Radio Stuff!
Received: 10/19/2007 @ 4:08pm PST
From: Andy Neill

Hi there!
I read in RDN that you are “on the beach” as they say in our industry, and off the air in LA...for the moment. I believe it will be only a moment because you truly are one of the greatest “On Air Personalities”, as we are called, that has ever cracked a mic! Anywhere!
I did 35 years in radio in Canada before leaving for the US and retiring from the “air chair” in ’99.
I first remember hearing you (although I already knew ABOUT you) when I got to LA for the first time in 1978. You were doing the KIIS Am & FM morning show. I remember you signing off with “that’ll can it for Charlie this morning...in the interests of ecology, we’ll recycle the whole thing tomorrow at 6am on KIIS AM & FM.
You were talking that day with a lady in Tarzana and had some kind of thing going on in the area. You mentioned you were the “Honorary Mayor of tarzana”!
After that, I began to hear all the stories about how you started in the business, how you crossed paths with “Uncle Lar” from WLS in Chicago among many others, and how you got to 93KHJ when it was the Best R&R Station in the World!
Talk about life in the fast lane! (speaking of that, you could not turn on a radio in California in 1978 without hearing that Eagles song! I also remember you playing Glen Campbell’s Southern Nights that first morning I heard you.)
I have to say you have been an inspiration for many years to those of us to aspired to be on the air where you were, but didn’t get there.
Another Tuna memory...”If the teachers in Southern California go one strike Monday, the students in Southern California will be in a class by themselves!!!”
Also in an early trip to LA, I had the chance to tour K-Earth 101 and actually meet “The Real” Don Steele, and watch him do a couple of sets in the studio. Another amazing talent!
You certainly belong in that group...you, Morgan & Steele, as they say in Top Gun, The Best of the Best!
I am absolutely positive you will be back on the air in LA before the dust has had time to settle!
Best,
Andy Neill
Fortaleza, Brazil

Hi
Received: 10/19/2007 @ 2:29pm PST
From: Amy Wash

Hi Charlie Tuna,

I was so sorry to hear that you would not be on KBIG any more. I have been one of your long time listeners. I listened to you when you were on KHJ. You are the best DJ ever!!!!!!
I hope that you will have an even better opportunity and that you will be on the air again very shortly. The mornings are not the same without you - I would wake up with you and listen to you as I got ready for work and also on my drive to work.
Good luck to you. You are a great guy!!!!!!!
Amy

Amy Wash
Project Service Specialist

Goodbye and Good Luck
Received: 10/19/2007 @ 1:01pm PST
From: Keith Kendrick

Hey Charlie,

What a total shock it was to hear that you were leaving KBIG! I have been a faithful listener the entire time you've been doing the "Morning Show." I along with all the other listeners will TRULY miss you. I remember you from KHJ and didn't you also work at KACY in Oxnard? I live in Oxnard now and often think of that station. Although born and raised in Santa Barbara, KACY was a popular station back in the day as was KHJ.

I have to say, if what I've been hearing since you left is a sample of how the radio station is going...I will NOT be tuning in any longer. I think I speak for many thousands of people. I just don't "get it." I guess "they" feel they are keeping up with the times but, it's not for me. I arrive at work around 4:30 am, so I like you, am one "those early people." I didn't hear Lori either? I hope you can some way pass my disenchantment along to the station. I intend on doing myself anyway!

Charlie I do hope that everything works out for you in the BEST way! I too will be finishing my job after 12 years, (not my choice.) We were bought out by a large group and my job didn't move forward. I certainly hope that isn't your situation. I'm sure YOU will come up at the TOP because YOU ARE THE GREATEST!!

I sincerely thank you again for the laughs, the good music and just the wonderful person you are that has brought me and so many others so much joy in our day for so many decades.

God Bless!!

