B98.5 nixes the Steve & Vikki Show
B98.5 has decided to end the Steve and Vikki Show less than two years after a ballyhooed launch in 2008. Steve McCoy is out for sure, confirmed a Cox Radio official close to the situation who declined to be identified because he wasn’t authorized to give out such information.
Tony Kidd, Cox Radio market manager, said he wasn’t ready to discuss the situation just yet.
The pair’s contract is up June 30. B98.5 decided to take them off the air early because the soft-rock station had a deadline to give Steve & Vikki a third year. Management has chosen not to take the option.
Loading ...A friend close to Vikki Locke said she has an offer to stay on, perhaps as a solo morning host, starting July 1. She has not made up her mind but has until next week to say yes or no.
If she doesn’t, B98.5 could bring back Kelly Stevens and Alpha Trivette, the former morning team who helmed the B98.5 morning slot for nearly a decade. The team has not been able to find a radio job since B98.5 let them go in 2008.
Steve & Vikki have been together for more than two decades, most of it at Star 94, where they thrived for many years as the source for soccer moms across metro Atlanta. Star, wanting to veer younger, decided to dismiss them in 2007. B98.5 hired them soon after in 2008. They returned to the air in July, 2008.
Management figured they were a perfect fit for the B98.5 demographic, which is older than that of Star 94.
Steve & Vikki have drawn decent ratings but probably not as good as B98.5 had hoped. Worse yet, the economy took a dive soon after they were hired, hindering B98.5’s ability to offset the higher costs of the morning show compared to the more economical Kelly & Alpha.
Steve & Vikki’s morning numbers lagged far behind B98.5’s mid-day and afternoon time periods, though the station’s emphasis over the years has been to get the “listen while you work” crowd. And since the new people meter measurements have been in place, B98.5 has done extremely well. It even landed at No. 1 during the Christmas holiday season.
As of late evening Thursday night, the Steve & Vikki show remained on the Web site www.b985.com. Ironically, at 11:24 p.m., about 12 hours after McCoy was told the news, WXIA-TV ran an ad featuring Steve & Vikki advertising a free trip to see “American Idol.” The title said that B98.5 is the “new home of Steve and Vikki in the morning.” Yes, they still use “new” after all this time.
The staff has been informed of the situation Thursday. They will go to a more music format for now, led by producer Will Gara. [UPDATE: Steve & Vikki were indeed not on the air Friday morning and Gara was covering. The show aired from 5 to 9 a.m.]
Though B98.5 has emphasized more music, less personality over the years, management saw an opportunity when Steve & Vikki became available. Arguably, since B98.5 is the only pure adult contemporary station in the market, hiring Steve & Vikki was insurance nobody else would hire the pair and take on B98.5 directly. Indeed, nobody has, though 105.7/The Groove and Star 94 are certainly pivoting toward their audience.
There have been management shifts. Two big supporters of Steve & Vikki when they got there are no longer at B98.5: former VP/general manager Dave Meszaros and former market manager Chris Wegmann.
Steve & Vikki more or less replicated their Star 94 show on B98.5. Program directors came and went trying to tweak it to their liking. Clearly, it didn’t work out.
McCoy has not returned a call for comment. In 2007 and 2008, McCoy didn’t talk about his departure from Star 94 until he was hired by B98.5.
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335 comments Add your comment
Rodney Ho
March 1st, 2010
11:28 am
Sorry Larry. Kelly & Alpha are NOT working in Chicago.
philipgriffin
March 1st, 2010
11:33 am
Hey b98.5. From listening all morning every morning and patronizing your sponsors to never again. Hope you end up off the air.
Jim Ragan
March 1st, 2010
1:16 pm
Matt’s point about FM Talk is right on the money. I stream 99.7 WTN out of Nashville very frequently to listen to Phil Valentine and that station has been a consistent Top 10 performer most of the time. If a mid-size market like Nashville can make FM Talk work, Atlanta can also.
Also, Atlanta could use an all-news station, especially as most other Top 10 markets have well-known 24-hour news stations.
JRO
March 1st, 2010
1:48 pm
I also agree with Mrs. Norman Maine’s comments. It seems that every time there is a shake up and major radio personalities go bye-bye, the solution is to bring some former DJ back. There is a lot of young talent in Atlanta. Tim Orff, formally of DAVEFM, was never really given the opportunity to shine. At least he has a good time on air. After Orff’s unceremonious removal, DAVE “brought back” Jimmy Barrons. So, how has that gone?
