WT(infoil hat)KA

Submitted by Marshmallow on

I posted this a couple of times in response to other topics, but this deserves its own forum. How many people have caught the Big Show on WTKA over the last few days?

I mean, it's no reason to go cuckoo since it's talk radio, but these guys are just spouting pure speculation as if it is fact. They had Tate transferring just because of something they saw on a message board, and then went into all sorts of "justification" for the rumor. For example, because his brothers have transferred in the past, these people concluded that that is probably why he is transferring; i.e. it's in the family's blood to do so.

They also brought on a guest host, who I think is a frequent caller named "Ron from Ann Arbor", who tried to convince everyone that RichRod's explanation that the team's youth is responsible for the lack of execution in part is bogus because the roster on ESPN.com shows that we have 126 players, over half of whom are juniors and seniors. What Ron fails to mention is that we only have 70 or so scholarship players; the rest of these are walk-ons. He fails to mention this, obviously, because he failed to research it. Although Defran, I think, said that Ron was well-prepared for his guest hosting and did a great job at the end. Yeah, great job not knowing the facts. I should mention that Ron also pulled the RichRod-going-to-be-fired-when-the-NCAA-finds-any-violation rabbit out of his tin foil hat.

Either before or after, I can't recall, they had someone from the media on named "El Hombre", who writes for collegefootballnews.com. I used to like that site, but they just lost all credibility by employing this numbnuts. He is just ranting and raving like a lunatic about how the coaches should be doing better, even without the talent because this is Michigan. He is just angry!!!

Finally, near the end of the show, we are treated to (another) long-time caller, Dave from Phoenix, who sounded like he was calling from his black helicopter, as usual. While I enjoyed the digs by the hosts on Dave's inability to keep calls short, they still gave him way too much time to rant about how Brian Kelly would be doing a great job.

So once in awhile, we have the pleasure of listening to Brian Cook, who knows what he is talking about. And WTKA's back-ups are these clowns? What gives?

Tater

November 13th, 2009 at 1:47 PM ^

With all of the people looking for work, you would think WTKA could find some more competent staff for their BIG HUMOUNGOUS SHOW. Certainly they could screen callers better, provide more content, and just plain ol' cut callers off when needed.

It's not like their main demographic lives in Ann Arbor or anything......

Marshmallow

November 13th, 2009 at 1:54 PM ^

I understand that, like all news outlets, they want to present both sides of issues, whether they are accurate, to generate ratings. But the problem is that they let people say whatever, and unlike Brian Cook, Sam & Ira, or Copey to a lesser extent, Defran does not refute things that are just flat out wrong. That coach from Pinckney is ok at that, but he does not refute things strongly enough. He won't challenge people on their assertions of unfact. You are right that Ann Arbor isn't WTKA's main demo, and they should try to be responsible for accurate reporting so that it isn't unduly riling up the torch and pitchfork crowd.

benjamin

November 13th, 2009 at 1:58 PM ^

His shows are awful.

As you said, he does no research and then believes everything he hears. Him, his Beatnicks, and Steve Clark (El Hombre) make for awful, un-listenable radio. I cringe when my car starts in the afternoons on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as my hands can't change the channel fast enough.

I do like the current Monday line-up, of course :)

benjamin

November 13th, 2009 at 2:08 PM ^

The only thing more annoying than that nickname is their talk about the show "24".

Do they seriously thing people give a crap about? I imagine 0% are tuning in to hear about what Defran and Clark have to say about that show.

I mean...ugh, talk about the Pistons, or Redwings...anything else.

Callahan

November 13th, 2009 at 2:00 PM ^

WDFN did the same thing yesterday, with Drew Sharp and Matt Shepard. I was surprised that Shepard was taking part because he is usually pretty conservative about throwing out rampant speculation and, if I'm not mistaken, he's still the voice of M basketball.

Granted, it was Sharp who was throwing out the "he comes from a family of transferers!"

The King of Belch

November 13th, 2009 at 2:05 PM ^

I wonder what the feeling is like to be the kind of Michigan Fan who thinks EVERYONE in the media is out to get Michigan. And to be the kind of fan who hates EVERYONE in the media aned thinks EVERYONE in the media is a dumbass who doesn't know what he's doing.

And then to spend the day combing through the media to look for all this shit that gets them riled up and post it all over the Michigan message boards.

Tell me guys--what's that feel like? That kind of paranoia, that kind of superiority complex? that kind of hatred?

InterM

November 13th, 2009 at 2:10 PM ^

Hey, while you briefly stepped out, someone hijacked your account and provided some useful info in a short, non-inflammatory post (i.e., that B Smith might be starting at safety). Just thought you should know so you can take appropriate steps to protect the integrity of your posts.

benjamin

November 13th, 2009 at 2:17 PM ^

My complaint is some people do their research and present facts to support what they say, while others (named above) do not.

I have no superiority complex, but I do have plenty of hatred for media-types/celebrities that are irresponsible.

That is all.

The King of Belch

November 13th, 2009 at 3:41 PM ^

I take the media for what it IS: entertainment to get clicks and sell advertizing. I really pay no attention--I'm usually doing something that allows me to post here a lot--but I rarely take the time to listen to any of the talking heads on TV or radio.

If I do, It's Colin Cowherd. Of course, he's yet another in the long list of people that Michigan Fans hate, but I listen to him because he's funny and yeah, his content is great.

The way I see it is that you guys just can't take negative opinions of anything Michigan. For instance, when Carr was the coach, Cowherd told it like it was--and Michigan fans would jump up and down screaming about how wrong he was. Now, they say the same goddamm things.

