This has never happened to me before, I must confess.

For someone that has spent 5 decades plus doing this thing we love called radio I reckon’ that’s saying somethin’.

It’s been an exhaustingly emotional week for me and several dozen of my teammates. Our industry has been abuzz over the news that Salem was selling its seven Contemporary Christian music stations to EMF in one fell swoop. A huge industry story for sure but very personal to me and dozens of my teammates whose lives are impacted.

My relationship with Salem goes back 24 years when I was brought on to launch new CCM stations in Chicago, Cleveland, and Sacramento. Bloop bloop!*

14 years ago I joined the team at The Fish Atlanta, and eight years ago joined The Fish Portland and KLTY in Dallas-Ft. Worth, the latter a station that significantly impacted my desire to be involved in Christian music radio in the first place while I was programming 106.1 The Oasis in the market.

I’ve learned something through this process… such as what really matters in our format. And it’s not what most stations focus on. I’ll be sharing those observations in the coming few weeks.

But for now I want to pay tribute to my colleagues who handled this upheaval with integrity and class on the air.

My longtime friend Mike Blakemore put together a video of The Fish Atlanta talents’ last break on their last show. (You can watch the video).

Both KLTY in Dallas-Ft. Worth and The Fish Portland honored their listeners and former talent with on-air reunions. Their stories were soul stirring and powerful.

But this Frost Advisory is how these amazing talent honored their exit.

My friend Clint Hurdle, former major league player and manager, shared this insight in a recent post on X. (He’s worth following at @ClintHurdle13. You’ll be glad you did.).

“I’ve been fired 3 times. It’s how I know that getting fired isn’t the end it’s an opportunity to show who you really are. When life hands you a pink slip, honor the exit with grace, dignity, and professionalism. Don’t point fingers, don’t burn bridges, and don’t let disappointment define you. Instead, thank those who gave you the chance, hold your head high and look people in the eye on your way out Honor the exit and walk out knowing you gave everything you had.”

By the way, the folks at EMF also honored the exit with a tribute to the station they were taking over. I don’t recall hearing that before. A classy gesture.

*The “bloops” heard on numerous Fish stations these last 24+ years were created in studio by my big brother Cy who had a lengthy and award winning career in the music industry. Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, don’tcha know. Thanks, big brother.