2 Live Stews are off 790/The Zone. Are they 92.9 bound?
The Stews will have some time to golf now that the Zone has taken them off the air with more than three months of their contract to spare. PHOTO Courtesy of Big Brothers and Big Sisters
It’s official but not surprising: 790/The Zone has taken the 2 Live Stews off the air three months before their contracts are up.
This may ease the transition to another gig. The most obvious place for Ryan and Doug Stewart to go is the new sports talk station at 92.9, owned by CBS, which launches next month, obliterating adult rock station Dave FM in the process.
There is a problem: a pesky non compete clause that is six months long and technically prevents them from being on air in Atlanta until July 1, 2013. Their agent Norm Schrutt is trying to get them out of their current contract early so the non-compete could kick in sooner. Obviously, 92.9 is trying to solidify its lineup as soon as possible and this non-compete is a hindrance for them do so since the station is interested.
Schrutt said he was a little upset with Zone management because they told him earlier this month they were going to possibly offer the Stews a contract extension next week. Instead, the Stews were told they were off air yesterday and could take a three-month paid vacation instead.
The Stews’ rise and fall on 790/The Zone was epic. The brothers started at night in the early 2000s, given a lot of leeway to learn the radio craft and built a following as African-American sports talk hosts in a world where minorities are still relatively scarce. Via their fraternity Omega Psi Phi, they would call each other affectionately as dogs. Soon, they began calling their regular callers the same. And since calling a female caller a “dog” sounded inadvertently harsh, the pair began dubbing the ladies “poodles.”
They were loud and proud and would mix in entertainment/pop culture news in between comments about the Falcons and Hawks. They were not “wonky” stats guys but entertainers.
The Zone gave them gradually better time slots and soon, they were the station’s most popular show, pulling in huge ratings in the afternoon. They nabbed a syndication deal with Sporting News, heard at one point on more than 20 stations. They also had a regular gig on ESPN. The Stews were flying high – until they weren’t.
In 2010, Lincoln Financial took over management of 790/The Zone and the Stews quickly found out their hip-hop approach didn’t appeal to the new guys in charge. Hip-hop songs that used to lead into their show were replaced by the Goo Goo Dolls. They were told to tone down the “urban” sound and entertainment news about Usher and T.I. They did as they were told. And to many readers of this blog, their schtick was starting to feel stale. Others felt they weren’t doing enough show prep. Some listeners were not thrilled by their support of Michael Vick in 2007 during the dogfighting scandal. (See the comments below.)
Then they lost their syndication deal last year. Their hours were cut. Ratings slipped. Then in May of this year, their show was diluted into something called “The Red Zone” mid-days with Hans Heiserer and a rotating set of hosts. At the same time, ESPN chose not to renew their contract.
This past Wednesday was the Stews final hurrah on the Zone after nearly 11 years. Or as they often yelped about callers: “And they’re gone!”
“They’ve been consummate pros,” said program director Bob Richards, who arrived 18 months ago.”I really respect the time and energy they put into this radio station. Without them, I’m not sure the station would have launched the way they did years ago.”
Doug Stewart, in an interview, chose not to dwell on the negative. “It’s incredible what we’ve done there over 11 years,” he said today. “I want to thank the fans who supported. This isn’t the last you’ve heard from us.”
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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241 comments Add your comment
TrillionaireKSG
September 14th, 2012
5:22 pm
If roles was reversed and you white people was the minority, How would you cope in a black man’s world.
ty webb
September 14th, 2012
5:29 pm
did they ever figure out that poodles are in fact, dogs? or that poodles can be male and female?
Norwegian Blue
September 14th, 2012
5:40 pm
Even as a UGA fan I couldn’t handle all the barking. I like those guys personally and wish them well, but I just couldn’t listen to their show, and it’s not a race thing, because I can’t listen to Jim Rome or Colin Cowherd either. To me 680 and 790 are the basically same, and I’m glad we have both of them in Atlanta. I love sports talk and I don’t care for the other options on the AM radio dial (from NPR to conservative talk radio). This is a good move for 790 because it’s one less reason for me to change the channel to 680.
Kyle
September 14th, 2012
5:40 pm
Now if they can get rid of the Obama loving, Clint Eastwood hating Steak then the radio station might be worth tuning into.
USMC
September 14th, 2012
5:42 pm
“Larry, If it wasn’t for white people there would be no wars…”–TrillionaireKSG
LOL! You obviously don’t read the news of all of the Bruthas KILLING each other in EVERY Metropolitan area in AMerica.
Ever heard of Chicago, Detroit, or Atlanta.. There is a war every day in Da Hood!
DUM AZZ!
Whiskey Breath
September 14th, 2012
5:43 pm
I’m not sure they weren’t the best in Atlanta. The rest of the talking heads all sound the same.
