Wendy Adams leaving Q100’s Bert Show
Wendy Adams has been with Q100 for several years as the traffic person but her final day was today. CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
Loading ...Just got this brief email passed along to me by a source:
From: Rob Roberts
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 5:00 PM
To: ATL Staff
Subject: Wendy AdamsWendy leaves Cumulus Atlanta today.
We wish her great things going forward.
Rob Roberts
Program Director
Q100/Rock 100.5/Journey 97.9
Cumulus Atlanta
Wendy Adams has been with Q100 for seven years. At some point, she started doing traffic for the Bert Show. Over time, her profile on the show had gradually been upgraded, especially since she was by far the youngest person on the crew and provided a different perspective from the others, who are now in their 30s and 40s.
“Early on, she was single, she was drinking and clubbing,” said Weiss, in an interview. “She’s now in a relationship and has grown out of that role.” But he still felt she had a place on the show.
UPDATE: Weiss posted his own note about her departure on his website. Read it here.
He said it wasn’t a performance issue, merely a budget cutting issue. Weiss had no control over her employment status since she was effectively a Q100 traffic reporter first, a Bert Show cast member second.
“I understand the business side of things but it doesn’t make it any easier,” he said. Unlike other shows, who are often told not to ever mention the person who was let go, he said he plans to address Wendy’s departure at least two or three times Tuesday on the show.
Over the years, what surprised me was the level of rancor toward her on this blog. Many fans of the Bert Show genuinely disliked Wendy. She also sounded a bit like the new cast member Kristin Klingshirn, who took over for Melissa Carter last year.
The Bert Show ratings remain very strong. It’s regularly the No. 2 show in the market, only behind V-103’s Frank & Wanda.
Based on Wendy’s most recent Tweets (@wendyradio), she didn’t know this was coming.
UPDATE on 6/19/12 at 7 a.m.
Weiss said he expects Cumulus will use the same person to do all traffic across multiple Cumulus radio stations.
“We’re missing her energy and her bubbly personality,” said Jenn Hobby this morning on air. “All the positivity she brings to the room. We’re going to miss her so much.”
“She’s destined for great things,” added Klingshirn.
UPDATE on June 25, 2012: Wendy posted an “open letter” to Facebook. Here it is in full:
To my Q100 and Bert Show family and our listeners:
To say it’s been a crazy past few days may be a bit of an understatement. My emotions have been overwhelming at times on both ends of the spectrum.I’m not going to lie, it’s scary to lose a job. My mind has been in a million directions; from shock, to wondering when and where I will find my next job, to thinking “wow, it’s nice to sleep in,” to “I know I’m going to be OK,” and then back to square one. With that array of emotions, it’s difficult to really put how I’m feeling into words. But here it goes.
It’s always in time of need, you see which people are truly there for you. I am overwhelmed by your outreach of support. I have seen and read every Facebook and Twitter post that you have left. Your supportive comments and well wishes have made me feel blessed. I want you to know how much I appreciate you letting me into your lives. Thank you for allowing me to share my life with you; to laugh, cry, involve you in my family drama, share with you my not-so-good relationships, and allow me to boast in my current one. (No, Billy Elliot still hasn’t proposed). Thank you for allowing me to really grow-up with you. It’s been a journey. And I feel like my journey is just beginning.
You may have heard stories before about “radio” people starting at a small station. They move from city to city, station to station looking for the next big opportunity. I have been fortunate enough to not go through that process. Thanks to Susquehanna and Cumulus for the opportunity to work and grow at one station for 7 years. I have been at Q100 since I was 19-years-old back in May of 2004 as a promotions intern. Who knew then that this promotions girl, would then turn in to a phone screener? Who knew that that phone screener would be allowed the occasional opportunity to be on air? Who knew this on-air phone screener would eventually turn in to a co-host at night with Adam-Bomb? And who knew that Bert Weiss, host of one of the best morning shows out there, would notice this night show co-host and her talent? Well, he did. I came in to take over the traffic position, with the hopes of more on-air opportunities with a show that I listened to and a show that I was a fan of. Who could have dreamt of more?
