Deseret News | Internet is keeping some programs alive

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Radio dial: Internet is keeping some programs alive

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Katie | 6:07 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I was sad, too, when Mister left; however, that's business, as many have already stated. If you were listening this morning you will note that Chunga's "rant" was entirely defensive and he had every right to say what he did. I've already wasted waay too much time reading these mostly bitter posts and I think people should worry about their own lame lives. And there's no reason to be rude and insulting regarding Chelsea and Cort, they don't have anything to do with it.

Katie | 6:07 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

PS. . .Mr. "Sources" Randy, I'm calling your bluff and doubt you know anything that you didn't hear on the radio or read in this article. It cracks me up when people think that just by listening to a radio show in your car every morning and calling in every once in a while (some definitely more than others), you're instant friends with the on-air personalities. I would wager that is how most of the posters "know" Mister or Chunga (Bret Smith... what?? Jimmy Chunga isn't his REAL name????) Good grief.

Crabtree | 6:28 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

So, was it completely "defensive" when Jimmy Chunga called Mr. West a "crappy business man" a "bad business man" and a "horrible terrible business man" multiple times this morning?

And was Jimmy Chunga "in character" when he said the blogs written about the split were written by "some fat chick?"

And to all those that say that "change is good" and "change happens" that doesn't mean that THIS change was good and this change SHOULD have happened.

Comments continue below

randy's a joke | 6:42 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

how do you expect me to believe your story if you can't get dates right? Mister was kicked off the show before Thanksgiving, so why would he still be there in December? I'm on Chunga's side and think that anyone who doesn't think it's too bad people don't think he's telling the truth.

Tyler | 6:50 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

We wouldn't even be talking about this if you, Chunga (or Brett since Chunga's a character), had been upfront and honest about the whole situation in the first place. Sure you would've offended and lost some of your listeners, but that would've been far less than what you're going to lose now. My guess was that you and management decided you needed to change up the show and take it in a new direction. You should have came out and admitted it back in December and we wouldn't still be talking about it 3 months later. Instead you chose to hide and place the blame on someone else - MANAGEMENT. It shouldn't be much of a surprise though since the responses to this article are littered with your posts ("Still a Fan 101.9 the End", "Chunga Fan", etc.). Obviously both YOU and MANAGEMENT were wrong and continue to be wrong with your stance on Mister or this wouldn't be such a hot issue. It's not too difficult to figure out who is making the poor business decisions here.

The Administrator | 6:51 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Dear "randy's a joke",

what?

That last sentence didn't even make sense.

Please try again.

Get over it! | 7:11 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

So Mister was fired. He wasn't that great anyway. Personally I would rather listen to Chunga even though he does get a little big headed sometimes. If you don't like it you don't have to listen to it! Besides, why Mister was fired is none of our business. By the way, I like having Chelsea on the show. It's nice to have someone on the radio who has a life outside of church dances!

Curt | 7:32 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

For re:re:Mutually Exclusive:

I didn't see if anyone else already answered this, but your comment has several inaccuracies or incorrect assumptions. First, liability for defamation (slander or libel) extends not only to the original maker of the statement, but can attach to others who merely re-publish the false and defamatory statement. A person who repeats libelous information is also subject to a libel suit (even if they don't know it is false).

Second, Utah being a right to work state does not mean a non-compete cannot be enforced. In fact, a notable treatise on Utah employment law specifically states "Generally, a convenant not to compete is enforceable in Utah...if the restrictions are reasonable as to time and area." The enforceability is thus tied to the time restrictions (apparently 6 months) and geographic restrictions (dunno). Also, severance has no particular bearing. A covenant-not-to-compete in Utah does require some compensation to be valid, but that is usually determined up-front when the agreement is signed, not after it terminates. Also, the contract may have a jurisdiction clause to indicate what state's law to apply in reviwing the contract, so Utah law may not even be applicable.