LS
March 1st, 2010
2:17 pm
When I moved to Atlanta 5 years ago, I found Kelly and Alpha on 98.5. I enjoyed the mix of music and talk. It was all good to me. I was sad when they left!! I gave Steve and Vickie a try. I never heard them on Star 94. I’ve not been impressed at all with them or their show! Most of the things they do are just not funny and they both seem rather annoying. But I’ve also not found a show on morning radio that I enjoy!! There is nothing good on the radio. I too get tired of the same old songs played over and over.
It was my understanding that Kelly and Alpha always wanted to do more variety but were held back by Cox. Perhaps it’s time to let them lose and see what they can do!!
This is an opportunity for B98 to really change and give the people what they want. And goodbye Steve and Vickie!! Glad to see you go!!
Stop It
March 1st, 2010
3:17 pm
Ok- Everybody here blames Cox Radio for being so evil. Last year, it was Clear Channel that was so evil. People- get real! TV shows come and go all the time. The same happens in radio.
As for Kelly and Alpha- I am hoping Cox learned from their past mistake with those 2. Hell, anybody can build a radio show around spouting off a headline of the day in the news and then taking calls for 2 hours on the air about it. They did this every single day. It got old really quick. Their format might be best suited for AM stations. It would be nice if an FM station in Atlanta might actually play some music in the morning instead of insulting our intelligence!
K&AFan
March 1st, 2010
3:18 pm
Bring Kelly & Alpha back NOW!!! And hurry, before they really do move up to the Chicago market!!
Bindi
March 1st, 2010
6:51 pm
Please bring back Kelly and Alpha, they are way better than Steve and Vikki. They are down to earth people.
Larry Larkin
March 1st, 2010
6:55 pm
Bindi – obviously you don’t know Kelly & Alpha’s situation -
LuAnne
March 1st, 2010
7:13 pm
Again, BIG MISTAKE>..I listened to your Christmas Music as it was part of the thing.. I listened to B98.5 For Steve and Vickki Not for your music… This will be a BIG LOSS for you… Stationed changed effective NOW>>>
Kim
March 1st, 2010
7:55 pm
I have loved listening to Steve & Vikki over the years. I guess I will have to start listening to XM or let my kids have control of the radio in the mornings (UGH!!). Was glad when they got rid of Kelly and Alpha, don’t bring them back. And please, don’t give us 30 to 50 somethings some group like the “Morning Mess” to listen to, we are a bit more mature than that crap!
Misty
March 1st, 2010
8:24 pm
Cox, you just made a huge mistake. Many people in my office listened to Steve and Vicki and we’ve even commented on how we laugh all the way to work – boy, they make the drive SO much better – and what do you do? Let them go! Listenership just dropped……….
Brad
March 1st, 2010
11:33 pm
Wow, so many hateful people here. Thats why I liked Steve and Vicki. Turn on my radio in the morning and made me smile. I dislike the music on B98.5, but came over to mornings for Steve and Vicki. I grew up with them, They were like family. Looks like I’m heading back to Star. I did enjoy Cindy and Ray when they used to do afternoons, so its time to get to know their morning show.
Siriusly XM!
March 2nd, 2010
7:11 am
I switched to XM several years ago and have no need for FM radio. I can listed to the decade or mix that I want without commercials and without FCC oversight. Yes, I pay for this service, but it is WELL WORTH IT!
If B-98.5 wants to out-perform other stations, you need to get Tom Sullivan with Vikki or either dump the entire morning format. Kelly and Alpha are lame and there is a reason no one has hired them since their departure from B-98.5. I agree with the comment that Cox Radio couldn’t manage a little league hotdog stand…..if you want to be at bliss with your radio, subscribe to Sirius XM.
Jay Bird
March 2nd, 2010
8:40 am
I listened to Steve and Vicki through high school and college. I was glad when they came back to 98.5. But I realized pretty quick that if you didn’t spend every evening in front of the TV, you wouldn’t understand the hype of their show. I was sick of the whole morning show talking about Idol, 24, Sex in the City, etc. I hated the hollywood gossip, Vicki might as well go work for the Enquirer. As far as music goes, it seems as though the whole music library was Kelly Clarkson and Nickelback. And please stop with the stupid producer Will and his boy Kirby stories.
Give the Atlanta Listeners something or someone interesting to listen to.
Larry Larkin
March 2nd, 2010
9:27 am
Siriusly XM – Tom Sullivan – he has been “let go” more than most Hollywood husbands – why would you bring something like HIM back in the public? Jay Bird – you must be a biggot – (not that there is anything wrong with being one in YOUR world) – but who needs YOU and WHY would you listen to a station that you didn’t like (S&V were only on for 2 years, you had plenty of time to stop listening)? Kelly & Alpha and Steve & Vikki were both hard working reliable radio host. You need to get into XM and out of the radio market.
