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The Spectacle Blog
Management of San Francisco talk-radio powerhouse KSFO-AM says the firing of longtime morning show host Lee Rodgers was the result of a failed contract negotiation, but Jane Jamison suggests other motives:
What is most worrisome for the conservative movement is the unspoken reason behind the KSFO firings: It appears that the station ownership, Citadel Broadcasting, led by CEO Farid Suleiman, may be “bowing” to complaints from liberal activists and Muslim sympathizers. Rodgers would rant about “Mooslims” and radical Islam on his show, and he frequently mentioned that the Council on American Islamic Relations was complaining about his views.
Other talk-radio hosts have complained about pressure from CAIR. Michael Graham blamed CAIR for his 2005 firing from Washington’s WMAL. The Tanzanian-born Suleiman’s role at Citadel Broadcasting has been controversial. KSFO’s firing of popular host Melanie Morgan two years ago was widely criticized by conservatives.
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More Blog Posts by Robert Stacy McCain
http://spectator.org/blog/2010/03/02/why-did-ksfo-fire-lee-rodgers
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sean| 3.2.10 @ 11:17AM
I live in the Bay Area and while I can't say I enjoyed Lee Rodgers' commentary, I hate the idea that he lost his job because the Muslims are unhappy with his statements. I think it's very ironic that a Muslim would own a radio station in the United States, given the Islamic aversion to freedom of speech, except of course, their own.
David Jack Smith | 3.2.10 @ 11:43AM
Having listened to Lee Rodgers for the past 8 years, I can confidentally state that I never heard him rant against "Mooslims," in the tenor that phrase may convey.
He made on-point critiques on murderous Islam based on a particular news story that day. He attacked the politically correct insanity he feels are leading to an inevitable major attack on US soil by said Islamo-fascists.
He also made devestating fact-based criticisms on the astro-turf created CAIR organization.
He is one of the most well-informed purveyors of opinion working in all media.
ron hyman| 3.2.10 @ 2:42PM
I have listened to Rodgers for the better part of the past 25 years.
For me, it brings morning radio to a halt.
No one can replace his rant, intellect, critical accuracy and astute accurate observations of the current political climate......yes I did agree with him 99% of the time.
If this is due to downsizing or to political pressure by Citadel......or Suleiman.......then, we have MUCH to be concerned about.........
Fairness Doctrine be dammed.
He will be sorely missed........
Deanna| 3.11.10 @ 5:11PM
KSFO has lost a listener! (and I am sure more than just me) Lee Rodgers was a well informed and entertaining commentator. I am very dissapointed in the station. Brian Susseman has no credibility and is annoying with his immature talk (dude, etc.) Lee will really be missed. If he shows up somewhere else I am there!
Goldie | 3.30.10 @ 4:20PM
Yes, I left KSFO. The article is inaccurate. Lee always spoke the truth, whether the muzzies like it or NOT. We won't alter our banter to those savages.
I am watching and will find Lee and listen to him. Not Brian Sussman.
maverick muse| 3.2.10 @ 4:44PM
Sean: "I think it's very ironic that a Muslim would own a radio station in the United States, given the Islamic aversion to freedom of speech, except of course, their own."
No irony. You realized the pragmatic reason a Muslim owns a media station, to halt the release of opposition from his property's airwaves.
maverick muse| 3.2.10 @ 4:47PM
Robert Stacy McCain
As you know but failed to mention, Michael Savage has been fighting CAIR's assault on free speech longer than any other media figure.
"Borders. Language. Culture."
Pingback| 3.2.10 @ 5:35PM
Liberty Loses Another Voice on American Thinker.com | UNCOVERAGE.net links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Johnno| 3.2.10 @ 11:22PM
The RELIGION OF PEACE in action--once again.
proof | 3.3.10 @ 10:58PM
I was listening to the Sussman show when he announced that he was being promoted to the morning slot. He made it sound like Rodgers' move was voluntary.
Sussman is a good guy, and I can see him not making waves with the station that is not only his bread and butter, but just handed him a big promotion. Still it was a bit of a shock and a disappointment to find out the next day how badly Mr. Rodgers had been treated.
