Not only is the team asking Entercom to apologize for new host Kevin Klein’s tweet — using the picture of a San Diego bridge to ask listeners to “jump” to a new station — they are also voicing their displeasure with the station’s new format. And, it’s being reported they are considering canceling their deal with Entercom.
When Entercom flipped formats (on 97.3), they promoted the new format as a “unique mix of compelling personalities, comedy, sports, and curated classic rock music.” They also hired Dan Sileo to do middays.
Here’s the full statement from the Padres front office: Following the tweet from new Entercom San Diego morning man Kevin Klein (see previous story) San Diego Padres Executive Chairman Ron Fowler and General Partner Peter Seidler issued a statement on the team’s website: “We find the comments made last night by Entercom’s employee offensive, insensitive, and completely unacceptable. Mental illness and suicide are not joking matters. Additionally, we’ve expressed our concerns to Entercom around the tone and direction of the station they have chosen to create. It’s important for our fans to know that our agreement with Entercom to move to 97.3 was an opportunity to expand our pre- and postgame coverage and it was done well before we knew the format, the tone, or the talent lineup.”
And the pressure is mounting. The San Diego Union-Tribune called on The Padres to walk away from the station. “Honestly, it’s that simple for the Padres — rightfully riled by an inexcusable, irresponsible and utterly heartless social media post promoting a radio show that made light of suicide in a place gutted by far too many of those stories.”
And according to the paper, that’s exactly what the Padres are considering. “We’re going to get through this first home stand, then sit down and evaluate it,” Padres Executive Chairman Ron Fowler told the Union-Tribune in his Petco Park office Tuesday. “We’re going to assess our legal obligations. We just want a good radio partner that’s not offensive to the community.”
Entercom corporate did not respond to a request for comment as of Tuesday afternoon. As of this morning Klein’s tweet has been deleted.
I wont enter in to the content of the tweeted message, but the big question is, is there a contract involved? Oops, I forgot. Nobody pays any attention to those anymore. Silly me.