It’s now been one week since Kevin Klein went AWOL after posting his now infamous bridge tweet that may wind up costing him his job. Entercom is still not saying a word about what will happen to their beleaguered San Diego morning man. He hasn’t been fired, but he’s still not on the air, after being scheduled to launch his show Thursday of last week. We may know more Friday, and here’s why…
When the MLB’s San Diego Padres front office found out about Klein’s bridge tweet, and the outrage it was causing, they issued a statement that said they were going to get through their first home stand and evaluate their relationship with Entercom. 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.”
That home stand ends after today’s game between the Padres and the Colorado Rockies. Entercom CEO David Field may also have some bigger issues in the back of his mind. Entercom airs more play-by-play sports than any other radio company. For example they air the Red Sox in Boston and the Yankees in New York. The Executive Chairman of the San Diego Padres Ron Fowler is also on Major League Baseball’s Executive Council and sits on MLB’s Pension Committee and Labor Policy Committee. In other words, Fowler is a big deal and, most likely has a lot of sway. Entercom probably wants him as a friend, not angry at them over an offensive tweet.
Entercom pays millions of dollars every year to air San Diego Padres baseball. This is the second of a three-year deal with Entercom. Last year the games aired on KBZT – 94.9, their Alternative station. The Padres were with Broadcast Company of the Americas for 15 years before moving to Entercom.
agreed. as a long time radio guy, I see far more pros than cons to this whole thing. I used to listen to Klein on Sirius and he’s got the chops and is great at creating compelling stuff. this is an example of that. this is why I’m sure he was hired to go on the air. if they don’t let him on, they are the ones who will suffer. For all we know, klein already has other offers.
let the man speak. clearly this has been blown way out of control. it was actually clever and smart and got an entire city talking. that used to be a win in radio. now he can go on the air and bring in big numbers, ads, etc. the long silence is far worse than dealing with it and moving on.