Chris Barry Leaving fm104?

TheLonelyOne

I saw this on a different post here


[Quote: comegowithme
It is ridiculous to suggest that they started from scratch. There was already an audience there which they had to maintain, and they did. What they have failed to do is add to that audience in sizeable numbers and I'd imagine that is what the top brass expected of them.

What I'm wondering is if contract negotiations have opened between A&J and Communicorpas the current agreement expires next year? If not I'd say how good or bad the remaining quarters this year will give a good indication as to whether those negotiations happen or not.

One more question ; if 98 pull the lads from their current slot, would they happily go back to nights? On 98 or possibly back on 104?

With Chris Barry finishing up later this year the situation throws up a lot of interesting possibilities.]

Really surprised that Chris is leaving leavingafter what would seam to be a really short time but wondering if A&J will move back or will Greg Maryman return?

Atlantic Dawn

A talk show targetted to scanger topics was never going to work 10am to 12 as it would be too censored, the sooner they return to late night the better.

Mr Snow

when did this happen??
what month is Chris Barry leavening
Chris Barry and Greg Merriman are good in my option
hope it is not the last we hear of Chris Barry

badgersbelief

There's nothing to suggest he's leaving apart from the show's poor figures. I'd say his contract is up this October as it'll be three years from when he started back.

Apparently there was a lack of interest before he took over (Chris was fourth choice for the show) so it's hard to say who would replace him. Adrian & Jeremy are under contract until next March.

Another thing I noticed, Dave Kelly recently followed Niall Boylan on Twitter, the only non-104 guy he follows.

Garzard

Adrian gave an interview on 738am soon after starting at 98FM saying he'd been wanting to get out of working nights for years, and his bombshell damaged relationships with FM104 hugely. So I can't see him or Jeremy returning there.

As regards Chris, I wouldn't be sorry to see him go. I just find him unlistenable due to his dreary monotone voice & speech habits, allowing the same callers on every night, resistance to social media, and not interacting with his audience outside of the show. With Chris as host, the Phoneshow quickly became a shadow of its former self.

badgersbelief

Garzard wrote: »

Adrian gave an interview on 738am soon after starting at 98FM saying he'd been wanting to get out of working nights for years, and his bombshell damaged relationships with FM104 hugely. So I can't see him or Jeremy returning there.

As regards Chris, I wouldn't be sorry to see him go. I just find him unlistenable due to his dreary monotone voice & speech habits, allowing the same callers on every night, resistance to social media, and not interacting with his audience outside of the show. With Chris as host, the Phoneshow quickly became a shadow of its former self.

He definitely won't go back to nights judging by what he said, I think he'll be given more time at 98fm anyway. I think there's more chance of Niall Boylan going to fm104 than Adrian coming back and tbh I prefer Niall's show now.

Garzard

badgersbelief wrote: »

He definitely won't go back to nights judging by what he said, I think he'll be given more time at 98fm anyway. I think there's more chance of Niall Boylan going to fm104 than Adrian coming back and tbh I prefer Niall's show now.

First discovered the NBS around this time last year - while it's a lively show with decent discussion, I began to find Niall's voice a bit slow and tedious so I don't listen to him much anymore. Not as upbeat as Adrian but miles better than Chris Barry all the same. It is what it is with all 3 presenters, but I honestly think FM104 should demand more of Chris - give him a time limit to revamp his way of running of the show or have him replaced.

end of the road

Garzard wrote: »

As regards Chris, I wouldn't be sorry to see him go. I just find him unlistenable due to his dreary monotone voice & speech habits, allowing the same callers on every night, resistance to social media, and not interacting with his audience outside of the show. With Chris as host, the Phoneshow quickly became a shadow of its former self.

all those talk shows will have some of the same callers on from time to time. i personally don't get your point about social media, the topics are put up for people to discuss most of the time. if a prize is been given away that may be put up on the facebook also. that (from what i remember) has always been the way with the phoneshow facebooks?

badgersbelief

end of the road wrote: »

all those talk shows will have some of the same callers on from time to time. i personally don't get your point about social media, the topics are put up for people to discuss most of the time. if a prize is been given away that may be put up on the facebook also. that (from what i remember) has always been the way with the phoneshow facebooks?

