So what does all this have to do with Gruno? He walks the line between incisive and offensive. That is both his strength and his liability. He scares the hell out of me, and he scares the hell out of management. I have the utmost faith that he knows where all the lines are that I've just pointed out, and yet he seems to be resistant to pledging his allegiance to all this, almost to the point of saying that it's absurd to ask him to do so. For the life of me I still don't understand where this "resentment for authority" comes from, but it is there nonetheless.
And THAT is Gruno, isn't it? And THAT is exactly what has brought listeners back to his show time and time again, is it not? Controversial? Yes. Offensive? Very much so at times. Boring? Never. Predictable? Never. It's those very qualities that has made listeners tune in to this show week after week. For some listeners, Gruno is the DJ they love. For others, he's the DJ that they love to hate. The end result is listeners tuned in on a regular basis. Clearly, some lines should be drawn, such as refraining from personally insulting listeners and refraining from wreaking havoc on other DJ's shows (which should be FOR ALL-not just for one DJ.) Look at my user name and make no mistake, I am NOT a fan of Gruno's. In fact, I can personally vouch for him being a total asshole and yes, that is in real-life and not just an on-air persona...unfortunately. HOWEVER, Gruno's show is a success in drawing people in. Some may liken it to a train wreck that you can't seem to take your eyes off of, but THAT is what a lot of entertainment is, isn't it? Boring = no listeners. People don't tune in for "boring." They tune in for different and you can't say Gruno isn't different. Perhaps management and Gruno can come to a new agreement, one to make both parties happy. It seems that would be best for everyone involved, INCLUDING DLBN, provided that Gruno even wants to return at this point. Again, I'm not a fan of Gruno's (and yes, he has personally insulted me on the air) but Gruno's show has a place...and I would bet that if it isn't here, he'll find another one...and his listeners will go there with him...something for management to think about and perhaps open up the lines of communication. Best of luck to management, Gruno and the listeners.
While I've stayed out of this discussion up to this point, let me voice my support of Gruno. I think a lot of people took Gruno too seriously at times, which in turn led to their being offended. It's internet radio for crying out loud, the last bastion of free speech on the planet, and while we all know Gruno's thoughts on prog music, even he would never purposely sabatoge the goals of this station. Just the opposite is true, he has enabled this station to fulfill those goals. Did he cause problems when PJ had Neal or Portnoy on the air or in chat? No. Nor would he. Do I hope he comes back? Definitely. Do I think he will? Put yourself in his shoes, would YOU want to work in a place where you know you're not wanted by management?
I spent a few hours on the phone tonight with Rene and I am pleased to say that we were able to reach an understanding that all parties are content with!
Guilty Pleasures will be on the air next Monday at its normal time!
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation We have assumed control We have assumed control We have assumed control
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