For three years, the Lehigh Valley has had a pretty popular talk radio program on WGPA Sunny 1100 AM. The show broadcasts Monday through Thursday between 8 and 9 AM, and is hosted by the always controversial Ron Angle. Yep, he's the County Councilman. Ron's loud, obnoxious, insensitive, and uses horrible grammar. He's also funny, intelligent, and much more moderate than he pretends. Some call him a populist: others a demagogue. Take your pick. Personally, I like the guy. I can't help it.Angle's show was one that always got better. As a councilman, he used inside connections to break stories. He attracted loads of local pols from both sides of the aisle, from Charlie Dent to John Stoffa. The Morning Call's Bill White occasionally dropped by, usually after kicking Ron around in one of his columns. His callers have included Lisa Boscola, Snarlin' Arlen, Joe Long and this strange dude from Harrisburg named Bernie Kieklak. But you didn't have to be a somebody to call in. Anyone with a beef could express it. I listened as state reps Rich Grucela and Joe Brennan talked with taxpayers about state house reform, and Northampton County employees had an opportunity to vent their frustrations with county exec Stoffa.
It's been an informative show, and Angle occasionally surrendered the reigns to me as guest host. I usually brought in state reps like Rich Grucela and Joe Brennan because they're both so personable and humorous that all I had to do was answer the phone. I did get in big trouble once - when my guest was Ramona Africa. Alright, twice. I managed to rig a George Bush speech to make him sound even goofier than he does on his own, hard as that may be to believe. A lot of listeners took it seriously, and were outraged to learn I was spoofing them. Alright, I was in trouble pretty much every time I did his show. Who am I kidding?
Was it a great show? No. Goofy sound effects and dreary music prevented that from happening, and Angle can be unfair to callers. But it was local, informative, and the best political talk you'd hear in the Lehigh Valley.
Angle was at his best when he'd bring on an underfunded candidate trying to get a message out to voters, whether it was Russ Shade on the left or Bonnie Dodge on the right. And Angle condemned and called very public attention to a few of the many smear campaigns orchestrated by campaign consultant Tom Severson at Precision Marketing.
Today, that show comes to an end.
Polka King Jolly Joe Timmer and Angle have been feuding for nearly two years. Angle's salary was first cut, then eliminated. His air time was reduced from two hours to one. Engineer Mark Thomas, under Timmer's instructions, has also been running a repeater every time Angle strays into dangerous territory. If you know Ron, you know the station burned out a few. They made Ron sound like a gerbil. Even Angle's sponsors were subjected to that treatment.
Thomas lied about censoring Angle for weeks, even to me, but finally fessed up yesterday.
Today, when the show ends, we all lose. No other forum offered such easy access to local leaders. I know a lot of you hate the guy. He inspires that type of reaction. And he'll be the first to admit his own shortcomings. But in the end, he always stood up for the little guy. That makes him a small d democrat in my book, and that means more to me than party affiliation.
79 comments:
Angle was booted from 3 or 4 other stations,in other words fired.Why should anyone be surprised when Timmer broadcasting did the same.I knew It was a matter of time,an equal number of people don't like him as much as do. You can't bad mouth people like he does and think he wouldn't be repressible.I think WGPA did the right thing ,for it was only a matter of time for someone to file a lawsuit for the spew that came from that talk show,It may make for ratings but the FCC may not see it that way.Like I said this is not the first time he was fired and won't be the last.November is the time to reflect on his other tasks.And for the Timmer/Angle feud ,there are two sides of the story and then the truth............
I filled in for Ron from time to time. He never tried to control what I did on his show, no matter how much it may have offended his largely conservative listening base. Can't say the same for Timmer. He interfered constantly.
I know a little bit about that Timmer-Angle fiasco. Like you say, there are always three sides. I tried to stay neutral until Timmer started attacking me as well. He's become increasingly irrational.
You're right about Ron getting kicked off a lot of shows. He's lasted longer at WGPA than anywhere else. But there was never anything that even came close to an FCC violation. That's pure baloney. I'll agree Ron does bad mouth people. I don't like it, but I'm not Ron.
To me, his positives more than outweighed his negatives. He was informative, funny, very bright, and did give people a forum, even those who disagreed with him. And like it or not, he did stand up for the little guy.
A lot of good people are turned off by him, and I understand that.
But there's another group - powerful people who just don't like having their noses tweaked.
Ron and I disagree on nearly every state and federal issue. I don't think I'd vote to send him to H-burg or DC. But on the county level, he's just what we need. It's a shame he's off the air.
Thnaks for your views.
Well said , but can i send you a picture of me and put the same caption on it that you have on Timmer and the Chicken lady.......
Sure!
Like many activits Ron Angle has many good points, leadership and bringing colleagues on board to your resolutions is not one of them. Why? People don't like being called morons, idiots and other derogatory names by him and then vote for his positions. As a single council member he can only be effective with four more votes.
Anon 1:47!
That's the best criticism you can make about Angle. He can be divisive. I know a former councilman who told me he woul vote against anything proposed by Ron, no matter how good it sounded.
