Until I hear your voice again
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 3:07pm PST
From: Wendy Peters

Hi Charlie!

I miss you I miss you I miss you!

So I turn on my radio the other day and I hear an unfamiliar voice...huh! Maybe Charlie is on vacation? Wait there is a new name to the radio show and Lori Ryan is not doing the traffic report...what is going on? I obviously missed your farewell show and the news that you were signing off of KBIG That's ok...that's ok. You are a true gem and will be on the radio again soon I'm sure! On to bigger and better things right! As they say everything happens for a reason!

That still doesn't stop me from missing your beautiful voice. I'll never forget the first time I heard it. It was a few years ago in August during the first annual Charlie Tunathon. I was a fan for life from then on! It was because of the Tunathon that I am pursuing a career in nursing. Listening to those precious babies tell their stories. Hearing the inspiring stories of children walking out of CHLA!!! What will happen to the Tunathon?

Can I just tell you how my morning routine has been so out of whack since you left lol! It's funny how you get used to a routine in the morning and then it gets turned all upside down if one thing is out of place.

I miss you so much! You make my heart smile.

Hurry back soon! I'll be there listening where ever you go.

(((HUGS)))

Wendy Peters

A radio personality at KXRY in Olympia, Washington sent this
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 2:56pm PST
From: Bobby Hart

Charlie Tuna --

I've been following from afar the recent events in the Radio life of Charlie Tuna and am compelled to drop you a line.

Charlie Tuna is the reason I am in radio and have been for the past 30 years. I was a sophomore in high school, an army brat, overseas in Germany and I used to listen to Charlie Tuna on AFN Frankfurt. Listening, it struck me that that was a pretty cool job and this guy does it pretty good. I think I'd like to do that. Well, we came back stateside and I graduated high school and headed off to college to learn about broadcasting. As a young radio student I was trying to figure out how Charlie could say K-K-D-J so fast. I finally figured out he was saying "Cake-A-Dee-Jay." Found airchecks of Charlie at KOMA and was just fascinated. KHJ, Ten-Q, and on and on. Again, as a young student listening to aichecks I noticed that Dr. Don Rose would tend to repeat bits just inserting the hottest actress at the time in the punch line. Charlie Tuna didn't repeat bits -- or at least I didn't catch him.

Anyway, I seem to be rambling at this point. I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for the inspiration that you have been and continue to be for at least one other jock out here in radioland.

Bobby Hart

Thank you!
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 2:01pm PST
From: Jennifer St. George

Hi, Charlie. I am SO bummed that you won't be on the air anymore, and so disappointed in the radio station that they made this poor decision. But I didn't want to miss this chance to tell you how much listening to you in the mornings has meant to me. A little over five years ago I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Through all of my many, many tests and procedures (radiation, full body scans, etc), I listened to you every day. And it was your voice, every morning, that soothed and calmed me. When I was so unsure of so many things, I could hear your comforting voice and know at least one thing was constant. That might sound a little corny, but I just wanted you to know what listening to you has meant to me. I don't know if this message can fully convey that, but I thought I'd give it a try.

Luckily, five years later, I am free and clear of the cancer and I expect to be so for many more years. I wish you all the best and I will definitely keep checking your website to see how you're doing (and what station you'll be on next!).

I also want to say thank you for all of the wonderful charity work you did through your "Tunathons". You are absolutely an amazing person.

Good luck to you!

Jen

Congratulations and best wishes
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 11:17am PST
From: Andrew Glassman

Dear Charlie,

As a fan I will miss your show on my drive to work in the mornings here for the short term, but I am most certain I will find you again very soon on your next “home”.

It is clear you take such care in your research before all of your interviews ? and you treat your guests with such respect, even when you have to ask the delicate/gossipy questions. You somehow manage to do the impossible -- strike the perfect tone with your guests, and make the interviews really fun for the listener. When you give the Hollywood news I always feel it is so credibly done.

Congratulations on your next big move ? I will be among the many certain to follow you wherever the path takes you.

Sincerely,

Andrew Glassman

Thank You
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 10:51am PST
From: Robert Starcher

Dear Charlie,

I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your last show Monday morning. Looking over the last 7 years at KBIG was a blast. You will be missed, but as you said- you love being on the air and may well be back there some day.