These guys actually knew what they were talking about.
You will be missed.
Don't let the proberbial door hit you in the as$
September 14th, 2012
5:45 pm
Most of us were tired of the Two Jive Stewed after the first few months. Just because you yell something, doesn’t make it true or enlightening. The only reason they were on the air was because they were different. Please let them land in another market. Like Philadelphia, with their dog fighting buddy.
PTC DAWG
September 14th, 2012
5:46 pm
IF so, I won’t be listening. I’m out DAWG…
USMC
September 14th, 2012
5:46 pm
The STEWS were HORRIBLE!
The only color involved in this decision was GREEN as in dollar$.
Ryan was absolutely obnoxious, not because he is black, he is just straight up Da Fool!
Even though Doug was unprepared, he was a likeable person compared to his brother, Ryan.
There is an old saying in the entertainment bidness, “LESS is more”. Learn it!
gabugman
September 14th, 2012
5:49 pm
Don’t let the door hit ya in the hiney, couple a racists!
USMC
September 14th, 2012
5:50 pm
Message to the Brothers:
“Diversity doesn’t just mean BLACK”
Nobody hates you for your skin color, get over it and join the melting pot.
We luvs ya!
moe leary
September 14th, 2012
5:51 pm
Whatever; most importantly,
where is Mara Davis going?
p
September 14th, 2012
5:51 pm
All shows go off the air eventually. People tire of the same old schlock and same plots. If you are really good like Dimino or own part of the radio station, you can stay– for a while longer.
Whoah Nelly
September 14th, 2012
5:51 pm
This just in! The Stews have signed a new deal to appear on Honey Boo Boo!
KD
September 14th, 2012
6:00 pm
I had zero interest in sports talk radio until The Stews showed up. I know that I personally introduced The Stews to over 100 people.
Les
September 14th, 2012
6:06 pm
I will listen to the Stews, wherever they end up. I’ve been enjoying their show for years, and their approach is now a part of my sports routine. Plus, they really represent the region. Doug, Ryan – hope to hear you guys again.
USMC
September 14th, 2012
6:18 pm
The Stews need to thank Steaky Shapiro for giving them their start in Sports Talk Radio-just sayin
Former 790 Listener
September 14th, 2012
6:35 pm
680 the fan will definitely be # 1 now!! At least they don’t wear SHEETS! If you are a bigot grow a pair and step to a man’s face and talk ish! Keyboard courage is for punks! lol
Brent
September 14th, 2012
6:39 pm
For those who hated the Stews barking and the way they speak…..we despise the baffoonery of Mike Bell….we don’t get it! 680 all the way!!
rod
September 14th, 2012
6:57 pm
they actually got better when the were made the red zone they quit the hip hop and showed their expertise in football
rod
September 14th, 2012
6:59 pm
steak and the gang brought in the stews, chuck smith, home team, the scribe etc. here is the bottom line. it sont matter if you are white, black or green. Ratings mean dollars they werent pulling the ratings and off they go.
sad
September 14th, 2012
7:04 pm
Folks have nothing better to do. I liked the Stews. I like several of the other guys, but after this, I think I’m going to find another station to listen to for a while. For those that don’t like them, why doesn’t it stop at that? You have to find an article about them to rag on ‘em? Get a life and grow up.
There are other shows out there that aren’t my cup of tea. Guess what? I’m not about to wait on some post about that show to demean them. I suggest that those of you that don’t like the Stews find better ways to amuse yourselves than waiting for posts like this to tell the wolrd how much you hated them…it will be better for your own health and sanity in the long run.
Bill from Jacksonville
September 14th, 2012
7:19 pm
Why do some idiots always pretend to be black and make racist comments in blogs. I guess it is to make people think that all blacks see things in race only. It is childish and stupid. A a black person we know every business decision isn’t race based. I guess people make these ignorant comments just to make white people believe that blacks are always complaining . WE ARE ON TO YOU CLOWNS.
DontSayItoldyaSo
September 14th, 2012
8:32 pm
Hey @Larry
Go suck a 12″ hairy black mamba, if you know what I’m sayin’.
DC
September 14th, 2012
8:52 pm
I am so glad you guys got fired. I could not stand listening to the red zone anymore. You guys are cool. But those two white guys they had you paired with were driving me crazy. I’m glad I read the article. I did’t know what happened to your orginal show. I was listening one day and the show seemed watered down. You would say something then back down from your comment. I thought Ryan had said something crazy and got you guys in trouble. Thats why you had to dail it back. But this is a blessing. You will be on FM. And you can go back to sports entertainment. Leave those white guys to talking about the third string right tackle for Ole Mis (boring). Nobody cares about that.
