MEDIA MAVEN - Publishing media news and opinion (with some sarcasm and humor) in the Pacific Northwest, covering Seattle TV talent and programming & even a litte beyond. Maybe even some sports. Retired longtime broadcast journalist and manager in multiple top markets, ex-writing prof at UW and PLU in WA St., wrote Season of the 76ers (2002) and a new horror novel, Blood Stained Papers. Kent State and American U Masters alum, Pittsburgh native. Copyright 2025-26 All Rights Reserved
Mark James is gone from KJR-FM's talk lineup after just 14 months. He got pretty well beat up on social media for some comments, in particular, about Ryan Rowland-Smith's accent on Mariners baseball broadcasts. More at the link:
https://barrettmedia.com/2026/04/15/marc-james-departs-kjr-as-iheartmedia-continues-ongoing-layoffs/
I read yesterday this appears to have been part of national cutbacks at IHeart Wayne but needless to say the departure is being met well by some in light of the RRS matter from last season. I will say their PD, Rich Moore, has his work cut out for him to find a replacement that will work in that time slot
ReplyDeleteJames was not much of draw in my mind, even setting the controversies aside. Very formulaic, sounded like an AI version of "sports radio host." Completely generic Anytown, USA vibe.
ReplyDeleteDude was an ass. While obviously gifted at sports betting, stated opinions as fact. Interrupts guests to make bad jokes ending with a stupid , annoying laugh. Hints of misogyny. Poor loser and a poor inner with little or no class. My guess an only child who thinks his every thought is an accomplishment. Have fun wherever you go "Sweetheart". I will enjoy being able to going back to listening to talk radio that you drove me away from. I will thank you NOW for leaving.
ReplyDeleteJames was a square peg in a round hole. East Coast guy who tried to tell you that he was one of us now. The contrast in the two stations is striking though. 710 ESPN is safe. Borderline boring. KJR is not that. Not east coast but certainly more entertaining than what KIRO has on. I did find it funny that James was almost hated as Salk yet Salk has survived when James did not.
ReplyDeleteWhen James show was on, you could feel the discomfort and tension between him and the co-host. His abrasive, East Coast in your face approach to radio was a poor fit for the Seattle market. Dave "Softy" Mollar can be intense, but he's a local boy and tempers his style with self-deprecation.
ReplyDeleteThe KJR brass bears the blame for this misguided hire. Anyone would've listened to James' audition tape should've known this wouldn't work. Why they thought it would is a question only they can answer.