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Blog: Goodbye WGMD! Hello, Next Step!

It is with sadness I've come to tell the good folks on Delmarva that today I quit my part time position at 92.7fm WGMD.

When I joined WGMD in June, it was a trial run for both of us. Me, a once "shock jock", and them, a "Christian/Conservative" radio station.

Somewhere in the middle things started to jell, and I had big time fun, like I hadn't had in years.

My often quoted CBS Radio Non Compete contract is now less than one year from being worthless paper. Now is the time to decide the next step in my broadcasting career, because next October is closer than I ever imagined.

I had hoped to cement a full time position at WGMD and eventually offer my show via syndication in a year.

Turns out I have a lot of options open to me. I told the folks at WGMD three weeks ago that everything was coming to a head, and I'd either have to make the jump into joining them full time or get ready to move on.

I got my answer today. Upper management  at WGMD is still undecided if I'm the right fit, and I am in a position where I can't wait.

So it was with great regret today I resigned my 9-12noon show. I have met some incredible people on and off the air through WGMD, and think that program director/morning zoo host Dan Gaffney is one of the brightest talents left in our industry.

No doubt I became a better, more well rounded broadcaster working this Summer at WGMD. I will always think fondly of the special bond I have with the good people of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and the lower shore of Delaware. I was forced to work in a different style and radio format, and learned more than I thought I could.

I know when I get back on the radio I'll be available on the internet, and hopefully on a station in Ocean City as well.

I am sad it didn't work out at WGMD, but still think it's a one of a kind gem of a radio station. And I'll always be a fan.

Thanks again to everyone who listened, called, emailed, and supported my show. And to those who listened before.

I'm ready to re-enter the Matrix of radio. 
Thanks, WGMD, and Delmarva!

Now I've got to pick a slimy, cowardly agent. 
That's like picking out the turd that stinks the least!

MORE TO COME SOON, please stay in touch with me via Twitter, Facebook, and this here blog.

d.
October 12, 2009

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Comments (55)

