Anybody else upset that Heidi Tauber is no longer with KPOJ?

[oregonjen]

I'm a faithful morning listener to KPOJ and have gotten to really like Heidi Tauber. I guess it's a little dorky, but having those guys on, while getting ready for the day is nice. I'm upset that from last Thursday morning, Heidi and all traces of her have been eliminated and Carl Wolfson, Paul Pimentel and Thom have made no mention of her, like she didn't even exist. I just wish that management would at least let them acknowledge that she has moved on and wish her well. I've even emailed my discontent and haven't even gotten a reply. When Randi had her issues, I emailed my support of her and within 30 minutes, I received an email reply.

What say you guys? Anyone know why she was let go?

[GregD]

1. Thom and Carl broke the silence this morning

They indicated that they loved here, miss her, and yes she no longer works there.

And yes, I agree, this is very sad. She is skilled at her work, can easily carry the show by herself when needed, conducts a great interview, and is a delight to listen to. I miss her. What a pity.

[classof56]

2. I am upset and confused.

Glad to know that Thom and Carl at least mentioned her this morning. Oregon Media Insiders (www.oregonmediainsiders.com) has many comments about Heidi's sudden and unexplained departure. Lots of unhappy listeners out there! Speculation about who might step into her job (including Rebecca web ex-KINKer who posted and made it clear it ain't her, babe) so not sure what's on tap for Carl and Friends. I really have no serious issues with Carl--think he's funny and smart and politically savvy--but then so is Heidi! Used to listen to her on KPAM when she did the news all those years ago, have been a Heidi fan ever since.

I miss her!

Tired Old Cynic

[Reader Rabbit]

3. They did the same thing to Rebecca Webb on KINK

Apparently, "disappearing" a fired employee is standard fare. One day, the person just isn't there, but everyone else goes on as if nothing is wrong. Eventually, when listener questions begin to pile up, they give some half-assed reason that is more than likely bullshit. With Rebecca, they said something about her leaving to go back to grad school, which was partly true. Then Peter Carlin had the real story in The Oregonian, and it was something far uglier. Whatever the reasons for employment termination, it seems that management follows it up with seriously paranoid behavior.

If that's the norm in this industry, I'm glad I'm not part of it!

[Radio_Lady]

4. What day did the Peter Carlin article appear? Trust me, it happens everywhere I've been.

If we were in a bar together, and I had just a little bit of beer, I'd tell you some stories about broadcasting terminations that would curl your hair!

Sorry to hear about this. Heidi did an outstanding job, and I'm going to check www.pdxradio.com to see if there is more of the backstory.

[Reader Rabbit]

6. Let's see how much I can remember.

Apparently, Rebecca had been in contract negotiations for some time. She was very dissatisfied with the equipment with which she was expected to present news. I'm not at all knowledgeable about what is needed for a radio news broadcast, but from the sound of it, KINK's equipment was so outdated it might have been carted up San Juan Hill with Roosevelt's Rough Riders. Rebecca had been at the management from the get-go to update the equipment, but they never did. Consequently, she got a reputation as a b***h, which often happens to women who dare to speak up.

On the day she was terminated, she had been called into someone's office for a meeting (station manager? producer?). As soon as she stepped through the door, she realized what it was about, and she attempted to make an excuse so she could get back to her workstation and get personal information off her computer, but it wasn't allowed. She was terminated, told to pack her stuff, and escorted from the building. She wasn't even allowed to take contact info for people with whom she had formed friendships, such as myself. (She tracked me down later, and now we're in contact again.)

Peter Carlin's article essentially said this was common in radio, but it sure came off as extremely unpleasant for those of us not in the industry. To go from valued and respected colleague to suspicious and potentially-dangerous trespasser in a few simple hours seems nothing short of Bizarro World.

And for the record, Rebecca has quite professionally never discussed any of this with me, except to say/imply, "That's just how it works in media."

[Radio_Lady]

7. Sounds like the standard operating procedure for companies.

Any employee is disposable. I feel quite badly for these women. I have similar horror stories stretching back several decades.

OPB pretty much did the same thing to me. Once I spoke up about equipment (telephone lines vanished last summer), I was basically dismissed by telephone after returning from vacation. My volunteer badge for access to the building was turned off. All REGULAR and MEDIA mail sent to me personally was confiscated after 2/20. If you volunteer at a certain place of business, don't assume they don't own your mail, even though they don't employ you.

I am in the process of contacting over 600 publicists with whom I corresponded from 2000 to 2008. Oregon Public Broadcasting never gave me an email account, so I have MOST of the email addresses on my home computer. My broadcasting days are over, but it's been a long run -- 1957 off and on until 2008.

Peace,

Radio Lady Ellen

[Radio_Lady]

5. Can't get Oregon Live to find his article... However, there is a radio post...

http://feedback.pdxradio.com/discus.cgi

Author: Billcooper
Friday, May 09, 2008 - 9:29 am

I spoke with Heidi last night. She told me to tell everyone she is ok. I won't go into the details of what happened. Bottomline, this business can often be brutal. This is one of those times. Broadcasters know that the ax is always overhead and it can fall at any time for any reason, or no reason. Its happened to many of us! Heidi is a good friend and a great talent and I have no doubt that someone will be smart enough to offer her a chance to get back on the air.

I have been told that no one has been hired to replace Ms Tauber at this point, although there are those who are speculating that the move was made to make room for the return of a well-known female morning show news anchor who recently faced a situation similar to Heidi's.

When the brain trust at Clear Channel escorted Heidi from the building they immediately scrubbed all trace of her from the company, including killing her email. Heidi is setting up a gmail account and I will post it here soon so her friends can get in touch with her.

(Later post indicates her email is: heiditauber(AT)gmail.com )

on a side note...there are reports that several KPOJ sponsors have pulled their accounts because Heidi was let go. Maybe Clear Channel will see the error of their ways if their wallet gets hit hard enough!

[Reader Rabbit]

8. Heidi is on KINK this morning.

She is subbing for Sheila Hamilton, who is out. It is great to hear her again!

[dhpgetsit]

10. That's great to hear.

I was very fond of Heidi Tauber on KPOJ with Thom and Carl. I hope she is well.

[Reader Rabbit]

9. Heidi's on KINK again

I think she's there all week, filling in for Sheila Hamilton. She's already done a couple of news stories that Sheila would never touch, like the Freddie Mac thing.

[warmth1979]

11. I really really miss Heidi

I stopped listening the KPOJ Morning Show for many months after Hiedi's dismissal. I've tuned in again recently, just to see what was going on there. They've got this new woman, Christine Alexander. She's fine. She simply has large shoes to fill. I'd probably like her more under differnt circumstances. But she's just not Heidi.

Heidi apparantly has showed up on KINK and I keep missing her. When's the best time to listen? Does she do morning newcasts? I'll just keep tuning in until I hear her again. I didn't expect to miss her this much, but I really do.