790/The Zone creates the Red Zone, merging the Stews with Barnhart and Durham
I was off Monday and Tuesday so I’m now catching up.
We now know what the mid-day show is on 790/The Zone. It’s called “The Red Zone” and airs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (As previously noted, “Mayhem in the AM” adds an hour and goes to 11 a.m., Archer and Bell moves up an hour and goes from 2 to 6 p.m. and John Michaels‘ “Football Night in Atlanta” starts an hour earlier at 6 p.m.)
The 2 Live Stews’ show has now been merged into a show with Tony Barnhart and Wes Durham and others. Or something like that. I was told Monday’s show included Hans Heiserer, one of the fill-ins on the station, along with Ryan and Doug Stewart.
The Stews’ agent Norm Schrutt acknowledged he wasn’t thrilled by this arrangement, which dilutes an already shrinking Stews brand on the station. But he said the brothers are “team players” and are doing what they are told. And after getting their hours cut from three hours to two last year, they do get to be on air for three hours a day again. The Stews have already been dialed back significantly since the new program director Bob Richards took over last year.
This move was partly precipitated by the success of the Barnhart and Durham show, which was pulling in the best ratings on the station. Problem: Barnhart and Durham have other obligations and are basically taking May and June off. This left the Zone in a dilemma: how to fill that three-hour window? They could have just left the schedule as is and use fill-ins in May and June during mid-days. This solution is a bit of a mashup because it means a rotating cast of players from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with core regulars.
Andrew Saltzman, the president of the station, said this roundtable-type show gives the station more flexibility. “This is more topic driven and less specifically host driven,” he said.Today, for instance, they’ll have Rick Kamla of NBA TV on as a guest host to talk about the Hawks-Celtics last night. On Monday, they had former Falcons players such as Alge Crumpler and D.J. Shockley on to talk about the NFL draft. He said Barnhart and Durham will start being heard more on the mid-day show starting the third week of July when football gets hot again.
Saltzman said this move is not a diminished role for the Stews in any way although the “2 Live Stews” namesake has been removed. The noon hour of “The Red Zone” is simulcast on CSS, he noted. He said the show is similar to what the Stews do on ESPN’s “First Take.”
“They’re very talented, entertaining, informative guys,” Saltzman said. “We’re very proud of what they’ve done for the station the past 11, 12 years.”
Will it work? We shall see.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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121 comments Add your comment
Growler
May 2nd, 2012
5:33 am
I guess that speaks to the popularity of college football, that Barnhart and Durham are top-rated there. They are consumate pros, but if you’re not into college football, they’re boring. I always switch off 790 at 10am for the first hour of Cowherd. We’ll see if Steak and Co. can come up with a way to keep me tuned in now ’til 11. As for the Stews.. whatever.
Qualiphah Jackson
May 2nd, 2012
7:25 am
Thank the Lord da Stews ain’t am gone like MC Hammer’s $$$$$$$$$
Yea C'mon
May 2nd, 2012
7:41 am
“The 2 Live Stews’ show has now been merged into a show with Tony Barnham and Wes Durham and others.”
It’s Tony Barnhart, not Tony Barnham. Just thought I would point that one out.
Atlaliens
May 2nd, 2012
7:42 am
I guess this is a way to embarrass the Stews 1final time b4 their contracts expire. They are basically filling in for Barnhart n Durham until Aug when fall practice starts. Seems like an inglorious way to end a great 10 year run. Whatever u think of the Stews they where a much needed different voice for this market. I will admit the train kinda went off the tracks went the show went national and the incessant fake fighting became tiresome but they where able to get the most out of interviews instead of the same cliched predictable responses. I like college football but like to hear NBA talk boxing MMA and they gave those sports there needed space as well. Good luck to u guys.
TG
May 2nd, 2012
8:05 am
Good post Atlaliens. I hope and I suspect the Stews are shopping around for other opportunities as we speak. The handwriting is bright red on the walls. Their run with 790 is just about up. 790’s loss.
Greg
May 2nd, 2012
8:42 am
I agree The Stews run is just about up. I have listened to them for ten years. My issue with them is they are too soft with interviews and lacking other sports knowledge. Doug’s shameless love for the Lakers is old. The writing is on the wall. Maybe they can go to 680 like the rest of the disgruntled former 790 hosts.
G
May 2nd, 2012
9:01 am
I like Barnhart and Durham. I also like the 2LIve Stews. However, I DO NOT like them mashed together. Stews have their brand and B&D has theirs. I have different expectations when I listen to them seperately.
Unfortunately, it seems as though Bob (Buba) Richards [program director] is playing a major role in ousting the Stews. Word on the street is he thinks the Stews “brand” is a bad look for the station. It was too “ethnic” and catered too much to a particular demographic.
Take note of the special guests such as Chris Draft, Alge Crumpler, DJ Shokley, etc., because they and others like them will be the Stews replacement. The Zone is trying out different well known black athletes to appease a very digruntled Stews fan base. They think it will work. If it doesn’t, they will move on. A racially diverse listening base is not 790 TheZones top priority.
According to what...