I can’t wait til you’re back on the air. I would go to my car at lunch to listen. I couldn’t listen at my desk. You have me laughing too loud.
Listen to you soon from a poodle who mis you guys. And I’m gone.
keith from Decatur
September 14th, 2012
9:23 pm
Glad the Stews will be heard outside of the perimeter….Once again, the zone gets rid of its best talent…I will have 92.9 locked in. I am a fan of Chris D., Mike Bell John M. and Nick C. The rest of the folks at the station you can send down the river. They have lost a former exclusive listener to 790…
John D
September 14th, 2012
10:12 pm
I really thought Ryan And Doug had something different. The problem was it never evolved. I’m a loyal listener to the format and my buddies and I have always known there are only 1 or 2 guys who work in this city. Opinions formed from gathering information matters.The Stews constantly got things wrong and worse than that they sounded like the angry racists they railed against. Probably in part because they weren’t prepared enough or didn’t care enough to do the work. Good run. I’ll keep listening to 790 because the station is smarter and more entertaining. I’m a Southerner who does NOT like Barnhart and Durham. To Pompous but not funny about it. Mayhem show is far and away the best even with Steak. Putting Chris and Nick on in middays or afternoons again would be the best move possible. And Chuck and Chernoff are are making the same mistake as the Stews. They went from good to silly to really close to unlistenable in the last yr. Egos and lack of work ethic will do them in too.
c.jones
September 14th, 2012
10:47 pm
Yea to all the guys talkn racism??? these guys entertained so all you heard was entertaining. these are some good brothers, if they were racist they probably would have tore the whole station up for how they was handle but they didn’t they kept it G the only shows really worth listening to and look at was the Stews and John Michaels and now 790 is out of my phone and off my radios. I had only been listening for about 2years so the hold time was banging to me. LOVE DA STEW!
mellow
September 14th, 2012
11:19 pm
How is it that so many people keep commenting that they didn’t listen to the Stews, but they didn’t do any research or that the show didn’t evolve. I’ve been a listener since they were syndicated in ‘06 and the thing I love about them is the fact they didn’t sound like or have opinions of other hosts. Too many hosts sound like Stepford hosts. Giving the same lame opinions day after day. But the Stews didn’t evolve? Funny how that works!
rich angelo
September 14th, 2012
11:38 pm
I will really miss the Stews on the zone. I’ve bee an avid listener since the station was founded, and am fortunate to be able to listen daily. I feel bad for the Stews. They were originally very entertaining, but got very obnoxious once the Mike Vick story dominated the news.I’m convinced they made him the center piece oft heir show to further their careers. I don’t think its coincidental that they became regulars on ESPN and became syndicated during the Mike Vick drama. During that time frame, they also defended Barry Bonds and O J Simpson. They went from refreshing to hard to listen too seemingly overnight. Very sad,,,,,was on e listener who wanted them to exceed.I still wish then well…and will try to listen again.
intellibird
September 15th, 2012
12:02 am
Enjoyed them back when they had the woman doing the social stuff and they seemed to have their own show from start to finish.
However, last week I heard one of them make a comment about GA Tech losing to Clemson last year, which struck me as totally odd. I know one of them went to Tech, but when I heard them erroneously say that Clemson beat Tech last year it really hit home for me that these guys aren’t even doing basic research. Not sure which one it was, but nobody even corrected them. As a Clemson fan, I of course knew that Tech gave us our first loss last year and it was stunning to hear somebody on the radio not even know who won that game. Especially someone who went to Tech. Nobody even corrected the dude. C’mon!
Brad ex-ATL
September 15th, 2012
7:40 am
Man, I’m glad I moved out of the ATL 2 yrs ago to the SF Bay Area. I don’t miss the racist white people. And I don’t miss hyper-sensitive “big chip on the shoulder” black people. The constant racial undertones of life in the ATL is out of my life!
STL_Rick
September 15th, 2012
8:28 am
I stopped listening to 790 since ‘the red zone’ was created. I know follow the stews on twitter and await news of their next radio gig.
GO Stews
VChan
September 15th, 2012
8:39 am
The writing has been on the wall and it’s ok. I can say that I am proud that these guys took an opportunity and ran with it. Ignorance is bliss, so racists on both sides can continue to spew their ignorance on this blog. By the way, it’s funny how Mike Bell can be so blatant with his stereotypical views and never get called out for it. I guess he gets the “frat boy” drinking pass. Congrats to the Stews, “Bloodied but Unbowed”. C Dimino, Cellini and Soon 2 Be Famous are my dudes, but that’s about it.
