Another bad sign: http://www.mix999.com/shows/the-humble-howard-morning-show = Content not found.

Mornings end for Humble Howard
Fired from Mix 99.9

Zosia Bielski
National Post

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Seventeen years in a business known for abrupt endings and Humble Howard had never been canned. Until Thursday night.

Citing poor listenership, Mix 99.9 fired its morning man.

"As they say in the business, it wasn't gaining any traction," Howard Glassman, a.k.a. Humble Howard, said yesterday. "We weren't attracting any new listeners."

Mr. Glassman hosted the morning show for three years. His producer, Bingo Bob, and co-host Judy Croon were also let go.

"[Mr. Glassman] was working real hard. Everything was good except that we had a smaller than we wanted loyal audience," said Pat Holiday, vice-president and general manager of the Mix, EZ Rock and CFRB.

Last year, the station fired the other half of Humble and Fred, co-host Fred Patterson. The show ran from 5:30 to 9 every morning.

"It was a sarcastic, funny, irreverent show," Mr. Glassman said yesterday. "They knew I'd worked my ass off; it just wasn't in the direction they were going."

Mr. Glassman's boss waited until he got back from a family vacation at Disney World to fire him.

"No sense in ruining his vacation," Mr. Holiday said.

Yesterday, Mr. Glassman enjoyed the day off with a game of golf, speaking to the National Post in between swings. He hadn't told his friends yet.

Since 1989, Mr. Glassman has been a morning staple, bouncing from the Mix to The Edge (102.1) to Mojo 640 Radio.

"I'm disappointed. ... This is the first time in my career that I've been canned," Mr. Glassman said, adding he is still under contract with the station.

"Under the circumstances, they couldn't have been better about it. They felt bad for me because they knew I worked, very very hard."

Although he wouldn't name Mr. Glassman's replacement yesterday, Mr. Holiday did say "a whole new morning show" would start up soon, with new hosts from outside Mix 99.9. He denied former MuchMusic VJ Steve Anthony, who has been taking over for Humble, would replace him.

"Howard's a really good guy," said Mr. Holiday. "I feel really bad about it. It's kind of a drag."

As for what's next, Mr. Glassman is considering print journalism, and he even has a writer's habits: "I love having written, but hate writing." In the past, he has written columns for National Post and Eye Magazine.

Mostly, he's looking forward to spending more time with his kids, both of whom cried when their father broke the bad news at lunch yesterday.

"It was a little bit unnerving and they were very scared about what's going to happen to us. Then they kind of perked up and 'Are you gonna be like a regular dad now?' "

Unfortunate circumstances, but I finally beat the mainstream media to a story.

Humble will land on his feet. He kept me tuned for years and years... I even watched his talk show with Ed the Sock!

that's crazy....the only reason i listened to 99.9 was howard, judy and bob...now i have to listen to steve anthony?? what channel is CHUM??

Aw man, I just thought he was on vacation. What's with all these media personality cuts lately? I hope we hear/see him again soon. His voice & humour are just too good. My mornings won't be the same... :(

I can't believe they would get rid of Humble - love love love that guy... he was the one I looked forward to hearing every morning and I was counting the days until he got back from vacation... now who will get me thru traffic? Does anyone know of a website or e-mail where we can send messages to him?

Ah, I see. No humble? back to JackFM for me.

I can't believe this. Humble made my stupid horomonal teenage dramas totally leave the room while I was listening to The Mix. So they want New Listeners? Forget about new onee, they're losing the Old.

e-mail input@mix999.com with these suggestions! make them feel that they have lost more listeners than they will gain, and if we convince them to re-hire before summer vacation is over, they can say that nothing ever happened.

hey mike
thanks for the nice words and thoughts...i'm taking some time to figure out what to do, in the meantime i wrote a thing in the national post about being fired and i'll be doing a column a week for the next few weeks....
be well,
h
if you like here's a copy of the fired article...
1200 WORDS ABOUT GETTING FIRED.

“Mornings end for Humble Howard.” That was the headline in last Saturdays Toronto section of The National Post. Mornings didn’t end for me, just my job. One I have done since 1977 and in Toronto since 1989. The reporter, a nice person named Zosia talked to me the day after I was let go. I was still in some kind of just-got-fired-shock and I’m not sure I was much help to her. She got the facts straight though; I was no longer going to be doing the morning show at the Mix with my friends Judy Croon and Bingo Bob…they were fired too. No more Humble Howard Morning Show. Wow. Later I spoke with Rob Roberts the Post editor and he asked me if I could put together a piece around 12 hundred words about getting fired. Could I? Like most newly fired people I could do 12 thousand! I’ll try and stick to the assignment.
The First Words. Are you F**king Kidding me?
The Next? Shock. Disbelief. More shock. Then Numbness.
I pace. It’s a week ago Thursday and I’ve just gotten off the phone with my friend and General Manager of The Mix, Pat Holiday. He called to tell me I’m Gone. That sucks. It’s 2:15. I’m on holidays, so my 8 year old and I are spending the day outside around the pool drawing Disney girl pictures. My wife and oldest daughter are out. I put the phone down and go back outside and just stare into space. It’s one of the nicest days of the year, I’m with my sweet baby girl and I can’t focus. I’ve just been canned. So now what? I pace some more. Should I drink? Is that what you’re supposed to do when you’ve been let go. You always see that in the movies…some dude leaves the office with his box of personal stuff and ducks into some dark bar and downs a shot of something brown. It’s usually Ben Affleck.
Me. I go back to drawing pictures of Snow White and The Little Mermaid. My Ariel suffers.
Holy Crap. I’ve just been told I no longer have a job. I can’t call anyone because I want to tell my wife first. I’m with my kid so I’m trying to not lose it.
“Daddy what’s the matter?” She Says.
“Nothing honey, why?”
“Cause you just drew a black X across Snow Whites head!”
Kids know.
Finally my wife comes home and we begin a series of hushed and scared conversations. She’s mad. I’m still sort of bewildered. I’ve been fired for less than 4 hours and I don’t know what to do. We decide not to tell the kids right away but they can feel something’s up. Fired people have a look about them!
I go to my computer and Google “Getting Fired.” 39 millions entries! I guess a lot of people get fired. It’s my first time. I’m new.
The articles are instructional: “There’s a big difference between getting fired and laid off…” (Yeah but I’ll bet they both suck Ass.)
Some are spiritual: “An Opportunity for Change and Growth” (They suck too!)
Some are depressing: “Learning to live with Failure” (Hey thanks for the pick me up.)
The next few days are a series of phone calls from friends and colleagues who claim shock and offer support. I continue to feel weird.
More words about being fired. Fired people hear this phrase a lot. “When a door closes a window opens…” or something like that.
I’ve been told this 37 time in 48 hours. This must have something to do with the Opportunity for Change and Growth-both of which are painful.
“When G*D closes a door He opens a door.” G*D didn’t fire me, the radio station did.
Let me tell you…when you’re let go, they close the door, bury the key, change the address and kick you to the curb. They’re basically saying the door is shut and don’t let it hit you in the hiney on the way out.
I’ve been through this before…sort of.
Last year in August my long time partner (radio not life) Fred Patterson was punted. Remember The Humble and Fred Show?
He was confused, pissed off and perplexed. I now know how he feels. We had been a radio duo for 14 years and for the last 11 months I’ve been answering endless e-mails and phone calls: “What happened to Fred? Where’s Fred?
Frankly I got sick of making stuff up. Finally he told me to just tell people he was fired. Well he was.
Now, so am I.
Radio people never get to say goodbye. Why is that? People you’ve grown up with, grown old with, grown accustomed to just suddenly disappear. One day they’re there, the next they’re on holidays and then they’re gone. Mike Cooper once told me that he hated taking vacation because he was never sure he’d have a gig when he got back. Radio is weird.
Great. Now the What Happened To Fred Question will be replaced by the What Happened to You Question. Being fired is humiliating. I’ve already learned that.
I would have liked to say goodbye. So would Fred. I have been doing a morning show for nearly 2 decades in Toronto and have come into contact with a lot of people. I would like to say thank you.
Thank you for the loyalty and the listening and the feedback and the laughs and the mountain of freebees!
More Words.
I will miss the Free Stuff.
You can’t imagine all the stuff that Radio People get from Promo Companies who want us to talk about their product. It’s intoxicating. Forget free concerts and tickets to shows and t-shirts. I’m talking trips, toys, golf, food….in Radio the FreeBee is one of the great side-benefits. Stuff just shows up on your desk every other day and it’s addicting. I will miss that.
I’ll miss being silly. I’m 46 years old and for most of my life from high school till now I’ve had a job where I get to be really really silly for a living. The kind of silly you are when you get home from your grown up jobs and you’ve had a beer and your acting weird with your kids. That’s been my gig for as long as I can remember. I don’t think I’m ready to grow up.
Some Sad Words.
We finally tell the girls. They cry. I’m devastated. They look so scared and small and I think this must be the worst of it. So far it is. I tell them we are blessed. I tell a lot of people this over the next few days but it started with them.
A lot of people in the world are way worse off than we are, I say. I believe it and so do they.
I was fired but the company has been generous and I will have what’s known in the firing business as a “soft landing!”
Funny but it still hurts.
My oldest daughter asks if this means I’m going to be a regular dad now and maybe I could get a job at McDonalds. I tell her that this just means that Papa is going to drive her and her sister to camp and that I don’t know if McDonalds needs another clown.
Some Final Words.
It’s been over a week now and I still haven’t told my Dad.
If you’ve been through this you know why.
I don’t know what to say.
“Hey Pop, me and the family are moving back to Moose Jaw with you for a while and I may be looking for work as a fry cook!”
I hope to stay here in Toronto as it’s home to all the people we love, but I don’t know. I’m woefully unqualified to do anything but make stupid jokes on the radio and if there’s no place for me here I’ll have to find it somewhere else.
I’m like a lot of fired, newly fired and soon to be fired people who all share a single thought…
Words 1199-1200
NOW WHAT?

