I Miss You
Received: 12/09/2007 @ 6:50pm PST
From: Jonie "Bruin JT" Tsuji

Hi Again Charlie-

I don't expect a response from this email (because I'm sure you'll have well over 4000+ by now!). But I just wanted to say again what a great man you are! For one, I NEVER expected you to personally answer my email! Yes, you said on the air you would, but I didn't think it would be possible to answer every single email. You are a true man of your word.

If you ever talk to Heather (my Bruin sister who left - she saw it coming I guess) or Irma, please tell them how much we listeners cared about them as well. I also feel for the other radio personalities because they didn't even get to HAVE a last show!

I don't listen to 104.3 anymore (the few times I did, I didn't even recognize some of the songs they played!), just as I'm sure many other listeners defected from the station. I hope Clear Channel recognizes what a mistake they made. (My best girlfriend and I LOVED Boogie Nights and never missed it! We loved to reminisce about our 80's college days with those songs!)

Take care Charlie. I'll check your website regularly, and I'm glad to hear I'm added to your list to receive an email when you get to your new home on LA radio!

Jonie "Bruin JT" Tsuji

Your departure
Received: 12/09/2007 @ 4:10pm PST
From: Marla Roth

Dear Charlie,

I've truly never emailed or called you or your station yet I've been a listener of yours at KBIG and other stations for years (I'm 43). I'm embarassed to say that I wasn't even a community member of KBIG although I should have signed up and enjoyed it because now it's gone.

Anyway, I too join the many who is feeling a void in the morning on my radio without your kind and caring voice coming through. You always had the same enthusiasm for talking to "regular" listeners as you had for big celebrities and recording artists. That always impressed me about you. All of the events and charities that you were involved in was also something I admired about you. I know you were involved not to further your career but because you truly cared about helping. You are rare, indeed. Most of all, I never worried having you on in the morning when my kids were around because while I'm not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, I always knew that nothing inappropriate would be discussed.

Basically, the new station stinks without you. What were they thinking? You could have rolled with a format change like I'm sure you have numerous times. They must think that you are not edgy enough but you have always remained contemporary with the times without compromising your values. I've always enjoyed Irma but now she sounds terrible relegated to laughing at Valentine's attempts at humor. She was truly a partner and team player on your show and now she's just there sounding like she's lost and I don't say that to put her down because I'm sure that's how she feels too. I have a lot of respect for her and while I'm happy for her, I feel bad for her. And don't get me started on Valentine. I've always been a fan of 98.7 but never his show. Yikes!

Lastly, the new format of the station is trying to be new and exciting but it's actually already being done at 98.7. KBIG had it's own unique format while still playing new songs. I never worked out to the disco lunch music but loved hearing it when I was in my car. Now the station is just a bunch of songs in a row and very boring. No personality at all.

Anyway Charlie, you are the best and I look forward to listening to you wherever you land next. If anyone in LA radio has any brains, they will snap you up and put you back on the air quickly.

A longtime fan,
Marla

Miss you in the Morning.........
Received: 12/09/2007 @ 1:38pm PST
From: Nancy Goldstein

Hi. It is hard enough getting up at 5:15 am for work every day & one of things that I looked forward to.. was listening to you & the Gals on K-BIG104 FM.
I was shocked and extremely disappointed to realize you are no longer there and MY104 ( or what ever it is ) is just like any other morning show... sleepy radio

Not what I enjoyed every morning to get my day started.

Hopefully you will be on LA radio again soon..

Miss you

A Fan for the 40 years you have been on LA radio : )

Nancy Goldstein
Purchasing Coordinator

Sure I will hear you on-air real soon
Received: 12/08/2007 @ 3:26pm PST
From: Edgar Lopez

I don't know why people always want to fix stuff that aint broke. I'm sure KBIG will see their mistake and hopefully things will go back to normal real soon. You're great and did an excellent job and should have no problem in finding something new. I just want to thank you for your support on our ride. I would have never thought I would get a response when I first e-mailed you. It's good to see you answer your own e-mail and care about your listeners. This is why you have been around so long. Good Luck and i'm sure I will hear you on-air real soon.

