"Newsman Dave" Benson let go by Citadel
Erie-Meadville: Yesterday (August 4, 2008) one of the last original members of "The Breakfast Club" on Classy 100 was shown the door. "Newsman Dave" Benson was let go by Citadel due to budget cuts and did not even get a chance to say goodbye to his listeners. For over 21 years, Dave was part of a groundbreaking program called "The Breakfast Club". A program that would become very popular among Erie radio listeners over the years with hosts like Dana Bolles, Terri Bohen and "Captain Dan" Geary. Most radio stations no longer have a dedicated news reporter and instead rely on recorded newscasts from local TV stations. Dave is one of a kind and hopefully he will return to the local airwaves in the near future. As always, your thoughs and well wishes for Dave Benson are welcome here.Readers’ Forum
It looks like an “UNCLASSY” layoff of a veteran broadcaster that put in decades to a station. I understand budget cuts, but honestly how much could dave have made? If that is the make or break in your operation, just let the ship sink. Good luck Mr. Benson. There is something good out there for you.
Upset - August 05, 2008 at 10:02 am
Another outgrowth of the more music/less talk B.S. that dominated (and killed) music-oriented radio. Blame it on indifferent teens or music promoters who thought cutting out would allow more of their tripe to be played.
Whatev, Upset is right to be, well, upset. I hope there is, indeed, something good out there for Dave Benson.
Rick - August 05, 2008 at 4:49 pm
I have known Dave for a long time. He is such a nice polite man(unlike some of these so called radio hosts). I had the honor of being on his show “North Coast News” He was an excellent interviewer. I know Dave will get something soon. I hope Citadel can sleep at night… Good Luck Dave in your next adventure!!!!
Carla - August 07, 2008 at 09:33 am
Typical of out of town ownership. They will never realize the value of local talent. Everything is bottom line. I was doing fill in news for “Carnavour” Broadcasting and was let go when they elliminated the news department. Fortunately, it was just a part time gig for walking around money. My best to Dave who is a class act. He’ll land a corporte communications gig somewhere.
Raw Row Raggy - August 12, 2008 at 10:19 am
All the times I have listened to Dave deliver the “News” I have never heard him stumble over words, yet there are some really bad Weatherman and News People that shouldnt be allowed on the Air. So why cut a great personality when you have others out there I wouldnt let broadcast a Dog show???? WSEE channel 35 has some real winners.. NOT!
carla - August 12, 2008 at 11:55 am
The ratings are out for Spring 2008 as of yesterday (Aug. 12) evening. Source: http://www.radioandrecords.com/RRRatings..
Here’s the summary: Star 104 and Classy 100 remain strong. Rocket 101 is doing better. 94-7 BOB FM loses some ground. Both country stations (Country 98 and 93.9 The Wolf) improved slightly from last book (Fall 2007). Z102-3 is falling and fading. News-talk JET Radio 1400 is doing about the same (improved very little) as the previous two books. WRIE AM 1260 The Score isn’t doing too bad and has made gained a larger audience (Chico and Company – local sports show – debuted since last book). Adult standards CHWO-AM 740 from Canada and Meadville’s country stations Froggy 100.3/98.5 are tied with a small audience. Fox Sports Radio AM 1330 The Fan maintains the same, small share of the audience tied with adult contemporary Star 97.1 and classic rock 107.5 The Fox, both from the Ashtabula area. Warren-Jamestown oldies station WRRN 92.3 also shares a small share of the audience with rock station FM 96 from Canada.
WPSE 1450 and WYNE 1530 did not appear on the ratings; WYNE’s daytime AM signal, which primarily covers Northeast, may be the reason for this while WPSE appeals to business/financial-minded listeners.
Doug - August 13, 2008 at 08:24 am
I can’t believe you let him go. What a loss to Classy 100. I’m completely disappointed. WXKC should hire him back with back pay too.
Mike - October 14, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Dave was such an asset! I had the pleasure of working with him for almost nine years. He was always pleasant, always did a professional job for us. I feel enriched to have been able to know and work with him. He will be sadly missed…...
Deborah (URL) - October 27, 2008 at 09:35 am
I worked with Dave Benson in upstate NY before he started in Erie. Great guy and an awesome radio veteran. We were out of touch for many years but I reconnected with him in 2007. It is a shame he lost the gig. He really enjoyed it and had been there a very long time. Anybody know where he is now?
Chris - March 02, 2010 at 4:09 pm
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