May 2nd, 2012
9:18 am
…Wes and Tony said on their show on Monday (their last day) they are off completely until next Fall, and then they will do their Thursday Southern Football Show – they made it sound as if that is the only “real show” that is still on their schedule, though they said they would be doing some “other stuff” related to football season and that they will have very little, if anything, to do with the Stooges…
So, Ho, try to keep up…
The Magnificent Carnac
May 2nd, 2012
9:20 am
Answer – Rodney and the Real Housewives of Atlanta
Question – Name 7 Ho’s that live in Atlanta
The Ghost of Edward R. Murrow
May 2nd, 2012
9:33 am
Well, I’ll turn the dial in my car radio away from the ‘Stews’ and just wait until it’s Barnhart/Durham, and only Barnhart/Durham.
Hope it won’t take long.
Wonder how many loyal B & D listeners will turn away once they hear the Stews in that time slot, too.
Eddie J
May 2nd, 2012
10:03 am
This to shall pass.
Jsw
May 2nd, 2012
10:19 am
Keep your head up Stews. stand up and stay strong….thats what they fear the most.
PMC
May 2nd, 2012
10:21 am
I’m really proud of “Soon to be Famous” John Michaels.
We can drop that first part now Sam Radin. Good job John.
Thrashers Fan
May 2nd, 2012
10:23 am
Great.
That gives me ANOTHER good season to NOT listen to that station any longer, even though lispy-voiced jerk Steak “Carpetbagger” Shapiro is reason enough.
Just Die Already, 790 The ThugZone.
PMC
May 2nd, 2012
10:25 am
I wish the Stews would return to thier night time to lunchtime roots that made them famous in the first place.
Forget Sports Talk with Hot Sauce…. go back to Shade Tree Sports Talk Radio. It’s tough to keep anything going for 10 years in radio, but back in the early 2000’s the show was fantastic. I’d like to hear more from the people from Monks Corner.
Are you kidding?
May 2nd, 2012
10:27 am
@ Growler…dude you are SO right. I too switch off to listen to the Herd. I LOVE college football, just don’t want to hear about it for 3 hours.
Thrashers Fan
May 2nd, 2012
10:27 am
MLB Network Radio:
It Doesn’t Have Steak Shapiro or Mention Dantanna’s… EVER
Ron Burgundy
May 2nd, 2012
10:29 am
Stews are racist. Doug is such a hater.
Bill wants sports
May 2nd, 2012
10:40 am
Mayhem has not added an hour. Pushed back to 7:00 AM. Atlanta is a bad sports town
because a supposed sports station 790 play old tape recordings from 6:00 – 7:00 AM
when sports fans want to hear about the prior night’s big games and plays. What a joke !
Compelling NBA ( Paul Pierce last night ) MLB ( Braves – Philles ) and 790 has tape recordings as programming first thing in the morning . No other big market city has tape recordings with washed up players and coaches as morning programming.
WB
May 2nd, 2012
10:41 am
A horrible idea. I like both shows but they don’t belong together. It’s pretty insulting to all 4 of the hosts too.
TalkR
May 2nd, 2012
10:41 am
Atlanta sports radio—very weak. Come to New York for the best, 24/7 in talk radio. Hopefully the GM tells these hosts to talk sports and drop the plugs for bars and restaurants on air to get comped meals and drinks—save that stuff for commercials. Can the stews drop the ghetto stuff with “dogs and poodles”? that got old from day 1. Dimino is probably the best and should have his own slot. barnhart/durham—boring as watching grass grow—they say little of interest. I miss the bronx.
@Only1MrGreen
May 2nd, 2012
10:42 am
Ray Charles is dead and blind, but even he can see whats goin on. They first tried to water-down the Stews and make them less black by changing the music that they play, then cut the show down to 2 hours, now they are essentially taken the show away from them and force them to “merge” – ask anybody in Atlanta, and they will tell you how boring the other shows are.
hotstuff
May 2nd, 2012
10:50 am
@bill wants sports,
Bingo!!! I expressed the same thoughts during NFL season when the station would broadcast Wes Durnham call of the previous week Falcon game. Instead of having local or better yet, a national show, to discuss the Saturday night college and upcoming NFL games, we get a stale rehash of what already occured. This seem like something a small town would do for the local high school game. Unbelievable! By the way, i love college football more than NFL but i just can’t stand to hear three hours a day of it. I do listen to Cowherd to get a national perspective.
DMA82
May 2nd, 2012
11:06 am
@ TalkR…..Delta is ready when you are buddy.
Charles
May 2nd, 2012
11:14 am
The Stews…racists who embrace the Thug Nation…and who know little outside of football (NFL) and the NBA…go figure.
Wes Durham the most balanced of the lot.
Tony Barnhart good…but a bit of a regional bias which dictates that he is ignorant to alot of what goes on beyond the SEC and ACC… He is NOT Mr College Football …he is rather Mr Southern College Football.
I like the John Micheal show.
And ofcourse as always…if its so much better in NYC or Boston…you can go back there Dimino, Steak, etc..
Charles
May 2nd, 2012
11:17 am
@TalkR… you can go back to NYC anytime you want…you and about 500,000 other carpetbagging complaining Yankees…most sincerely…
Chuck
May 2nd, 2012
11:23 am
I love how everyone’s implying that 790 the Zone is out to get The Stews because they are too”BLACK” which just goes to prove that people just have no idea how business works. If the Stews were getting great ratings, the bosses would not care if they were SUPER BLACK, is all about GREEN, not BLACK. The problem is their are too many Bubba’s in Georgia that want to hear BullDawg Football talk 24/7. That is why 790 The Zone couldn’t keep the national act, Jim Rome around, because he would not talk 3 hours of SEC football in April.