Thanks for the words Howard! Being in radio for 15 plus years and being fired once... Howard I have no doubt in my mind that you'll bounce back... bigger and better! Don't worry the "swag" will return as well!

Howard - we love ya - they have to bring you back or I know I bunch of people who are leaving mix - where did Bob go?

Given what is going on in the world these days, Toronto radio needs more and not less, good humour. With any luck Fred will be along side for the ride next time around. Who knows, the stars could be aligning to the point where Humble & Fred could force me to give in and pay for satellite radio ! Just imagine, all Howard, all the time !

HOWARD!!! It's not fair! I feel tremendous sympathy for you and your family...such a devastating blow! I feel like I've lost a really good friend. It's not fair that radio people don't get to say goodbye.....but I know you'll be back, if that's the path you choose! People love you!!!!! Best wishes!

The fascinating thing is that the Mix is now doing a "Summer Vacation" and has essentially eliminated all of its DJs. You can't find a reference for any of them on Mix website. So the good news is that it's not about Howard - who we all know is great. It's about the Mix and wholesale change in strategy. Not that it makes it any easier for Howard and his family.

This really bites. I met Humble and Fred last June after I won a BBQ and went down to the station to BBQ ribs for them. Everyone-from Humble & Fred, Judy Croon and Bingo Bob were so nice. I can't handle listening to any other station in the morning because they just aren't funny!! Howard cracked me up so many times on my way to work-I will miss that. Some radio station better pick him up-I'm in withdrawal. I wish Howard (& Fred, Judy and Bob) all the best and truly hope everything works out. I hope Howard keeps us updated. I've been listening to him for years and I am totally boycotting the MIX over this.

Hey Howard :) Your morning show converted me over to the Mix and now I feel lost! I was "laid off" about 3 years ago, and I can understand the pain that you are going through. It almost feels like a death...you don't have a chance to say good-bye to your co-workers and in your case, listeners. I know it is frustrating to hear "when one window closes another opens..." but I am going to join that camp. Because I was laid off, I had the opportunity to go after my lifetime career dream. I know that you were already in the job of your dreams, but.... some time from now, you could very well be in the midst of something even better. (You won't realize this now because you are probably still in shock...it seriously is like going through a death...) Enjoy the time (bonus- it's summer!)with your kids, sleep in! Be good to yourself. With time, you may actually say to yourself that it was good that this happened because you wouldn't be doing ____________________.

Howard - I was devasted when I turned on my radio the morning of July 17th - I knew that was the day you were returning from holidays. All the way into work I heard not one DJ on the MIX and I then began to wonder what the hell happened to all of you guys and remembered what happened to Freddy P. last summer after his vacation. I will not be listening to the MIX any more the only reason I switched over was because of you and Fred. Your morning show made me laugh all the way to work. Good luck in your new ventures and I am sure some show will scoop you up. Any chance of a HUMBLE AND FRED reunion?

Michelle

I know there are some people that probably will not get our attachment to radio personalities and that really is sad for them. We make no apologies for our closeness to people that we want to hear more than the din of our own families.

I turned my wife onto the fellas some eight years ago because any woman I was going to marry had to get, and like, the humour of The Humble and Gred show. She embraced them immediately on Mojo and moved to the MIx when they moved. As such, I married her two years ago and, upon our request, Howard and Fred were a part of our wedding as we played our "You're Getting Married" conversation on the show to all of our guests at the end of dinner and speeches.

The station of record at the time became our number one radio preset in each car. You got us to work every morning feeling better than when we left. I still play the CD because nothing is funnier than "cutesy-putesy Carla Collins", Fred farting on air, the off-air cursing sessions and I forget her name but the woman cussing like a teamster about the ass-wipe in the parking lot that hit her car.

Mix 99.9 will become an unused footnote on our dial once again because without the promise of someone who got what the listeners needed to hear, we don't feel a need to listen. We know this is the business but in every business the customer is your first, best and last gauge of whether or not they want to buy your product. Today, you have definitely lost two loyal customers forever.

Howard my friend, Pam and I will still make you black cake and punch a creme (that sweet, milky, liquor-laden drink we bring each year). If you still have one of our email addys, send us a note. Or go to my blog and leave me a message or email me from there. If all else fails, we will find you. Just know we are part of your extended family and are here to support you and your family in whatever path you take next.

Best of luck to you.
Victor

I went on vacation last year and when I returned, it was just Humble, no Fred. It was sad and strange, but naturally, I adjusted and stayed loyal to my Humble, Judy & Bob.
I just got back from vacation on the 23rd--my alarm sounds on the 24th, I hear that the Mix is on some sort of Summer Vacation, but was quickly reassured that "the dj's are coming back"...I breathed a sigh of relief. What would I do without my Humble Howard Morning Show?
Sadly, I'm going to have to find out now...as I took a closer look, and became one of those people that Googled 'Humble Howard', I realized that he was, in fact, NOT coming back...and neither were Judy or Bob.
This was easily the best morning show that I have ever listened to. I don't laugh out loud too much, but more often than not, I found myself having to re-do my mascara as I got ready because of something that Humble had said.
I am truly devastated that the Mix would choose to cast aside such a talented, kind and hilarious host.
Humble, best of luck to you--I know you'll find something better than the Mix.
As for me, I have begun my quest for another station to keep me going in the morning. I highly doubt that I will ever find a show that I will become so attached to as the Humble Howard program, but I will make the attempt. The thought of listening to Steve Anthony in the mornings horrifies me to no end. A Mix listener, I am no longer.

Well all I can say is I have been following Humble (and Fred) for all their time here in Toronto, from CFNY, to MOJO to the MIX and now to wherever he or they end up. Last year I emailed the show after the mysterious Fred disappearance. Howard answered me promptly with sincere honesty and no BS. I so much appreciated that. If Howard ends up on country, hard rock or nothing but the oldies, I will put up with the music just to listen to his show and his fantastic sense of humour. MIX you suck!!!!

Humble & Fred were the only reason I listened to The Mix. I have been there from the beginning,with Fred even before Howard at CFNY. Humble & Fred belong together on the Radio!
Chris Wilson
Niagara-on-the-Lake

I switchd on the Mix after Kiss turned to JackFM and the only thing that kept me listening was the Humble and Fred morning show. You will be sorely missed - very few other radio stations that play mainstream music have a show with the bite and wit of Humble, Judy and Bob. Cheers guys, this one's for you!

No point turning to 99.9 any longer - the only truly fun morning radio show just went down the crapper. Maybe Pat "The Genius" Holiday will get real hip and hire Erin & Mike.
You'll be missed, Howard.

Uh, Mad Dog and Billie??? No thanks. Now what do I do? There isn't another morning show in Toronto worth listening to. Seriously, is my next best option Roger, Rick and Marilyn? How depressing.

I've always thought that Howard, Judy and Bingo Bob were the best part of the Mix. And I think its shitty for them to advertise, saying "the DJs are coming back" when its not true. Bring 'em back.

I have to say I'm not a happy camper. Humble, Judy and Bob were what got me ready for my day on my way to work, relgiously, since I moved back to the area 2 years ago. I tried the other stations, but I wanted to drown Roger Rick and Marilyn in their own sap and Dillinger needs a good smack upside the head. I listened to Mad Dog and Billie for a short while after Darren moved on (how old is that?) but I have to say that, unless they got a bit more mature, less bitchy and much funnier, I may start listening to CDs on the way to work now. Thanks a lot, Mix 99.9

I think it ironic that he was fired for not increasing listeners. Well, I can tell you that until a few months ago I listened to CHUM FM for the previous 9 years every morning on the way to work. A few months ago, I got bored and switched to my number two radio station (MIX) and the rest is history.

So now, after a very short (one-way) relationship, I'm sans morning show. Maybe it's time to switch to 680 News for both directions now.

I don't like Mad Dog or Billie, so "bye bye" Mix.

this makes me very very sad :~(

I just had to add my "ditto" to all of the above. I'm very sorry Howard. Like others, I'll follow you. I've been listening since the very beginning. Mad Dog? I don't think so! I guess it's Jack for me too.

I'm another Howard fan who followed him around the dial since he left CFNY. First Mojo, and then Mix. I have no reason to listen to either now, so I'll be changing again.

Why can't be news be that Dean is fired from CFNY?

When MIX 99.9 came up with "we're giving our DJ's the summer off" you just knew... I have to say that I like most tuned into the MIX because of Humble and Fred.

When Fred didn't come back everyone was curious as to the reason why. You figure what happened and you just wanted someone to tell you why but no matter because it just sucked. Let's be honest though in my opion Howard was the Carson and Fred was the McMahon of the morning show but it was a great combination. You don't break up a team like that right.They've been around forever. Boy was I wrong.

With Fred gone it just felt empty. I didn't want to listen to the mix but Howard was still there and I could just tell our morning show guy was not happy. What did they say to you Humble to make you carry on? It must of been hard.