I remember hearing your voice on the radio in the early to mid 70's when I was young. As I grew up and my tastes in music changed I would lose track of you, only to find you on a new station. Like finding a long lost friend. And some day that may very well happen again. This time around I can keep up with you thanks to the Internet, and your son for making your web site (be sure to thank him from your fans!).

Keep up the good work, Charlie!

Your friend,

Robert Starcher

Charlie "You're an ICON"
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 10:32am PST
From: Naomi Salcido

Dear Charlie,

I started listening to KBig about 4 years ago, I don't have much time to listen to the radio but once I found your station KBIG, I was hooked. I listened to you every morning and got my whole family and friends to listen to your station. It's been the best. you're a CLASS ACT! I don't know if they're going to hire someone to replace you, but I know if someone tries, they're going to have some BIG SHOES TO FILL. I woke up as I do every morning between 6:00 am and 6:30 am last week, the first thing I do is turn on the radio, I was SHOCKED TOTALLY IN DISBELIEF that it was your last day on the air. I literally started crying. You're the BEST! YOU'RE THE KING OF RADIO! I will surely miss hearing your voice, it's not the same that you're not there but, it's hard to accept. Your family and we take for granted that you'll always be there. I know you said " No sadness" but I'm sad. I tried calling in the radio station on my way to work but was unable to get thru, phones were constantly busy. I wish you only the BEST.

Lot's of Love,

Naomi Salcido
Administrative Assistant

What are we going to do...
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 10:14am PST
From: Michelle Haddy

I can't imagine not waking up to you in the morning Charlie. I did get in to talk to you your last morning on the air, and I am so grateful to Clear Channel for allowing you to say goodbye on your last show with KBIG. A class move in my opinion. You've been a part of so many peoples morning Charlie, your voice is the first we hear in our day and you are a part of our family. I have spent most of this morning with tears in my eyes as it is the end of an era. Even though we know you are still there at the station, it won't be the same as hearing your voice in the morning. Hopefully, we will again soon.

This morning show has been so much a part of my life (not only with KBIG but other stations you've been with) and I've gotten so much info on local events and interviews with stars, mediums, mayors, etc., that people at work will stop and ask me what Charlie had to say this morning! :) I can't tell you how much I'll miss you Charlie. I hope whatever or wherever you end up, it's what you want and it's the best possible move for you. THANK YOU my friend for the years of going through laughter, tears, fun, tragedies, comfort, and smiles together, even though we've never met face to face!!

You'll be missed....................but hopefully, not for long,

Michelle Haddy
V.P. Sales & Marketing

TV Traffic Reporter Bill Thomas checked in
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 9:52am PST
From: Bill Thomas

Hey Charlie,

Bill Thomas checking in with well wishes. Sorry to hear you're leaving KBIG and I always enjoy checking out your show on the way to the airport prior to each day's flight.

You are and have always been the very BEST at what you do and looking forward to checking out your new show and new dial position.

See ya.

Bill Thomas

I will miss you
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 9:50am PST
From: Percival

Dear Charlie,

I just heard this is your last day being on air. I was surprised , sad, and feeling a bit down. For the last 7 years of my life you have been my friend when I drive to work and listen to you every work day.

It brought me a tear not knowing if I will hear you again, and feel like a good friend of mine is no longer around. I know you said there are new doors opening, but it just won't be the same.

I want to thank you for the past seven years I have heard you, your voice, your laugh and your happiness that you bring everyday when I turn on the radio. Thank you my friend for giving me so much and I will truly miss you.

You are a GREAT man!!!! thank you for bring so much joy to me and to so many more people out there. I hope to hear you on the radio again, and soon, as you
have always filled my day with so much.

Percival

An email from a former 93/KHJ intern
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 9:40am PST
From: Raleigh Guthrey

Hi Charlie:

I met you as an intern at KHJ radio. You were among the few persons that were friendly to me there, which I appreciated. Although I teach math now at a local university, I've always been a big fan of radio. Whenever I'm out of town, I notice how lucky we are in SoCal to have the greatest radio personalities, led by you. I look forward to hearing you again soon.