Chuck
May 2nd, 2012
11:25 am
If you see me wearing a nice pair of shoes, its because i got them at Benny’s shoes.
Chuck
May 2nd, 2012
11:25 am
Go to Applebee’s where you can get the pick-n-pair combo 2 for $20. Best decision I ever made.
Blake
May 2nd, 2012
11:27 am
I haven’t listened to 790 for about ten years now. They should put Rush or Boortz on there and they would get better ratings. Whats up Rodney Hooooooooooooooooooooooo?!?
Chuck
May 2nd, 2012
11:28 am
Quit using my name to spam, you J**K Off.
PMC
May 2nd, 2012
11:34 am
I wish we could get the NFL Red Zone in a radio edition. Sigh.
M915
May 2nd, 2012
11:35 am
I have been a long time listner to the Zone since day 1, Im switching to 680 the Fan. That program director Bob Richards seems like a cocky PUNK.Keep your heads up Stews where ever you two go i will follow. AND IM GONE.
Blake
May 2nd, 2012
11:36 am
What exactly is a Bubba?
PMC
May 2nd, 2012
11:37 am
This is what happens when you let accountants try and run a sports radio station.
Blake
May 2nd, 2012
11:38 am
Hey Chuck, that is a pretty popular name, he may just have the same one. Crazy, I know 2 different Hanks and Steves as well.
Chuck
May 2nd, 2012
11:55 am
Accountants run every business in the world, why if you have no money, you have no business. A bubba is someone who thinks that sports are only 2 things NECK-CAR, I am NASCAR and SEC Football.
PMC
May 2nd, 2012
12:02 pm
How are you going to make money if you can’t generate interest?
Chuck
May 2nd, 2012
12:09 pm
The Stews were on air for over 10 years, they have generated as much interest as they were going to, I tried listening to them quite a few times and they were always shouting and the fake arguement were silly. I go on I heart radio on I-phone and listen to The Dan Patrick Show and then the Jim Rome Show. I gave up on Atlanta sports talk radio, I just couldn’t listen to Bulldog football recruiting reports, in the middle of the NBA championship race, the Stanley Cup race and opening of baseball season. All S.E.C. FOOTBALL ALL THE TIME, 790 The Zone.
G
May 2nd, 2012
12:12 pm
First of all, the biggest problem with the Atlanta sports fan base is……TOO MANY TRANSPLANT RESIDENTS IN THE CITY OF ATALNTA! The local fans here are fine, its just the out of towners that pollute the city with their teams. If anyone has a problem with this great city, then go back to where you’re from.
Chuck
May 2nd, 2012
12:17 pm
I love the Atlanta Sports fans, if you put a crappy product on the field we will stay away, the real bad sports fans are people like the Cubs fans, they will sell out the stadium regardless of how their team is playing, why should the owners make the teams better then. Their is just too much to do, in good weather for us to go to a game were our team sucks.
@Only1MrGreen
May 2nd, 2012
12:27 pm
Ratings are impacted by the time of day the show runs. Stews use to have 4-7 and were doing great, why?, b/c thats the rush hour listeners, people getting off work.. but 1-4, 1-3, folks are at work.. why do you think Mayhem in the AM gets better ratings, 6-10, people are goin to work or gettin ready for work.. “the devil is in the details”
Blue
May 2nd, 2012
12:56 pm
The Stews will probably end up on satellite radio, webcast, segments on Tom Joyner, etc. They certainly have a following. That being said, 790 is definitely gearing up to severe ties with them. Not sure why 790 continues to let their best personalities go. Many of them ending up on 680.
Denver. Listener well former
May 2nd, 2012
1:27 pm
Man this new format suck where is the enthusiasm?, Bruhs if ya’ll leave that lame station Denv
er will follow. And I’m Gone.
Christopher Rude
May 2nd, 2012
1:31 pm
Chuck, I’m with ya on the Pick n Pair lunch combos at Applebees!!
Christopher Rude
May 2nd, 2012
1:32 pm
oh, and more AC/DC!
Christopher Rude
May 2nd, 2012
1:35 pm
Even though Ho’s article isn’t about Steak, how come there arent’ more cheap shots? C’mon sales people!!
fred smith
May 2nd, 2012
1:39 pm
Not happy with the afternoon hour changes as I dont get to hear Arch and Bell any more. John Michaels is absolutely horrible! The other station has on the absolute worst pregame show every night for the Braves so not much choice.
790 is terrible during mid days. Barnhart and Durham are only good during CFB season and the Stews are awful. Easy choice during the mid day.
Mike Bell
May 2nd, 2012
1:41 pm
Doesn’t ANYBODY want to hear more of my howlingly funny impersonations? I think they should add one more hour to my show.
Dr. Jamie Pleasant
May 2nd, 2012
1:45 pm
just talked to city hall. we will not need a permit to protest to bring back the two live stews at the station. Now, we need to decide on a day and time and get enought people. we need at least 100 strong. holla back everybody. Lets do this
Pete
May 2nd, 2012
1:55 pm
So basically the Stews now have one main person running the show and they become the side kicks. If it’s crap and all you do is repackage it, guess what……it’s still crap!
