Petros has punched his ticket
As you may have read already on Scott Wolf's blog, the official resignation from Petros Papadakis, our No. 1 pick in the 2006 "Best and Worst of L.A. Media" for sports-talk hosts, went to the 1540-AM officials today, almost a week after he'd stop doing his afternoon drive-time show on "The Ticket" and allowed Arnie Spanier to fill in.
"The last five years at the station have been the most fun in my life and I'm thankful for the opportunity, but I'm resigning to focus on my television career," Papadakis said, a reference to the fact he has six on-going TV projects, including the top analyst on FSN's Pac-10 football games, another season of "Pros Vs. Joes" on Spike TV, plus guest appearances on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show Period," the "Gauntlet," "Total Football" and two BCS shows.
Papadakis' contract with the station was to run out at the end of this year. In the meantime, his work on TV has increased. Speculation is that Dave Smith, a two-time No. 1 guy in our annual poll in recent years, will fill in the afternoons on the 4-to-7 p.m. slot, in addition to his 10 a.m.-to-1 p.m. national show. Smith is already set to do that afternoon slot Thursday, according to a promo on the 1540-AM website, which at least still has an archive of the songs Papadakis created over the last few years on his show. Papadakis' bio on the site still calls him "the most refreshing television personality to his Southern California in years."
That's the official scenario. For those who tend to believe that this is all just reknotting the support ropes on the Hindenburg, read on.
It doesn't take much to read between the lines to know that the station's future isn't all rock solid, even by radio's shaky standards. The Sporting News Radio Network was just sold as part of a package last month, the KMPC station's lease is up soon at their Santa Monica building, and since losing the rights to USC football, it's almost impossible for them to generate any kind of ratings that appear in the Arbitron books used to show advertisers how much of a listening base is there. Fact is, the station has never registered an Arbitron number.
Station manager Roger Nadel told us last month after the sale was announced that anyone predicting the demise of 1540-AM was "misinformed and inaccurate," but even he had to know that Petros wasn't happy the last few months and the energy that made the show what it once was had slowly started to disappear. Nadel failed to respond to an interview request, but we've heard from several people at the station that he's not talking right now until an "internal audit" of this situation is complete. Whatever the hell that means. According to SportsByBrooks.com, the "next person out the door at KMPC is likely to be the member of upper management who was most responsible for Papadakis' untimely departure (not that anyone gives a damn, since Petros was the last remaning reason to listen to the static-prone, eternally unrated station).
Those of us -- including myself and Wolf -- who made frequent guest spots on Petros' show (that's me in the green shirt, right, in a photo taken by Don Barrett for his LARadio.com site that he posted today, back from a remote show that Petros did at the Palms restaurant last year) can attest that this is a disappointing blow to the sports-talk landscape in L.A. for someone as original, smart and pop culture-centric as Papadakis has been. It's just reinforcing the idea that if you hear something on L.A. radio that you like, don't get too attached, because it's likely to be zapped away at a moment's notice for whatever stupid reason.
An L.A. Weekly story on Papadakis last April has it right when it called Petros' show the "anti-sports show" that "defies all logic." KMPC tried to make his show national, but it wasn't the right feel for Papadakis, who fought any kind of watering down of the product, knowing there were enough Angelenos who understood the nuances of what he was doing every day -- keeping it real, while really going in all directions.
Of course, there's a chance he'll gravitate back to radio. There's always a possibility that eventually KROQ will reel him in for "Loveline" -- an opportunity that came up when Adam Carolla left the show a year ago, but a job that the KMPC bosses wouldn't let Papadakis pursue. As for another sports-talk show, it would behoove 570 and 710 to at least talk to him, especially the later because of his USC connections and the fact the pregame show in the hours just before kickoff is practically unlistenable.
Comments
So is Petros a hypocrite then? He would always say that his radio show was his love and he would never leave the radio for TV.
Posted by: jay | October 10, 2006 4:32 PM
How can he be a candidate for Loveline? Isn't Stryker from KROQ already solid there?
