Jeff Dauler update (though there’s no news yet)
I was stunned by the amount of interest in the Jeff Dauler situation. That does prove how popular the Bert Show is. Most of the comments about Jeff were positive, which I’m sure he’s relieved. But he felt obligated to defend traffic reader Wendy Adams (left), who took a beating from commenters in Monday’s blog entry. Jeff used his Web site today to defend Wendy. In part:
I don’t agree with what people have been writing, and I am sick that Wendy has been subjected to such cruel commentary because of something connected to me. She works a miserable split shift, always has a great attitude, and goes above and beyond without complaint, and has earned her slot on the show through hard work. I don’t share your views, and think I am more qualified to pass judgment because I see her every day (or saw her every day) and have worked with her for years. She’s also become a great friend of both Jessica’s and mine. If it bothers you that much, use the buttons on your radio. But don’t use the shadows of the internet to be cruel for no reason.
On her Facebook page, Wendy today wrote: “Thanks to everyone for taking the time to send really sweet comments & messages both yesterday and today. Definitely put a smile on my face.”
He also said in terms of his contract, “it’s not all about money.” Note he said “all.” He is saying there are other issues besides pay. The second-biggest issue, typically after salary and benefits is length of contract. Perhaps he wants a longer contract than they’re willing to give as well — or in a less likely scenerio, a shorter one in hopes revenues bounce back up and he could get more cash down the road.
Revenues are down across the board in radio. The Cumulus top dogs are likely offering him a big pay cut despite the fact the show is doing better than it ever has in terms of ratings. That’s tough to stomach. Yet who has more leverage at this point? Jeff’s in a bind and time is running out. He has until Friday to decide what to do.
Jeff texted me today when I asked him about the length of contract. He said the sticking issue isn’t something obvious, that it’s “random.” We may never know what that “random” problem is. Cumulus VP of programming John Dickey has told listeners via email he wants Jeff back but under what terms? He isn’t saying.
Two fans have already posted comparable Facebook pages in support of Jeff. There’s one called “Keep Jeff on the Bert Show” and another “Bring Back Jeff Dauler!” As of 7:41 p.m., the two sites now have about 270 fans combined.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
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71 comments Add your comment
Josh
January 5th, 2010
8:27 pm
Yes, Jeff Dauler is an important component of the Bert Show…but everyone is replaceable. Wasn’t there a Lindsey before Jenn Hobby? Anyone miss her???
It happens on TV morning shows all the time. There’s always someone else waiting to take over and people’s memories aren’t what they used to be.
Josh
January 5th, 2010
8:29 pm
Oh and I won’t say anything bad about their traffic girl. But I will say, “Rodney, dude…the hat is LAME”
Cherie
January 5th, 2010
8:35 pm
You wrote, “Perhaps he wants a longer contract than they’re willing to give as well”. Maybe it’s the other way around… maybe they’re offering reduced pay/reduced bonus for too many years and he doesn’t want to be locked in should revenues reverse?
Lindberg Baby
January 5th, 2010
8:46 pm
Don’t rag on Rodney, he’s awesome for keeping us up to date on everything. Appreciate ya Rodney!!
As for Q100, they should keep Jeff and let go of Jenn and Wendy. I like a Morning show of Bert, Melissa, and Jeff.
Peace out!!!!!!!!!
Nick Wright
January 5th, 2010
8:57 pm
Jeff, I wouldn’t worry too much about the comments on this blog. The AJC site attracts some of the most vile and ignorant comments I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been on the internet for 14 years. This place looks like a KKK rally whenever anyone mentions the Urban format.
Melissa is Awesome!
January 5th, 2010
9:00 pm
Yo peeps! Melissa is the best thing about the Bert Show! Bert’s okay as long as he’s not raving about his kids and about his great life/friends. Jeff is awesome, totally normal dude. So that just leaves two people who aren’t good – Jenn and Wendy, they need to go, not Jeff! Long live Jeff D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cooter Burger
January 5th, 2010
9:27 pm
I absolutely cannot stand TBS. I know the in-town chicks and sorority girls and MILF-ish moms OTP love them, but they have nothing to offer a guy, unless he is gay. And Wendy does suck.