Pete
May 2nd, 2012
2:02 pm
Also find it very starnge when a show called “The Red Zone” is attempting to talk basketball or baseball. Why brand yourself with a name that implies football and then talk other sports? It should be called “End Zone” since careers will be coming to an end. FAIL!
fletch
May 2nd, 2012
2:44 pm
@Only1MrGreen
Amazing insight on ratings…you must be in the business.
charliehorse
May 2nd, 2012
2:54 pm
The new show sucks
JD
May 2nd, 2012
3:22 pm
Horrible idea. I love Wes and Tony’s show and listen everyday, but now… I’ll switch to internet radio and find something else. The Stews will bring everything down to the lowest common denominator.
Way to go 790, combine your best show (Wes & Tony) with your worst (The Stews) to create something no one wants to hear.
G
May 2nd, 2012
3:22 pm
Excellent post by @Only1MrGreen:
“Ratings are impacted by the time of day the show runs. Stews use to have 4-7 and were doing great, why?, b/c thats the rush hour listeners, people getting off work.. but 1-4, 1-3, folks are at work.. why do you think Mayhem in the AM gets better ratings, 6-10, people are goin to work or gettin ready for work.. “the devil is in the details”
So, the peak times are “pimp” spots. Taking the Stews out of the pimp spots is a calculated attempt to do what?
S28
May 2nd, 2012
3:43 pm
@Only1MrGreen: Have you ever listened to 790 the Zone? Ummmm, the Stews have never and I mean never been in one of the prime time slots meaning morning drive or the afternoon drive slot. I love the people on here that say they’re switching to 680 the FAN… You’ll switch back within 10 minutes of listening to the boring sports talk they have.
@Only1MrGreen
“Ratings are impacted by the time of day the show runs. Stews use to have 4-7 and were doing great, why?, b/c thats the rush hour listeners, people getting off work.. but 1-4, 1-3, folks are at work.. why do you think Mayhem in the AM gets better ratings, 6-10, people are goin to work or gettin ready for work.. “the devil is in the details”
Tim
May 2nd, 2012
4:04 pm
This guy Bob Richards might just be the most idiotic program director in history. Why would you merge those two shows? Seriously. Why? He thinks this is a good idea?
The Stews need to be on satellite radio. Leave these idiots at 790 the Zone behind. Making them merge their show with another is so disrespectful, the Stews should just walk away right now. It’s outrageous. They are the main reason why I listen to 790. Many of us like the fact that the Stews don’t talk about baseball so early in the year. Baseball season lasts till October, I’m not interested right now. I want to hear about the NBA playoffs, baseball is not important in May. Hey Stews, you must leave! They have gutted and diluted your show. Let this new program director run 790 into the ground where they talk baseball incessantly and SEC year round.
GaPeachy
May 2nd, 2012
4:16 pm
I love the Stews so hopefully this is temporary but I tried to listen today, it was pretty confusing! Too many people on one show, so not sure this format will work to long.
G
May 2nd, 2012
4:21 pm
Trying my best to hang in there with the 11-2 show, but it’s tough listening to a diluted show. When this 11-2 thing fails, it will be because of Bob Richards.
Ron Burgundy
May 2nd, 2012
4:33 pm
Should be called the Mocha Zone
Chuck Oliver
May 2nd, 2012
4:34 pm
Ummm….suck it 790!
Steak Shapiro
May 2nd, 2012
4:37 pm
Hey gang u wanna hear about baby sofie some more!
Scotty
May 2nd, 2012
6:05 pm
The best thing about 790 used to be that there was something for everyone. No one wants to listen to the same tired, cookie cutter sports talk all day. If you didn’t like the Stews, guess what, you had the power to change the station. But the fact is this, many of us are Stews fans because they gave you more than just Georgia sports. Many people from ATL aren’t locals so not everyone wants to hear about Bulldogs football every single freaking day. I will be a fan of the Stews and will follow them wherever they land once the smoke clears. I give it a year before 790 is reformatted all together, all because of a racist program director. If you think the morning show is great radio, then you finally will get a large helping of copycats. 790 officially SUCKS!!!!
Evander Holyfield's Last Remaning Brain Cell
May 2nd, 2012
6:52 pm
Tick…tick…tick… It’s about the be over. The Stews were arrogant, loud and lazy. Never knew anything outside of what everyone else did with regards to the NFL, Know nothing about the Braves or MLB, and watched ESPN for their info about the NBA
Tried to be funny instead of accurate. They Love Mike Vick and anything that is black even if it or they were wrong. Fact is there are a lot of angry black men in town and they used the Stew-pids to channel their frustrations.
Bad show, can’t yell racisim as they’ve been in a prime time spot for a decade. Oh, yes they can find a way to make it about race.
Thank God English will return tothe airwaves
Evander Holyfield's Last Remaning Brain Cell
May 2nd, 2012
7:05 pm
…and love how there is no response to Rodney from the two loudmouths. 790 has obviously shut them up. Great premise but horrible execution. Ryan always talking about strip clubs and sex-while married. Great example for the community Ryan. And Doug angry at the world when he’sthe luckiest guy on earth…the brother of a has-been football player who got to talk sports.
Knew something was up when Ryan Stewart sued the NFL, must have bought a lot of the liquor they used to push. Trying to get something for nothing. Great opportunity squandered by race pandering and laziness. Bad show. … Now finally it’s over. Thank goodness.
Steak is a blow hard
May 2nd, 2012
7:55 pm
Who is more intolerable – Steak or the Stews?
