The FAN 590 radio in Toronto

[Mudcat]

Just wondering what thoughts the local contingent might have.

What prompted this was listening to the Doug MacLean and Jack Armstrong afternoon show. I have given them a pretty fair shake now and the jury is in: . They aren't bad people - not at all - they are both knowledgeable in their areas of expertise - but their show makes me cringe. I don't care how many callers start their calls by kissing their asses, the show doesn't work.

Mind you I couldn't stand the guy they replaced either, Swirsky. He seemed okay at doing Raptors broadcasts, but he sure didn't need his own radio show.



I like McCown in Prime Time. I like Brunt a lot when he co-hosts. Jim Kelly, I like a bit less but I can deal with him.

Usually the Prime Time round-tables are good.



Mike Hogan? I dunno. He works hard. He tries hard. He comes up with good topics. He knows football for sure. I just find him unappealing in a way I can't quite put my finger on. I don't begrudge him his job. I don't listen a lot at that time of day anyway.


And this guy Faraway that fills in a lot. Can't stand that guy.






I think there must be a few people at this site who must listen in and have an opinion or two.

[Rain Man]

I really like Brunt and round table stuff.

I've grown weary with McCown and still listen but only to see if the topic is high on my list, otherwise it's on to something else. Everything else is lame and needs major overhaul and upgrading.

[dwaechte]

I haven't heard much of Maclean and Armstrong to be honest. I love Jack for who he is and what he's done, but have trouble seeing him do a show like that.

McCown is easily my favourite, and I agree on Brunt as well. He just seems to "get it". So many of these guys you hear on the radio are too old to have a clue anymore and can't really relate well with the audience. Kelly is right on that edge, although I still don't mind him because he's got a good rapport with Bob.

My least favourite Fan personality: Mike Wilner. The guy is a jackass with very little self-awareness.

Then there are the guys like Toth; I love him because you can see he enjoys what he's doing and he worked hard and deserves to be where he is. But, he's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed.

As for Swirsk, I can see how people wouldn't like him or would find him annoying, but you have to respect the guy. He did more for basketball in this city/country than anyone besides Vince Carter.

[fiveteamer]

I used to listen to the bullpen with Mike Hogan years ago.

Football Fridays

Swirsky was a suckass, but called a good Raptors game.

[Rain Man]

As for Swirsk, I can see how people wouldn't like him or would find him annoying, but you have to respect the guy. He did more for basketball in this city/country than anyone besides Vince Carter.[/QUOTE]

I know this is a thread about The Fan but with only a curiosity to get your opinion on this, can you clarify that Vince Carter statement. I still can't stand to see that crap head lay down artist Carter on any telecast without cheering heartily that he loses.

I think what makes basketball work in this city is the formula of getting guys who truly love to be here because of the cool multicultural nature of this town.

Not ragging on you because of your Carter opinion, just want to see what I am missing.

[cobra_king]

Doug Maclean is a clown he really believes he is God's gift to hockey. It's like he forgets that he ran Columbus right into the ground and only lives off of his one year with Florida when they went to the Cup final.

I like Armstrong, but i'm not sure the talk radio format is his cup of tea, especially when paired with the aforementioned clown.

Always have liked McCown, but sometimes he can get on your nerves when he goes off on his little tangents, but definately is the best part of the radio station. Primetime is an awesome show to listen to when Brunt is the co-host, this guy really knows his stuff and is able to keep McCown in check. Jim Kelley on the other hand is also a clown. He is also one of those guys who thinks he knows everything when sometimes he doesn't even know the basics of what he is talking about.

Hogan i'm up and down with but he'll always get a pass in my book because he's a Whaler fan!!

Swirskey's show was downright horrible. He knew hoops but he knew NOTHING of anything else.

Doug Farraway is the biggest stiff of them all. Years ago he was on all the time and he was "promoted" to get him off the air. Now he's found a way back on for an hour and and his condescending, "I'm better than you" attitude is nauseating.

Speaking of "know it alls".......Mike Wilner, PLEASE find a way to get rid of this jackass!

Ok i'm done.

[Mudcat]

Oh yeah Wilner. I don't get that guy. All I would ever hear him do is dispute sh1t.

Nothing is the GM's fault, nothing is the manager's fault, nothing is the player's fault. Any criticism is invalid. Any change of anything is pointless. If things got better with Cito, he didn't deserve credit. The change just happened.

It was hard to figure out his point. He is knowledgeable but he's just a contrarian by nature I suppose. I can do without that.

[Richkas]

A bunch of winners in this thread.

[cobra_king]

That's why you appeared i guess.

[Stumpage]

A bunch of winners in this thread.

Spoken like someone under the mistaken impression that he actually matters.....

[Mudcat]

Who is doing mornings now anyway? Goes to show what kind of a morning person I'm not.

I thought I heard something about Damien Cox being involved. I always liked him on the radio.




My pet peeve is their advertising. It seems focused on McCown's stupidest moments. I like McCown and think he's got a lot of interesting things to say - but they always pick out things where he's just plain wrong. I guess they want to stir controversy.

Or they have this line: "Bob McCown. The opinion you wish you had."

WTF does that even mean? If you wish you had an opinion wouldn't you just have it?

[Mudcat]

Then there are the guys like Toth; I love him because you can see he enjoys what he's doing and he worked hard and deserves to be where he is. But, he's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed.

I just heard a bit of Toth this morning. He is the ultimate, "Okay in small doses guy." He can be good for a few chuckles but I sure don't want to hear him every day like when they had him filling in on Prime Time awhile back.

[fiveteamer]

Vegas Dave should work for the Fan.

Does the Fan still have a wrestling show??

It was so stupid.

[cobra_king]

Toth is the heir apparent to McCowan when he finally departs. And i'm with you on him in very small doses. Like maybe 30 seconds a year! When he fills in on Primetime, or when he eventually takes over, I will be doing the Wilner with him...........radio off!