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).
It’s really a shame that the actual listeners do not have a say. Russ Parr is not even on Tom Joyner’s level. Its an insult to move Tom to AM radio. Well I guess I will listen to Memphis V101, or Charlotte V101.9. And radio execs wonder why we stream other stations out of state.
I am astonished that Radio One would take off a very positive morning show that kept the urban community informed of facts that we would never get in the so-called mainstream stations. I listen to the TJMS at work via streaming around 7:30 am every morning. I do not have satellite radio, so WOL is impossible to listen to in my car. I miss the money report on Mondays, Damon, Huggy, and of course, the morning cast. To move this icon away in the Washington, DC market is very shortsighted!!!
Putting Russ ghetto show on 102.3 doesn’t make sense because he is hip hop & 102.3 is old school, adult contemporary just like Tom Joyner. Cathy Hughes has lost her mind.
Nothing new there…
When Cathy took out a successful I.P.O. in effect she lost control to a Board of Directors which make decisions for which she must abide. All Black owned media in America have been taken over by the Majority or either effectively neutralized. Tom was doing and saying too much as far as Black community progress for the powers that be.
well tom made the same mistake cathy did. he sold reach media( his tjms and his website blackamericaweb) to radio one. then he sold more shares. so now he has millions but no control. tha tis why there is no more’its your world’ soap. that is why miss dupree and myra j were fired. that is why janthony brown was pissed and quit on air.
The TJMS was a mature MS for adults. It was funny I love the skits “it’s your world” J Anthony Brown being the Rev. I just can’t believe they were moves to am station. I guarantee 102.3 will lose a lot of listeners. The RP show has been a bunch clowns since he came to DC. This is what happens when you give up control of your business for the dollar radio is not about the listeners anymore!
So true. I loved TJMS with Tom, Syble, & J. Not a Russ Parr fan & no longer listen to 102.3. Want Tom Joyner & the gang back!!!!
I so agree
100 % Agree w/ you there!! .. I heard the commercial this morning & lost it! I couldn’t believe my ears. Enough complaints & low ratings, TJMS will be back on FM… Or is there another plan …enter Donnie back in the morning after RP’s failure!? ..B/C it would be awkward to place TJMS back in the slot! …Good thing for the TJMS app!
Donnie Simpson is too boring and drab now. I will really stop listening if he’s back in the morning slot.
Amen! I love the TJMS and miss Sybil’s intelligent, thoughtful, contemporary commentary. What was radio one thinking of? Thank goodness for apps, streaming and technology connections.
It wasn’t Cathy Hughes’ decision; she has retired. Her son has taken over
JO: cathy hasnt retired. she is chairperson. her son is CEO/pres .
I totally agree with your comment I’ve been listening to Tom joyner for 20 years now not only is his show funny but his show is very informative he always lets us know what’s going on in our world our community and what’s important to us Russ Parr Show is just a silly ass show with a bunch of ghetto music in the morning…..who over the age of 35 wants to listen to this nonsense in the mornings
AGREE. I CAN’T STAND HIP HOP AND WILL NOT LISTEN TO 102.3 UNLESS JOYNER IS REINSTATED…..
I was a little upset when I heard about the move. I’m a big fan of Tom Joyner Morning Show. I love the crew and never miss them in the Morning. TJMS show always have me cracking up in the morning on my way to work and as soon as I get to work I finish listening to them until they go off the air at 10:00. Who listens to AM unless its the Football game, really. He will truly be missed , so I guess I won’t be listening to that channel in the Mornings anymore, they have lost me. I am pissed a loyal listener is what I was. I guess January 19th I’ll find another channel to listen to.
You said it. This is so very sad. I was so distraught when I heard the announcement I immediately tuned to 1450 AM so I would be prepared for the shift (bump). All I got was static! I am so sick about this. That crew wakes me up with humor, insightful conversation, and good music. THAT’S how you start a productive day. Shame on you Radio One – you’re Radio Zero in my book now.
You said it, Janette!!!
I was in a mad panic this morning. I hadn’t been able to listen to the radio in the morning until today. I said to myself, something don’t sound right!! I wonder if they…..and I read that they have. No shade on the other stations but I am older, and TJMS is about the speed for me. It’s okay, I will find out where is, on my dial.