I would like to thank Bert for that opportunity of becoming more than just a traffic reporter. He gave me the chance to grow; to find my own radio personality. I was even given a computer in studio for my traffic reports, so that I was able to interact on every segment during the show. No other traffic reporter was given that opportunity. I was a true member of the Bert Show. Thank you to Bert for that opportunity and for all your guidance through the years. I feel blessed to have sat next to Melissa Carter, one of the strongest women I know. She was my Mama Melissa, always giving me advice. She taught me to be fearless; to share my opinions regardless of what others thought. Jeff has taught me to laugh at myself. We all have faults and things we’d rather people not know. I learned to embrace those things and was able to laugh at myself. He is like a big brother I’ve never had; he would pick on me, but would be the first to have my back. Jenn has taught me confidence and to be true to myself. Jenn has been a great role model for me. She’s my big sister. From her I’ve learned that what I share on the air about myself is important. There is always someone out there that is in the exact same place as I am. She also taught me: to be a great interviewer is to listen. That’s one piece of advice I will never forget. To Tracey, you are a rock star. You are one of the hardest working people I know. Thanks for listening to me and having my back when I’ve needed it. To Dylan, a huge thank you for giving me my first chance in radio. Without your belief in me and your advice, I wouldn’t be where I am today. To Adam Bomb, thank you for letting me be your co-host for 2 years. I’ve learned from you that radio is fun and is a great place for creative minds. You’ve helped me get to that next step with the Bert Show. To Rob Roberts, thank you for helping me to improve and to be the best I could be. To the rest of my Bert Show family: Kristin, Tommy, Carl, Natalie, Josh, Cassie and Marisa, thanks for being my second family.
Like I said before, losing a job is scary, but I’ve got a great second family. We’re all trying to make it in this economy. Companies are trying to make it in this economy too. Budget cuts happen; down-sizing happens. I will be OK. Thank you again for all of your supportive thoughts and well wishes! I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the next chapter in my life.
Wendy
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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145 comments Add your comment
Pony-Up Bert
June 18th, 2012
11:29 pm
Yeah Bert, I’m saying it …. PONY-UP some of your UNDESERVED loot to keep Wendy on board! You tool.
NO radio personality is actually WORTH, not even close, what he/she is paid. Sadly, it’s shockingly unbelievable the $ these jokers are paid to “work” oh … I don’t know …. 30 hrs a week!!
Sad, sad, sad. Boot Bert, and take the joke Jen Hobby with him.
The Bert Show sucks
June 18th, 2012
11:30 pm
Soooooooooooo boring…
Larry W-A-C-H-S
June 18th, 2012
11:39 pm
Wendy….I’m available if you want to…uh….talk. Ignore Steve…..he’s just after pity sex.
Is Jenn Hobby Fake?
June 18th, 2012
11:43 pm
When significant others of TBS cast answered “What bothers you about (whoever)?” Grant said it bothers him that he didn’t meet Jenn sooner. Hey! Grant, you met her more than a year before you asked her out! You said it in that student’s interview and Hobby said it on air! It’s like Bert says: when couples work SO hard to seemingly put on a show of happy they are — they usually are not.
Brandon
June 18th, 2012
11:46 pm
I think Wendy was the one absolutely true to herself and honest person on the show. For Bert to say he had NO control I think is B.S. Budget cuts really? I have a VERY close friend that works for Cumulus and if it was for money she would have been the LAST to let go considering the others salary. The Bert show always wants to be known for doing the “right” thing and helping others out, well Bert you totally did the opposite here. She worked harder than anyone on that show and made the least amount. I will NOT be listening to the show anymore. Wendy was done wrong and the Bert show will see what a mistake they made. In radio, EVERY listener counts, they truly lost a lot with this move. Wendy, I wish you the best and every thing happens for a reason ,l and you will find something much better!
Is Jenn Hobby Fake?
June 18th, 2012
11:50 pm
I have to admit I felt sorry for Wendy whenever she would return from her vacations and Jenn would squeal, “Are you ENGAGED!?! I’m lookin’ for that ring finger!!! Oh.” Maybe once a month someone should ask Jenn on air: “Are you pregnant YET?!!!!” Note to Jenn: it’s impolite to ask if someone got engaged. She would’ve told you if she was…..
Carla
June 18th, 2012
11:53 pm
That was one curt memo Rob Roberts sent! I’m wondering if he didn’t appreciate that she drank half bottle of wine before she asked for that raise. (She admitted it on air.)
