Stillman

[dhsux]

For all of you claiming this was a Fan Duel doing for cost cutting or whatever 101 morning crew this morning were stating this was 100% a move by the Blues.

It can't be 100% a move by the Blues because the Blues don't own the broadcast fan duel does.

Fan Duel, like Bally's, contracts the on air talent.

They made the point the Blues have/had the upper hand right now. The 100% is my own description of that conversation where as they said "had to be" and "absolutely" regarding the who of it. They chastised the Blues for letting Fan Duel take so much heat.

Just saying what was said and I tend to believe it.

[TheJackBurton]

For all of you claiming this was a Fan Duel doing for cost cutting or whatever 101 morning crew this morning were stating this was 100% a move by the Blues.

It can't be 100% a move by the Blues because the Blues don't own the broadcast fan duel does.

Fan Duel, like Bally's, contracts the on air talent.

They made the point the Blues have/had the upper hand right now. The 100% is my own description of that conversation where as they said "had to be" and "absolutely" regarding the who of it. They chastised the Blues for letting Fan Duel take so much heat.

Just saying what was said and I tend to believe it.

It doesn't make sense though as FanDuel owns the station and the contracts.

Did the Blues sign off on it? Sure they haven't denied that, but it was not solely their decision as you and I guess they are implying.

If FanDuel wanted to keep Kelly they would have negotiated and signed him to a new contract whether the Blues wanted him or not as the Blues don't own the station and can't make personnel decisions for them.

The final decision alone comes from FanDuel, that's it. It's no different than if you told a company you have a partnership with to fire someone. Could your input be used? Absolutely, but it's up to the actual company to get rid of them.

[bluetunehead]

For all of you claiming this was a Fan Duel doing for cost cutting or whatever 101 morning crew this morning were stating this was 100% a move by the Blues.

It can't be 100% a move by the Blues because the Blues don't own the broadcast fan duel does.

Fan Duel, like Bally's, contracts the on air talent.

They made the point the Blues have/had the upper hand right now. The 100% is my own description of that conversation where as they said "had to be" and "absolutely" regarding the who of it. They chastised the Blues for letting Fan Duel take so much heat.

Just saying what was said and I tend to believe it.

It doesn't make sense though as FanDuel owns the station and the contracts.

Did the Blues sign off on it? Sure they haven't denied that, but it was not solely their decision as you and I guess they are implying.

If FanDuel wanted to keep Kelly they would have negotiated and signed him to a new contract whether the Blues wanted him or not as the Blues don't own the station and can't make personnel decisions for them.

The final decision alone comes from FanDuel, that's it. It's no different than if you told a company you have a partnership with to fire someone. Could your input be used? Absolutely, but it's up to the actual company to get rid of them.

Yeah, I don't believe the Blues didn't have any involvement in this. They obviously get a say, and if they absolutely put their foot down and refused to let Kelly go, they might have managed some sort of agreement. But it's FanDuel who is spearheading the shift to a simulcast model across their broader set of networks for cost reasons. It's FanDuel who is footing the bill for the on-air talent. They're the ones who do or do not get the ad revenue necessary to keep the broadcast on. The Blues are their partner, so they obviously are involved in the process (they probably wouldn't sign off on FanDuel bringing in Duncan Keith as a color commentator for instance, things have to make sense for the Blues) but they don't dictate everything.

For comparison... the Cardinals, who have *significantly* more sway, more money, larger audience, etc., have a roughly 30% stake in FanDuel Sports Midwest. The Blues have no ownership stake in the network.

[TheJackBurton]

For all of you claiming this was a Fan Duel doing for cost cutting or whatever 101 morning crew this morning were stating this was 100% a move by the Blues.

It can't be 100% a move by the Blues because the Blues don't own the broadcast fan duel does.

Fan Duel, like Bally's, contracts the on air talent.

They made the point the Blues have/had the upper hand right now. The 100% is my own description of that conversation where as they said "had to be" and "absolutely" regarding the who of it. They chastised the Blues for letting Fan Duel take so much heat.

Just saying what was said and I tend to believe it.

It doesn't make sense though as FanDuel owns the station and the contracts.

Did the Blues sign off on it? Sure they haven't denied that, but it was not solely their decision as you and I guess they are implying.

If FanDuel wanted to keep Kelly they would have negotiated and signed him to a new contract whether the Blues wanted him or not as the Blues don't own the station and can't make personnel decisions for them.

