New WGR lineup

[first_and_ten]

Question: How does Mike Schopp take a vacation on the week of the opening day? I am not saying that I will miss him, just saying, how? This is his career!! 

[GunnerBill]

29 minutes ago, Giuseppe Tognarelli said:

When was the Beane interview? I'd like to go back and listen to it. I must have missed it.

 

The day after cut downs. 

2 minutes ago, BTB said:

This ^.   No interest in a  variety of guests.  For years, it’s been a steady diet of Paul Hamilton, Sal, John Clayton, rinse and repeat. Oh, and some fantasy dork.  I’ve heard some of the young guns on the weekend, and they have had more variety in one show than Schoop has in a year.  Except for ***** canning Brad Riter off the evening show a while back, the Fab Four have remained constant. 

 

John Clayton is awful. He is comedy value. 

[SectionC3]

2 minutes ago, first_and_ten said:

Question: How does Mike Schopp take a vacation on the week of the opening day? I am not saying that I will miss him, just saying, how? This is his career!! 

It depends on whether this is a ratings period.  They usually can’t go on vacation during what’s called a “book.”  Not sure if fall book has started yet.  If it hasn’t, then it’s actually best for him to go now.  And, in any event, I think he’s at some fantasy sports nonsense this week.  So maybe they let him go even if they are in a book. 

[Giuseppe Tognarelli]

5 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

Bulldog is out there drowning in a pool of his own saliva and lack of English skills right now, alone on the afternoon show.

Dude, Bulldog is amazing right now.

5 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

Bulldog is out there drowning in a pool of his own saliva and lack of English skills right now, alone on the afternoon show.

Dude, Bulldog is amazing right now.

[Straight Hucklebuck]

3 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

To me, nobody is going through the motions more than "Bulldog".  He brings absolutely zero to the table.  He doesnt try to bring anything to the table.  Goes up into the attic at 3 sometimes and puts in his 3 hours or whatever of winging it.

 

Hearing him when he is alone is uncomfortable.  He just stammers around and cannot carry a show.

Absolutely and Amen brother.

 

Every chance he gets it’s a martyr story about him being extra careful with COVID, or how he just now figured out how to self checkout at the grocery store, or like you said, being in his attic for a year and half. 
 

He is just like Howard Simon. He wakes up about 1 minute before the show starts and has Mike set the table and discussion points.

Edited September 7, 2021 by Straight Hucklebuck

[Dukestreetking]

Fr a non-WNY perspective: I was not local for 25 yrs (btw, the day I came back I joined TBD, Oct 2019!).

 

Was overseas alot, so missed--yet craved--any Bills/NFL football.

 

So, my bottom line now: I am like a crack wh**e vis a vis WGR bills coverage.

 

I'll give you, ahem, whatever you want, just to get an extra 10m of S&B talking about FF (even though I dislike it) just cuz they may/may mention a Bills player.

 

I guess it's like that old Joni Mitchell song..."you don't know what you got til it's gone".

 

So, live joyously my brothers and sisters...these are the fricken' days.

 

[Straight Hucklebuck]

In the past I have defended Schopp because he does any of the lifting that show needs.

 

He talks first, sets all the topics, is the only one with any theories on sports.

 

But I agree with others, he has several segments per show where his goal is to waste as much time as possible.

 

The starts of the show usually take 15 minutes before a solid sports topic comes up. 
 

The segments from the half hour mark to the mid-40’s after are usually complete waste of time stories and this is seemingly getting worse.

[Estro]

5 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

To me, nobody is going through the motions more than "Bulldog".  He brings absolutely zero to the table.  He doesnt try to bring anything to the table.  Goes up into the attic at 3 sometimes and puts in his 3 hours or whatever of winging it.

 

Hearing him when he is alone is uncomfortable.  He just stammers around and cannot carry a show.

 

I second this sentiment.

 

I like BD playing off of Schoop, but when Schoop is out the show struggles to keep my attention, although he did have me going today setting the stage for the home opener.

 

I know Schoop is not everyone's cup of tea, but I like him.  Can he be a bit smug? Yes......but for the most part he's pretty honest and a lot of his takes are accurate.  His overall analytical take of the NFL and some of the sharper guests they auve has actually changed the way I view the game.

 

I appreciate his style and approach to viewing the game a lot more than I do the majority of the run of the mill, cliche type sports talk radio, you get down by me.

 

I do wish I could get in on a lot of those bets he throws out there to BD and sneaky Joe, because while smart he has a few blind spots I've picked up on over the years.

 

Sneaky Joe is good, I'll enjoy that new show. 