Anon 1:53!
I'm sorry you feel the need to express yourself like that. It says much more about you than the object of your snark.
I think this is a ploy, again. Angle always goes to his Island about now. He and Timmer are masters of PR. If it is true, good. It was about time Timmer threw out the trash. He was as objective and for the little guy as the Fox Noise network. Just another one of your blind spots.
These anons have been shtinking up this blog seemingly forever.
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Even though we did not get together much, always thought of Big Mark as a friend; he wound up by stabbing me in the back, off and on the air.
Ron certainly liked the Big Guy a lot but it's not surprising that he hurt Ronnie also.
I stopped calling the show because of Big Mark.
Jolly-Joe is a god-freak:
"My God loves me more than He does you."
Why to go God aka Goddie/John Gotti!
Bernie,
If you and I have positive things to say about Ron Angle, it's because we attended more council meetings than the average county constituent and heard first-hand his many common-sense motions that failed solely because of a second, suffocating not only his motion, but also deliberation and debate.
His colleagues motive?: to avoid taking a stand on issues, especially the controversial ones, that could come back to haunt them in an election.
I will miss his taking up these issues on WGPA-AM radio, just as he does at county council meetings, representing not only the constituents of his District 4, but, more often than not, the pragmatic views of the county's consitutents at-large.
Not the least of his attributes that endears me to Ron is his natural-born, honed by life's ordinary, everyday experiences - in his case, on the farm among his animals like Poop - gifts as a raconteur.
It's a rare gift that I admire in Ron, and one that, quite frankly, I envy.
In those post-council-meeting skull sessions at TicToc, over the bowls of split-pea soup to which you're so addicted, I often there, and elsewhere, told him that his story-telling talents reminded me of radio talk-show hosts like Arthur Godfrey and the Indiana hoosier, Herb Shriner.
This is my personal eulogy to Ron.
And as a show of my sincerity, I unreservedly hope it's a eulogy I'll not have to deliver s second time after the general election results of this coming November.
Instead of the Tic Toc why don't you all get a room and take Stoffa and Shade with you. Don't forget the weed.
The elections's over, dude. Stoffa won. Reibman lost. Get over it. All that bitterness is going to constipate you.
Anon 3:11!
It's funny. Most people think like you, but the dispute was never shtick. It was always very real. And this time, Angle is gone. And Angle doesn't go the the island for a few weeks.
I feel very sad for Joe Timmer.I listen to his show every day and the amout of hate he portrays over the radio towards Angle and amazingly even people who listened to Angles show has been amazing. Timmer would check the caller ID at the station to see who called everyday between 8 and 10am and if you did you were on the SH*T LIST. He was never Jolly to me ... even 10 years ago when I bought $70 worth of Polka albums at his "House Of Music". After I had to crawl over the pair of snow tires to get to the record I wanted he started mumbling under his breath this and that.... neadless to say that was my last visit. His anamosity towards people is apparent just by tuning in from 11 to 1 for his Polka show. I have listened for obout a year and Joe Timmer seems to complain about angle and Bernie Hare all the time. I have called him and emailed him saying he is just wrecking his own show by spewing all this personal hatred over the air waves, and that it was very unprofessional. Timmer runs a commercial now and then to please send your comments about the programming to WGPA. Yet when listeners as well as I didn't say what Timmer wants some as well as I go on the SH*T LIST and we can expect to be named over the sunny 1100 am airwaves. I even called him on Thursday saying Angle is gone now.. stop all the crying, yet he continues. I feel sorry for him and especially his wife Dotty, who has had medical problems the past year and still has to Listen to Joe Timmer's crying over the air waves and probably when he gets home too. These are my own personal views and if you dissagree please post here or contact me. Tune into the polka show on monda, im sure you will still hear Timmer crying like his diaper is full :):):) It just proves the story in 5/25/ Morning Call is true about Timmers constant complaining. Little boy who cried wolf??????
River,
You put this much better than I could ever do. Thanks for your special insight.
Seems to me there is a lot of crying over Angle and Timmer not by them but by people who have nothing better to do but put their nose in where it don't belong. If you don't like WGPA turn the dial.Timmer is the owner of the station and what he does is his business and if you don't want to go to his store, don't.Angle has done what his intentions were from the start , to cause trouble,not only for Jolly Joe ,but whoever he comes in contact with.Good for you Jolly Joe get rid of the garbage and whoever don't like it .TURN THE DIAL.
hey river your the one who wants to know if the watches and shirts have expired,no not till you buy a couple.
Hi Bernie, thought your readers would like this. Link to today's article: Morning Call Article
hey anon...Are they WGPA genuine Rolex watches for $9.95?
:):):):):)
Tom, Thanks for the link!