The final decision alone comes from FanDuel, that's it. It's no different than if you told a company you have a partnership with to fire someone. Could your input be used? Absolutely, but it's up to the actual company to get rid of them.

Yeah, I don't believe the Blues didn't have any involvement in this. They obviously get a say, and if they absolutely put their foot down and refused to let Kelly go, they might have managed some sort of agreement. But it's FanDuel who is spearheading the shift to a simulcast model across their broader set of networks for cost reasons. It's FanDuel who is footing the bill for the on-air talent. They're the ones who do or do not get the ad revenue necessary to keep the broadcast on. The Blues are their partner, so they obviously are involved in the process (they probably wouldn't sign off on FanDuel bringing in Duncan Keith as a color commentator for instance, things have to make sense for the Blues) but they don't dictate everything.

For comparison... the Cardinals, who have *significantly* more sway, more money, larger audience, etc., have a roughly 30% stake in FanDuel Sports Midwest. The Blues have no ownership stake in the network.

Yep. If we were discussing, not exactly beloved at this time, Brad getting fired because he disparaged the DeWitts then it's likely a safe bet that the Cards brass had a lot to do with it as they own part of the channel and have a say in the programming.

The Blues can make recommendations and likely ultimately sign off on the final decisions. That's about it.

P.S. This continues to be incredibly rich coming from a show that purposely came in and promoted and moved their show to take over and ultimately were responsible for Randy Karraker being taken off the air after 20 years on 101.

[netboy65]

For all of you claiming this was a Fan Duel doing for cost cutting or whatever 101 morning crew this morning were stating this was 100% a move by the Blues.

It can't be 100% a move by the Blues because the Blues don't own the broadcast fan duel does.

Fan Duel, like Bally's, contracts the on air talent.

They made the point the Blues have/had the upper hand right now. The 100% is my own description of that conversation where as they said "had to be" and "absolutely" regarding the who of it. They chastised the Blues for letting Fan Duel take so much heat.

Just saying what was said and I tend to believe it.

The Media Views article in today’s paper stated that is used to be the team but now it’s FanDuel.
That said, yes I’m sure the Blues were at least consulted

[TAFKAP]

P.S. This continues to be incredibly rich coming from a show that purposely came in and promoted and moved their show to take over and ultimately were responsible for Randy Karraker being taken off the air after 20 years on 101.

For the morning show that ended 590 The Fan.

[BobbyOrr]

No matter who is responsible , this is not the way you handle this situation!
Everyone involved knows the Kelly family, the History and involvement with the Blues.

Shame on ALL of them !!!

At the Very Least, Stillman should have Made an Announcement on local media explaining it.

[rezero]

And don't forget that this team missed the playoffs the last two years and hasn't been 3 rounds deep since winning the Cup in 2019.

First, Blues made the playoffs last year.

What is hurting the Blues is this chart. Blues attendance is fine overall, but when you spend to a certain level and attendance drops you need to adjust your spending back to match. Again, Nlues have great attendance, but we’re spending to a higher level and just need to reel back a bit.

With that said, you do not let a legendary announcer go the way they did as you find other ways to tighten the belt.

IMG_0510.jpeg (243.05 KiB) Viewed 158 times

[JoshInFenton]

No matter who is responsible , this is not the way you handle this situation!
Everyone involved knows the Kelly family, the History and involvement with the Blues.

Shame on ALL of them !!!

At the Very Least, Stillman should have Made an Announcement on local media explaining it.

This is kinda my stance on this outside of Stillman announcement. FanDuel had new executives that were penny pinching. Zimmerman if you want to criticize the blues is more the target than Stillman. spouting PR garbage and refuting the obvious makes him look scummy at best, because anyone with half a brain can see the discounted cost of a simulcast benefiting both 101espn and FanDuel, and that Chris Kerber (like him or hate him) probably has 8-10 years of time left in the booth more than JK who is getting up there and close to the point where most broadcasters hang it up.

Whether or not there should have been some sort of fairwell tour or final season or whatever, they at the very least should've let him know after he was back from vacation. Doesn't take a degree in public relations to know better there.

[11WSChamps]

Although I don't like the move and believe this cheapens the product he's trying to market immensely, he's a businessman. Pure and simple. Spreadsheets, accountants and bottom lines rule. Long term relationships and good faith do not.

Sucks. But, reality.

Pang was here several years and he left. Why? Due to uncertainty with Bally’s. John Kelly left here after his first stint. If the broadcaster does it, it’s fine but if the team does it it’s heresy??