Deputy Edgar Lopez
Sheriff Station

Horace Greeley
Received: 12/08/2007 @ 10:18am PST
From: Amy

Hi Charlie!

I wanted to say I do miss hearing you in the morning, though it was a fun ride! Been listening for years. I hope to hear you elsewhere soon.
I was just reading your blog from 9/17 and the quote from Horace Greeley. Come to find out my friend Cheryl Greeley (now remarried) was married to that family and was able to tell me about him. It always amazes me how small the world really is!
The quote about character was wonderful! That has always mattered most to me as well! Regardless of what people say always watch what they do. It says everything you need to know.

Congratulations on your star in Hollywood. That must have been one of your favorite days! Must get back to work. Just wanted to send some love and I'll keep up on your site for updates. Wishing you all the success and happiness your heart can handle.

Sincerely,
Amy

Mad as hell
Received: 12/08/2007 @ 9:11am PST
From: Andrea Morgan

Charlie,

I don't understand what happened. Kbig now my FM (whatever) made a huge mistake. Huge. I will miss you in the morning, you were a lot of fun. I have been listening to you since the KHJ days.

My best,

Andrea Morgan

Until I hear your voice again
Received: 12/07/2007 @ 3:02pm PST
From: Wendy Peters

Hi Charlie!

I miss you I miss you I miss you!

So I turned on my radio and I heard an unfamiliar voice...huh! Maybe Charlie is on vacation? Wait there is a new name to the radio show and Laurie Ryan is not doing the traffic report...what is going on? I 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 persuing 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. ¢¾
Hurry back soon! I'll be there listening where ever you go.

(((HUGS)))

Wendy Peters

Thinking of you!
Received: 12/07/2007 @ 12:14pm PST
From: Scott Onasch

Charlie, I just want to wish you the very best as you go through this transition, and I hope and know the future will bring wonderful things for you, which hopefully will include you being on the air with us somewhere again.

I moved to Los Angeles only two years ago and had been listening to your show since I arrived, and even beforehand on visits. I'm not sure how or where I'd heard of you prior to that, but I know distinctly that I knew of you long before actually moving here and your status as a legend on the airwaves. I grew up and lived my adult life in Minneapolis listening to WDGY as a small child, then later KDWB and WLOL. (True) Don Bleu is one of the higher profile names I can think of from our area growing up, and later I listened to Hines and Berglund and later Dave Ryan for many, many years.

It has been surreal for me not having you on the air, and rather ironic in that one of the guys I listened to shopping morning shows last week wound up there today, per their website which I kept checking in hopes of finding out what's going on with a few other shows I've always listened to. Sigh. Knowing how my routine has been thrown off track, I can only imagine how you, of course, feel, and those folks feel who grew up with you or have been listening to you most of their lives.

I do wish management understood that throwing these curve balls at the audience and then not giving them any information about what's going on or what is going to happen does not build goodwill and listener loyalty.

I don't have an understanding of the underpinnings of radio politics or its business side, and I've wondered aloud with increasing frequency in recent years about the future of traditional broadcast radio in general. It does bother me that they would just brush someone like you aside only to move someone else from a sister station to your place, but I guess things like this happen, and being a consummate veteran professional like yourself I expect is how you abide showing such grace and poise in the face of it all.

Sorry to ramble, Charlie, but in the absence of waking up one morning and discovering that this upheaval was all a dream, I hope to learn you'll be back somewhere soon. Meanwhile, I think I'll get a car adaptor for my Ipod and just go with it. God Bless you, your family and your cats, and thanks to your son Bryan for helping create a place where we can hear from you and keep track of you!

Your listener friend, Scott

Miss you in the morning
Received: 12/07/2007 @ 10:52am PST
From: Deneen Mercado

Hi Charlie,

Got in my car and thought I hit the wrong button when I heard "that other guy" on your show. I had to check online to see what happened! Sorry to hear that you are no longer on the air at this time, but I look forward to hearing you soon. You were great company in the mornings as I commuted from Long Beach to Burbank everyday.

Take care!

