This afternoon Michael Baisden reached out to Radio Facts and I was on my way from class so I tried to record the call on this app I got on my iPhone, it kept hanging up on Michael. I realized it was because it was one of those light versions that records 30 seconds then prompts you to buy it for $10.00.
Baisdsen seemed very relaxed and matter-of-fact and I asked him the questions I know no other trade would dare ask. Well, they won’t even report the news of it for another couple of weeks (lol , I kill me). At any rate here’s what we talked about…
kevRoss: So tell me about your contract dispute with Cumulus?
Michael Baisden: I can’t discuss that, we are still in negotiations.
KR: Oh, so you are saying the show may still be on the air?
MB: I’m saying I can’t talk about the contract.
KR: OK, well what made you announce that you were leaving on FB last night?
MB: That was not last night, that was this morning and I saw on Radio Facts where you put there was a contract issue and I never said anything about that. I just said we were parting ways with the show.
KR: Well, we have also been talking to our own sources but what’s next? What happens if the show is cancelled?
MB: Oh, we WILL be on the air again either way but it feels good just to relax and sit back for a minute. Michael Baisden will always own his own show and a syndication company will get affiliates but we control the content.
KR: So are you saying you are negotiating with another syndication company
MB: (laughs) I can’t talk about contracts
KR. What do you say about people who say you are “difficult?”(click “Next” above or below for more)
MB: I can’t see why anybody would say that, I mean we work in a vacuum Kevin and I produce the show and that’s pretty much it, I don’t have a lot of contact with other people in that process so whoever said that I’m not sure what they mean. I will say that I don’t know any creative person who is not considered “difficult” or “demanding.” They know what they want and the way it should be done.
KR: And what have been your greatest challenges over the years with the show?
MB: I would say we have not had many challenges, it may have been a bit difficult at first to get programmers to understand the concept of the show but I would not say challenges.
KR: Is there any truth to the programmers complaining about you talking to much and wanting to hear more music?
MB: Oh we resolved that problem years ago and we found a solution that everybody was comfortable with.
KR: So you’ve taken a break from writing books is that what you would do during your free time
MB: Yeah I really got away from that and that’s really what I love doing. I do have to find a way to get back into the creative aspect.
KR: Do you think your show has made an impact on Urban Radio?
MB: Definitely, we have talked about many issues over the years that an Black Radio DJ could not have picked up the mic and done like we did. Issues of great concern to the black community. I’m very proud of what we’ve done.
KR: Over a year ago, there was a a major shift in NY radio and WBLS was the last Black man standing. You were certainly upset that your show was not picked up by the station, I know that you asked listeners to call the station but is it also true that you purchased a full page ad in the New York Times asking people to call in to the station and ask that your show be added?
MB: Man, I can’t afford a full page ad in the New York Times. Whenever I ask listeners to call a station about the show I always ask them to be respectful and not to holler and scream at the station. Yes I did ask listeners to call WBLS.
KR: I’m sure you have other interviews to do, we appreciate your time and good luck in your future endeavors..
MB: Thanks Kevin, I appreciate it.
Tomorrow read a KEVSUM on my thoughts about this situation, present day Black radio and syndication.