Go Go
May 2nd, 2012
8:41 pm
How can you call the 2 Live Stews racist but cant see the racisist attitude in people like yourself.
C
May 3rd, 2012
7:02 am
Enter your comments here
same old south
May 3rd, 2012
7:51 am
reading these comments i see how racist Atlanta is.
Izaman
May 3rd, 2012
7:57 am
for those of us that watch sports for, hmmmm i dont know….fun? I dont really care about hearing about stats and 6th round draft picks. Im not a gambler. I want to be entertained, and the stews do that well.
You dont like the Martin Lawrence show, change it to Friends reruns. Im sick of hearing about football and baseball…in MAY. talk boxing, mma, basketball, something other that the f’in braves.
790 have only one talent getting invited to Vegas for fights, Press row for the super bowl, Hbo hard knocks, and espn first take….and you cut THEIR show? atlanta sports talk is dry outside of the stews, and yet the stews are the first to go. that boring/safe atlanta sports mentality is why im born and bread in atlanta…
…and root for the eagles.
JT
May 3rd, 2012
8:47 am
I am originally from New York and I grew up on listening to WFAN, which produced some high quality programs. 9 years ago, I moved to Atlanta to attend grad school and pursue a career opportunity. I happened to tune into the Stews and I was hooked. I found the show to be witty, informative, and very entertaining. I am not satisfied with the direction of the new show and I hope the Stews find a new home station where their talents can be appreciated. I know they have a loyal, local fan base that will support them on any station.
A
May 3rd, 2012
9:26 am
Enter your comments here
A.J. Cannon
May 3rd, 2012
9:30 am
Less of the “Two Live Racists” has got to be a good thing. Please let their contracts expire soon and get them off this station.
Izaman
May 3rd, 2012
10:09 am
This is what i dont get….
I hate “Friends”, so when it comes on, i change the channel. I dont lobby the station to take it off TV.
If you hate the stews, change the channel.
MzNickGT
May 3rd, 2012
10:21 am
It’s the end of an era but as you know great things can come out of the ashes. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do next. Like others, I’m not interested in listening to a hodge podge of sports talk radio. If I wanted to listen to Wes, I would have tuned into his show. I didn’t even like hearing his idiotic ideas back in the day at GT.. I DEFINITELY do not want to hear them now. Satellite radio and more ESPN.. here we come! Be blessed Stews..
Oh and to those of you who don’t like it,.. turn the channel.. it’s your God given right.. and I’M GONE!!
Stews will be okay
May 3rd, 2012
10:22 am
Word on the Street is that 790 owns the 2 Live Stews name which complicates matters because I know the brothers are ready to move on.
ILLMattic
May 3rd, 2012
11:21 am
I don’t live in the ATL, started listening to the Stews online at work during my lunch break. Like the show, nice to hear black voices talking sports on the radio. Living in Chicago I like the change of pace from local sports teams. Good luck to the Stews because from what I’ve heard of them they do have talent for talk radio.
Stews made 790
May 3rd, 2012
11:42 am
The Stews made 790 bearable. A bunch of slow talkin homers are on all the other shows, everyone that has some education and likes to hear smart people talk turn to the HERD @10am, then the Stews, no this, if you kept them during the rush hour from 3-7 they would have even more fans than they had 3 years ago. It has been a well calculated process to eliminate the ones that made the station. They will be alright, 790 will not, its a lame staion without that flavor of the Stews! Im gone!
G
May 3rd, 2012
11:59 am
The ONE thing 790 had going for them that was strong………DIVERSITY! That’s going down the drain fast. Fine if you don’t like the Stews, but a lot of people do…..including ESPN.
Banned Poster
May 3rd, 2012
1:09 pm
Ok, first off the Stews were on the 4-7 drive several years ago and then started losing the ratings war with Buck and Kincaid (how I have no idea). Then when their show was on midday, the Sporting News Network decided to cut ties to them because of low ratings. Folks, these guys are not going to get a satellite radio gig because if Sporting News couldn’t make it work, no one will. ESPN has them on First Take for a reason – they cannot host an exciting show without someone helping them along. They won’t go to 680 because Kincaid simply won’t allow them to steal his show and for some reason 680 seems to think that morning show is good. The Stews will likely leave the Atlanta market or settle for shows like what they are doing now. Don’t expect to hear them when Wes and Tony come back in July.
CD
May 3rd, 2012
1:09 pm
The Stews should know and probably know these three things: (1) They have a loyal following that will follow them when they move to another station, (2) Their days at 790 are almost over, (3) The Red Zone has little hope during the NFL offseason – Bob Richards set them up to fail (can’t introduce a new show during this time of the year when all ratings will be down).
Banned Poster
May 3rd, 2012
1:13 pm
And one more thing. If you don’t like listening about the Falcons, Dawgs, Braves, Hawks, etc…..then go find another station on the internet or satellite radio. This is Atlanta and those teams are going to be discussed. Boxing is a dead sport and only has 1-2 real known fighters left. MMA is like wrestling except for it’s actually real. Why spend time talking about something that only a small section of the city could even care about. I guess we should start talking equestrian and track and field too? Seriously some of you really need a chill pill as you put too much into sports talk. As someone said earlier…..if you don’t like it, change the channel.
