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Email George B - georgeb@georgeb.com
Listeners Respond to GeorgeB's Firing
From Facebook:
George Woow man where have you been hiding. I
really miss your show. Are you going to start a podcast? Are
you going to open your own station? Please give me a little
update about whats going on and when you are going back to
life. I insist that you give me an answer because i can
think outside of the box with you to help guide me and give
a truly orginal opinion about something. Thanks for your
time Steven Rich ps cant wait for the jamma event. COMMENT FROM FACEBOOK: Hey George this is Bobby.
So Glad I found you on here.
I just discovered it. I hope you are well.
I miss your crazy and at the sametime rational insite
on the radio.
It is no good now that you are gone. Bobby
hi, i am the fire chief here in henderson and have lived here for a year. i
enjoyed and miss your radio program. when you coming back on
the air? stop buy and visit our fire station glenn b Facebook Comment: Josephine says, "Hey George B, I miss you
on the radio.
Can you add me to your Facebook friends. Thanks, Josephine
E-mail sent to Manager Larry and copied to GeorgeB:
Larry, Allow me to begin this email by stating
that I believe you have done an outstanding job building
WNWS during your tenure there. You have placed the station
on the map and given it credibility in the Jackson community
and beyond. I have great respect for you for your work in
this manner. However, I am greatly troubled over the
recent firing of George B. I realize that you
had great pressure (a command) from the owners of the
station to do so; nonetheless, it appears to me that you did
nothing to stand up for your colleague, a colleague who had
brought your station (and the owners, by the way) much
success. I could be wrong and if I am please accept my
apology. But I have pretty extensive information about the
incident. I am proud to live in America where owners
of any business have the right to hire and fire who they
want. At the same time, there are certain principles that I
believe Americans should fight for, especially as part of
the media. One of those principles, even fundamental rights,
is freedom of speech, to the point that it does not hurt
another. If members of our media are not allowed to speak
(or write) their opinion without fear of being fired, what
does that say for the rest of us? I say that puts America in
great danger! You, Manager Larry, have a responsibility of
assuring that right to free speech. I understand that you are being hit from
both sides right now, and I certainly do not intend to add
to your pain. I just want you to consider that standing up
for what is right is typically not comfortable and sometimes
it is painful. George will tell you that sometimes it costs
you your job. Heck, it has cost some in the world their
life. We all have to make the choice if we are going to
stand for what is right or take the easy way out for us. Thank you for taking the time to read my
email. I regret that can no longer listen to 101.5; however,
I enjoyed it while I did. Unfortunately, my talk radio needs
must be fulfilled elsewhere now. Sincerely,
Michele
I saw you last week in your JAMMA mobile
on N Conalco. I work across the street. Still wish you were
on the air my afternoons are boring. Get a JAMMA match set up me against all the owners of wnws I need some satisfaction. Take care GB Ray
I am very disappointed that you were let
go and I think what happened was wrong.