I think he means compared to Adrian and Jeremy who always connect with their listeners by doing outdoor challenges and live streams online. Even Niall goes out of his way to meet listeners at the Classic Hits parties.

Chris refuses to have his photo taken never mind connect and meet his listeners. Most of his listeners don't even know what he looks like which seems strange for a presenter in this day and age.

end of the road

badgersbelief wrote: »

I think he means compared to Adrian and Jeremy who always connect with their listeners by doing outdoor challenges and live streams online. Even Niall goes out of his way to meet listeners at the Classic Hits parties.

Chris refuses to have his photo taken never mind connect and meet his listeners. Most of his listeners don't even know what he looks like which seems strange for a presenter in this day and age.

ah yes i see what you mean.

delta_bravo

Garzard wrote: »

Adrian gave an interview on 738am soon after starting at 98FM saying he'd been wanting to get out of working nights for years, and his bombshell damaged relationships with FM104 hugely. So I can't see him or Jeremy returning there.

As regards Chris, I wouldn't be sorry to see him go. I just find him unlistenable due to his dreary monotone voice & speech habits, allowing the same callers on every night, resistance to social media, and not interacting with his audience outside of the show. With Chris as host, the Phoneshow quickly became a shadow of its former self.

That interview was very good. Not only did he lay into Chris Barry he was highly critical of FM104 management so I can't see a return likely there.

Chris Barry seems to be very bad at engaging with his dwindling base. Niall Boylan is much more lively and charismatic which is what is needed at this timeslot.

Garzard

delta_bravo wrote: »

That interview was very good. Not only did he lay into Chris Barry he was highly critical of FM104 management so I can't see a return likely there.

Chris Barry seems to be very bad at engaging with his dwindling base. Niall Boylan is much more lively and charismatic which is what is needed at this timeslot.

In fairness, FM104 did handle everything badly when A & J left the station. Seemed very vindictive of management to kill off all trace of them in such a kneejerk way - all photos and podcasts disappeared from the site barely hours after they left. Was pretty disappointed in the way it was dealt with tbh.

I remember hearing Chris was fairly far down the list of choices to replace Adrian, but lack of interest left them with really no other option. I'd have much preferred them to have drawn out their replacement campaign longer - even if it meant taking the show off-air for a few months, rather than hiring somebody so out of touch and without any real passion for the show like Chris Barry.

Garzard

end of the road wrote: »

all those talk shows will have some of the same callers on from time to time.

Well yeah, there's a few regular callers that ring into all 3 stations. Jude is probably the best known example. Also you have the wheelchair-bound John who despises single mothers and Northside Dublin to the core, and the highly conservative Jimmy. There's a few other regulars I'm not a huge fan of for various reasons, but at least many of them only ring in on particular topics.

On the Phoneshow however I find the discussions generally unbearable because of the personality and frequency of some callers - you can almost guarantee that woman Lisa will be on every night for example, regardless of the topic. It just becomes too tedious, although I put most of the blame there on Chris for allowing that.

fussyonion

I listened to Chris Barry a few times since he started back on FM104 but I didn't stay listening for long.
He has no interest in his callers; he loves the sound of his voice and he states the bleedin' obvious all the time.
If he left, I doubt anyone would miss him.

I like Adrian and Jeremy though Jeremy's fake stories that crop up from time to time are tedious.

I listen mainly to Niall Boylan now.
I like his bluntness and he says it how it is BUT he hates everything about Ireland and although this country has its' faults, for a man who hates so much about it, why doesn't he just move away?

I also hate that they have this guy calling in, called Steve, who is quite clearly an actor, and that the other callers are too thick to realise he's an actor.

I get irritated when Niall says "Loadsa texts coming in there, loadsa texts" because I reckon he's so used to saying it that he'd say it even if there weren't any coming in.