Just my own (legally informed) thoughts

Danni | 7:47 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I tuned into the show this morning only because NPR was repeating itself. I use to listen to 101.9 faithfully every morning from 6-10, but it's gotten unbearable. The show isn't 10% as funny as it was when Mister was on. Chunga's ego and constant name dropping are a complete turn-off, and playing bit parts in C movies does not a great actor make. At least Mister was able to lighten things up and he was TRULY funny. Chunga only thinks he is. Cort tries and sometimes succeeds but he's not getting much help, and Chelsea ... please stop the 'alcoholic lesbian' bit; it's not amusing anymore. I really tried to give the show a chance after Mister was let go and I've 'popped' in every once in a while HOPING to be able to listen again, but it's painful and frankly embarrassing. Sad

Matt | 8:02 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

The defamation/slander/libel element of this situation will be a tough go--in addition to proving that one knew the statement(s) to be false, "Chunga" is a well-known "public figure", which raises the legal standard for him to show a prima facie case (he must show actual malice in addition to the other elements of falsity, publication, and damages).

Curt (7:32 pm) is absolutely correct--the "right to work" comments are immaterial. Non-compete, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure clauses are regularly enforced in Utah so long as the scopes (time and geography) and the protected interests of goodwill/trade secrets/confidential information are well-defined and legitimate. And note that these covenants are usually, as Curt points out, in consideration of being employed and thus are considered "bargained for" in exchange for employment.

Being on the prosecuting side of such cases more than a few times, corporations usually go hard after former employees who breach these covenants in order to make an example of the former employee for current employees as well as for competitors.

? | 8:36 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

I always listened to The End before Mister left. I am not even a big fan of the musci but I loved to listen to Chunga and Mister. I have tried to listen several times since but for some reason something is missing. Who knows what happened but now I need a new station to listen to in the mornings.

Down with Chunga! | 8:52 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Bring back Cano and McCorrmick! TUNE IN MY HEAD!!

Done | 9:07 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Ok well its over. Mister is better off and those of you who stopped listening are better off. X96 needs to hire Mister on for their morning show. That way there can be a battle of the morning DJ's and will clearly show who rocks the casbah. Game on Brett Smith!

Matt | 10:31 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

How the HECK can a company enforce a non-compete when they FIRE you and don't offer you severance? That is beyond retarded. In a specialized market like a radio personality or orthodontist or something you could keep someone from working for the term of the non-compete. They have to feed their family. If Citadel tried to enforce that, and they got to a jury the jury would laugh at them.

I was a dedicated listener to The End. Even an apologist. I used to identify with Chunga quite a bit as we had similar views and are similar in age and background but no longer.

he has had too many partners mysteriously go missing on him. His current co-hosts can't balance him out and he's not as funny as he was with Mister on.

between that and the parker guy, I never listen anymore. I know some of the characters from the show and they clued me into this.

I didn't think it took a vindictive rant on air, Mr's comments were innocuous and not something to get all worked up over. It's what he was told.

Chunga, go start your "movie" career. We'll live.

Chunga's Future Career | 10:53 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

Maybe, when Chunga's acting career flops, he'll come back to radio as an AM talk show host.

That might be interesting.

I wonder how he'd do at the Nightside Project on KSL...

Dan | 11:08 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

It has been so evident that from the day that Mister left Chunga that Chunga is a nobody and just doesn't have what it takes to make it work for Citidel - Citidel has shoot themselves in the foot. When you have a winning morning team, you don't go and "fix" what's not broken. This has Chunga's ego and massive insecurities written all over it. Shame on Citidel. Best of luck to you Mister, you are a good guy and will land on your feet, I'm one of your best fans. I look forward to your return to radio.

Tammy | 11:19 a.m. Feb. 26, 2008

First all I can say about this is it seems very interesting that when the paper tried to call Chunga that he couldn't comment because it was company policy not to talk, but that all went out the window when the article came out. Interesting.... Maybe management needs to take a look at their employees following policy. Second, Chunga really made a big deal out of one article in my experience when someone becomes that upset and shows no decorum they are LYING, hmm.....

AJ | 1:17 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I find it really sad that it has come to this. I loved the show for years because of the great team Chunga and Mister made. Unfortunately, the show has taken a turn for the worse in my eyes. The only thing I like about the show now is Cort. After Chunga's comments on Monday, I am no longer a fan. They either need to scrape the show and start new or get a new sidekick who will keep Chunga's ego in check, like Mister did. Until that happens, I will no longer listen. I just hope Citadel will read these comments and see the mess they have created with their fans.

Finally, a FORMER Listener | 1:28 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I've finally done it. I was so mad when Mister was let go that I didn't want to listen anymore. But I kept listening. When Chunga went on a rant about Mister earlier this year, I kept listening even though at the time I didn't want to. After hearing Chunga go off again yesterday, once again, I'd had enough. I turned on the radio this morning and after about 10 minutes, I couldn't stomach anymore. I've had enough. I'm finally done listening to "The Chunga Show".