Cobb Cracker
May 3rd, 2012
2:01 pm
I never listened much to the Stews mainly because of scheduling, not because of “race” or content- at least they would talk somewhat about the Hawks, no one else in town will (except for Wingbag Bell whose research is solely from snippets in the local fishwrapper and the ESPN highlights). Of course both 680 and 790 claim that all their listeners only want to hear is College Football (and occassionally Falcons/NFL) too bad because Damino and Durham are top flight talents, Chuck & Chernoff are okay- the rest of Atlanta sports talk radio is a wasteland. Good luck to the Stews in the future!
BigCoop_STL
May 3rd, 2012
2:05 pm
My heart goes out to the Stews & their fans (I am among them)
This new show SUCKS!!!
I have their old podcasts saved and will listen to those in my spare time.
I will NOT partake of the new show, but will continue to be a Stew supporter.
Hopefully they’ll find another home and this nightmare will be over.
BigRon4
May 3rd, 2012
2:11 pm
Smfh #Justice4theStews I looked forward to the 2livestews in the afternoons to get me threw the rest of the day at work but now its like blah!!! the new show suuuucccks!!!! “Dougvoice” and you can tell they not into it like they was on their show. If the do move to another station I’m right there with them loyalty …..
Peach
May 3rd, 2012
2:13 pm
I like 790 but I love the Stews. I will follow them wherever they go. Like other posters have said if you don’t like them then don’t listen.
iT'S cLEAR
May 3rd, 2012
2:35 pm
Absolutely makes no sense. Atlanta is a diverse city with diverse tastes. Stews provide something that no one else does – and it works. It hits a completely different demographic than the other personalities. B and D are great. The show that follows…well, it leaves a lot to be desired. It would be great fro once to actually value a different demographic than the norm. And for the guy that said the only color is GREEN…BS, people have hired siblings, cousins, kids, mistresses, their best friends kids, etc. for their own personal gratification despite having the ability to hire a more qualified person who could make them more money. There are clearly other reasons for this change.
iT'S cLEAR
May 3rd, 2012
2:41 pm
By the way, like most that listen to their show, if they end up somewhere else, I’m rolling with them. Then 790 could just write one script for the day and have each show to read it. Other than B&D and the Stews, that’s what it sounds like anyway. Same stuff, different hour.
Steve W.
May 3rd, 2012
3:44 pm
That’s crazy that 790 would get rid of the Stews, they were the only show to get national syndication. The Stews should either get on satelite radio or go to another station. Maybe 1380 could do something with them.
I think Steak & Saltzman are jealous of the Stews success, blatant racism if you ask me. How does Mike Bell get 4 hours but the best show on the radio gets merged with another show for only 3. I’m going to stop listening to 790 as they think they can do whatever and people will still support them.
I gaurantee you a large portion of their listeners came to the station BECAUSE of the Stews, not Steak(most annoying/unlikeable/unrelateable guy on the station), not Diminno(wannabe know it all), not Mike Bell…The Stews are the rain makers at 790, I guess they will figure it out when they are no longer around.
Uzi112
May 3rd, 2012
4:51 pm
As a stews fan here in San Antonio, I really hate this move. I first heard of the stews when they were syndicated on sporting news radio and I followed them ever since. I listen to them at work and at the gym on my iphone. I understand that the bottom line in radio is money and perhaps their ratings were slipping. As a black man who loves sports talk radio, they are or were a breath of fresh air. A show that not only talks about sports, but our pop culture as well. Now before you all call me a racist, I listen to alot of “white” shows such as Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd and have no problem. It just seems that 790 has 22 hrs of shows a day geared to the caucasian listeners and now no show gives our perspective. The new show is horrible. You can tell they have been neutered by Bob Richards just by listening to their lead in music. Give us back our show!!
RickBoston
May 3rd, 2012
4:54 pm
I would love to see the stats on the Podcast downloads. If someone is going to do some investigated journalism they would get the ratings and Podcast downloads. I know I can only listen to the stews on my way home from work so I download the Podcast.
Why is it such a bad thing to have an ethnic focused radio show? Isn’t the city of Atlanta in the top 5 for cities with the most black residents? This just doesn’t make business sense and the former athlete thing just doesn’t work. Hell didn’t a Miami station copy the stews?
charliehorse
May 3rd, 2012
8:11 pm
Sports talk with hot sauce is now sports talk with mayo
CM
May 3rd, 2012
8:51 pm
I agree, this new concept is whack! I never enjoyed The Stews since Shaggy left and the digression has continued. I do listen to Hanz & Beau’s show on sunday mornngs & it is hillarious. I see the personality in hanz & maybe that is their angle? A different show that doesn’t allienate half of their audience? Ebony & ivory tom-foolery? That’s the only thing I can read into this. I’m going to give it some time. Hanz is a funny dude. But I agree. It seems weird right now.
Papa
May 3rd, 2012
9:55 pm
I agree CM. I went to HS with Hans and know him well. He’s the guy they need. 790 has lost so much talent to 680 they should have learned their lesson. Atlanta rIadio needs a local. He’s a great guy and I’d trust him with my life. And yes, one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met. He’ll make it work. #Chattahoochee
Joesph Pough
May 4th, 2012
8:58 am
we are doing a protest Tuesday march 8th at 12pm at the station. we have cleared it with cityhall. so, there will be no illegal activity t protest. We r protesting to get them to bring two live stews back at there regular format. see u there.
Sonny Clusters Sr.
May 4th, 2012
10:08 am
Someone give my boy his own show.