Posted by: sweat | October 10, 2006 4:40 PM
not so fast, my friend, with the hypocrite talk. you don't have to be a brain surgeon to see that the radio show will surface elsewhere.
Posted by: listener | October 10, 2006 5:22 PM
His calling is in comedy. Sports shows will work , but that's not where the big bucks are for him !
Posted by: Richard Bowden | October 10, 2006 6:38 PM
Petros sucked.
Posted by: Matt | October 10, 2006 6:49 PM
Papadakis has been "Off the Wall," for sure.
I have been embarrased to have people know that he is a Trojan.
His radio broadcasts have contained little sports information and lots of irrelevant blabber. I am glad he is off the radio. He does a better job on TV.
Posted by: Turk | October 10, 2006 8:16 PM
I find it hard to even consider Petros as a sports icon or sports personality. Although he is a former SC player there wre and are a number of us who didn't really "feel him" he seemed to fit better on an AM music format station then real sports format. Personally, all our sports personalities "suck' and that;s down right terrible concerning we live in LA.
Posted by: yogiusc | October 10, 2006 10:39 PM
Look I want you to know that Iam so happy that this clown and his clown daddy are off the air.What he needs to do is to go work for Howard Stern. Because in this particular forum he is just an ass clown to me. And I don't find him funny. Good riddance !
Posted by: t. wheeler | October 11, 2006 8:42 AM
first howard stern moves to pay radio now the P leaves the airwaves. i have no reson whatsoever to even own a radio anymore. love and miss you P wherever you are.
Posted by: raul morales III | October 11, 2006 10:03 AM
Turk - can't you be more original than posting the identical stupid comments that you posted on Scott Wolfe's blog? You're such an idiot!
Posted by: George Cooper | October 11, 2006 10:09 AM
t. wheeler you need to STFU. No wonder good sports-talk radio gets bumped with clowns like you listening. There was nothing like Petros' show on radio, funny and incredibly entertaining. You and all the other clowns can waste your time with Arnie Spanier (talk about a clown daddy!)
Posted by: Bill M. | October 11, 2006 10:21 AM
I worked w/petros at the station and we all knew he was gone a week ago (even if management turned a blind eye). I personally think he is a great radio personality and completely original, wich is something sorely missing in LA talk raio these days.
I think he will probably end up at 710, since they seem to be making all the right moves as far as sports-radio is concern.
Posted by: grazyOG | October 11, 2006 11:07 AM
Some of the best of Petros:
I wish I were the head of a match-- just light me up and all my sins will be burned away
You are the John Wilkes Booth of sports talk radio, Sabrina. Here is Sabrina from the Ford Theatre.
Sabrina would flirt with a dead man
If you think I suck now, you should have seen me before
Scott is one of those guys-- you either like him, or you don't like him. Most people don't like him
Yeah, right, after you throw me under a tank in Tiananmen Square
I'm not technical at all-- I can't even set a clock-radio
This is the city that hired Paul Hackett-- anybody can get work
I'm not very political-- I didn't even know who was running
I'm a mental terrorist. I want to be judged by how many dead people are left in my wake
I'd shred you like Ollie North
Women-- anatomically screwed up
She's pretty nasty for a Long Island chick
This is not the height of culture here
I don't hate people; but I feel better when they're not around
You wouldn't throw water on me if I was on fire
Oklahoma. Who did they play? I don't care if they played the Electoral College
Most guys in L.A. are phony. Now, Corndog is a real guy-- but he's so skinny he only counts as half a guy
I have a lisp, alright!
I'm a loser-- everybody is right about me
I'll try to do better tomrrow!
