Back in September I expressed a bit of disdain for WXRT, the only music radio station I listen to, due to overplaying Billy Idol – or really, playing Billy Idol at all. I also called for getting rid of their newest DJ Jason Thomas, as his skills are questionable.
Thankfully I heard something Friday night that sealed the deal.
Thomas was talking about what to do this past weekend and did a rundown of movies. As you may know one film that came out this weekend was Cloverfield, a monster movie. I am not kidding – this is how he introduced it:
“And if you enjoyed 9/11, there’s Cloverfield… get to see New York destroyed again.”
Seriously. WTF? What a disgusting statement to make.
My hypothesis is that he read a review or two saying that Cloverfield evoked images of 9/11 and made some uncomfortable, and added in a dose of Phoenix Phunny in honor of the town where he last worked. Come on now – this was tasteless. TOO SOON.
XRT, will you please get this clown off the air? Thanks.
Posted in Television, Movies, and Music
Andy January 20, 2008, 7:20 pm
I agree that he has to go. I’ve been an XRT listener forever – at one point I had every preset in my car set to XRT so my wife couldn’t easily change the station.
I can’t put my finger on it, but he just doesn’t fit the station at all.
Frik January 26, 2008, 6:55 pm
What a horrible thing to say? What do you expect from some idiot from the West Coast.
I hope you wrote the program director about what an assine comment he made. Even Steve Dahl or Howard Stern wouldn’t say something like that
stephen January 28, 2008, 4:54 pm
I hate to say it. But I think you’re missing the point. It’s deadpan.
I heard the same break, and the obviously cynical tone in his voice implied that he was mocking the movie, not 9-11.
Just me. I think people are going to need a year or two to get used to mr. thomas. his delivery is unconventional and it shows with an airstaff that’s been there for 30 years.
Paul January 28, 2008, 7:56 pm
I can appreciate deadpan and that style of sarcasm and irony if it’s done well. But Thomas *always* talks in that same voice, and it doesn’t work (IMHO) for 99% of people outside of Stephen Wright.
I also disagree on the “obviously” cynical tone – he played it straight.
The fact that there’s any disagreement about it at all is a problem.
“I think people are going to need a year or two to get used to mr. thomas.”
Good – that gives me plenty of time to ease off listening to XRT!
Bronx Boy living in Chicago January 28, 2008, 9:32 pm
There is nothing dead pan about watching the Twin Towers collapsing before your eyes, knowing thousands of people died.
Sept 11th was not a movie. People died for real. he and his defender, I guess never grasped the reality of that day.
His delivery is that of a college radio dj, if I want that I will listen to a college station or Q101. He’s been there over a year, they should utilize Marty or Johnny Mars in that role, they seem much hipper any way.
Jessica May 22, 2008, 12:52 am
Jason Thomas is an asset to XRT. If he’s too young, you’re too old. XRT needs a new generation of listeners, and Thomas attracts ’em.
Paul May 22, 2008, 3:24 am
“If he’s too young, you’re too old.”
People of any age can suck, and Thomas proves it.
Ted May 23, 2008, 2:43 am
Jason Thomas is a fountain of mindless, cringe-inducing, earnest blather. Who hired this amateur college DJ? He can’t open his mouth without stating and restating the obvious, polluting the airwaves with his useless observations. I’m sorry, but I don’t have the patience to listen to some stupid kid dutifully announce the artist and title of each song, before AND after, then AGAIN after the set.
He needs to find other work, playing boy band crap in a small market for Clear Channel.
Youth is not the problem. It’s the stupid, stupid.
josh February 3, 2009, 4:19 pm
i like jason thomas, he’s a humble person who, like all of us, says things that not everyone will love. tough shit big boys