Yep the Blues and Bally's were negotiating with Panger, but he went to Chicago since it was owned by Comcast so there was a lot more certainty there, and more money.

News that the Blackhawks have hired former Blues analyst Darren Pang is a “bittersweet development” for Pang, who is “moving into a much more stable situation -- and what he acknowledged is a salary that is substantially better than what he was offered to stay,” according to Dan Caesar of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Pang was “employed in St. Louis by Bally Sports Midwest.” But in his new job, Pang will “work for the team.” Blackhawks telecasts are “on NBC Sports Chicago, which has no Diamond ties.” Pang said that negotiations with Bally “were slow to begin,” and when he finally did receive an offer it “was for a very minimal raise.” He said he “did go back to them” with a counteroffer. Pang: “Once Chicago got to a certain point and was really serious with an incredible offer, we were now in a bit of a time crunch to either say ‘yes’ to them or let that pass us by and wait for Bally.” Pang said that his experience of having previously worked in a bankruptcy environment “played a role in his decision.” The then-Phoenix Coyotes “were in that plight when he moved to St. Louis.” Pang: “So I was prepared for a slow process and long, drawn out negotiation.” Caesar wrote that situation “might have influenced his latest decision” (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 6/8).

So we all hate Panger correct?

Apples and Oranges.

Like you said in another thread.."there's a difference".

But how is this different?

Why is it ok for Panger to do what is best for him, but FanDuel is in the wrong for doing what is best for them?

I'll miss Kelly but I enjoy Kerbs as well

If you can't see the obvious in how this isn't even close to being the same then I don't know what to tell you.

Pangers contract expires, they negotiate with him, he wants more money and is one of the main reasons he left.

Kelly's contract expires, FanDuel just saved Bally's from bankruptcy, isn't flush with billions in cash and cut expenses to keep things afloat.

So one is good, one is bad. Yeah I get it.

Pang isn't an iconic name associated with over 40 years of the franchise.

His name doesn't hang in the rafters, or in the radio booth and isn't synonymous with Blues hockey.

No you obviously don't get it.

[11WSChamps]

20 years on his job. More fan duel than the Blues. TV is not the same as it was. Currently a lot less money. It makes sense if we were privy to the talks and the dollars. Why second guess? Why act like you know something--we know nothing. In a different time JK would never be let go. Unique times.

Exactly. This does not change who Stillman is at all. He is a great owner if you ask me.

The torch and pitchfork crowd has to have something to fret over

Like your opinion means more than anyone else's.

I got news for you it doesn't.

I bet it does if I post 100x per day on the subject and b**** and moan like a schoolgirl.

Do me a favor, follow your own advice

I've made three-four posts about it how many have you made defending it?

Look in the mirror sis..

Not defending it at all “sis”. More amusement at all the pearl clutching over the issue.

Why do you have to label someone's opinion?

Doing that doesn't lessen what it is.

No it doesn’t lessen the overreaction that it is

Again that's your opinion which of course is wrong.

[netboy65]

20 years on his job. More fan duel than the Blues. TV is not the same as it was. Currently a lot less money. It makes sense if we were privy to the talks and the dollars. Why second guess? Why act like you know something--we know nothing. In a different time JK would never be let go. Unique times.

Exactly. This does not change who Stillman is at all. He is a great owner if you ask me.

The torch and pitchfork crowd has to have something to fret over

Like your opinion means more than anyone else's.

I got news for you it doesn't.

I bet it does if I post 100x per day on the subject and b**** and moan like a schoolgirl.

Do me a favor, follow your own advice

I've made three-four posts about it how many have you made defending it?

Look in the mirror sis..

Not defending it at all “sis”. More amusement at all the pearl clutching over the issue.

Why do you have to label someone's opinion?

Doing that doesn't lessen what it is.

No it doesn’t lessen the overreaction that it is

Again that's your opinion which of course is wrong.

No more wrong than your’s

My reaction: Oh no! That’s terrible, I’m going to miss JK, I liked him.

Your reaction: I’m going to yell, scream and hold my breath until you bring JK back!!!

[wiscrev]

20 years on his job. More fan duel than the Blues. TV is not the same as it was. Currently a lot less money. It makes sense if we were privy to the talks and the dollars. Why second guess? Why act like you know something--we know nothing. In a different time JK would never be let go. Unique times.

Exactly. This does not change who Stillman is at all. He is a great owner if you ask me.

The torch and pitchfork crowd has to have something to fret over

Like your opinion means more than anyone else's.