But as much as I get irritated, I do think his show is different and I like how Niall can spot a bullsh*tter from a mile away.
I also like his banter.

Overall, Niall is a breath of fresh air to me (I only discovered his show last year; I used to listen to After Dark with Niall and Anita on 98FM years ago and that was a great laugh).
I do wish he'd keep that Aussie chick off the air, though, as I've no interest in anything she says.

If Niall went to FM104 I would certainly follow him there.
I don't listen to anything else on Classic Hits.

end of the road

fussyonion wrote: »

I also hate that they have this guy calling in, called Steve, who is quite clearly an actor, and that the other callers are too thick to realise he's an actor.

he comes on 104 as well!!!!!!!!!! with the completely opposite opinions to his nb show stage personality. one of the better callers in my view even though i know his game!!!!!!!!!!

Garzard

fussyonion wrote: »

I listened to Chris Barry a few times since he started back on FM104 but I didn't stay listening for long.
He has no interest in his callers; he loves the sound of his voice and he states the bleedin' obvious all the time.
If he left, I doubt anyone would miss him.

I listen mainly to Niall Boylan now.
I like his bluntness and he says it how it is BUT he hates everything about Ireland and although this country has its' faults, for a man who hates so much about it, why doesn't he just move away?

I get irritated when Niall says "Loadsa texts coming in there, loadsa texts" because I reckon he's so used to saying it that he'd say it even if there weren't any coming in.

I kind of became disillusioned with Niall because of that attitude he has, particularly with the Defence Forces by oversimplifying and making fun of the organisation, such as saying they're a useless bunch outside of peacekeeping and propping up bus services during strikes.

I've already mentioned my main gripes with Chris, but I get especially irritated with his incessant habit of stating the obvious, repeating ''Welcome back to ye, 67, niiiiiine 7... FM104 is our phone number, 53104 for 20c'', ''huuuuuge reaction coming into us'' in that exaggerated voice - to name a few quotes. I really don't think it's necessary to repeat phone numbers every 15 seconds. He's just too much of a drone.

Am I alone in thinking that he seems to take the easy way out all the time by simply indulging his callers rather than debating and challenging them?

badgersbelief

One of the reasons why Chris got the job was because there was no one else to replace Adrian & Jeremy in 2013.

Apart from the likes of them, Niall, Neil Prenderville and PJ Coogan, is there any other presenters out there that be suited to take over the Phoneshow?

Mr Snow

badgersbelief wrote: »

One of the reasons why Chris got the job was because there was no one else to replace Adrian & Jeremy in 2013.

Apart from the likes of them, Niall, Neil Prenderville and PJ Coogan, is there any other presenters out there that be suited to take over the Phoneshow?

I don't think pj coogan would suit the fm104 phoneshow.
Greg Merriman would be good choice what does he do when he is not on fm104

TheLonelyOne

Mr Snow wrote: »

I don't think pj coogan would suit the fm104 phoneshow.
Greg Merriman would be good choice what does he do when he is not on fm104

Did not really think much of Greg the last time he was on. He is not like he used to be. Seemed very cynical last time.

Do not think there is any one strong enough to replace Chris.

Garzard

TheLonelyOne wrote: »

Did not really think much of Greg the last time he was on. He is not like he used to be. Seemed very cynical last time.

Do not think there is any one strong enough to replace Chris.

I've only heard him once on one of the old Phoneshow podcasts. If I recall right he's the deeper voiced lad?

Mr Snow

Garzard wrote: »

I've only heard him once on one of the old Phoneshow podcasts. If I recall right he's the deeper voiced lad?

yeah he is.

The openline was on FM104 after the Adrian Kennedy phone show from 1-2 am Sunday to Thursday for a year or two around 99/200...0. It was hosted by Greg Merriman and was a light hearted phone show that turned into a bit of a circus with regular characters on the air as well all sorts of randomers ringing up to talk nonsense. Jim Jim started here as Tony the monkey child.

Garzard

Mr Snow wrote: »

yeah he is.