Bernie , go to the express times local news on their website for today , and you got their attention, one of your blogs also got some attention,3 or 4 stations fired Angle.Don't bash Timmer bash the other stations that got rid of Angle.Seems to me you don't like to be told what to do either,I hear you are a disbarred attorney,clean your own backyard before you look for trouble.Leave it rest brother,you said it best ,people in high places don't like getting their nose tweaked.Also Timmer gave you a plug today , friday may 25th. He talked about your blog,free advertisement,you came out ahead.
Anon 4:48,
I saw the ET blog and was quite flattered. I said so in a comment.
You're right. I don't like being told what to do, and my law license was suspended for 2 years in '85. I never tried to get it back. I'd love to clean up my back yard, but don't have one. If I did, it would be a mess.
And this isn't about coming out ahead. The community really lost out when Timmer decided to chuck Angle off the air. It's not the end of the world, but it was a sad day for me. Ron's my friend, and I know he really loved doing it. It's a shame.
Sorry to get so personal,but Jolly Joe is also my friend. It is sad that it had to come to this,but you and I can only comment on this,nothing against you Bernie ,I hope your blog does well.Thats what America is all about.
Anon 5:10,
Please don't apologize. No offense was taken. And it's the truth and part of my past. And I both appreciate and respect your friendship w/ Jolly Joe. Have a very nice holiday.
River, Ron's check is in the mail for the testimonial. Ron is smart but he is mean spirited. When someone agreeded they spoke freely if they disagreeded with him he challanged and interrupted them. Same trick used by the Rush crowd. Sure he took all calls because he's a great BS artist and is quick on his feet. A quick wit and sharp mind doesn't make a good person. Ron concern for the 'little guy' is missing when he researches letters to the editor critical of him and beats on the writer on air. Dispite all this I think Ron is a great entertainer and could do a show like this but he needs a solid calm moderate voice as a co-host. Not Bernie. Someone less opinionated.
ANON4:48 since you like going back 20 years in time like complaining about Bernie, perhaps you will enjoy going back and reading how Joe Timmer was nailed big time for income tax evasion about that same time. :):):):):) ENJOY !!!!
River , you did'nt do your homework,when you make a lot of money you let someone else do your taxes, it was an error , paid the fine and all over with.Your the one that cant keep his nose out of things. I would like to open your closet.;)....kid stuff.
Anon 5:24,
I'd have to agree w/ you about being a bad cohost for Ron. You make a good point. I think he's best with someone like Jennifer Sletvold. She's a little more moderate, reamins calm, and is quite bright. She's also a lot better looking than me. She brings him down to earth. I think Ann McHale would be good, too. Ron adores her, and I've never understoodd why beecause she only rarely votes with him. But she knows how to settle him down, while I just poke the coals. Very good point.
But I'll disagree when you call Ron "mean-spirited." That's not so. Yes, he can get obnoxious and rude, but he's really a very kind-hearted person. When he does that, he genuinely does feel bad the next day and will often apologize. He consdtantly criticizes himself, mor honestly than anyone I know. And he works on his flaws.
He'll stop in different places just to say hi. Whenever he comes to the courthous, he'll stop and say hi to me, even if only for a minute. And he does that to others, too.
I am proud to call him a friend.
Yeah, he checks out LTEs, but that's smart. He's been smeared so many times in orchestrated campaigns that he first has to determine whether the letter is legit or a put up. Most of the time, those LTEs don't come from the little guy. Power brokers will use someone.
But when some one takes him to task for his position on 90/10, for example, why shouldn't he read the letter on the air and state his views, too? It makes for better dialogue. And the person who writes the LTE feels strongly enough to allow the letter to be published. I think it's a good thing. In fact, before he did that showe, Ton will often call a person who has a critical LTE and ask to sit down and talk to them. It's a pretty good trait. And he's met a few people that way. I happen to be one of them. I wrote a highly critical LTE about him, and he got in touch with me. We saty and talked several times, and I learned to appreciate him.
anon 5:24pm... I wish ron would send me a check :):). You speak of mean spirited?? Have you listened to Timmer's show the last year?????????????????????????????????????? That is hatred baby pure hatered. Angle is the only guy I have seen whith any guys for the common taxpayer. Disagree with him? Sure I do too now and then but he tells it like it is andthats what representation is all about. Just a few weeks ago on his show a representative said she can't get anything done in Harrisburg because she has only been there ten years... TEN YEARS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Do you want someone representing you with a mouth and a brain and not afraid to use it or someone who says " I can't do anything cuz I have only been in office for TEN YEARS"??. Angle will tell you his view right away. Love it or not. Everyone else in office will give you the waffle, the flip-flop, the panhandle, the curly shuffle, the P.T. Barnum, and everything else under the sun just to get you off the phone. Ask your representative how much of a property tax reform check you are getting this year. Oh yes .. another point. How many of you voted 3 weeks ago? turnout was less than 15 percent. I want someone who talks in NC Councel and not the " I just got here so I can't do anything" bums. And for all of you anons out there.. please come up with some kind of id name for your posts , even if its just a few letters and number combo so we can communicate. Thanks River
anon 5:38 its the IRS :):) YOU HAVE TO PAY THE FINE :):):):):) but you do admit it happened right? You brought up the past, not me :):):):) my river flows clear
River,
This isn't about Angle getting electic I'ts about being let go from WGPA,downsizing man ,Lets put him on your payroll and see what you want from him, He will start Monday if you have no objections.
