ANGRY CALLER KAREN
This morning, we took a call from a woman named Karen who clearly had issues with me on the show. She took several shots at me, including the fact that I talk about my daughter too much on the radio. She also had issue with me comparing what happened at Kent State to what happened at Virginia Tech.
To clarify, I wasn't comparing exact events. I was talking about both schools being defined by senseless on-campus killings and how sad that is. I feel both schools should not be given such a horrible label. Yes, we should remember, but we should let both of these great colleges be known for what they are today.
As for talking about my daughter....I am proud to be her father and consider it a gift. It's who I am. Most of our audience has children and often call about their kids. I try to relate to them by being who I am. I make no apologies for talking about my daughter and I try to be aware of not overdoing it.
For the record, I encourage open dialouge about what we say on the show. We take phone calls on the air from people who passionately disagree with things that we say. I think what sets our show apart from others is the fact that we keep it real. We are not above negative feedback. We try to shape our show to what our audience is about and we do that by listening to you. My only true issue with Karen today is how she conducted herself. She was angry and clearly had an agenda. I admit, I was blind-sided by the call and wish I handled it better myself.
I received several emails about this today and have posted a few on the comments section below. Feel free to add your thoughts.
To clarify, I wasn't comparing exact events. I was talking about both schools being defined by senseless on-campus killings and how sad that is. I feel both schools should not be given such a horrible label. Yes, we should remember, but we should let both of these great colleges be known for what they are today.
As for talking about my daughter....I am proud to be her father and consider it a gift. It's who I am. Most of our audience has children and often call about their kids. I try to relate to them by being who I am. I make no apologies for talking about my daughter and I try to be aware of not overdoing it.
For the record, I encourage open dialouge about what we say on the show. We take phone calls on the air from people who passionately disagree with things that we say. I think what sets our show apart from others is the fact that we keep it real. We are not above negative feedback. We try to shape our show to what our audience is about and we do that by listening to you. My only true issue with Karen today is how she conducted herself. She was angry and clearly had an agenda. I admit, I was blind-sided by the call and wish I handled it better myself.
I received several emails about this today and have posted a few on the comments section below. Feel free to add your thoughts.
posted by Allan Fee at 8:51 AM
21 Comments:
Mr. Fee,
I have been a loyal Q104 listener since Larry Morrow & Sally Spitz and I have never heard a DJ respond to an irate listener with such sarcasm and disdain as you did this morning. You are entitled to your opinion just as that listener is, but I feel that you did not handle it in a mature professional manner. Your show IS becoming reminiscent of the old Regis & Kathy Lee TV show, how she constantly talked about her family, and she is now a distant memory. It is nice to occasionally tell stories of your family but maybe you should limit your time spent on them. You are an entertaining morning host and I have enjoyed listening to you, but I feel that a little constructive criticism can only help you become better. Instead of becoming defensive to a listener, you should just thank them for their call and move on. Being a smart ass is a sure way of losing listeners.
Mrs. Deborah C
Hi Allan,
I tried to call in this morning after that Karen woman but of course the
lines were busy. There's just no excuse for calling in and being rude like
that. If she doesn't like the show she doesn't have to listen. And besides
I think you guys are AWESOME and I love hearing about your families. It's
like listening to a friend, you're not going to hang up the phone because
your friend starts talking about their family are you? Keep up the good
work!
Thanks!
Sam S
Allan-
Please don't let angry listener Karen from this
morning get you down. People like her look for things
to be angry about. Otherwise, why would you listed to
a radio show that constantly upset you? You are doing
a great job! I am a 7:00er and I listen every
morning. I enjoy hearing about Gaby and your family
because it gives me something to relate to. Keep up
the great work!
Tiffany
P.S. I am a big fan of Rebecca's also and think that
she should have shown you more support this morning.
Dear Allan,
Just a note to say that you handled Karen's call just fine. She was being a jerk and nothing will ever please a person like that....we love when you talk about your daughter. We love when Rebecca talks about Roger.
You are our friends and friends talk about those people who mean a lot to them.
Let's feel sorry for Karen....she probably doesn't have anyone who truly loves her and is bitter. So sorry to hear someone so negative that she has to call a radio station with such bull..
Don't every change your ways...when you aren't on the show, it is definitely lacking that special touch you give it.
Of course, my only complaint with you is that you don't like Taylor Hicks.