 

BTW, tough spot for all these radio guys. Most people dont have to worry about fans and or forums commenting on what they do and don't like about them.....so I do keep that in mind.

 

That said, don't get me started on Nate Geary. That kid needs to learn to listen and not overtalk everybody he's on air with. He's the one at WGR that I can't really listen to.....hes got that car salesmen delivery with an air of pretentiousness.

Edited September 7, 2021 by Estro

[BarleyNY]

2 hours ago, Giuseppe Tognarelli said:

When was the Beane interview? I'd like to go back and listen to it. I must have missed it.

Have you noticed One Bills Live hasn't taken a call in weeks? Chris Brown DM'd me and said people just aren't calling in.

I flipped it on when I was driving today and heard Tasker name several prominent Bills players, including “Mitch Morris”.  He enunciated it very clearly.  SMH

[78thealltimegreat]

9 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

FYI for those looking for Bills coverage:

 

6am-10am Howard and Jeremy (no change)

10am-12pm extra point show with Sal and sneaky Joe (now M-F)

12pm-1pm Instigators (an hour shorter, moved to first hour of OBL)

1pm-3pm One Bills Live (an hour shorter)

3pm-7pm Schopp (no change) 

4 hours of Schopp and Bulldog is 3:59 too long 

[YoloinOhio]

3 hours ago, CountDorkula said:

HOST: We've got John on the line, John you are on the Air.

 

John: AM I on the air?

 

HOST: Yes John you are on. 

 

{AWKWARD PAUSE}

 

John: Bills are going undefeated. Super Bowl Bills. KC was lucky to beat us

 

HOST: Thanks John.

 

We've got Mark Next, Mark.

 

{Repeat}

 

 

“John, John, turn your radio down.”

2 hours ago, Straight Hucklebuck said:

In the past I have defended Schopp because he does any of the lifting that show needs.

 

He talks first, sets all the topics, is the only one with any theories on sports.

 

But I agree with others, he has several segments per show where his goal is to waste as much time as possible.

 

The starts of the show usually take 15 minutes before a solid sports topic comes up. 
 

The segments from the half hour mark to the mid-40’s after are usually complete waste of time stories and this is seemingly getting worse.

Every time I listen to his show, he’s talking about either fantasy or betting. He needs to do a show only about that because it’s all he cares about.

Edited September 7, 2021 by YoloinOhio

[Peevo]

As someone who worked in Buffalo radio for a decade, I can say confidently the market is stale, nigh impossible to break into, and the pay is unlivable.

 

GR makes a lot of money though, which is like, the only point. It's about profit. That's the only thing. 

 

Why is (insert useless betting/fantasy turd here) on? Cause Audacy (corporate) bought BetQL and is forcing their sports stations to "content share". It's a dubious, profit obsessed move. 

 

The gambling talk is simply irresponsible. It's a vice. An addiction.  I'm not judging anyone, but you MUST acknowledge on the air that "gambling has risks" and you are in no shape or form endorsing irresponsible behavior. Its as if they'd have a local beer rep on and encourage them to drive drunk. 

 

I get that gambling built the league. It's essentially why Vegas is Vegas.  I acknowledge it's a huge business, with billions spent every season. But that doesn't make it a smart, or OK thing to just get in bed with.  Because you "win" bets doesn't make you some expert analyst. It means you're lucky. 

 

This, more than anything, is my biggest criticism of Schopp. What, you won 2 fantasy leagues and a futures bet last year? Who cares Mike? How many bets did you LOSE last year? For every Jeopardy James there's millions of families destroyed because of a gambling addiction.

 

I drink. I smoke weed. I'm not against vices.  I just dont think gambling is in anyway some "informed investment". It's not. Just be honest. 

 

[mjd1001]

38 minutes ago, Peevo said:

 

 

This, more than anything, is my biggest criticism of Schopp. What, you won 2 fantasy leagues and a futures bet last year? Who cares Mike? How many bets did you LOSE last year? For every Jeopardy James there's millions of families destroyed because of a gambling addiction.

 

 

That is what drives me crazy about their show, and especially him.  I actually LIKE him when he talks sports. But I hate it when I turn on the radio at 3pm and have to wait 20 minutes for them to even mention sports some days.....and the fantasy sports/betting stuff, especially when it isn't talking about the topic in general but about how he does in his leagues?  WHO CARES about your team!!  I almost always end up listening to 590 out of Toronto or ESPN radio after giving WGR a shot with their 3pm show. 

