What happened at 97.1 free fm detroit? Are Jay, Shila and Bill gone?

Question

Deminski and Doyle are on in the morning now, and the rest of the day is all sports.

What's going on? There was no announcement - just an instant switch-over.

Answer 1

D & D seem to be doing their thing as usual but in the am, I just tuned them in and no sports talk yet but the game they're playing has a sports theme.  I'm sure this won't last long though and I will not continue to listen if they talk sports only.  I'd rather listen to Bob and Tom in the morning.  If anyone learns where the midday group ends up, please post here so fans can jump to that radio station.

Answer 2

Man,...I gotta say,  this really ticks me off.  Yeah,...thats what this area needs,...ANOTHER sports station.  Jeez.  What?...Do these execs think Detroit is made up of a bunch of cheap-beer swillin' meatheads that care or know nothing of current events or pop culture?  TV and radio companies are full of nothing but emotionless sharks.   Poor Shila.  She moved here from another state.  For what?  Four lousy employed months??  Nice 97.1,.....way to CARE about people.   I do not need 24/7 sports, and you are an low IQ'd moron if YOU do.

Answer 3

The radio boards are all over this. Here is an excerpt from a well-known radio columnist in Detroit:

<<As more and more sports programming and play-by-play action swings from AM radio over to the FM band, here in Detroit CBS radio has done exactly that with changes that kicked off yesterday afternoon at 3 p.m. when hot talk WKRK-FM (97.1) became "Detroit's Sports Powerhouse," featuring a diverse mix of personalities and offering a unique perspective on Detroit sports with the new call-letters of WXYT-FM.

Programming highlights of the station, to be simulcast on WXYT-AM, includes coverage of the Detroit Lions, Red Wings, Tigers, and select University of Michigan sports, as well as contributions from local experts and commentators.

Insiders reported that popular afternoon duo, (Jeff) Deminski and (Bill) Doyle had already cleaned out their office when they reportedly could not come to terms over money and their contract with the station.  Yet, in last minute talks...something was agreed upon deep on the eleventh hour since this morning at 6 a.m. D&D showed up replacing the syndicated Opie & Anthony Show from New York.          

“We are extremely excited about the transformation our station is presently undergoing and excitedly predict continued success for Deminski & Doyle in their new timeslot,” said Kevin Murphy, Vice President and General Manager of the two stations.  Ã¢Â€ÂœThe new WXYT-FM will bring a fresh, innovative and exciting sound to sports radio in Detroit, this year’s No. 1-rated sports market in the country by Sporting News Magazine.”

“Our line-up is a dream team of radio talent. We have the best sports personalities in Mike Valenti, Terry Foster, Doug Karsch, and Scott Anderson, combined with the exceptional talent of Deminski and Doyle in the morning. Add in the Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings and you have a powerhouse station like no other in Detroit,” said Dan Zampillo, Program Director, WXYT-FM/AM.

In the evening, WXYT FM (97.1) and AM (1270) will present our own Oakland Press sports editor, Pat Caputo 6 p.m. till 10 p.m. followed by former WTKA-AM (1050) Ann Arbor staple Dan Fithian, who had already segued over to WXYT-AM a few months ago.

Look for more news about this major format change and reaction from the local radio community plus what has happened to all of the other former Live 97.1 Free FM staffers in On The Radio in this Sunday's Oakland Press.>>

That was yesterday, here's today:

<<Future uncertain for new WXYT-FM morning hosts

During today's broadcast, new WXYT-FM 97.1 morning hosts Jeff Deminski and Bill Doyle revealed that they have not signed a new contract with CBS Radio/Detroit and that they are still negotiating for a new agreement. Their current contract with the company runs through the end of 2007.

Deminski and Doyle had been the afternoon drive hosts for what was hot talk WKRK-FM on 97.1 for eight years prior to the station changing to sports yesterday. The duo found out about their move to mornings on Friday after management announced that they would not be going on the air that day and instead aired a 'best of' program. The show that aired this morning was a 'normal' D&D program, not at all focused on sports which is the direction the station has taken with yesterday's changes.>>

So there's the straight story (source below). I'll try to find out what happened to the others you mentioned and if D&D are staying and add later as an edit.

-a guy named duh

Answer 4

yeah from what i hear, i been listening for a while now and they took off o&a and motor city middays. WTF!!!!

Answer 5

I've always liked D&D, I thaught they were better than O&A for sure, and they are up there w/ Howard in my opinion.  I will continute to listen to them in the AM, but I will not listen to the station for the rest of the day!  I liked Motor city middays for years also, I think they were the best w/ Greg & Michelle, but I stuck w/ them throughout their staff changes and always liked the show.  I Have to say that this was a mistake, I hope they loose a lot of listeners, and I hope that D&D get a big time contract w/ someone better.  I can only hope that they are still broudcasted in Detroit when that time comes.  

I expecially hate how they are never aloud to mention these things on the show after they are done.  when they changed from Greg Henson, to Jay Towers, they acted like it never happened, and when they kicked off Michelle & Jessica, it was like they never existed the next day!?  They should at least make up  a story for the public to hear!

Answer 6

I agree on this whole change. Big mistake. I like sports but I prefer to watch or just listen to them game. I don't need some joe blow's opinion for the next week. I am a huge Dominski and Doyle fan and they are the only thing i will listen to on this channel. If they go, I and many others will go. When this format fails I hope the powers that be will have to answer for their huge mistake. They have let down the loyal listeners of Detroit.