Alexander Hamiltion| 3.5.10 @ 5:08AM
I've been listening to Lee since the mid 1970s when he was on KGO. He's the best. Sussman is a good guy, but he's no Lee. Listening to Lee was educational and stirring. I'll be searching for Lee's resurface. Other than listening to Barbara Simpson on the weekends, I have no further need for KSFO.
Rick | 3.9.10 @ 12:58PM
I for one will not being listening to KSFO any more. I enjoyed hearing Lee. When moved from KGO. I moved with him. I guess they are winning!
Greg Bayes| 3.11.10 @ 8:18PM
That's it for me ...no more KSFO. Lee was very funny and put on a very enjoyable show .I heard him his first day on KGO and listened tohis entertainingf diatribe whenever I could...every morning as a matter of fact. Suss Is no Lee Rodgers I am sorry to say. I would rather listen to Mel or Vic.
KGO used to be a wonderful talk station I listened to literally all the time. Now it is so "progressive" that I can't put up with at all. No balance.
I would certainly like to hear Lee again he is quite talented. Maybe on broadband /wi out of Phoenix if I am lucky
GayL| 3.11.10 @ 11:17PM
How can I get going in the morning without Lee? The week did not begin until Tuesday when Lee was back on the air. His interviews and his views were the best - always thoughtful, probing and on target. I'll be looking for his next gig. Brian is pretty good, but he is no Lee.
Karen | 3.12.10 @ 10:41AM
Without Lee Rodgers, I no longer listen to KSFO in the morning. Too bad. I assume those advertising will realize the change.
Pat Hannon| 3.12.10 @ 10:58PM
I will miss Lee Rodgers. I hope he enjoys his retirement. I hope he is paid until the end of his contract. If not, I hope he sues and wins. If he ets bored with retirement, I hope he starts an internet radio program or goes into syndication.
Steve| 3.13.10 @ 3:30PM
I also have renounced KSFO, except for an occasional bit of Barbara Simpson or John Batchelor. (And that's no act of will. I have better things to do.)
Lee Rodgers is so intelligent and entertaining. (Both Sussman and Morgan are morons by comparison.) It is astonishing that he was fired.
Garry| 3.20.10 @ 1:04AM
I've listened to KSFO "Hot Talk" radio literally from the first day that the ultra-reactionary J. Paul Emerson got a lot of media attention for the fledgling talk station before he was appropriately booted out by station management. For years I was a daily listener to Lee Rodgers' morning show and while I didn't always agree with his opinions, I always found his views thoughtful, filled with insight, and presented entertainingly in his uniquely curmudgeonly style. I fondly remember him and Officer Vic opining one morning about bull riding, Lee wondering (1) just who came up with the idea of getting on a bull's back and tightly cinching a strap around the poor animal's testicles, and (2) whether alcohol had been involved in the decision. I laughed out loud every Thanksgiving when Lee ritually replayed his interview with the guy who had worked his way through college as a "turkey tugger." But I will especially remember Lee for often quoting the sage advice of his grandmother that "everyone has a purpose in life, if only to serve as a bad example for everyone else." Sussman by comparison is an annoying piker, one who fits to a "T" the negative image of the conservative "squawk radio" talk show host that the radical left loves to berate. I stopped listening to KSFO after its signal quality in East Contra Costa County went to hell and have taken refuge in satellite radio. Lee, you were a real master of your craft and you will be sorely missed.
gabriel HYPPOLITE| 3.24.10 @ 10:41AM
Ditto, we all miss Lee, i would wake up at 5am to listen to the first part of the show and laugh out loud... why would someone who is retired get up at 5 am to listen to radio? i am no longer listening to KSFO except for John Batchelor... Thank you Lee for many years of laughter...
Officer Vic is no longer funny!!!! and Sussman reminds me of a teacher i never liked...
SGunn| 4.12.10 @ 1:56AM
Ditto.
Feeling Bad| 3.30.10 @ 7:09AM
When Lee Rodgers left I lost a wonderful part of my day.
It troubles me that we were not able to say goodbye to Lee and thank him for his vigilance in battling the political and social forces working to destroy the America I knew and loved.