Roderick
September 15th, 2012
9:50 am
Boycott 790,espn, and 128 the power we gonna support those Bruhs. If they loooking for me tell em I’m on with the Stew Brothers . I’m gone
Tony
September 15th, 2012
10:05 am
In my opinion there is a market for all types of talk shows. I find it strange that Al Sharpton and Rush can have a show and the 2 Live Stews can’t. Their best ratings were when they stayed true to who they were. In my opinion once they started to change the show (after being asked to do so) who they really were didn’t come through on the airwaves. I would love to see them back on the radio and or tv because I feel that it should be up to us listeners and viewers to decide if we will support them. Having said that if they do get another show I hope they stay true to who they are because if Rome, Dan Patrick and Skip (who I watch) can be who they are I see no problem with the 2 Live Stews being who they are. In closing to me this is not about black and white it’s about a choice. Let them do them and let us make the choice because at the end of the day sports isn’t in BLACK OR WHITE! (PEACE)
TPM
September 15th, 2012
11:41 am
I lost respect for Stewarts when they made Michael Vick’s dog fighting case a racial issue. They never supported the Mulder brothers micro-waved the puppy.
Traci404
September 15th, 2012
12:11 pm
Back to Vanilla and boring.
It was a good 11 year run fellas.
Noticing that Sports talk radio in Atlanta is the same boring, “Never ever worn a jock strap crew”
Every sports fan is not interested in hearing the STATISTCS spun twisted and dissected after and before every game.
I see where a bunch of “Couch Potatoes” are calling them idiots, Cant be too stupid, to have managed to take a 3 hour show – NO ONE ever heard of…and turn it into massive ratings, a syndicated sow and a deal with ESPN.
They will land on their feet. Stay tuned.
Stop being HATERS…and “Im gone”!
chasd
September 15th, 2012
12:38 pm
The stews are and were the bomb. These guys started a different way to talk about sports without kissing up to anyone. They brought a different vibe that some are jealous of. Most of the talk guys have never played sports and can only talk from stats or info researched by others. These guys had relationships with other players and playas. They could relate on and off the field which created some of the best inteviews for 790 the zone. Hopefullythey will get on a station that you an pick up in gwinnett after 3pm. The keep it real brothas will be heard. And I’m gone alright, alright. Enjoy your vacation. Don’t change a thing. It’s time for them to adapt to yall. Ask Stewart Scott about that. Stay Blessed
Why??????
September 15th, 2012
2:25 pm
Yet another comment board turned to strictly race related, anonymous insults. Will these poorly educated, backwoods Southerners EVER leave the 1800’s????? Really sad….
Ray
September 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Racism! White amerikkka wants to whitewash everything!
Nikki
September 15th, 2012
6:01 pm
Really?! Do you people commenting REALLY peoply believe that these folks screaming “racism” are doing nothing more than making fun of the situation? It’s so easy to hide behind your laptop. #Cowards
Hillyard Crump
September 15th, 2012
7:01 pm
they get fired because they a black
Hillyard Crump
September 15th, 2012
7:03 pm
Boycott everyone who canned the 2 live stews…
ESPN
Sporting News Radio
790 the zone
Detroit Lions
Georgia Teck
Jacksonville Jags
All white people
Steak Shapiro daddy
all honkeys
Ignition
September 15th, 2012
7:20 pm
Well won’t be listening to 790 anymore eff em they can stay Bubba …
Doug most definitely needed to step up in a minor way tho he was down right giving false information on the radio. The Stews the reason I listen to sports talk .. So wherever they go I’m there…
digital image suite products
September 15th, 2012
9:30 pm
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Rodney Ho
September 15th, 2012
11:26 pm
I have always found these non-competes more like gentlemen’s agreements among radio companies. Unless they’re paying you while you’re off the air, I can’t see how truly enforceable they are in a court of law. I’ll have to ask an attorney about that. At least I would think if the Stews have a six-month noncompete, it should be in effect from the moment they are truly off the air, which was Sept. 12, 2012, which means they should be allowed back on the air March 12, 2013. Again, I’ll check since I am no legal expert.
Big Reg
September 16th, 2012
7:18 am
man this some straight bull%%% right here!
M915
September 16th, 2012
8:50 am
Ive listened to 790 since the 1st day.Last wednesday was my last.See you down the road stews, ill be listening whereever you guys go.
ITK
September 16th, 2012
10:21 am
Carpetbagger Steaky comes to the ATL with daddy’s money and gets a sports station. He loves sports and money. Gets the station and thus more gas to fuel the ego. The Strews come on board and now Steaky can claim not to be a racist and gets to make mo money off of the Strews. The Strews start failing, so Steaky pulls the fellow tribe member shot at the Falcon’s owner, and he gets the Falcons on his station. More money to keep him on the air to fuel the dimwit? I’m gone… because that is what I leeeeeearned over the weekend!