T Nice From Chi
May 4th, 2012
10:51 am
I eat, breathe, and live sports and sports talk. I’ve traveled to many cities across the U.S. and no one and I mean no one! Brings sports to life like the Stews. I admit it is from an Urban prespective, but that prespective is needed and greatly appreciated by many of their fans. I don’t want the same ole same ole and I don’t want to listen to a Pop station to get my sports.
Chris and Nick brought me to the Zone (Steak screwed that up) and Ryan and Doug kept me, but until the 2LiveStews show is returned. I for one will not listen nor support any of the Zones sponsors.
I’m a unhappy customer who chooses to take my business elsewehre.
T Nice From Chi
May 4th, 2012
10:57 am
If you haven’t done so and want the 2LiveStews Show to return please sign OUR petition:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keep-the-2livestews-on-the-air-at-790-the-zone/
Doing nothing may gain the same results but at least doing something gives us a choice. Thanks!
FROM THE LOWCOUNTRY,SOUTH CAROLINA
May 4th, 2012
11:27 am
DON’T EVEN TUNE INTO 790 AT KNOW POINT..CAUSE YOU WILL HEAR BY WORD OF MOUTH WHEN THE STEWS COME BACK…DON’T GIVE 790 THE TIME OF DAY…
Glenn Paul
May 4th, 2012
1:15 pm
Love the Stews…Good luck men. Trust me, you two will land on your feet.
Tyrone!Patron!
May 4th, 2012
1:33 pm
Why when brothers have a show thre is problem? Answer because so many insecure white men can’t handle it. 790 is a boring station without the Stews. The writning on the wall the Stews will be moving on soon. Farewell, Ryan and Doug I will miss you guys. Hello, crappy new guys whoever you will be named later. 790 is a Hickory Dick sports talk station. the only fans that will listen are the ones that like dem BUlldogs and Braves and Beer! Dip coopenhagen tobacco and smoke marlboros.
T Nice From Chi
May 4th, 2012
3:41 pm
Some of you feel the Stews are RACIST. I get that, but is 790 THE ZONE, RACIST??? Word on the Streets from a “Reliable Source” one of the infamous “Source Brothas” is that 790 the Zone wants to cater to a “lighter shaded” demographic.
Is this just a good business practice. I know some of my 35-45 wht males who graduated from “Georgia” before they started teaching Business Ethics, think so.
Uzi112
May 4th, 2012
3:43 pm
Well said, T nice… And I also signed your petition.
T Nice From Chi
May 4th, 2012
3:49 pm
I would like to apologize to all human beings. My intent is not to make this about race but to make this about 790 the zone and their questionable at best business policies. “790 The Zone Don’t Like Black People”
again but it’s not about race.
bluto
May 4th, 2012
4:39 pm
So the station that gave them their shot is now a racist station trying to bring them down. Man there are some really ignorant people out there.
The stews are their own worst enemy, they created a different sport talk format rode it to the top and then killed it. They have no one to blame but themselves. But I am sure they and all of their followers will have no problem pointing fingers in every direction.
No respect
May 4th, 2012
4:44 pm
LOL so 790 supports the Stews for 10 years and now they are racist? For 10 years they helped them get their show out to the masses and now they are trying to bring the Stews down? They must be faking the ratings too just to get rid of the Stews.
No wonder this country is going down the crapper. No one wants to face the truth, they just want to spread lies and make up stories to muddy the waters. Spread lies and hate to try and get your way.
You reap what you sow…
Izaman
May 4th, 2012
8:11 pm
I guess its just a coincidence that of all the “talent” on 790, its the stew getting invited to Vegas, hard knocks, and Espn, right?
T Nice From Chi
May 5th, 2012
1:13 am
I guess it’s a coincidence that changes to the format started with new ownership? 790 the Zone gave them their break this is true, but in the last 8 months the tide has shifted and if the Stew can’t appeal to the 35-45 yrs old male, who roots for the Dawgs and happens to live North of Atlanta then they have to go. Absolutely nothing RACIST about that, no, not at all.
All I’m Saying is if you’re not of that demographics don’t listen to 790 because according to My-Sources They Really Don’t Care if You Listen or not. 790 THE ZONE IS NOT TRYING TO PROGRAM THEIR SHOWS FOR BLACK PEOPLE. I don’t care how many of them come on this blog and try to downplay or spin this conversation, they all sit in those program meetings and know that the new ownership want to move away from diverse programing to what they call and I quote A-Source “mainstream audience”
I admit when Matt Edgar was there the Stew were treated fairly, but you can tell by all these Stews are Racist and Stews are arrogant post that there were still some people at the station who were thinking “These Negroes are getting a little too big for their britches”
It’s getting late we’ll continue this tomorrow – Cha Cha!
SHUT UP, MUNSTER!
Kris G
May 5th, 2012
1:46 am
I listen to 790 for three reasons. Stewart, Stewart, and Bock. I like Cellini and Dimino. I enjoy Tony and Wes. Mike Bell can be funny but is often unbearable, Archer is a great balance but plays it too safe. The Stews aren’t perfect, just like the Dean ain’t perfect, but they are the liveliest voices in the city with the most unique perspectives on the air. I”m always amazed at how so many people look at the one show with black voices, in a city with a huge black audience, and decide that of course, it must be a racist show. How entitled do you have to be to think that if eleven radio shows cater directly to you, and the twelfth caters to the man standing next to you, then that twelfth show needs to be eliminated?