[Madbillsfan]

11 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

As long as he gets his binky around 6 he’s ok 

Schopp and Co. is alright. I used to be a hater. But Chris Brown and Tasker are absolutely terrible. The loud exaggerated voices and lack of general knowledge kills me. Bring back John Murphy. He kept Tasker in check because he knew something. 

[RiotAct]

4 hours ago, BarleyNY said:

I flipped it on when I was driving today and heard Tasker name several prominent Bills players, including “Mitch Morris”.  He enunciated it very clearly.  SMH

Omg, lol.  I’m still scarred from the West Herr commercials where he pronounces vehicle “vee-HICK-ull”.

[Giuseppe Tognarelli]

5 hours ago, BarleyNY said:

I flipped it on when I was driving today and heard Tasker name several prominent Bills players, including “Mitch Morris”.  He enunciated it very clearly.  SMH

Tasker's brain does this thing where when he starts saying a word, his brain associates it with a similar, more common word, and that's the one that comes out of his mouth. So Morse becomes Morris, and so on.

[AlCowlingsTaxiService]

9 hours ago, BigAl2526 said:

If you google "bad radio" you'll get pictures of the former players who serve as hosts on the Instigators.

I mean, I like hockey, I really do. I just can’t seem to generate much interest in amateur radio hosts discussing a terrible dysfunctional team.  Maybe I would have felt different during the Drury/Briere years

[AlCowlingsTaxiService]

13 hours ago, Tom Donahoe, GM said:

Any of you guys listen to Tasker and Brown on Audacy/Radio app? Does that show have a weird crackle/feedback when either of those two knuckleheads raise their voices? It's the only show that does this, and has for a while. 

I hadn’t noticed that, but I can say with confidence that the Audacy app is equally as terrible as the radio dot com app that preceded it. 

[AlCowlingsTaxiService]

12 hours ago, BillsVet said:

 

Mike comes off as a guy who's bored with life and the show.  He retreats into analytics and, as a result, betting to spice things up.  For whatever reason, he sounds like someone winging it and doesn't care.  I tire of hearing him simplify everything down to metrics when the human component to sports is always in play.  

 

Another thing I've noticed...I tuned in a few weeks ago after something Sabres related had happened only for him to talk 10-15 minutes about an experience at the vending machine.  What program director or station manager listens to that and doesn't make a point of ending the incessant banter about nothing. 

 

The afternoon show needs some energy, but they won't alter their hosts because there's no competition.     

Well, incessant banter about nothing worked out ok for jerry Seinfeld 😂

[Putin]

15 hours ago, HOUSE said:

7pm is awful late for Mike Schopp especially on a school night

I really can’t stand that guy 

14 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said:

I like it. They were in dire need of more/better Bills coverage, and no one wants to hear about the Sabres nowadays.

 

Give a couple hours to Sal and Joe. They deserve it more than hockey or OBL.

There a hockey team in Buffalo??

[BADOLBILZ]

9 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

Bulldog is out there drowning in a pool of his own saliva and lack of English skills right now, alone on the afternoon show.

 

As a fan of The Doors I find Bulldog's stutter/stammer combo has familiar cadence:

 

I-I-I

We-we-we

You-you-you

It-it-it

 

Break on thru to the other side!   Break on thru.......Bulldawwwwwwwwg!

[machine gun kelly]

12 hours ago, first_and_ten said:

Question: How does Mike Schopp take a vacation on the week of the opening day? I am not saying that I will miss him, just saying, how? This is his career!! 

You’re first problem is you listen to WGR between 3-7pm.  I refuse to listen to those idiots.  Besides I have Sirius and would much rather listen to Movin the Chains.  When I’m in the car, I enjoy the other shows.  I’m just shocked those afternoon guys are still there.  I’ve never heard anyone tell me they like or respect those two.

[machine gun kelly]

15 hours ago, N.Y. Orangeman said:

I feel for Bulldog in that mess; Schopp is a mess who gave up years ago.  

 

I'm thrilled for Sal; he puts the work in and is star in the making.

I feel the same way in that it showed yesterday Sal and Joe put a lot of work into their content, and really encourage dialogue with the callers.  Some of the best shows have some guests and topics, but more importantly they engage with the listeners.  They may disagree with the callers, but I’ve found those two to be respectful of differing POV.  Juxtapose that with Coach Weiss on Sirius.  He’s such a tool.

[YoloinOhio]

Weather looks good so far. High of 77, 24 percent chance of precipitation, 10-20 mph winds. 

[GunnerBill]

13 hours ago, Estro said:

 

 

That said, don't get me started on Nate Geary. That kid needs to learn to listen and not overtalk everybody he's on air with. He's the one at WGR that I can't really listen to.....hes got that car salesmen delivery with an air of pretentiousness.

