September 18th, 2008 
joel 
Shannon Solo, widely regarded as the King of All Erie Media, for his multiplicity of talents in radio, television, theatre, music, and film, has been released from the morning show of WTWF (93.9 The Wolf). Melissa, the morning sidekick, is also reportedly gone.
Messages from The Press and Tower with either Solo or officials at Connoisseur Media were not immediately returned.
Wednesday morning drive on The Wolf was filled with liners and jingles, which when you mix with the voice tracked midday show and satellite evening block makes for quite the lackluster jukebox.
With the Fall 2008 ratings period beginning today, and WTWF’s sixth-place showing in the Spring book, Solo’s departure Tuesday fuels speculation of a format change. Could All-Beatles, or All-Christmas be next?
UPDATED: Message from David Calabrese, General Manager, Connoisseur Media, Erie, PA – Sept. 18, 2008 @ 9:30 AM ET:
Connoisseur Media has a commitment to our stations and the community. We strive to consistently improve ourselves in every possible area. We wish Shannon and Melissa the very best in their future endeavors but have decided to head in a different direction.
Starting Monday morning, we will welcome a new personality, Aimee “The Outlaw” Clemson to 93.9 the Wolf. Aimee has a long history in Erie Country radio, having worked for many years at Country 98 in mid days and often AM drive with the late “Uncle” Fred Horton. We are excited about this new direction for the station and hope that it demonstrates our commitment to our product and Country radio in Erie, PA.
Sounds like they’ll keep up the fight for the Country listener in Erie, PA.
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I’d love to know what’s going on down at the Boston Store.
I’m not that much of a country music fan, but they had a good thing going with the Wolf morning show. It sounded different than the others and really stood out.
Both Shannon Solo and Melissa Matthews are no longer listed on the DJs page of 93.9 The Wolf’s website (939thewolf.com). Chuck the Promo Guy, Bobby D, Whitney Allen are all still listed.
I tuned in during the afternoon drive yesterday (around 4 o’clock) and Bobby D was not on the air. Instead, someone else was filling in for him named Kyle, who was doing the show last week (or possibly a couple of weeks ago) when Bobby D was off.
Also, Shannon Solo and Melissa Matthews each took a week of vacation time a couple of weeks ago. When one returned to the show, the other one was on vacation the following week.
I don’t know what’s going on, but some of these recent “events” at 93.9 The Wolf are very odd. Would someone from the Boston Store like to tell us what’s happening?
1/Doug:
I don’t think the people at the Boston Store even know what’s going on until corporate emails them and tells them!
Perhaps we’ll see more of Shannon and his variety of hairstyles on TV doing weather. I wish him the best.
A question for our radio folks….Why is it that when one station takes a commercial break…they all do?
I realize the science behind formatting, but even the gang on Oliver Rd. takes commercials right with the BS gang. Wouldn’t it make more sense to stagger their stop sets? even by a minute or two? Someone “esssplane” it to me!
(Ricky Riccardo Reference…not to be confused with Ricky Ramboldo)
I was hoping for a better picture of me!
I certainly think that the Wolf is making a big mistake with this decision. I don’t even live in the state but listen online when I can…solely for the purpose of Shannon Solo. Dumb move guys…Really dumb move.
I just think all radio stations are going downhill- The wolf got rid of the best dj’s and so did star 104 a few years ago, they are asking for less listeners.
I really can’t believe The Wolf would make this big of a mistake…soo what their numbers dropped a couple times….ever think this is high vacation time? Most people listen at work and not on their days off. Look back at your numbers before Shannon and Melissa and then look at them now…..You can’t tell us that they have dropped!
Us as listeners can tell when the numbers are up….WE CAN”T GET THROUGH to win anything!
Those two have come a long way for that station…they have gotten you most of 98′s listeners and you just can them!
And to bring in Aimee Clemson to replace them? How far do you think your numbers will rise? Your only gonna get Ticked off Females who stop listening and won’t allow their men to listen! So good luck to ya! If you really think you’re doin the right thing!!
Shannon and Melissa will be missed!!!!
Guess I’m back to listening to Country 98!