for ANON 4;48 go back and listen to Timmers show today. Timmer complained about Bernies pic as well as stating his coments on the blog could be libelous and he will ask his lawyers about it. Thats your "Jolly Joe". so I wonder how that is a compliment?
anon 6:09PM. I would love too put him to work for me. With his real estate brains he would make me a few million in no time and you will be left flat. anon 6:09 come up with some kind ofname or code number so we can follow each other... there are so many anons on hear , well you know what I mean. If its to difficult for you to put a name on your posts I will understand. I will just try to go by your post time. Thanks MR noname, who ever you are.
Just for everyones information. I have never met Angle. I saw hin at an auction once but I never spoke to him in person. I did enjoy his show and I called in several times. It is a shame we no longer have any kind of call in show in the valley where you can actually talk to someone. I agreed with him many times and sometimes disagreed with him. But thats all over now. It was real to acually have a voice on the other end when I called. Try calling your electric, phone, cable,gas,oil,insurance,etc company and get a live voice on the phone without having to press 1 for english. As I said before for all the anons, please use some kind of name or code or nick name. I am sure Bernie and all the other blogers will appreciate it as well
Bernie,
I respect your friendship with Ron. I kmow he can be charming but he has a way to go to prove to me he's working on his vicious side. I have no problem with Ron on the air, he should be there and not in public office. In fact I don't think anyone holding public office should claim to have an unbiased political show. Sletvold agrees too much and to repub. McHale not smart or quick enough to keep up with Angle. I Think Ron.s credability would improve if he got out of public office and just did radio, he's a showman at heart. But his personnal feud with Dertinger showed its ugly side during the last cong. campaign when the show was just an extension of Council to hammer Dert. and praise Dent. I voted for Dent but after hearing him chortle with Angle over very mean commnets about Dert. Dent lost my vote. I won't vote for Bennet or Dert. but never again Dent. For Rivers sake.
Even Steven
Chill out River,Its not that bad really.
Congrats to Joe Timmer. Values won out over money. Principles won out over false, slanted, and obnoxious rhetoric. Angle is gone for good, and, now the "Underground Minority", a political group of 12 very powerful, deep pocketed people, with heavy political clout, will now take the next step in ridding politics of the inherent evil in it,by insuring that racist, homophobic radio people, as well as people who give politics a dirty name, and, prevent good people from stepping up to try and make the world a better place to live, will never occupy a place in politics.They will start in Northampton County. Should the likes of Mr. Angle and Mr. Stoffa run for County Executive, their files will land up on the front page of the Express Times- details about both, that will curl your hair.There will be no more Bill Whites to protect their political buddies by berating their political enemies. Its a new day in Northampton County folks. Its a day that all residents can look back on when the Administration changes in 2009.You will hear names you've heard before who will be returning to politics, to win big, and, bring in a powerful team to clean up the mess of this inept County Executive. WGPA will be the friend of UM because the right kind of people will work there, with Joe Timmer,in helping the cause. I'm excited about 2009. You all should feel the same way.God bless America.
My fellow Americans,
Now that Ron Angle is gone from the radio what are we going to do? The same thing we always did. Thought with our own minds and and worked with our hands,the car must have gas the grass must be cut also your hair must get cut. But by the power invested in me I will listen to something else from 8:00 am till 9:30 am. and will not cry,carry on or carry the dog to anywhere I don't want to so help me river,even steven, b o'hare and all the Anons out there.
Anon 7:53,
Sounds like Senator McCarthy is the person returning to politics. Threatening to release dirty details about Stoffa? This is about the third time you've mentioned this. I can't wait for that. What did he do -- forget to tip a waitress? Oh, that's right. No details.
Jolly Joe Timmer is now jumping into politics? And he's going to make changes in Upper Macungoe?
And no more Bill White? What are you going to do? Have him arrested in the middle of the night? Can I watch?
If you've got the goods on Stoffa, Angle or Bill White, you should call the AG. That's what I did about someone else earlier this week. But if you think you can smear these people with unsubstantiated innuendo, you are insulting the intelligence of people who read this blog. Most of them are much smarter than me.
You need to get over that last election loss. And you abuse the privilege of anonymity for unsubstantiated personal attacks.
River,
So Timmer doesn't like my picture? Nobody does. He's talking libel? Wow, That will be #4. Here's the list: 1) Lamont McMud McClure; 2) Patrick Grey, owner of Silkwerks; 3) Taggart Associates; and 4) not so Jolly Joe.