Braydan
June 19th, 2012
12:11 am
Good to see that I am not the only one who can’t stand Jenn. Wendy was honest and real…Jenn is fake. Jenn’s “holier than though” persona gets old and I wish she were the one that was laid off. Maybe Hollywood will come calling and she will jet off to the west coast for good. Best wishes Wendy.
Jenn
June 19th, 2012
12:30 am
I just thought ummmm…. The Bert Show ummmmmm……might want to know….my poo ummmmmm……..doesn’t stink!
Typical
June 19th, 2012
12:35 am
Sad to hear, Wendy was a great addition to the show. Ironically I remember listening a month or two ago about a bit encouraging Wendy to ask for a raise. Nice prep work fellas, hopefully you help her out moving forward, cause clearly you didn’t help there. Anything for ratings not shocking just pathetic. Hire an intern instead to keep the costs down.
TBS Fan
June 19th, 2012
12:39 am
Bert IS the show. Everyone else is easily replaceable. Ever hear it when he’s not there? Very stilted and awkward without him. Jeff sure is funny, though! Kristin is gorgeous and genuine. Cracks me up when they talk about “having to talk for five-and-a-half hours.” They repeat segments so often and play that silly “name that tune” game with each other for a significant portion of the show. (Still not sure how that’s entertaining for listeners, but hoping it’ll be over soon.) Celebrity incarceration is also very stale. I DO like the show, though!
Bleh
June 19th, 2012
12:49 am
Glad she’s gone – when I saw the headline, I was thinking, please be Wendy, please be Wendy… I just got so tired of her constant girl-cry every chance she had air-time.. Good luck, hon… Go get some professional help and then try again… bleh!
Derrick (Billy Elliot)
June 19th, 2012
12:59 am
Does anyone know how to save a web page screen shot before Cumulus revamps the site tonight for extra broadband width (and removes Wendy’s image? Does anyone know of a time when Wendy made it through a clean traffic report for her demo tape? Please post the date. Does anyone know of a new woman to take me in? Living on severance and unemployment won’t be fun. Kids: Take a lesson — don’t drop out of school! Crack a dictionary/grammar book if you’re on air! Follow @hobbyhumor!
Jethro Bo Din
June 19th, 2012
1:00 am
Give me 3 Ho cakes, a glass of pimpin, 3 jet legs, 2 beef cakes, and some ripple!!!
kirk
June 19th, 2012
4:54 am
First, we have had scores of radio personalities in Atlanta that was probably more deserving of public criticism than q100’s Wendy. I remember when she was known as “Phone Hottie Wendy” before the traffic gig started. Back in the Myspace days, she would regularly communicate with fans and talk about it on air. As she became part of the TBS, criticism about her became quite hostile and intense..especially on this blog.
I’ll say that her on-air personality clearly didn’t endear her to many fans, and the fact that Bert, Jeff and the others would spend several minutes defending her. I think their defense of her made her more of a target of fans. It also seem to be at a point some years back that she really didn’t care what people thought of her.
Its also interesting that people have become so outraged by a voice over the radio, but, for the last several years, in a way she was a part of their lives, so it makes you wonder if all the anger toward Wendy is really about them and not her. What will they do now?
Its obvious that she had lots of issues as has been mentioned, but did she really deserve being pink-slipped without any notice? Certainly, Bert could’ve done something (it is the Bert show after all), What did Bert know and when did he know it? We’ll probably never know, and even though it could have been handled better, perhaps it was for the best.
Honestly…did I really enjoy her pronouncing Atlanta “Al-anna” after every traffic report?
honky tonk man
June 19th, 2012
5:10 am
Enter your comments here
Mikey Microphone
June 19th, 2012
6:06 am
I’d rather listen to Elvis Durrand and his crew in the morning anyway. Rodney Ho will be next to go
Anne
June 19th, 2012
6:20 am
The Bert Show needs some new energy – they need a fun, young, SMART female or male in their 20’s or early 30’s who is single. That kind of perspective could really liven up the show. Everyone being in a serious relationship is boring. Wendy was a sweet girl, but added nothing special to the show.
Billy
June 19th, 2012
6:42 am
Just buy satellite radio. The musical chairs, “Elaine Zittac,” method of management is what needs to be fired.
The only station on the FM dial worth listening to was changed to a news only format last month, as if there’s no internet, no tv, etc.
Satellite is apparently the way to go. The management there has more value for their employees, something “low forehead mgmt incorporated” of Atlanta lack, and then some.