Deneen Mercado
Data Maintenance

kbig
Received: 12/07/2007 @ 8:49am PST
From: Lindsay Marie Watson

Not only am I totally upset about the format change on KBIG, the loss of you is very upsetting as well.

KBIG had good music and programs going...Now they have destroyed it with boring KOST FM music. We do not NEED 2 of those type of stations.

I must exclusively go to 93.9 and 92.3....KBIG was my number one....Loved you in the Morning.

Been following you for years. I am not dead enough for KBIG'S new format....Bore me to tears.

Keep us posted of where you are....been following you for decades.

Lindsay Marie Watson

Survey
Received: 12/07/2007 @ 6:32am PST
From: Rebecca A. Montecino

Hi Charlie,

Yesterday I had participated in a phone survey for Clear Channel. The question that was posed - what radio stations do I listen to. My answer - due to the recent changes to stations KBIG and KOST I no longer listen to these particular stations and I am now listening to satellite radio. I also expressed my disappointment in Clear Channel business decisions.

Have a great holiday season.

Rebecca

I will keep checking your website
Received: 12/07/2007 @ 6:27am PST
From: Cheryl Dufresne

Charlie, when you announced it was your last day I thought you were kidding again! But, sadly, not so! They may have changed the name of the station to MYFM, but it will never be my FM station! Waking up to you and whoever was your cohost through the years has been the best! Needless to say I am listening to another station in the morning. I will keep checking your website to see where you end up.
All the best!

Cheryl Dufresne

Hope to hear you later
Received: 12/06/2007 @ 8:32pm PST
From: John Singleton

Charlie,

I was on vacation and had no idea that you were leaving. When my radio went off I thought someone had changed the channel.

Well, without you on 104.3, there is no reason to listen to it. Please let all of us know when you are back on the radio, I’ll check your website often to keep up with you. Miss you a lot, that new guy is a bore.

Take care.

-John

I'm glad you have the web site
Received: 12/06/2007 @ 7:04pm PST
From: Freddy Jo Horning

Dear Charlie:
I am shocked and unhappy with the way radio stations make the changes to programming. This change is horrible and unfair to you and the listeners. You are a great morning show host.
I miss hearing you on my hour drive to work. You were the reason I listened to K-Big. I have listened to you since you were on KHJ! (I have the “best of” albums with pictures of the DJ’s! They still play on my turntable.)
I want to express my wish that you and your family are healthy and happy during this transition of your professional life. I have waited to E-Mail you hoping to hear you were on the air elsewhere.
I will check your site to keep informed of the newest information.
I am adding my name to you loyal listeners….
I look forward to hearing you again on my radio.
May God Bless and keep you safe.
Sincerely,

Freddy Jo Horning
City of Huntington Beach Fire Department

RE: the morning show
Received: 12/06/2007 @ 6:23pm PST
From: Janet

Charlie,

Who is that guy in the morning? They should have left you in the morning and no other DJ's all day, just music. I changed my station at work, but I'm not leaving it there now...

And what happened to the top 20 on Sunday mornings?

I miss your show.

Thanks Charlie,

Janet, loyal since KHJ

K-Big
Received: 12/06/2007 @ 5:17pm PST
From: Suzanne Miller

Hi Charlie,

I was very upset when I heard that you would not be on K-Big in the morning any longer. I very much enjoyed “our” time together on my way to work. I truly miss you! I hope you find a new home soon so I can get back to listening to you. I also gave the radio station a piece of my mind too. I think it was terribly unprofessional of them as to how things were handled and I was upset that I wasn’t able to hear your last “sign-off”. Take care.

Suzanne Miller

Question
Received: 12/06/2007 @ 4:31pm PST
From: Kent

Dear Charlie,

Did you work at KINT in El Paso back in December 1970. I'm trying to get a fellow man of radio, Michael Hagerty, to believe me when I say you did. That's it.

You don't know me, but I sure have been a fan of yours since my days as a jock on KACY, Port Hueneme, Ca. I never was good enough for the bigtime, so I went into insurance and now spend my leisure time talking radio with the boys at reelradio.com.

