Melissa Carter leaving Q100’s Bert Show after 10 years
Melissa Carter at the Bert's Big Adventure kick-off party in February, 2010. CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
Melissa Carter is leaving Q100’s Bert Show April 15 after nearly 10 years.
Carter, who joined sister station 99X 15 years ago, started doing news when the Bert Show launched in early 2001, but quickly became a full-fledged member of the team. She said she chose to leave with no safety net, no defined plan for the future.
“I’m taking a risk and I’ve never done that in my life,” Carter said on the air this morning.
Jenn Hobby began crying. “I think it sucks,” she said. She then said she was proud of Carter to “see what life could bring. Selfishly, I’m really upset.”
Loading ...“We are family here,” Carter said. “It’s a tough decision.”
She plans to take a few months off but has no clue what the future will bring. “It’s this instinctual feeling to move on and try something else. That is it. I’m not hiding anything. I’m not playing games with anybody,” she said. “It’s just time.”
Carter, always known as the voice of reason on the team, was the first openly gay morning host in Atlanta radio. She also lived through a kidney transplant while with the show in 2002 and is now 100 percent healthy.
“I’m being stoic until the 15th,” she said afterwards in studio to the other Bert Show members. She hugged everybody but kept the tears in check.
This is the first significant departure on the show since 2002, when Lindsay Brien left, replaced by Hobby.
Bert Weiss said there were no negotiations when her contract came up. She simply told them that her heart wasn’t in it anymore and it was time to move on.
Chris “Crash” Clark, who worked with Carter for many years at 99X, took a break from doing traffic on Dave FM to call in and sing “Don’t Know What You Got Til It’s Gone.”
“I wish you the best,” he said. “The whole radio community is going to miss you.”
Then he joked, “Can I have your spot on Bert’s Big Adventure.”
Carter finally started crying when a caller, a closeted lesbian, has decided to come out at work today, inspired by her.
“Bert gave me a hard time wearing black today,” Carter joked during a break.
Thinking more seriously, she said: “I try to live my life as aggressively and honestly as possible. To think about it is overwhelming.”
Most radio personalities have to be shoved out the door. What Carter is doing, leaving on her own terms, is rare indeed.
As for the Bert Show itself, will they fill her seat? Eventually. Bert, after the show, said it’s been a draining week and the team will take Friday off. He said he will seek a replacement for Carter but will take his time doing so. “The show is strong enough with the players on it” to soldier on for now, he said. “Chemistry is so important.”
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By Rodney Ho, rho@ajc.com, AJCRadioTV blog
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242 comments Add your comment
You Asked
March 9th, 2011
1:53 pm
Tami
March 9th, 2011
1:43 pm
Wow, it’s amazing how rude and vulgar people are when they are anonymous.
- – -
Your mother wears army boots!
(Just kidding… )
You are correct some people use anonymity to reveal their ugly side.
longtimeatlantan
March 9th, 2011
1:57 pm
I wonder if Melissa is going to OWN? Good luck girl! You’ve made most of us think at least once on our views of those you questioned us on! Thanks for letting us grow with you!
You Asked
March 9th, 2011
1:58 pm
Bill
March 9th, 2011
12:06 pm
I rather put my genitals in a garbage disposal than listen to the Bert show.
- – -
Now that would be a ratings bonanza!
(You first)
LS
March 9th, 2011
2:00 pm
Melissa is the only TBS member who responds to e-mails. She also has a Formspring page and answers questions from the community daily. Daily! She seems to care a lot more about the opinions of listeners than any of the rest of TBS people. BEST WISHES, MC!
Over30
March 9th, 2011
2:05 pm
I used to turn to another station when she laughed or got on her soap box. She’s been less preachy lately but its time to go. Wendy is so annoying and Jenn is not far behind…love Jeff and Bert. Can they please get a cool woman like Robyn Quivers who doesn’t gush and whine.
Kat
March 9th, 2011
2:22 pm
Vanessa: Slight correction then – you are a 90-year-old idiotic juvenile without a clue. Sorry, my mistake there.
Chiff
March 9th, 2011
2:25 pm
Well, I for one will miss Melissa Carter. I enjoy The Bert Show. I don’t understand all the “I hate Wendy/I hate Jeff/I hate Jen” blah blah blah. If that’s how you feel…then don’t listen to the show, don’t read about what’s happening on the show….how’s that for brilliant?
WAR EAGLE
March 9th, 2011
2:27 pm
well, now that GAY radio is going away, let’s work on HOMIE radio with repeat every three with nazi wanda!-AXE her!