Marilyn
March 2nd, 2010
11:03 am
I have to say I love listening to Steve & Viki. But the music on 98.5 could REALLY use a good vamping up! The only time I listen to that station is/WAS in the morning with Steve & Vicki. And, I agree with Jeff to a great extent. Viki has a very infectious laugh and that is what I need in the morning, not crude & rude. I don’t know about the hosts prior to them on 98.5 because I didn’t listen to them so I can’t say they were better or not…..just that I do like Steve & Viki and hope they find a new home here in Atlanta soon.
James
March 2nd, 2010
11:21 am
First off, I will miss S&V. It was obivous that there show had little to no budget to begin with. When they were on Star 94, they had much better promotions. Second, while I enjoyed Will stories, he could not take the place of Tom Sullivan. Yes, the music was repative and boring. For those who want Kelly and Alpha back. Why did B98.5 get rid of them to begin with. Im sure it was ratings. The above article mentioned nothing about S&V ratings, just money. To WSB Management, I won’t be here for your new show. In much the same way your former Kelly and Alpha fans switched. The same way I switched from Star when you brought S&V over.
Perkle
March 2nd, 2010
11:37 am
I grew up listening to Steve & Vikki and will miss them very much.
I do agree that the “uninvited guest” was probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
It might have been funny once. I listened to my iPod on the way to work anyway, but I do like to hear the news, traffic, weather first thing in the morning. Randy & Spiff are on the oldies station, guess I’ll give them a listen. They seem to be less annoying than any of the other morning shows.
Angela Smith
March 2nd, 2010
1:07 pm
The music sucks, not the hosts….and now the station sucks
Nicole
March 2nd, 2010
5:04 pm
I hate that S&V got the axe without giving them a chance to say goodbye to their fans, but that happens with other radio personalities. On the air one day, gone the next, without an explanation. Maybe they were let go due to their frequent, embarrassing screw-ups with their contest gimmicks and call-ins, ie…
1. The “Kate dates 8″ thing, in which they unknowingly set her up with a married guy, and then his wife in Texas finds out. She gives S&V, and Kate, hell, (embarrassing all of them) when her husband was the liar.
2. The “Valentines Proposal” thing in which one former breast cancer survivor pours her heart out and proposes, to have her boyfriend put her off. And the guy who proposes to his girlfriend, who ends up breaking up with him on the air.
3. The time they had an exercise freak’s wife call him up (on the air) and ask him to come home to spend time with her. He sounded clearly pissed and she sounded humiliated. I don’t think that on-air phone call did anything positive for their strained relationship.
4. I know there are several other humiliating calls , but I can’t recall specifis right now. I just think, even though they may have been trying to do something fun and ratings-grabbing, Steve and Vikki stuck their foot in their mouth, and did some stupid things without thinking them through. Who wants their relationship problems escalated and played out on the radio?
Carole
March 2nd, 2010
5:07 pm
Loved Steve and Vikki. Changed to B98 when they came on after Star 94. Now will leave B98 too. Music is boring. I loved hearing Steve and Vikki talk. Hope they land somewhere else in Atlanta.
Melody
March 2nd, 2010
6:20 pm
I never listened to 98.5 until Steve and Vikki signed on…I liked their interactions with Will and find the morning drive a complete bore without them. I have turned off the radio rather than listening to 98.5’s sleepy music while I’m driving. I will gladly listen to the station that hires them back!
LFerry
March 2nd, 2010
7:58 pm
I am sorry to see Steve and Vicki go.. I can’t stand Producer Will. Could comment further, but it wouldn’t be pretty. As far as Alpha and Kelly, I thought they were rude and obnoxious. I called to comment on something a couple of times and Alpha answered the phone, he was short and rude, no personality. I hope Steve and Vicki stay together. I plan on following them for morning show. I DO NOT LISTEN TO B98.5 ANY MORE IN THE MORNING. Will SUCKS!
Greg G
March 2nd, 2010
8:04 pm
Well, Connie doesn’t seem to read posts very well. In my post I mentioned that I have already changed both my radio AND my TV tuner to something other than the Cox stations. My feedback here is just to let Cox know WHY they are losing some listeners, if they actually care. I actually did write a similar Email directly to the VP/Market Manager of Programming at B98.5 and received a very nice but very canned reply. At this point I know that they have heard my assessment. What they choose to do about it will determine if I ever tune in to B98.5 or Channel 2 again for more than just a passing channel surf.