Keith Kendrick

(NOTE: Sorry Keith, I never worked at KACY, After beginning at my hometown station, KGFW in Kearney, Nebraska while I was in high school, I worked at KLEO (Wichita, Kansas), KOMA (Oklahoma City), WMEX (Boston)and just over 2 and half years after leaving Kearney, I started in Southern California at 93/KHJ on Thanksgiving Day, 1967, and eventually did the morning show for a record 16 sets of radio station call letters here in L.A. That’s right, 16! In order-KHJ, KROQ, KKDJ, KIIS AM & FM, 10Q, KHTZ, KBZT, KRLA, KODJ, KCBS, KMPC, KABC, KIK, KRTH, KLAC, KBIG. Some of those call letters are actually the same station that just changed their name, KKDJ for instance became KIIS-FM, KHTZ became KBZT, KODJ became KCBS, and a couple of those stations in there (KRTH & KABC) were just brief summer fill-in gigs.)

Sorry I Missed You
Received: 10/19/2007 @ 12:22pm PST
From: Ann Lasky

Charlie,

OMG, I can’t believe you’re not there. You’re always there. Every morning on my drive to work at 6:30 am, I heard two songs, then you talk, then I got to hear the community of the day and you talk about celebrities. If I heard more than that I knew I’m running late.

I got this strange e-mail from something called MY-FM, telling me I could remain a member, but no one else could join. Right. What?

Then I heard on the news that Charlie Tuna is no more. Excuse me?

The next morning I turned on 104.3 and just couldn’t listen to the crummy music they were playing. How can they keep sponsors? Okay, not your problem.

I missed you your last Monday morning because I was listening to a CD of Camelot (I had been to see Lou Diamond Phillips at UCLA over the weekend). I’m really sorry I missed you, and I hope you pop up somewhere else to start my day off right.

BTW, I’m opted out of my K-Big membership. This is NOT MY FM!

Good luck,

Ann Lasky

WHAT A BUMMER
Received: 10/19/2007 @ 12:15pm PST
From: Claudia Rhodes

Dear Charlie,

Talk about a blue Monday, 5 weeks ago, I turned on KBIG at about 8:40am to hear the Hollywood scoop. Oh boy what a scoop! First I heard that you're leaving, then I hear that it's your last day on the air. That was really when I felt like I'd been hit in the gut. But the bad news wasn't over. You played the Sinatra song and when that song ended, my surreal and unending daymare began. Talk about not really appreciating someone or something until it's gone.

I moved to Los Angeles seven years ago and within a couple of months, found you and the KBIG crew via the noontime disco workout. I don't think I could ever really express how much joy, pleasure and satisfaction I have taken away from my many hours of listening to KBIG. From you, Irma and "24" obsessed producer Heather to Boogie Nights with Joe Vinyl, not to mention the legendary Disco Saturday Night, it has been an incredibly rich and wonderful experience. You guys were just a major part of my day in, day out world. Please know how much you are loved and appreciated, and have no doubt that you are terribly missed.

Charlie I'll be checking your site and keeping an eye out for the other KBIG folk to see what they're up to.

Well, Charlie I'm sure you've got a ton of e-mails to read, so I'll just wish you the best of luck in your new adventures!

With respect and appreciation,

Claudia Rhodes
a fan

K-BIG
Received: 10/19/2007 @ 11:08am PST
From: Connie Yahata

Hello Charlie,

Oh my gosh! Whoever decided to change the format of K-Big should be tarred and feathered!!!! Why on earth would they try to fix something that wasn't broken?? All I can say is that you are sorely missed!!! My mornings are not the same without Charlie waking me up. BOO HOO HOO. I know that 104.3 lost thousands of listeners. I for one will NOT be listening to 104.3 anymore.

I will keep checking your site in the hopes that I, along with most of SoCal, will be hearing you soon on the radio again.

I'm sure you've been bombarded with e-mail mails since your departure. If you find a moment to reply, it would make my day!

Take care,
Connie Yahata
(a loyal fan)

Shocker!!!
Received: 10/18/2007 @ 2:43pm PST
From: Maria Brown

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie...............

What a shocker!!!!!! I was gone on vacation & when I returned and punched in the #1 button on my car radio I heard different music and a different DJ at the station formerly known as KBIG.

I immediately went to the KBIG website to be re-routed to the MY-FM radio Website, (more confusion)..........so I surfed the net until I found the LA times news release that explained the fact that you were no longer at KBIG and that KBIG was no more. : (

Like your other fans, I believe that things happen for a reason and I am sure God has better plans for your life.

