Really Bad Radio

I was driving in to work this morning, listening to Jimmy Barrett on the radio. And, before I go any further, I want to inject that Barrett must be quite happy with the brainiac programming decision made at WTOX radio 1480 AM. They had been carrying Imus in the Morning, which can be both entertaining and informative, at times. But somebody at WTOX decided Richmond needed a local morning talk show in the worst possible way. So, they brought us the worst talk show possible. I guess there could be a talk show host worse than Tony Booth, but he'd have to be totally mute. No, come to think of it, a mute would be a step up.
I really didn't start this blog off today with the idea of talking about Tony Booth, but now that you have got me started... Tony Booth has been in radio around town for decades, and he is a prime example of succeeding through mediocrity. Although, I wouldn't say doing a morning talk show on WTOX would be anyone's idea of success. He has the style of the breathless radio announcers of the thirties and forties...you know, the sort of guy who gives the time and temperature as if he were officially announcing the end of the world.
I hadn't heard him on the air in recent months. Evidently he was stinking up the airwaves in Charlottesville, because he keeps saying things like, "The temperature in downtown Charlottesville, er, uh, I mean Richmond is..." Listening to the guy is somewhat like watching a train wreck. You're so intrigued by the horror that you can't turn away.
This guy is a real dinosaur in radio. I'm surprised he hasn't been stuffed, mounted and put on display at the Smithsonian. As I said, I'm sure Jimmy Barrett is pleased to have him as competition. Although, when you consider WTOX has the power of a toaster oven, I don't guess Barrett really considers the station as competition.
WTOX, Richmond's other talk station, is evidently being programmed by a plant from Clear Channel. Some of the decisions they've made lately are unfathomable. Their late afternoon talk show seems to be hosted by whomever is hanging around the studio at 4 PM. Or, by whomever is willing to pay fifty bucks to have his own talk show.
Now, before you go getting all hot and bothered thinking I'm some arrogant egomaniac, let me say that I'm in a unique position to opine on this subject. I have been involved in some of the worst radio in Richmond. I have the distinct honor of being the only person to be fired by the management at WXGI radio twice. Now, keep in mind, that the only prerequisite for being hired as an on-air personality at WXGI is that one possess a voice box.
I was so bad that the station brought in one of the sponsors, a local restaurant owner by the name of Tex, to help me do the show. I was so bad that they fired me and offered the job to Tex. So, don't tell me I don't know bad radio. I AM bad radio.
I was told I'd never work in radio again. And, I've lived with that pain for years. But, I'm going to put all the hurt and all the bitterness behind me. Writing this has given me a fresh look at my little pathetic life.
From this moment on I'm going to move upward and onward. Yep. I've made my decision. I'm going after Tony Booth's job. Watch out Barrett.