Wow, what a huge mistake to replace Shannon and Melissa with Amy Clemson… she is the sole reason I stopped listening to Country 98…. The Wolf morning show will NEVER be the same.. I was a huge fan and then got deployed and still listened from overseas online. But I will listen no longer… It is a Sad day in Erie, I’m sure… Good luck to Shannon and Melissa in whatever they decide to do.. They are both awesome DJ’s and even better friends….
I QUIT LISTENING TO COUNTRY 98 BECAUSE OF CLEMSON AND HER FOLLOWING . I CAN THINK OF A COUPLE OF PLACES SHE WOULD DO WELL BUT THEY ARE NOT ON RADIO.
I am an Aimee Clemson fan, and was sorry to see her leave Country 98. I always thought she did a real professional, entertaining show. I’m glad she’s back!
Aimee’s got quite an attitude. I’m sure she’ll stop in to defend herself. I don’t listen to country, but I did work with her, and I remember her ego. She also did not represent herself in a professional manner.
Why do some local media “talent” get such large egos?
I sincerely appreciate all the comments and support..I truly love what I do and will miss it here
I can’t believe Connie Media would do this! Shannon and Melissa in the morning were excellent! No disrespect intended towards Aimee Clemson but she won’t be able to replace the audience of Shannon and Melissa. I think it’s time for me to purchase Sirius Satellie Radio!
I hope Shannon keeps his weekend gig at WICU – he does a fine job forecasting the weather.
Footnote: If Connie is so worried about profit when do Warvel and Curry get canned from Star 104???
thank you Tim..you are more right than you know
That sucks, Shannon was great on Froggy when I was at Star. He is a pro, and will be missed on the radio airwaves.
Are you serious? I stopped listening to County 98 because of Aimee and her arrogance. They get rid of Shannon and Melissa and keep Warvel and Curry? This must be a joke.
Kelly and Tim:
There are alot of employment decisions made because of budget concerns. I’m not seeing this as one of them; why do you think so?
Joel, I would be happy to answer your question. Ever since Connie bought the stations at the Boston Store they have been cutting back and letting talent go. Froggy and its DJs were canned in favor of BOB FM with no DJs – except for Joe Lang. JET only has a few hours of local programming in the morning. Star has seen several talented DJs let go.
If I am reading the situation wrong then I will admit so and apologize. However, the Boston Store stations take up quite a bit of the first floor – not to mention the business and sales offices…R R had quite an office all to himself. That HAS to be quite a bit of overhead to have to clear every month. In the current economic climate where dollars are very scarce I feel it is only a matter of time before the REALLY big talent at Star and Rocket are let go.
The above opinions are mine and mine alone. I apologize if I have misread the situation. Thanks for a forum to air my views and not have to worry about ridicule.
I think the wolf is making the biggest mistake they have ever made!!!!! They r truly going to be sorry!!! I’m definatley switching radio stations! No more howling at the wolf for me!!! And I really liked that station! Their loss as far as i’m concerned!! Don’t know watcha got til its gone and i think its a decision they will deeply regret!!!!!!!
From what I’m hearing, I think that Connoisseur Media may be trying to attract an even younger audience with Aimee Clemson on 93.9 The Wolf while risking their loyal audience.
How about this belief: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
I copied Aimmee’s My space link from the browser. I think the male lisyenership might pick up
hopefully it works:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=196930083
I DON’T WANT TO START AN AIMEE BASHING SITE, BUT CLEMSON AND PROFESSIONAL ARE TWO ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM THAT NEVER MEET.
**edit**
TIME TO RETURN TO COUNTRY 98!!!
The ratings have been trending down since the 2 of them started.
It’s strictly a ratings reason.
The ratings are done in Spring and Fall…not in Summer.
They went from a 1.7 rating (spring 07) to a 1.4 (fall 07) to a .8 (spring 08) with adults 25-54.
Shannon and Melissa are fine people and simply lost out to the habits of the listener.
Good insight, stew, but it again begs a question:
is this a failing of the morning team, or of the possible reality that the market can’t sustain two Country stations, or really three south of I-90 when you include Froggy out of Meadville?
