Robb Edwards

[Todd Wiedemann]

Hey, I was wondering ...

Check out Mr. C's column today.

Does any know, *really*, why Robb was ushered into retirement at 'TMJ ?? My bet is that's touchy ground for Mr. C.

I like Jon Belmont and all, but Robb was pretty darn good, too.

Scanning the local radio boards, I really didn't find much, but that's me not knowing where to look, either.

Thanks !

[Tom Snyder]

I know Robb.. back when I was in radio we saw each other all the time.  

As I understand it, TMJ wanted to give their morning show's journalistic credibility a boost. Robb isn't a "newsguy" and when Belmont became available, Robb would have just been an expensive (and unnecessary) extra voice.

Being the class act he is, Robb did what they asked him to do and kept his opinions out of the public spotlight.

Belmont's major market talent comes with an ego... He's made it known publcialy that he's unhappy with the news talent they've surrounded him with.

[Todd Wiedemann]

... when Belmont became available

Really ? I thought he quit ABC to move here. Hmmm, contract expire or something ??

Belmont's major market talent comes with an ego... He's made it known publcialy that he's unhappy with the news talent they've surrounded him with.

Another chin scratcher. I didn't know that. Is he looking to bolt from 'TMJ ?? What is he looking for ?? I thought he and Jagler had great on-air rapport.

I've always thought Robb was a class act, too. I "know" him from my days at Menomonee Falls Cable Access. Even though I was a little high school peon, he was always cordial and accomodating at the events he hosted.

[Tom Snyder]

I thought he quit ABC to move here. Hmmm, contract expire or something ??

I don't know about his contract at ABC. But ABC Radio News does a great job of integrating their newsguys in NY into the newscasts of the local stations. His style and the chemistry he had with TMJ made him a fit.

I thought he and Jagler had great on-air rapport.

Here's a blurb from Milwaukee Magazine a few months back:

Radio Rumblings

WTMJ-AM host Jon Belmont admits that his frank demeanor likely fueled persistent rumors of his frustration with the chemistry on "Wisconsin's Morning News."

"I have this problem with being almost compulsively honest," concedes Belmont, an ABC network radio veteran who came to Milwaukee in January 2001. "There were days when I probably didn't look very happy. If people read into it that I was frustrated, I think that's fair. Because I am as demanding of myself as I am of others, I have been frustrated at times."

What's there to gripe about? After all, Belmont's show has seen impressive ratings spikes ever since he was hired to replace sacked host Robb Edwards. The gregarious yet driven Belmont wants the permanent co-host he was promised when WTMJ hired him and he's not about to let that slide just because the show is a ratings winner.

"The status quo is working well," Belmont says with a wry laugh. "Does that give management the license to drag their feet? No."

Belmont is careful not to criticize any colleagues, but it's obvious WTMJ has saddled him with a revolving door of uninspiring sidekicks. Look for the station to keep Belmont happy by hiring a savvy female co-host, ˆ la WKTI-FM's Amy Taylor.

"I want to retire here," says Belmont.

[Todd Wiedemann]

Thanks for that, Tom.

Sounds like Belmont is looking for the chemistry that Green and Cianciola have in the afternoon.

Just for kicks, who would you recommend for that slot ??

[Tom Snyder]

Hm... that's a tough one.  

I liked the effect of a female like Sherry Preston (who's going the other way... she went FROM TMJ morning news TO Network news in NY) or Velia Alvarez (although my guess is that she was a about 5 on Belmont's 1-10 talent scale.

I think he'll need someone with a national network presence to help him not feel dumb about coming here...

Jane Skinner (ex Fox 6, now Fox News) is good.  But she's too good looking for radio.

[Todd Wiedemann]

We think alike, Tom. My first thought was Tammy Elliott from 12, but

she's too good looking for radio.

even though she was in radio up in GB.

[Tom Snyder]

Ran into Robb last night at private Big Bang party that Clear Channel throws every year for their advertisers. He is still just a great guy.  Told him about the posts in the radio boards and here about him, and he was honored that he was still held in high regard.

I also met his wife last night for the first time... and found out that she's the voice of channel 10 and 36! She asked me how we liked their HD broadcasts... I mentioned that they're excellent when they can be seen.

[Todd Wiedemann]

Resurrecting this thread from the waaaay back machine ....

Did you all hear that Jon Belmont is leaving 'TMJ by the end of May to work for AP out of DC ?

NOW who is going to pilot the morning ship ??

[Tom Snyder]

No kidding? Where did you hear that?

[Todd Wiedemann]

Sykes actually brought it up this morning ...

It's also on brewcityradio.

I like Jon, hope this is a good move for him.

Maybe we'll get the 'CustomCast' back with Green and Cianciola now ??

[Tom Snyder]

Tim Cuprisin's got the scoop:

http://www.jsonline.com/enter/tvradio/apr04/224409.asp

[Paul S.]

Am I the only one that thinks Cuprisin does his job from a lazyboy with a slimey bucket of chicken is his hand and BBQ sauce all over his face? Or do you guys actually have respect for this guy?

[Gregg Lengling]

Originally posted by Paul S.
Am I the only one that thinks Cuprisin does his job from a lazyboy with a slimey bucket of chicken is his hand and BBQ sauce all over his face? Or do you guys actually have respect for this guy?

Do you know this for a fact or are you just surmising because you have to hose down your keyboard once a week to remove the barbeque sauce.
:p

[gb4fan92]

Guess its back to Bob and Brian for me. Started listening to Jon Belmont when Bob and Brian show started to repeat everyday, since they synicated. Maybe by now they have some fresh stuff again.