You Asked
March 9th, 2011
2:27 pm
Hey Chiff… Good luck with having them not listen.
Some people aren’t happy unless they are complaining.
Jay
March 9th, 2011
2:33 pm
Good one stupid.
Chiff
March 9th, 2011
2:36 pm
So I noticed, You Asked. Well, I said what was on my mind and can now get back to work.
RudeBoy
March 9th, 2011
2:42 pm
The only reason I listen to the Bert Show is because it forces me to get out of bed and turn the radio off. Check out the Bill Handel KFI AM 640 Morning Show. Its both informative and entertaining.
N. Turner.
March 9th, 2011
2:52 pm
Melissa will be missed, greatly.
Sorry to hear about Jeff’s divorce. I listen to the show everyday, and don’t know how I missed that announcement.
And while I do tend to enjoy the show every morning, I do have to agree with those that have said that the show repeats way too many segments. And I don’t need to hear about some crazy female dating/relationship drama everyday. And I also agree with the comments about Wendy, I’m sure she’s a very nice person, she just doesn’t add anything of value to the show.
Kurious Kate
March 9th, 2011
2:52 pm
Since she is leaving the station, who there will inherit her flannel shirt wardrobe?
Amanda e
March 9th, 2011
2:54 pm
RudeBoy, I have been looking for Bill Handel! THANK YOU! I listen to him online on the weekend when I’m on my computer.
Laura
March 9th, 2011
2:55 pm
First off Melissa you will be missed, and you are a great asset to the Bert Show.
I really amazes me how people like to talk smack about The Bert Show. Everyone of you have made negative comments saying that you don’t listen, but you gave so much information in your comments that proves that you do listen. You know way to much about there life history. Only a long time real listener would know that information.
You say that you don’t like when Melissa mentions Katie Joe, really! Why did you have to bring up the name if you couldn’t stand her talking about her. Be for real, you liked when she did so you could something to talk about around the water hole. Who doesn’t talk about there partner. If you didn’t that means you really don’t care about them.
You say you don’t like Jenn Hobby, but why? You say that she is “snobby”. How do you know? Jen is a very intelligent woman for her age. Her vocabulary is out of this world. She has so much to offer The Bert Show.
Jeff: Not to many comment on Jeff only comments about divorce. How would a non listner know this kind of information?
Bert everything positive.
Wendy: Why so much hate for her voice? Have you ever stopped to listen to your own? Noone’s voice is perfect. She is a 21 year old lady that is actually doing good for herself. She is holding a steady job with o.k. income and long hours. Who doesn’t stumble over there own words at some point in time or laugh funny. At least she is a happy individual with a lot to bring to the Bert Show.
I know someone will have something to say about the post, but you know I really don’t care. If you really sit back and think about what you say before you say it you might rethink it.
LS
March 9th, 2011
3:04 pm
Rodney, how about a better photo than the BBA one with someone’s arm in the foreground? Surely there’s a photo of Melissa somewhere.
What?
March 9th, 2011
3:05 pm
Laura do you listen to the show? Wendy is 25 years old and she says she struggles with money all the time…. People have opinions… get over it. I will miss Melissa but, I am sure she won’t be the last to leave…. I am guessing Jeff will be next and then Jen….Nothing lasts forever!!!
Chainz
March 9th, 2011
3:06 pm
That show is still on????? Really??? I mean really???? Since 99X was shut down and 96 Rock re-invented itself……. ATL terestrial Radio is dead……… But seriously…..people actually listen to the Bert and Ernie Show……. probably facinated at shiney objects too………
Laura
March 9th, 2011
3:17 pm
I thought someone “WHAT?” might have some sort of crazy remark. I said with a ok income. Never said she made a lot of money. Please read before you comment.hmmmm…Nothing last forever. We live in the moment.
What?
March 9th, 2011
3:21 pm
Crazy comment? I was just stating the facts. You don’t even know how old Wendy is!! Plus is the income ok if you run out of money each week as she has explained on the radio one day?? Don’t get mad because I called you out…..
Karen
March 9th, 2011
3:26 pm
Bye, Melissa. Thanks for providing one of the two voices of reason and fairness for all ( Bert being the other, except when it comes to animals). I hope you find something great that offers new experiences for you.