I cannot believe they buckled to such pressure and
continue to broadcast with freedoms enjoyed under the
American Flag for which it stands. I am through listening to 101.5 and
certainly no further advertising dollars or support will be
spent with 101.5 through me or my business. I am further
disappointed that no other mike jockey working for 101.5 did
not feel indignant enough to draw a line of support. Our
country has been involved in many conflicts and two World
Wars in which individuals have fought and given their lives
to defend the ideas, freedoms, rights our country
represents. Many people protest various decisions or
actions by others and this is their right. While we cannot
make everyone happy in every circumstance, it is time to
examine our actions which cause these kinds of actions to be
generated. I have further discontinued any spending with The
Forked Vine Wine & Spirits. Truthfully I was more than sick and tired
of hearing some of the same old whiners, complainers, tittie
babies calling in with same old complaints and had not
served one single day towards the freedoms they enjoyed
whining about our government, legalizing drugs, putting down
other groups or ideas, and acting like less than educated
and more like butts. I for one will miss you, I am not upset
about your being fired, I am upset at why and for which 101.5 stands. Your friend Dan
I actually am a sponsor of newstalk 101.5 and I am very disappointed that you were let go. You certainly were not my favorite host and I usually advertised on the morning shows, but I think what happened was wrong. I would hate it if you had an opinion that could adversely effect my business, but it would be that...your opinion. I'm tired of dollar signs controlling every single "news" option out there. From print to television, radio to internet...everything is controlled by money. I am a capitalist and I believe that good service means more than just being the "low cost provider". I have lots of family in Kentucky and even though the grocery stores are filled with liquor and wine, the package stores are plentiful as well. The greatest thing about capitalism is that it encourages fair pricing, good service, & a quality product. You made me mad sometimes even though I agreed with most of political point of views. Anyway, this will certainly make me look at spending my advertising money with other stations. Best of luck to you, but it sounds like you will land on your feet. -C from Face Book on 3/13/09: Jamie says, "Hi! Met you at Crossfit
Jackson last week. You will be sorely missed on News Talk. I loved you show!". George, I have listened to you since your noon
show in early 2000. I would go to the car at lunch time to
listen & your humor made my day. I missed your show after
you went back to teaching. I listened to you every day. I
finally got the nerve to call you on the afternoon you had
your scooter wreck. I told you that day that you were a part
of my day every day. I got to meet you at wrestling at
Scotts Hill last year. I got to see you at wal-mart south
last fall. It was a thrill each time I seen you... I plan to
let manager Larry know how I feel about him & his Liquor
loving station know how I feel. Kieth Shirley is a good man
but not an entertainer. Their ratings will fall in the
afternoon. I wish you the best in the future & hope to be
able to hear you again some day back on the air-waves. If
there is
anything I could do to help your cause, please let me know. Jimmy
Sorry...to see you go. I didn't always agree with you, but that's the fun of being an American! I will no longer buy from The Forked Vine. How rude of them to think they should have the monopoly on wine and other alcoholic beverages. I'm not from here...I'm a Midwest farmer's daughter who thinks the south is incredibly behind the times in many areas...and this is certainly one of them. God speed in everything you do. Kate GeorgeB, I am sorry that your career at WNWS had to end the way it did. You were not my favorite personality at WNWS but I listened to you and agreed with you on many of your opinions. It is sad that one of the other personalities can call people "stupid" and "morons" and that is OK and you get the boot for stating your opinion. This brings me to my next point, what happened to the disclaimer which states: "The opinions on this show are those of the host, guest, and callers and not necessarily those of WNWS FM management, ownership, or advertisers." In reading the email sent by Michael Everett, he personally did not hear any of the comments you made but was second hand information from other people. For him to make a major business decision based on second hand information does reflect on his intelligence and his ability to conduct business (referencing his email). All the best to you, Charles Sally wanted me to tell you that she will miss your show. She looked forward to it every afternoon. Be well and God Bless. G, Come on... we all knew you would get fired
someday. I mean your whole goal is to get people's reaction.
And boy look at the reactions you have gotten. Mission Accomplished!! To all of your
"haters" --Thank you for giving George more publicity...
Keep talking, at least it is about him :) The team here at JAMMA wants to know if we
will have to engage in more arguments to keep you on your
toes? Will we get paid for that? The JAMMA girls will now be
taking offers to advertise businesses on their "shorts" since apparently this is what the world
comes down too. Wonder how much we can get for an ad if you
put the JAMMA shorts on? Since you are lacking a job, the team has
also decided to sign you up for a fight. You opponent is
Larry Newman-- heard he was out of work too. Superstar will be refereeing. JAMMA TEAM So...did they REALLY fire you because of
your views on selling wine in grocery stores???
I mean...there had to be more to it than that. And George B...Oh My Gosh!
