Chip Franklin no longer with KOGO Radio
Chip Franklin, a fixture at KOGO-AM (600) since 2007, is no longer with the station.
The Clear Channel-owned station on Friday announced a new lineup beginning Monday and Franklin was not included. Afternoon host Chris Merrill will be in the morning-drive spot previously handled by Franklin and LaDona Harvey (who joined Franklin early this year).
Harvey will be on from noon to 3 p.m., with the previous occupant of that time slot, Bob "Sully" Sullivan, shifting to 3 to 7 p.m.
"I had a great run at KOGO, and they have and continue to treat me in a highly professional manner," Franklin said via email. "Believe it or not, I have been very lucky. I still have a lot of great friends there and I sincerely wish them the very best.
"The new morning guy, Chris Merrill, is a friend and a tremendous talent. Don't underestimate him.
"It's all good."
Franklin, 56, came to San Diego from Baltimore six years ago. He also has worked as a stand-up comic and music performer. The KOGO website referred to him as "San Diego's most popular morning talk show host."
A few years ago KOGO was often the top-rated station in San Diego. But ratings have declined in recent years and in August, KOGO ranked 17th among San Diego stations rated by Arbitron.
Cliff Albert, KOGO program director, could not be reached for comment. In the statement released by the station, Albert was quoted as saying: "Our goal is to inform and entertain in a way that connects with our listeners and this lineup adjustment helps us accomplish that." Franklin's name was not mentioned in the news release.
Merrill recently gained attention when he made controversial comments about the appearance of one of the women who accused then-Mayor Bob Filner of sexual harassment.
Andy Davies · Follow · San Diego, California
Cliff Albert's reference in the press release to needing to connect to listeners is a tacit admission that the lineup was becoming too out-of-touch with listeners. Why? The fiscal woes of parent Clear Channel has forced KOGO to gut a once award-winning news and public affairs department such the 'News-Talk' has become a misnomer. The Bob Filner imbroglio really exposed Baltimore expat Chip Franklin as our of touch with San Diego politics. Franklin's eagerness to talk over or cut off those he didn't agree with didn't engender many new followers either.
The new lineup has potential to reclaim some listeners but has a long way to go to rebuild the station into a go-to source for local news and talk.
Though he has his detractors, I'm happy to see Sully get a strong afternoon drive slot to engage listeners in local issues.
Just one question -- is Merrill going to keep his Friday 'Speakeasy' tradition but move it to morning drive?
The new lineup has potential to reclaim some listeners but has a long way to go to rebuild the station into a go-to source for local news and talk.
Though he has his detractors, I'm happy to see Sully get a strong afternoon drive slot to engage listeners in local issues.
Just one question -- is Merrill going to keep his Friday 'Speakeasy' tradition but move it to morning drive?
copied from the UT..........................
here is a link to the page....most of the comments are very favorable to chip franklin:
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