Some people can’t handle authority; they always overreach, swing their weight around. You reap what yoy sow, Boss; better do the right thing instead of enhancing your bonus by firing others…
Call It Like It Is
June 19th, 2012
7:49 am
Now they just need to fire Jeff, bring in the Kimmer and let him and Bert fight it out each morning. That I would tune in for.
Beanie
June 19th, 2012
8:06 am
Ugh! I liked Wendy. Fire Jen! She gets on my last nerve. She thinks her you-know-what doesn’t stink! Love Kristin and Jeff! Wish they would do their own thing… I used to listen to the Bert show every morning, now I can’t stand it.
100 fan
June 19th, 2012
8:13 am
Should have kept Wendy and sent Kristen packing, she is terrible. Wendy was the best personality on that show.
Asker
June 19th, 2012
8:23 am
Rodney, so did Mixmaster Mark on TRG get the can too? They’ve had a new guy doing traffic there since Monday.
move on
June 19th, 2012
8:24 am
The Bert Show became too politically correct. I like Bert and he carries the whole show. He will go really far in radio.
However, they really have turned the showed into a radio version of The View. Sometimes Jeff and Bert need to man up. They’ve let the women take over with a bunch of drama, noninteresting stories.
Jeff
June 19th, 2012
8:25 am
Loooooooong overdue! Best of luck to her but she did nothing for the show.
Ray
June 19th, 2012
8:31 am
Thank God for satilite radio – since Melissa’s departure, this show stinks. Kristin is terrible – fire whoever hired her.
Mike
June 19th, 2012
8:35 am
I hate to see Wendy go, but I have no doubt that she’ll move on to bigger and better things. One door closes and another door opens…..
Kristen is absolutely horrendous. I don’t listen as often since she’s arrived.
HP
June 19th, 2012
8:36 am
Didn’t she just go in to her bosses not too long ago and ask for a raise? Right. That, and discussing it on air, put her on The List. Poor girl. I made that mistake when I was young too. Never again. I will just quietly start interviewing. Good luck Wendy, I hope you find something soon.
move on
June 19th, 2012
8:37 am
The Bert Show desparately needs a early 20s, single guy, for some new energy on the show. They are slowly transitioning into an old peoples show about marriages and kids.
Ever notice that when Bert is on vacation that they run reruns of the show. They tried having Melissa and Jenn run the show a few times and it was absolutely horrible. I guess thats why its called The Bert Show. Everyone else on that show is totally replaceable. Actually South Side Steve wouldn’t be a bad addition either.
A.J.
June 19th, 2012
8:38 am
I don’t understand why people care to comment on a show they obviously don’t listen to or like. At any rate, I wasn’t a big fan of Wendy (she wasn’t the brightest crayon in the box), but she seemed sweet. And she obviously didn’t see this coming, so I hope she’s all right. I wish her the best, though I can’t say I’m sad to see her go.
REALIST
June 19th, 2012
8:40 am
BERT= You are a joke. 40+ year old trying to act like a 20yr old. That Wendy was released due to budget cuts? Whatever, just like you fought for Jeff, you could have done that for Wendy. She was the hardest working cast member. Jenn, you talk about being a Christian, etc.. You are PHONY/FAKE… I hope your REAL inner being feels like SH)T
Mike
June 19th, 2012
8:43 am
Bert mentioned on-air this morning that Wendy was not a “contract member” of the Bert Show and that she was released by Cumulus. Well then – if you cared so much why don’t you approach her to become a “contract memeber” of the show? Hmmmmmm….
Oh, and did I mention how cringeworthy Kristen is??
Davis
June 19th, 2012
8:45 am
- Move on – you are right! There needs to be a big infusion of testosterone on that show – Bert and Jeff need to man up…..and yes – Bert you are married with kids in your forties – stop acting like you are in your 20s…..
Turtle Man
June 19th, 2012
8:57 am
Wendy wasn’t a “member” of The Bert Show anyways. All she did was agree with Jenn the entire time. Good riddance! She does have a nice @$$ though
Scorned
June 19th, 2012
9:02 am
I had no use for Wendy ever since she rejected my Facebook friendship. I haven’t listened to the Bert Show in a year because Bert drives me insane the way he talks. He drags his words on like he’s singing. You knoooooooooow, I had to do thaaaaaaaat becauuuuuuuuuuuuse. Stop it Bert!
