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There has been relative peace on the local sports airwaves in recent days after a week of controversy, but some notable personnel moves are taking place.
FSN Midwest has dropped John Hadley from its lineup of commentators because he recently took a job with the Rams. He had provided analysis and commentary about the team and the NFL in general, as well as other sports.
“We had to go in a different direction,” said John Venneman, who oversees FSN Midwest’s news operation. “When a person works for the team, it makes it difficult. . . . It’s kind of unfair to everybody, especially our audience, to put him on.”
KTRS (550 AM) doesn’t have the same view about a conflict, as Hadley remains on its airwaves as a sports-talk show host in what amounts to an unprofessional move. Hadley, who could not be reached for comment, is providing statistical analysis to the Rams’ coaches. He also has been doing research to help formulate game plans and trying to shine a positive light, media-wise, on coach Mike Martz.
“While he was here, he was outstanding,” Venneman said. “He was loyal, he helped build the (‘Midwest Sports Report’) show from nothing in the early stages to now the start of our fifth year. I’m sure he’s being fiercely loyal to (the Rams) now.”
Instead of four NFL analysts, FSN Midwest forges on with holdovers Bernie Miklasz, Jeff Gordon and Howard Balzer.
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Scott Warmann, who has been a key contributor at KSLG (1380 AM) for the last year, has left the all-sports station to take a job with the Rams radio network. Warmann, who has been with the station since being dropped by KFNS, is contributing to the Rams’ pregame and postgame shows and doing behind-the-scenes work.
He said the key factors in his decision to move were uncertainly about his status at KSLG -— which ultimately led to what would have been an increase in his workload without a pay increase — plus the possibility that Post-Dispatch sports columnist Miklasz could be added to the staff. Miklasz is the lead host of KMOX’s “Sports Open Line,” but his contract expires at the end of the month.
Warmann said he had no problem with the situation or Dave Greene, who oversees the station for owner Simmons Media.
“Honestly if they get an opportunity to get Bernie — and Bernie’s going to cost a hell of a lot more than me — they’re going to need more money to pay Bernie,” Warmann said. “I totally understand that. I think that would enhance the station. There’s nothing but more credibility if you bring in a guy like Bernie.”
Warmann said the new position will allow him to pursue play-by-play opportunities for college sports packages.
“I don’t have any hard feelings toward Dave,” Warmann added. “He gave me a job last year when for the first time in my entire life I was sent packing, which is a humbling feeling.”
FSN Midwest has dropped John Hadley from its lineup of commentators because he recently took a job with the Rams. He had provided analysis and commentary about the team and the NFL in general, as well as other sports.
“We had to go in a different direction,” said John Venneman, who oversees FSN Midwest’s news operation. “When a person works for the team, it makes it difficult. . . . It’s kind of unfair to everybody, especially our audience, to put him on.”
KTRS (550 AM) doesn’t have the same view about a conflict, as Hadley remains on its airwaves as a sports-talk show host in what amounts to an unprofessional move. Hadley, who could not be reached for comment, is providing statistical analysis to the Rams’ coaches. He also has been doing research to help formulate game plans and trying to shine a positive light, media-wise, on coach Mike Martz.
“While he was here, he was outstanding,” Venneman said. “He was loyal, he helped build the (‘Midwest Sports Report’) show from nothing in the early stages to now the start of our fifth year. I’m sure he’s being fiercely loyal to (the Rams) now.”
Instead of four NFL analysts, FSN Midwest forges on with holdovers Bernie Miklasz, Jeff Gordon and Howard Balzer.
* * *
Scott Warmann, who has been a key contributor at KSLG (1380 AM) for the last year, has left the all-sports station to take a job with the Rams radio network. Warmann, who has been with the station since being dropped by KFNS, is contributing to the Rams’ pregame and postgame shows and doing behind-the-scenes work.
He said the key factors in his decision to move were uncertainly about his status at KSLG -— which ultimately led to what would have been an increase in his workload without a pay increase — plus the possibility that Post-Dispatch sports columnist Miklasz could be added to the staff. Miklasz is the lead host of KMOX’s “Sports Open Line,” but his contract expires at the end of the month.
Warmann said he had no problem with the situation or Dave Greene, who oversees the station for owner Simmons Media.
“Honestly if they get an opportunity to get Bernie — and Bernie’s going to cost a hell of a lot more than me — they’re going to need more money to pay Bernie,” Warmann said. “I totally understand that. I think that would enhance the station. There’s nothing but more credibility if you bring in a guy like Bernie.”
Warmann said the new position will allow him to pursue play-by-play opportunities for college sports packages.
“I don’t have any hard feelings toward Dave,” Warmann added. “He gave me a job last year when for the first time in my entire life I was sent packing, which is a humbling feeling.”
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