Oct 12, 2009
presleyschair said...
Don that is lame, I knew it was too good to be true, but a real treat while it lasted. I hope you land somewhere local again, it's fun feeling like we're neighbors
Oct 12, 2009
brittwhitmire said...
Back to DC? Maybe?
Oct 12, 2009
Don Geronimo said...
That would be the plan.
Oct 12, 2009
 said...
Today was a rare day in which due to weather I get WGMD in Calvert County over ESPN 980 and to my shigrin, You wernt on, I thought Wow Don takes Columbus Day pretty seriously, I thouht of you walking the beach , reflectively in puffy pants and a large hat festooned with feathers. During my vacation in OC in July, My mother in law stayed with us for a week , the long long drive I would take from the Hotel @ 67th north toward Deleware then to 27th to get the donuts, while listening to you my friend was a highlite. Im glad I got to hear it because it was unique and something a bit different than JFK or WAVA. That being said Thanks for having us on facebook , entertaining on twitter and please God where ever Im at in 10/ 2010 let me be in your air footprint. You may never know what you add to the work day life of a little brain. Peace & Godspeed !
Oct 12, 2009
CDoubleIPA said...
In the voice of the late great Dude Walker... "God Damn It." I loved listening illegally on my iPhone (I can now say via ootunes)
Oct 12, 2009
Tina2967 said...
Good luck Donnieboy, you'll turn up somewhere even better. Like a bad penny you keep turning up -- that's why we luv ya!
Oct 12, 2009
thatsElbert said...
Sorry that you won't be on WGMD anymore. From the tone of this post it sounds like the parting was not bad. I tuned in off and on, mostly when I was driving around, called in a time or two. You sounded good to me, adding to the mix of the station. Godspeed to your future radio endeavors!
Oct 12, 2009
troyjames said...
Here in the unwashed Sacramento area, we anxiously await your return. I hope you enjoy your time off until you jump back in.
Oct 12, 2009
daviddc said...
Can't wait to hear you on the air and on the internet again. The Don and Mike Show got me through a lot of tedious afternoons in the office.
Oct 12, 2009
 said...
Wowww...I just don't know what to say. I'm so sad. I've had such a good time listening every morning. You really were a bright spot in my day. And, the kids loved you too. I hope to sometime be able to get to know Janet better. You both seems like genuinely nice, down to earth people. You are welcome in our home anytime. Standing invite. Dave and I wish you the best of luck whereever you end up. You and Janet and Oscar will be in our prayers. Oh....and I'm so ecstatic to be able to tell you that I'm getting a bulldog puppy tomorrow! YAYYYY! Finally! LOL
Oct 12, 2009
WFDT said...
best of luck Don!
Oct 12, 2009
 said...
are you banned from sirius/xm radio, too?
Oct 12, 2009
 said...
I've really enjoyed you these last few months.....the hunting for your show online became a daily ritual....but these last few months I've learned something about your show....it's better live! many times I wanted to call about something your talkin' about....but I'm in the time machine! Anyhow, I can't wait till Oct. of next year....aloha
Oct 12, 2009
Hammer_Hands said...
Living out west I've had time to get over my DG withdrawals so this doesn't affect me but I feel bad for all your new listeners that only got a taste of the Radio God. Since CBS can't completely silence you I hope you continue posting good stuff on twitter, FB and here. Your show prep has been a part of your life for so long I don't see you stopping that cold turkey so please share whatever nonsense you run across with us.
Maybe you should write a book and dish 30 years of dirt about the radio BIZ
Oct 12, 2009
JeffCMSB said...
You know...I have a little pull at a JJ Jeffery owned station...all sports..if you were say to re-unite with a certain former co-host, would be right at home...hell..you raced carts in the airport for christs sake..just saying..Portland Maine is a great place to syndicate from...hahahhaha
Oct 12, 2009
JeffCMSB said...
What do you mean late great Dude Walker..when did he die? He just did a promo for my show like 2 months ago..
Oct 12, 2009
slowspoke said...
Whatever you do, you will do it well. I hope I will be able to listen in the car but if the interwebz is my only option, bring it!
Oct 12, 2009
Bill-DC said...
Wishing you all the best Don. I know you'll come back strong by kicking a$$ and taking names.
Oct 12, 2009
mcsmack said...
All things will pass and it will only get better and the crowds bigger for you. Carry on my wayward son.
Oct 12, 2009
WatsonTom said...
I predict Don will take over for Larry King. He has to die/retire one day. Woh!
Oct 12, 2009
 said...
Good luck Don... whatever you do, where ever you go, I'm sure you'll be killing it gangbusters. Fsck CBS, they're nothing but f'ing clown shoes and I can't wait to see you stick it to them Reynolds style. -h
Oct 12, 2009
MatthewOpaliski said...
Hey brother, you'll figure out what's right for you and Wilma, land on your feet and all that stuff, no worries ...
Oct 12, 2009
devilsisland said...
Wish I owned a radio station right now,,,,,lots of talk radio talent available,,.Don Geronimo,Big O and Dukes, Adam Corrola,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Mike O Meara
Oct 12, 2009
oweraj said...
Ironically, I hear WGMD is bringing in Charlie & Harrigan.
Oct 13, 2009
 said...
Don- I am so sorry to see you moving on, but certainly understand your need to do so. Being a long time listener, I was very enthused that like me, you had moved to the shore, The local show had an intimacy I truly learned to love. Several years ago, if you told me that you would be entertaining us on the local level right down to helping some guy find his lost dog, I would have totally laughed it off. When you end up going back to a national arena, my hope is you can maintain some of the "hominess" you discovered in Delmarva. WGMD really f...ed up. I ended up listening to several time slots on their channel because of you, but am sure I will end up elsewhere on the dial if I don't run a risk of running into you. Best of luck, old friend! You deserve it.
Oct 13, 2009
wfas86 said...
DON, VERY SORRY YOU ARE GONE FROM WGMD. You where a breath of fresh air and I thought you gave the station and the listening area a huge boost. Hopefully, you will be back on the air soon in the listening area entertaining the fans who love you and wish you nothing but the best. Take care, we will miss you and stay safe.
Oct 13, 2009
alan rich said...
there's a reason for everything. why not install a tower on your roof and broadcast from home like Rush..na-na, na-na, na-na. EOB, Excrement On Broadcasting
Oct 13, 2009
Chad Bewley said...
Don- Best wishes for your next move. Can you sign anything before October? How long until you can announce what is next?
Oct 13, 2009
kaygee said...
While I'm sorry to hear this news and sorry that the good folks in OC are losing a true talent, I'm glad to hear that there are a number of possibilities open for you. And hopefully one or more of those possibilities will bring you back to us in the DC Metro area. Yeah, I know we will probably need to wait until 10/10. Patience has never been one of my strong suits. :-) Still missing your voice and presence in the afternoons. Please let us know your plans as soon as you can!!
Oct 13, 2009
 said...
Sea Shell City will miss you Don. Hope you will be back on the air where we can still listen to you. Thanks for all you did for the community. See you in OC!
Oct 13, 2009
Jay Berwanger said...
Don best of luck to you. I enjoyed listening to you on WGMD. I thought it was a great show. Sacramento misses you.
Oct 13, 2009
Andrea said...
My gut instinct (and I have a very good gut instinct) is that the biggest and brightest part of your career has yet to come. I think you may feel that too...your intuition, from what I have picked up through the years, is pretty damn uncanny. It has actually urked me a few times. I'm not going to be pretend to know you, but that's just what I gather. So I think (gasp) that you will one day become a well known national personality, and that's not just wishful thinking on my part. You just have the makings of one and you know it. Overall I'm not really not surprised by this decision, and long term, I'm sure it is for the best. Good things don't come to those who wait...all good things come to those who plan carefully and then STRIKE. Rawr! You tiger you. I'm so happy for you Don.
Oct 13, 2009
jakeyboodersnip said...
Just don't work for The Danny, please Gawd!
Oct 13, 2009
larrymcp said...
"I know when I get back on the radio I'll be available on the internet".