yp
January 5th, 2010
9:49 pm
It’s very sweet of him to stick up for Wendy, but there’s a reason so many people have wondered why she’s on the air in the first place…
Tom Bianco
January 5th, 2010
10:44 pm
I miss Jenn Hobby
Jim
January 5th, 2010
10:54 pm
I really do not care if Jeff comes back or not but please get rid of Jessica Shops! Who cares what she goes out and buys? I think that is such a waste of air time.
quentin
January 6th, 2010
5:48 am
I understand Jeff is friends with Wendy, but he needs to understand that this is opening up dialogue, some not so nice about everyone on the show. And I have never felt Wendy has been a strong, charismatic personality on the show, which is crucial to be a radio personality. I am sure she is very nice and very sweet, and a great friend. But are those the qualifications for a radio personality. Also, if she wants to be a radio personality, she will need to develop a tough skin, and Jeff can’t protect her from that. I like Jeff, I don’t want to lose him from the show, but if it is a question of money, and cutting back non-crucial members of the team like Wendy can help save Jeff, that is my preference.
LW
January 6th, 2010
6:40 am
Ditto, Quentin! People understand that it’s about Dauler’s contract, but keeping/not signing Jeff is bound to prompt conversations about the mix of the group. No one is “hiding in the shadows of the internet” or “behind their computer screen.” Seriously, would the show’s principals want to meet us in a ballroom and hear what we have to say? I doubt it. Jeff, I would think what’s important in a radio personality is not their work schedule/work ethic/attitude; it’s how the audience feels about them. People are taking advantage of your situation to express feelings about other cast members. Good luck!
Leigh
January 6th, 2010
6:58 am
I once was a bert show listner but quit listening one- because of the amount of commercials and types of commercials. Two- can’t stand to listen to Jenn any longer for several reasons I will not go into. However, I decided to give them another shot after the holidays because I miss Jeff. If Jeff does not come back to the Bert show I hope he ends up on another show in Atlanta. I love listening to Jeff and if you leave please take Melissa with you!!!!!
daily listener
January 6th, 2010
8:10 am
Quentin and LW are right. People have simply seen this as an opportunity to express how they feel about other cast members as well. Most listeners don’t like Wendy as a radio personality. Did you hear her this morning? Really? It’s just OLD.
wayneoh
January 6th, 2010
8:32 am
WOW, 5 hours of work and a high six figure income in today’s economy, must be nice. I can see why everyone is “concerned” about him.
Bert Hater
January 6th, 2010
8:54 am
Ugh, it’s Bert who needs to go, not Jeff. I like everyone on the show except Bert. It drives me nuts when they continue a story from one day to the next, because he invariably takes so long to recap that I’ve pulled into work by the time they’re ready to air the update. He’s an arrogant condescending jerk. Jeff can be a jerk too, but at least he’s funny.
SrvntOfHim
January 6th, 2010
9:06 am
There is absolutely no profit in suggesting who, other than Jeff, should leave the show! Jeff is the one with contract issues, not the others!!! I truly do hope that they are able to work something out with Jeff, because I can’t say how often I will tune in if he is gone.
Stephanie
January 6th, 2010
9:12 am
People are saying it’s Jenn who cheated on her husband (and not the other way around)…is that true? I like her though. I like all of them (except Wendy, sorry).
Rodney Ho
January 6th, 2010
9:13 am
I don’t think Jeff is in the “high six figure income” territory (more in the low six figure range) and the guy certainly works at least eight hours a day, not just the time on the air. He’s also an executive producer of the show so he has to set up guests and prep for the show, which is almost all talk.
Suzy
January 6th, 2010
9:15 am
Does anyone else think that Melissa and Jenn sound the same? I can’t ever tell them apart! At least I can tell Wendy apart from the others… it’s also nice to have my age group represented. I really don’t want Jeff to go!
Trixi
January 6th, 2010
9:57 am
I think Jeff is a crucial part of the Bert show and it will be very sad if he is no longer with the rest of the crew. As far as Wendy goes, she seems like a nice girl, however, very shallow. She is a terrible interviewer and is awful to listen to at times. Sadly, her tweets and FB status comments always seem superficial. She is so worried about hair, spray tan, bars, etc and then goes to Park Tavern for NYE. Please get rid of Wendy and give Jeff her salary.