Posted by: LAWYER JOHN | October 11, 2006 11:16 AM
I found this on PetroBlog from WeArePac10.com
Greetings fellow PacTenians How do you do? This is the P-Daddy aka The P or Peetros. As many of you are aware I have resigned from my post as afternoon host at 1540 The Ticket so I can focus on television projects like Game Show Network's Greek Games. I've also picked up several lunch shifts (Bussing) at the Taverna. Despite all that, my economic situation is not looking good. I made the difficult decision choosing between a 200k television job or another year at 100k+ on the radio. It was difficult wrenching decision but after much thought, I chose the 200k. Hence, fellow pactenites, I'm only up 100 percent. I'm not going to log on here and ask for handouts, handguns, or even handjobs. However, the P needs your help. If you know anyone who could who could find work for an overweight (though down 25 pounds), droopy eyed, lysping, 29 year old hairy greek, please contact me. Although, I am far from broke, I did have to part with a used game worn Lee Webb jersey on Ebay the other day. At first it had no bids but after relisting I was able to shill up the high bidder to 8.35 and then I charged 7 dollars to ship but it cost me only 4. Never doubt the P's ingenuity. If you go to ebay.com right now you can bid on my college playbook signed by Paul Hackett.
wow..strong stuff.
Posted by: BC | October 11, 2006 11:32 AM
The reasons people hate Petros are the reasons why the show was so great.
Petros would be the 570 morning show host in a perfect world, where he could go up against Tony Bruno and his buddy Mark Willard on a daily basis.
Posted by: NFL Adam | October 11, 2006 1:59 PM
570 should dump Mancow and hire Petros.
Posted by: barry wasserman | October 11, 2006 3:24 PM
Sigh, P was a big tie back to southern California for me. I will miss him terribly.
Posted by: Sandi | October 11, 2006 3:43 PM
I only started listening to Petros' show when he switched to afternoon drive, but I was very, very impressed. There are enough sports talk shows out there that'll speculate about Brian Cook's future or whether Nomar Garciaparra should be re-signed by the Dodgers. Petros was a breath of fresh air with a wit and skepticism about sports. He understands that sports is just a branch of entertainment. He is also extraordinarily well-read and provides amazing and thought-provoking literary and cultural references.
I'll miss him a great deal; I hope he resurfaces in a more appreciative venue soon.
Posted by: Ed Keating | October 11, 2006 4:06 PM
Well, all i know is that the P is a great person. He was the only great radio personality on at that hour. he is personally a great person although he insists he is a A%#. He will definetly find another job. probably 570 Stop hating just cause you guys wish you were as talented as him. He is great person once you get to know him. Long live the P
Posted by: M of M | October 11, 2006 4:18 PM
i didnt write that thing that was posted about money and my old playbook
no imposters please
p
Posted by: petros | October 11, 2006 10:02 PM
Petros had the only show on the radio I would listen to. I would sometimes make plans around his radio show. That's how fresh, original, and entertaining I thought his show was. Hopefully he'll resurface at another station
Posted by: Phil | October 11, 2006 11:23 PM
Moved out West from New England about 1 year ago. Between WFAN (Boston) and WEEI (NYC), I've heard ''great sports talk'' since I was a kid. Petros is the only thing close to good out here in comparison. He will be missed for sure, especially considering the absolute dopes that are left (Bruno, Smith, all the local 570 and 710 crews).
Posted by: ben | October 12, 2006 12:59 AM
Love him or hate him, Petros had wit, keen insight and made 30 year old guys like me remember the fun parts of growing up in the 80's and early 90's. Petros was more than a sports talk show host...he was a wonderful entertainer and brilliant maestro with phrases! I hope he is back on the airwaves soon.
Posted by: John Probst | October 12, 2006 10:46 AM
I'm so depressed now that the show is off the air. When I read Scott Wolf's column I felt like I was reading an obituary...sigh....
Posted by: Ben S. | October 12, 2006 1:59 PM
Petros was not just the best sports talk host, he was the best radio personality in LA, period. I hope he resurfaces on LA radio soon.
Posted by: Chris Michiels | October 12, 2006 2:45 PM
LA doesn't fully understand what they had in Petros. Trust me. I know. He is a star...a media guy from the midwest.