 

I struggle with Nate too. When him and Sneaky Joe are on together I often feel like Joe has more value to add and Nate just wants to railroad his viewpoint across and cuts him off.

[Slippery Rubber Mats]

9 hours ago, AlCowlingsTaxiService said:

I hadn’t noticed that, but I can say with confidence that the Audacy app is equally as terrible as the radio dot com app that preceded it. 

 

The crackle makes the show unlistenable. It's only that show, and only on the app. Multiple devices, multiple setups. Whenever they raise their voices (which they do a lot) it "pops". So weird.

[Giuseppe Tognarelli]

Wow @GunnerBill, this interview with Beane is truly awful. You were right. Cringe

[N.Y. Orangeman]

I don't get the Bulldog hate.  It is pretty clear that Schopp is the lead dog on the show and his inane fantasy ramblings and something akin to really weak Larry David schtick for 3 hours after his 40 minute "let's do this on the fly and see what sticks to the wall" starts don't leave much left for Chris.  If you were to put, for example, Bulldog and Jeremy together, I believe it could generate some interesting content.  Unfortunately, Schopp's arrogance and apathy send this into oblivion.  I'm glad Joe is escaping this vortex...

4 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I struggle with Nate too. When him and Sneaky Joe are on together I often feel like Joe has more value to add and Nate just wants to railroad his viewpoint across and cuts him off.

I couldn't agree more.  He is a Schopp in the making...

Edited September 8, 2021 by N.Y. Orangeman

[clayboy54]

I was hoping I would click on this topic and read that WGR was going off the air, sadly their crap just keeps on going...

[May Day 10]

2 minutes ago, N.Y. Orangeman said:

I don't get the Bulldog hate.  It is pretty clear that Schopp is the lead dog on the show and his inane fantasy ramblings and something akin to really weak Larry David schtick for 3 hours after his 40 minute "let's do this on the fly and see what sticks to the wall" starts don't leave much left for Chris.  If you were to put, for example, Bulldog and Jeremy together, I believe it could generate some interesting content.  Unfortunately, Schopp's arrogance and apathy send this into oblivion.  I'm glad Joe is escaping this vortex...

I couldn't agree more.  He is a Schopp in the making...

 

It is clear Bulldog doesnt do anything at all to prep for a show.  He doesnt bring any real knowledge to the show outside of being a long time Buffalo sports fan, and rests on that for like 25 years.  He doesnt really improve as a broadcaster.  I do not feel like he is entertaining in any way either.  It seems like he just tries to say whatever he thinks will please Schopp.

 

At least Schopp has an interest in the subject matter and has expertise in all the fantasy/gambling stuff and does research.  He is also an actual broadcaster so his delivery has tact to it.   

That stuff gets boring, and annoying how every topic seemingly gets veered into some sort of prop bet talk or fantasy draft talk.  

 

In all, that show is incredibly stale.  It is clear that both of them have checked out on the Sabres years ago.  Bulldog cant talk about his kid's stupid hockey thing the whole show, and Schopp cant talk much about baseball, strat o matic, and tennis.  They can lean on "how excited are you for the Bills?!  Call in now, a line is open" I guess.  At least until the media finds some sort of 'trouble in paradise' topic to beat to death

 

I wonder what would happen if they mixed it up and put White with Bulldog and Simon with Schopp.

 

 

I do like the Dibiase kid.  A fresh voice.  Hungry to try to find content and things to talk about, people to interview, etc.  You put people together in one time slot for too long, it seems to just get redundant.

[first_and_ten]

12 hours ago, machine gun kelly said:

You’re first problem is you listen to WGR between 3-7pm.  I refuse to listen to those idiots.  Besides I have Sirius and would much rather listen to Movin the Chains.  When I’m in the car, I enjoy the other shows.  I’m just shocked those afternoon guys are still there.  I’ve never heard anyone tell me they like or respect those two.

 

😂😂  You're right. But truth be told, I rarely listen to them. Sometimes when I get bored, I try it. Then their conversations get so mundane. All I want now is football talk. 

[716er]

Brutal show today 

[BADOLBILZ]

8 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

 

It is clear Bulldog doesnt do anything at all to prep for a show.  He doesnt bring any real knowledge to the show outside of being a long time Buffalo sports fan, and rests on that for like 25 years.  He doesnt really improve as a broadcaster.  I do not feel like he is entertaining in any way either.  It seems like he just tries to say whatever he thinks will please Schopp.

 

At least Schopp has an interest in the subject matter and has expertise in all the fantasy/gambling stuff and does research.  He is also an actual broadcaster so his delivery has tact to it.   

