about people just money and as for this a**hole on the weekends get someone that speaks english, he is worse then nails on the chalkboard. i am no longer a listener and will not be you people don’t know how to run a bussiness if you are to fire anyone fire yourselves. i could do better and i am in special olympics. get it got it good you just lost another listener and that is my last speak your peace. money is all you care about.too bad people don’t count you lost another listener of over thirty years.and i am thirty seven have a nice life. PS if anyone knows if Kathy and Judy will be on another station let us know.
Management:
Canceling the Kathy and Judy show was a colossal a mistake. They pulled in a steady and regular listener ship that was loyal beyond belief. WGN used to be a refuge from the screamers and the drones and the noise that floods the airwaves.The personalities like Spike and Kathy and Judy were voices of reason, information and provided continuity. You had one the most loyal listener bases around.
They were the reason I chose to place advertising dollars with your station. No more. Now you’ve gone and broken a good thing. What, pray tell, were you thinking?
As a long time listener and advertiser, I can promise you no longer will I listen to your station nor will I advertise
The old saying “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” applies here. Well, it wasn’t broken until you messed with it. Now you’ve broken it and the day will come when you’ll pay for your bad choice. In fact that day may already be here.
Um, mm, mm. What were you thinking???
HOW COULD YOU CANCEL KATHY AND JUDY!!!!! They are the very very best personalities on radio and I will miss them SO MUCH. I have been a faithful listener to WGN for 50 years. And my husband listens to the farm markets daily as we are farmers in southern Wisconsin. But we will now find another radio station. I hope that “the girls” find another radio station as they brought so much fun and laughter to so many lives. The mornings will be so boring now with out them.
WGN, you really SUCK! Doris Bellman
I will never listen to WGN again. My whole office listened to WGN because that is the station I used to turn on. I am your demographic. Too bad for you. My Mother is the person who called me this morning. I was away for the Memorial Week-end and did not know until my mother, who was listening for most of her life called me extremely disappointed. To be honest the only people I liked to listen to were “the girls”. I only had it on the station because they were going to be on or were just on. I hope you station fails miserably. I don’t listen to or watch the CUBS, so there is no reason to ever turn on your station again. I will be listening to WXRT, my demographic.
I won’t miss them. I liked Judy and Steve B. well enough but couldn’t stand Kathy. Kathy was a snide commentator from the standard media on politics, culture, etc. Nothing interesting there. I like their hire of Jerry Agar. Maybe I’ll listen if they put someone else, but I am usually at work. Now if they did some surgery to the Tribune maybe I would subscribe again. GO CUBS.
What is this world coming to? I am in shock that anyone could be stupid enough to cancel Kathy and Judy. They are by far the most entertaining and informative show on radio. I for one will NOT be listening to WGN in protest over this decision and can only hope the ladies will find a new venue so that all of us fans will be able to enjoy their very unique talents for years to come. THAT has GOT to happen. Please let me know when they resurface with a new show. I will be their #1 fan.
Denise Gibb Schlax
I will not be listening to WGN anymore! I also will no longer be listening to Cubs games. I already turned it off after Kathy and Judy anyway. I like John and Lou and of course Nick. I also will miss Steve Bertrand. But this is crazy! I hope they start a new station or something and kick WGN’s BUT!
Teresa
Well…………here’s the thing. Demographics and ratings rule the world of radio and tv, and now there is a system which actually shows the ratings folks what we are and are not listening to. WGN is DOWN in the ratings, so the new management axed the old ladies. I love K and J and feel like someone died. So! now we have screaming angry dj’s on WGN just like every other station!
They don’t care if we do not patronize their sponsors. They think the age group 40 plus never buys anything.
I am rambling and angry………..so, here I go full time to NPR.
Why would you do this? I have been listening to WGN my entire life. My folks listened to GN while I was growing up, and I continued the tradition with my children. The variety of shows was always its appeal. First with Bob Colins, then Spike, then Kathy and Judy, then so forth. . . Now what is this you want the weekend crew to be more mean spirited, negative and agruementative? Don’t we have enough of that in the real world? Don’t we have have enough of that on other stations? This is what seperated WGN from the other stations in Chicago. The positive, news worthy, professional attitude of the station. I’m so sorry for your loss WGN. First the loss of Bob Colins, then Spike NOW Kathy and Judy! WHAT ON EARTH are you thinking? Management, I am really disappointed in you. I am so disappointed that I will have to (after all these years) seek out a different station to listen to all day. My best wishes to the girlfriends you will be missed.