Thanks,

Raleigh Guthrey

To an outstanding radio personality
Received: 09/24/2007 @ 3:19am PST
From: Kevin Bulone

Dear Charlie:

I have been living in California for 13 years and have listened to your morning program on KBIG for the past 7 years. I have always enjoyed your morning show. I loved your feature "Inside the Actors Studio". Listening to your show always got me through the day at work. I did also listen to you Sunday mornings on WPIX-FM New York when you used to host the syndicated "National Music Survey" and I remember your voice from various game shows I watched when I was young.

Your show was always family oriented and friendly to listen to and I hope that you return to the airwaves real soon. I definitely will listen to the best of Tuna bits via your website to get my Tuna fix but it will not be the same. Just so you know a lot of the parents whose children are in the chess group I run also mentioned about you as well. So you are very much are part of the community and mean a lot to me and the rest of your listeners.

Please keep me updated on any new Tuna news.

A devoted Tuna fan.

Kevin Bulone

My last listening of regular radio
Received: 09/23/2007 @ 10:08pm PST
From: Niki Arnold

Dear Charlie,

What a shock! what are they thinking, you and the gang are the
only reason I have been listening to regular radio the past couple of years.
You are the best, your show is always interesting and you never do those
mean spirited and nasty "things" the other morning DJ's do. I loved all of
the chatter with Lori, she is so funny, and of course Irma. All the fun
games you have and the Actors Studio, what will we do? This is just too
terrible!

I guess for the first time in my music enjoyment life I will no longer be
listening to the radio I have always known. I will now be listening
exclusively to XM and my CD's & cassettes. There will no longer be a reason
to listen to commercial radio.

Perhaps I will find you on XM! Love you Charlie!

No matter what station, I will listen
Received: 09/23/2007 @ 9:58pm PST
From: A Loyal Fan Ted

Dear Charlie,

I'm still in shock as to what happened and the apparent name change to 104.3 FM. I'm a 34 year old male who listened to your show during my mornings while both at work and in my car. I can't even begin to express my disappointment at the powers that be for having not included you and your crew to continue bringing a happy start to the day for all those that enjoyed having you on the air!

Know that you'll always have someone willing to listen to you no matter what station you happen to be in. I just hope that it's a station within the LA area so I can listen to you still. Till next time you take to the stage, take care!

Ted

Huge mistake! Can't wait to hear you again
Received: 09/23/2007 @ 9:34pm PST
From: Sabrina

Dear Charlie Tuna,

I am writing to you to let you know that I really enjoyed your morning radio show.? I am sorry that KBIG ended your show.? I think it was a huge mistake.? I had listened to your show the past several years and now I am experiencing Charlie Tuna withdrawal symptoms :)??? I had always looked forward to hearing you in the morning as I got up to get ready for work. You helped me get though my divorce and in a way you helped me with my three children.? We would, as a family, listen to the games you had on the air as well as some fun facts.? Those moments brought smiles to our faces, if even for a short time in the morning.? It was a positive time my kids and I would spend together which we needed.? I would like to thank you for that.?

I really hope that a bigger and better opportunity comes along.? I can't wait to hear you on the air again.

Sincerely,

Sabrina

Goodbye and hello!
Received: 09/23/2007 @ 9:23am PST
From: Alan Oda

Good morning --

I tried to phone in, but I understand the many thousands of people who were
trying to get your attention last Monday morning. I was going to make some
comment about "what do the stations KHJ, KKDJ, KHTZ, KODJ, and KBIG have
in common? They're all stations you worked at that don't exist anymore.
You're just bad luck, Mr. Tuna!"

In all seriousness, we do look forward to your next venture. There's a
reason you were voted as one of the top 10 personalities of all time by
the readers of Los Angeles Radio People. We'll stay tuned!

Sincerely,

Alan Oda
Correspondent. LARadio.com

Best Wishes
Received: 09/23/2007 @ 9:08am PST
From: Linda Hernandez

Dear Charlie:

I am 44 years old and have been listening to you since 93 KHJ days when I was about 12 years old on a transistor radio. Even listened to you on 10-Q.