How in the world did you get The Jackson Sun to carry
the story? I
will have to admit...some of the people commenting on the
story The Jackson Sun ran are a little overboard...or at the
very least...expressing character...or lack of in some
cases. I am just wondering how in the world I'm
going to win JAMMA tickets on the radio now...:) My husband...if you remember...is totally
addicted to Talk Radio so I don't see our support of the
station ending.
It was you however...that sparked my interest.
I could not wait to meet 'George B' at that first
wrestling match. Danny...who I'm listening to now
actually...I have known all of my life.
He probably would not admit this simply because 'He's
a man...He's 40'...but I used to beat him up on a regular
basis...both physically and verbally...:) Whatever you choose to do George B., I'm
sure it will be colorful and full of life...just as you are. Lisa Dear George, I have lived in Jackson for 30 years, and
you are one of the few people I know who can create an
environment for stimulating thought. I'm sad to see you
leaving the air because you really did make "the drive home"
enjoyable. Your show was the best WNWS offered. All I
can say is, "what a shame". Josh
From facebook: Jason says, "Hey George... BIG FAN of your show on NewsTalk... Sucks what they did!! Good Luck in your future endevors.". From facebook: Chad S wishes George B to resurface soon very soon!!!!!
Get on the TJ network they are on WTJS 1390 and 105.3 and 94.3 three stations. Tony
Tommy says, "Firing was a chicken way out! I would bet that WNWS will lose more money as a result of your firing than the liqueur stores will pay in ads.". George B show on youtube On your web site somewhere please. I can't take these George B D.T.'s Ray Okay George B...I have to know...is this a stunt? You know...like when you and Danny had that little on air tiff and took it out on each other in the wrestling ring? You can tell me George B...I won't say a word to anyone...:) With much respect, Lisa The Big Blonde George, I listened to your show almost every day, and in my opinion you were by far the best host on WNWS. I didn't call in very often, but your show is the only one I have ever called. Your time slot in the afternoon will never be the same. You told it like it is no matter about what subject, and that is why I think some people didn't like you. In other words you didn't kiss anybody's ass, and I admire you for that. I hope your back on the air somewhere soon. All my best to you and your family. Bruce
E-mail to Owner of Forked Vine Wine and Spirits which was copied to GeorgeB.com
---------------------------- Original
Message ---------------------------- Subject: Re: Your letter to WNWS From:
"James W” Date:
Tue, March 10, 2009 8:26 pm To:
"Michael Everett" <michael@forkedvine.com>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Everett, One of the many issues I see as a 15 year
Jackson resident is the stagnant politically conservative
culture of our city. The 'Good-Ole Boy' atmosphere of
Jackson politics is causing both the city and county to fall
behind in any progressive or even (simply) beneficial
advancements occurring within communities across the
country. First, I would like to direct comments to
you regarding the limited number of liquor licenses rewarded
in the City of Jackson. The city has awarded limited
licenses to store owners within city limits, each with a
designated 'non-compete' zone. The subject of liquor store
licenses should be the highlight of an argument against
'Good-Ole Boy' politics in our city. To complain that your
business would have an unfair disadvantage to other product
sales outlets, one would have to realize by that same logic
that you have enjoyed a monopoly over those products for the
period of time that liquor has been legally sold in Madison
County. While I support local and small business as often as
possible, and most likely agree with you and other store
owners regarding the negative impact this legislation will
have on the small business community, I also have a strong
bias against politically controlled monopolies. My point-of-contention with your letter to
WNWS is that you claim "defamation of my business, my
customers, my intelligence, and my ability to conduct
business... [stemming from the] response from business
colleagues, friends, and customers relaying bits and pieces
of George B's 'news'." I listen to WNWS, as well as other
stations with both local and syndicated programming. If the
listening audience views ANY of the local personalities
(exempting individuals who report news in a segment without
commentary, ie 'News Breaks') given a voice on ANY station
as a 'news source' as opposed to what they really are, news
commentary, there is an inherent problem in the community
that will not be remedied by anything short of strict
programming regulations where no commentary is allowed
during the 'news.' Once again, Jackson media is being
influenced by a politically controlled monopoly and in turn
adding to the problems of regressive politics and stale
community ideals. Your argument for pulling advertising
dollars from WNWS, - "Its fine to have an opinion on a
matter, but to attack those whose opinion differs from yours
is completely unprofessional and unacceptable from a news
source." - is an insult to MY intelligence, as well as the
intelligence of the community. The whole point of a news
commentary program, logically, is to report the news
alongside commentary from the host and/or guests - most
likely biased to the hosts personal opinions. By simple
logic, your choice to withdraw sponshorship of WNWS was not
based on 'defamation,' it was based on YOU not agreeing with
George B's opinions. Although, a choice of where you place
your advertising dollars is not a right that anyone should
argue against, I feel that your explanation is not only
misleading, it is downright false. Thank you, James W
I think this is a Publicity Stunt, it took me a long time to believe Elvis was dead! -- Linda George B. -- WNWS should have at least given you the
courtesy of a full-on, all-out, big-time, major-league,
on-air firing. I
know that's the way you'd want to go out.