It’s a pity that we have allowed “Corporate America” to tell us what’s good and what’s bad radio. Anyone in radio knows that A-M stations are or can be just as good as FMs. When “Corporate Americans” owned the A-M’s they were the best thing since sliced bread. But when the FCC mandated that “Corporate America” must allow more minorities and women to own stations, they sold their A-Ms because they felt they were less valuable when in fact they are not. Typical example is WOL. Anyone who knows the heritage of WOL know that it was a history-making station in DC — #1 in ARBITRON back in the day — ruling the market with Petey Green. WLS in Chicago and WDIA in Memphis are other examples. WOKJ in Jackson. WDIA with Bobby O’Jay is A-M and was a powerhouse stations back in the day and still rule the market in Memphis. And what about WLW, the most powerful station in the US at one point with 500,000 watts out of Cincinnati? Then there’s WWL out of New Orleans, which was credited with exposing some of the atrocities of Hurricane Katrina when all the FMs were down. That’s how Mayor Ray Nagin got the word out about what was actually happening in the Crescent City. So it is no disgrace for the TJMS to move to A-M. A more appropriate and bigger problem would be “Corporate America” trying to wipe out A-M Radio?
A-M only got a bad name from “Corporate America” because they want to continue to dominate the airwaves and discredit minority and women owned stations. Don’t fall for them saying A-M has no place on the dial in modern-day digital/social media America. If the A-M station has the content and serves the public interest of the community the way it should, I think the station should get the “props” and we should not let others in the industry continue to try to tell us what to like and what to accept. I’m an A-M station owner and proud of it!!! I would stack my “Awesome A-M” up against any “Static Free” F-M anywhere any day!
Absolutely. AM is alive and well!!
POE it is GREAT that AM and WOL have legacy of activism. But if no one gets it what is the use ?
I wont listen to static for 4 hours bc that will give me a headache.
WOL bettter out it a new antenna.
Tom Joyner has been SETUP TO FAIL!!!
102.3 in the morning….DEAD!!
No loyalty at all I think it’s a disgrace to move a radio icon like TJ to am for Russ Parr I will not be listening to 102.3 any more in the morning I guess I’ll be checking out 96.3 Steve Harvey. ….
I never listen to Russ Parr because it is to ghetto for my taste. He has a market but it is just not for me. I will follow TJ to his new AM slot. He is really needed and I love his passion for Black America. I will not allow corporate America to dictate what I will be listen to we have to many options.
I’m so agreeing with you Todd. My radio won’t even pick up AM stations without static. I’ll be listening to Steve Harvey as well at least until I get to work where I can pick up 102.3 hd. I remember when they took Tom off a couple of years ago and it was so much static behind it they brought him back.
What does Radio One use for brains? They definitely do not care or listen to there audience. One of the dumbest moves they’ve made. If Russ Parr was not liked on 93.9 KYS why do you think he’ll be liked on 102.3 .
TJMS loyalist moving to 95.5
This is just stupid! I don’t even enjoy the music selections offered on the Russ Parr show and the silly ass antics. Just because you make the decisions doesn’t mean you are making the right ones. Radio One is being ran by Bonobos
WTH ….. “IF IT AIN’T BROKE, THEN LEAVE IT ALONE!!!!!” TJMS IS THE BEST; ESPECIALLY IN THE AM. THEY GIVE YOU NEWS, LAUGHS, EDUCATION, FACTS, FUN, ENERGY, ETC…. TO GET THE DAY STARTED ON A POSITIVE NOTE.
THEY ARE HONEST, FACTUAL AND STRONG. THEY ARE NOT AFRAID TO GIVE THEIR OPINION AND DON’T GO ALONG JUST TO GET ALONG
I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE CRUISES THIS YEAR, WELL I HOPE THEY WILL CONTINE TO SAIL….
IT’S A DOWN RIGHT DIRTY SHAME THAT THE LISTENERS DON’T HAVE ANY SAY; AFTER ALL, WE ARE THE BREAD AND BUTTER !!! SO PROUD OF MYSELF FOR NOT REALLY SAYING HOW I FEEL… WILL NOT BE LISTENNG TO 102.3 ON 1/19/2016 AND BEYOND…
WPFW is the way. They give the people what they want. They aren’t sell outs.
Well, I guess now I’ll make more use of My Apple subscription. AM radio… Really!!
This is how you treat a man who has helped students continue their college education, this is how you treat a man who is community aware, this is how you treat a man who puts a smile on your face before you go to work in the morning. Have you laughing while sitting in traffic that is backed up to who knows where. This is an outrage. What Radio One is doing to Tom Joyner and his crew is just down right WRONG!!!! I am not a Russ parr fan and will never be. Putting Tom and his crew on an AM station that no one hardly listens to in the morning is ridiculous. This justifies my not ever listening to Majic 102.3 ever again. I am sooooo disappointed in Radio One. Honestly, I am just so tired of the powers that be putting people where they don’t belong. That morning show is Tom’s show, not Russ’. I’m done. PERIOD
Radio One sold out, plain and simple.
