Syracuse Radio Wars - The 1980s

Bob vs Bob

Bob Neil ... today

In June 1985, shortly after "That Ad" ran in Radio and Records, Bob Neil, (Robert F Neil - Cox Radio) couldn't resist responding from afar to what apparently he perceived as an assault on his former station's staff. Bob(Neil), like many radio people, made a brief career stop in Syracuse during the early 80's as Program Director of WYYY. He arrived at WYYY/WSYR after having served under, and being a protege of, Jim Ashbery at WFLA in Tampa. It was during Bob N's tenure at WYYY that relations between the two stations (WHEN & WYYY) reached their lowest point. The environment was unquestionably hostile. Legend has it that during this time, and at the behest of Bob Neil, John Young produced the now infamous WYYY "parking lot" I.D. Surely no love has been lost between these two radio guys. Below a photocopy of Mr. Neil's 1985 letter to Mr. Carolin. In response, Mr. Carolin pens an affectionate (?) note in the lower right corner...and returns the letter to Atlanta. Today Mr. Neil reportedly wipes his feet regularly at home on the WHEN/WRRB doormat that once welcomed guests in lobby of WHEN's Syracuse studios.

Touché

Bob Neil to Bob Carolin - June 24, 1985 -- Dear Bob, I couldn't help but get a great laugh out of your ad in R&R. Of course you realize the station with the 15.9 always has the last laugh over the muffled AM station with a declining 7.5! Here's hoping you'll see the "sixes". Regards, Bob Neil, Operations Manager, WYAY

NEXT!

Response: - Bob Carolin to Bob Neil --- Nice to hear from you. Please write when you get a 15.9 in Atlanta. Bob

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