I spend the Winter months in Florida and have always complained that they have nothing that can compare to Kathy & Judy. Their radio stations are as awful as WGN is now making theirs! When I came back to Illinois last week and turned on the radio and heard Kathy & Judy I felt great to hear them again only to find out 3 days later they were being cancelled I can’t tell you how disappointed I am. Unless you bring them back I am taking 720 off my memory button.
WGN you’ve lost an all day long, 30+ year listener. I haven’t been at all happy about the new hires but I just changed the station to
WBBM. I won’t even be tuning in WGN any more. I love John Williams but not enough to listen to WGN at all. I wish you luck. I think you’re really going to need it.
Kathy
I lived in the Chicago area for years and listened to & loved all of the WGN radio personalities. I moved to Arkansas and have missed WGN.
I happened to be in Chicago last week and was excited to listen to WGN again. I heard Kathy and Judy’s last show by accident and was SHOCKED at their departure! In reality “Kathy & Judy” and the sports reporting are the only programs that caught my attention on WGN this time around. I think WGN has just “shot itself in the foot”. I am glad that I don’t live in the listening area any more, but I feel sorry for those of you who do.
I have been a listener of W G N For more than 60 years. Never have I heard worse programing .I have turned W G N off at least once a day. I just don”t know how a number one station can do so bad. Yes I will miss Kathy and Judy a little. They were not my favorites but they could be entertaining. If you ever loose Big O , Max and Bob C you will really be in trouble. I think in the future your ratings will show you how bad you are doing.
Ed Miller
WGN has really gone down hill.I am not sure what this new direction is that the station is seeking. Most of the personalities are arguementative, arrogant,egotistical and way too opinionated. The new male personalities try to compete and shout over each other. My radio is now on FM most of the time.
The cancellation of the Kathy and Judy Show is beyond comprehension. Yes, WGN did it to be edgy and attract a different audience. That is the official explanation. The real expanation is one the WGN lawyers do not want out of the bag. Clearly it was a decision that reflects the growing sexism and ageism angle of this radio station. I am done with WGN and I am done with all of their sponsors
Kathy and Judy are smart, funny, and very insightful into todays topical issues. They always came right out and said what we were thinking but maybe afraid to say out loud. PLEASE, WGN, reconsider and think outside the box. Kathy and Judy are very contemporary but offer warmth, humor, and fair points of view. Their show was very so refreshing in the trend towards loud, harsh, and mean spirited. It is easy to be crass and stupid, but it takes class, intelligence, grace, and hard work to offer a special show like theirs that offered laughs,a lot of heart, and thought provoking discussions. Again WGN, don’t be a follower, stand strong, keep your integrity, and go back to offering programming that is positive, informative, and enternaining. Don’t follow the “edgy” path!! WGN has been a wonderful place to go to get away from big mouth, boorish, broadcasting. I have alwasys been so impressed with how such a big station like WGN maintained such a wonderful warmth and intimate small town feeling. I am guessing that this is what management thinks is what is wrong but too many this what has been so right and what has kept you successful for so long. Good luck with your new program stratagies, I think you will need it.
Karen,
This is the best post I’ve read . . . and I’ve read a lot of them! I’ve read all of them through 5/31/09
How disappointing that WGN has seen fit to remove a female duo from their schedule. Didn’t always agree with them, but laughed a lot. They brought a much needed female perspective to the airwaves. Also helped balance the conservative slant of much of WGN. I don’t know what type of station WGN is striving to be, but if they want to be a right of center, loud, boorish, “edgy” type of station, it might not be the best business model. How many of those types of stations already exist? Really saddened by the demise of WGN AM as a leader in informative radio.
gOODBYE wgn. yOU’VE JUST GOTTEN RID OF THE BEST SHOW YOU HAD TO OFFER. kATHY AND jUDY MADE MY DAYS – THEY WERE BRIGHT AND FUNNY – THE MEN YOU HAVE BROUGHT ON RECENTLY STINK. yOU ARE SO MALE-ORIENTED THERE IS NOTHING FOR WOMEN AT ALL. oF COURSE THERE IS sTEVE AND johnnie in the middle of the night – that’s great if you want to stay awake all night. So for me it’s “Goodbye” to your lousy station. I hope all you males enjoy your lousy talk, talk, shows. Boring!
I have listened to WGN for 30 years, and have seen dismissals that were
truly deserved; but why after 20 years do you let go one of the most
entertaing part of your station?
I sure hope WLS or WIND (talk radio) will knock on their doors.I will
not listen to this station, only for Mr FIX IT on Saturday morning….
He is about the only savior left for your station.