I got news for you it doesn't.

I bet it does if I post 100x per day on the subject and b**** and moan like a schoolgirl.

Do me a favor, follow your own advice

I've made three-four posts about it how many have you made defending it?

Look in the mirror sis..

Not defending it at all “sis”. More amusement at all the pearl clutching over the issue.

Why do you have to label someone's opinion?

Doing that doesn't lessen what it is.

No it doesn’t lessen the overreaction that it is

Again that's your opinion which of course is wrong.

No more wrong than your’s

My reaction: Oh no! That’s terrible, I’m going to miss JK, I liked him.

Your reaction: I’m going to yell, scream and hold my breath until you bring JK back!!!

Anyone's opinion is right to them because it is their opinion! It can never be wrong until/unless they change it, to to him, his opinion is right!

[netboy65]

20 years on his job. More fan duel than the Blues. TV is not the same as it was. Currently a lot less money. It makes sense if we were privy to the talks and the dollars. Why second guess? Why act like you know something--we know nothing. In a different time JK would never be let go. Unique times.

Exactly. This does not change who Stillman is at all. He is a great owner if you ask me.

The torch and pitchfork crowd has to have something to fret over

Like your opinion means more than anyone else's.

I got news for you it doesn't.

I bet it does if I post 100x per day on the subject and b**** and moan like a schoolgirl.

Do me a favor, follow your own advice

I've made three-four posts about it how many have you made defending it?

Look in the mirror sis..

Not defending it at all “sis”. More amusement at all the pearl clutching over the issue.

Why do you have to label someone's opinion?

Doing that doesn't lessen what it is.

No it doesn’t lessen the overreaction that it is

Again that's your opinion which of course is wrong.

No more wrong than your’s

My reaction: Oh no! That’s terrible, I’m going to miss JK, I liked him.

Your reaction: I’m going to yell, scream and hold my breath until you bring JK back!!!

Anyone's opinion is right to them because it is their opinion! It can never be wrong until/unless they change it, to to him, his opinion is right!

Of course! 100% correct

[11WSChamps]

20 years on his job. More fan duel than the Blues. TV is not the same as it was. Currently a lot less money. It makes sense if we were privy to the talks and the dollars. Why second guess? Why act like you know something--we know nothing. In a different time JK would never be let go. Unique times.

Exactly. This does not change who Stillman is at all. He is a great owner if you ask me.

The torch and pitchfork crowd has to have something to fret over

Like your opinion means more than anyone else's.

I got news for you it doesn't.

I bet it does if I post 100x per day on the subject and b**** and moan like a schoolgirl.

Do me a favor, follow your own advice

I've made three-four posts about it how many have you made defending it?

Look in the mirror sis..

Not defending it at all “sis”. More amusement at all the pearl clutching over the issue.

Why do you have to label someone's opinion?

Doing that doesn't lessen what it is.

No it doesn’t lessen the overreaction that it is

Again that's your opinion which of course is wrong.

No more wrong than your’s

My reaction: Oh no! That’s terrible, I’m going to miss JK, I liked him.

Your reaction: I’m going to yell, scream and hold my breath until you bring JK back!!!

Wrong again.

Not doing any of those things.

Keep making false assumptions. It tells a lot about you.

[netboy65]

20 years on his job. More fan duel than the Blues. TV is not the same as it was. Currently a lot less money. It makes sense if we were privy to the talks and the dollars. Why second guess? Why act like you know something--we know nothing. In a different time JK would never be let go. Unique times.

Exactly. This does not change who Stillman is at all. He is a great owner if you ask me.

The torch and pitchfork crowd has to have something to fret over

Like your opinion means more than anyone else's.

I got news for you it doesn't.

I bet it does if I post 100x per day on the subject and b**** and moan like a schoolgirl.

Do me a favor, follow your own advice

I've made three-four posts about it how many have you made defending it?

Look in the mirror sis..

Not defending it at all “sis”. More amusement at all the pearl clutching over the issue.

Why do you have to label someone's opinion?

Doing that doesn't lessen what it is.

No it doesn’t lessen the overreaction that it is

Again that's your opinion which of course is wrong.

No more wrong than your’s

My reaction: Oh no! That’s terrible, I’m going to miss JK, I liked him.

Your reaction: I’m going to yell, scream and hold my breath until you bring JK back!!!

Wrong again.

Not doing any of those things.

Keep making false assumptions. It tells a lot about you.

Ironic. You don’t know squat about me. I’m done. Have a good day. LGB