J* SWAGGER
March 2nd, 2010
8:50 pm
Yeah Greg i did the same thing and got a very nice but canned reply, i dont believe they really care about S&V or there RATINGS!! and after looking at the ratings WSB-FM (b985) was #2 on the charts so i dont see the issue!! As far as Cox Radio i am done with all STATIONS!! But i will be Following S&V along with all my employees!! there losing about 50 of us!!!
Larry.Larkin
March 3rd, 2010
3:09 am
Why don’t you wait and see what transpires over the next few months before doing all your yammering – I personally liked listening to B98.5 this past Monday and Tuesday – I notice a different venu of music – interesting… Producer Will is doing his job until there are changes. I keep 98.5 on in my business all day long – it’s a station I want my customers to hear in the background. Are S&V and K&A the only DJ’s that have ever been let go? Life goes on people – Do you think if YOU lost your job – say at Sony – that none of us would EVER buy a Sony product again – DOUBTFUL… You will not have S&V and K&A in your thoughts 2 weeks from now. I’m sure they all appreciate your support.
Kellygirl
March 3rd, 2010
8:02 am
Bring back Kelly and Alpha – they were the best thing that happened to B98.5 – that’s why they lasted a decade. I kept listening to B98.5 because I like the music and the other DJ’s and Will Gara, but didn’t like Steve & Vikki. Keeping my fingers crossed for Kelly & Alpha to return.
grandma
March 3rd, 2010
9:04 am
Talk? Personalities? JUST PLAY THE DAMN MUSIC!!!!!
CHARLIE
March 3rd, 2010
9:09 am
WILL MISS YOU STEVE/VICKIE HOPE TO HEAR YOU SOON TAKE CARE
kk
March 3rd, 2010
11:24 am
You think Kelly Clarkson was played too much? How about Daughtry? While I like him, I was sick of hearing his songs. The music needs to be stepped up a notch. And none of the things that Steve and Vicki chatted about was funny any more. I’ve always liked them and followed them to B98.5, but I thought everything about them had gotten stale — perhaps they needed a new producer!
Kelly
March 3rd, 2010
12:14 pm
I loved the Steve & Vicki show! Sad to hear that they are off the air! I prefer ‘talk radio’ in the morning versus music. I have not lived here long enough to know about the previous show, but I definately do not like the new morning guy or the music they have been playing over the past few days. I am a 36-yr-old female with an 11-year-old son & we listened to Steve & Vicki every morning on the way to school! We’re changing the channel for sure!
Jeannie
March 3rd, 2010
4:27 pm
I, too loved the Steve and Vikki show. And like others have posted, I quit listening to Star94 when they were let go there and started listening to B98.5 ONLY because of Steve and Vikki. So since Steve and Vikki are gone, I will no longer listen to B98.5. I was lost before Steve and Vikki returned to the radio, so now I’m going to be lost again. I don’t like the other morning shows. I’ll miss you, Steve and Vikki! Good Luck to you!
Will U. Bnice
March 3rd, 2010
4:46 pm
I am amazed at the hatred some people display.
Tracey
March 3rd, 2010
4:54 pm
Play Music please. Do not make me listen to every stupid rehash of every stupid reality show in the world. Please, play music and give traffic reports. That’s it! Don’t care about freaking American Idol, the bachelor, etc. All “reality” that really isn’t reality.
Lynne
March 3rd, 2010
5:54 pm
I am sad to see Steve and Vikki go, they were the only decent am show on in Atlanta. But, honestly Will is my favorite personality on the show, so I hope they keep him on the air. He could be SO awesome with the right partner. B98.5 s problem is their repetetive playlist. Their genre is “soft rock” that gives them about 4 decades or music to pick from and yet they play the same 50 songs over and over. Clarkson, Daughtry and Prince ALL the time. Now they have even included Miley in heavy rotation. The “BIG 80s” weekends sounded like a great thing until the second week when I figured out they are playing the same songs OVER and OVER. I don’t get it. I have always turned the station at 9am because Jordyn Gray gets on my nerves and Kelly McCoy later in the day is TERRIBLE. They have some serious revamping to do if they are going to keep listeners.
Peaches1123
March 3rd, 2010
6:21 pm
Glad that S & V are gone. I’d love to hear more music and less about what’s going on with the celebs. Too bad a station in Gainesville can’t be picked up down here in Hotlanta – MAJIC 102.9!!! Great blend of several decades of rock ‘n roll!! HEY, Cox, are you listening?!?!
