'Bout one month ago today, over on Sportatorium, Richie called it: Russ Martin would be taking over as morning-show host on KEGL-FM (97.1) some time this month. J.D. Freeman, Clear Channel's market manager, just made it official: The one-time Observer cover boy begins July 12 at 6 a.m. The full announcement follows.
I asked Freeman: Did Clear Channel buy out what Richie reported was his million-dollar CBS contract through April 2011? He responded via e-mail: "Russ wanted to get back on the radio, and CBS released him from his agreement."
Before you jump, this is what Martin has to say about his return to the station where he used to work, oh, 'bout a decade ago:
"After my almost 10 year leave from The Eagle, I'm excited to be back home and give the listeners what they want......ME! I'm ready to ruffle a few feathers and have fun doing it. My life in radio has been a big influence on me as a man, it has allowed me to explore my hobbies, cars...Russ Martin Automotive; music.....The Russ Martin Show Band. Radio has even given me a way to give back, The Russ Martin Show Listener Foundation; we recently sent a check for $35,000 to the family of fallen Lancaster Police Officer Craig Shaw. That makes it all worth while."Ah, who says terrestrial radio's dead? (Proper punctuation, on the other hand ...) On the other side, comments from Chris Ryan, the station's program director, and Freeman.
97.1 THE EAGLE SOARS IN THE MORNING
Dallas, TX - Thursday, July 1st - After ten long years, 97.1 The Eagle and The Russ Martin Show once again join forces. Starting at 6am Monday, July 12th you'll be able to hear The Russ Martin Show back on The Eagle, Monday through Friday from 6a-10a...as it was meant to be.
Host Russ Martin -- local radio legend with over 25 years experience in the market, founder of The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation, front man of The Russ Martin Show Band, creator of The White Trash Party, even owner of Russ Martin Automotive -- brings his unique view on.....everything!
Martin stated, "After my almost 10 year leave from The Eagle, I'm excited to be back home and give the listeners what they want......ME! I'm ready to ruffle a few feathers and have fun doing it. My life in radio has been a big influence on me as a man, it has allowed me to explore my hobbies, cars...Russ Martin Automotive; music.....The Russ Martin Show Band. Radio has even given me a way to give back, The Russ Martin Show Listener Foundation; we recently sent a check for $35,000 to the family of fallen Lancaster Police Officer Craig Shaw. That makes it all worth while."
Chris Ryan, The Eagle's Program Director said, "We're very excited to have Russ back were he belongs, on the Eagle. And now we have the original 90's Eagle rock line-up back - with Russ, Cindy Scull, and myself. Look out, it's about to get awesome in here!"
"The spectrum is far reaching, what we get with Russ. He's engrained in the community with his charity work, his ability to bring listeners together with his signature style, the band with his name sake playing local venues, his car collection you see on the street, even his way with words that has everyone paying attention. The Russ Martin Show is exactly what we want starting off the day with a bang," said Market Manager, J.D. Freeman.