With your resume you should have no trouble getting back on the air.

Rest, Relax and come back soon!

Your public demands it!

Take care Charlie,
Love,
Indiana Brown

Go to K-earth
Received: 10/18/2007 @ 10:55am PST
From: Manuel A. Tormo

Charlie,
There has always been lately one radio station that i can think of that you belong at. That would be KRTH 101.1 (K-earth). It seems like that's one of the last original radio stations around. It was fun the other day to listen to their 35th anniversary show. They played clips from The Real Don Steele and Robert W. Morgan. I'm left wondering why you didn't ever work at k-earth. That seemed like the place to go after KHJ. With k-earth being the last iconic radio station in LA and many of the iconic LA DJs that have worked there, I would love to see you there. That all is if CBS radio is willing to pay for you and clear channel lets you out of your contract. Good luck with all that stuff. Enjoy your forced vacation.
a loyal Tuna fan,
Manuel A. Tormo
Torrance, Ca.

ps. remember "The Mighty 690" 690am broadcasting out of TJ. That was one of the top 40 stations i listened to as a kid in the late 70's early 80's. No one i know seems to remember it. anyway.

Miss you
Received: 10/17/2007 @ 5:07pm PST
From: Barbara Dumier

Well, I tried, but the show is NOT the same without you and having the different conversations about everything. I will probably go back to listening to my own music. I know you are overwhelmed with emails and calls cuz you are soooo loved by everyone! I emailed kbig and gave them my opinion that they ruined a GREAT morning station. I'm sure that everyone else has too.

I hope you get something really great as you soooo deserve the best! My prayers are with you.

Hugs
barbara

best wishes
Received: 10/17/2007 @ 4:44pm PST
From: Bob Baranick

Hi Charlie-

Sure do miss you on air. I have been a loyal listener for these many years. But knowing LA radio history, I am confident it will be a short "vacation" for you. Hope to hear you again very soon. Best wishes.

Your friend from Region 33 and Disneyland,
Bob Baranick

Doom's Day!
Received: 10/17/2007 @ 3:36pm PST
From: Laura Rosales

Hello Charlie,

I've never personally met you, but I was a loyal listener. It was so sad to see the big change at KBIG, I miss everybody. I tried to listen but it doesn't work for me it's just not the same. I'm still shocked and disappointed with clear channel. I hope to be able to hear you on the radio soon. Good Luck Charlie!

P.S. Please say hello to the rest of the KBIG staff specially Irma, Brent and Revin John. I don't know how to contact them.

Laura Rosales

Former KBIG listerner

What happened to radio?
Received: 10/17/2007 @ 3:10pm PST
From: Syedah

Hi Charlie,

I sincerely hope you get this email. I can't believe what I am seeing. I kept seeing ads for MYFM all over the place, and I was confused because I knew the call letters were supposed to be for K-Big. It was only today that I realized what happened, so I rushed over to the website to find out if you were still with the station. I was extremely disappointed to find out that you aren't. Like many others, I will no longer be listening to that radio station. You are the best! You are one of the only DJs that I could ever listen to in the morning. I called you to tell you this a few years back. It was just great to hear a station where people aren't horribly bad-mouthed, and the listeners are treated with friendliness and respect. It was a fun-loving program, your co-DJs were great, and YOU were the BEST part of the program! I used to wish I could just take you home. You are one of those people I can listen to for hours, even if all you were doing was reading the phone book. Now that you are off the air in the morning, I don't know what to do!

I miss you, and I miss the radio. But all these changes are for the WORSE, and I think I'll be listening to my CD collection until somebody gets it together.

All the best in the world!
Syedah

I really miss you!
Received: 10/17/2007 @ 1:21pm PST
From: Sharon Van de Houten

Hi Charlie,
I am completely disgusted with the fickle nature of radio, and with KBIG. I was very upset to hear you were gone. I remember listening to you on the radio when I was a kid in New Jersey. To find you again, many years later, in CA, was a blast. You have a terrific voice, and a big heart, and really care about kids and charity. I also enjoyed listening to you talk about your cats! I refuse to listen to KBIG without you, and I hope they regret their decision. I will keep tabs on you, and tune in when you move on to the next great chapter in your life. Best of luck to you!
Sharon V.