Trixi
January 6th, 2010
9:59 am
Has anyone ever thought that Bert and his wife, Stacy, are the most shallow people in the world. I mean really Stacy has a pill problem and they still drink. Now they are talking about a reality show and Stacy is chomping at the bit to sign. Why??
kelly&carriefan
January 6th, 2010
10:31 am
Josh, yes. Lindsey was the reason I even started listening to The Bert Show! I was sad when she left and took me a while to warm up to Hobby.
As far as Jeff is concerned, he’ll be fine…and if he doesn’t end up back on the show, he will land on his feet. Star, are you listening? Of course you are…
PS. I can understand some of the criticism since Wendy’s the first traffic person to get THAT much airtime. Crash, and later, Jamie Massey did traffic for both 99x and Q100 so they weren’t around nearly as much. Basically, Wendy’s there for the young demo…and she does well representing that. She’s a lot better now than when she started as an intern with Adam Bomb.
Mimi
January 6th, 2010
10:41 am
I love all the comments so far and couldn’t agree more. Jeff, great guy, needs to stay. Bert, thinks too much of himself and who cares about his rants on his family. Jessica Shops needs to go, seems like a nice gal, but really who cares about where she shops. Jenn needs to go, nice gal, but there’s no value coming from her side. Wendy same thing as Jenn. Melissa is terrific, tons of value and a great addition. So in conclusion, keep Jeff, Bert, Melissa and get rid of Wendy, Jenn, and Jessica Shops.
Allison Rizk
January 6th, 2010
10:42 am
I hope that Cumulus and Jeff can come to an agreement to keep Jeff on the show. The Bert Show has an undeniable chemistry that is very difficult to find in a collaborative radio show. His quick wit and definitive male perspective are much-needed anchors for a heavy female-centric show. Jeff takes his job seriously and truly is an integral part of Atlanta. Not only that, the show just works!
As for Wendy, she is courageous, vibrant, and is the ONLY member of the Bert Show that falls squarely in the target audience of a young 20’s female listener that is on the scene in Atlanta. Anyone her age that has the guts and ambition to throw herself into a high-pressure top-rated show like she has – AND has earned herself her very own spot – deserves to be there. Bravo, Wendy!
For all the other haters commenting on this post, there is no reason to attack anyone’s character or make rash judgments, especially when the members of the Bert Show were courageous enough to be open enough to discuss issues they are struggling with to potentially help others. That openness is what makes the show refreshing and real to me – regardless if I have shared their experiences or not.
Jeff, I wish you luck!
DJ
January 6th, 2010
10:51 am
I been listening for a long time to the Bert show. They need to get rid of Wendy! She is has ZERO personality,awful in the am, uses “like” as a verb and I’m really tired of her taking up my oxygen. Who pulled that trigger to let her be on the bert show?!?! Fallon was way better then wendy anyways. As for Jeff “Smart@ss” Dauler, You better finish your contract and sign quick before your out of a job.
@Stephanie ~ the word on the street is true! Jenn did cheat. She gave everyone the okie doke!
TrueFan
January 6th, 2010
10:53 am
1st, it is a huge misconception that they only work 4 or 5 hours. That is just the time they are on AIR. They have meetings and stuff afterwards and before. 2md, Wendy – she can be a little annoying at times and although we re the same age, it is hard to relate to her because everything is by the book on how you should act in your 20s…. hair, makeup, partying, etc. BUT she is still really sweet and doesn’t need to be critisized. 3rd, Jeff is an integral part of the show both on and off air. I don’t think he should leave and i personally think that reasons are far beyond just the stupid talk of $ and how they should fire someone else to cover his salary.
Johnny
January 6th, 2010
10:59 am
Jeff i really hope you come back…i dont know how much longer i can take the Bert show without any jokes.
And Wendy DEFINITELY deserves to be there. She is only connection young people have to the show and she’s interesting. I never can believe when im driving at 4pm and her wendy on the radio. She works like crazy and I hope she gets promoted to full time Bert show.