Bernie,
Trust me. The worm has turned.You guys had a blast with the name calling, the put downs, the character assasinations, and, all the rest of the stuff that you yucked about, and, thought was funny and hilarious.You enjoyed dishing out pain, and you loved hurting people, especially with, as you call it, "unsubstantiated charges".You were mean spirited and cruel, and, yet,had the unmitigated gall of calling yourselves christians.Please. Don't insult the intelligence of people. Christians my ass. You despise people who disagree with you. Do you teach your children those values?? Do you tell them when they grow up to get a radio show and mock others?? Do you practice anti-Semitism but tell your kids its ok if it involves politics?? I suppose you think Ann Coulter is wonderful- you know, the Ann Coulter, Republican activist, who said that the 9-11 widows enjoyed seeing their husbands die so they could get notoriety?? Well, now its time for the those of us who are fed up with that garbage,to return the favor, and, return it we will. Its payback time. You thought blasting people was clever. I wonder if you'll think its clever when shit is thrown at you. I'm going to sit back and watch because I know its coming.Enjoy it my friend- as I said, we do agree on one thing- if its politics- its ok to practice personal destruction.Enjoy it.
Anon 10:07, or should I say Senator McCarhty?,
This is pretty vile stuff.
First, I've never engaged in name-calling on that show. I criticize people who I think are wrong, but personal attacks are not my style. Never has been. I don't do it here either. I can criticize people pretty harshly, but it's never personal and it's always directed at an issue like the Sunshiune Act, special interests, etc. Ron does do that, and that's one of my criticisms of him. I don't.
Second, why do you call me an anti-Semite? I've never done anything remotely anti-semitic in my life, and have the greatest respect for all religious beliefs. I believe you're now calling me a name, and without any factual foundation.
Third, why do you call me a Christian? I attended Catholic schools, but have no strong religious beliefs. Some people have faith in one system or another. I wish I did, but I don't. I never pretended to be a religious person, at least not since grade school. You're out of line.
Fourth, I like Ann Coulter? You're smoking funny stuff. You obviously don't read this blog. I think she's an embarrassment, and have said so on this blog.
Fifth, if its politics- its ok to practice personal destruction. What a sick and twisted little mind you have. You complain abouit Ron Angle for doing that, and then gleeefully announmce that's what you intend to do.
I will bet a dollar to a doughnut that 99 percent of the people complaining about Angle's show never even listened to it for any period of time.
Ok Bernie,
I've had my say. You have had yours.Again, there is no reasoning with people who take everything as an attack.As long as you engage in hurtful conversation, you can swim in your own garbage.I'll take my debate to another station or another blog, and debate and disagree with someone else.I find it amusing that you would attack someone like Joe Timmer who put you on his station.Attacking the boss. Boy, that's a smart policy.Joe puts you on his station and you slime him. Did you ever cosnider being a nice guy?? I wonder how long you would last in the real world of business. I can see you getting in the boss's face, daily, and really being a delight to work with your fellow employees. I won't bother you anymore with my "vile" attacks. At least it now allows me time after work to now concentrate on something more productive. I thought I'd join in on conversations here,and, even though people told me not to get anywhere near you, I'd thought I'd try it anyway. They were right.No hard feelings. Good luck.
Anon, aka Senator McCarthy,
You're not here for meaningful dialogue. You've said it yourself - you're here for the "politics of personal destruction." You've talked about strange files you have concerning Stoffa, Angle & Bill White. I've asked, but you haven't backed up a single accusation. You've accused me of things that are palpably false. In fact, those accusations are very reckless. And for your information, Timmer gave me nothing. I was only on the air because of Angle.
Practice your politics of personal destruction on WGPA. Timmer will welcome you with open arms, as long as you have money in your pockets. And you might have a few crickets listen to you.
Strange ,Angle had money in his pockets and Timmer gave him the boot!
Bernie,
I don't know who this Sen. McCarthy cat is, its not me I'm a servant of the county. I have at times blogged on topics including Stoffa. You assume there is only one person who knows of the problems, you are wrong. Quite a few people are concerned and others have blogged, maybe not as wild as the good Sen., but concerned.
I and others don't think you are an anti-semite or bigot or anything like that, we do think you are as you yourself have said opinionated. We don't defend Reibman but see a lack of consistency with Stoffa. You know how he screwed up his dept. in Lehigh Co. You know the reson Nyce backed off of the campaign, you know the Ferraro-Bradt connection, you know the promises made to employees during the campaign. You say show the proof. Well for years I heard how illegal a bond was and there it is, I heard how many people would go to jail. This blog is all about opinions. Some people have yet to learn that, they think it is a place where all issues will be addressed fairly but that is not the intent or responsibliity of the blog. Stoffa isn't evil but this issue points out the weakness of any blog and that is any issue any argument any topic can be spun anyway someone wants, even you. I told you this before and I'll say it again, the employees of the county are without a voice for at least another two years. At this point we don't trust most on Council. You , Angle and the msm ordained this executive and now you will defend him to the grave just as you defend his other allies on Council. No hard feelings, I as most people respect you and believe you are trying to do a service. You just are being human in your zelous support of this administration. Yhe White House has Bushies. The County has Stoffies.
even steven
Even Steven,
I'll accept your criticism. I am partial to Stoffa. I admit it. I've also told you why. But I'm not wearing blinders. I've heard some things on Friday concerning the sheriff's department that disturbs me. I'm going to check those things out.