Enter Judy and Bob and they filled the Fred's absense with there own creative touch. So I continued to listen because you could see Howard was jelling with them and it was going to work. Boy was I wrong again.

Howard, Judy and Bob... I will miss you in the morning. I never called into a morning show until I started listening to you. I will not listen to the mix regularly anymore. I wish you guys the best.

Until you surface again my friend and I'll be waiting... cheers!

Now where am I going to send my naked photos with the great shoes? My husband and I have been listeners since the 102.1 days (although we did skip the time on AM). We look forward to your return, where ever that may be. You always make us laugh.

Hi,
Listened to the Mix to hear you Howard. Steve Anthony has no sense of humor, Mad Dog and Billie??? Jeez louis. I am not listening to that station anymore. Guess I'll have to switch to Jack.

I just heard today that Mad dog and Billie are taking over the morning show at the Mix! How could they get rid of Humble Howard, Judy and Bob! They made me laugh every morning on my way to work. They are the funniest morning show on the air. I hate when radio stations do this. It was hard enough when Fred left the show. Anyway, I want to wish Howard, Judy and Bob the best of luck and hopfully they'll be back on the radio soon!

Mad Dog and Billie? are they kidding? i'm supposed to wake up to those two. their commercials annoyed me this morning. I will miss Humble greatly but also his amazing partners Judy and Bob - a unique combination of funny and witty individuals who were so genuine i can't imagine anyone not being able to relate to them. It's a sad day in radio. i just emailed the mix to tell them that as well.

Hi Mike (and Howard if you're reading),

This morning show will be sorely missed because of it's humour, great banter and social consciousness. Howard, Judy, Bingo and Fred, I wish you all the best! The last few years have been great and I feel as if I know you and your family, your wife and kids, and hearing them grow up.

So.

For the first time ever, I e-mailed a radio station... and here's what I wrote:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I don't know who's going to read this, and I don't usually bother e-mailing
radio stations.

I stopped listening to CHFI after Erin and Bob were canned and replaced with
"Mad Dog" and Billie.

I put "Mad Dog" and Billie on a 2 week probation and I found them stilted,
un-funny and un-imaginative. They were also not socially conscious.

I left CHFI because of that change, and found MIX, Humble & Fred, Bingo and Judy.

I've enjoyed the last three years as a NEW listener, but I will no longer listen
to MIX because "Mad Dog" and Billie are about as appealing as bird flu.

Congratulations, you've lost another listener and probably the demographic
you're looking for.

I'll go back to CBC Radio One now, and make my own playlists on my iPod.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Howard, Judy, Bingo & Fred, where ever your guys are, if you can get back
on the air, I'll be there listening.

I found out this morning that Humble Howard was fired. It is a sad time in radio. As a fan from Buffalo since the early 90's, all I have to say is that there is now no one worth listening to in the morning on either side of the border.

I wish Howard and his family all the best in this bad time. If he doesn't find a gig in the area, I hope he lands somewhere that broadcasts over the web. At least then I can still get my morning fix over my computer.

With his talent, I'm sure he will land on his feet.

Good Luck Howard.

This Sucks!! I have listened to Humble (and Fred) back since they were on CFNY. I was so happy when they came to the Mix. I was upset after Fred got canned last year, but I didn't want to give up on Humble. Now that the Mix has done the same thing to Howard, firing him while on vacation, I won't listen anymore. Best of luck to Howard and the rest of the morning show. Bye Bye Mix!!

When DEAN came on the Edge I new I needed to find another morning show and fast. Humble and Fred were on all talk radio which was okay for a bit but I really needed music in the morning. THEN.... I new where I needed to be in the mornings! NOW...I will miss the Humble Report and the laughter that makes you cry. Best of luck to everyone the Mix let go and best of luck to the listeners in finding something that will get you going in the morning.

I started listening to Howard and his crew just a few months ago. I'm sad that the show ended and his listeners didn't get one last broadcast & that he didn't get a chance to say good-bye. The station made a big mistake in letting him go. Hopefully Mad Dog's show will tank and they'll bring Howard back!

It truly is a sad day in radio. First Fred and now Humble. What is the MIX thinking??? Hopefully the Humble and Fred show will be reunited soon. (along with Judy & Bob) The morning show at the Mix was the only reason I tuned in.
Good luck to Humble, Fred, Judy & Bob. Can't wait to hear you on another station soon.

What a load of sh@t. I just found out Howard and my first reaction were tears. Then to get up, walk to the other side of my office and change the radio station...Back to the Edge. I'm glad to hear that they are giving you that "soft landing" but furious that they have put you in the situation of having to see your children cry. I'm furious, heart broken and completely shocked. You're all they had going for them Howard, and they are going to feel the pinch from this stupid decision that was made without any sort of feedback from your die hard fans. All the best Howard, and please let us ( your fans ) know where you end up. Keep your chin up girls, your daddy is going to be fine, and by listening to him for all these years I know he is going to do what is best for you two.
So sorry Howard....
Take care

Not sure what they think they will be getting with Mad Dog and Billie? Just what the heck does Mad Dog mean anyway? Does he foam at the mouth? You guys were a great team and cracked me right up every morning. And I am the queen of funny, says me, so I consider myself to be an authority. Oh well, time to switch stations. Not very smart on them though. MD and B really are kind of dry and sound kind of phony to me...but hey not my station.

I have been madly searching the web all day to find out what happened to Howard. I am so upset! When I heard the promo for "Mad Dog" and Billie this morning, my blood boiled. The Mix is claiming "This is not your parent's morning show". Give me a break!
Howard, Judy and Bob made my morning drives so enjoyable. I can honestly say I laughed out loud every day.

I am also wondering what will happen to the "Slime that men do" book that was to be published in the fall. It sounded like it was going to be great and it was also for a good cause.

I will definitely not be listening to the Mix anymore and I can only hope that Howard and the gang show up on another station. I don't care what kind of music it is, I will instantly become a fan.

All the best to you Howard and I will be looking out for your return to the public eye (and hopefully ears).

I heard the news this morning, as I was groggily trying to wake up to yet another Monday morning, that the "new" morning show was going to be Mad Dog & Billie - pardon me? Haven't they been canned at every station they've worked at??? As I woke with a start, I told my husband the news and we both groaned - now what station were we going to listen to? We left The Edge because we can NOT stand Dean Blundell (and I agree with Mike - why can't he be the one who got canned???) and all the other stations are crap - I guess we'll have to listen to Jack!

Howard, if you stop by, we wish you and your family all the best - we've listened to you and Fred since you were at CFNY (yes, even that stint on AM radio) and we will miss you tremendously! Judy you also cracked us up and we wish you all the best for the future too. Bingo Bob you were awesome too - we hope something good comes your way as well!

To The Mix - thank you for driving us away from your radio station! We hope that the "new listeners" you hope to track are plentiful because it appears you just lost a whole bunch of "old listeners"!

I heard the announcement on the mix this morning and couldn't believe my ears. I agree with the others who have taken the time to write in, the Mix is going to lose a lot of listeners, myself included. The morning Team of Humble, Judy and Bob are fantastic. They are fun to listen to, generous, caring and socially responsible. Who would think a DJ would invite people to email him, take calls, etc and always have time for anyone who cares to contact him? Do you think Steve Anthony would? Hardly! He's irritating, pompous and arrogant - thinks he's funny, but he'snot. Mad Dog and Billie? I don't think so. I'm looking forward to finding the 'team' wherever they end up and, if they end up on 'pay radio', will gladly pay for the privilege of being entertained by them. Good luck to all, we know you'll be back!

hi howard - i was one of those people who emailed you on your berry and got back a polite but obviously painful message about fred's departure. sorry to hear you're in the same boat. i've been there myself. if you do go back to radio, i'll be here listening. good luck.

but whatever you do, do nothing until september. the one thing i've learned is to enjoy the first few weeks of unemployment, because when you start work again, you'll wish you had.

hey - anyone have any idea what freddie p is doing now?

For those of you who want to check up on Fred, go to his website at www.freddiep.ca

I'm disappointed with your morning show getting CANNED and yes, getting fired is a very traumatic event. Your first is always the hardest. However you have a grace period of about 3 weeks, after that GET OVER IT. Just use your connections and brains and find another job, or create one for yourself. Stop Crying.

This is what normal people would do or you can go postal.

oh mannnnn... I'm another Google'r who was trying to figure out WTF was up with MadDog & Billie taking over my beloved Howard's morning show time-slot. This really bites, and Mix has lost yet another listener over it.

Howard, all the best to you, your wife and girlies. I've always loved your phone calls to them and was seriously hoping you were all having a kick-ass vaycay to WDW and I couldn't wait to hear all about it! GOOD LUCK :)

I can't believe The Mix fired their best DJ?? What demographic are they looking to grow?? It better be big, 'cause they're losing a lot of listeners. And how come the bad DJ's are getting an extended vacation?
Management decisions like these make companies go in the tank.

Hey Humble,

I just heard the news. Please, Please, Please, get together with Fred again and start your own radio station if need be. I've been listening to you guys forever and don't want to think about my morning drive now if I can't have you in it. I wish you well and hope to hear your voice again in the near future.

I'm another listener who has followed Humble & Fred since day one at CFNY. I am also joining the ranks of former MIX listeners. I'm writing in even though I have nothing new to add because I figure the more H&F fans who write to say they will follow Humble wherever he goes the better his job search will go. He can just give any potential employers this website for proof of listenership potential.