Here’s my take on Aimee…she seems to be a very polarizing personality. But at least Connoisseur is sticking with a local show as opposed to something syndicated. So now it would seem that the Country listeners have a very clear cut choice when it comes to morning radio listening because Aimee’s style is the direct opposite of Country 98′s…and Shannon & Melissa’s for that matter. And that’s a gamble that Connoisseur seems to be willing to take. Kinda refreshing in this era of “play it safe radio.”
music, promotions, marketing, etc are all part of the equation in radio..ratings spike up and down and are
anitquated compared to the technology that’s available.
there are many demographics and breakdowns to look at..
different stations have different signal strengths and the playing field isn’t always level..again Melissa and I appreciate all the words and support and we know and so does management that we took all the consultation provided and did a quality show..
Raw Row Raggy asked, “Why is it that when one station takes a commercial break…they all do?”
Good question. Stations used to stagger their commercial stopsets so that when “the other guy” was talking, you were back into music. We call it “counter-programming.” My seniors last year designed new format clocks for WERG that emulate some of these concepts. They noticed that commercial stations in Erie all seemed to be doing commercials from about :49-:56, so we now break at around :46, and get back to music first. It used to be fun to listen to the on-air “battles” between stations like WJET and K104 in the quest to snag the other station’s listeners.
I wish Shannon Solo and Melissa well; they will be missed. Ironic footnote: I used to work with the ORIGINAL “Shannon in the Morning” (Bill) during my days at WXTA in the nineties, and Melissa was my midday competition over at what was then WZPR.
Thanks Chet for answering my question. By the way,
WERG under your tutelage remains the purest form of alterntive radio for the Erie market. The station provides the resources for young broadcasters to “cut their teeth”while providing a great music format that has evolved but for the most part remained the same since the 10 watt days in the late 70s. Super Soul Saturday remains legendary and the ethnic shows on weekends are refreshing if only because they provide the diversity that this community lacks on any other frequency. WERG is the college radio station that other university entities should emulate.
This is a very big mistake. Shannon is very talented and was loved at Wolf. You will definitely feel the loss.
By the way, I like the picture of Shannon that they used…. Solo doesn’t take a bad picture….
looking at the ratings
Star went down 3 points
Bob Fm 5!
Wolf actually went up
makes you wonder..
I just wanted to let you know that I think it was a bad idea to let Shannon Solo and Melissa go for that WINER AMY THE OUTLAW CLEMSON. I stopped listening to Country 98 since she would only let her friends request songs or her friends were the only ones to win. I do not know her personally except the night that she was at the Country 98 dance and **edit**. I will now be changing my radio back to Country 98.
With all this talk about morning shows and the mentions of Warvel and Curry on Star did anyone happen to hear on Monday when they both were off and they had Ty the midday personality and some Kyle (I believe he does weekends) on in their place. They were both on with Curry the Friday before too. Is this maybe a indication of new things to come on Star?
Star 104 has no night time DJ, years ago they had an amazing night time guy (Chandler) my kids loved him and then they loose Shannon who was just as good. I think they are making big mistakes… if star is going that downhill then why not let go of Jessica Curry.. I guess I do not understand this whole radio thing.
I remember listening to Aimee and yes she only let her friends or the “usuals” request songs, unfair. And no I don’t listen to Star 104 but hopefully it will be new things to come to the station, they need it.
BIG MISTAKE!!!! our wide group of friends all quit 98 to listen to 93.9 with Shannon and Melissa. Country 98 you win! We are coming back to you. We won’t listen to Aimee again for sure.
I too stopped listening to Country 98 due to “the outlaw” at lunchtime. I HATED that show!!! Shannon and Melissa were such a refreshing change and a HUGE mistake was made in taking them off the air. I vowed I wouldn’t listen to the Wolf anymore when they were let go, but replacing them with Aimee just poured salt in that wound and sealed the deal for me. Country 98 here I come!
We really should just send in a petition to Conn. Media- Even though it won’t bring back Shannon& Melissa, at least they will know that they lost a lot of listeners… I think that’s the only way that they will know what the public is feelig.
Country 98, number one on my preset.