And the sensitivity meter is off the charts these days. See, the national media don't NEED patience--they need a story. Same with the local MSM. They need a hook. Right now, the foibles of Michigan are a fantastic hook. Yak it up about Michigan--and 40 hundred thousandy grillion and five emailers, message boarders, callers, and stoners will all head straight for their basement posting bunkers, pile up the sandbags, put on their tinfoil hats, and begin the offensive.

And what qualifies as "homework"? Do these guys, who (nationally) have about 7 minutes in between commercial breaks, have the time to go deep into the depth chart? Do they have time to go and research everything about Michigan (or any team)--or do they really just have time (and a desire NOT to drive 97% of the people away) to look at the results, give a cursory assessment, and move on?

Now local guys: Hey, I totally agree. Dimwits. That's why they're local guys. And they know they can fire up some good ratings by being bombastic and angering much of their listeners. Face it: Valenti is popular. Popular with Michigan fans too--for different reasons. But we listen.

Again, though, I expect NOTHING from the media. And they deliver every time. I feel the best coverages are offered on blogs like this one. And that's where I go.

Marshmallow

November 13th, 2009 at 3:51 PM ^

I agree with most of what you are saying, KOB. But I don't think people can't handle criticism of Michigan. It's that people can't handle boneheaded, misinformed criticism. The local media, who cover Michigan (i.e. Drew Sharp, Michael Rosenberg, Lynn Henning, Defran and El Hombre) along with the Michigan fan callers (Dave from Phoenix, JJ (who always brings up Woody Hayes to make a point about Michigan, curiously) and Ron from Ann Arbor, and the guy who is "sick and tired" of everything), have no excuse for not knowing the Michigan depth chart.

Wahlberg

November 13th, 2009 at 2:54 PM ^

And I'd love to know what it's like to troll a message board all day making snarky dickhead comments to show off how superior you are to all of us. What's that like Belch?

More on topic however, the media usually plays to the lowest common denominator. Obviously the bigger the media outlet the more guilty there are of this.

The point I think the OP is making is that local media that covers this team day in and day out should know better. Everyone loves to hate on a once proud leader who's fallen on hard times. But to pander to the hatter crowd and feed paranoia is sloppy and beneath WTKA (or at least I thought it was)

pullin4blue

November 13th, 2009 at 2:49 PM ^

I seriously doubt that more than a handful of people reading or posting on these boards or for that matter, callers to radio programs, actually make their living from the University of Michigan athletic department in general or the football program in specific. As such, if you are not happy with the current state of affairs, stop watching, stop going to games and vote with your feet. There is still a waiting list of alumni to get season tickets. Michigan will still have attendance of over 100,000 per game without you. When you feel like things are back to where you are comfortable, then come back. The rest of the Michigan faithfull and I will be there to welcome you back, no hard feelings. Heck, find my tailgate and I'll give you a beer.
Am I happy about everything? No. Will I still send my check in for seats? You betcha.

Marshmallow

November 13th, 2009 at 3:03 PM ^

I agree, I am sure none have any influence within the Ath. Dept. But if this post was directed to the OP, then my response is that you still have to be concerned with the rabble rousers. LC's last year would have been easier to deal with if the torch and pitchfork crowd didn't rain down holy hell over The Horror on the message boards, newspapers, tv and radio. Was I happy about the loss? Of course NOT. But I still supported the team and LC and loved every minute of every game after. Even the next, which I attended in person, where we got creamed by Oregon. But the torch/pitchfork crowd is filled with the sort of person that loves bitching and complaining, and who want to do their best to make coaches feel miserable. Criticizing WTKA for doing so is an appropriate way to fight back. Letting them have that forum to themselves, in my epinion, is not.

doughboy

November 13th, 2009 at 3:19 PM ^

My biggest challenge with Jeff Defran is that he appears to come to the show unprepared. Because WTKA is local, I enjoyed their perspective and yes, at times, bias. But with Jeff, many times I tune in to hear something to the effect of, "So, what should we talk about today?". I don't mind a caller-driven shows, but at times, I enjoy hearing a well thought-out perspective from the talk show host.

benjamin

November 13th, 2009 at 3:51 PM ^

I also can't stand when he says "I'm full filling time". What he is really saying is that he doesn't value the listenership.

He is wasting our time, and admits it every show by making comments like that.

Meanwhile, the morning show has an agenda, and sticks to it-- and is good radio.

michman79

November 13th, 2009 at 3:57 PM ^

The Huge Show is a caller driven show, always has been. I call in every once in awhile when Brian is on. The screener is beyond easy. I just say "Hi, this is_____ from______ and I have a comment about Michigan Football. Then I get on.

I agree with some of the comments but I do like WTKA programming because it is heavily slanted to Michigan Football (if I want objectivity I'll listen to NPR).

pullin4blue

November 13th, 2009 at 4:22 PM ^

I think that WTKA does engage the black helicopter types. Haven't you ever tuned in when Brian is being calm and patient with someone who is ranting and raving about the program and how THINGS NEED TO BE FIXED RIGHT NOW!!!. He has a great ability to defuse things without budging an inch. They say there are three sides to every story. Your side, my side, and the truth.

Marshmallow

November 13th, 2009 at 7:37 PM ^

I like Don from Sylvania, except that he keeps complaining about his wife giving him a hard time at Thanksgiving because she is an OSU fan. Dude, you call in everyday. We all know the story.