Wow, I could hardly believe my ears this morning when my clock radio alarm went off.
Usually in the morning when my alarm goes off you still kind of lay in bed trying to wake up ? But --- today, the news startled me ? as though I just could not believe it -- I got right out of bed to start my day in disbelief.

I have enjoyed listening to you over the years ? you are an old dear friend. So many radio stations don’t really talk about “God” - It is supposedly a forbidden subject -- but you always make people think about God being a part of our lives. I enjoy that part of your show.

Example on September 11, 2007 you had a clip of why people were not in the twin towers on 9/11/07 & you said it is because God had another plan for them then and it was not their time. So if you are stuck in traffic or there’s an accident, it is because God wants you there at that particular point in time. You always throw a thought provoking spin on life --- and I enjoy it. Not in a preacher kind of way, but subtle to make you think about life in a positive way.

Thank you for the listening memories. Thank you for the years of honesty, candor and sincerity, and oh, yes, especially the LAUGHTER!!! I have enjoyed you and will follow you.

I hope, wish and pray all the best for you. I feel like I have lost a dear friend.

Loyal listener,

Linda Hernandez
Service/Sales Representative

Sad to hear that you aren't on the air
Received: 09/23/2007 @ 8:42am PST
From:Lynne Tomita

Dear Mr. Tuna:

I was so sad to hear that you won’t be on the air any longer. I have been a long time listener, going all the back to KHJ when I was in Junior High. You made listening to the radio fun and informative, and I thought you had found your “true” niche when you started doing sports radio. The only reason I listen to KBIG was because you were on. I had actually felt that the change in the type of music that KBIG went to a few years ago was a step in the wrong direction and until you get back on the air, I guess I will be switching. Thank you for all the wonderful years of radio!

I will definitely be checking your web-site. It is amazing that we have these tools so readily available now. When you left 710, it took awhile to find your new “home”. Best wishes to your future endeavors!

Sincerely,

Lynne Tomita

The subject line from this listener simply said "Sad"
Received: 09/22/2007 @ 4:25pm PST
From: Robin

Hi Charlie,

I was one of the April Fool's Day foolies last year, and now you're saying its not a joke! This past year has been extremely difficult for me personally. My Father died last December 2, after a 3 month illness that was very unexpected. I was diagnosed with lip cancer about 2 months after he passed, had surgery for that. My 16 year old daughter started having problems in school and since then has chosen to live a life that is heart breaking to me. 4 months ago I got a new (to me) Kompressor Mercedes and 3 weeks ago during the horrible hot weather I was involved in a accident due to traffic light failure on Glenoaks Blvd in Sun Valley and my car was totalled! (not my fault, thank God!) My
husband has a auto immune disease and now.... NOW YOU LEAVE!!!!

I depended on your morning show to keep my mood up and my faith in people alive. Please don't disappear into the sunset! I need to hear your positive voice and laughter to get me thru my day! Thank you for being on KBIG for 7 years. I will miss you so very much. There is no one else like Charlie Tuna! God Bless you in all you do!

Sincerely,

Robin

This note from a former competitor in management
Received: 09/22/2007 @ 4:23pm PST
From: Gerry DeFrancesco

Good Morning Charlie,

Not sure if you remember me. I spent many years in Los Angeles programming and managing KIIS in the 80's and 90's. I am a huge fan of yours and am very sorry to read that you signed off at KBIG. How unfortunate for the many listeners who love you.

I hope we get the chance to work together somewhere down the road. I look forward to it.

Warmest Regards,

Gerry DeFrancesco

Someone we can call a hero
Received: 09/22/2007 @ 4:22pm PST
From: Jaime C. Ezequiel

Hey Charlie!

Wow!!!! I"m really bummed!

I awoke this morning to the bad news of your getting canned (pun intended). Seriously, I'm glad that Clear Channel recognizes that you are worth keeping. I hope that they find a position for you that will keep you in the public eye, where you belong. One of the things that made you so wonderful to me was that you have a vibrant and CLEAN energy. You keep it so positive and upbeat. That is so rare.

I too am moving on, literally out of the city. But I knew that I would be listening to you every morning via the internet, just like your Mom does. Now that that has been taken away from me, I can't begin to tell you the shock I feel. I mean, I finally found someone that I love to wake up to in the morning, and now that I have grown to love you, I can't have you. That SUCKS!