Pat
January 6th, 2010
11:16 am
I agree that everyone is replaceable and Jeff is too, however, it is easy to see that Jeff is the main ingredient of the show. He is, by far, the wittiest. Second to him is Bert and then no one else. Jen adds very little to the show in general and certainly she is not funny. Melissa has been there since the beginning and everyone is used to her being there but I doubt she is the reason people push the 99.7 button in the morning. I do applaud Bert’s ability to publicly stand up for Jeff as both a member of the show and a personal friend even though he still has to report to Cumulus mgt.
yp
January 6th, 2010
11:28 am
@DJ- “Like” IS a verb…
RK
January 6th, 2010
11:34 am
Just calling her “traffic reader Wendy” is hilarious…what a tough job! Oh wait, she stumbled when trying to pronounce “MLK” this morning. Letters are tough, aren’t they?
what?
January 6th, 2010
11:37 am
quentin and LW hit the nail on the head.
Cheaters
January 6th, 2010
11:39 am
I think Jenn is like Tiger Woods in reverse. I don;t listen but I bet she shuts her mouth on the subject. She was cheatings with a photographer(?) who she had worked with. I believe her hubby found their intimate text messages or e-mails. Was he cheating also? Don’t know but he definitely caught her.
s
January 6th, 2010
11:44 am
dont forget wendys only word in her vocabulary..awesome..How many times a day do we have to hear that coming out of her mouth? i mean its likes oh my god its totally awesome..how manym ore times do we have to hear about her terrible relationships and jenn hobby trying to give relationship advise? she is the last person who should be telling anyone what to do about relationships. failed marriage, failed boyfriend, failed dating..although she is hot..
Pat
January 6th, 2010
11:47 am
I agre that anyone is replaceable and this includes Jeff but I also think it is obvious that he is the main ingredient of the show and certainly the wittiest. Second to him would be Bert and then, quite frankly, no one else. Jenn adds nothing to the show and is certainly not humorous. Melissa has been there since the beginning and everyone is used to her but I highly doubt she is the reason most people push the 99.7 button on their radio. And Wendy, I think most people just tune her out. It is Jeff that makes people laugh and also is able to intelligently debate an issue using fact and not emotion. I do applaud Bert’s ability to stick up for Jeff as a show member and personal friend while knowing he is a Cumulus employee and must do the right thing for his employer. Hope to be listening to you again soon, Jeff
RK
January 6th, 2010
11:49 am
I can never discern between Jenn and Melissa, either…
let me get this straight
January 6th, 2010
11:49 am
Jenn cheated on her husband and Wendy comes off as VERY promiscuous yet people call these 2 for relationship advice? I don’t mind Jenn’s radio personality usually but Wendy, while she may be a nice friend…blah, blah, blah…is awful on the radio and really needs to go. How about the young girls and teens listening to her talking about her conquests, partying, and “friends with special benefits”. Get rid of her for real.
GOJeff!
January 6th, 2010
11:50 am
Jeff is the best thing about the Bert show. he is witty, and most of the laughs come from things he has said! The Bert show has been very boring and bland this week. Melissa whines too much for my taste. I also don’t appreciate her constant parenting advise when she does not even have kids. Bert talks about his kids too much. Would be interesting to you if I called the bert show and talked about my kids on air? think not. Jen is great- always funny and upbeat….Wendy…poor Wendy…the question is who at cumulus is friends with her daddy? How the heck else did she get the job and manage to stay on the payroll? she is the most immature 20 something I have ever heard.
Jeff sucks
January 6th, 2010
11:52 am
Jeff is an obnoxious, arrogant, smartass pig who definitely needs to go. I stopped listening solely because of him. He sucks.
Kat
January 6th, 2010
11:54 am
what?, quentin and LW are all right. I like TBS and Jeff… but I’m sorry….. Jamie Massey was much better than Wendy.
Her biggest goal in life is to sit in the ‘family’ section at a Falcon’s game… She even stalked the people going to the olympics and even had one bite…. Had him fly down…and then had a black girl stand in for her and play a ‘trick’ on him…. Yeah…she’s a real winner. Sorry Jeff! I don’t have to hide behind the internet.
Susan D.
January 6th, 2010
12:08 pm
I don’t understand why it’s such a surprise that people don’t like Wendy. She’s a walking contradiction. She hates her body but enters a bikini contest. She gives monologues about how she’s fine being single and hanging out with her girlfriends, but constantly wants a boyfriend. She does fine at doing traffic, but she’s just not ready yet to be a regular part of the Bert Show. They are all seasoned dj’s and she’s just too green to get so much airtime on a top rated morning show. Her lack of experience sticks out like a sore thumb.