Magic 102 is in a heated radio battle and has been on the losing end of it for some time. They have been tweaking the station music and seem to be looking at a slightly younger audience (but not to young). Plus KYS will get a younger morning show to compete against a very good Joe Clair morning show on WPGC. I like Tom Joyner though but I like Steve Harvey better.
Funny somebody mentioned WPFW. They have some decent oldies and blues shows on Saturdays. Sad thing is they don’t play much music on the weekdays except in the evenings.
Some moves are not worth the money Bye Bye Bird us to love u Money is The Root Of All EVIL
I stopped listening to Russ Parr because I matured and the show didn’t. The jokes became more & more crass and I wasn’t learning anything worthwhile other than the latest drama filled escapades of the artists featured on his show. I am very disappointed with the decision but I am grateful for the app.
This makes me very sad but I will be listening to the TJMS on AM until they take him off. I hope he finds a new home after his contract with Radio One ends. I have nothing against Russ Parr his style is just not my preference.
I hope that all of the upset listeners write to Radio One (as I am doing) and also follows Tom and the gang to AM. I also hope we don’t simply let this fade away but keep displeasure with this out there so Radio One executives are aware.
IF I WANTED TO LISTEN TO RUSS PARR AND HIP HOP IN THE MORNING, I WOULD TURN TO 93.9…..ITS A DAMN SHAME EVERY YEAR THE RADIO STATIONS ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO CHANGE SOMETHING FOR THE WORST, IM STILL MAD THAT THEY LET KEVIN “SLOW JAMMIN” JAMES GO YEARS AGO AND CHANGED TO WHOLE FORMAT….IT HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE……GLAD I HAVE XM RADIO AND PANDORA SO I DONT HAVE LISTEN TO THE MESS THE RADIO PLAYS OVER AND OVER…………
I am going with Tom!!!!!!!!!!
The only way to beat the move is to get the ADVERTISERS TO STOP ADVERTISING WITH THAT STATION..DOLLARS HURT WHEN THEY GO ELSE WHERE. SO TO BE EFFECTIVE YOU HAVE TO STOP ADVERTISING ON THAT STATION…
Who listens to music on the AM band? Radio One is nuts and they can keep Russ Parr and his corny jokes.
Nothing against Russ Parr, but REALLY bringing in Hip Hop over Old school.
It seems that Tom Joyner like Michael Baisden is being silenced because of their power to move the masses to vote. Their voices encouraged us to stay informed about politics and other social issues and how it could affect Black America. Remember a while back when Congress including some black congressmen wanted to get rid of “free radio”? Kathy Hughes was rather vocal about that. Wonder if some backroom deals were made to get rid of these powerful voices to keep radio free.
They took him off the radio station here in Winston-Salem without any warning amd they will do the same in D.C. So enjoy him and his crew while you can. Nothing good last forever . . .
I will not be listening to Morning Radio once the move happens as well as I will be selling my stock in Radio One.
This is terrible for the DMV. I have been listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show for years. To put Russ Parr in his place was a bad decision. (Ghetto Radio) Sad. To top it off they want to put Tom and the crew on WOL. 1450 AM. Who listens to AM Radio. Really. Most radios cant even pick up AM Stations. I am a product of a HBCU and Nobody has done more for HBCU’s than Tom.
Ok so I agree, Russ Parr is on the immature side, but I appreciate the humor in the morning. Not sure why we can’t have two black shows in radio, for different perspective. .
but don’t need to bash Russ Parr
How can you remove a radio show that’s on top. To replace this with Russ Parr is an insult and a slap on the face. I will never listen to 102.3 again. What is Kathy Huges thinking about. She is not in touch what’s going on with in the city. Why didn’t you put Russ Parr Dr a 6:00.
Calvin
I was shocked to hear that the Tom Joyner Morning show will no longer be broadcast on 102.3. I will not be listening to that station anymore.
Yes, I agree that this change is based on politics because of the upcoming election in November. Tom and Rev. Sharpton are being moved to an AM station to keep the Black communities from being aware of voting schemes, etc. I will follow TJMS wherever it goes.
Iam so mad that 102.3 didn’t ask its listeners about that dumb move. Putting TJMS on AM band what a insult. Russ Parr show is not Tom Joyner show. I will be moving to another station because WOL will not come in where I live. Come on Ms. Huges I always said you were a smart lady but I don’t think so now.
This is a bunch of crap! Leave it to a bunch of you know who to really screw things up. There is a market for TJMS listeners, and we will follow him as long as he is on the radio. Shameful!!!
Total disrespect to Tom Joyner. I will not be listening to this station in the morning. Dumb business decision Just who is running the station anyway and radio one who assumes that people on the way to work want to listen to mess in the morning ? Dumb.
