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Radio dial: Internet is keeping some programs alive

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marcus | 6:46 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008
poor mister
i have no i dea why they would want to jack up a top show like that. maybe if you guys had been number 1 they would have kept you together. did you guys go on a cuise recently?
Tyler | 8:58 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008
If The End chose not to renew Mister's contract, how can they hold him to a no-compete clause? I thought a no-compete clause was for when a personality left in the middle of a contract.

Isn't it ironic that Chunga had to beg and plead to get Mister on the show; only to be responsible for his termination.

I remember Mister's last day. At the end of the show Chunga didn't want to go talk to the lawyers, but Mister said c'mon it will be alright. Now we know why. The chemistry Chunga and Mister had together is what made them the best morning show on Utah radio. Mister kept Chunga in check and played straight-man to Chunga's funny man. Without Mister, it's definitely not the same.

Mister, I hope to hear you on the radio again someday. I wish you the best where ever your life takes you. Just know you are missed!
Ben | 9:15 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008
I am glad that "Mister" West spoke with you about this, even if just for the 'industry' column. (Who knows how many people find this column and read it in the back of the A&E section?)

I wish him only the best and I am glad he chose to speak about what he knew and how things sorted out.

I'm also excited to read that the D. News is smart enough to pick up two talented folks- himself and Erica Hansen of KOSY. How exciting to enhance the A&E section with more local writing and insight from someone with a great background.
Comments continue below
Long time listener | 9:46 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008
The show got funnier after Marcus got the boot. It was part of my morning ritual for about ten years.

I haven't listened since Mister was dropped and don't intend to. I even tried listening to Grant and Amanda once in desperation, but decided that silence was preferable.

When Mister goes back on the radio, I'll listen to his show, as long as it's not on Citadel.
Jan Williams KPCW | 10:06 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008
Your facts are incorrect. Our live show "Horse Talk" is just that, LIVE, ON THE AIR, Saturday Mornings. Yes, you also can listen to it on the internet. KPCW and KCPW are 2 different stations. Thank you for acknowledging that it is a good show.
Jan Williams
Program Director
KPCW Park City
Maggie | 12:32 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008
So glad to hear from Mister! You are definately missed. There just isn't morning radio anymore without you. You evened out Chunga. Hope you are back on the air SOON! When you are, I can turn my radio back on again in the mornings!
Brittany | 2:54 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008
I can't believe Mister is gone. Chunga had his moments but his arrogance with no one to keep him in check is way too much to handle every morning.

I also hope that Mister returns to the radio soon!

9 years | 3:01 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008
I have been listening to the Chunga and Mister show for about 9 years. I thought they were the perfect team. Without Mister the show has lost some of its flavor. It's like trying to enjoy a root beer float minus the ice cream or Captain Crunch without the Crunchberries.
I'd like to hear what Chunga has to say about it now that the cat is out of the bag. Chunga IS a really funny guy, but right now I don't feel a bit like laughing.
Mister fan | 4:07 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008
I've stopped listening to KENZ as well. Honestly, Mister was the only thing that made Chunga tolerable. I'm pleased that Mister has landed on his feet and wish him all the best at the Deseret Morning News.
Mister Fan | 12:02 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I personally think Chunga "Brett Smith" is a joke. He truely is a back stabber. He thinks he is a big fish in a small pond but he is just pond scum. They should just drop the radio station from existence and Mister should get back on in the mornings for a good station. I hope all Mister fans out there have banned KENZ and write in to Chunga "Brett Smith" to voice their opinion on why he is a joke and because they fired Mister the station has gone to pot.
Missing Mister | 10:06 a.m. Feb. 24, 2008
I was a HUGE morning show fan. I was completly devistated when Mister was let go. I too felt Chunga's EGO was almost unbearable these last few years, but I tolerated it because of Mister.
I am a true believer of Carma and I hope Chunga get what he deserves! We as Mister Fans need to call in during What's Happening Hot Stuff and let other listeners know the truth about Chunga.
I hope Mister returns to the Radio soon, We love you
101.9 The End (Ex-Fan) | 4:28 p.m. Feb. 24, 2008
I do not know Mister or Chunga personally but have been a fan for several years. I do know since Mister got axed, for whatever reason, the morning show quality has deteriorated to the point where it's unlistenable.