Love the show
Allan and Rebecca,
I just wanted to take a time out this morning and tell you how much your show means to me. I moved here from Portland, Oregon about 8 months ago because of my fiancé taking a job as a pilot with continental airlines. Let me tell you how hard it was for me to move from Portland to here! I started a great job within the first 2 weeks of being here but the commute was about an hour one way (With Traffic) your show has made this commute no problem at all! And truthfully, your show is more then half the reason that I’m slowly beginning to love Cleveland and feel comfortable. Wilde and Fee gives me all the details and what’s happening in the Cleveland area and it has quickly made me feel like I actually know the Cleveland area! I’m beginning to care about this city and your show is responsible for it! Thank you so much for all the great morning laughs!
Jaime
That lady is CRAZY! Your baby girls is #1 - You're a GREAT Father -
Don't be hurt by what she said.
Betty
Allan,
I think it is sad that people like Karen choose to call your show and get angry with you over nothing. She needs to shut up and not worry about what you talk about. If she is that upset over you talking about Gabby, than shame on her. It appears that she has no life and has nothing better to do than get mad at others for nothing.
They'll probably be more people like Karen trying to put you down. I think she now joins other callers who have tried to put you guys down or get upset over nothing.
You did nothing wrong. I didn't hear the call, but I understand what happened. Don't let her stop you from doing your job.
Tristan
I am soo mad that I missed the caller.
Your a PROUD father & you should talk about your family.
That lady needs to get a LIFE...
The girls at the office filled me in on this AM's show.
Chris P
Hi Allan ~ I heard that lady going off on you this morning. She was just a little strange. Did you notice her voice cracking when she mentioned missing Danny?!! I thought she was going to start crying! Anyways, I had to write and tell you that I enjoy listening to you every morning. My husband called me a Q104 groupie yesterday!haha!
Keep up the good work!
Teresa
Seriously Allan,
I realize you have to be nice about this and accept the "criticism" because technically your job is like customer service, but that doesn't mean I can't say how it is. Karen was crazy. She dished it out, but couldn't take it. Someone who goes on the attack like that, and attacks you personally, clearly has issues besides the ones she brought up with you. Nothing is wrong with the way you talk about your family - what are you supposed to talk about? Your dates with Britney Spears? Your family is what you do, they're who you are, of COURSE they are going to get talked about! Anybody that thinks differently, in all honesty, probably does not have close and/or fulfilling relationships with the people around them. Keep doing what you're doing, she was immature and ridiculous, and there is only so much a person can do to keep their cool when they are attacked like that. Rebecca should have stood up for you more.
PS - Deborah's comment about you being like Kathie Lee? Ridiculous. Another person who clearly does not have fulfilling relationships around her. Get a grip.
Allan,
I don't know if I'm one to comment since I didn't actually hear Karen, this morning, but I am a Wilde and Fee 7 o'clocker and therefore feel like I have a right to comment. Since I can't comment on the words that were spoken this morning, I will comment on you. You appear to be an overall caring person, why? Because, first and foremost, you love your daughter, wife and family, second, you love your job and third you love the people who's lives are impacted by your job. All of this is made very very clear by the words, actions and deeds you do (on and off air). I hope, for yours and all your listener's sakes you don't take what this lady has to heart. Continue working hard (which I know you do, because I saw you having fun and working hard at the Josh Kelley concert), enjoying life and importantly, loving your family. As you say, be at peace!
A Fee Fan,
Erin
I only heard the end of what listener Karen said this morning but disagree whole-heartedly with her. She must not have had her full allotment of coffee this morning! She seemed like she wanted to argue with you no matter what the topic.
When you bring up topics regarding your daughter, it opens a great dialogue and gives people like me with small children some extra advice. And I even love hearing Rebecca’s take on child-rearing…it’s give me an unbiased opinion! I think Kathy must have forgotten that this is a TALK show, where people TALK about more than just music! And by the way, I don’t feel that you ONLY talk about your daughter, you open up a lot of great conversations/topics ranging from the Imus situation to anything Cleveland related. What’s great about what your show is that I think sometimes you play ‘devils advocate’ to elicit strong reactions and sometimes heated discussions! It makes me laugh when you can get people riled up just by saying something that is unexpected!
I think you have a great show, and you are a great dad. Besides my husband and yourself, I don’t hear many dads talk about how much they love their kids and appreciate the gifts that they are. I know I enjoy listening to you everyday.
Keep up the great show…I know I will continue to listen!