The openline was on FM104 after the Adrian Kennedy phone show from 1-2 am Sunday to Thursday for a year or two around 99/200...0. It was hosted by Greg Merriman and was a light hearted phone show that turned into a bit of a circus with regular characters on the air as well all sorts of randomers ringing up to talk nonsense. Jim Jim started here as Tony the monkey child.

Oh right, because I never heard him on FM104 when Adrian was there. Then again I was only ever interested in the Phoneshow's serious discussions so always turned off the radio when Adrian and Jeremy finished their night slot.

Even on that one podcast I heard him (he was filling in for Chris) like TheLonelyOne I didn't think much of him either - also found him a bit of a drone with a ''that's just the way it is'' attitude towards things.

Birneybau

Mr Snow wrote: »

Garzard wrote: »

I've only heard him once on one of the old Phoneshow podcasts. If I recall right he's the deeper voiced lad?

yeah he is.

The openline was on FM104 after the Adrian Kennedy phone show from 1-2 am Sunday to Thursday for a year or two around 99/200...0. It was hosted by Greg Merriman and was a light hearted phone show that turned into a bit of a circus with regular characters on the air as well all sorts of randomers ringing up to talk nonsense. Jim Jim started here as Tony the monkey child.

Used to love that myself, my brother would record it on...tape!

Mr Snow

Birneybau wrote: »

Used to love that myself, my brother would record it on...tape!

do you have any clips?

Garzard

Even though FM104 had little choice in taking Chris back considering the circumstances, it's still quite odd IMO after the massive legal fallout they had with Chris in the late 90's. Adrian mentioned this in his Castaway Media interview but I struggled to understand it exactly.

4 band radio

Charlie wolf was of the people who was offered this gig in 2013 but he had to turn it down for family and heath reasons.

Birneybau

Mr Snow wrote: »

do you have any clips?

Nah. I specifically remember a song called 'Donkey from Drogheeeda'

tomofson

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

A talk show targetted to scanger topics was never going to work 10am to 12 as it would be too censored, the sooner they return to late night the better.

"scanger topics"?

Cliff Walker

Now that colm hayes will be free after tomorrow, could he be a potental new presenter of the phoneshow ?

Mr Snow

Cliff Walker wrote: »

Now that colm hayes will be free after tomorrow, could he be a potental new presenter of the phoneshow ?

I can not see it happen because jim jim fell out with colm a few years over pay that was why jim jim went back to fm104

chilloutrelax

Cliff Walker wrote: »

Now that colm hayes will be free after tomorrow, could he be a potental new presenter of the phoneshow ?

An interesting suggestion.

I wonder where he will end up... My guess is a Dublin station prime time show.

L1011

Cliff Walker wrote: »

Now that colm hayes will be free after tomorrow, could he be a potental new presenter of the phoneshow ?

He's never presented anything of that style before, so it'd be a huge risk. He also left 104 under a cloud and has many people there who would not want to work with him - his co-leaver at the very least!

chilloutrelax wrote: »

An interesting suggestion.

I wonder where he will end up... My guess is a Dublin station prime time show.

My guess is the dole.

badgersbelief

I think Colm is focusing on off-air projects once he leaves 2fm.

I wouldn't actually mind if Keith Ward took over the Phoneshow, he's getting the experience doing the Open Mic. He wouldn't be a bad option if there's no one else.

TheLonelyOne

Cliff Walker wrote: »

Now that colm hayes will be free after tomorrow, could he be a potental new presenter of the phoneshow ?

Do not think he would be strong enough for a show like that IMHO

comegowithme

Colm is to be the new pd of Nova, from what I hear.

Cliff Walker

John Clarke wont like that

Declan A Walsh

comegowithme wrote: »

Colm is to be the new pd of Nova, from what I hear.

PD or not, I always thought that Colm Hayes would be a good fit for Radio Nova, but I could not see him doing a late night phone show (FM104 or anywhere else).