Radio morning show personalities come and go like the different seasons. Only time will tell if Citadel made the right decision in firing Mister (not renewing his contract). So far, it doesn't look very good...
Still a Fan 101.9 the End | 8:17 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I think People will believe what they want to believe, but I think that through the contract negotiations Management had it in their cards to either keep Chunga if he opted to, or take Mister off if Chunga Decided to stay.

I don't think Chunga had a personal say in it, I think those of us who have delt with management know that they probably wouldn't let Chunga make that big of a call. Now for Mister to speak to the newspapers about his contract, isn't that violating his non-compete clause? Obviously not a good move for him.

What radio station will hire him now? I loved Mister when he was on KENZ, and was truly sad when MANAGEMENT let him go. But the real reason I listen to 101.9 is for the music. I'll still listen.
I buy Chunga's Story | 8:13 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I believe that Mister made a mistake in believing his sources that Chunga insisted that Mister be off the show. I do think that the show was better with Mister. However, I believe Chunga when he says he had nothing to do with it and was as surprised as Mister was when it all went down.
Lying | 8:20 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
It's too bad that it has come to this. People lose their jobs all the time and do not need to go complain about it in a newspaper.

After reading this article and listening to Chunga's response it is clear someone is lying. The question is, is it Brian or Brett.
alexis | 8:17 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I really enjoyed Mister West as well, and miss hearing him in the mornig.... although I don't agree that the show is now terrible. I also do not believe that Chunga phased Mister out as part of his contract. Just a way for Mister to try and get ahead in his career, which is in itself, low. Non of us know the real facts which is pretty funny to rip on people when we have no idea what happened, anyway, I still listen to 101.9 in the morning, they are still great.
Fan of the show | 8:20 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Although it is sad that Mister is no longer on the show, I think Chunga was the better half. I will continue to listen. I still miss Kasey more than Mister. I hope Cunga is able to add another talent that can add the the show. Cort and Chelsea are fun but it needs more. Don't blame Chunga for other people's errors. Love ya Chunga
Nicole | 8:26 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I have tried to listen to the show without Mister, but it lacks so much that I rarely do. Today, I thought I would give it another try and was shcoked to hear Chunga blasting Mister, warning him and calling him his personal enemy number one. Good riddance for Mister. This guy was dragging him down so much at the end as it was, I honestly thought he had left because he was sick of him. During their last months together, I actually wondered how Mister was able to endure that trashed-out energy from Chunga every day. I have been a fan of Mister since KJQN days and I would love to see his own talented light shine again!
Just found it | 8:27 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I had no idea that this article even existed until I heard Chunga ranting and raving about it this morning.
The End listener | 8:30 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Mister was a good friend to Chunga...was. That's the point, it's in the past and Mister needs to stop thinking that it was all Chunga's fault that he got fired. All he's trying to do is take down as many people as he can so the show won't keep going. The problem he is faced with now is that he lost his strongest ally (Chunga)...at least until tells Chunga he's sorry for lying he will continue to lose that ally. Chunga even said himself that when Mister comes and apologizes he will gladly have him as a friend again and will try to get him back on the show as much as he can, which he did right before and right after Mister got let go. All this does is make Chunga look like the bad guy and the real end listeners won't blink an eye to it.
Chunga is an egomaniac | 8:37 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I think it is interesting that Chunga says Mister lied to Deseret News and then not five minutes later he contradicted himself by saying that he thinks Mister really believes that he (Chunga) had something to do with his contract not being renewed. How can Mister be a liar if he truly believes that Chunga played a part in his contract ending? It's also interesting that during "What's Happening Hot Stuff" he only keeps those people on the air that can stroke his own ego. Anyone that defends Mister gets hung up on. That's classless!
Now lose the Ego | 8:44 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
When Mister left, it unfortunately only made more room for Chunga's self-congratulatory, name-dropping, "I'm in movies", EGO to get even bigger than before. I can't listen to the show anymore, now that Mister isn't there to balance him out. Chelsea and Cort seem like nice people, but it's noticable that they try not to challenge Chunga in any way.
Glen | 8:44 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
By paying Chunga more money, the station couldn't afford both Chunga and Mister - so Mister had to go. That's an understandable business decision and unfortunate because together, Chunga and Mister made for a very entertaining show. The show is okay now, but certainly not as good as it was.