If I’d wanted to listen to Parr, I would’ve been doing that. I think Parr’s is too noisy – especially for first thing in the morning.
WOW…..unbelievable! I will continue to stream the TJMS app at work and home. We don’t need 102.3 to listen the TJMS just stream him in another another state and add to your favorites . Works for me:-)
This really sucksss to start 2016 nothing to say about Russ Parr but to a mature audience this is a dumdown can not listen to this when dropping the children off to school…STEVE HARVEY I guess hear we come
Wait let me get this straight, Radio One replaces Tom Joyner with Russ Parr?????????????????. It’s apparent Tom had too much CLASS!
Why is Tom Joyner being moved. This is not good I knew when you bought that Marshall Wright and Donney Simpson on there something was going on. Well that’s great!!!!!!
You don’t need our email or name you have made your decision.
I also am upset with the move of Tom Joyner to AM. In my area, Centreville, VA, I can not get good reception on 1450 AM. This is a shame, because I did enjoy TJMS. Well, I guess, I wll just listen to WTOP and the news. If anyone know if the TJMS show is on Sirius or XM, please let me know so I can suscribe.
This morning I was delighted to wake up to the TJMS on 102.3 I was expecting to turn the station over to AM so I could listen to Tom and his crew. If they ever think about removing Tom I will follow him wherever he goes. Russ Parr show is nowhere near Tom’s level and I felt insulted that corporate America would try this crap. Long time listener and follower of the TJMS.
This is crazy. I will not turn my radio on to 102.3. Radio One I am out. I will listen online and us my apps to jam all day.
How could Tom Joyner be so NAIVE as to give up control of an institution that he created and inspired so many people with.Is it need or greed I dont know know.
Too much.TJMS was replaced by Steve Harvey in Louisville but TJMS moved to a Gospel station in the morning.The station never mentioned the move or what happened or why.Many,many,many people were upset and stopped listening to 101.3,period.Ghetto mindset along with filthy content becoming the norm for morning Urban Contempoary Radio.Just what the Community needs.Good Riddance 101.3.
I DO NOT CARE FOR RUSS PARR AT ALL. I WILL NOT BE LISTENING IN THE MORNINGS!
At least you guys have an option with the AM station. In Dallas we lost TJMS and was stuck with only the janky phone APP. That was last year and I’m still in withdrawal. Tom Joyner’s show was apart of the fabric of our lives so there was much uproar. If only there was something we could do…
Moving Tom Joyner to WOL and Russ Parr to 102.3 makes absolutely no sense on any level. Magic plays old school R&B and neo soul. This is music that appeals to an older demographic. Teenagers and people in their twenties like Russ Parr so why move him to a station that skews older? He’ll lose most of Tom’s audience and he won’t drag many of his listeners to Magic.
I’d like to hear the reasoning behind this move.
I would love to follow TJ to AM, but unfortunately all of my AM stations are nothing but static. @Poe, you mentioned you own an AM station. That is great, but how do we listen to AM without a bunch of static? I think it is a kick in the guts for TJ to be moved to AM when he is the top urban DJ in the area. I don’t get it. I listen to the TJ app a lot, so I will just continue with the app.
Intelligence v. Coonery and Buffoonery. Tom Joyner is such a strong voice in the black community! He brings so much to the table! The TJMS is very informative and intellecutally stimulating. The little known black history fact, Black America Web, educated guest. Real Fathers Real Men… the list goes on and on! When I say the Russ Parr Morning Show hurts my ears and brains that’s an understatement! This was a really bad move and another move to destroy something postive within the black community!
No more Tom Joyner? No more 102.3 for me! I thought Russ Parr was more hip hop. I like Tom’s old school approach to music. I will move to AM just to listen to Tom’s show. The show is very entertaining. I hope the Fantastic Voyage doesn’t disappear.
Im left with a situation that I am having trouble adjusting to. I use to listen to Russ Parr, several years ago, when he still had Olivia Foxx on the show. I dropped when his music format went totally left.
Tom Joyner has been a staple in DC for many moons, playing music grown folks such as myself and appreciates, while also discussing topics that are important to our community. So this move him to 1450am, is disheartening and a slap in the face to mature DMV listeners.
This supports my concerns with one corporation owning the majority of the “black” airwaves with a city. Radio one has too much control and something needs to change.
brian H: i too stopped listening to russ parr moring show when olivia foxx left.i miss her, supaken, lazy lamont.
she did kys late nights fro a while but i didnt listen.
i like olivia fox in the am to wakeup me up get me going and laughing.
she was on majic 1023 from 10-3 from january 2008- june 2010 but that stopped.
did you know she is battling kidney disease?
she does online radio now.