Lee Rodgers had the guts to say what a lot of us are thinking.
Tennessee_fan| 3.31.10 @ 7:33PM
Was a fan when in the Bay Area, and continued via internet when moved. Anxiously await Lee's re-appearance. He is simply the best at what he does - bar none. America needs his well-informed voice in these perilous times.
JOHN POITRAS| 4.8.10 @ 8:38PM
I listened to Lee every day over the net--he was the
best thing on any media. We need to hear him again--somewhere, somehow.
ila kohl| 4.12.10 @ 1:13AM
I miss hearing Lee Rodgers even if I didn't like everything he said. He made the station interesting. I still have my radio set to that station, waiting for Lee's return.
Irene Raney| 4.18.10 @ 8:37PM
We always enjoyed the banter between Lee and Vic. Sussman is arrogant and has a know it all attitude with nothing to back it up. Hoping to hear that Lee will return on another station. KSFO still has Coast to Coast -the best show on the radio, and Dr. Laura and Rabi Lapin. Feel sorry for Vic having to placate and laugh at the lame , inauthentic ramblings of Sussman.
Pat Gingerich| 4.20.10 @ 6:59PM
I listened to Lee Rodger's show for about 10 years in Modesto. Because the reception was not very good at 5:00 a.m., I would listen to Lee and the static that went with it. Then discovered I could listen to him on the internet at work. I really "loved" his sense of humor, his knowledge and the very interesting guests on his show. It wasn't often that Lee was not in control. In addition to his really interesting guests, I really enjoyed Richard Ledderer. Lee would have him on his program sometimes for over an hour the last Friday of each month. When Brian had him on last month, I'm not sure he was on for half an hour - very disappointed that he was short-changed. As soon as I locate Lee on the internet, he will once again have a very loyal listener. One of the good things (if youwant to call it that) about Lee leaving is that I now tune-into a local morning show and the host isn't bad, just not Lee!
Colin & Lisa Wilmott| 4.22.10 @ 10:51PM
Sorry I cannot listen to Brian "my book my book my book Sussman". He has turned the morning show into a 4 hour infomercial for.........you Sussed it, his book.
Kenneth Duke Masters| 4.28.10 @ 2:44PM
Yes I'll miss Lee, Sussman is not in the same class, though not a bad guy. Lee was a shineing star of radio, does anyone know if he is on air somewhere else?
KDM
Ron Soares| 5.2.10 @ 3:06PM
Lee Rodgers, the best talk show on the radio. I don't know why really they fired this talent but what a mistake. I'm sorry Brian just doesn't make the cut, with poor officer Vic having to laugh at his lame jokes.
I listed to Lee since his days on KGO, and I found him to be refreshing on his discourse. Lee is really one of the conservative voices out there, as compared to those phoney Republicans that have no belief at all. Sussman is a good guy but just another Republican shill. I have looked around for another program to stimulate my mind but sadly I can't seem to find it.
Lee, find another job before my mind turns to mush.
Joan | 5.14.10 @ 1:02AM
Try Michael Savage on 860 AM "Extra Sports" (he was also fired from KSFO, then from KNEW and finally found a "home" on this station (6-9 AM) and again from 3-6 PM). He also knows what's going on and has the guts to say so as did Lee whom I also miss.
Patricia| 5.5.10 @ 10:54PM
OMG, how I miss my boyfriend Lee! He just left without a word - he never calls, he never writes. But if he shows up again, rest assured all will be forgiven, and I will follow him almost anywhere except Arizona in the summertime. LOL to you Lee.
Cyndie Moi Ulrich | 5.14.10 @ 12:05AM
Lee is, and always has been, an eloquent and insightful, devoted champion of the truth. He's dedicated to clear investigation of the all-important "back story" of yesterday's and today's political and public policy issues.
Lee helped me promote the academic, social and psychological, student benefits of home-based education from '93 though '98. In the case of daytime curfew legislation in the California State Assembly, ('96??), he opened the mic' to me in order to educate the public about the draconian realities of the bill and its negative effects to families and students alike.