Now, please can we listen to someone else read the traffic besides Wendy? I hate to bash anyone, but her cutesy over-enunciating is anything but cute. There is no accent that warrants saying “hiieeeway niieeenty-two” and “IEEE – Seventy-fiieeeve”?
amanda
March 9th, 2011
3:33 pm
Karen, I agree so much. It’s such a fabricated little girl voice, and rarely do you hear her get through a traffic report without giggling or stumbling over words. I LOVED it when Natalie read traffic during BBA; she has a melodic voice and did not overenunciate or say “weather FOR today” over and over. Sometimes I just don’t get that channel changed fast enough. She’s a Jenn clone and is banking on taking over for Jenn when Hollywood calls for good.
Laura
March 9th, 2011
3:36 pm
You didn’t call me out. I today’s economy everyone is living from pay check to pay check. No matter how old you are.
Clyde Crashcup
March 9th, 2011
3:36 pm
I agree 100% with Meredith and Anastasia. If you skimmed over their comments, go back and read them. They both hit the nail on the head! Why in the heck would anybody at age 40 quit their job in today’s economy…contract was not renewed that’s why! I agree with the other comments…Jenn is a snob and so is Jeff, but occasionally he will make me laugh so he can stay. Please get rid of Wendy and that “wannabe a white girl” Joanna. I like Bert though.
nativeatlantan
March 9th, 2011
3:45 pm
Please take Wendy off the air! She chimes in about things she knows nothing about. Jenn Hobby needs to go as well, her entertainment buzz is always a day late.
Anastasia
March 9th, 2011
3:46 pm
Thanks, Clyde. I can’t believe how it’s not being mentioned. It is so very obvious that Cumulus had no desire to renew her contract. To be more believable, she should’ve at least made up something that she was planning on doing. Cumulus doesn’t want Melissa fans to be angry, so the agreement was to say Melissa isn’t passionate anymore and has decided to wander about instead. And pay for invitro and a family. Right.
Q100Listener
March 9th, 2011
3:51 pm
I listen to the show as often as I can … I no longer live in the area so I have to catch it online. It’s much better than radio here. I think they all work well together and so melissa will definitely be missed. I didn’t always agree with her, but I liked how she presented her argument.
I’ll agree with others … jenn and wendy do get on my nerves, so when jeff and bert are out melissa just isn’t enough to dilute those two. But, as someone else said, to each his own, some might like them, I just really hope they don’t replace Melissa with wendy.
Jack Diamond
March 9th, 2011
3:56 pm
Jenn is “intelligent for her age”? Ouch.
SmithySmith
March 9th, 2011
3:58 pm
@Atlanta – I totally AGREE with you!
SmithySmith
March 9th, 2011
3:59 pm
DO NOT replace Melissa with Wendy, please!
atlantaradiosucks
March 9th, 2011
4:01 pm
NO WAY she is just walking away w/out a plan. Anyone who believes that clearly doesn’t understand the radio biz.
Emma
March 9th, 2011
4:01 pm
I have enjoyed the Bert Show and Melissa. I really love Jeff, he makes me laugh so hard sometimes. I must agree with most, Wendy is just not cut out for the show. I don’t like Johanna either. Jenn has her moments but all in all I like Jenn. Bert I like listening to him too. I think all in all the show tries to be a little too politicially correct to not offend people. Good luck Melissa, I hope that you will do great in your life.
Marilyn
March 9th, 2011
4:07 pm
FYI – for all of those who think Wendy isn’t annoying on air – she is absolutely horrible off-air. Arrogant, ugly (I mean it – her face looks like a pizza), and absolutely intolerable. I’ll give you some inside info, as someone who worked for Cumulus for a bit – if a young, and clearly talentless intern becomes a regular fix on a show out of nowhere, it’s because she slept with one of the Dickie brothers. Who, you know, own the station. And how do you think Wendy got her little slot on the show? No one there likes her because they ALL know how she “got” her job.
Melissa probably got fed up with it too. The more you know!…
Kiki
March 9th, 2011
4:12 pm
To all the Wendy haters/dislikers: I’m almost 100% positive that it’s PRODUCER TRACY that does the annoying laser hair removal commercials, and not Wendy. And yes, they’re annoying as heck.