You should consider starting a weekly podcast.
I'd be the first subscriber. Thanks for all the years of original,
interesting, thoughtful radio.
There was never a dull moment. Best wishes. --Donald from Conway, Arkansas George: I can't believe you were fired for having and expressing your opinion. I guess 101.5 does not believe in the First Amendment. To all your fans and friends you are and will always be the "People's Spokesman". Don't hang up that cape yet, Jackson still needs you! JC I loved the fact that we could get the
truth behind your *cough* "termination" through your
podcast. It's obvious that the advertising dollars trump the
First Amendment at 101.5 . I love the shows but if they
throw a host overboard for expressing his opinion, I can't
listen anymore. You were the first casualty. The other
hosts don't realize they're on a tightrope now. Good luck to
them. I'll listen to you wherever you go whether I agree
with you or not. Frank P. - Loyal George B. Fan and FORMER
listener to 101.5 PS: STOP saying you deserved to get fired. You did NOT deserve it. "George B. was the only reason I ever
listened to WNWS. He was original and interesting. He's an
outside-the-box thinker, probably too outside-the-box for
the unoriginal, same old same old, sheepish conformists
who've written here. I would love to see George B. start a weekly podcast. I'd subscribe in a heartbeat." From The Jackson Sun comments I've listened to you for over three years now. You were always part of my afternoon ride home to Selmer. I hope to hear you back on the air soon. Oh yeah by the way, I use to buy a lot of
wine at a certain liquor store here in town, but not any
more. I don't like folks who speak with "FORKED"
tongues..... Wayne
Dear George, I am looking for another radio job since I
was also fired from 101.5 for being a sidekick. Seems some
of the cell phone lobbiest don't want me to be called a
sidekick, because of the copyright infringement. Should
start drawing my unemployment which is 3 times what I made
working for you, which makes me wonder why you were holding
out on me.
I have been to the Armpit Conservatory and am monitoring
UFO's with the Gent.
I met ET and his sister EZ the other night and they
were nice. Will
miss working with you and the Superstar and carrying you
guys on Thursdays. Your unemployed buddy,
Larry Newman Enjoyed your show, may the wind blow at your back as you go forward in life
Steve George B. , Say it ain't so ! Very sorry to hear you're leaving the
airwaves. I've
enjoyed your show for years.
Listen to you every chance I get.
Very thought provoking and entertaining.
I wish you the best, and hope to see you resurface on
the air in the very near future.
I'll certainly turn the dial.
Maybe when you resurface you can bring back the
"Church News" .
Always loved that segment.
Reminded me so much of the folks from my childhood.
Also, many thanks for helping us get the Possum Opry
off the ground
years ago. You
did a great job with that as you do with radio.
We always enjoyed having you.
Hope to hear you soon back on the air.
