Cathy in the Wright

It's Alive!

Someone must have put some Red Bull in Grandpa Clark's oatmeal this morning. The Twin Cities most benign, pabulum-spewing radio talk show host stepped a little out of character on this morning's program. The topic was illegal immigration and Willie was foaming and ranting and generally showing that there was indeed a pulse behind the voice. I had to look at the radio to make sure I was still listening to am1500.

What prompted the new vituperation?

I'm thinking someone in management was handing out ultimatums - "Do something different or the Greyhound ticket back to South Dakota is in your next paycheck." And the message was probably delivered over a piece of cake at Chris Krok's office farewell party.

Apparently I'm not the only one with that opinion. One caller berated Willie, saying that turning into a racist bigot was the only way Clark could get folks to call into the show. Ouch.

Meanwhile, this morning the powers that be at am1500 are no doubt calling a meeting to come up with some new ideas on how to attract some quality on-air talent. Someone will suggest that management needs to be proactive and start thinking outside the box. Someone else will use the buzz words "paradigm shift." And two hours later, they will all agree that they need a new mission statement. As for the original problem of attracting a talk show host? Another meeting will be scheduled. All those who didn't speak up at this morning's meeting are thinking, "I hope they get brownies next time because these cookies are drier than cardboard."