Posted on 10/03/2005 8:18:38 AM PDT by yoe
Edited on 10/03/2005 10:48:22 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
Dear Friends:
You may have heard that this Friday, September 30th I was suddenly relieved of my duties as the morning host of the "Lee Rodgers & Melanie Morgan Show" on KSFO 560 AM - San Francisco.
Needless to say this turn events has been quite shocking - especially given the fact that it was something I was not expecting.
Here's the details of what happened...
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.
What's important for all of you to know is that this will in NO WAY impact my position as Chair of Move America Forward.
In fact, if anything, I will now have even more time to devote to Move America Forward - and as I have expressed to you I am determined to grow MAF into the nation's largest grassroots organization.
I derive my satisfaction in talk radio from a passion I have for the issues that we discuss. Right now the war on terrorism and the support of our troops in Iraq & Afghanistan is the single most important issue that faces this nation, and I have such a strong love and respect for our soldiers and Marines... there isn't anything that will stop me from my work to support them.
I hope you will stand by me in continuing to support Move America Forward. There is much work that needs to be done. Somehow we have to grow this organization into a force that is powerful enough to counteract the negative anti-military message being espoused by the old line media monopoly.
We know our troops are winning the war. We know their cause is just. And its our job to convey that message to every American.
I will commit to you to work harder and with even more dedication to this cause, and I ask that you please do the same.
I've never accepted ONE CENT in compensation for my work with Move America Forward - nor has MAF's founder, Howard Kaloogian.
We have devoted all the money we've raised into the efforts we've pursued and this is how it shall remain.
To that end, I ask that you join with me to show the media, to show my former employers at ABC and to show the people of this nation that our voices will only grow louder - America can never cave to the anti-military crowd of Cindy Sheehan and Michael Moore. We cannot back down one inch to the demands or the agenda of the terrorists.
Thank you for your support - both with Move America Forward and for the kind words so many of you have offered to me during these uncertain times with my professional career.
Your support gives me the inspiration to keep 'moving forward' and doing the work I feel must be done to support our troops and help preserve America's legacy as the last best hope for mankind.
Sincerely Yours,
Melanie Morgan
Chair, Move America Forward
http://www.MoveAmericaForward.org
Thanks, I'll check it out.
What would be really amazing if she'd been shocked by something she had been expecting.
Just the nature of the radio beast, Ms. Morgan.
Plus which, she committed the premier sin of ethical conduct by creating the appearance of a conflict of interest. To whom much is given, much is expected.
Can you say that again in English? What sin of ethical conduct by creating the appearance of a conflict of interest? What are you talking about? What ethical conduct and what conflict of interest?
Creating the appearance that you've got one, is often just as damaging to a business as actually having a conflict of interest. Simple stuff.
What are you talking about though? What conflict of interest? A conflict of interest would involve working for a competing broadcast entity. Since there is none, can you try to explain what you are talking about? I still don't get your post.
Hmmmm. Let's see. Lady with radio show becomes chairwoman of Move America Forward, a political organization.
The appearance of conflict of interest is that said lady can use her radio show to promote her political organization.
I know you've said she's a friend of yours, but c'mon -- this is obvious stuff.
Barbara Simpson is an idiotic no-talent with a lousy voice as well. On weekends I listen to her when I have to drive, and I am continually at risk to fall asleep at the wheel.
No, its not obvious to me - that's a luxury you enjoy that I cannot share. Do you know of a personality on TV or radio who doesn't have a book they've written? And how many of them lend their names to organizations they like? Whether it's Save the Kittens or Support the Troops. To me it's more clear cut to have someone be a Chair of a pro-troop 501c3 non-profit than it is to write a self-promoting book.
Hm. Well, you're entitled to your opinion.
Here's a link to a pic of Melenie Morgan...
http://www.calnews.com/archives/morgan04.htm
To me, it's neither here nor there. I think she could go national with her own show if she really wanted to. Sometimes it takes a swift kick in the ass to realize it.
I really enjoyed listening to Lee, OV, and Mel, but this is an opportunity for her to move on to bigger and better things. Her next PR statement should be "So long and thanks for all the great memories."
Me neither, actually -- never heard her, and barely heard of her before this. I'm just not terribly sympathetic to radio personalities who take the "I'm being picked on" route like this.
Disney does not run its media properties for profit. Nor do they respect their customers. One of the most interesting business models out there.
Ugh. KPIG sucks. They are so blatantly liberal that I refuse to tune them in.
Wasp my friend, I read some of the posts (over 90) from some of the chicken$hit people who claim to be freepers and it's almost embarassing. To slam a great woman like this is beyond me...course we know that their idea of being an activist is being a keyboard warrior. Happy there are people like you, and quite a few others in the this thread that are great freepers. One's that will do the rally's, write there congressman, and in general, are patriots, because they believe in themselves and their country.
Melanie, if there's anything I can do to help ya, I'm there. I owe ya one! I am sure you'll have another spot in no time!
Wow! Thank you!! No wonder you made it to "King" of the Issaquah!!!
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