Alexandra | 1:32 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I have been a big fan of the show for several years now. But I am getting sick of Chunga's ego and his so called acting career. Really, is 30 seconds in any film acting? Chelsea adds very little to the show if anything. Anyone can talk trash. Most people at least try to rise above the trash. Maybe mangement should let Chunga go along with Chelsea and start fresh with Kort and Mister!

Huge Mister Fan | 2:11 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

If Chunga wasn't lying, then he wouldn't have been so defensive on the radio...plain and simple. If Chunga had actually read the article, he would have read that Mister didn't say anything that would cause him to throw such a baby-fit! I happen to know Mister personally, and if Mister said that it happened it happened. He wouldn't make something up just to get back at Chunga or the station...he's just not like that. Mister loved being in radio, and deserved more respect than he ultimately got. We love and miss you, Mister!

Dissapointed | 4:10 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I listened to the morning show with Chunga and Mister for years. I am disappointed to say that I am no longer a listener because without Mister, the show can't go on. Yes, Chunga is still funny as ever but I just can't stomach Cort and Chelsea. It's just not the same and won't ever be without Mister.

George Costanza | 4:32 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Remember, it's not a lie, if you believe it.

I believe Chunga | 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I know Chunga can be a dick sometimes and I thought I'd never listen when Mister left, but i heard Chunga on the air swear up and down that he had nothing to do with it, and I believe it

www | 4:45 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

Who would listen to Court and Mister????? SNOOZE! If you want people who are boring and can't be on the radio unless they're reading a script, then just listen to KSL. Or better yet, Radio from Hell. I like to listen to people who have an actual personality and add some spice to my morning drive. My life is boring enough on it's own. I don't need my radio to be boring, too. And lets be honest here. If it were Chunga that got fired instead of Mister West, the station would be OVER.

What about... | 7:42 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

...Frank and Brady? Where was the big outcry when the River went COUNTRY and people just disappeared? As much as I feel for Mister ï¿½ or ANYONE ï¿½ losing his job, it happens, and in Utah there is nothing you can do about it. Chunga said a long time ago he wouldn't talk about it anymore, so it's understandably frustrating to have it keep coming up; slamming him and/or The End won't change a thing. Either listen, or don't, but give it a rest already!

stop | 8:05 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

The so called "Mister lovers" need to get a grip and stop trying to ruin it for everyone else. So Mister is gone, he will be missed, but there are still some of us that like the show and would like to continue listening to it the way it is and getting Chunga fired won't make you listen anyway. Mister is NOT coming back. He has tried to ruin the show and if you were Citadel, you wouldn't want him back either. The only thing that getting Chunga fired will do is break the team up again and when Chunga and Mister are both gone, it won't be in anyway the same, so you won't listen anyway. So just stop trying to ruin it for the rest of us so some of us can still have a show to listen to on our morning commute.

what next? | 9:49 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

So mr is gone...WHATEVER.
Chunga is STILL funny.
Why not trade Chelsea for Gina...give us all a good laugh watching Kerry Jacksons ego welcome Mr to the morning show and then maybe they can get Mr to be the guy who dispenses chocolate milk from some form of cow incarnate on wheels? THAT would be good radio!
Regardless...what is going on? Are we stuck with Cort and Chelsea? What happened to the possibility of Norm? What about Connie? Was Michael B even a consideration? Has anyone asked Tony Toscano if he wants to do it?
I am sick of hearing the drunken parot with nothing more to add but "ya" and "no doubt" and other lamblike attempts to participate.
These days the news is just a filler.
When Chunga is gone...so am I, but I was gone when Mr was left in charge.
Is this IT?
bigger SIGH...........
Is THIS officially the show?
SIGHhhhhhhh!

THE END | 10:50 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I was a Loyal 101.9 fan for many years. I used to look forward to turning on the Radio and Listening to Chunga and Mister every morning. I am saddened that it all has come to an end. I hope that Chunga and Citadel have read how their listeners feel. Chunga I think you need to do a self evaluation and take a close look at the person you have become.
Your fans used to love you and wish the best for you, but now they can't even stand to turn on the radio.