Who could replace Chris Barry? I think Niall Boylan, currently with 4FM, seems to be the one who can do that sort of show.

chilloutrelax

comegowithme wrote: »

Colm is to be the new pd of Nova, from what I hear.

Interesting, he was the PD that brought FM104 to 29% listnened yesterday in the 90s...so who know what he might do with Nova and the presenters he would bring in.. I would guess he would have totally different ideas re breakfast in particular.

fussyonion

Declan A Walsh wrote: »

PD or not, I always thought that Colm Hayes would be a good fit for Radio Nova, but I could not see him doing a late night phone show (FM104 or anywhere else).

Who could replace Chris Barry? I think Niall Boylan, currently with 4FM, seems to be the one who can do that sort of show.

Met Niall recently and asked him about moving to FM104.
He said he was approached for the show before Chris and turned it down. He has also said he won't move to another station.

TheLonelyOne

fussyonion wrote: »

Met Niall recently and asked him about moving to FM104.
He said he was approached for the show before Chris and turned it down. He has also said he won't move to another station.

Do not think it was a case of him even having the chance to turn it down. He had just signed a new contract so was not in any position to accept.

Given the chance I would say he would jump at it. Why do two shows when the opportunity to just do one comes up? But again he is tied up in his contract.

comegowithme

Chris' co host (name escapes me) confirmed to take over from Chris.

KReid

comegowithme wrote: »

Chris' co host (name escapes me) confirmed to take over from Chris.

He has a CO-host? When did that happen?

badgersbelief

comegowithme wrote: »

Chris' co host (name escapes me) confirmed to take over from Chris.

Keith Ward? I was hoping he'd get it. I'll definitely start listening again if he gets it.

KReid

badgersbelief wrote: »

Keith Ward? I was hoping he'd get it. I'll definitely start listening again if he gets it.

Has he not been gone for over a year now, I heard him doing the sunday night show a few months ago.

Mr Snow

keith ward is in all this week from monday night

KReid

Mr Snow wrote: »

keith ward is in all this week from monday night

Where you hearing that?


Wonder is this a trial run.

Mr Snow

KReid wrote: »

Where you hearing that?


Wonder is this a trial run.

I see it on Keith ward Twitter page. Chris is on holidays next week

KReid

Mr Snow wrote: »

I see it on Keith ward Twitter page. Chris is on holidays next week

Be a nice change, show has been going nowhere for a long time now, since Adrian and Jeremy left. There was some interest in it for a while with Chris being back but its stale now, needs a new angle, surprised management hasn't stepped in yet to try and implement a change.

badgersbelief

Keith on again this evening, presumably for this week too. It's much better with him tbh.

end of the road

KReid wrote: »

Be a nice change, show has been going nowhere for a long time now, since Adrian and Jeremy left. There was some interest in it for a while with Chris being back but its stale now, needs a new angle, surprised management hasn't stepped in yet to try and implement a change.

the problem is they're is only so many times you can refresh such a format, only so many topics can be. back years ago more controversial stuff could be done but not now. so you are only left with, dole, social wellfare, immigration, and so on.
thinking about it, i'm not sure chris is even any part of the problem with this show, or at least if he is it's through no fault of his own. he cannot operate how he did back years ago due to all the various codes and regulations these days, so he can really do very little. i never listened to chris when he was originally on fm104, but i do remember him on 98 in his later years there and he was good in my opinion so i bet he was the same, if not better on 104. niall boylan is the same. loved his show on 98, he still has an edge on his current show but again only so many topics can be covered and regulations are a lot stricter now then back then so things won't be as interesting as back then. i guess that is just life all though i do like controversial radio and wish they're wasn't so much regulation and these type of shows had a lot more freedom.

KReid

Ye I agree with that, I think the format is struggling, even with Social Media and the instant appeal of it and being able to react to things instantly they still fail to be interactive on 104, 98 seem to push that aspect a bit more, maybe it helps because they are on in the day primarily. Still occasionally tune into both shows but yeah, the same topics are recycled.

Would love to see 104 try and reinvigorate the show in some way, probably by dropping the shock talk thing and open the format up more.