That stuff gets boring, and annoying how every topic seemingly gets veered into some sort of prop bet talk or fantasy draft talk.  

 

In all, that show is incredibly stale.  It is clear that both of them have checked out on the Sabres years ago.  Bulldog cant talk about his kid's stupid hockey thing the whole show, and Schopp cant talk much about baseball, strat o matic, and tennis.  They can lean on "how excited are you for the Bills?!  Call in now, a line is open" I guess.  At least until the media finds some sort of 'trouble in paradise' topic to beat to death

 

I wonder what would happen if they mixed it up and put White with Bulldog and Simon with Schopp.

 

 

I do like the Dibiase kid.  A fresh voice.  Hungry to try to find content and things to talk about, people to interview, etc.  You put people together in one time slot for too long, it seems to just get redundant.

 

 

I'm not sure if Bulldog is just constantly caught totally off-guard about every possible topic and can't formulate a thought in real-time or if he just learned somewhere that stammering added weight to his takes.........or both.

 

He makes Schopp look like a first team All Pro broadcaster by comparison.

 

They should definitely shake it up in drive time and postgame.......those two have ran their course together, IMO.

[Coach Tuesday]

19 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

As a fan of The Doors

[BigAl2526]

On 9/7/2021 at 8:56 AM, GunnerBill said:

Less OBD always good.

Less Instigators is better.

[Estro]

15 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I struggle with Nate too. When him and Sneaky Joe are on together I often feel like Joe has more value to add and Nate just wants to railroad his viewpoint across and cuts him off.

100%....thats exactly the same thing I noticed. Hes always overtalks whoever he's on with & is just cheesy. 

[beerme1]

F em

 

[letsgoteam]

Schopp seems like a guy you want to like and even can be cool to hang out with, but then for no good reason will just be a jerk. 

 

Outside of sports, I also think he and I would not agree on anything and would be the opposite (I'm pretty sure he swings hard in one direction in politics). I don't mind separate viewpoints/thoughts. However I think he values his opinions and views as superior to yours if you disagree with him.

 

I try to like him, but some days he makes it really hard. 

 

I'm super excited about Sal having a weekly show. I think I'll just listen to his show when driving home instead of listening live to WGR. Maybe with the app keeping track of hits and views to the on demand stuff, it will prompt some changes if his show gets the most hits eventually!

Edited September 9, 2021 by letsgoteam

[N.Y. Orangeman]

On 9/8/2021 at 11:08 AM, May Day 10 said:

 

It is clear Bulldog doesnt do anything at all to prep for a show.  He doesnt bring any real knowledge to the show outside of being a long time Buffalo sports fan, and rests on that for like 25 years.  He doesnt really improve as a broadcaster.  I do not feel like he is entertaining in any way either.  It seems like he just tries to say whatever he thinks will please Schopp.

 

At least Schopp has an interest in the subject matter and has expertise in all the fantasy/gambling stuff and does research.  He is also an actual broadcaster so his delivery has tact to it.   

That stuff gets boring, and annoying how every topic seemingly gets veered into some sort of prop bet talk or fantasy draft talk.  

 

In all, that show is incredibly stale.  It is clear that both of them have checked out on the Sabres years ago.  Bulldog cant talk about his kid's stupid hockey thing the whole show, and Schopp cant talk much about baseball, strat o matic, and tennis.  They can lean on "how excited are you for the Bills?!  Call in now, a line is open" I guess.  At least until the media finds some sort of 'trouble in paradise' topic to beat to death

 

I wonder what would happen if they mixed it up and put White with Bulldog and Simon with Schopp.

 

 

I do like the Dibiase kid.  A fresh voice.  Hungry to try to find content and things to talk about, people to interview, etc.  You put people together in one time slot for too long, it seems to just get redundant.

Fair on Bulldog (though I find some of his points interesting), but as the lead host, I think the impetus is on Schopp.  He shows up, does a "who am I? why am I here" bit for 30 minutes and then launches into fantasy and gambling for hours (which are done in a random, personalized manner that means nothing to the listener), intermixed with whatever pops into his head.   He also does little to no prep on his interview IMO.   The height of his arrogance is on display when he asks every guest "do you have any questions for me?" .

 

I like the idea of shaking up hosts if they are pinned in with contracts, though the thought of Simon's dad joke schtick with Schopp is dreadful.  At least it could make for better interviews, which is Simon's strong point IMO.

 

The Sal/Joe show is the star of the bunch so far, though I'd hate to lose Sal on the sideline if he advances.

[SCBills]

Sal & Joe have been great so far.