This morning, Chunga went on a rant claiming that Mister is lying about Chunga's involvement in Mister's firing and that Mister was good at reading the news and not much of anything else. Wow Chunga! How can you go personal like that about a former friend and business partner of 8+ years? Chunga is taking this to an all new low. I don't know Mister personally, but he IS funny and talented. He doesn't deserve this kind of abuse from Chunga. The whole thing this morning on the show totally turned me off. For every person that calls or writes in, I'm sure there are 20 more people that feel the same way but turn the dial instead of writing in. I think I'll do both.
Interesting | 8:40 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I find it interesting that Mister has decided to speak out. I listened to "what's hapennin' hot stuff" this morning and if what Chunga says is true about non-competes, Mister better run and hide. Can you say, "Breach of contract?"

That said, I loved Mister. He was a staple. I was sad when he left. I wish him all the best, especially if he violated the non-compete!!
Let it Go! | 8:45 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I was sad when Mister left also, but I really wish mister fans would let it go, stop calling in, in the morning, and let the rest of us enjoy the show. You keep threating to stop listening, do it! You can't change things, and some of us just want to hear the morning show. PS some of us like Parker also.
Ex End Listener | 8:46 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I used to listen to the End all the time, and was miffed that Mister got the axe. Everytime I tuned in after that all I could hear was Chelsea's rants and raves. Shut up Chelsea! I wish Mister was back. The best trio was Chunga, Kasey, and Mister. We miss you Mister!

I didn't know about this article either until I heard Chunga totally freak out this morning. Something is off, and Chunga's got a big head. Its too bad he couldn't keep his cool. That would have given him more credibility.
Bill Travis | 8:47 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Radio stations seem to "clean house" once in a while. and the way it is done shows no caring for the show's or personalities fans at all. Listening to Erica on Friday only to have her gone on Monday was really a shock, and I miss her a lot. Hopefully she's got an e-mailbox at the D-News and I can catch up on the news about her baby and if she is going to perform at SLCC or other venues this year. And I haven't listened to KOSY since she left -- I just can't bring myself to "patronize" such a cutthroat media company. E-hugs to Erica, and I hope to hear or run into you soon. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) From Salty.
Pretty Sad | 8:50 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I used to enjoy KENZ, & still do to some degree. I think most agree it's not as good. Although Chunga's insatiable ego will eventually eat him alive (it may have just happened on the radio this morning), Mister's probably hasn't done him any favors either. Yes, they had perfect chemistry on the show, but now it's turning into a nasty public divorce. Chunga's got the mike though, and after what he said this morning I can't help but assume this will get worse. I do have to admit that sick "People Magazine" side of me enjoys watching Mister toy with Chunga & get under his skin...
Stuck in the middle... | 8:55 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I have to admit, I still listen to The End every morning, but it is certainly not the same. Someone needs to let the air out of Chunga, because he is so full of himself! He is such a NAME DROPPER and has a HUGE EGO! I want to listen to the morning show for news, comedy, music, etc, not to hear about "my production company", "my movie", "me me me ME!" I think Chunga IS funny, when he sticks to the show, does his voices, rants a little, but his acting career gets in the way a lot of the time. We all know he is pursuing an acting career (how could we not!), but let's face it...he's got a long way to go and isn't as cool as he thinks! He's a small fish in a very big pond. Mister carried the show when Chunga was off "being a star", now the others do the same. MISTER WEST: You are missed. I think the way it was done, no chance to say goodbye or prep anyone, was wrong and whatever happened, no matter who's fault, I wish you the best of luck with your life and career.
Best Radio Show Ever | 8:56 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Chunga and Mister were in my mind the best duo on the radio ever. They worked so well together and I have greatly missed Mister West. I have listened to Jimmy Chunga since his days at earlier stations and the entire length of KENZ and have always been a big fan and I will continue to listen to his show. I do not know Chunga personally but I would like to point out that a great percentage of his relationships with other DJ's have ended badly with anger and resentment towards Chunga and "NO TALK" clauses. I'd like to say I believe Chunga but it doesn't look good on his part, and yet I will still listen to him because he is still the best on the radio. Plus Cort and Chelsea are the next best thing to Mister.
re: Chunga is an egomaniac | 8:57 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
�How can Mister be a liar if he truly believes that Chunga played a part in his contract ending?�

Perhaps logic fails you. If the truth is that Chunga had nothing to do with Mister's contract renewal, than whatever Mister says is false. Following logic than, (see if you can grasp this,) Mister would be lying. Whatever Mister believes is a moot point, especially if it is based on fantasy. Whether intentional or not, stating something other than the truth is lying.