Keep us posted. Sincerely, Jeff From the past King of down Jackson ,meany thanks to George B. as he had a big hand in making that honor come to pass along with his fans, The King says, LONG LIVE THE PEOPLES SPOKEMAN, as he is a knight in shining armer for the people rights! KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT! THE GENT. I just read the e-mails to your website
and they are all for you so I'm sure mine won't be printed
but maybe you will read this. I have listened
to you in the afternoon and instead of enjoying your
broadcast I mostly was mad at the way you treated your
listeners and callers. You are arrogant and egotistical and
you think that your opinion is the only one that is right. Most days I turned you off for the way you
talked DOWN to your callers just because they didn't agree
with you and that you talked to them like they were idiots.
I know many times that a caller didn't agree with you that
you cut them off.
In fact I am glad you are gone and now maybe I will
listen in the afternoon. It may be a little boring at times
but at least maybe the new host will be nicer to the
callers and there might be some good topics, NOT just what
you want to talk about.
I do hope they will get some new blood in there
because I can't stand D. Reaves, he can't talk
and when he does its only sports and H.Carter
doesn't know what to talk about except Democrats.
101.5 has probably bit the dust but maybe with you
gone they might survive!!!! Bring back Steve Bowers in the
afternoon!!!!! You know you have a right to your opinion just like I do and everyone else does but when it starts to mess with the way that someone makes their living then you need to keep your opinion to yourself and quit trying to persuade people to think like you do. You would not like it if someone tried to get into yours and Mrs. B's personal business. Not most but some grocery stores already have beer so leave the wine in the liquor stores where it belongs and MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!! Bonny I would just like to state my opinion as a
long time listener of WNWS FM on the recent firing of
GeorgeB. I have been a listener since the very beginning of
your station and I continue to enjoy your programming on a
daily basis. I
would like to say first that I did not always agree with
GeorgeB on variety of topics. That said, I agreed with him
quite a bit too, and more importantly,
I always enjoyed his program and I feel that his off
the cuff, irreverent style made for a very entertaining
show. It is disturbing to me that because
someone has a dissenting opinion you would fire them. I can
imagine that GeorgeB is not a "yes man" type of employee.
You have every right to fire any employee. I am in marketing
and I understand the value of clients opinions. However, you
compromise your product by making it a cookie cutter, walk
the line station. I have seen so many examples in the past
couple days where callers have been cut off for wanting to
discuss the situation with GeorgeB. Is your station really
interested in hearing all sides? Where is your investigative
journalism now? The management is putting your talented on
air personalities in a bad position and squashing any
dissent. That's not true talk radio in my book. There are a lot of options in the talk
radio arena in Jackson now. Both the Grace Broadcasting
station and the TJS station are quite good with very
entertaining programs as well. I have made a decision to try
them out for a while. This is someone who has never called
into a show but listens every day. I am truly disappointed
in your actions. Thank you, Nathan I will miss listening to you and 101.5. God Bless and keep you healthy.
Chuck P.
I have sent an email to both Larry Woods
and Carlton Viers letting them know my disappointment that
they would let the liquor mafia determine station policy.
I'm not so sure I want to continue to listen to a
station that surpresses free speech.
For what it's worth, I agree that more competition is
never a bad thing.
I know you'll be fine in the end, but the station has
really pissed some folks off with this move. Dianne Jackson, TN Enjoy life, go camping! Remember to leave
the world better than you find it.
