The following audio clips are portions of a 40 minute conversation I had with a White, Conservative Female (age late 50′s) the morning of August 19, 2010. She contacted The Drum asking us to get her story heard regarding her disappointment with 620 WTMJ AM not promoting talker James T. Harris into a regular full time host.

Eleven months ago, I commented on JTH needing to assume his rightful place at WTMJ and was roundly criticized by many of JTH’s flock (read here). So it comes as a great surprise that one of his own would come to me to share their thoughts and side with how I see things. Life is truly ironic at times.

Let me add some context to the audio clips you’ll listen to. First, 620 WTMJ longtime host Jonathan Green announced he is retiring at the end of the year. He is the host of a program that runs daily (3p-6p).  Second, a supporter of James T. Harris has been calling 620 WTMJ for over two years asking about JTH getting a full time host position. Upon hearing Green is resigning, she immediately called (2x) the station’s program director. Third, someone other than the pd returned her calls and engaged her in a conversation about JTH and how he got his start at the station. Fourth, JTH’s supporter was upset to learn that her favorite host was not getting the timeslot and that he had not earned it. That is when she decided to contact The Drum and share her account.

More background, JTH’s supporter doesn’t understand how after four years he hasn’t ascended further than weekend duty. She pointed out to The Drum daily talk show host Jeff Wagner’s career path posted on www.620wtmj.com as one that accelerated to full time host within months after a fill in position.

- Jeff Wagner joined 620 WTMJ in the summer of 1998 as fill in host of Midday with Charlie Sykes and the host of The Jeff Wagner Show on Saturday mornings. Jeff fit in so well at WTMJ, he joined the station full time in November 1998 as host of his own weekday show, which airs Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m. -

Audio Clip 1: JTH supporter explains her reason for calling 620 WTMJ Program Director, what she said and talks about the conversation she had with a station representative when he tells her JTH will not get his own daily show. 

Audio Clip 2: JTH supporter responds to my question if she felt race played a role in JTH not getting the full time job. She states she isn’t sure, but something about the situation leaves her uncomfortable.

If what the JTH supporter is stating is correct, James T. Harris was spit on by the 620 rep by sharing this information with a caller. How is it that anyone can call a company and learn intimate, professional details about an employee? Let’s assume what she shared is factual for a moment… this 620 rep is claiming ownership over JTH’s success and is acting as if he’s owed something. Are you telling me that this brother doesn’t even get the respect to interview or audition for the timeslot? What kind of ish is that?

I told JTH’s supporter that I see it through a different filter. When I hear words like “earned it” in this context, I think that is coded language directed at JTH thinking he’s bigger than he is. I’m surprised JTH wasn’t called “uppity” after hearing that the 620 rep feels that he made JTH’s career and that he wouldn’t even be in radio without his benevolence. Yes, I am “uppity” and proud of it… more of US should be.

I cannot wait to see who gets the job since we now know it sure as hell isn’t JTH according to his supporter.  I’ll have much more to say about this ish then.

So tell me what you think. Is JTH getting done dirty? Or has he not put enough work in to earn a permanent gig? Come on now let me hear from ALL you JTH followers that were up my you know what last year.