But Senator McCarthy, inlike you is no county servant. He said it himself. He's a practiotioner of the politics of personal destruction. He talks about dossiers and other bullshit, is only interested restoring the world of poliotical favors. He's condemned Stoffa, Angle, Bill White, McHale and me. He's made vague threats he won't substantiate.
You at least give me some facts and we can talk.
Even Steven,
When you say I know how Stoffa screwed up in LC, I don't. You're going to have to enlighten me.
When you talk about deals during the campaign, it all sounds too tenuous to me. It's almost like you're buiding a house of cards.
When you mention Stoffa's got the blessings of Angle, me, and the MSM, I'm not sure I agree. I admitted my partiality. I disagree with a few things, but I've sainted him, as someone has said. Angle has been far more critical than me, and diasagrees with many Stoffa proposals. The Milides building, reassessment, personnel decisions and other propsals have been rejected by Angle. Angle likes Stoffa, but he's only an occasional ally. I'd say he backs him half the time. When we get to the MSM, I think the jury is still out. I don't think they've made up their minds, although the ET did call Stoffa the anti-Reibman.
When you mention the $111MM megabond, I never said people would go to jail. I'm at a bit of a loss there. I maintained it was illegal, and sued. The state supremes agreed with me. My challenge to the second bond failed in Commonwealth Court, and I ran out of money to take it any further.
But your criticism of me and my blog is valid. I'm just one person, and very opinionated at that. And sometimes I'm wrong. I hope you're wrong about Stoffa.
This blog is actually intended for other views so that we can get a full picture. The reason I find Senator McCarthy so objectionable is because he's playing games. He's popped on this blog to slam quite a few people, and not just Angle and Stoffa. He's also criticized Bill White and Ann McHale. He's made some snide remarks about Russ Shade. He talks about dossiers and buying WGPA and promises the "politics of personal destruction." He's no county employee - he's a pol trying to spin readers. It's mostly disinformation. He's a bitter man, and I feel a little sorry for him.
Timmer Broadcasting is not for sale , But everyone has their price.
5 million would take I think,Its worth about 2 million but radio stations are hard to come by without $$$$$$$$$.
I listened to the WGPA Joe Timmer Show today from 9:30 am till noon. I used to love Jolly Joe. But again today as well as the past several years, his all the time complaining turned me off. Especially 10 years ago when I was at his House Of Music on Buchannan street as I explained in my post on Friday. He has even criticized his own listeners for not doing enough to promote Polka Music many times, even though they listen everyday. Many of the listeners can no longer go to the Polka Fun Center where he charges admission. I only tune in anymore to hear the statements he makes over the radio. Today he acually said "people who don't like Polkas are not human!" when responding to an article in Sundays Morning Call. I will be sure to tune into the Polka show on Monday tat 11 am to see if he is still complaining:):). It is very comical at times. I hope Timmer is not doing this to boost ratings, because I sure don't think its working.
Radio Insider, It's not worht $2MM. It's only a cinderella license. Timmer does not own the studio, but leases it. The equipment is archaic. The power company is complaining about something to do with some kind of interference. Its arbitron ratings are horrible. Timmer himself has an audience, and Angle had a much bigger audience. Now that Angle has left, one weekly show has already signed off. Russo left a few months ago. It's not what it could be.
WGPA is an AM station trying to stay alive in the advertising market ,run by a local Broadcasting company who is really Jolly Joe Timmer owner/operator.It does not have the FM quality sound of frequency modulation,nor the range of a high powered 50,000 watt AM station like KYW in Philadelphia. It stays on only in daylight to protect a Clevland Ohio station at night because the signal propagates long distances at night.This is local programing for the lehigh valley crowd,but also can be heard worldwide on the internet.Enjoy one of the last of a dying breed of radio that is funny and unrehearsed and down right old fashion.Nothing lasts forever ,you won't get that kind of stuff anywhere.And sometime it might raise your bloodpressure. I listen to it and it's better than a soapopera. A wide range of emotions are felt from that small Bethlehem station,Happy,sad,mad,fired up,funny,silly and off the cuff comments,it don't get any better then that.
I don't remember what WEST sold for but I think it was about 2 million or so. But it had a 24 hour license to broadcast as well as the studio real estate with appartments that were sold off after the station was sold. WGPA has a sun up to sun down license with a rented office and studio, aprox 3 rooms. At one time Joe Timmer wanted to move the station into his own home but he could'nt do it because limited parking. I was in the WGPA station about a year ago. It sure didnt seem big enough to me as papers and boxes were piled everywhere in one office and in the hallway and on the stairs to get to the 5th floor studio. Please feel free to add to my comments here as I am not positive about the WEST purchase price but I feel sure about the WGPA studio as it was when I was there so I also question how 2 million dollars is a given. I happen to like AM radio but the generation of today could care less about AM with all the Xbox , Ipods, Razrs, MP3's and all the other things I have never even imagined but are mainstreme with todays generation. thanks to everyone . I like your Blog Bernie
It's tough to make ends meet if you don't sell advertisements,WGPA is not a non profit organization.And like Radio insider said low power AM. It's not the stations fault.All the dj's or radio hosts just want to talk or play music,thats fine but there has to be a cash flow from somewhere.sell radio time people and there would be no feuds.then everyone is happy.