When I first heard Valentine
Received: 10/17/2007 @ 11:16am PST
From: Julie D. Loera

I thought you were on vacation. Guess you weren't. You'll be missed Charlie Tuna. I started listening to you after they took Rick Dees off. Now I'll stop listening to Kbig since you were let go. What's wrong with these people. Take care.

Julie Loera

Thanks
Received: 10/17/2007 @ 10:58am PST
From: Charlies Ottaway

Charlie,

I am sorry to hear that you're off the air at KBIG. I am also sorry to not hear your voice in the morning. It was so nice to have a friendly, humorous voice greet me with info, music and fun on my way to where ever I was going. Thank you for doing what you loved best and sharing that with so many people.

I understand that Clear Channel has the right to do what ever they wish to do with KBIG. It's their company and I'm sure Clear Channel wants to make a profit so why wouldn't they 'release from contract' ( fire ) people. It's nice to know a 'buddy' of mine would like to play some music for me. Of course I know that they aren't my personal buddy, but it sure seems that way after so many years.

In the end, I guess this is what life is: always changing, ever evolving in ways that seem unpredictable and somewhat insane. Either way, I'm sure we'll all be just fine in the end.

Thanks again for sharing your time with all of us and good luck. Let me know if you ever get back on the air.

Have fun.

Charles

I miss you on my drive to work...
Received: 10/17/2007 @ 10:07am PST
From: Jean E. Chavez

Hi Charlie,

I have a long commute to work every day in East LA. I thought something was wrong when I did not hear you on 104.3 in the morning. I enjoy listening to music on the radio but that was not the reason I tuned into your radio show. I enjoyed listening to all of you discuss ideas, topics, news, and interview interesting people.

I am sorry that they have chosen to change the format for 104.3 because now I have to tune in into another radio station until you come back on the air. I will keep checking your website for an update about where I can listen to you.

You have a wonderful personality that shines through the radio to your listeners!

Best wishes,
Jean Chavez

:(
Received: 10/17/2007 @ 9:28am PST
From: Susy Gonzalez

I want to say that I was a loyal listener. Every morning you helped me wake up and get in a happy energized mood. I told my friends plenty of times that your show was just different.

But on your last day, I wasn’t listening. So the next day, when I didn’t hear you, I was confused. Then I got the email about the new format. I wrote them an email letting them know that I wouldn’t be listening to KBIG anymore.

Since then, I haven’t found another station to listen to in the mornings. I listen to my iPod now. And I check back on your site regularly waiting for an update on when you will be back.

Susy

Thank you and be sure to say Hello Again very soon
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 11:28pm PST
From: DISCOSTEVE

Good Evening Charlie,

I just wanted to stop by and say thank you. Most recently I really miss you on 104.3 KBIG, You were the first person I ever heard on the radio. I'm 50 now, but I remember, putting together my 1st crystal radio and clipping the base to my TV stand and the little earpiece against my ear, as I heard your name and 93 KHJ.

You have not only kept up your youthful voice, pleasing to the listener's ear-heart & soul, today's music and the demands of us. You have been an inspiration for all of us Los Angeles Baby Boomers. Raising money and increasing sales for KBIG with your heartfelt Tuna-thon. You have always made me feel good, if I knew that you sponsored, were part of, or hosted an event.

I appreciated that you connected with KBIG originally and again that you connected with us. The format has changed. It sounds like it's with competition with 98.7. We don't need another sleeper, passive adult type. Los Angeles really needs a dance/retro/disco/upbeat/feel good station, with someone like you to drive it home.

Please let us know your plans and where we can hear/listen to you.

Loyal Follower Here,

...Steve
Sherman Oaks

You are truly missed!
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 7:40pm PST
From: Irene Robledo

Charlie,

You are one of a kind. So real and down to earth. Great personality. The new MYFM does not compete with what you had going.

K-Big just got me in the mood to get me through my work with a pleasure singing along. The guests that you had daily were very inspiring and great to hear their stories. And the discoconcerts and game prizes those were fun.

You just made the radio station what it was. I feel if something is working, why fix it or even change it.

