Message from Marc Germain

The ex-talker at KTLK explains what happened and talks up his future in Los Angeles radio.

Marc Germain, popular Los Angeles radio talk show host at KFI and KABC, is the latest victim in a round of Clear Channel radio layoffs as his afternoon drive slot at Progressive Talker KTLK will be replaced by syndicated programming later this month. "We thank Marc Germain for his efforts in 2007 and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors," said John Quinlan, station manager at KTLK.
"I have been in the Los Angeles radio business for over a decade and a half, and have loved every minute of it," emailed Mr. K. "It is a fast-paced business, and is getting faster every day as outside corporate owners are looking for instant results. It takes time to reposition a station properly and to build a show in a new time slot. I wasn't at KTLK for even a full year when the station decided to go in a different direction."

Marc continued: "While I can't say I'm pleased with their decision to take a new direction after such a short time, it is their station and they have the right to run it the way they wish. While I am disappointed that I wasn't able to stay there long enough to accomplish my goals, I am glad that I left on good terms with the people at KTLK. I wish them well with their future plans."

Click for more on Germain's future wishes.

Marc is looking for the right position and hopes to continue in L.A. radio. "I have lived here all of my life, and have consistently been one of the top performers when doing my kind of show - an evening one man show, no topics, no screeners - just me and my listeners. And my rating success at KFI and KABC speak for themselves. I consistently had the highest rating shares of anyone KABC during my long tenure on the station. I also had many loyal advertisers who I am confident will join me again at another station."
"I am thankful to everyone who has given me a chance in the past, and am hopeful that I can find a station in Los Angeles where I can do my thing again," said a hopeful Germain. "Most of all, I am grateful to all my loyal listeners who have been with me through many changes over the years. I wish everyone a happy New Year, and look forward to being back on the air soon."

George Green, former gm at KABC, is now a talent manager and head of an ad agency. He represents Marc Germain. "Marc Germain is one of the talented people who I represent," emailed George. "I was esponsible for negotiating Marc's current contract with Clear Channel. Marc had seven good years as one of the leading talent on KABC. I was hopeful this would work out for KTLK and Marc. It did not because the station decided to go in a different direction thus not needing the services of Marc Germain. Now I am looking for another position for Marc. I can only tell anyone who is interested that Marc is a real find. He does a wonderful one man show - no producers, no screeners and no pre selected topics. He can talk about any subject with authority. He has an amazing mind. His ratings at KABC and KFI were outstanding."

Green extolled the versatile talents of Germain. "He writes copy. He produces spots for clients. He has continuous client contact and stays on top of things." Green cited a success story with one of his clients, Make It Work. "MIW is a neighborhood support company with about 50 technicians who drive around in small mini coopers servicing people's computers, theatre systems and other things. Three years ago Make it Work had about 6 vehicles and were doing about 2 million dollars in sales. They just completed a year where they almost did $8 million. Quite a success story for radio and especially Marc Germain. The very first buy I made for MIW was in Marc's show 6 spots a week aired 9 to 12 midnight. $100 a spot was the rate. $600 a week is what we were spending. The phones started to ring the first night. Marc does the best endorsement spots you will ever hear. From there we added more spots on KABC and then added KNX and KFI. We have been on the air for 3 years and the company is breaking records every week. I thank Marc Germain for his efforts and of course when Marc lines up with a new station, I can promise that MiW will be one of the first on the air. Many other advertisers will also support Marc -- he is that good. I am hopeful Marc gets a chance to do it again in Los Angeles," said Green.

Marc's producer sidekick Lisa Goich will move her producing chores to sister station KFI.