I cannot BELIEVE they dumped him!!!

That was the only reason why I tuned into 99.9 in the morning (and I live in Buffalo). that was the best morning crew and their voices did not annoy me as my local personalities do in the morning.

-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Steele [mailto:karen.steele@mix999.com]
Sent: July 31, 2006 6:01 PM
To: Sandy
Subject: Fwd: Listener Feedback on Mad Dog & Billie!

Sandy,

Thanks for taking the time to email.

Regards,

Karen Steele
Program Director - MIX 99.9
2 St.Clair Avenue West, 2nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1L6

----- Original Message -----

July 31, 2006 4:51:02 PM
CKFM PD
From: Sandy
Subject: Listener Feedback on Mad Dog & Billie!
To: CKFM PD
mixmd@mix999.com

Hi Karen & Wayne,

I can't begin to tell you how very disappointed I am over the Mix's decision to change the morning show. Firstly, you didn't have the decency to let your employee say a proper goodbye to his colleagues & fans. As a professional in the field of human resources, it's obvious to me from interviews and various other radio industry buzz that this "restructuring" was mishandled. Secondly, how do you think it makes your loyal morning listeners (and there are a LOT of us out there! see http://www.mikeboon.com/2006/07/humble_howard_are_you_okay.html ) feel when they aren't even afforded the courtesy of their opinions? You claim to want more listeners, and that this was the reason for your decision. Understandable. However, in actioning this business decision, you have managed to alienate the very listeners you should have been hanging onto in the first place - you know, those of us in our 20s, 30s and 40s with the cash in our pockets that attract those lucrative advertising dollars which sustain your radio station! Your focus should have been to attract more listeners, not lose the ones you already have.

I've heard Mad Dog & Billie. I listened to them during their successful Kiss 92.5 days. They certainly fit that format. Young. Urban. Hip.
They did not fit CHFI. They were too young, urban and hip.
And I can guarantee you that they will not fit Mix 999's format either. See, I'll let you in on a little secret... the problem with the Mix was never with the morning show... Fred Patterson wasn't the one holding you back. And neither was Humble Howard. The fundamental problem with the Mix lies in your music format. Simply put, the music you play SUCKS. Your "More Music. More Variety" slogan sounds great. In theory. Your output, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired. It seems as though every time I tune in to the station, the same limited rotation of songs/artists are being played. Coldplay. Nickelback. Dixie Chicks. Repeat. I know what you're thinking... "why don't you be a Mix Online Music Director?"... I tried it. For a whole year. I gave you loads of bi-weekly feedback on your song selections. Frankly, I've grown grey hairs waiting for you to implement any changes.

I've said it before... I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I am over this program change. I hope you realize the error of your ways and reinstate Humble Howard and his full team. Until that happens though, I guess it's JackFM for me.

It's been nice while it lasted.

Respectfully... Sandy

I was one of those people who woke up on July 17th all excited to hear about the FaRTLif (Family Roadtrip of a Lifetime) and I heard Connie St Clair doing the news and knew something was up... after the second song no Humble... no Judy.... not good.

A buddy and I got through to Maura who passed on the National Post article and heard from Judy Croon at her website and got the story that way. Even though two weeks have passed I have yet to hear of anyone who was glad to hear The Humble Howard Show was off the air. Every comment I've read about Humble, Fred, Bob and Judy is exactly what everyone agrees with. They were great and you really just felt like you were sitting there (or lying there) with friends and getting caught up with their day to day lives - what good friends do.

It is very sad. I'm not listening to any morning show right now opting for my CD's or 680 or 590. It's all better than anything else that's out there. I never listened to Mad Dog and Billie for more than a few moments just flipping one day. They're not the Mix audience and those commercials this morning were nauseating. Remember when the Mix brought in Carla Collins and Steve Anthony for the morning and that Carter and Kim for the afternoon (Kim was the original news reader for Humble and Fred when they moved to the Mix) but the Carter part.... his show was gone within a month. Maybe we can hope that will be the same with this duo. If there was anyway they could wind up on satellite.... sign me up!!!

To Humble - get a website so we can still chat - I even just moved to Oakville! Fred - love the freddiep.ca site.... happy belated 50th! very cool... Judy - you're great and I can't wait to see your standup if I don't hear you on the airwaves first! and Bob - welcome to the 30's... they'll get better!!

Like Ken just said... I don't know what demographic they are looking for - I thought I was it. Apparently, that's my que to say goodbye too.

There are little rituals in the day that reassure a person in the midst of uncertainty that life can be enjoyable. One of mine was listening to Humble Howard. I loved his ability to laugh at himself and the way he connected with people who had never met or seen him. He was the funny guy in your high school class that never grew up and old and managed to convince the rest of us that we hadn't either. Don't get me wrong. He wasn't a saint. Sometimes his politics were a little too right wing for my tastes but that only made him more human. And Judy and Bob provided a great chemistry. Good people. What I want to know is why people who make the termination decisions end up fring their loyal listeners in the process?
I hope your site will let us know where these three genuinely funny radio people will resurface!

Wow, the end of an era... First Jesse and Gene (man I miss those guys) and now Humble and Fred. What is up with radio anyway..? Bring back the good old days when Jesse and Gene would battle Humble and Fred for top morning ratings,that was the day.... But honestly, Mad Dog and Billie, PLEASE, get a grip mix 99.9. Did you do your researd ? Mad Dog and Billie left Kiss FM to go to CHFI, then got canned from there for bad ratings.. ya they will help out Mix 99.9...I don't think so.... time to go Satellite... Good luck Humble...

Having read everything posted to this point, I can not add anything more profound or enlightening than what has already been written. While reading I changed my desk radio to 92.5. On my way home I will change my car to the same. Personally I have been following Humble and Fred for as long as they have been on in the Toronto Market. TV, talk, even bad music ... not just a fan, but I always felt connected ... like they were my friends. Both have replied to my emails over the years. Yes, Friends is what they are, and will forever remain. Here I thought I just had to wait a few weeks of enduring BAD morning shows ... seems Toronto will have to wait until OUR friends get back on the air

I have listened to Humble and Fred since they first came to Toronto. I have chased them from radio station to radio station. I was never one to change stations between songs but as soon as I found out that Humble was gone, I started to look around to other stations. Like many others have said, the Mix has lost me and my family as listeners.

"All our Jocks are off for the summer". Well, that's what what we were told. I guess no-one seen it coming that another MIX chop was coming up. Imagine nailing guys with "you're fired", when you've just returned from vacation.
Way to go MIX.
I'd been listening to Humble, the Kroon and Bob since Fred left and thought I've finally found a station that made me laugh out loud also made me think about issues that were happening around Toronto. I had tried listening to Mike and Erin on that other station and found them boring. (I now find Coop's voice irritating). As for 104.5....well, Roger, Rick and Marilyn just talk way too much and you might get a song every 10 minutes.
Humble and his gang just the right "mix" of songs, banter and information. I met them in March at the $25,000 prize draw and found them to be as nice in person as they were on air. I will miss them and I know there's a hell of a lot more people out there who just haven't posted but will boycott MIX 99.9 as well.
All the best Howard, Judy and Bob. I'm sure you guys will reappear on air at another station, hopefully still together to keep the chemistry going.
Now, let me see....what was JACK FM's frequency again?

Good luck Humble, Judy, and Bob. You were the only reason I tuned in to 99.9. Mix is off my presets.

Damn it all. Go on vacation and Howard gets the boot........just like last year with Fred. I thought something was up but it only damned on me yesterday what it might be...........thank god for Google.

Howard, if you are reading this............thanks. You made me laugh and even sometimes cry.

I wish you well and I sincerely hope you, Fred (man do I miss him), Judy and Bingo Bob return.......somewhere other than the MIX.

In the meantime........guess that leaves me with Ted Wolosyn and the old 'RB.

Good luck.

I'm yet another disillusioned Howard, Fred, Judy and Bob fan. I have read all of the previous postings and I find comfort knowing that other listeners have stated what I've been feeling.

Initially, I just thought that the Mix was being kind to its employees by giving them extended vacation time with their friends/families. They even implied that saying "We're not like the OTHER radio stations." How misleading and unfair to their listeners and more importantly, to their former employees.

The radio business is truly strange in that way; much like my bank reps who keep changing without notification to the customer. Whatever has happened to "customer service" in our society?!

I have been a long time listener of Howard and Fred, and of the Mix. Like others, I have tolerated the constant replay of revolving songs simply because I enjoyed listening to certain sexy, calming voices and to the morning show's fun, upbeat humour.

At the risk of repeating so many others, I too would like to wish Howard, Fred, Judy and Bob all the best. Enjoy the rest of summer, if you can, and good luck with your future endeavours.

I will miss your morning show greatly. If the four of you got back together, that would be wonderful. I won't get my hopes up, though. I sincerely hope you each find something that makes you happy and sustains you and your family.

Thank you, Howard, Bob, Judy and Fred, for working so hard and making us laugh in the morning. You have informed us and more importantly, you have entertained us during the most hectic time of the day.

I wish you much happiness and success!

Humble, Judy, Bob....you were the ONLY good part of that station. I wanna know about FARTLIF!!! Was so excited to get into the car on Monday the 17th to hear about the trip and the crazy things that Randy, Charlie and Spencer did. I'll miss the sleepy phone calls to Randy and all your humour and wit! One word for you Humble....SIRIUS. You and Fred should rise together again!!! Good thing I just subscribed because aside from 680 I'm out of a local station!

