Frank Ski’s big announcement Thursday: will he stay or will he go?
Frank Ski has been a fixture on Atlanta radio the past 14 years. Will he make it to year 15? CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
Loading ...V-103’s Frank Ski this morning was touting the “biggest announcement of my life” tomorrow morning on the radio station.
This could mean several different things. Like the big Bert Show announcement earlier this month when Jenn Hobby said she was leaving and later, going to Kicks 101.5 as a mid-day host, I have no direct knowledge of what Ski has up his sleeve. I can only surmise based on his current situation.
Ski has been part of the longest-running local music morning show in Atlanta on the same station: 14 years with Wanda Smith. He’s outlasted Steve & Vikki and Randy & Spiff. He’s been on longer than Kevin & Taylor and the Bert Show. He works hard. He takes his craft seriously. He can do silly stuff. He can tackle the hard issues. He has a fair share of critics, who complain that he’s an arrogant name dropper, but he brings in the listeners year in, year out.
Here are possible scenarios:
- Ski has a huge new party to announce, a charity event to push, a concert to hype. Realistically, this probably wouldn’t be so big that he’d need to promote it ahead of time. That is something he would just announce.
- Ski has signed a new contract. He’s been without a long-term contract since September and has been negotiating for a new one throughout the fall, even necessitating a meeting with the CBS honchos up in New York. He and Smith have been regularly No. 1 for most of the 14 years the show has been on the air in all key age groups. Why not keep him around for another go? Sure, he gets well compensated, well into the six figures, but he generates even more for V-103 in ad revenue. Ski himself has been silent on the contract issue since I wrote about it in mid-October and his attorney Mark Trigg has declined to comment. The problem with this scenario is it would be considered business as usual. Why would he need to announce it?
- Ski is going to be syndicated. With Tom Joyner, Rickey Smiley and Steve Harvey as his primary competitors, he sure would love have 20 to 80 stations in his pocket nationwide. It’s lucrative and ego gratifying for sure. Ski has had limited forays into syndication in the past, including his former home in Baltimore, but nothing has stuck. The problem with this possible outcome: CBS, which owns V-103, has very few urban stations that would be able to put on Ski immediately and most other urban stations are already tied up with Joyner, Smiley or Harvey. It’s truly a game of “Survivor” in the radio world nowadays on that front. So while this would be big news for Ski, it’s probably not that likely.
And now the most talked-about scenario in Atlanta radio circles:
- Ski will tell the V-103 audience that he is leaving, that he couldn’t come to terms with the station over his next contract. This is plausible. Most radio companies simply get rid of personalities and don’t let them say goodbye on air. (Clear Channel Atlanta, for instance, usually takes this route.) Rick Caffey, who runs CBS Radio Atlanta, does things differently. He, for instance, let every jock at Dave FM wish the world adieu in September before the station went all sports. While sad, it was very classy and respectful. Ski has helped fill V-103’s coffers by the tens of millions of dollars over 14 years. The least Caffey and program director Reggie Rouse could do is give Ski a chance to wish Atlanta farewell given all that he’s done for the city.
Now why would CBS want to get rid of him? Perhaps Ski is asking for too much money and/or a syndication deal CBS can’t or won’t fulfill. Or on the flip side, CBS may want him to take a pay cut that he couldn’t accept. I don’t know.
Have $2.2 million? You can live where Frank Ski has lived for many years in Dunwoody
UPDATE: Coincidence? His house is up for sale for $2.2 million. Many people know where it is in Dunwoody because he used to host his annual wine auction party there. Build in 1992, it’s a European style “custom estate,” as noted in the advertisement, with eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and 12,032 square feet on 1.37 acres. Amenities include two-story foyer and room overlooking private wooded lot, master-on-main, theatre, second kitchen on terrace level, heated pool & spa and 3-car garage. Outdoor spaces include oversized deck, screened loggia, gazebo, playground & outdoor stage.The descriptive also includes this line: “Surrounded by estates owned by athletes & celebrities.” Sotheby’s is the real estate broker.
This type of downsizing could be in anticipation of a new career with much less income to pay for such an expensive mortgage. He has had success, from all accounts, with his year-old Frank Ski’s Restaurant & Lounge.
If Ski is indeed out, this leads to more questions:
- Will Wanda Smith, his long-time on-air partner, stay? She’s under a separate contract. I presume she’d stay and team with whoever else joins her.
