WEEI Is Losing A Loyal Listener

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I have been a very loyal listener of WEEI Sports Talk Radio since the early 90's. Ever since they were broadcast on AM 590 instead of 850. I am a sports nut, and have always loved being kept up to date and listening to the slew of talk show hosts, writers and professional athletes voice their opinions. Until recently I've pretty much listened to WEEI from the time I start my commute to work until I pull back into my driveway.

So what's happened that makes me change the channel to the likes of the Toucher & Rich show on WBCN, or Mike & Mike on ESPN Radio? WEEI has become so bloated with power and arrogance they've made the morning and afternoon drive shows virtually unlistenable. Yes, I still do listen to the station at various times throughout the week, but just not nearly as much as I used to. Gerry Callahan has turned me off with his right wing, Republican diatribes that I can barely listen to the The Dennis & Callahan show in the morning. Nothing gets my blood boiling faster than his ripping of Barack Obama or how he thinks Gay Marriage will lead to someone marrying a goat.

In the afternoon, it's just even worse. Glenn Ordway loves the sound of his voice so much that the co-hosts have to yell over each other to be heard. Both shows rarely allow the listeners to voice their own opinions. Granted, most people who actually call these shows don't know much about the actually sport they called in to talk about, but the last time I checked it was a call in sports talk show. Without callers, you'd have no show. Don't get me started on Pete Shepherd. I knew more about sports at the age of 5 then Shepherd knows now. It doesn't help that he's an inarticulate, classless blowhard. I honestly don't know he got the job in the first place, and certainly don't know how he keeps it.

This might sound pathetic, but it pains me to write this article about a station that I've loved for so many years. Thanks to my MP3 player and my extensive iTunes library on my laptop, I finally have something else to listen to in the car and at work. Now, not everything at WEEI has gone down the toilet. I am still a fan of The Dale & Holly midday show. In my opinion, Michael Holly is the best co-host on the air. He's very logical in his decision making and fairly unbiased. He's also very knowledgeable of the four major sports. He's actually too qualified for the station.

I know there will be some readers out there that will point out that Gerry Callahan's antics are done just to get people riled up to call and listen and increase ratings. I totally understand that, but does not account for the abuse that is doled out to listeners throughout the day. If it was up to me I'd put Michael Felger on full time. He has some outrageous ideas, but at least isn't afraid to open his mouth in dissent and actually explain himself. I would love to think they'll make some changes and bring me back in full time. If not, then at least I'll tune in around 5:45 for the Whiner Line.