Looks like I'm the only one not surprised by this.

I listened to CFNY since Pete & Geets, through Steve Anthony to H&F, followed H&F to 640 and then the Mix. Never liked the music at 999, but couldn't stand Dean. But when Fred "left" it sounded like the morning show was trying to appeal to women: it got softer. Between features like "The Slime that Men Do" and incessant chatter about American/Canadian Idol, I gave up on the show altogether. Well, I returned every day at 7:45 for the Humble Report, but I stopped even that because it grew less topical and more celebrity-focused.

I now tolerate Dean, Todd, and Danger Boy (who's Jason?). The call-in bits are tedious, but Dean has an, um, edge that reminds me of the old Howard.

But I would love H&F to return to the FM dial, play some decent music, and bring back the edgy humour, topical guests, and if it's not too much trouble, Fred's comments. That's all I ask.

Nix the Mix.

I have to add my comment about how shocked and disappointed I am to hear that Howard, Judy and Bingo Bob have been fired. I can't count the number of times I laughed out loud on my way to work in the morning. I won't be listening to the new team, I can tell you that! And I will never forget the great story Humble told about the time he played that song for his daughters;I think of him every time I hear that song! Humble, Judy and Bob--be well and I'll be listening for you!

I can't BELIEVE it! I noticed others talking about Jesse and Gene as well as Humble and Fred. I, like many, have jumped from station to station looking for any of these guys. Now Howard is gone too. Guess I will just wait to figure out where he's gonna pop up next - screw the Mix - there is NO WAY I am listening to Mad Dog and Billie. Couldn't stand them on KISS 92 - couldn't wrap my head around how they got on to CHFI - now I have to leave the Mix too because I can't get away from them.

Very disappointed. Bad move MIX - you're losing a whole lotta listeners.

Its too bad these radio stations are firing good dj's and blaming them for poor ratings etc. , there is only one reason why ratings are dropping....SATELLITE.

Howard and the crew (including Fred) should really consider moving to salellite and possibly getting a show, these guys uncensored would be great. Nothing too vulgar like STERN, but just enough to make it real...something we could listen to at work.

I'm not alone, I thought I was the only one who was jonesing for the H-H Morning Show. I thought there was something hinky on July 17 when no one was there. I was looking forward to all the details on FARTLIF!!! I sent a note to Bob and his out of office said he'd be back on the 31st. That was yesterday... then I googled Humble Howard, and then I found out. Howard,Judy, Bob, I will miss you. Every day I sat on the GO train from Oakville to Union and laughed out loud. What a great way to spend the morning. All the best, Get a website and keep us posted on your whereabouts. For the record, I will no longer be listening to Mix999.

I can't believe it... I've listened to Humble and Fred since high school on the old CFNY - remember all the voices Fred did? All the crank calls? "When there's a bluebird singing on your windowpane, and the sun shines bright all day for you .. don't forget boy, look over your shoulder cause there's always someone coming after you ... " ! That song seems a little prophetic now, doesn't it? Humble, we'll miss you. I really enjoyed the banter you had with Judy and Bob (and of course with our dear Freddy P). Steve Anthony does not make for a good morning man - I was so happy to hear when you were on vacation that he was only filling in - he made a terrible VJ too. Turned the TV channel everytime he showed up .. ick .. but there was a bright spot .. Humble Howard was coming back .. now what? You think I was listening to the Mix for it's music?? Sorry, but I can't tune in to Dean Blundel - too disgusting for the morning show (or afternoon, or evening for that matter). After so many years, I will truly miss you guys. You made me laugh, and cry (think of the Sick Kids' marathon - sorry I couldn't listen very long to those - hard to drive when you can't see through tears). I'm just stunned. Mix 99.9 you really screwed up. Humble, I'll follow you wherever you go.

One question - did Psychic Nikki see this coming?

Mix this, I will never listen to Mad Hog and Jilly.
Just what we need another CHUM-FM where they read jokes
off a cue card. No thanks.
Hey Howard say hi to Fred and let us all know where you end up.
Your fans will miss you.
mk

Hey Kelly, good point about Nikki (I could have done with less of her).

I like that bluebird ditty... also this one (Corky & Juice Pigs?) "It's Humble and Fred (Humble and Fred). It's Humble and Fred (Humble and Humble and) Humble and Fred! They'll walk right up to your Dad... and check out his brand new rake, they're Humble and Humble and Fred.

Good times.

Kevin, the Bluebird ditty was from the old Humble and Fred segment "Mr. Goohead" .. not sure if they did that stint on the Mix or if it was from CFNY, but certainly a favourite .. :)

Well i have read all of the posts here as well. I am sending an e-mail to the mix right now to let them know i am not happy. I hope Humble & Fred reappear somewhere. Wherever they do i will find them.

Well...the Mix has lost another listener. I won't support a station that clearly dosen't know what entertainment is. I have spent many a morning laughing out loud listening to Humble and crew. I don't ever remember another team that has made me laugh so much. You guys will be missed greatly. What are they thinking bringing in Mad Dog and Billie? Pretty tasteless in my books. Good luck to you Howard, Judy, Bob and of course Freddie P. I will tune in again once I know where you are! :0)

Wow, way to go MIX.
Thanks Mike for hosting this, and thank god for Google.

Interesting, MIX says it's losing listeners and trying to grab more of another demographic.... Didn't MIX listeners break all records for raising money for Sick Kids? Wasn't that awesome?!

I started a new job just over a year ago that involved a lengthy commute each day. At first it was unbearable but then I found the morning show and found great comfort in Humble, Fred, Judy and Bingo Bob. The Humble report was always pretty silly but I looked forward to it each day none the less, it also helped me determine whether I was late for work depending on where I was when it came on.
Compared to many of you I am a very new listener but with the morning crew gone (fired in such a disturbing manner) I as well will now look to satellite radio and CD's for my drive.
Thanks for the morning chats guys! All the best!

I just wanted to say that I have listened to Humble and Fred for many years and followed them to each station they moved to. At one point between their moves, I listened to Mad Dog and Billy and couldn't be happier to leave.. Mad Dog wasn't funny and Billy was just downright stupid. No consideration to anyone that was listening. I don't even find her funny, just annoying.

I have switched my radio station to something I don't even remember after I leave the house. Desparately seeking a station... Where are you Humble Howard!!!!

Howard if you are reading... You will be greatly missed as you can see from the above.

Mix 99.9 and Mad Dog and Billy - No way.. not happening.

Well not much I can add to this great blog.
but MIX..you really missed the boat on this one.

Maybe you should look at replacing Steve???

I could only listen to the morning show. It was great. the rest is where you lost your listeners.

The only good thing is I will never have to again hear

"if it wasnt for you being out there..there would be no reason for me being in here"

Your night time listenership is what was down......

good luck.. you will need it with MD & B ....

Kelly, thank you for reminding me of the Mr. Goohead theme song. Hearing it in my head makes me smile.

As I mentioned here, I listened to the Humble and Fred Show mornings on CFNY for over a decade. It was the radio program I awoke to during my formative years. I enjoyed their folksy charm, sense of humour and the tunes played in between. Throughout the 90s there was no better Toronto radio show in the mornings.

This page got me thinking. Blogging is definitely social. Humble is aware of this page and I'm certain he's checking in. Your voices will be heard. Thank you for sharing.

I want Howard, Fred, Judy Croon, and Bob to join forces to develop their own show. This means they have no boss, but the listeners feedback via phone and e-mail. Howard, I think that you should brainstorm with your other collegues and start making phone calls with your numerous contacts. Not sure, if the show should be on tv or radio, but gain consistent fans (that you already have) while you are in the spotlight. Kick some 99.9 a** blow them out of the water. I'm thinking late night talk show host (but have a structured and organized program format to utilize your talents) where you can interview the big stars and the up & coming ones too.
Anyways, food for thought...and best wishes.

I think they should start their own RADIO station!

If Humble Howard really does read this blog as your comments above suggests, I hope he knows that he will be missed. His humour combined with Bob and Judy was always a great way to start the day especially during the dreadful morning drive. We miss you.

I'm very happy that Howard is aware of this page. We need a Bring Back The Humble Howard Morning Show Petition. I know I'd sign! But only if Fred came back too. I miss him as well.

It's comforting to know there are some many people out there that feel the same way I do. Humble and Fred were like family to me. I looked forward to listening to them every morning on my drive to work. I have a hard time understanding how the ratings for their show could be so low. Where do they get their figures from anyway?? I couldn't believe my ears the day I heard that Fred was gone. I actually shed a tear or two. And now Humble too?? I just keep hoping that they will be back together on the air soon. I need my morning laughter! I can't handle the lame attempts of humour from the other stations.

I'm sad to here that the show is gone :( I first listened to H&F about 8 years ago give or take.

I wont be tuning into the Mix anymore.

Well, the Mix announced a "Summer Vacation" during which the DJs were off...This was the perfect opportunity to make changes and improve the station. So, what did they do? They got rid of the only solid DJ on the station and kept, of all people, Steve Anthony! I expect that the people running the Mix should be experts but, I think they've gone the wrong way on this one. Get rid of Steve and bring Humble back...That would be a start!

Add another former mix listener to the list. Howard, I hope I can tune into your show again on another spot on the dial.

Sorry to hear the news....I've been a listener since you went on the air at 99.9 and this blows.You, Judy and Bingo made up a great morning crew.Looks like Mix is going to loose another listener.You hang in there buddy.I'll miss your wifes nointy-noin noin saying.