- Will Ryan Cameron move to mornings? Cameron, who signed with V-103 for a new contract earlier this year and isn’t going anywhere, gets paid morning money to host an afternoon show. From a lifestyle standpoint, Cameron can wake up at a normal hour and live a good life now. He’d probably do mornings if he were asked and he has subbed in for Ski in the past when Ski goes on vacation. As a hometown man, he’s very popular in Atlanta. I get very few complaints about him compared to Ski on this blog.
- With money freed up, V-103 could hire Big Tigger, a former “106 & Park” host and last heard on WPGC-FM in Washington D.C. to do mornings with Smith. Or he could do afternoons if Cameron takes mornings. He has subbed for Cameron in the past and at age 39, he’s nine years younger than Ski.
If you want to read more:
- Frank Ski’s negotiations up in the air
- Photos from Frank Ski’s 2007 wine auction at his home
- Photos from Frank Ski’s 2008 wine auction at his home - now up for sale
-
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125 comments Add your comment
Peggy
December 12th, 2012
2:02 pm
There are days I liked him & days when I had to just turn off the station. Frank is very smart & knowledgeable about things outside the hip hop community. I met him several times in other cities and he was always approachable & very nice. Bottom line is Frank & Wanda are getting up there in age. They can’t even pretend to like the trash they have to play on a daily basis. When you hear them interviewing a 21yr old up rapper, the interviews sound forced & fake. I have not listened in years but after listening to the interview with Kenya Moore’s fake boyfriend that made it’s round on several high profiled blogs Reggie & Frank should be embarrassed at all that horrible laughter coming from Wanda. She sound like an 80yr old smoker.
IT’S TIME
Todd D
December 12th, 2012
2:03 pm
I don’t care either way but if he goes Wanda Smith is done. She brings nothing to the show, but an irritating laugh.
Please
December 12th, 2012
2:04 pm
Please go…take Wanda, and find Griff from whatever street corner he’s on, and go back to MD. Thanks.
Smokey's Mom
December 12th, 2012
2:05 pm
Where is Melissa Summers/Mike & Carol. Even Porshe Foxx would be better. Please bring back Melissa Summers….
Former V-103 Listener
December 12th, 2012
2:06 pm
I stopped listening to the Frank and Wanda show years ago because I remember Frank Ski talking about Mariah Carey like a dog for MANY years. She was on the show and he was kissing up her behind and honoring her and all of that. Ever since that, I stopped listening to that station. He is phony. I don’t like phony people. I now listen to The Steve Harvey Morning Show. At least Steve Harvey is for real.
Plus V-103 plays all of that ghetto hoochie coochie music.
Yalanda DryerBuzz
December 12th, 2012
2:07 pm
@ajcradiotv suggesting @Frankski syndication but I don’t know cause they can’t book a good 30 minutes for tv show?
Cutty
December 12th, 2012
2:21 pm
Spiritual Vitamin on Friday mornings, drunk in the club on Friday nights.
See ya when I see ya!
O4thWard
December 12th, 2012
2:26 pm
Where can I get some of this “hoochie coochie music” from. One thing I like is some hoochie coochie music. Frank was a know it all, especially when he would talk down to the people in Atlanta. Also, when he would not call out his boy, eddie long for being a child predator. I lost all respect for him.
SteveB
December 12th, 2012
2:27 pm
I’ve stopped listening to V103 in the mornings because of Frank Ski. I love Ryan Cameron – he is funny, he’s real. Frank Ski lacks the warmth to connect with listeners especially first thing in the morning, Wanda is so ghetto. The reason Frank Ski’s ratings are high is simple: 2 hip hop radio stations in Atlanta–if you like hip hop or black music, only 2 choices we’re stuck with in the morning drive. I listen to Steve Harvey, Rickey Smiley and Tom Joyner for R&B music plus I like funny, jokes. Frank Ski is boring.
Smartie
December 12th, 2012
2:33 pm
He and Tonya are divorcing.
E-Lane
December 12th, 2012
2:33 pm
My first thought when I saw the headline “Frank Ski’s big announcement…” is that he’s finally coming out of the closet!
Be gone
December 12th, 2012
2:33 pm
@Cutty….that is hilarious!!!!
Bi-Curious George
December 12th, 2012
2:36 pm
Will Frank’s announcement be that he is FINALLY coming out of the closet, tired of being ON THE DOWN LOW and worrying about getting caught?