Posted by: Joseph Andrews | October 12, 2006 6:27 PM
Petros was and is the best thing in radio not named Howard Stern. He was the only reason worth tuning into 1540 for and now just like Fredo, that station is dead to me. Petros would be a perfect fit on the CLIPPER STATION 710. He can geek the Clips, talk about USC and make fun on John Ireland's head. He is truly a god among men as far as sports personalities go and I can't wait to hear him on my radio again next year. I guessing he probably can't speak publicly about this topic or find work elsewhere until his contract expires at the end of the year right? 570 sucks and I hope he will never sell out and work at the Laker station.
Posted by: Jody | October 12, 2006 7:42 PM
Say what you want about Petros, but his show was one the highest rated in the market. The fact that he wasn't entirely sports, and that he gave a real urban feel (even though he grew up in San Pedro) to his show made it a lot more popular with the younger sports audience. My cousin who is in his 30's hated the show, but myself, who just turned 20, and my friends loved it.
He'll resurface on the Radio again soon.
Posted by: Kevin | October 13, 2006 11:50 AM
For those who did not like the P who cares, listen to some one else but thanks Petros for great radio.
Posted by: brian | October 13, 2006 12:40 PM
Petros was by far the best thing going on 1540. He's too good to stay local, though. He'll blow up big for sure. Good luck P!!!
Posted by: Hector Moran | October 13, 2006 11:16 PM
Petros will be missed. You cannot replace him with any of this cowards on sportstalk radio.
Posted by: john | October 14, 2006 9:19 AM
First Pete Arbogast, now Petros...KMPC is a shell of its former self now.
Posted by: Robert | October 14, 2006 9:57 AM
I haven't been listening to Petros the past few weeks due to school, but I was fortunate enough to find time and hang out with the Petros at the Summer League Games, even though that place was an absolute mess. When I was hanging out with the P, he was very nice person and I learned a lot about his show and how he much he prepares for it.
I'm a huge fan of Petros, so I even took the time and create his myspace music page to bring more exposure outside of the city of the ciudad.
I will miss his show. I remember I always had to try and find time to listen to his show. I learned that it's okay to be obnoxious and bitter because of Petros. Yes, that's a good thing because most people hide it unlike Petros.
I always said that if Petros goes, I go. I guess after today, this will be the last time I will be listening to 1540.
Posted by: Sophat (Pat) | October 15, 2006 3:24 PM
P!, how could you do us like that? Man I miss the show already - Arnie is awful, unorginal, opinionless, partily informed and knows little about 'the game.' What are we supposed to listen to? It is bad enough we don't have an nfl team, now we don't have good sports radio either... I guess it is time to shell out for XM so I can hear football talk. Fight on.
Posted by: 14thethumb | October 16, 2006 5:19 PM
Petros! Why??? Who will give me updates on the Superbaby or sing the Doyers song for me? Petros not only provided smart pop culture entertainment, but also had a great local take on LA sports and the city (La Ciudad) in general. His show was the only thing that could make me laugh on the way home from a soul-sucking day of work. Petros, we will miss you, come back to radio soon.
Posted by: Heather | October 17, 2006 9:50 AM
For those who have criticized P, you have underestimated his gift as a radio talk show host. P has originality and obviously took time to plan his unique segments. My work day went by faster when I listened to Petros. I can't wait until he's back on the radio. Until then, he's welcome to drink a 40 with me in the Eastside. Al rato.
Posted by: OG | October 21, 2006 5:36 PM
I'll miss the 'P'. He is a breath of fresh air and calls it like it is. Unlike all the other kiss asses like Rome.
Posted by: Sergio | October 23, 2006 4:20 PM
Petros Papadakis was by far the best sports radio personality in Los Angeles.
Period.
1540am is a joke now, especially the 2 idiots at noon and Arnie is the worst radio host in the nation.
Petros is going on to bigger and better things. I saw his father on ESPN2 last night as a guest on Steven A Smith's show and he did great.
I just hope Lance Romance can get a gig somewhere, maybe he can do Loveline.
Posted by: Ruben from Long Beach | December 1, 2006 10:38 AM