I have to say I am very disappointed. I have been a loyal fan of Howards since his days at 102.1 and then Mojo Radio. In my opinion Humble and Fred were the best morning show ever. I adjusted to Fred being gone but I can't imagine not starting my day listening to Howard. He is the sole reason why I started listening to the Mix in the first place.

As for Mad Dog and Billie ..... I wouldn't listen to them if my life depended on it. Time to find a new radio station.

If you're reading this Howard, know that your fans love you and support you. Until your next venture...

I give Mad Dog and Billie a year at the most. Not a good move. by the way what's with the "Mad Dog" name? Isn't that a bit juvenile

It was a very sad Monday morning this week. Figured something was up when Howard didn't return from his vacation.

I will miss listening to Howard, Judy & Bob every morning on the way to work. I will no longer listen to the Mix no matter what time of day it is.

680 News or CDs it is!

Howard, Judy & Bob, all the best. Hope to hear all of you, + Fred on another station real soon!

When the MIX realizes the error in their ways and offer all of you your jobs back, tell them to go to hell!

Another ex-Mix listener. Have been reading the comments on this page since the first day the team disappeared from the air. Will miss them all, and hoping for a return somewhere shortly.

Not sure what the Mix was thinking with this move, that would be assuming that they were. They're not going to gain any ground on Chum or Chfi with this new team. Also not sure why you would really want a younger audience, not too many advertisers are ready to dump a bucket of cash into that demographic. I smell a change of format coming.

*sigh* even sadder (and probably adding insult to injury) is when I heard Maura Grierson saying how happy! and excited!! she was that MD & B were coming to the Mix!!! Sorry, sounds a little sugary and unbelievable to me ...

No More 'Humble Report' = Back to sports radio for me

My letter to the programming director...

Dear Ms Steele;

If Mike Boon's blog is anything to go by, I'd say you're likely getting a lot of "fan feedback" regarding your decision to let Humble, Judy and Bob go.

I'm sorry that you felt the need to make that change. I was fired recently - I was told after I relocated 250km and moved away from my family, got a house and started to settle into my new community. Six months after I started the job that moved me so far from home, I was told that I just "didn't fit in" in the office.

The reason I'm telling you that is because the one thing that held constant for me as I moved, was my morning radio show. I listened to Humble and Fred, and then Humble, Judy and Bob back home and then when I moved east of Toronto, I was happy that I was still close enough to you to enjoy their morning show as I got ready in the morning and on my drive in to work. It was comforting. When I was let go, I listened to them as I searched for a new job. I really enjoyed their humor - the way they made me laugh and I didn't have to put up with any crude comments, any disrespectful language. I really enjoyed the way they worked together, they were 'happy' to listen to. They made me happy. When they were raising money for sick kids they often made me cry - but it was a good cry.

Thinking about it, I've listened to Mix 99.9 since before I was in college. I remember trying not to be offended by Freeway Frank when he was on late at night, I remember thinking 'at least they've got a good morning show'. After college, the only time I really listened to the radio consistently was in the morning. And your morning show was good. With Humble and Fred your morning show was *really* good. When Humble, Judy, and Bob hit their stride, the morning show became fantastic, and I found myself waking up earlier just to listen longer.

The Humble Howard Morning Show had the perfect chemistry, it was humor I could share with my fiancee, jokes I could share at work, and stories I could repeat to my parents. It made me happy to listen. It wasn't about the music, it was about the hearts of the people playing it.

I hope the team lands on their feet. I hope they end up working for another radio station that is within range of where I live now. I know I'll be looking for them, because my dial certainly won't be pausing near 99.9 anymore.

Good luck with your decision, I hope it works out for you.

Sincerely,

T M

Wow. The mix wants a "younger" demographic? I truly enjoyed the H+F Show and I'm only 26....Maybe that's too old for them.

As everyone else has already said.......MAD DOG WHO?? I followed Humble (& Fred) to the Mix and I will continue to follow them wherever they go. It's very disappointing that they don't give people a chance to say goodbye or offer an explanation. Good luck with your listenership Mix, it's going to tank out even worse now!!!

Just wanted to drop off my comments too ~

I felt like something was up early, and spent ages on the 'net looking for confirmation or denial. I've listened to H&F since the beginning, and if i'm at all lucky we'll all be listening to them, Judy and Bob again soon.

I can't add much that hasn't been said, so i won't bother trying too much. My wife was pissed when she found out, and that's given me the chance to throw my money down on XM until we hear something about the fella's (and Judy, of course).

I'll miss everyone from the show while they're gone though... thanks for the memories .. (Anyone else remember the *flush* from that first move? It brought a smile for me then, and it'll do much the same now, i think. As 'in-jokes' go, Feddy P's Toilet Comment said it all...)

Be well guys.

It's hard to believe with all this feedback, that it wouldn't make a difference to the Mix. I think they have really screwed up big time. I can't believe I've written the station a dozen times, read all of this blog and actually teared up at the thought of Humble, Fred & Judy being history. That just goes to show what a part of our lives they have become. Mix has screwed up royally, I'm in the market for a new station. Madd Dog and Billy have big shoes to fill - I don't think they're up for the job.

No more filling out on-line music survey's - they were a pain, but I was grateful at the chance to offer input. If input REALLY mattered, Humble, Fred & Judy would still be on the morning show.

Goodbye Mix

All I have to say is the Mix has lost another listener. Howard, you were the only reason I tuned in the mornings.

Uh ya... the Mix? You're FIRED!

Howard, I'll miss you and your possee in the AM. I don't get it. Your morning show was the only reason I tuned in to the Mix at all... DESPITE the crap music played on the station. Unbelievale that management doesn't get it that the reason for low ratings is the crap music, not your morning show. Screw 'em!
IPOD, here I come!

What can I say that hasn't already been posted - except that you can add my name as another disappointed 99.9 listener. Actually I only became a 99.9 listener when Humble and Fred made the move there. I was shocked when it became the Humble Howard morning show but still listened every morning. Let me emphasize morning because the dial changed in the afternoon. Now there's no reason to listen so my presets will be changed. I hope that Humble (and Fred?) land in another spot soon and that the word spreads quickly to those of us who have been loyal listeners so I don't have to keep searching and wondering.

I heard one of the ads for Mad Dog and Billie today and it made me both sad and angry. One of the comments was something like "we don't sound like parents doing a morning show". Was that a shot at Humble? I loved it when he told stories about his kids and when he called them up.

I am so disappointed. I switched from CHUM FM to the Mix because I couldn't stand Roger, Rick and Marilyn anymore. I found that I really enjoyed Howard in the morning and now he is gone!! Well, the MIX has just lost another listener. I hope Howard will show up on some other station, that will become my new favourite station. Thanks for all the laughs Howard.

Another fan of Humble, Bob and Judy who is extremely pissed about how this has happened. And another former Mix listener -- won't tune in now, no matter how much I hate Roger, Rick and Marilyn.

Mad Dog and Billie? Please. Dumb ass and whiny spoiled chick - haven't they been fired from every station they've worked for??? Ummm...maybe there's a reason? They suck ass!!!

I just returned from my summer vacation all set to listen to my one and only morning show. I can't stand Steve Anthony and was so looking forward to hearing about Humble Howard's Vacation. Then, the devastating news! And what is with Mad Dog and Billie? What radio station haven't they been fired from? I have erased the Mix from my programmed list, and now search for another show to fill the gap. I hope Humble and Fred return to the air soon! Good luck to Howard, Judy and Bob. You have a huge fan base and I know you will land on your feet. As for the MIX, you lost another listener. I doubt that you care, but I am in the younger demographic. Not sure who it is you want to listen? You might want to do something about Steve Anthony and Freeway Frank and the repititive song choices.

A few months ago I started a new job that requires me to work steady afternoons. Waking up just as the Humble Howard show was ending, I was suffering from withdrawal symptoms - asking myself - I wonder what Humble, Judy & Bob talked about today? Did they read my "Slimey Men" story on air? Are they sharing great soup or dip recipes that I didn't get?? Am I missing out on all the fun??? aahhhhh I was going crazy!!! I was just about to rig up some way to tape the whole show from beginning to end to get my fix of GOOD RADIO & A GUARANTEED LAUGH when BAM! - this happens! what the hell is the MIX thinking?

Like many of you I am also a loooong time listener of the Humble & Fred team... even received my official Humble & Fred stock (which might have been the last one issued cause they nixed that soon after I got it - hhhmmmm I wonder what it's worth now??) I enjoyed the fact that if Humble, Judy & Bob were talking about something, they welcomed our calls & comments and they actually picked up the phone to talk to us... that's what made them feel like family... there was a 2-way conversation happening - you weren't just being talked TO but rather talking WITH them...

well what to do now? I guess just hope and pray with the rest of you that some smarter radio station jumps on this opportunity and picks them up... and perhaps call in to ummmm what's their names? Mud Dog and Boobie? and tell them on-air how much THEY SUCK!!! tee hee hee... wouldn't that be funny if we ALL did that!! *evil grin*

p.s. to MIX 99.9 - YOU SUCK!!! oh yeah - and it's not really a MIX if it's played 10 times a day!!

p.p.s. to Howard - if you're reading this, please email me re: the book cause I had an idea for another one for charity that I wanted to chat to you about and it would be more appropriate now than ever...