Bi-Curious Mo B.
December 12th, 2012
2:38 pm
Will Frank be the new morning host on KICKS 101.5 FM ?
YEAH, BABY!
Elektrisha
December 12th, 2012
2:51 pm
Will Frank’s announcement be that he is giving away SIRIUS-XM Lifetime Subscriptions to jive-talking deadbeats, panhandlers & lowlifes for Christmas….
…or Kwanzaa….
to promote his move to satellite radio?
Even Still
December 12th, 2012
2:53 pm
Ryan Cameron has been on Atlanta radio longer than Frank Ski though…*Shrugs*
The Kang here...
December 12th, 2012
2:55 pm
What about Chris Lub-a-luba and Poon Daddy?
Mill
December 12th, 2012
2:55 pm
who cares?
blkshepherd
December 12th, 2012
3:04 pm
When I moved to atl back in 98 V103 was the station i would listen to every morning then 104.01 evenings and weeknds. I still listen to 104 sat. mornings for Young Blood who seems to have only about 20 oldies because he plays the same ones week after week. When 103 hired Ms Sophia, or whoever that drag queen was with that horrible voice and doing that dumb sound with his tongue..brrrrrrrrrrrrr..I was through. I stopped listening to the show. Wanda’s laugh and demeanor, and Frank’s I have knowledge of everything. Was a bit much. Seening I havent listened to the show in over 4yrs I guess I wont miss if Frank or Wanda leave. They were toast years ago for me.
Diddy
December 12th, 2012
3:19 pm
A lot of people criticize Frank Ski but I personally respect him and appreciate all of the thing he has done in Atlanta. Some say he is arrogant, but how many arrogant people do you know who would devote some much time and effort in a kids organization and the youth football league?
The writer is right, you all are haters. Only a hater would say negative comments about his accomplishments. What have you done in the community? How much money have your raised? What restaurant do you own? When is the last time you got invited to the White House? What celebrity phone numbers do you have on your phone. Some of ya’ll still drinking Yellow Tail Riesling from Kroger. STEP YOUR GAME UP AND STOP HATING. Frank Ski is a successful man. Period. Now get off his n>>>>!
Tony
December 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
Yeah, I think its curtains for Frank. I came to ATL in 1999…I was 19 years old at the time. It’s not that I hated Frank Ski, I just didn’t “get” him at the time. I’m 32 years old now and can honestly say that I’ve grown to admire him. He’s an awesome family man and businessman and has done a lot for the community. Dude basically carved out his own career. I really don’t see what folks mean when they say he’s arrogant; I’ve never got that vibe from him. And name dropping??? Hello??? The guy is in radio…if he talked about himself all the time, then folks would have a problem with that, too. Much success to Frank Ski! This is the end of an era!
Star Brand Manager
December 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
I don’t think we should be sad about Frank and Wanda leaving. It is definitely time for a change in Atlanta radio. The station is in desperate need of some younger hosts. I think Frank has really made some waves and so he will be fine. Wanda on the other hand, not so much. I think Frank has enough connections in the community that his restaurant will be successful or he will definitely have a career in consulting etc. So good luck to Frank and Wanda. Now, let’s get’s some fresh new radio in Atlanta! Embrace and look forward to change.
SayItIsSo!
December 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
Please tell me that he is leaving and taking Wanda with him!!!!! I can not stomach him or her in the morning, so I listen to 107.9 or 104.1.
Out with the old and in with the new! Good riddance……..
tee
December 12th, 2012
3:36 pm
I think the last scenerio will be the likely one , I moved here 12 years ago and he had just been on for 2 years but I never liked him as a host , especially when the “war” as i called it happend with Tara was on the show, . They argue too much regarding issues on the air , I dont care for wanda as well because she made sure she was the last man standing when they got rid of everybody else when they allowed frank to surround himself with the crew he wanted wanda made sure it was her (then she started calling out frank on the air when she got her name on the show ). I saw this change up coming when they brought Ryan Cameron (who i really like and respect as a radio host and person)over from 107.9. now all they need is a co host for ryan which i elect rhashan ali because they have great chemistry on the air .
Rich Kidd
December 12th, 2012
3:42 pm
Why is there so many negative comments? This man has done so much for this community. He keeps us informed on current events, he has a great kid foundation and always giving back. Why can’t you just say Thank you and good luck to you and your family no matter what’s the outcome.
