Tommy and Brook continues
I am amazed at the number of people who continue to email me or post to the blog about Tommy and Brook leaving 91.3 WCSG. The interesting thing is that many of the people I’m hearing from believe there was some kind of conspiracy.
Now, I’m sure there are those who believe there is evil under every rock. Well, let me tell you nobody fired anyone and nobody threatened anyone. What did happen was Tommy and Brook gave WCSG their two week notice — then Clear Channel put their PR wheels in motion and WCSG had no choice but to accept their resignation immediately.
Now, I would like everyone to STOP thinking there was some kind of big conspiracy. THERE WASN’T.
What’s more, Tommy and Brook feel ‘called’ to be at Star 105.7. They went on their own free will. They believe God called them there to be salt and light in a dark world. So, let’s put the conspiracy theory to rest, okay?
In terms of WCSG’s morning show, John Balyo is doing a yeoman’s job. However, I do believe John needs a co-host. He’s limited by what he can do without that second person. He needs someone who can compliment him. There are many radio stations that feature a strong front man — coupled with someone who has strengths in either news or sports or both. Since many men and women seem to be more interested in current events, it makes sense to have someone who’s trained in journalism to be that person. But, that’s coming from a true news hound. 
I’m really interested to see what happens in the next Sharathon, or friendraiser. That seems to be a great indicator of whether or not a radio station is touching people where they live. It seems when people feel a ‘connection’ they want to give to ‘their’ radio station. We’ll see what happens.
February 8, 2008 at 8:37 am
Hey Greg, I’m glad to see somewhat of a turn in your “reporting” of why Tommy and Brook left. I was a bit shocked, to say the least, at WCSG’s response…the original letter on the web page, your initial blog, a story I read in Cornerstone’s online paper, even quotes of Chris’ I read in the local paper. I was thrilled for Tommy and Brook when I heard they were moving to Star. As you said in this blog, they believe God called them there to be salt and light in a dark world and what gives us the right to question that call? We as Christians shouldn’t condemn them for that and yet I’ve seen a lot of that happening. Do we condemn “Joe Christian” for working at Steelcase? Or “Sue Christian” for working at Meijer? So why “condemn” Tommy and Brook for moving to a job where they can have an even larger ministry? I applaud them for making that move. As Christians we should be praying for their new ministry, that God would truly help them make a difference in our community. We’ve got enough people preaching to the choir, let’s help them help us expand our borders!
February 8, 2008 at 10:11 am
I’m not sure I’ve changed at all. I don’t believe I ever condemned Tommy and Brook for leaving WCSG and going to another station (If I have, I’m sorry). I believe I was wondering if Christian radio puts too much emphasis on personalities — and not enough on Christ. I also think I criticized them in the way they left, not for the reason they left. Who am I to say whether they were called to go to a secular radio station — perhaps they’ll be able to have an impact on the people at the station. I don’t think they’ll be able to do much evangelism on the air — they can show love, compassion and how to make a generic difference in someone’s life — which is all good — but, God’s WORD is what transforms lives. Again, if this opens doors for them to share their faith AWESOME. If it doesn’t — that’s okay, too — cuz they’re able to share Christ where they work.
February 8, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Have you spent time listening to Tommy and Brook on 105.7? They seem to really be walking the line very well…they are compassionate, aren’t afraid to speak from the heart with conviction, and they are conneting with people like I have never heard. It’s hilarous, too, to hear Denis and Nannette using phrases like “we should PRAY for Britney Spears” and trying to emulate Tommy and Brook. It’s obvious that Clear Channel got this one right. Sure, it’s too bad for the WCSG audience. But why can’t anyone realize that Tommy and Brook are really…REALLY good at what they do? They could do WHAT they are doing anywhere in the country…but CHOSE to stay in West Michigan and share their energy and conviction on a 265,000 watt signal. I can’t tell, but it seems like they have a solid focus and direction, their message is matched perfectly with the radio station, and I think it sounds really, really refreshing on commercial radio. Besides, its not like they’re going to give up or say they “made a mistake”. With all of the “trashing” that’s gone on, its kinda sad to think that people (even the ones “inside” on this board) can’t be happy for them, for their families, and for the LISTENERS that can be impacted by what they do everyday. This shouldn’t be about any of us, but about the people the consume the message.
February 8, 2008 at 9:10 pm
WhatDoesItAllMean:
I appreciate you comments. Yes, I’ve listened a half hour here and a half hour there. Those are my listening habits on those types of radio stations. I listen the same way to most Christian radio stations. I’m a big talk-radio fan. While entertaining, for me it’s compelling. That’s just my preference. It doesn’t make it right or wrong — it’s just my preference.
Perhaps Clear Channel ‘got this one right’ and that’s great. I’m glad we have one more radio station in the market that’s ‘family friendly.’ That’s what many, many radio stations are striving for. In terms of speaking from the heart with conviction — great! I’m glad they’re doing that, too. I’m happy for them — I really am.
My point of this blog has never been to criticize individuals, it’s been to highlight issues in ‘Christian’ radio and provide a platform for Christian radio professionals to discuss Christian radio issues — especially non-commercial Christian Radio. Christians radio has gone through some serious changes in the last 20 years. We’ve gone from just a few formats to many formats. We’ve gone from a philosophy of just talking about Christ to reach non-believers that happen to be listening, to talking about Christ little to attract non-believers to listen to their stations.
I’m not saying one way is right or wrong — but, what I am saying is you can’t take Christ out of Christian radio. If you do that, you’re losing Christian radio.