The recycling of radio hosts is not new to Toronto and sadly, I am getting a bit desensitized to it. We have seen it before with Erin Davis from 98.1(CHFI) in 2003 after 15 years of service who then left to join Mike Cooper on 97.3 (EZ Rock) in 2004 and then both Erin and Mike returning back to CHFI in 2005; John Oakley of AM640 who prior to 2003 used to work at the rival CFRB station; Bill Carroll of CFRB who prior to this worked at both AM640 and Q107. It seems there is a pool of on-air talent that Toronto stations are allowed to pull from. Here are some others who have also been recycled, Bob Christie, John Derringer, Stu & Colleen and once again Mad Dog & Billie.
In radio, formats change all the time. Often their strategy is to attract a larger audience, keep up the motivation and creativity. I imagine that these things are crucial to morning radio.
The thing that I get from reading the comments that have been flying in since Mike first asked, “ Humble Howard, are you okay ” is that Howard definitely delivered creative jumpstarts to his listeners day. He definitely had a captive audience as reflected by the genuine outpouring of fans in this forum. I believe Howard will definitely be okay and as Mix 99.9 changes their format, fans will follow Howard to his next destination to continue to spend time with the person who makes them laugh and to hold onto the special moments that he has shared in their lives. Time will tell in the years to come how memorable and productive these format changes are.

When I moved to Toronto a year and a half ago one thing that kept me grounded from all the stress of moving, getting used to my new job, and being away from my familiy was listening to the Mix. I fell in love with the morning show immediately, and that's big for me considering that I am NOT a morning person. My bf then moved to Toronto just before the whole controversy of Fred began. Dispite our disappointment, we continued to listen to the morning show because the team was such a solid team: Howard, Judy, Bob.

Our morning routine always consisted of listening to The Humble Report. We loved hearing Howard's wife and children come on the radio, hearing of all the great things the crew participates in (Ping Ping for lunch thing, Sick Kids, etc), and all the crazy things they talk about at ungodly times of the morning. Now, with not one, but ALL of them gone, rest assured that I will no longer be tuning in to The Mix anymore. They were the reasons I chose The Mix in the first place.

If all of this change is to attract new listeners, what are the plans to retain the veteran listeners? Is losing the loyal Humble and Crew listeners worth the new listeners that you may or may not be attracting?

It's already been said. Miss Fred, love Howard, will follow you to listen so keep your fans posted.

mix has definelty lost our family - oh, howard...we miss you and your stuff. I was so looking forward to hearing about the Road trip of a life time. I kept listening to hear when you'd be back and when my daughter clued into what was happening, not to sound meladramatic, but I felt empty. I'm so mad - You guys kept me going through a hard year. (I still miss Fred's recipes) Mix no longer exists in my car or at home....I can't wait until you and the gang find a brand new location....we'll be there!!

Great job Mix. Way to boost your ratings. Hire the two people that have already failed on other stations. You might as well have hired a couple 13 year olds. the level of maturity is comparable.
Sincerely,
ChumFM's newest listener

What the heck am I supposed to listen to now.

Definately not Mix 99.9.

I miss Humble and Fred.

So here's how I figure it went down: "Hey, our playlists are pretty much Coldplay and that new song by Mobile... and there's too much advertising... nothing to draw in young people... what else can we do to screw ourselves over??" "Oh Oh I know! Let's get rid of the only funny or even remotely edgy thing keeping this station from being freaking CHFI and then watch as our station sinks!!" "I LIKE it. You have a big future in this company kid." Then they all sat around eating donuts and laughing like those crazy old rich guys in movies, while sprikles spew out of their mouths.

I'm of the generation that outgrew Mad Dog and Billie when we were eleven, so the execs are about a DECADE behind the times. Looks like the Edge now has no competition in the 'pre-set wars' in the car. Don't worry Howard-- Toronto fans are intense about their radio and I'm sure you'll be back on your feet soon!

Howard I can't beleive it. I'm crushed. I switched to the Mix during Mat. leave. The only time I could listen to the radio was Saturday morning on my long drive up north and the best of Humble and Fred was my connection to morning radio.

My suggestion to everyone is to write the mix and protest by not listening.

After CHFI realized that loosing Erin Davis was one of the biggest mistakes they ever made they hired her back. Maybe we can force them to do the same with Humble. (I don't know if he would go back???? But isn't it worth a shot.)

Howard we miss you and let us know if you find another station beacuse it is very clear that all of us will be there!

Well, the stats are in. Humble and the gang (including Fred) are missed. No reason left to listen to morning radio. Good luck to all. Hope some station out there is reading this -- get the team back on in the mornings. Instant ratings!

Humble and Fred was the best show on that station. There's no way he (and the others) should've been let go, but I guess that's radio. Hey Mix why don't you hire "Tarzan Dan" and make it a an even bigger disaster

The newest Edge Listener

S.

My morning drive will never be the same. Any chance you and Fred would commute or, better yet, MOVE to Buffalo? Our morning radio SUCKS....

I'm still not used to Fred being gone. Now without Howard there's not a morning show worth listening to.

Why fix what's not broken?

Why is it always so easy for management to fire people because sales or productivity isn't as good as they would like, instead of finding where the problem is and working with the people at hand to find a solution? Oh, sorry, that would involve them actually having to put out some energy! (Oh, I'm sorry, did that seem bitter?)I have been listening to the Mix in the morning and was just about to email them to ask "What is with this horrible early morning music? Every song is about feeling so bad, gonna feel bad, wanna feel bad or goona make someone else feel bad." Then I wondered "Hey, where's Humble? He's been gone forever!" And, when I googled about Humble, I found, "Yes, yes he has gone forever." Well, Mix 99.9, I have been an avid listener for years. My first disappointment was when you fired Fred, and now Humble. So, Mix 99.9....You're fired! As of today, you are written off my radio list. Fool me once...shame on you. Fool me twice....shame on me!
Bye, Bye!

Listening to the Humble Howard Morning show was always a great start to my day! When Fred left i was upset, but adjusted to having just Howard. Howard, you said it how it is, and always got a laugh out of us. When you did not come back from vacation i was upset and that was all i was talking about. I even called MIX and gave them a big mouthfull! I am sure i was not the only one. Please keep us posted with an update on how you are doing. I am no longer going to be listening to the MIX there is no point!

Humble, the mix will never be the same (you were the MIX!). You are what made driving in traffic every morning bearable... Drivers of Toronto beware... Humbles no longer on the air!!! I wish you and your family all the best! A prize like you will bounce back, you meant too much to to many... just don't go down without a fight! We won't!

The morning show will never be the same without Humble, Judy and Bingo Bob. I agree Mad Dog and Billy dont' cut it. No more Mix for me.

Apparently after reading all of these comments, Humble Howard is more than popular in Toronto! The Mix need to sort themselves out, because it seems to me that they are losing more listeners than they are going to gain by "laying off" Humble. Humble Howard, Judy and Bob are the only people who can actually make my mornings in traffic enjoyable, and like others, I was awaiting their return from vacation with eager ears. Naturally I was very upset on the 17th when the whole "summer vacation" started, and even more annoyed when they announced "Mad Dog and Billie". Yet another listener moving on - it's just crappy that every other morning show in Toronto sucks! Hope everything works out for the three of you, and I will be listening for you to come back with the most kick ass morning show Toronto will ever hear!
Cheers
Mel

They say laughing is so good for you. Some days I'm so blue, that Humble Howard was the only person who would make me laugh all day (and he would make me laugh several times every morning).
I couldn't wait until the DJ's came back from "their vacation" this summer. I've been missing Humble so much, I was going to start getting up at 5:30 just so I'd be able to hear the whole show (when he gets back). Too bad MIX was lying! I'm very disappointed to hear Humble (&Fred) were fired. I'm not listening to the Mix anymore. The music was starting to suck anyway. The good DJ's were the only thing that made it worth staying. And Humble, you were the best, you are the best. I hope you re-surface on the radio. In the mean time, I've found a new interest in CBC. I guess that's where I'll turn.
I'll sure miss the laughs though. :o(

To the Mix 99.s--t.
You are just scrambling. I don't believe you know what you're doing at all! And your method of firing people just coming back from, or going on vacation is pathetic.Firing Howard when he was at Disneyland with his kids! Bob and his lovely bride Laura were just a day away from going on a long awaited vacation to Europe. Mix 99.s--t you really do stink.I'm disgusted.

Humble's show was the only reason I listened to the Mix. I'm so disappointed!!! Humble, let us know where you and the crew end up!

Like others before me have said...I'm switching back to CHUM, maybe even back to CHFI - stopped listening to that when they canned Erin Davis and haven't found my way back since her return, I've enjoyed Humble and Judy & Bob too much. Guess it's time to make that change. It sucks, but the Mix has left me no other choice....I teach Kindergarten and don't have to deal with the immaturity of likes of Madd Dog and Billie.

Hey, let's get over it. We are not going to listen to the MIX. (It was just pure crap throughout all of July. I slept in frequently). Let's get Howard, Judy, Bingo and of course, Fred back on the air in the GTA.

too bad about the change. Actually liked listening to the show and was surprised about the change

I heard a MIX ad that Mad Dog & Billie will be on in the morning next week. As I say in one post in my blog "GOOD RIDDANCE MIX!" And I also phoned the number they gave on air(416-323-5420)telling them(Mad Dog & Billie)though no disrespect meant no Humble Howard means I won't be listening to their program. Yes, I really did phone and tell them why they won't have me as a listener.
I've been a loyal Humble & Fred listener since their EDGE days and wherever Humble & Fred go is the station I tune into(I even listened to crappy MOJO Radio just because Humble & Fred were there).
Besides, it would've been nice if MIX had the guts to give advance notice to loyal Humble Howard listeners that he won't be there anymore.