Monroe
May 5th, 2012
6:13 am
more racism in atlanta media–the Stews are being cut out because they are African-American and white people don’t like listening to them. I’m tired of this and may move back to New Jersey next year.
T Nice From Chi
May 5th, 2012
6:41 am
@ Kris G, well put sir skip that nonsense I’ve been talking about What Kris G Said…..
@Monroe, Don’t move back! There’s racism everywhere in America, it’s built into our very fiber. Not all intentionally act on it though. That’s actually the key, ACTIONS
Again I would like to apologize to anyone I have offended. I’m not attacking listeners or anyone in Atlanta or in this country. I’m asking people, especially people who don’t fit the typical “Serial Killer/Pedophile” profile (U can take that however you want, a little Mike Bell humor #Ain’tHeFunny?) not to listen too 790, company that took over 8 months ago, and/or patronize any of their sponsors. THEY REALLY DON’T CARE IF YOU DO ANYWAY.
tony/wes
May 7th, 2012
8:49 am
tony & wes–as boring as an accounting meeting. They just repeat stuff they’ve read online. Get some new material.
Buck Necked
May 7th, 2012
11:56 am
I’ve listened to the Stews since I had to strain through the static to hear them at night. Loved what they brought to the radio game and still do. Problem is is that they locked themselves into a demographic that does not bring the same ad revenue or advertisers that is consistent with the other shows. If they did, then 790 would not have made the move. Like it or not, much like Skip Bayless, they are polarizing. People either like them or don’t. There ain’t much in between AND ad revenue is the name of the game.
cornelius
May 7th, 2012
1:11 pm
this is retarded!!! the 2 live stews made 790 the zone.. they are the best personalities on 790. this is a mistake and as a long time viewer, i’m upset. i probably won’t listen to them much any more. i want just the 2 stews, not a mash up of other sports broadcasters, it’s so tacky smh.. it’s not gonna be the same. and this is probably going to hurt the stews fan base.
G
May 7th, 2012
2:18 pm
790 TheZone has intensified their efforts to screen the calls. What really helped make the Stews so successful was the regular callers….the dawgs and poodles. Everyone knows that most regular callers to the Stews are negative about the changes and Lincoln Financial doesn’t want that.
Just so some of you don’t forget…..Many of these hard line changes to the Stews came from Bob (Buba) Richards and his Lincoln Financial Group. The Stews original format did not meet his approval. Don’t believe the hype about the declining ratings. They deliberately placed them in the worst time slot for only 2 hours. If you put American Idol on Friday nights, their numbers would decline too. Buba Richards is the true culprit here.
……and I’m gone.
G
May 7th, 2012
2:22 pm
Awright! Awright! wright!
Oh yeah….Let’s not get racism twisted with bigotry. Both are horrible, but minorities in this country cannot be racist.
Red Pill Sports
May 7th, 2012
4:52 pm
2 Live Stews – Everybody knows them; those other guys are just LOCAL!
- Steele, Juice
They’d probably get more respect if they were on ESPN Radio anyways…smh @ 1950’s Radio programmers
Red Pill Sports
May 7th, 2012
4:59 pm
ESPN New York or ESPN Los Angeles!!!
Ryan can talk Knicks!
Doug can talk Lakers!
And they won’t get accused of racism by those who probably have some other agenda…smh
Izaman
May 7th, 2012
8:32 pm
What illustrates how boring a sports town Atlanta really is more than this?
Talk NBA for Christ’s Sake. Talking about a team that had a historic collapse and cant sell out their stadium? You can save the braves talk until after the NBA finals…leaving ALL of July and August before football.
Im from atlanta and i have come to hate the falcons. boring, wont take chances on “guys with character issues”, and the “we are happy to have a traditional QB” faction.
Atlanta sports are boring, now Atlanta sports talk is boring. Vegas fight? we dont want to talk about that. NBA? Nope, too “ethnic”…lets rehash boring braves talk, how we hope the dogs do better this year or…what else is there worth talking about in atlanta? Hawks? nope. GT basketball? Nope. UGA basketball? Nope. Hockey? Gone.
Who freaking cares to listen to only Atlanta sports everyday. I dont want to hear no X’s and O’s football talking in May. Im not a gambler…just a casual sports fan.
I listen to sports talk for fun…to laugh…and if i can do that, why bother with it?
The stews had a wonderful two shows hosting in Vegas by themselves for 3 hours…then they have to comeback to some crap “roundtable”? Unbelievable.
Someone please rescue the stews from atlanta so the only time i have to tune into 790 is to catch a game on the radio when im in my car.
Reggie
May 9th, 2012
7:39 am
Wow!! Let’s see we got a new director! Doug Richards??? Mr Richards what you don’t get is when the Stews were authentic they had great ratings. If you know marketing you gotta know to be a mee too product is doomed. 680 the fan is a ” Hey Buck” tell us again about run Lindsey run”. It’s a Dawg station.” Hey Buck tell us about 1980 again!!!” What the Stews bought to the table was another point of view. Not Black but urban. In sales It’s called a “unique selling proposition.” Not Hey Buck! Mr Richards you don’t know radio. Trying to make the Stews like “Hey Buck” will be fatal for 790. I wish the Stews would leave 790 I will follow them. At that point 790 can be a :Hey Buck 2!! Good Luck with that!!!