My afternoons will not be the same. In my
opinion you were the only non butt kissing host on the
station. Those who don't conform sometimes pay the price. I
should know I'm a non-conformist myself. I guess 101.5 will
be removed from my radio in the afternoon sinse there is
nothing there now. God bless you and stay who you are GEORGE
B THE PEOPLES SPOKESMAN. Thanks Stephen Been asking all of these questions to
myself and others... What happened to George, etc? Took me
till now to think to go to George B.com and find out.... I'll just say this...I hope that when I'm
your age (and even now) that I'm in a position to always be
totally honest and have as much fun as you always seem to
have. We'll miss you for the time being... Look
forward to your return. Are you on facebook? Your friend, Jeff Well, HELL! I was listening to that
afternoon program and heard the remarks about the liquor in
the grocery stores. And........I remember when I was in
college, the same people "sided up" regarding
liquor-by-the-drink. Whatever!! I hate you're not going to
be in my car on the way home from school everyday. Sure
going to miss you. I guess I'll have to listen to country
music (YUCK). Sure ain't going to listen to 101.5. PS: What about those precious ratings? I
think they've cut off their noses to spite their faces. Love you anyway!!
Ann Be nice. Nice is good. 101.5 can kiss my behind I was against wine sales in grocery stores
at first because I was afraid it may some family-owned
liquor stores out of business. After more thought, I realize
this isn't likely to happen. I doubt grocery stores will
sell wine that costs more than $20. I don't like cheap wine,
so I'll continue shopping at Party Mark. It looks like I'll bef getting my daily
dose of Dave Ramsey elsewhere. I have no desire to continue
listening to 101.5. I wish you the best, George B! Please keep
your website open.
Ame, Jackson TN Really sorry to hear that you are no
longer on in the afternoon. You are the only one on that
station that we listened to. I always looked forward to your show. I never called in but enjoyed others who did. I read on your website the reason why and they may live to regret it.
Regards, S____ Family from Pinson You will be missed from the afternoon
program. I will not be listening to the other individual. He
is very boring and I cannot imagine listening to him for
three hours.
Gibson County listener, Shirley I am saddened today to find out that
George B is no longer with WNWS. I was in radio here for a
few years and know the business quite well. George B was a
class act and was the best thing WNWS had going. 4 years
straight as the peoples choice for Best afternoons. I will
greatly miss him and wish you would reconsider your decision
to fire him. I now have no reason, except Dave Ramsey (a
syndicated show), to listen to WNWS. But thanks for not
firing Dave for telling the truth. George B will be missed.
thanks George for all you've done for Jackson and West TN
Josh Hey George, What the heck? Is an industry that doesn't
even advertise with 101.5 wield that much power? I am
flabbergasted! Was it really your idea --- I remember
that you said "Mrs.B" was campaigning for you to work less. It is simply difficult to think that the
station would cut you out. Your program was incredibly
popular and I expect that they will lose advertisers. It
just seems as dumb as a sack of hammers or a box full of
rocks for them to do that. Whatever came of the idea of
"free expression" (within boundaries)? One occasional caller, "Bob the sub,"
won't harm them with the Neilson's, but i likely won't
listen to the station any more as my statement of "free
expression."
Peace, Bob the sub I already could not stand it when you were
out and Harrell Carter or Keith filled in...Just changed the
channel or listened to a cd. I live in Beech Bluff, so I
drive 25 min. or so. But when I saw the Jackson Suns report,
I was knocked off my block!!! Stupid people....I only called
in once, but you tickled the daylights out of me so many
times, when I thought no one else really got it (your
comments) and I loved it when you threw the guy off that was
only allowed to call in on Wed...HA That was a hoot. You hang in there, and
let your faithful listeners know if you are on somewhere
else...we will listen! Enjoy the rest...I just want to say
"stupid idiots"
Donna I was just convinced you were fired via
your web site, it is sickening to know that no one can
express there opinions and be free speeched without a bunch
of babies crying and complaining. I hope all the grocery
stores in Mad. County sell wine, whiskey and everything else
you can get from a liquor store. I really enjoyed your show
everyday and on the drive home at times I am sure people
thought I was crazy sitting at a red light laughing. Hope
you surface again real soon and 101.5 can kiss my a--.I have to support the local Henderson boys, I am
one my self. Keep your site updated and thanks for the
listening pleasure.
Brent
Email George B - georgeb@georgeb.com
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