Danielle
My Dearest Allan,
Why do people pick on you?!?! You do a great job! Please don't let that incredibly rude and inconsiderate woman bring you down. Some people are only happy when they are complaining. And some people are NEVER happy! I agree with everyone that says you and Rebecca are our friends. That is why we are loyal listeners. I have been a loyal listener for about 8 years now and LOVE THE STATION!. YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB! Please continue doing what you are doing.
I am sad because tomorrow is my last day to have a 40 minute commute to work. You and Rebecca have helped 'wake me up' on my drive. I have taken a new job and my new commute will be about 10 minutes. My new employer doesn't like us to have music on so I will only have you for a few minutes in the morning!!! I hope I can make it! I promise to listen when I can!
Take care and know you are doing a great job!
Leanne
North Royalton
I personally think that Karen and Deborah are related!
You have the best morning show in Cleveland and don't change a thing for one angry person. She obviously has issues. Who knows why she personally attacked you. Hopefully she realizes how foolish she came across.
Allen- I too missed Karen's call this morning but overheard you discussing it with several other callers. I thoroughly enjoy your show as often as I can. I only have 7 minutes to work in the morning and live way down in the sticks of Millersburg- so I don't get much time to listen to you guys between the static. Hard up, right? :)
As far as you talking "too much" about your daughter? You could say the same thing about Rebecca talking too much about her single life. It is a part of who you are, and a part of what makes the show. I think its great that we single girls can relate w/ Rebecca and parents can relate w/ you! It's all about reaching every aspect of your listening audience!
You keep talking about Gabby! She is lucky to have you as a father!
-Melody
A little delayed…..Karen just had too much time on her hands today….how long has Danny been gone? And if she doesn’t like to listen, then don’t listen. No offense, I don’t like American Idol, so every time you all talk about it, I change the channel. Karen obviously liked something, or she wouldn’t keep tuning in! It’s all in what she didn’t say, but don’t know how you have the “guts” to get on the phone and tell someone how much you don’t like them. What’s the point?
Keep up the good work.
Sandie
Allan,
First I would like to say that I was surprised to see that you would even make "angry caller Karen" a topic on your blog. You are giving this way too much publicity then it deserves. But since you did post it, I might as well make a comment. I do agree the way you responded back to the listener was not handled in a professional manner. Could you imagine what this world would be like if everyone responded back to people the way you did?
As for the caller, she can't be that unhappy with you if she still listens to your show, right? I say chalk this one up as a learning experience and move on.
I love listening to you guys in the morning, but please don't dwell on this topic.
Allan,
Just wanted to drop you a note to say that I love
the morning show and listen every morning. I also
wanted to tell you, contrary to the lady this morning,
that I love hearing stories about your daughter. I
think that family is the most important thing that we
have and we should be able to share our excitement
about our children with others. Maybe she does not
have any children and does not understand what it is
like to have your heart on the outside of your body,
and what a true joy that can be.
Anyway, thanks for doing a great job and keep on
doing just what you have been.
Holly Osborne
(mother of a beautiful 11 month old girl)
Alan, I thought you handled caller Karen just FINE. She obviously has issues of her own just by her own comments about co-workers talking about their families at the water coolers. What's wrong with that? I would think there is something MORE wrong with the person that DOESN'T talk about their family. Paleeze.
And in comment to Mrs. Deborah C who posted, turn the dial. And as far as Regis & Kathie (spelled correctly) Lee, I LOVED when she talked about her family! My goodness, with all the crap going on in this world, it does a person good to hear the funny, heartwarming stories about the families!
Alan, keep up the GREAT work! More stories please!
Hi,
Just want to drop a line or two about the listener that called in and tore into you about how you talk too much about your family. What struck me so funny was that she was so adamant about saying how she doesn't listen anymore to your show- WELL, if she doesn't listen in the mornings anymore how does she know that you talk about Gaby so much, EH? She sure knew a lot about what was going on with the show for someone who doesn't listen anymore. Just thought that was funny!
I love the show. Moved here from Vegas after being there for 12 years and we didn't have anyone as great as you and Rebecca to listen to. I wish you were broadcasted on the radio nationally. I know about the internet and all, but I need you in my morning one hour each way to work commute!
Love ya babe, Keep up the excellent job! Both of ya! :o)
I doubt anyone in Cleveland radio offers as much self disclosure about his life and family than do you. However, that's actually a good thing!
It's why after 3 years of listening to you, I feel as if I know you well -- your personality and interests -- without having ever met you. That's the magic of an entertaining radio host!
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