While I'm sure Lee doesn't realize it, due in large part to his rolemodel, I'm the communications professional I am today. Thank you, Lee...please accept my gratitude for what you taught me.
So, Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in a rousing cheer of appreciation for Lee Rogers. "HOO-RAH, LEE!"...and thank you. We can't wait to catch you on another frequency! ~cmu
Whitehall| 5.18.10 @ 4:26PM
Yes, Rogers is missed. He could pump out the zingers, couldn't he?
In defense of Sussman, it is refreshing to have SOMEONE with a science background in the media. I will demerit him on style points for his self-aggrandizement and excessive ego. But then, is there any modest and self-effacing conservative talk show host? Might as well add lack of eloquence too. His book had the right content but is egotistical in the extreme.
deadite| 5.31.10 @ 12:30PM
Two words for Lee: Weekly Podcast
Can't stand Sussman, and Melanie was way annoying. I listen to Armstrong and Getty who are funnier, cover more intersting topics, and have no discernable ego. Lee I loved, and I would listen to him on podcast if he did a weekly 2-3 hour effort. Bet it would be picked up instantly...
Tom M.| 6.11.10 @ 1:23PM
I haven't listened to KFSO since Rodgers was let go. Sussman is awful. The ratings must be in the toilet.
Carolyn| 6.21.10 @ 7:05PM
I have read and agree with most of the comments on the great Lee Rodgers. He truly educated me and made me laugh - what a great personality. KSFO is not in my morning routine without Lee. Brian can't even hold a candle to the fine intellect and personality that I was used to with Lee. I felt he couldn't wait to take over and he insists on calling it "the Sussman show". I tried listening to the interviews but they were mostly about what he thinks and did the guest agree with him. Lee has humility, a rare quality in a man. I miss him so much!
Verne Jobst| 7.24.10 @ 12:30PM
Lee Rodgers is the BEST of the BEST in radio broadcasting. We hated to see him leave the Chicago market for San Francisco but in leaving we realize California would be better for it and Chicago would lose one of the absolute greatest commentators in radio. Lee's intellect, knowledge and sense of humor are second to none. The Bay Area is losing a "voice" that will not be able to replace. God Bless Lee Rodgers and all that he stands for.
Jim Gallen| 7.30.10 @ 3:02PM
I thoroughly enjoyed the crumdudgen and especially his Friday end of the month feature with Dr Ledderer and thir finally get together on a cruise. Lee's travel experiences and the guy he would have on for cheap travel tips was marvelous. My only complaint about Lee was when he bragged about being a commando. Good luck Lee wherever you are
Don Brengolini| 8.20.10 @ 1:49PM
Could not believe Lee was let go. It must have been because he spoke the truth and some one does not like it . KSFO has made a dumb mistake. The only person with any creditability left is Barbara Simson. I will shirley miss Lee.
Sumitra| 10.30.10 @ 12:39AM
I moved to Nevada City prior to Lee's having been let go. Lee's program was one of the very few things I missed about the Bay Area and whenever I visited, I had my radio on at 5am. No Lee...Today I found out why and I'm as disappointed as all of you who've said exactly the thoughts I've had about the talent, the dedication, preparation, the wit, and the wisdom we've lost...temporarily, I hope. You're the best, Lee.
Milton Demaray| 11.22.10 @ 8:48AM
Lee, and Melany, and Officer Vick: I miss that combination! KSFO was a welcome part of my mornings. If Lee is now retired, then I wish him much contentment. If he wants to come back to the airways, I'll tune in.
danno | 11.23.10 @ 5:39PM
with mel gone there was still lee,but now with both gone why listen.there is no meat on the plate,ive listened to them both since they were on kgo.suss is a weather guy and a little pretty boy,not his fault but cant do it like like the two vets. ksfo is out.
Leo Salcedo| 2.19.11 @ 11:52PM
Mr. Farid Suleiman,
After listening to KSFO for several decades, I am sorry that you have let the PC crowd dictate who remains behind the microphone at your station. I am very disappointed that you let Melanie and Lee go and will not listen to your station or support your advertisers any more. So you can now take a hike!
Leo Salcedo