Former TWISTED SISTER Frontman Vows To Return To Airwaves Following Cancellation

Former TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider has vowed to re-launch his radio show despite the fact that it was recently cancelled by Clear Channel Radio. The following is a letter by Snider that was recently posted via the Dee Snider Radio fan sites MyDSR.com and DeeSniderRadio-Peeps.org:

"First off, thanks for your patience in waiting for this letter. Not only did I need to clear my head, but the fact is I had a family vacation planned and I'd be damned if I let a career bump in the road spoil my time with my family.

"Now... Dee Snider Radio is not over. Got that? Dee Snider Radio is not over.

"My parting company with WMRQ was coming for quite a few months. Those of you who were paying close attention surely heard me mention that negotiations were dragging on and I had been working without a contract since June 30th.

"Why?

"Well, contrary to what you might have read (or heard) it was not about money--at least not for yours truly. That wasn't the rub.

"Why, then?

"I know you've heard of the shows supposed decline in the ratings. Fact--as of the last ratings book, Dee Snider Radio was third in the Hartford market (behind Howard Stern),first in New Haven, CT (not even technically our market) and first in Richmond, VA. Fact--during my three years at WMRQ, my show's market share averaged around 10+. Fact--these kinds of numbers are coveted in any other radio market in the country. Could the show have done better in Hartford? You bet. Were we given the necessary tools? Hell no!

"The real problem between Dee Snider Radio and WMRQ was vision--we did not have the same one. I wanted real commitment to the syndication of DSR and WMRQ's management were not prepared to make such a commitment. To me, it reflected an underlying lack of confidence in myself and the show.

"After my first year on the air--where were the Billboards? Where were the TV commercials? Where were the promos during the other shows pushing my show? Where was the top notch show producer that everyone (management and the morning team) agreed from day one was necessary to really make this show fly?

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not taking anything away for Nick, Sean or even Psycho Dan. Great work from great guys. But even they would tell you they were not the seasoned professionals that the show needed to take it to the coast. And that producer they finally got us a few months back? He was hired...and fired a short time later. Need I say more?

"From my new vantage point, I can now see that the problems really started about a year after my arrival, when the majority of the management personnel who brought me on board moved onto bigger and better things. I realize now that the new regime never really got what I was about or what I was trying to do and arrived with preconceived notions about me. Over the last couple of years I've consistently heard things about me being an uncontrollable rock star, and definitely sensed a resentment toward my broadcasting from my home--something that was understood and agreed upon from my very first conversation with management. I've never made any bones about the fact that my family will always be first in my life.

"Ultimately, for Dee Snider Radio to become what we all know it can be, it had to move on. The management of WMRQ did me/us a favor by cutting the cord. For the record:

"WXRL HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH DROPPING THE SHOW.

"Why would they? We were kicking ass in Richmond.

"By the way--your complaints to WMRQ and WRXL management fall on deaf ears. All they want is for you to go away and to sweep this whole mess under the carpet.

"If you want your voice to be heard you have got to register your complaint with Clear Channel Corporate Headquarters:

Clear Channel Radio
50 East Rivercenter Blvd.
12th Floor
Covington, KY 41011
859-655-2267

Corporate HeadquartersClear
Channel Communications Inc.
200 East Basse Road
San Antonio, TX 78209
210-822-2828

[email protected]
(Chairman and Chief Executive Officer)

"Let them know how you feel about things.

"Well, I've gotta go. I've got calls to return, meetings to take and discussions to be have regarding the imminent return of Dee Snider and Dee Snider Radio to the airwaves. Believe me--there are a lot of people out there who are very interested in having a winning show like ours at their station.

"And remember: Howard Stern started in Hartford, left and returned victorious. The same will hold true for Dee Snider. And once I/we're back on the air again, anywhere--many of you will be able to listen to the show online.

"Me and the rest of my team want to thank you all for your undying support and loyalty. You were always our secret weapon. We cannot thank you enough.

"Keep checking in with this website for updates. I'll talk to you soon.

"And with that---we cue the music....

Dee

"PS: Don't give Darkside Dave any crap about still working for the station. Dave is as loyal as they come--but he's got She and the Boy to take care of--they come first. He has all of our blessing and support.

"PSS: I will be at the March of Dimes Ride for the Cure this Sunday, September 8th, as promised--unlike Radio 104, who have pulled out of this charity event at the last minute. I understand business is business, but for WMRQ to pull station support from this worthy cause in the 11th hour, just because I'm involved is despicable. I wasn't crazy about doing an event with the station that just dropped my show, but we're not talking about some night club down the street here it's the March of Dimes, a children's charity for God's sake! Shame on you, WMRQ."