Jennifer
March 9th, 2011
4:13 pm
To all the haters: Why waste your time & energy to bash the show/members of the show?!?!? Get a life! It’s easy to hide behind a computer & say such rude, hateful, & hurtful things. We all know that you would never have the balls to say any of these things to their face, heck or even over the phone! If you don’t listen to the show, how do you know so much about it? If you don’t listen to the show & are not a fan…why do you care? Why are you reading this story? Why take time out of your miserable life to put someone down? I love the show. I look forward to it every morning. What they have is really special. I hope they continue to be successful & that they are around for many years to come. I think some parts of the show may need some revamping & new segments, but overall it is by far the best radio show & team in the South. Just about every other station in Atlanta is jealous of their success & are constantly trying to create their own version of TBS (not gonna happen-too fake & boring). Good luck Melissa & I hope you remain a friend of the show & that this isn’t the last time we hear from you on the show. Before I started listening to The Bert Show, I despised any kind of talk radio/morning show. I wanted to turn on the radio to hear music, not conversation, commercials, etc. That all changed when I found TBS. I actually look forward to my morning commute, they make it more than bearable but enjoyable. The cast has me laughing & crying with them every morning. I love how they aren’t afraid to talk anything. Some of the segments hit so close to home & I completely understand what the caller is going through. It makes you feel better that you aren’t the only one who has problems or are going through something. Its great to hear the advice of the cast & fellow listeners that call in. You can count on receiving honest advice. The chemistry of TBS cast is like nothing I’ve seen in radio before. You can tell that they all really like one another, although they are so different & they do disagree. I think each member of the show is so important to making the show what it is. Melissa will be missed so much by the Bert Show community. I just hope the show will be able to find someone who balances the show out as well as she does. They need someone that is willing to be honest while respecting others opinions. I hope this doesn’t hurt the show in the long run. To the true fans of the show, every member of the cast feels like a close friend. It’s an escape that we all look forward to every morning. Only a true fan can really understand this.
yamama
March 9th, 2011
4:14 pm
Laura, two things. First, please learn how to use the word “their”. “You know way to much about there life history”. Seriously? Second, not everyone lives paycheck to paycheck. Some of us are educated and smart with our money.
carry on.
Amanda
March 9th, 2011
4:14 pm
I got so tired of the long commercial breaks that I actually timed one … NINE MINUTES. Between the breaks and just repeating bigs, they make a lot of money for doing very little. I’d get up at 3:45 a.m. for that gig.
Amanda
March 9th, 2011
4:17 pm
Jennifer, if you are laughing and crying with them every morning…you may be a little unstable.
Funguy70
March 9th, 2011
4:17 pm
dang marilyn… do tell…. lol
i will actually miss melissa myself.. good luck to ya
Funguy70
March 9th, 2011
4:26 pm
ALSO, I have to agree with Amanda on the long a$$ commercials.. they usually play them back to back.. they could def use a few new sponsors..
Marilyn
March 9th, 2011
4:27 pm
Funguy70 – she slept around with everyone she could to secure her job. Period. And the funny thing is, she’s so intimidated by other women that she doesn’t speak to them. It has a lot to do with why so many people dislike her not just at Cumulus, but listeners as well. You can tell she’s absolutely not genuine. Everyone who works on the same floor jokes around about it because it’s so blatantly obvious – she is an inhumanly slutty girl and will spread it for anyone. And when you sleep with a Dickey brother, you ain’t goin’ nowhere.
Not even Bert can get rid of you!
xtra
March 9th, 2011
4:40 pm
I believe Marilyn.
Funguy70
March 9th, 2011
4:42 pm
damn..
Laura
March 9th, 2011
4:44 pm
With a name like yamama does not sound to educated. Sounds to much like a street name. just saying.
Laura
March 9th, 2011
4:44 pm
maybe to be educated you should say your moma
xtra
March 9th, 2011
4:52 pm
On Q100 not negotiating a contract, I bet Melissa got a bonus if she didn’t admit that. Q100 doesn’t want to alienate the gay community. But Melissa said she won’t state definite plans because she wants people to know Q100 didn’t renew. I think she has morals and ethics.
Angel
March 9th, 2011
4:54 pm
I also believe Marilyn. How else do you explain how she (Wendy) got into her position? For years she’s come off on AIR as a slut…imagine what we HAVEN’T heard.
Bob
March 9th, 2011
4:55 pm
Melissa will be missed. It’s a shame but I wish the best for her. Also, all the people on here who seem to hate Wendy like she is the spawn of Hitler really need to get lives. It’s pretty easy to not listen to the show if she bothers you that much. I like her so I will keep tuning in.
Jules
March 9th, 2011
4:58 pm
I agree with xtra. I don’t know anyone who walks away from a six figure salary/benefits, who must have health insurance, with no future plans at the age of 41. Not to mention 15 years in radio, what else can she do? I’m not saying she’s not capable just limited in experience. Good luck to you Melissa.