Posted on 05/19/2010 3:46:31 PM PDT by Fitzy_888
WGDJ is looking for a new afternoon host — and Al Roney is in the running.
Paul Vandenburgh (at right), the head of WGDJ (Talk 1300 AM), said Tuesday he expects to name a replacement for departed afternoon host Dan Lynch sometime next week; he said he’s now in the process of weighing potential hires.
Kelly Stevens, who has been serving as interim host for the 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. timeslot, is being considered, Vandenburgh said. And so is Roney.
“I’ve talked to a couple of people but haven’t decided,” Vandenburgh said. “I’m still not 100 percent sure.” Roney was fired in February from talk station WGY (810 AM) and was replaced by a nationally syndicated program hosted by Glenn Beck. The decision set off a firestorm among Roney listeners — and even led to a “Save Al Roney” protest outside WGY’s studio in Latham.
The opening at WGDJ, much discussed on Internet forums, has not gone unnoticed by Roney fans, some of whom have lobbied Vandenburgh to hire the host. Roney, in an brief interview Tuesday, said he would welcome the opportunity.
“It would be a cool thing to happen, if it did,” he said. “I’m ready, willing and able to work.”
Roney (at right) signed a non-compete agreement at WGY that forbids him from working for a competing station for six months. But, as Roney noted, such provisions were largely outlawed in New York by the “Broadcast Employees Freedom to Work Act,” passed by lawmakers in 2008.
Lynch, whose last day on the air was May 7, had been a host at WGDJ since the station’s launch in 2007. But Vandenburgh said his decision to replace Lynch was largely based on the fact that the host lives in Florida for much of the year.
WGDJ broadcasts from the Times Union Center in downtown Albany.
“Dan will work for me again some day,” Vandenburgh said. “But I need somebody who is here in the Times Union Center everyday.”
Paul Vandenburgh, President/General Manager: PaulV@talk1300.com
Address:
TALK 1300-WGDJ-AM, C/O TU Center 51 South Pearl Street Albany, NY 12207 (518) 813-4975
Pardon me, but how are changes in a radio station’s on-air personnel relevant to FR topics?
Some of us listen to the radio and therefore take an interest in changes to on air personnel. Thank you for your ‘concern’.
I do listen to talk radio, and on WGY! I was fuming when they, without notice, leaving listeners stunned, just yanked Roney one day, and no explanation of where he went or why. Granted they substituted Beck, but none the less, I like Roney, and I didn’t like the way they went about this.
WGY handled that very poorly.
For people that aren’t aware, Al Roney was involved in organizing the first local Tea Party event and MC’d the local “America Rising” event.
I am aware of that yes. Now I don’t agree with Al 100% of the time, but I would say a solid 95% and thats pretty good as far as I am concerned. AND he is the only talk radio person who actually returns email!!
In most cases, this probably wouldn’t have much relevance. Al’s case though, is different as he was a sounding board for the Capital District who listened professionally to all opinions, regardless of whether he agreed or not. Al is a stand up radio personality whose true interest is the betterment of the area and nation. He has been truly missed and would be the perfect addition to Talk 1300. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
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