Dropping a bombshell...

Post by **Jim Price** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

"And there goes the last DJ
Who plays what he wants to play
And says what he wants to say"

- Tom Petty

To make it official and before the rumors start flying, I was let go by Q94 today. The parent company cited low sales revenue and budgetary concerns for the decision.

Although I'm obviously disappointed with this development, I wasn't all that surprised by it. I had a suspicion it might eventually come to this as far back as last summer, when we were informed that the station was partially switching over to a satellite automation system when we moved into the new building. We had been hearing rumblings about low sales revenue since, and that more budget cuts were likely. I hoped I wouldn't be one of them, but I also knew that the satellite system made local announcers like me expendable.

I will post the official word on the "Backyard Rocker's" future (or lack thereof) within the next few days.

As for my immediate future, I'll be pounding the pavement and the internet to see what's out there. Although I won't rule out a return to commercial radio airwaves, I intend to explore other options first. I've had a good 25-year run in local radio, and achieved much of what I wanted when I first started in this business. At this point, any potential radio position would have to be an ideal situation for me to want to jump back into it, and I'm not holding my breath that such a situation will again open up in the Altoona market. So for the moment, consider me at least semi-retired from commercial radio.

I will continue to cover the area music scene in Pennsylvania Musician Magazine, as well as continue my blogs and CD reviews in the Altoona Mirror, barring any future employment-related scenarios that would prohibit me from doing so.

Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years...All the listeners who have shared kind words with me over the years, the area music scene for its support of the "Backyard Rocker" (if indeed the show doesn't continue), as well as Adam, Diane and all my past co-workers for the fun while it lasted.

"The Last DJ," signing off...

Flight 19 · Post by **Flight 19** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Q94 has no idea what they are losing.

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Jim,

I'm sorry to hear that man. I know that you're a great guy with a lot of talent and smarts to offer the right business, so I'm sure you'll land on your feet. Sounds like you're handling it like a pro. Best of luck in your search. I hope you find exactly what you're looking for. You deserve it.

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Jim....I have a bartender job for ya! With your track record...wow...who wouldn't want you....seriously though...good luck.

I think we ought to screw FM radio and take over AM. Make AM the old FM.

Local DJ's were so much fun....when you would go out and they would be out for a night on the town, they would be treated like celebrities...it was always fun. Then the numbers were dwindling....You can't get to know your dj's any more.

Its ashame.

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

NOOOoooo ! Say it ain't so....................

Asundor · Post by **Asundor** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Sorry to hear that Jim. Best of luck to ya.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

This is just the end of the beginning, JP! Wherever your career takes you, we'll be there to support you as you always have for us.

Have you ever considered opening a club? Seriously.

HurricaneBob · Post by **HurricaneBob** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Wow, what a shock to a great jock. Hang in there JP....
Can anybody wire up a AM station real quick?

bassgirl · Post by **bassgirl** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

What terrible news, JP....I'm sorry to hear that.

Q94 is truly losing one of the best.

onegunguitar · Post by **onegunguitar** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Thats sucks JP,best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

Sapo · Post by **Sapo** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

That sucks.

Gallowglass · Post by **Gallowglass** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Jim, I'm sorry to hear that...but I'm actually more sorry for the station than for you. I'm sure you will be fine, but what they have lost is irreplaceable. It's a shame commercial radio has come to this. Let us know if there's any way we can help...lord knows we ALL owe you one.

CHICKSINGA · Post by **CHICKSINGA** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Jim,
Having been there more than once since 9/11 I can tell you that these things happen for a reason. You have a brighter spot waiting on the horizon. If anyone's karma is firmly intact it's yours and you'll be laughing about it soon.
Take care and hope to see ya soon. If ya need anything, just ask!
Trace

AnimalInstinct625 · Post by **AnimalInstinct625** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Jim, I am so sorry this happened! I wish you the best of luck!

grimmbass · Post by **grimmbass** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

JP,

You are the best friend that live music in this state has ever had. I'm sorry to hear that Q-94 is making such a grievous error in this decision. I'll keep my ears open to see if any good positions open up.

Best to you man....and maybe Trace is right...things do happen for a reason sometimes!

Keep your chin up, bro...

TJ Kelly · Post by **TJ Kelly** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Definitely the end of an era! Good Luck JP

VENTGtr · Post by **VENTGtr** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

JP,

Exactly. They must be nuts. BUT, I'm sure it'll end up being a prelude to better things
for you. What you've meant to the region can never be overstated, nor over-appreciated.

All the best in the new world you choose.

FrigoRecording · Post by **FrigoRecording** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

I'm so sorry to hear this news, Jim. For what it's worth, I'm starting to meet a few people in radio here in the State College area, if that could at all help you out. Of course my guess is that it's quite possible that you already know a lot of these people better than I do!

If there is anything at all that I might be able to do to help you out somehow, just let me know!

Marc

CCdrums · Post by **CCdrums** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Jim,
For what it's worth, this door closing is just an opening of another. You are talented and well respected with an impeccable track record. You'll land on your feet my friend, have faith.

What is sad to me is that Jim, you're so much more than a DJ. You are a powerful voice...an unbiased ear...a liason...a pioneer...a communicator....the heart and soul of this area's ability to learn about, experience and promote local talent. There is no one like you and there never will be. To me, this is like the Pirates firing Bob Prince only worse because so many of us have you to thank for our careers being what they are. It just won't ever be the same without your presence on the airwaves and I'm afraid Q94 will suffer the loss of even more listeners who were devoted fans of "The Professor" and everything you stand for. You will be sorely missed Jim, that's a fact and if there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. Good luck my friend.

Clint Carothers

(And Q94....the avatar below is for you!)

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Any chance a petition signed by thousands would get you the job back ?

CHICKSINGA · Post by **CHICKSINGA** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Clint - wonderful and eloquent and I'm sure voicing what so many want to express!

Jim - would a petition help? I think we could get an impressive amount of names to show solidarity for you. I'll organize it - just let me know!

T

DickShackBass · Post by **DickShackBass** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

so sorry to hear Jim.

tonefight · Post by **tonefight** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Sorry to hear this Jim, I enjoyed hearing you on the air and enjoyed some of the extra things you did hat many DJ's don't like your CD reviews and of course the Backyard Rocker.
I also feel sorry for all of us that listen to radio that the the current wave of the future with syndicated radio looks to be rather boring.
However good luck on your new path and adventure, hopefully you can invest some exploration time and find something new you enjoy.

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

I'm speechless. This makes no sense to me, I mean aren't you a "radio personality"? How the hell can radio have personality without radio personalities?

I wish you high probability & outcome (luck) JP, but I think you are getting a raw deal.

moxham123 · Post by **moxham123** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

Jim,

I am so very sorry to hear that they let you go. Without a doubt, you are one of the best radio personalities I have ever known as well as a great guy. If I hear anything from my radio contacts in Johnstown about work opportunities, I will be sure to pass the information to you.