StillLovingIt | 11:35 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I for one, am still loving the show. I completely disagree with you, "what next?" I love what Chelsea adds to the show. I think she is the oppostive of a parot. I think Mister West was the parot. He couldn't speak unless he was reading a script. And the rest of the time he was sucking up to Chunga. I'm glad he's gone, especially if what chunga said the other morning was true. Cort does just as good of job reading the news. Who needs Mister West? I love the show how it is. Try flipping to other shows. I challenge you to find anything more entertaining than the Chunga show. You wont find it on local radio. So you might want to invest in satellite radio if you're so unhappy with the end. And I guarantee Citadel management isn't reading any sort of blog or comment board about the show. They've made they're decision and they're not going back on it. I doubt they care what we think.

DJ | 1:31 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Personally, I think all morning radio DJs have ego problems.

TinyTina | 2:22 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

BRING BACK MISTER WEST!!!

RE: StillLovinIt | 3:04 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

I disagree, I actually started listening to 97.1's morning show and they are what THE END use to be... they play off each other and make me laugh and laugh and laugh... something I use to do when it was Chunga, Mister and Casey. I use to like Chelsea but she stifles the show: if she doesn't like it, she throws a temper tantrum. Cort was better WITHOUT Chelsea, she is too bossy and not in a funny way. I don't really like 97.1 music but I like their show, I find myself needing to burn some CD's for the car...

No longer a listener | 3:55 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

So, Chunga has burned another bridge. Hopefully he can make new friends as quickly as he dumps old ones. It's obvious by his extreme defensiveness that he's been caught in another lie. As for that acting career, I can't remember the last time an overweight, overaged, man with questionable talent got a big break in Hollywood.

? | 4:20 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

And "No Longer a Listener"... what do YOU do for a living? You all sound so jealous. Do you realize that? You're obssessed with these radio DJs. You LOVE them when they're funny. You HATE them when they do one thing that you don't like. And then you tear them apart. Do you not have anything better to do with your time? "Questionable talent"? You think the man has had his own radio show for 12 years with "questionsable talent". And a top rated show. With or without Mister West. And other person that commented.... "Cort was better without Chelsea"? When was Cort ever on the show without Chelsea? I don't recall a time where that ever happen. You people need stop being so fickle. You love 'em or you hate 'em. But no one is forcing you to listen. I don't understand why you feel inclined to be so rude. Maybe it's because you have low self esteem and it makes you feel better to be rude to people who are just doing their jobs??? I like the show. And I'm on Chunga's side. And Chelsea's. And Cort's. I think they are rock!

Jerica | 5:07 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Believe it or not, I started listening to Grant & Amanda on 102.7!

Don | 5:16 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

Ok, lets look at whats happening: the article said nothing about the fact that mister said that chunga was the problem, he said thats what he had been told by people, he said nothing about believeing it. the quote was "It wasn't until days later that I learned from others that Chunga had insisted on the change as part of his contract talks." That did not say that he believed it, it just sayes that he was told that. As for Chunga, he was out of line this morning and this is just another instance of his GIGANTIC ego rearing its ugly head. * How dare someone talk about him and it not be praise for his cameos in all those LDS films! *stomps feet* Chunga, of you read this, please do the listeners a favor. Enough with the name dropping and the *I'm a Movie star!* bit. we know you have been in movies, and we apprecuate what talent you have, but for the love of the goddess. ENOUGH ALREADY. personally, i think the end has gotten better with the addition of parker, but the morning show is not worth listening anymore.

Adrian Lopez | 12:10 a.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Has anyone else heard that Bill Allred from x96 and Chunga were in discussions about hooking up on the 101.9 show sometime starting around Veterans Day? I know that Parker has mentioned it. Let's be honest about all of this.......

Questionnaire | 8:23 a.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Does anyone know where you can find the ratings of radio stations? So we can see if 101.9's rating actually HAVE dropped since Mister left?

utah paramedic | 11:19 a.m. Feb. 28, 2008

I did enjoy the kenz morning show. Yes Chunga is funny. Yes, I enjoy his characters and many impressions. It is my view that in order to stay competative they will need another strong radio personality. Cort is not it. He is a nice guy with a good voice, but not dynamic enough to counter Chunga. He is not strong enough to host a show in chunga's many absentces. It has been painfull to listen when he is gone. The humor is not there in his absences.