There seem to be three differnt anons.
That's a triple-ouch.
there are a lot of anons and the only way to responding to them is witb the blog post time at the bottom of the blog... but it is still impossible to tell who is responding to you or vice versa after a day or two. I said the same thing a few days ago. I wish they would put a nickname or something on their blog just to keep from responding to the wrong anons blog. even if they just use a number at the end like #7 it would be easier for us trying to read blogs and responses to know which reply went to what comment. thanks i am river
Hello Bernie,
WGPA is the gift that keeps on giving. Another article about the fallout of Mr. Angle's departure. This time, Mr. Timmer has quotes/comments.
Morning Call Article
BTW, Happy Memorial Day! True, be sadden by the long history of lost lives, but rejoice in the fruits of their work. We are FREE and Freedom doesn't come FREE, they paid for it. For All Of US.
radiohead said about advertising and commercials. I have listened to WGPA Ron Angle Show and Jolly Joe Timmer Show everyday for the last 3 years or so. Those two shows have plenty of commercials and sponsors who pay for the air time. How often do you listen? Is it everyday or now and then. I think I know the Hatfield and McCoy.. er Angle Timmer feud better than most, especially all the Morning call reporters such as Paul Carpenter, Bill White, etc. I am sure they never listened to Angle and Timmers shows every day. Timmer paid Angle $600 a week to do his show and promote it. The ratings were great and Angle had a lot of advertisers and then some friction developed between angle and Timmer and the both of then were on the Ron Angle show perhaps a year and a half ago with Bruce Davis as a moderator. I seemed then that the whole thing was about money. Timmer mentioned the TIC-TOC Diner in Easton several times. It was one of the advertisers on the Angle show. I felt he talked about Tic-toc in a bad way. Perhaps he wanted more money from them for the advertising they did on WGPA. Some months later during the timmer polka show, Angle handed Timmer a $10 Tic-Toc gift certificate and Timmer yelled GET THOSE OUT OF HERE.. THEY ARE ILLEGAL HERE. Back in the wintertime Timmer cut Angle's salary to 200 a week. Then aprox 2 months ago, Timmer fired Angle yet Angle stayed on the airwaves for 2 months when a sponsor picked up the tab for the show. $$$$$$ During the past year, Angle might yap about Timmer for 20 seconds a week yet Timmer would yap about Angle for about 15 full minutes every day if you add up all his inuendos and comments during his 2 hour show. I called Timmer and emailed him several times trying to explain to him that all this crying is wrecking his own show. Angle complains about his political opponants sure, thats politics, it can get nasty. I did not appreciate Timmer making his personal feud with Angle public and trying to make all the listeners try to "pick sides". And the thanks I got from Jolly Joe was rude comments and having my name mentioned over the airwaves in an uncomplimentary way during his polka show. I am listening to his unjolly joe polka show as I am writing this and Timmer is now complaining about Bill White of the Morning Call. I used to love polka but How much crying between polkas can I take??? I am only listening now to hear his off the cuff comments. Its just a matter of time when WGPA will be gome from my home. I dont wanna tune in to a polka show and hear all kinds of depressing comments .... I can do the same with the news broadcasts on my tv. This is my honest opinion and I feel it is correct as I have listened to WGPA Angle and Timmer shows for years. But the clock is ticking...tick tick tick tick
River,
You only think you know the story. You don't know what went on behind closed doors,unfortunately I do, I have been a listener and believe me you don't know the half of it,lets just say blood is thicker than water, I know what Im talking about. If you and the others knew the whole story you would look at this fiasco in a different light. Some people can tell you things that are so convincing that they will believe anything and you will swear it's true.There is a lot of smoke and mirrors here. And as for the clock ticking on your listining to WGPA,let me help you, TURN THE DIAL.
radiohead... that was exactly my point a year ago too. All that stuff should have been KEPT behind closed doors. I and many other Polka fans in the valley didn't want to hear Timmer complaining about Angle between almost every polka song. I thought it was in poor taste and unprofessional. I am sorry but that is my opinion in this matter thanks
I do love Steve Capwell's Big Band Swing shows on WGPA. I listen to it every chance I get :)
River,
I agree,all should have been kept off the radio and out of the papers and resolved, no matter how,quietly.
River,
You seem to really stick it to Joe, but I listen to polkas and Angles show they trashed each other. I submit that if you follow Ron's history this has happened at every station. So rather than blame Jolly Joe which it appears you are doing. Keep in mind who the common denominator is in all these firings -Ron Angle.