WHAT? SHANNON AND MELISSA ARE NO LONGER WAKIN’ US ALL UP ON 93.9 THE WOLF????
93.9 IS OFF MY PRE-SET.
THE ONLY HOWLIN GOIN ON WILL BE AT THE MOON FOR THE LOSS OF THEIR GREAT PERSONALITIES, THE GREAT WAY THEY INTERACTED ON THE AIR AND ALL THE FUN THEY MADE WAKIN UP.
PERIOD.
BAD MOVE.
TROUBLE IS IN YOUR BUSINESS …..IT MATTERS.
NO PROBLEM SIGNING MY NAME,
DEBI LEWIS
ADMIN. ASST.
S.P. BLACK INSURANCE AGENCY
Melissa,
What happened? I put the wolf on the other morning and heard Amy and was ready to puke. Hasn’t Erie learned that we need to keep her off of the air. Did her uncle buy the wolf too?? I heard that that was how she stayed on country 98 so long. I cannot stand her. You and Shannon were AWESOME. Sorry to not hear you guys in the morning. I hope to hear you on another radio station soon.
Rhonda Wiesen
Wow! What is up with country radio here in Erie?? I stopped listening to country 98 because i dont like the new girl on the morning show and i was so excited to find Melissa and Shannon on the wolf! Now, I am listening to BOB every morning because there is no decent morning country radio left! Obviously its popular consensus on here that Amy isnt well liked, so why bring her back?? Shannon and Melissa both worked their asses of for the Wolf only to now get booted. Is any job sacred anymore? Did anyone bother to ask the listeners what they wanted?? Well we’re voicing our opinions loud and clear now!!! BRING BACK SHANNON AND MELISSA!!!!!
And Johnny Marx was sent to 98 because of “budget costs”- Again, another reason to listen to that station.
Shannon and Melissa are pros that brought listeners to the The Wolf. There are many of us left now looking for another radio station to listen to on the way to work. Amy just doesn’t connect with the Erie public the way those two did. They brought a smile to my face each morning. What a sad state of affairs for the Erie market that the corporate heads at The Wolf were unable to recognize their talent. Someone should remind them what side their bread is buttered on. It appears this is a way they can fold The Wolf and surrender to Country 98. Do they think we are idiots?
well i am sad melissa and shannon are both gone and it may have been bound to happen. they were very good at what they did and hope they continue on at there new places they chose to go. aimee is a good person and should be given a chance atleast even though she was bad at country 98.
i don’t listen to 98 at all and have been a long time follower of the wolf. let’s geive her a chance guys and gals it won’t hurt. she may have changed for the better to take the wolf to the next level. not saying solo and melissa didn’t already do that.
good luck all and tune in. love ya all.
Mr. Cash is a legend in not only country but America
out of respect..please dont use his name
thank you
Shanon & Melissa are both good at what they do….radio!
When your in the radio business, like it or not there are always changes and the jocks will be the first to tell you that.
The WOLF has brought the New Generation of country music to Erie listeners and I’m sure it will continue as country musics popularity grows as the fastest segment of music today.
Shanon and Melissa best wishes in future endevors.
Remember, it’s hard getting to the top, and even harder staying there.
Alright enough already Solo…
I can’t remember anyone who was canned from a job having such a presence on the thread where “they” are the topic of discussion. Perhaps one “thanks for the kind words” post but…really!
It is bordering on narcissistic.
WHAT A MISTAKE!!! I LOVED Solo and Matthews. This Aimee??? real high pitched, manic voice. I guess I’ll head on over to the “other” country station. Solo and Matthe4ws are the ones who got me hooked on Country Music. Man, I hope SOME station in ERIE has the sense to get them both on the air again. I think “The Wolf” has bitten it’s own foot.
NO MATTER WHAT THE SUBJECT, IT’S NICE TO SEE MORE PARTICIPANTS ON THIS BLOG EVERY DAY.
Well, so far I fail to see…or hear…what all the fuss is about. I listen each morning between 6 and 7 and so far I have heard nothing beyond infrequent time mentions and teases of upcoming songs. She’s actually rather boring. Is their “new direction” with the morning show…a music jukebox??