Gord
December 12th, 2012
3:45 pm
His big announcement is he’s coming out the closet!!!!!
brink
December 12th, 2012
3:52 pm
He’s quitting to bring back 2 Hyped Brothers & a Dog!
Nicole
December 12th, 2012
4:02 pm
I don’t liten to Frank and Wanda in the morning, and havent for years. I cant stomach either one of them. Frank talks way too much and thinks he knows it ALL. Wanda is too ghetto and laughs at her own jokes which are not funny at all.
Michael
December 12th, 2012
4:03 pm
There are a lot of negative comments about Frank Ski because people are saying how they feel about him. If a person rubs you wrong and you speak about it that does not mean that you are a hater.
Big C
December 12th, 2012
4:04 pm
Stopped listening to Frank’s show a few years ago because of Wanda Smith. Frank is a great guy, and does a lot for the community, but CAN be arrogant at times. However, when you’re a person of somewhat celebrity, you sometimes don’t feel like dealing with people all the time, and I’m sure you have some bad days. I wish Frank the best in whatever happens, just please, Please, PLEASE…Get rid of Wanda’s ghetto, ignorant, chain-smokin’, loud-moth behind!
'tainmentinAtl
December 12th, 2012
4:08 pm
Thanks Rodney, the way you laid out the options was genius and entertaining to read. 14 years of thank you to Frank, as arrogant as he is. Did some good Atlanta community work over the years.
BIGPAPA
December 12th, 2012
4:09 pm
IF HE WOULD HAVE CAME TO ATLANTA AND NOT TALK ABOUT HOW MUCH HE LIKE OTHER PLACES SO MUCH MAYBE HE WOULD HAVE KEPT PEOPLE ON HIS SIDE BUT HE CAME TO TOWN WITH HIS NOSE IN THE AIR LOOKING DOWN AT US …SO WHAT HE HAVE SOME NUMBERS IN HIS PHONE SO WHAT HE KISS AND LICK TO MANY ASSES FOR ME A REAL MAN WOULDN’T BE SUCH A ASS KISSER ALL HE DO IS KISS ANYONE ASS HE THINK WILL MAKE HIM A BIG SHOT … HE NEVER LET ANYONE ELSE TALK ON HIS SHOW I HOPE HE GET THE HELL ON AND SPEND HIS DAY KISSING OTHER MALES ASS WITH HIS EDDIE LONG STROKE ASS KISSING SIMP DRINKING ASS ALL HE TALK ABOUT IS WINE AND BOOZE GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE LOL LOL
Pat Smith
December 12th, 2012
4:12 pm
I have no ill feelings towards Frank Ski at all! Very positive brother he is. So with that being said, I hope that whatever decision he has made (or has been forced to make), is one which is positive for him and his family. Put your big guy britches on Atlanta, wish the brother well and grow up!
linda
December 12th, 2012
4:18 pm
Good luck to frank what ever he does. I would like to see ryan in the morining or afternoon. If he does morning if i had it my way i would like for elle duncan to be his co host, they were good together. but since i know that is not possible i will settle for wanda.
ja the A
December 12th, 2012
4:30 pm
This was a well written piece… Rodney.. Frank will be served well be moving on…
Michael
December 12th, 2012
4:32 pm
Yeah very postive alright. SMH. He did not stand up for the young men that his buddy Eddie Long molested. We don’t need big guy britches to say how we feel.
Marcus in Ellenwood
December 12th, 2012
4:35 pm
I pray he finds God’s plan for his life. I just hope its not on V1033. I stop listening to V1033 about six months into his time at the station. The inspiration vitamin should stay. Wanda Smith should stay. Frank Ski needs to get to stepp’in.
shannon
December 12th, 2012
4:37 pm
He should go out while he’s on top. His ego is such that he doesn’t want to be around and wait for the decline.
I have worked many of his events and have watched him operate and rub elbows with some pretty heavy hitters.
The only way to remain at the top of his game is to go out hot.