I did some channel surfing after you were gone, but I can't find the perfect tones to enjoy that are appropriate for work.

Hope you come back soon! Take care of yourself.

Irene Robledo

Miss You
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 3:29pm PST
From: D. Whitney

I just wanted to tell you how much I miss you at KBig. I woke up to you every morning. I have followed you to every radio station. I tried listening to the station after you left and I hated it. I no longer listen to it anymore. The new guy sucks and just doesn't have it. You were great and did a lot of good things for that station. Lack of appreciation and your dedication to the station on their part and a very dumb move. Please keep all your loyal listeners informed of were you will go. Miss you lots. D Whitney

Never Goodbye
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 3:08pm PST
From: Bobbie Marr

Dear Charlie,

I heard you announce your last day. One of the reasons I listened to KBIG in the morning was you. I have been listening to you since the days of KHJ. In the 70’s I was a long distance operator and took one of your on air calls to Japan (I think it was). I think you were on KRLA then but honestly I don’t remember that for sure either. I do remember it was a lot of fun even though I knew I could get fired. It was the 70’s after all. I do hope the next stage for Charlie Tuna is great for you and selfishly I hope I will hear you again.

Best Wishes,

Bobbie Marr

what happened???????????
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 1:45pm PST
From: Karen Milillo

Hi Charlie,

I just came back from vacation and when I turned on the radio to KBIG, I thought someone had played around with the dial. I checked, but nothing had moved I then went on line to see what happened. Sorry, but are they nuts? The music is horrible, and there is nothing to keep me tuned to this station now. I used to love driving to work and listening to you. You always made everyone laugh and enjoy the ride to work. This is unbelieveable.

Now, what station am I going to listen to? Please let me know what station you will be working at so I can immediately switch channels. This is the worst radio station I have ever listened to in my life. I would even listen to country instead of this. I have never liked country music, but it is definitely a lot better than what they have done to KBIG.

I wish you all the very best, Charlie, and hopefully will be listening to you again on another radio station real soon.

Karin

Since YOU'VE BEEN GONE I have been sad and alone..
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 12:33pm PST
From: Gina

Dear Charlie,

Oh my GOODNESS! I can't believe it, my friend and I were shocked when they changed the sound and she doesn't listen to 104.3 myfm any more...I, in some sense, do not blame her because I miss the up beat music that got me singing along with it in the morning when I'm in the shower, and getting ready for work and driving to work. I would be singing along with a big smile and making the driver to my left side smile at me for being so happy. Now I drive to work with a strange look in my face..I don't even know that person..I REALLY MISS YOUR VOICE AND PROGRAM IN THE MORNING.

So tell me where, when, and how are you going to start it again so that I can listen to your station. Just make it happen soon..We are in desperate need of a good voice on the air and music to sooth our soul before we get to work or where ever we are going.

Thank you and you might just get another e-mail from me because i'm looking and listening to other stations just to find the same spunk you had in the morning.

Nothing but love,

Gina 31
Los Angeles

You are a national treasure
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 11:56am PST
From: J. Roger Gorski

it was with sincere regret that I read of your departure from KBIG.
You now join the list of living legends from the golden age of radio that may be broadcasting from second tier stations like Rick Dees or you can simply fade away like Larry Lujack, all the other Boss jocks from 70's LA radio, or all the New York 60's jocks like Cousin Brucie and the like.
There are many things you can do INCLUDING SELLING OLDIE RECORDS ON LATE NIGHT CABLE TV . I hope NOT...or if you choose...just fade away.
I hope you don't fade away because you represent not just the golden age of ROCK and ROLL radio BUT the best of that era. You are truly one of the genuine nice guys of that period. While many were multi-voiced comedians, sarcastic, mean, and had all sorts of "bits," you held an audience with a great voice for radio and a respect for the listener that will always be appreciated.
I hope you will not be "another one bites the dust" but a survivor who licks his wounded pride and continues broadcasting....somewhere, even if it's not a top tier station.
Remember, even that crazy Pizanno from 50's and 60''s Chicago radio, Dick Biondi is still at it, albeit from a small watt station in Hammond, Indiana.
The great ones continue til they carry them out with a microphone in their hand.
I hope Charlie Tuna is one of THEM !