Lil Birdie
June 19th, 2012
9:17 am
I have “friends” on this show and even had to stop listening… They keep hitting new lows. They need another “Melissa” – someone educated and intelligent and not afraid to be that.
Only reason Frank & Wanda, or V for that matters, have the top spot is their signal. People in Alabama can listen to V.
Brittany
June 19th, 2012
9:36 am
It took a lot of time for me to warm up to Wendy. There’s an 8 year age gap, so naturally I didn’t find her too interesting, considering I had already been down that road. But, over the years, she seemed to mature and grow with the rest of the cast. Then, enter Kristin. She amplified my new-found enjoyment of Wendy. Kristin is awful. The cast is no longer cohesive, and for this, I haven’t listened in over 8 months. Shame on Cumulus for not looking at seniority when letting go of employees. And, shame on anyone for listening to Kristin laugh at herself, constantly, and act like she knows everything about pop culture (while never getting any of her lines right), and thinking she’s endearing. God willing, she’s next.
If I still listened, I’d be sorry to see you go, Wendy.
Rodney
June 19th, 2012
9:38 am
Dang. After listening to Frank & Wanda for my first few years in Atlanta and sometimes the Bert Show I’ve now gone to making the Bert Show my number one morning show, but they are getting on my nerves with all the changes. Kristen has grown on me after Melissa’s departure now Wendy is leaving too. Hopefully this is the last one and Jen doesn’t end up on the chopping block next.
Sophie
June 19th, 2012
9:42 am
I just wish that the departing cast member was Jenn. Just think, if she were cut how much more time she would have to hang with Regis and fly coast to coast with Brad and Angie. Yes Jenn, we do realize your star power!!
MMM fan
June 19th, 2012
9:43 am
Cumulus lets Mix Master Mark go, I’m switching over to the satellite in the a.m. He is my favorite member of the TRG show. He is the most genuine of all the guys on that show. I’ve met him on a few occasions and he is as nice in person as he is on the radio.
Captain Herb
June 19th, 2012
9:44 am
Did you really cite “this blog” (eg, comments) as a source in your story? I think you need to do a bit more reporting.
Jessica
June 19th, 2012
10:31 am
I am sorry to see her go and wish her well in the future. I too was often surprised by the level of vitriol towards her whenever Q100 was ever mentioned in this blog – whether or not she was part of the story. But I thought that she grew over the eyars and evolved into a confident and essential member of the show. I hope great things happen for her soon.
Gretchen
June 19th, 2012
10:33 am
Wendy got on my nerves. Her immaturity was really annoying me. Especially lately. And the Wendy/Kristin teenie bopper ness is just over the top. Jeff Dauler keeps me listening. But Wendy’s droning on about her relationship with her father, spilling very intimate details of their struggle and his depression and mental illness–at the same time spurring off therapy because she doesn’t want a stranger spreading their issues and talking about them with others. WHILE SHE DRONES ON ABOUT THEM ON THE RADIO. Who is there left to tell?
joe
June 19th, 2012
10:53 am
I started off disliking Wendy…but she was extremely young and naive…but she’s grown up a bit and started doing a much better job as of late. Libtard Jen Hobby on the other hand is like listening to nails on a chalk board. Her whiny voice and I am woman hear me roar diatribe is horrible. When she begins a segment on the show, I tune to another station.Rest of the gang is pretty cool, esp. the new girl Kristen.
Southside Steve
June 19th, 2012
11:04 am
Enter your comments here
Southside Steve
June 19th, 2012
11:05 am
I’d hit it, if she wasn’t so old….Yeah come on!!
ACE
June 19th, 2012
11:07 am
@mmmfan-When did that happen? I liked Mark also, sad to hear this
Ned Puddleman
June 19th, 2012
11:07 am
I don’t listen to the show but just about anyone joining the ranks of the unemployed in today’s economic depression due to budget cuts has my sympathy. There as some fine and decent people through no fault of their own that is unemployed. Hopefully she saved her money and will land on her feet.
Rich Black
June 19th, 2012
11:24 am
I don’t listem to talk radio.
blahblahblah
June 19th, 2012
11:39 am
Kristin Klingerbomber sucks and does not belong on radio. Let Kristin go!!! Kristin might be the dumbest radio personality out there. Bert, what were you thinking man? Her speech just never flows and she misuses and mispronounces words everyday. It’s quite sad. She just has not lived up to her expectation.