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The purpose of this blog is to act as a forum for fans of Rob Schilling to voice our support for him, and our desire for WINA to put "The Schilling Show" back on the air.
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UPDATE: Please check out our latest roundup of news items covering the issues described in this article, here.
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Over the past year, Rob has done an excellent job as "The Community Watchdog," by hosting "The Schilling Show" on WINA. Prior to that, Rob was co-host of the WINA Morning Show, with Jane Foy, for nearly a year.
The Charlottesville-Albemarle community has benefited enormously from Rob's conservative/libertarian viewpoint, his positive, fair, and insightful voice, his deep knowledge of local politics from his years on the City Council, and his inquisitive interviews. (To learn about Rob's fascinating background, see "About Rob," below).
But on December 19, 2008 --- just six days before Christmas --- WINA canceled "The Schilling Show," without any advance notice or formal explanation.
Apparently, WINA has claimed that this decision was made due to economic factors --- that it is expensive to produce local talk shows, and the station wanted to cut back on its operating costs. Another report indicates that the decision was made at the corporate level by Saga Communications (owner of WINA) --- and that WINA management supported keeping "The Schilling Show" on the air.
While Saga and WINA are private, independent businesses, and as such, can make whatever personnel decisions they want --- the fact is that WINA canceled Rob's one-hour talk show, but left Coy Barefoot's 2-hour, leftist-oriented talk show ("Charlottesville Right Now") intact.
If the real reason was economic, then Saga and WINA could just as easily have given Rob one of the two hours that it now devotes to Coy Barefoot. Instead, WINA removed its only local conservative/libertarian viewpoint.
The fact is that WINA and Saga only earn money as a result of advertising --- which is based on listenership.
Those of us who have looked forward each day to hearing Rob discuss national & local issues, with his inimitable style and the deep preparation he brings to each show, miss him very much.
So, if enough people decide to speak out, to contact WINA and its advertisers, WINA and Saga will definitely feel the impact --- and will hopefully bring Rob back!!!
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED --- NOW!!!
Please let WINA and Saga Communications know how you feel about their decision to cancel "The Schilling Show."
Here's WINA management's contact info:
Renee Quesenberry, General Manager: renee@charlottesvilleradiogroup.com
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Rick Daniels, Program Director: rick@wina.com
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WINA business phone: 220-2300
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WINA fax: 220-2304
Mailing Address:
1070 WINA Newsradio
1140 Rose Hill Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Here's Saga Communications' management contact info:
Edward Christian, President & CEO
echristian@sagacom.com
Phone: 313-886-7070
Fax: 313-886-7150
Steven Goldstein, Executive VP & Group Program Director
sgoldstein@sagacom.com
Phone: 203-221-1666
Fax: 203-222-9633
Mailing Address:
Saga Communications
Suite 201
73 Kercheval Avenue
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
However you choose to make your voice known, please remember to be courteous, concise and on-target. Those are the types of messages that WINA and Saga will pay attention to.
Please also consider leaving a comment on this blog (click on "Comments" at the bottom of this article). Although anonymous comments are welcome, the most helpful ones will be those that include the writer's name (think of Letters-To-The-Editor). We will periodically be forwarding these comments on to WINA and Saga management.
Let's work together to help convince WINA and Saga to bring back Rob and "The Schilling Show" --- soon!!!
About Rob
A native of southern California, Rob relocated to Charlottesville in 1998 to enjoy what he describes as the idyllic lifestyle of our area. In addition to being an accomplished musician and singer-songwriter, Rob is also a savvy businessman.
In 2002, Rob was elected to the City Council as its lone Republican. A staunch defender of freedom, property rights and responsible, accountable government, Rob tirelessly fought for intelligent financial management and transparency in all City affairs.
In 2006, Rob fought for a controversial elected school board referendum, against seemingly overwhelming opposition, from entrenched political interests. In the end, with Rob's leadership, the measure passed by a significant margin, and local parents have been grateful.
Along with his wife Joan, and their children, Gabriel and Caroline, Rob has made a distinctive and positive contribution to life in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
Here are some links to learn more about Rob:
Rob Schilling: City Councilor And Democratic Machine-Slayer
Send Schilling Back To The Council
Schilling on the Budget
Sing A Psalm By Rob Schilling - A Musical Profile (listen to and buy Rob's music!!!)
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