I sure hope that the powers that be know what they are doing, that they have a better way of bringing you into our lives. I'll keep visiting your site to see how this saga develops.

Charlie! I love you! (As much as one guy can say that to another.) You have taken the time to respond to me when I've written to you. By your actions and your winning attitude, you have been a great example of how a good person acts. You have set the bar high for what we the public, can expect from such a visible person, from someone we can call a hero. You've been a significant part of my stay here in Los Angeles, putting me in a great mood to start my day. Thank you for the joy you've brought to me personally. I can hear that, from the calls you've received, you have touched millions like you have touched me. May our Lord continue to work through you, may your beautiful personality continue to shine like a bright flower in God's garden, pleasing him as much as you have brought goodness into our lives.

God Bless you. Thank you. I look forward to finding you again.

Your fan,
Ezequiel.

Fellow Radio Personality Tom Leykis sent this from his Blackberry
Received: 09/22/2007 @ 4:19pm PST
From: Tom Leykis

What can I say that hasn't already been said? You're a class act. I've always been a fan. Followed your exploits this week while on the road in London. No doubt you'll be back before I am...

I've gotten a lot of first time emailers like this one
Received: 09/20/2007 @ 7:44am PST
From: Kathy Harris

Charlie,

I have never written to a radio personality before. But as others have said, I feel compelled to tell you how devastated I was to hear you were leaving KBIG and that they were cancelling your show. I just can't tell you how sad I was and very disturbed. I hadn't realized how much I had come to depend on hearing you in the morning. I ended
up staying home from work that morning to listen to your whole final show, and I was so sad.

I appreciate your sincerity, your wholesomeness, and your friendliness. I'm so glad so many people have written to you. Add me to your list. I need you back on the radio!

Thanks, Charlie, for everything. I hope to hear from you again soon.

This listener's whole world is turned upside down
Received: 09/20/2007 @ 6:41am PST
From: William San Antonio

Hi Charlie.

How are you holding up? It does seem kind of quixotic this week. First, Hal Fishman dies and leaves a big void at KTLA. Then you leave the morning show. Then Carlos Amezcua leaves KTLA to go to KTTV. I never got to meet you in person or talk to you ( I was usually listening while I was driving into work ) but you were always a constant star in my universe. You were always there to guide me through my day. Always listening.

This listener subject line read "Sad Day in California"
Received: 09/17/2007 @ 11:12am PST
From: Irma Guzman

Charlie, I was devastated to hear you were leaving. Please know that YOU and only YOU were the reason I woke up each morning and the first thing I did was to turn the radio on to listen to YOU.

The first time I heard you, you were at 930 am, KHJ. My oldest sister and I were sitting out on the porch looking at the long line of cars that were heading to Dodger’s stadium; we were bored out of our minds. My oldest sister said to me, “How I wish he would play a good song”. The song that came on was “good bye cruel world”. I know is a sad song, but it made her day!

Your enthusiasm and motivation is contagious. The loyalty you have had with your public is exceptional. I salute you for letting us know that today was your last day at K-Big 104, as it will also be mine. You are one of a kind Charlie. You are my corner stone, you were the only thing we knew for certain that would be there, God willing, the next morning.

Some listeners were even inspired to Poetry
Received: 09/17/2007 @ 10:49am PST
From: Christine Hansen

Charlie!!!!!: I can't believe I won't hear your golden voice in the morning. I'll wait to see what updates you have to keep my "Charlie fix" going. I just love ya! I listened to your final show with sadness that you're going but happy that something new will be out there waiting for you. I listened to your viewers sentiments to you and I'm just one of many wishing you well. Your kindness to your cats meant so much. You're the GREATEST, Charlie!!!! You've been part of my morning exercise routine for a long time.

So many people love ya, including me!!!! I was always too chicken to call in and say you're the greatest, so I'll say it with an email. Loved the call to your mom.

The Golden Voice with The Heart of Gold

What you will do to be able to sleep in
Wouldn't it have been easier to go to a later time slot
You're the one with the beautiful voice that wakes us up
Charlie, you're the man, you're hot, hot, hot!!!