NIX the MIX for sure, we need wit not twits!!!! The commercials for Mad Dog & Billie are MORE than enough to ensure I remove 99.9 from my preset buttons....
Can't chance having to hear even a moment of that.

Plus, I never got a free MIX Humble & Fred condom. lol

Best Wishes to you and your family Howard, you will be sadly missed.
I hope to hear you and Fred back together sometime soon.

I heard that Y108 in Hamilton are interested in bringing back the Humble and Fred show. If there's any truth to that e-mail the station and let them know how you feel.

Well,

What to say?

It was very helpful to read Howard’s article on his recent experience.

Like the legions before me on this post, I too will be another person who steps away from 99.9 because of this event. Wonder if these folks have already recognised their mistake?

In all of the cities I have lived, I have to say that the Humble Howard radio show impressed me the most. Actually, I did not recognise how good the Humble and Fred show was until after I returned to Toronto last year... and then it was not the same but the version on was still great! I have been a loyal listener since my first week back. Sadly, it only took me a couple of years to figure out I had missed a lot while in Toronto the last time when I had not listened to H&F.

So what happens now? For me, I will totally change my car and home radio listening habits.

For Howard, I predict time will show this unexpected change of job locations will result in a better situation(only when he, and only he, is ready for it).

Best of luck, Howard! I look forward to discovering what you do in the next chapter of your life.

You are one impressive radio professional! Congrats for this accomplishment!!

Know you will have a very fine weekend enjoying the time with your family and close friends.

Dean

Well Humble I will miss you...I went back to 99.9 when you started, not sure where I will go now. I was "let go" from a company a year ago after 25 years of hard work and dedication. It is interesting how those hard won business relationships are gone in an instant. Well there is life after getting the boot. Its a great time to re-evaluate what is important in your life, what means the most and to remind yourself that work is a means to an end.

I missed Fred, and I will miss you. I enjoyed not only your sense of humor but also your sense of family. You will show up somewhere and I promise to find you. Thanks for all the mornings you woke me up.

No matter what remember your sense of slef...that's what's important. Enjoy the summer, hug your kids and love your wife. Take care the Universe will give you what you want and what you need. K

I can't believe the MIX thought for a second that firing the BEST part of their station was going to help matters. The music has definitely gone downhill over the past couple of years, and I'm not going to put up with it anymore if there is no Humble and Fred Show. I may even just set my cellphone alarm to wake me up, because I will never find another morning show that is even half as good. Especially by having his wife and kids speak on the show on occasion, I felt that us as an audience could connect with Howard on a personal level. It really felt as though it was one of our friends on the radio, not just some DJ whom we knew nothing about. I know it is just a matter of time before another station picks up the team--hopefully the whole team--and I know I'd follow them anywhere that my clock radio can pick up from Hamilton. The MIX really dropped the ball with this one. I hope the whole team knows that if the MIX wasn't attracting new listeners, it had nothing to do with them, it was the music. Any station that picks them up will be lucky. They'll gain truckloads of loyal Humble and Fred fans, and maybe attract new ones. I won't say any clichés as I'm sure you've heard them all but I certainly send my best to Howard and his family and the rest of the team's families as well.

Now what the #$#$ am I going to do. I wake up to Howard every morning - my drive into work is long enough - Howard made it awesome - I would sing, laugh, call in, win a lunch for the office. I LOVE HOWARD. Howard if you are reading this, please let us know which radio station you are at and I will certainly convert and I am sure many others would.

My friends joke that it is the Humble Howard and Linda show.

I have been sending emails to 99.9 since July 17th - WHERE IS HUMBLE HOWARD????

LOVE YOU HOWARD
ALL THE BEST
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXXOXOXOXOXO

All I kept thinking was "Shouldn't Humble be back from Florida by now" and then I heard Mad Dog and Billie were taking that time slot and I thought "did I just hear that correctly" so I googled it and found the national post's article. How devastating....what a huge mistake the Mix has made. Humble, Judy and Bob (& Fred)were the best!! I know that I will not be listening to Mix anymore.

Did Mr. Holiday really say: ("Howard's a really good guy," "I feel really bad about it. It's kind of a drag.") Is he for real???? What a @#%!*#ing creep!!! When I heard about how humble's family reacted I cried my eyes out and to read Mr. Holidays quote saying it's "kind of a drag". WOW....unbelievable!!! ....just sounds really cold to me.....what a BIG jerk! I'll never listen to the Mix again!

SI

Well like most of you I am in the same boat. No Humble Howard means no Mix 99.9 for me. I guess it's back to Am 640 for me. Mix 99.9 sucks.

Beth

Well, just like everyone else here, I'm shocked. I actually just got back on line and one of the 1st things I did was google humble howard. I'm shocked! I became a mix listener around Christmas as I was sick of 104.5 and found the mix morning show really enjoyable, funny, and many of my friends also listened which gave us something to talk about. I really missed the show in July and now have no morning show to listen to. Mix, you made a very bad decision. You just lost yet another listener.

I'm one of the many of you that has followed Howard (and Fred) with each station move. When finding out that they turfed Fred, I just had this horrible feeling that they would bide their time and let go of Howard as well. In reading the entries here, the one that made me laugh was the letter from Sandy to the Mix along with the response. Just shows how what the radio station thinks of their listeners.

Bingo Bob - best of luck - just saying your name makes me smile.

Judy - I have been a huge fan since following you around Yuk Yuk's. Even now thinking about your Pacer makes me laugh.

Howard - you are such a talented radio personality and we can't wait to find you at your new media post. Besides your obvious radio talent, you are a wonderful man. The work that you have done for your community is far beyond what others do.

There is no amount of antacid that could help me stomach Mad Dog and Billie.
I'm loading up the ipod as well speak. Buh-bye Mix.

hey mike
wow. It's amazing what your blog has been generating. I just want to thank everyone who has been voiceing their support for Judy, Bob and me. Much appreciated. We all got together last night at Bingo's and drank like Canadians and laughed and bitched and moaned and parted ready to move on. We will keep in touch and hopefully soon I'll be able to let you all know how you can keep up with me on my own site.

Mike thanks so much for having a place that allows me to hear from so many great people and keep up the awsome work here at Toronto Mike. If you want here's a reprint of my latest National Post article in case you have some space to fill.
all the best
howard
TORONTO NORTH !
For years I used to look sideways at the people who would trek “Up North” every weekend. I thought it was ridiculous to get on the 400 or 401 and leave a perfectly good city to go sit around some lake and get eaten by bugs while cooking burgers outdoors and sleeping in drafty huts. I know I know it’s a tradition around here cause you all grew up going to your grandparents leanto or some Muskoka Camp, but I’m from Moose Jaw and we didn’t really “summer on the lake” as much as we just took a couple month break between snow storms.
Well, I’m in. I’m now officially a Torontonian because I freaking love it up there.
I’ve lived here for 17 years but it wasn’t until about 4 summers ago that I started to slowly assimilate.
We rented a cottage…small cabin, nice lakefront-trees, loons and campfires.
I liked it. My kids loved it. I began to see.
Next summer we rented again, and we visited some friends and stayed overnight at their place. Hey this was fun. Warm days, boating, swimming, checking out little towns, everyone happy and laughing and starting to drink at noon!
“These people couldn’t be from Toronto”, I thought, we don’t act like this a few hours south of here.
That’s the key. We are different when we’re in the big city. “Up North” we don’t have to run at full impulse power, up here we slow down. After the drive that is.
The Drive.
Friday afternoon, the mad dash to get the hell out of town. That’s the part I could never get my head around, but like the rest of the city, I’ve learned to endure.
I used to mock my friends.
“Oh yeah, that sounds great, let’s just park on the 400 for 3 and half hours and then the fun begins?”
Well that was before I became Cottage Boy. Now the drive is just part of the deal and as soon as it’s over and I’m looking out on a lake, it’s forgotten.
Like a lot of you we rent a little place on a lake every year and a few other times a summer we are Cottage Glommers.
You may be unfamiliar with that name but believe me you know the concept. Cottage Glommers are Toronto people who don’t own their own place but Glom onto their friends that do. It’s a real HogTown tradition.
This past weekend we glommed at the family cottage of our friends Stinky and Lou Lou. (Not their real names!) They have a sweet place they share with Lou Lou’s parents Ed and Diane (Their real names) that has been in the Lou Lou family for nearly 80 years. The trick to successful Glomming is to be The PG. That’s the perfect guest to you non-glommers. I’m not completely clear on all the rules but they include not breaking things, bringing your own pillows, cleaning up after yourself and come with plenty of snacks and booze! We had a great time which included Stinky’s amazing ribs, my kids tubing, throwing sticks for his dog Hogan and hours just staring out at the lake.
That’s the part I’m just starting to get. The peacefulness and serenity. Sometimes you can just be sitting on a dock, staring out at nothing and everything at the same time and then it all makes sense. We reside in Toronto for a lot of reasons- the pace, the people the opportunities but every weekend or so we get out of the city and we’re just a bit different. For 48 hours we slow down and become something besides our big city selves. The week’s traffic and deadlines and noises and running around all melt away if only for a short time, but that’s what makes it so special.
I get it.
That’s why we all can’t wait to get up there every Friday…it let’s us not be from Toronto for a while.

I just got off the p