Radio Facts has been bombarded with questions, complaints and comments about Radio One moving The Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS) to the AM station WOL in Washington, DC and replacing him with industry vet Russ Parr. We’ve gotten the most complaints since this blog premiered in 2000. Unfortunately, we are not in control of what Radio One does with their shows but I will say typically there is an onslaught of disappointed listeners for a couple of weeks then they disappear.
We too are surprised that Radio One is using another syndicated show to replace Tom with a host who would be considered more of a competitor than a “new” show instead of trying out a local show. Unfortunately, it takes a while to develop a local show and DC is a market that is very loyal to vet radio hosts. It is also rare and perhaps even an insult to move a nationally syndicated FM show to an AM station in a market as AM has not been the focus of urban major radio outlets for years now (unless it’s a talk format which is rare).
In the radio industry, we understand that Radio One is most certainly moving TJMS to the AM format, instead of canceling the show in the market to fulfill their previously agreed to advertising commitments. Time will tell how Russ Parr fairs in his new slot but unfortunately it is highly unlikely that Radio One will put Tom back in the spot after making the decision to move him. Radio just doesn’t work that way. Nevertheless, stranger things have happened (Donnie Simpson’s resurgence).
OK! I thought they were on vacation or maybe he was retiring. I finally took time to satisfy my curiosity. Needless to say, I’m a little late, just learning this news and really SHOCKED! That being said, this is not the first mistake Kathy Hughes and her team has made and I don’t think it will be her/their last. However, she keeps popping back…!
I looked forward to the commentaries that projected a different view then that of the “Main stream media”. As a loyal African-American fan, knowing we have few media outlets…, it’s just sad, the “system” has won again! Donnie Simpson’s arrival came with notices, as did Russ Parr, neither are as seasoned as TJ, Sybil & J. It’s like Radio One just put TJMS out to pasture… Well, Steve Harvey is not quite the same, but his show will get my radio time NOW!
I stopped listening and now just in tune with my CDs once again. When TJMS is on another station I will be too. Love TJMS
Russ Parr show sucks
I miss tom joyner. I live in northern Virginia. Mornings not the same without tom…..
Basically, The Yolanda Adams Morning Show met the same fate several months ago. The stations are banking on Millennial’s being the new target Market for advertising spots.
I just returned in the area and learned that the TJMS was no longer on 102.3. I am very unhappy with the move. Not many choices left in DC to listen to in the morning. I missed the TJMS providing the little black history moments and giving updates on HBCUs. At least the show does not have individuals bragging all the times.
Yes a lot of people bumped their DAMNED heads on this one. Made no sense at all. TJMS is so much more and better than Russ Parr’s show. I won’t listen to 102.3 in the mornings any more. Even though it irritates the hell out of me to listen to the static, I have followed the TJMS to 1450AM. Hate it but love the TJMS CREW.