The golden voice with the heart of gold
You uplift us all, putting in double time
With your concern and love of pets and charities
Your stories of Sylvester, Ricky and Lucy

It'll seem lonely in the morning without your voice
You're the reason I listen on the radio
For you it'll be a new start, a new beginning
We fans will wait for your new show

As Frank Sinatra says in your favorite song
"After the winter, comes the spring"
I'm waiting for that spring, Charlie, when you return to us all
And the happiness you always bring

Your sentiment of Jack Lewis makes me write this to you
Because I wanted to tell you, you make us all happy
You've got the wings to do other things now
You don't need to set the alarm for so early

A hug to ya Charlie! I'll miss you, come back to all your
fans soon!!!!!

One of my former "Alive At 5" listeners
Received: 09/17/2007 @ 9:14am PST
From: Mayra Cuellar

Charlie NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was so sad to hear you are not going to wake me up every morning asking me if I’m alive at 5. You are one of the reasons why I stopped listening to KIIS FM. I got tired of hearing the same old thing over and over again. That's when I heard you and how different and fun you made the show, there was no contest you are the best and its sad to hear that Clear channel is taking a legend off the air………. My question is who will Tunafy me in the morning? I wish you the best and God will truly bless you for all the blessing you’ve brought to so many kids over at Children’s Hospital and all the laughter you brought to so many grouchy people early in the morning.

An email from a Celebrity Life Coach
Received: 09/17/2007 @ 8:13am PST
From: Linda Hodge

Charlie...

What a class act! You are absolutely right, character endures and you are quite the character! Thank you for keeping us informed, laughing, and positive. Your natural talent, gracious spirit, optimistic disposition, and stabilizing influence will be missed at K-Big; now on to a higher and richer platform to showcase your gift to the world!

Can't wait to witness your next adventure!

Linda Hodge
Celebrity Pros, LLC

A Bruin Commuter from the South Bay
Received: 09/17/2007 @ 7:58am PST
From: Carol Nishijima

Dear Charlie~

I just wanted to say a (K)-BIG THANK YOU for all the listening pleasure you have provided us Angelenos! You are so much a part of the tapestry of all our lives. For me, you personify the classiest of the deejays. May your days ahead be full of happiness, and please, if at all possible, let us hear the dulcet tones of your voice once again! Thank you for keeping me sane on my morning commute. Really.

Sincerely,
Carol Nishijima
South Bay commuter to UCLA

And a Physical Therapist even offered to take my kinks out
Received: 09/17/2007 @ 6:00am PST
From: Amy Walden

hi charlie,
i AM so SORRY that you will no longer be on kbig. i do not what channel
i will listen to now. i've enjoyed waking up to the sound of your voice.
i recently had the pleasure of speaking to you on the phone when i won a
prize on alive at 5. i was so excited that i could not say anything. i
was in shock that i was speaking to you. i was amy with an i.
what i want to say that i have enjoyed listening to you on the many
channels that you have been on in la and i hope to hear you again.
i am listening you at this time and i too like robert palmer.
please keep us informed as to where you will be.
i hope to hear from you soon.
if you want your kinks taken out (ha ha), i am your girl
take care and best of luck.
sincerely, amy walden, p.t

One of the first emails I received the morning of my last show
Received: 09/17/2007 @ 5:01am PST
From: Wendy

I know it's early but I went to bed early. I checked my email and read everything but when I went to leave I noticed there was a new email. So I checked it. It said there are going to be changes at KBIG and I thought OH NO! Deja vu! Then I went to the KBIG website & checked your page. Then I checked your website. The only reason I started listening to KBIG was to hear you so I guess after today I'll have to do something else. This has been a week for me where I knew I needed to make some changes. I heard a message in church last Sunday that was challenging and all week I was thinking how to fit things into my schedule, like hearing from God!
I have listened to you for so long - the first time I know for sure was THE EARTHQUAKE when you were playing a record. I remember: Boyd R Britain, spontaneous combustion, your April Fool (that's my birthday) jokes (tunnels under the English Channel etc.) etc. I even listened to country and sports to hear you and think of you as a friend and know your real name. It will be a period of withdrawal for me. I'm sure you will be fine, especially with your motto. I know you have character.
Thanks for always being there.