Superwoman, yes I am
December 12th, 2012
4:47 pm
Im in the “who cares group”. He is a decent deejay, but as far as being a “pillar of the community”? Not so much. I have heard some very interesting things about his off-the-air antics and I sure wouldnt want my kids emulating them. I wish him the best
Kat
December 12th, 2012
4:49 pm
He’s pregnant!
meme
December 12th, 2012
4:53 pm
I stopped listening to v-103 after traveling with Frank & Wanda on one of their winter vacations. Frank was a stuck up a** and acted like he was better than everyone. So hopefully Frank is saying good bye. I feel that Frank is to old (50yrs) to be the host of V-103. Bring Ryan on, I met him at a function and he treats everyone very nicely.
kayman
December 12th, 2012
5:04 pm
Honestly, Frank Ski isn’t a bad person. He’s hard to deal with at times. CBS ought have kept Tara Thomas on air to have kept him in check instead of Wanda Smith, whom isn’t a very articulate or worldly. He has had a good run as a morning drive host, but it’s time for a decent change, which is Ryan Cameron. Now Ryan needs to add a strong community service element to his show if he is moved to mornings. Otherwise, Ryan Cameron’s morning show would be fine.
V-103 isn’t a “ghetto” station like some of you like to say. Hot 107.9 is a definitely “ghetto” station because they play that same mess 24/7; whereas, V-103 actually cuts a lot of that out during certain times of the day like middays, late nights, and Sunday mornings. It’s obvious what is the problem with most of the posters, they don’t like “full-service urban contemporary” radio stations rather have their urban AC radio, which is also syndicated (Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner). That’s fine, but realized your boring choices and non-local hosts that lead them. There are plenty of this whack and boring Urban ACs stations in other southern cities for you choose from by the pairs. However, full-service urban station is a rare thing these days, so I enjoy it.
I’ll stick with V-103 any day regardless because it might spin some hip-hop but they play more contemporary R&B music than Kiss 104.1 or Majic 107.5/97.5 combined.
dreammaker
December 12th, 2012
5:31 pm
go away frank ski…AND TAKE THAT IGNORANT,UNSOPHISTICATED,NONARTICULATE,HOOD RAT WANDA SMITH WITH YOU..how did wanda smith get a radio job??its not her looks.not her speaking skills,she should be working at wendys!!
Jack Diamond
December 12th, 2012
5:37 pm
Fire Wendy!
Pam
December 12th, 2012
6:03 pm
Quit listening years ago. Even the great and wonderful Frank Ski can’t push the trash V103 plays for the masses. Never understood why Frank felt he was a celebrity. Just another wannabe B-lister with no substance, no convictions and no style.
Now where is Porche Foxx
Sweet Brown
December 12th, 2012
6:08 pm
LOOK, AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!!!
EndofSpeculation
December 12th, 2012
6:53 pm
***I got a friend who knows Ski personally. They talked to Frank recently and said that Frank will be making the announcement that he is leaving V103. If it wasn’t for the temp contract that he was offered and accepted, he would’ve been left two months ago.
CJ
December 12th, 2012
7:27 pm
Here’s the deal. 107.9 is the best alternative to whack a@@ Frank Ski. Rickey Smiley and Ebony Steele hands down got it on lock. The only person to give Rickey hard competition is Ryan Cameron. If RC goes to the morning, I will be listening to V103 enjoying my mornings.
hotlanta
December 12th, 2012
7:41 pm
Frank please leave because I am tired of you saying who showed up atr your raggedy restaurnt. Folks know you pay people to come to the restaurant and take a picture an dplace on your wall. I am tired of him talking aobut his son taking trumpet lessons. I was ROTFLMAO when he said his son went to Pace Academy and then 2 weeks later they got the janitor for child pornography. The Lord just shown Frank matter how much money you pay to keep your kids outta so-calld danger it will always follow you. He needs to go because I am sick of him talkin/talkin/talkin/talkin/talkin/talkin/talkin/talkin/talkin and talkin. Just watch when he comes to work tomorrow when he says that my cellphone and facebook blew up. Folks contacting me from Mars saying man what yo gonna say. I said wait until 7:00am in the morning.
Hostal Malure
December 12th, 2012
7:58 pm
Quiet as it’s kept, I honestly hope that Frank is leaving. His arrogance annoys me and Wanda is too busy cackling to realize that he looks down on her. Wanda needs to go to because the station obviously doesn’t have faith in her which is why they bring in someone to co-host with her whenever Frank is absent instead of letting her host by herself. I have been listening to this station for years in the morning at work and the quality has greatly deteriorated. I would LOVE to hear Ryan in the mornings again and wouldn’t mind if they brought Elle Duncan back as his co-host. Can we get Porsha Foxx back on afternoons if Ryan takes the morning show?