However, if Chunga isn�t telling the truth, than that is a whole different issue!! I tend to believe Chunga. I feel Mister is playing the victim card to �rally the troops.�
Sup | 9:08 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
It was interesting to hear Chunga this morning on "What's happening hot stuff?" I actually believe Chunga that he didn't have anything to do with Mister getting fired. If what Chunga said was true Mister better be ready for some legal battles especially if he lied about Chunga wanting him fired. When the dust settles I guess we'll know the total truth. Plus Mister breeched his contract and spoke to the D-News about it. Big time stupid move!! Good luck Mister...you're gonna need it!
Shame on Citadel | 9:10 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I know things change, there is turnover. That's a fact of life. But after 8+ years on a well-liked show, why would they blindside someone like they did Mister West? No severence? What's that all about? What happened to human decency?
Buddy Boy | 9:05 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Are we witnessing the implosion of a morning show? I used to love listening to it because it never ceased to help me begin the morning in a happy mood. It seems that it has really lacked the spice since Mr. left. I must admit that although I do think that Chunga is funny, I get tired of his name-dropping. Someone needs to keep that fat head in check.

To bad that this has now become a public matter.
GW | 9:08 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I enjoy 101.9 THE END's morning show.
Look at the overall changes of the station's line-up. CHANGE is good.
Keep up the changes!!!
It Works Both Ways | 9:15 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
During Chunga's rant this morning, he called Mister a liar and said that he was a horrible awful business man...all while complaining that Mister was defaming him. Well, it works both ways, Chunga. It's dangerous to call someone a liar when you admittedly haven't even read the article and seen exactly what was said.
Jon, a Chunga and Mister Fan | 9:16 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
When we share our mornings with people for so long, it is always disappointing to see them move on. I have been a fan of Chunga and Mister for as long as they have worked together. Their chemistry together was exceptional and matchless in our Utah market. However, when they were on their own both of them had their own style that took some adjustment to get used to.

I wish Mister the best in his future endeavors, but I wonder if it was in his best interest to come forward with unsubstantiated allegations that could lead to possible legal issues. I am not versed in the facts of his dismissal, but I am not sure that this is the best venue to air his suspicions about his onetime friend�s position in this case.

Does Mister�s absence diminish the morning show? I don�t know. I do know that we are creatures of habit, so it always takes time to get use to a new situation.

Perhaps we will find that the new morning show will be better than the last.

I know with Mister it was far better than with Marcus.
Isn't it interesting.... | 9:12 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
As a regualr commute listener I have to admit that there is a noticable difference now that Mister is gone. I liked the show then and I still listen now. What I find most interesting is that we live in a society where there is such a thing as a no-compete clause and business deals have to be hush-hush, don't talk or we'll sue". Its radio not the CIA. Wouldn't it be great if honesty played a role in this soap opera? In "The End" these are real people's lives and who are we to make judgements? Don't most people have enough to worry about in their own lives to get involved in something like this? I wish Mister the best in where ever he lands.
Im done with Chunga | 9:14 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Chunga's rant this morning was the last straw. The show isn't half as good as it used to be. Chelsea should stick to the traffic, she has nothing to offer the show. I miss the good ole days when mister controlled the big headed, big mouthed, name dropping chunga.
So sad | 9:20 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I am a long-time listener of The End and was so saddened to hear that Mister was gone. I loved the interaction between Mister and Chunga in the morning and the way they balanced each other out. I was shocked to turn on the radio this am and listen to Chunga rant and rave about this article. He did stoop to a new low. I was also saddened that there were very few people calling in (or allowed to speak) in defense of Mister. I feel that Chunga does have a HUGE ego and it can be annoying. I'm tired of Chunga talking about the famous people he knows, or movies that he's in, or ending a whats happening hot stuff call (when talking to a female) with baby. Enough already!
Tony Toscano fan | 9:19 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Like most End listeners, I was very disappointed to see Mister go. As much as I enjoy listening to Chunga, Chelsea and Kort, Chunga was out of line this morning and could have made his defense without taking such low blows. Shut up and let's talk about the Oscars already! :)