Wow, what a dumb ass move the management at WGN-AM. I actually enjoyed the Kathy and Judy Show. If you wanted to fire someone, fire Steve Cochran. He is the most dreadful, unfunny host you have had in years. I miss listening to Spike, and John Williams was great in the afternoons. Go back to how things were 2 years ago and you’ll have a winner once again.
WGN-AM management, you suck! WTF are you thinking?
I truly enjoyed your programs,and have for over 20+ years, as they were a way to get away from life’s problems for a few hours– for instance, Steve Dale and his pet show on the weekend provided fun and interesting news that also took me away from the weekly happenings of life. And, Kathy and Judy always did the same–topics that were relevent, but a different slant and always entertaining–a pleasure to listen to, and a nice escape from everyday life, yet pertinent to everyone’s life. Now, you have people screaming in my ears, and people I can’t even understand ( I asked my husband if the French guy on the weekends was a comedian and joking around, or was he the real thing)–sadly I listened just long enough to realize this wasn’t a joke on WGN’s part. You really hired someone like this???- I can’t even understand his accent–No one else could take that time slot?–What about someone else who interviewed for WGN that you could understand!?
As with the others, I will no longer listen to this radio station– which is too bad, as all the others were all the same; WGN was different–but apparently that doesn’t make dollars for Mr. Zell!! Thanks Kathy and Judy, and all the others at the radio station, who are gone now( within the last six months) who made me smile for so many years! I will remember WGN fondly, as a sweet memory.
I WILL NO LONGER BE LISTENING TO WGN. THE DEATH OF BOB COLLINS AND THEN SPIKE LEAVING AND NOW KATHY AND JUDY. I SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN AND OUT OF MY CAR. SO IT LOOKS GAYLE AND OPRAH SAT. RADIO
First Spike left, then the weekend personalities were let go and now Kathy and Judy are gone and management is instructing the remaining staff to be more edgy and angry. I will NEVER listen WGN again.
I have been a loyal listener for 20 years.
WGN management has made several gross errors in judgement and the station will be gone in 6 months.
The reason I listened to WGN is because it was one of the last remaining stations that had integrity, class and good taste.
I detest edgy, angry personalities.
WGN management must be a group of absolute morons.
WGN-you lose.
I think WGN Radio management has gone completely insane. First, they hire Garry Meier — who is one of the most negative, obnoxious, and ignorant radio personalities in Chicago — for the afternoon slot. Then they go and get rid of Kathy & Judy?!??!?!? To me, WGN has been a positive light in an overwhelmingly negative media sea. Whether you like them all or not, or always agree with them or not, all the other WGN hosts (John Williams, Steve Cochran, Dean Richards, Nick Digilio, and of course Kathy & Judy…) are all bright, positive, inquisitive folks. I just can’t imagine what WGN is thinking! I may seek out Steve Cochran now and then, but beyond that I am THROUGH with WGN Radio!
What a mistake you have made in taking the “Kathy & Judy Show” off the air. I am DONE listening to WGN. And, I won’t be patronizing your products. Obviously, you don’t understand their appeal. I am VERY sad and disappointed with the continuing bad decisions made by the TRIBUNE/WGN.
I am vey upset to hear you are cancelling Kathy and Judy show. I am in sales and in and out of my car all day. I always listen to Kathy and Judy. They are so much fun to listen to. I will not listen to your station anymore and will not patronize you sponsers. Why are you cancelling their show? Very upsetting. I hope another station picks them up!
Joyce
I already stopped listening to WGN in the 1 – 4 slot…..that guy does not come close to fitting the wgn model. And now you have lost me in the 9 – 12 spot. You have a right to fire them….but get someone to tell you the “cat’s on the roof” story sometime and you will understand how that move should have been made.
From now on you have me as a listener from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. with good ol John
Jack Spence
I have been a listener of WGN since the Wally Phillips days. I’m sorry to say that I will NO LONGER LISTEN TO YOUR STATION DUE TO THE FIRING OF KATHY AND JUDY. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? It was bad enough when you put John Williams (he’s aweful) in the 9:00 a.m. slot, but getting rid of the best thing (other than the cubs) that you had to offer is out and out disgraceful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a sad day for all of radio!
I can’t tell you how upset my entire extended family is at your cancellation of “The Kathy and Judy” show. I can only suspect that you’re thinking with a “bottom line” mentality and not taking into account the personal feelings of your listeners. Radio is the most intimate of media and Kathy and Judy were more than a “commodity,” they were an integral part of my day.
I will no longer listen to WGN Radio and, when possible, I will no long patronize your sponsors.