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| Gavin, Jeff C and Chris Arnold the "G-Bag Nation" |
I do not want this be me just kicking The Fan in the nuts the entire post (and I could) but I actually want this to be a positive post about this station I've had so many issues with. The Fan is something I think I've secretly rooted for. I want sports radio to be successful in the DFW area. It doesn't have to be one or the other. I can have multiple shows that I enjoy.
Right now in my opinion, The Fan is about as good as its ever been (I know that's a low bar). Morning show really hasn't changed but I think they have adjusted a lot. Overall is probably my least favorite show of the three, but it has its moments. RJ Choppy is very knowledgeable about sports and I think he is fairly interesting. Shan is someone I have trouble with but he really has toned it down (on the radio, not on twitter. Not that I would really know since he blocked me) lately and has offered some insight. I wanna say that I haven't completely hated Troy Hughes (producer? yuk monkey?). I think he is pretty funny, I think some of his "bits" need help but quick punch lines, I think he is pretty good.
Now some changes have occurred recently, Elf & Slater were axed and the G-Bag Nation who were occupying the late night slot were moved to 10-2. Also they added on Mike Bacsik, who I really love to listen to. I'm glad to see Mike get another shot. Gavin is Gavin and sometimes I think he is just trying to be controversial. He is an acquired taste. Chris Arnold is pretty meh in my opinion, very nice guy but I just don't know what he bring to the table. I'm not going to get into his plagiarism offense but I just don't think he adds anything real significant to the show or the area. Jeff Cavanaugh (producer/Yuk Monkey) is loud, douche-like and most likely smells like bong water and booze, and I think the shining light of the station. I use to bag on this dude pretty bad, I finally got to know the guy and I have a lot of respect for the guy. Very funny dude and I really relate to his sports outlook. Gbag was not too long ago one of my least favorite shows, I don't listen much but it isn't horrible. But don't call me a G-Bag soldier cause I think that part is pretty stupid. I can admit I still don't understand the name. Oh well keep it up.
Last but not least, Ben & Skin.....I have the utmost respect and admiration for those two guys. Those guys could fill in at The Ticket tomorrow and no one would blink. They are funny guys who mix in with great HSOs. Ben is prone to the knee jerk and a little sensitive (I've been blocked on twitter numerous times by Ben)
but I really enjoy him talking baseball and football. Skin is one of my heroes. He is new school and forward thinking. He is a good dude and someone I truly respect in sports radio. Kevin Turner who has joined the fold, he is a funny dude. Will the mainstream understand him? Only time will tell. Ben & Skin might not find success at The Fan, a station that is notorious for having a quick trigger. But I believe they are delivering the kind of sports radio I enjoy and most people would enjoy if they actually gave it a try.
(Some would want me to comment on the night time show "K&C Masterpiece", I really haven't listened much and the amount I have, is uninspiring. JUST MY OPINION)
For those who don't know I reside in the small town of Aledo just west of Fort Worth and I got word that the G-Bag Nation was doing a live remote near by. I took my lunch break and headed over to see the boys. It was a gas station and they were set up outside. I got something to eat and then headed over to meet Jeff Cavanaugh, I guess out of those guys, he one I don't have run ins with. Cool guy. Then right next to him was the Great Mike Bacsik. Very nice guy. Chris Arnold then saw me and said "Brad Calhoun, love your stuff man" and then shook my hand. Then came my meet up with Gavin who I've had numerous run ins with. He shook my hand and said "Hey Brad" with that recognizable voice. I told him it was nice to finally meet and I'm glad we there was zero awkwardness. Gavin is who he is, but in person he didn't come off abrasive or confrontational. We talked about some sports stuff and just shot the S. All in all it was a very pleasant experience and kind of interesting to see the people who came to see them. I thought it was actually smart of The Fan to do a remote there. Sometimes they alienate the west side of the metroplex, I appreciate it because it sucks to hear all the remotes on the east side.
Will The Fan succeed? Who knows, but I will say that throughout the short history of this station, they are at their peak (OF COURSE IN MY OPINION). The reason for this post was a text I received from my friend Jacob about The Fan having an edge on The Ticket in one category: Connecting with their listeners. The Fan host have always kept themselves out in the public. I talk to RJ Choppy, Skin, Gavin Dawson and Jeff Cavanaugh on regular basis. And I know that doesn't really make them any better at radio but I know some people enjoy this interaction. I've talked to Dan Mcdowell, Mike Sirois and even the great Mike Rhyner but at times most of them aren't available. I know they have lives and aren't required to talk to S-heads like me. Accessibility won't win the game but its a nice tool. Listen don't think I'm jumping of The Ticket ship because I'm far from it. The Ticket is still a go to. But maybe one day, we could see a little more competitive sports radio. Competition only makes things better.
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