WTMJ Radio In Downward Spiral

A few years ago, as if it wasn't bad enough that half of the day on WTMJ-AM Radio was taken up with Charlie "Captain Blowhard" Sykes and Jeff "Sykes Lite" Wagner, the station added Jessica McBride to their evening line up. We all know how well that worked out.

Not learning their lesson, they then hire on James "Drama Queen" Harris. Why? I don't know and I would guess neither do they.

Not having quite reached rock bottom yet, they then decided to push Phil Cianciola and Dick Albert out the door.

A few weeks ago, it was announced that Johnathon Greene was going to retire at the end of the year. People were really hoping that WTMJ would come to there senses and bring back Cianciola or even Mark Reardon.

No such luck.

Instead they decided to go with John Mercure, who made his claim to fame with his over-the-top sensationalistic reporting on WTMJ-TV. If that wasn't enough, he has also been known to make some rather volatile and unprofessional comments.

Still not reaching their nadir, it was announced today that John Jagler is leaving the station as of this Friday. There has been speculation that Jagler is going to be going to work for Goobernator-elect Scott Walker. While Jagler was fun enough to listen to in the mornings, if this is true, one would have to wonder about his judgment skills.

It has now gotten to the point that the only things worth tuning into TMJ radio for is Gene Mueller, Packer games and weather events. And it is only a question of time for these three things as well.

They should have pursued xoff when they had the chance.

Another (Two) Poor Decision(s) By WTMJ Radio

I saw this over the weekend, and I am still bitterly disappointed:

Veteran WTMJ-AM (620) personality Phil Cianciola confirms via Twitter this afternoon that he's been shown the door.

He tweets: "It's true. I was let go from my job today... Hope to talk to you on the radio again soon."

Cianciola is a long-time member of the afternoon "Green House" hosted by Jonathan Green. At the beginning of the year, WTMJ extended Green's contract, but didn't announce details.

Cianciola was the most entertaining personality on the entire radio station, which is probably why they felt compelled to give him the boot. To show how classy Cianciola really is, just read what he wrote on his own website:

But at this time and in this place all I really want to do is say a huge thank you to all the many, and I mean many kind emails and posts at various places that fans and friends have left for me. I DO care about you all. And as I have said in the past, just connecting with YOU and maybe making YOU laugh or smile is the best part of my job...er, ah, my former job.

I promise you that I am already working hard to get back on the radio in the city of Milwaukee to have that chance to again entertain, inform and maybe make you smile. You know I'm a Milwaukee guy, and if I can land a gig in Milwaukee then that would be my first choice.

More to come....stay tuned. Things happen for a reason. A door closes, another one opens....all that good stuff....Trying to stay positive. I know that many of you have and are going through the same thing.

I would love to know the reason why WTMJ would get rid of an entertaining, insightful and non-offensive person like Cianciola. But then again, maybe I just answered my own question.

We wish Mr. Cianciola the best of luck and look forward to hearing him on the radio again soon.

ADDENDUM: Bruce Redenz at Badger Blogger is reporting that Dick Alpert was also shown the door. Two big mistakes on TMJ's part.