Lucas
January 6th, 2010
12:17 pm
I don’t know if Q100 or the powers that be read any of these blogs but I sure hope they do and get a sense of how disliked Wendy is on the radio. Susan D. is so right about how she’s a walking contradiction. Maybe give her some time to grow up off the air and invite her back but now she takes SO much away from what is otherwise (usually) and entertaining show.
JEN
January 6th, 2010
12:21 pm
I absolutely love Jeff. I agree w/almost everything he says and he cracks me up every day. I’ve been listening this week but I keep thinking, Jeff would have said something witty right there. Jeff, please come back your sense of humor is untouchable! I also agree about Wendy. Sorry, although she seems like a nice girl, she doesn’t know correct English. So many times I cringe when she uses tenses wrong or uses words that don’t even exist. And I could give or take Melissa and Jenn. I think Bert can be funny also.
Jimmy
January 6th, 2010
12:36 pm
Rodney,
Have you seen Jeffs Blog?
I amsureyou can read through the metaphor and see that Jeff might soon be cleaning up another “morning mess” down the street.
Dina
January 6th, 2010
1:03 pm
With regards to TBS, I really love when these 4 minds..or 3 minds now…get into somewhat intellectual conversations. For example, they were discussing fringe Christianity today. The trio are strong on their own, so I don’t think the show will tank without Jeff. However, Jeff adds a great sense of sarcastic wit and cynicism that really rounds out the show. He will be sorely missed. I don’t see Wendy as an integral part of the show, so I don’t judge her performance. She adds a very positive and youthful injection for the traffic and other minor areas of the show, and she shoulodn’t be judged for lacking the life experience of a 30-something. I can do without some of the very “Teen” magazine style of shows, such as the way too long interview yesterday with an obvious narcissist who is afraid to eat a sandwich. Who cares? Most of us don’t care at all. Speak with someone in their 20-30s who has high cholesterol or teetering on the edge of Type II Diabetes…have them do a survey. This will speak to the majority of your audience and is a true concern for most in this country. The online eating disorder test and all that made me switch off of TBS immediately…sorry. I am also not a huge fan of Jessica Shops as it seems ultra shallow, sophmoric, and out of place with the main show. However, I am sure many of the Buckhead/Dunwoody soccer moms wearing $200 jeans love this part of the show. I am not one of them.
You do a great job Bert Show, but please continue to cater to your 20-40 somethings by having more frequent intellectual topics and adult issue dialogue with your audience. I really enjoyed the topic today.
Lucas
January 6th, 2010
1:18 pm
Clearly Jeff’s gone and getting his own show here in town. And I assume we’re stuck with Wendy and all her whining and whoring and ignorance. This sucks. Maybe I’ll just become a Jeff Dauler Show (or whatever they call it) listener. I am certain I’m not alone.
davis
January 6th, 2010
1:21 pm
I have no dog in this fight. I listen sometimes and when they bore me or it’s too much, I change the channel. I am floored at the hate for Wendy…I honestly didn’t think she was that bad and can’t believe people dislike her this much. It’s almost like it’s the same person posting under different names!
JeffShouldGo
January 6th, 2010
1:27 pm
Jeff just added more information about his situation on his website. It looks like he might be going to a competitor here in Atlanta. Interesting…
Maddox
January 6th, 2010
1:37 pm
Maybe he shouldn’t have plagiarized one of my columns and talked about as his own funny routine. The guy is a hack. He deserves to be on some top 40 station out in the middle of nowhere doing remotes from a crappy used car lot. No talent and his wife gets around..
Lucas
January 6th, 2010
2:20 pm
Davis…I am pretty sure it’s not one person posting under different names. Most of the folks I know listen to TBS and not one of them can stand Wendy…sure, some dislike her more than others but there’s an overwhelming abhorrence for her among many Q100 listeners for many of the reasons that have been mentioned here and other places. I don’t think people ar trying to “just be mean”. I think this whole business about Jeff brought up some listeners’ feelings about other cast members…all of them…not just her. Hse certainly seems to be the least popular though and in my opinion the reasons people have given are very valid.