Anyway, continued good fortune to you, sir. Don't let the KBIG thing keep you away from us. You're too good to ever retire.

Don't forget... KINT yes, or KINT no. Thanks Charlie.

Best,
Kent

(NOTE TO KENT: Sorry Kent, you lose this one. I was already in my 3rd year at the #1 station in the U.S. then, 93/KHJ right here in Los Angeles. Prior to that I had worked just over 9 months in Boston (WMEX), Oklahoma City (KOMA-1966), (KLEO-Wichita-'64 & '65), and my hometown KGFW-Kearney, Nebraska '60 to'64).

Shocked!!!
Received: 12/06/2007 @ 3:07pm PST
From: C.J. Fork

Dear Charlie,
I have been out of town and when I put on my headset this morning to do my usual walking, I thought I had the wrong radio station on....you were not there!! My walks will never be the same.
From reading over emails from your website, I see you are no longer on KBIG. Have you gone somewhere else?? If so, I would want to know where and I would definitely make a change. It is just not the same without you.
Thanks for starting my mornings off on such a positive note for the past several years. You have been a joy.
CJ

Missing You!!!!
Received: 12/06/2007 @ 1:49pm PST
From: Anita Lascano

I was listening to you talk about it being your last day and it just didn't click! I was devastated to hear that you were no longer on KBIG. I saw the article in the newspaper that KBIG was not taking you along with their changes. What a pity!!!!! You, Charlie Tuna, is what made KBIG the radio station that it was. I have to say that now I don't listen to the station anymore. It is just not the same since you left. You definitely left a BIG void in my mornings getting ready for work plus I miss the "disco" music. Your enthusiasm and cheerful personality is what kept me going through the day. I wish you all the best in whatever you do and may God be with you. Hopefully you will come back to us soon.

Good Luck,
Anita Lascano

Hi Charlie,
Received: 12/06/2007 @ 1:22pm PST
From: Naomi Salcido

Good Afternoon Charlie,

Hope your day is well, I wanted to let you know that Clear Channel made a huge mistake. I listened to the radio to this new morning DJ and he doesn't come close to your Charisma, Genuineness, Sincerety, most of all HEART. I never heard of the guy, but I hear he comes from KIIS FM.
I stopped listening to them (KIIS) centuries ago. I thought you would be there (kbig) till the end of time. Miss you, love you.

Take care and God Bless.

Naomi

Waiting for you to show up
Received: 12/06/2007 @ 6:27am PST
From: Carol Hannon

My dearest Charlie,

I was on vacation your last week.... and didn't know you were off the air until my clock radio went off the following Monday, and I heard a strange voice and the first thing in my head was...."Where's Charlie?"

Before I even started to get ready for the morning and get my coffee... I went online to check your website to find out what was going on. (I still have scars from your April Fool's Day joke from years past ).

I had to find a new radio station to listen to. On principle, I don't listen to K--- anymore. I never listened to them in the afternoons and evenings anyway, I only listened because you were there in the mornings.

Years ago, when you first came to K---, I was thrilled to death. Up to that time, the DJ's at K--- had come and gone, and I really didn't care -- ya gotta wake to something besides a buzzer, right?

Once you showed up, I wrote a letter to K--- and told them to NEVER let you go, and that the only reason I listened to K --- was because of Charlie Tuna in the Morning. If you ever left, I would not listen to them anymore. Now I wish I had sent you a copy of that letter, just so you'll know just how much your radio show means to me.

And it goes without saying -- I'm eagerly waiting for you to show up SOON on another LA radio station. I don't really care what kind of music they play, if you're on in the morning, I'll be there!

I've been listening to you ever since your AM days.... and will keep listening forever!

-- Carol Hannon

we need u back on the radio
Received: 12/06/2007 @ 12:54am PST
From: Alicia

Charlie,

I am one of those who have never written to a radio personality before, but as others have said, you must know how devastated I was to hear you were leaving and that they were canceling your show. The best show ever with the most variety music anyone could ever think of .. from Madonna to the Latin groups, wow!! you truly had all races come together and be part of one great RADIO-CULTURE in Southern California! I just can't tell you how sad and upset I am. I appreciate your sincerity, and your friendliness, you're missed. I do hope many others will continue to write to you and let you know how much we all want your show BACK ON THE RADIO!