On that note, I love the new movie critic, Tony Toscano. He is easy to listen to, funny, and a great addition to the show. It would be great to hear more of him.
Anonymous | 9:25 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Mister & Chunga were the best morning show, both have their talents, & the best thing they did was balance one another on the show-it's unfortunate that it cant be worked out as the show is lacking now. I cant help but think however that none of this would be happening had things not been so hush hush, not that the public needs to know all, but in a society were lying/hiding the facts seems to take precedence, it seems that keeping everything under cover only makes things worse.
Pot calling the Kettle Black | 9:30 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
What Chunga (or Citadel) doesn't seem to understand is that good radio requires teams that compliment each other not yes men like he currently has. Chunga's ego would never allow him to admit this, but that's what management is for, and clearly they are failing in this. I am so sorry that Mister lost as a result of a poor management decision. And now the name calling has begun.
re: re: Chunga is an egomaniac | 9:31 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I think logic has really failed YOU. I disagree that "whether intentional or not, stating that something other than the truth is lying." You are clearly oversimplifying. Let's see if you can grasp this: Lying is a DELIBERATE action. When you know the truth and choose to say otherwise, you are lying. In this case, if Mister is wrong and Chunga had nothing to do with it, his statements would be FALSE. But that would not mean that Mister was lying. It would mean that he made a false statement based on inaccurate information.
Listener | 9:54 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I just want to know the truth. WHY was Mister dismissed? We have been left in the dark from the start. I think this wouldn't have been such a big deal if the station would have been honest with us from the start. I still want to know what REALLY happened. I agree the show is lacking now, but I still listen. I miss Mister.
Mutually Exclusive? | 9:58 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
So what is it, Chunga?

Did Mister West make an inaccurate statement, based on what he was told, or did he lie? Certainly, it wasn't both. You aren't doing yourself any favors, by disparaging Mister, all the while claiming that Mister is guilty of disparaging you.
Bill | 10:00 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
For what it's worth. I've known both Chunga and Mister (and the rest of the End crew past and present) Since "The End" came on the dial.

Chunga and Mister would often butt heads, and those who know Chunga off the air, know how he likes to blow up at people. His profanity laced tirades and his passion for holding grudges are well known in the industry. One such tirade this morning only further proves this point.

I sure would not want to be Chelsea or Cort in that studio this morning.
re: Chunga is an egomaniac | 10:01 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Yawn.

You can argue with the semantics all you want. However, lying is making a false or misleading representation.

Oh and if you truly buy into the "making a false statement based on INNACUARTE FACTS," justifies Mister's misrepresentation or lying, then you my friend are even more foolish then I previously thought. Read: Chunga and Mister are/were friends and talked on a regular basis following Mister's exit; Mister is hurt; Mister is grasping at straws.
??? | 10:06 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
I love all of the amateur lawyers posting here about how much "trouble" Mister is in. If what Mr. West says about his termination is true, there is nothing stopping him from talking to whomever he wishes about his termination. Normally severence packages contain clauses that limit what you can say about your termination. Mr. West stated that he wasn't given a separation package from Citadel, so consequently he would have no restriction as to what he could say about the termination.

As for the "Non-compete" clause in his contract with Citadel, it is common knowledge that those clauses are non-enforceable and can be stricken out in a legal proceeding, especially when an employee has been terminated by the employer. So if Mr. West really wants to work in the industry again, he should speak to a contract lawyer about fighting his non-compete.

After reading the story and the comments, I find nothing liable or slanderous in the comments from Mr. West. He simply stated what he believed were the details of his termination.

Chunga's threats are meaningless. He would get waxed in court.
re: Mutually Exclusive | 10:09 a.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Disparaging is one thing. Libel is a completely different story. Making false claims is libel. Chunga has legal recourse.

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