Drewseph Reynolds | 1:09 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

Does anyone know anywhere on the internet that you can go to listen to the Chunga backstab rant? IS Bill Allred really thinking about leaving x96 for 101.9? That would be an amazing mixture of myopia, laughter, sadness and possibly good ratings. I have heard that Bill was a little put off by the radio from hell gig after Gina's new contract extension. Interesting idea.

Spencer | 8:03 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

This is an obvious, pathetic attempt by Mister to justify his removal from the show. I didn't agree with the removal, but the tactics he's now resorting to are absolutely absurd. Shame on you, Mister. I thought you were better than that. I'm starting to think you deserved the boot.

what's next? | 11:35 a.m. Feb. 29, 2008

RE: Still Lovin it.
I actually love the end. I love Chunga and liked Mr. I loved Chunga at X-96 and liked Mr for the three hours a week he appeared at X. I am a fan of the music of both stations. As the end seems to be changing the format from what it used to be I can be big enough to admit I can change with the times also. Chelsea and Court might be palletable IF Chunga was there full time but he is NOT. Chelsea IS irritating, infantile and incompetant. Court is NOT a news guy or a personality but kudos to his being able to fake it for as long as he has.
I have to ask again, IS THIS IT? Is the "Chunga Show" Jimmy Chunga, Court and Chelsea?
If so, YUCK! But oh well I guess. What we say only helps us, it won't change them.
Chunga- PLEASE give up on the movies so we dont have to give up on the "Chunga Show"! You DO carry them, they CANNOT carry it without you.

Asok | 1:53 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

I stopped listening to Chunga when he started his Rush Limbaugh wannabe routine. Chunga can be funny, but his conservative rants are boring, demeaning, and idiotic. Mister was the straight guy, and any good comedian knows that that is the more important role. Hopefully this means the end of Chunga, I won't miss him.

Former Listener | 3:51 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

Mister is missed more than mere words can say!!! Change is good, but shouldn't it be for the "better?" The show is so completely wrong now! What I can't believe is "The End's" complete lack of respect for the loyal listeners and the on-air talent! To terminate a morning staple--the show & Mister--without any warning is unbelievable!

Sad | 11:05 p.m. Feb. 29, 2008

I am disappointed in myself for not changing the radio station, but after 10+ years I am not sure it will. Mister was the highlight of the show for me.I was sick when I found out he was gone. I am glad to know he is working and would have actually changed the station to follow him. I enjoy Cort and Chelsea. I actually think that the week Chunga was filming was very entertaining. Then Chunga came back

Citadel business | 4:48 p.m. March 1, 2008

Citadel doesn't care about anyone or anything. Their priority is making money, and noone will stand in
their way. Their reasoning behind letting mister go is that they think they can pay one talent instead of two and accomplish the same thing. This is the begging of The End for The End. Citadel's management style lacks human feelings and it's starts from the top with General manager. I would work with Mister over Chunga any day. Mister has feelings and Chunga only feels for himself. I believe in Karma and Chunga will get his.

hellolisakitty | 11:22 p.m. March 5, 2008

I had not listened to the show in a while because of my work schedule. Tunred it on last month and I just assumed Mister was on vacation. It was down right awful. I could not listen for more than 5 minutes. Tried it a few other times, got worse and worse. Only recently did I find out he was no longer on the show. I knew something was WAY off. What fools they were to get rid of him. I will no longer listen... morning, noon or night.

Recovering Chunga-holic | 5:00 p.m. March 13, 2008

Unfortunately, I have left 101.9 behind. I've been a listener since it was Chunga and Marcus. Losing a straight man is just about as bad a move as losing the cut-up. No one would watch Costello without Abbot.

I almost wish that both Chunga and Mister had let their contracts expire instead of the faltering failure it is quickly becomming. Better to leave the audience wanting more instead of endlessly milking a dead cow. Now comes the search for a replacement of a 10 year habit.

Joe | 10:20 p.m. March 18, 2008

May I suggest a scenario?

Management felt Chunga was the bigger listener draw; perhaps some sponsors even made that known. During negotiations, Chunga naturally asks for more money (who can blame him?) Management says, "we don't have enough money." Chunga then jokes, "You could get rid of West" not believing they would actually do that or knowing that was their plan if they resigned Chunga.

Regardless, I know how he feels. A few years ago, I was laid off after receiving a thousand dollar bonus and being nominated for employee of the year. It hurts.

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