Beer Barrel
Hi Beer Barrel, I liked Timmers show since I started listening back in '95 or so and I loved Jolly Joe too. I went over to the Polka House of Music and bought one of each of all his Jolly Joe Timmer orch. Cassettes, LP's, 45's, and others. I wrote Joe complimentary letters, one of which he read over the air. Then when the angle timmer feud started I emailed Joe Timmer that I thought the bashing each other was hurting the Polka show. Well, Timmer turned on me like an animal. My thanks for continued listening was to be yelled at over the phone when I requested a song and he actually mentioned my name ond made sarcastic comments about me over the radiowaves which I thought was not only unprofessional but also obnoxious. So I beleive Timmer definately has a mean streak and needless to say we are no longer friends. I am sorry it had to come to that as I loved the guy and his polka show.
Has anyone heard Angles replacement from 8 till 10 am? It is a new milestone in boring radio. Two whole hours of Ken's girlfriends calling to say how wonderful it is to hear his voice.MMMMMMMMMMMMMM pure cheesecake! A TWO HOUR SHOW ABOUT NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rivcer, I'll be bloggin this tomorrow.
Hi Bernie :). I don't know if you listened to the Ken show today, but someone called in to say he should have Bernie O'hare on as he would be a very interesting guest. Well Ken didn't want anything to do with having a guest on the radio. It seems like Ken wants it to be "all Ken all the time "
River,
As I said before, do yourself a favor and stop crying and turn the dial. Also Bernie you may as well blog this about Timmer,judging from the comments this topic is the only popular topic in town,he also gave you another plug today on his show(Tuesday6-5-07), and put you on the radio,can't be too bad of a guy eh.
Hi Radio insider. I know you have told me to change the dial a few times before.I will not.WGPA is my favorite radio station as much as that may surprize you. I loved the Ron Angle show, I love Saturday morning serinade with Mark Thomas, I love Steve Capwell's BigBand Swing music shows. Please R I dont ask me to turn the dial. This is radio free America. That would be like me telling you to not read this blog. Anyway I truely think that Ron Angles replacement is just crummy ,boring radio. But I will listen for another week to see if it improves from the cheesecake sweet talk I love Ken show that it has been for the last two days. Have you listened to that showRadioI? Whats your opinion so far? My opinion is not good. Anyway I'll listen another week to see if it improves. If it is still "ALL KEN ALL THE TIME"
I will turn the dial. I have listened to WGPA for about 10 years. Yes .. Timmer was nice to Bernie today but I have heard him also be nasty to him many times.
River,
For Ken Matthews this is only an audition for this job,he may not get it.We will see if he can cut the mustard,pulling his own weight at that station,you have to sell radio time there,this is not a ( big box station ) he came from b-104 ,I think thats clearchannel ,#1 big radio.He will have to bring in money to that station in order to stay on.WGPA just does not have the cash flow like clearchannel. If he likes radio, he will not make a lot of money at that station. downsizing means pay cuts.Look at this realistically this isnt brain surgery or rocket science,he's a DJ on a local station. Give the guy a break,If you don't like him thats up to you. If he don't sell radio time thats up to Timmer.
Hi Radioinsider. I listened to the Ken Matthews show today, (wednesday), and it was much better than Monday and Tuesday's shows with all the "Barbie loves her Ken Doll" smoochie smoochie koo stuff that was really sickening. I think he will do a good job in his own style. I really didn't like all that lubby dubby stuff but I guess its over now. It was nice his old fans called in to wish him well. I had never heard of Ken Matthews before and I was afraid his show was just going to be like it was the first 2 days which was bad. Again I do want to say that sure.. I complain. But I also listen to these shows everyday. Some people complain and never or hardly ever listened to the shows. thanks river
Hi Radio insider. Did I hear you right? Someone applies for a job, then they ask the boss how much they will be paid and the boss(JJT)says you have to pay me to work here???
the Jolly Joe Timmer show this sunday was another milestone in weird broadcast
River,
Are you Angle? Or just someone who hates the opinionated bash people I don't like radio style of the self proclaimed emporer. All you do is give updates on how the show sucks, Timmer sucks, and on and on... Before you say Timmer is just as bad , he said..... It is Timmers Station. When Angle gets his own station he can say what he wants with whom he wants to who he wants. You are one whinning, crumudgeny old man or woman. Or a plant. Give it a rest. The gang of 50 angry people who hang on every Angle word will have to suck it up, like those of us who lost the oldies. This isn't radio free America its a privately owned station. Joe had some FCC questions relating to Angle. This 'I love jolly Joe but' shtick , just aint flying no more. Your boys gone, get a grip.
hey anon... who is whinning now !
Ron Angle has been gone from WGPA for an entire month and yet Joe Timmer is still crying, Cackling, and complaining about him. It is really amazing. I am not complaining... merely explaining.
timmer sucks
J`olly Joe gave away a pair of
tickets to a baseball game in
Reading. He told the winner
to either pick them up at the
studio or send a self addressed
stamped envelope to get them.....
How cheap is that?
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