J.Roger Gorski

I'm just shocked!
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 11:38am PST
From: Shelley Hoover

Dear Charlie,

I was so shocked when I listened to KBIG and heard it was your last day....I am so sorry. You are the best thing to happen to that station and I don't understand what they're doing. Why "fix" something that isn't broken? I use to really like KBIG......not anymore.

I've been a long time fan of your's and I just know in my heart that something better is in store for you. I'm not a real religious person but I believe that when God closes one door, He opens another one. Just hang in there. You're a class act Charlie and I will look forward to hearing you on the radio again soon.

All the Best,

Shelley

Shelley Hoover
Account Manager

The very sad news!!
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 11:13am PST
From: Sherry Lyon

I live and work in Orange County and on my work days I would wake up to hearing your voice. Your program was very appealing to wake up to every weekday. I think you know this because of all the calls and emails that you have gotten on this matter. I could not believe that it was true. When I heard you say "This is not an April's Fools Joke". I knew it was true. I must say Clear Channel has made a serious mistake. I am sure many of the listeners are not listening to K-Big any more. I am currently looking for a replacement station.

You should be proud to have sponsored the Charlie Tuna-a-Thon with LA Children's Hospital for all the years. At least this last Charlie Tuna-a-Thon was a very big success, and I am sure that has made you very proud to have been a part of that. A lot of children have been helped because of your "Charlie Tuna-a-Thon." I hope you will stay in the LA area and you will continue with this sponsorship.

I will be checking your website on a regular basis to see where your next move will be.

I did read your information that you had written on your website that you still have an office at K-Big and a parking space...I know something bigger and better will be coming your way. Keep up the good work that you have done in the past and move forward.

One of your morning listeners,

Sherry Lyon

I really Miss you!
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 11:05am PST
From: Tamara Lee

I have tried to listen to the new DJ and this morning I had to explain to my daughter what IVF means. I am done with Myfm. I didn't like hearing you were leaving but I tried to give the new show some time.The topics are not for children, sometimes your show got a little crazy but you always kept it PG. I really hope you are on the radio again soon, in the mean time I have my ipod and I can just not listen to morning radio.

You have such a pleasant voice it was really nice to wake up and here your voice, now I have to change my alarm clock, my car and hope and pray that you will be back soon. I like knowing what is happening in the world but not with Myfm.

My family loves you and misses you Charlie,

Tami

Can't Believe It!
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 10:50am PST
From: Claudia Curiel

Hi Charlie,

I can’t believe that when I wake up I don’t hear your voice on the radio. I had gotten used to hearing you first thing in the morning. Even before I hear my husbands voice! I was sad that you are no longer on the radio. I’m also sad to say the KBIG is gone and that the music is no longer great, like it was when you were there. I will truly miss you and hope that soon you will be back on the radio. Take care and hope to hear you again soon.

Claudia Curiel

thanks for a great show
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 10:36am PST
From: Zlata Sukanovic

Dear Charlie,

I'm sure you have hundreds of e-mails to answer, so I don't expect you to reply to this one. I started listening to KBIG and your show about 5 years ago when I started driving to work every morning. A few weeks ago, I went on vacation and came back to no KBIG 104! Unfortunately, I had to find out that your show was no longer on air and that I missed your last show : (

Anyway, I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I just wanted to send you this e-mail and let you know that listening to your show every morning made my day. It's going to be hard driving to work and not have you guys on.

I wish you the best of luck and hope to hear you on the radio again soon.

Zlata

Thank You!
Received: 10/16/2007 @ 9:17am PST
From: Jennifer Gutierres

Charlie:

Although I never met you or spoke to you in person, I just wanted to take a moment and thank you. Every morning I enjoyed waking up to your show and listening on my way to work and sometimes even at work. When I woke up to hear it was your last day, I was saddened. Why is it that the great radio DJ's are constantly being moved around? And companies like Clear Channel wonder why everyone is listening to satellite radio! At least it is predictable, and the listener knows that if they get attached to a DJ, they aren't going to tune in the next day and find them gone!

Best wishes and I hope to hear you on the radio again soon! I promise to turn off my satellite radio! :-)

Sincerely,

Jen Gutierres