By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 03:57 pm:

Would someone explain to me what's going on at WEMU between Terry Hughes and Art Timko? A friend of mine e-mailed me Susan's story, but there's got to be some backround somewhere. I couldn't imagine Art killing a fly, much less firing someone. Dick Jacques, maybe. Bill Swisher, definately, but Art? Must have been a serious long standing problem somewhere.

By Joe Moorehouse (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 10:39 am:

I'm not sure what you read about the situation, but I gather that while the war with Iraq is on, it's WEMU's policy to have regular news breaks. Terry refused to have them on his show, and apparently had the temerity to express his political opinions on the air, which is also against WEMU's policies. Terry was firm about the way he wanted to do his show, WEMU (as represented by Art) was firm about its policies, and something had to give. Predictably, what gave was the employee, not the organization. I hope Terry finds someplace else to land, but given the giganto-corporate nature of Detroit-area radio these days, I'm not hopeful.

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 11:17 am:

Joe...
...all I read was Susan's article in the News, and was told it hit Russ Limbaugh's program. I did look at Terry's website, and it appears he has a bit of an ego.

By Jim G (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 01:14 pm:

Airing newscasts is an immutable part of producing a program on public radio.
During Gulf l, we broadcast them hourly on WDET, and many times regular programming came to a standstill as one or another 'special announcements' surfaced.
Thayrone is fighting a losing battle, indeed he lost his battle over host control of air slots.
It's one that has been enacted many times at many stations.

WEMU does operate on public funds but the management is entrusted to provide what they feel is the right stuff.
Art Timko is not a mean or petty guy, he has to keep the station solvent and provide what he believes his listeners want.
Terry will have spectacular success with his webshows and his syndicated program. And as Sue pointed out in her article, Terry is a Champion of Detroit music.
His gift for thinking on his feet is amazing, he's one of the wittiest people I've met.
Perhaps the internet is the last bastion of free speech?

As far as ego is concerned, I will testify that all program hosts have healthy egos!