Sherry
March 3rd, 2010
10:24 pm
Steve and Vikki were the only reason I listened to B98.5 and have already moved to 106.7 with Randy and Spiff. I really hate the way that radio stations just drop someone or a format without any warning to listeners. I guess there is no reason to feel a loyalty to a station if they don’t have any loyalty to the fans. Do what you want, 98.5, I have already moved on. BTW, I couldn’t stand Kelly and Alpha before, so why would I care to listen to them now.
Pegasus
March 4th, 2010
5:29 am
I will no longer be listening to B98.5 since they let Steve and Vikki go. They were the ONLY reason I listened to Steve and Vikki. B98.5 claims to have more variety of music than other stations, but that isn’t so. Like all the others, they play the same songs over and over again. Steve and Vikki was the only reason to listen to that station.
Sad
March 4th, 2010
8:43 am
Very sad they are gone. Will not listen any longer to 98.5. Get rid of Will or have him keep his personal life to himself.
katiebug
March 4th, 2010
5:07 pm
Our family, age ranged 17 to 54, put up with the music at B98.5 because we loved listening to . Steve and Vikki. You just lost 3 listeners!
Pam
March 4th, 2010
6:58 pm
I really enjoyed Steve and Vikki and thought they were a good fit for 98.5. I am disappointed that the station let them go with no explanation to the listeners. This seems a very unfair way to treat employees and fans. I will not be tuning in again because you play the same songs over and over again. I agree with the people who say satellite radio and/or Ipods are the way to go.
ex-98.5 listener
March 4th, 2010
10:06 pm
As an early 30-something, 98.5 was not exactly my favorite station. However, I tolerated it because I was such a loyal fan of Steve & Vikki on Star 94. However, I have no reason to listen to it anymore, and I really miss them if they don’t pop up on another Atlanta station. I understand why they may have been a better fit for a crowd my age and older, and therefore on the “least controversial, suitable for offices everywhere” light rock station. But I guess this isn’t the first time a radio station didn’t consider its listeners when making these decisions. Thank goodness for ipods and podcasts!
Lee
March 4th, 2010
10:59 pm
I liked Steve and Vickie, I’m sad Cox has ended their show. Steve & Vickie never offended me, and they were easy to listen to in the morning, never abrasive or loud. Corny as it was, I liked The Uninvited Guest, to not know how it ends is a bit of a letdown. I wish both of them the best and if it’s their wish to stay on the radio, I hope they find a new channel soon that will appreciate them.
Deborah
March 5th, 2010
6:55 am
Management is crazy. Steve & Vikki were the best on morning radio! I couldn’t wait to here them everyday. They made my ride into work enjoyable! I switched from star 94 when they came on b98.5. I hope they get on a station with no music. They will be missed.
cj
March 5th, 2010
7:48 am
Well, it;s about time they got it (management) that New Home of the Steve and Vicki show got so tirrrrrrrring. Vicki I could do without, that screeching and shrill laugh got on my nerves first thing in the morning. Steve on the other hand was great and enjoyed his voice and comments. Will is borrrring and tiring. I think splitting up this duo would be best and bring Steve back I think he could shine without Vicki and Will. Keep Will in the background where he needs to be. I do agree McKee was a show that kept you informed made you feel good and you got to laugh while you were in traffic and on your way to work.
Milestilmidnight
March 5th, 2010
10:51 am
I moved to the Atlanta Area about 5 years ago from Los Angeles where there are Great Morning “Teams” on morning radio…I really liked the Steve & Vikkie Show, hope I can tune them in on a FM Station soon.
CauseIcan
March 5th, 2010
4:06 pm
Well for what it is worth, I will miss Steve and Vikki. I have grown up listening to them and enjoy their humor and how well they get along. I can’t stand that frat humor someone else spoke of. The music is the most important and I love 80s weekend, but all radio stations play the same songs over and over and over!!! There is so much out there to be played! I just hope someone is hired that can help the mornings start easier. Thanks Steve and Vikki for all the laughs!
Kristen
March 5th, 2010
5:01 pm
Wow, what a bunch of mean spirited people. Everyone is so opinionated, it is disgusting! I can’t imagine being told we don’t need you nor want you anymore. Your job is terminated.
The radio business is brutal. Our society is so cruel….lighten up people…if you do not like the music and people turn the radio off. Do not encourage the CEO’s at the big companies to treat people like they do in this business. To Steve and Vick, thank you for the years of entertainment. Somethings change too much. Knowing somethings are the same, is comforting in the world. Best of Luck…..
Karen
March 5th, 2010
6:57 pm
Bring back Kelly and Alpha.They were great! Miss them greatly. Always looked forward to getting to work and listen to them. Stopped listening to b98.5 most of the time. Vickie was so annoying.