Thanks for all those years of the BEST MORNING SHOW ON THE RADIO!

by the way the new MY-FM radio ...,, sucks!! who in their right mind will want to hear that radio station again??

Alicia

Since the day you left.....
Received: 12/05/2007 @ 11:54pm PST
From: Yara Virgen

I don't listen to K-BIG anymore :( you & your show were like my morning coffee! I needed you to wake up, get in my car and drive in traffic. You were the reason I actually looked forward to the morning drive. In my car LMAO at something or shedding a tear or just singing at the top of my lungs at a awesome song. I grew up listening to you.I know that K-Big has lost a huge audience because I know I turned a lot of people into K-Big fans and now what? Well I just want you to know I miss you as sooo many do and it is not only K-Bigs loss but all of ours too.

I LOVE YOU CHARLIE!!!

Yara

A Loyal Fan!
Received: 12/05/2007 @ 10:10pm PST
From: 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

Off the Air
Received: 12/05/2007 @ 9:47pm 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

when's your next performance
Received: 12/05/2007 @ 9:25pm PST
From: Rafael R. Solorazano

Charlie,

Thank you for making my past two year transition to SoCal a morning pleasure. I'll be honest when I found out about the new switch I was upset and disturbed - What was I to listen to when going to work? and where are you going?. I only listened to KBIG in the morning because I enjoyed your relationships on the air with your team - your personalities really were down to earth and sincere. Your community service work was inspiring. You guys made me smile in the morning.

By the way...

I read your posting on your website and I agree the world is like a stage. And like all my favorite actors I will be looking out for your next performance... Thank you for two years of a great morning show.

Rafael

Losing you
Received: 12/05/2007 @ 8:45pm PST
From: Enid Bermejo

I have to truly admit when you announced that you were no longer going to be on KBIG I was soooooooooooooooooooo shocked just as countless others. I have tried to continue to listen but just can't seem to keep the radio on. I use to look forward to the few minutes that i had to myself in the mornings to hear the KBIG MORNING TEAM. Now i simply leave the radio off and try not to think of not listening to you. I just cannot do it. It is NOT the same. I miss the disco and awesome 80's music you always played. Most of all I miss your voice. I was glad i got to "meet" you when you redirected me to my car the day of Irma's shower. I look forward to reading what you will be doing.

Much LOVE Always,

Enid Bermejo

miss you
Received: 12/05/2007 @ 7:30pm PST
From: Clare Albarado

Hi Charlie Tuna

I listened to you on kbig and enjoyed every minute of it. i miss hearing you and the station is not the same at all. i do not like the music even if they say it is the same, it sucks!

I know you are getting alot of emails but would love to hear from you. Thank you, Clare

Clare Albarado

I hope all is well with you...
Received: 12/05/2007 @ 6:21pm PST
From: Dennis P. Zine

Charlie,

I loved waking up with Charlie in the morning. I hope you are OK with this change. Since you have been in the radio industry for a long time, I know you have faced this situation before.
If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. You are a good friend and friends help friends.
You are still and will always be my man for the 4th of July event and you will always be the Mayor of Tarzana.

Gob Bless You for all the Good you have done for so many people...

Dennis P. Zine
Your Pal at City Hall and with the LAPD....

I miss you
Received: 12/05/2007 @ 5:02pm PST
From: Dean

Charlie Tuna,

I moved to California from Ohio in September 1999. I discovered 104.3 by surfing the FM dial and I was instantly hooked. I have been listening to your morning show from your KBig beginnings and miss you and the old 104.3 format tremendously. You can say, I was addicted to the station for I listened to it exclusively day and night. This was a bad corporate decision, since they took away my comfort zone. I know a lot of listeners were not only shocked, but in dismay.

Charlie Tuna, you will land another opportunity soon and your flock will follow. In the meantime, please take care and God bless.

Dean