Woo-hoooooo!

Oct 13, 2009
KL Page said...
This was a suprise for me to hear. 1 thing I missed moving down here to VA was not being able to listen to your show anymore. Take care and good luck with your future endeavers. BTW, I still haven't gotten my long awaited/promised bib.. LOL
Oct 13, 2009
LaVikinga said...
Ooooh! I get butterflies when I think about all the great possibilities the coming months will bring.
I know she doesn't know me at all, but please give my best to the Lovely Janet. It's so cool to have some one supportive enough to say "Jump, Baby! I'm with you all the way!"
I predict nothing but wonderful things for you, Janet and Oscar. Please keep in touch with your loving internet stalkers and update this blog frequently.
We'll need the Donnie Update fixes even more!
:* La V.
Oct 13, 2009
Eilert Pilarm said...
at the very least, you can alter the Ocean Pines sign one more time (and this time get a picture...for us? God knows we don't ask for much!).
seriously...
My iPod is already complaining that your show is not being played every day thereon. It was great to hear you again everyday and as I've said, if somehow you got stuck on a 10watt station in Antarctica I'd find a way to hear your show. That goes for a few good mates of mine as well. Cheers.
Oct 13, 2009
Chalkycolon said...
Don,
FOREVER FORWARD !!!! now good day sir ....I said good day
Oct 13, 2009
 said...
Don: I was VERY worried that I wouldn't be able to "hold down the fort" for you on 'GMD. Since you're ten times the talker I'll ever be, now that you're gone, I won't be able to learn from you! It was a pleasure to hear you every day (I would LOVE to have a copy of the "Mule skinner" record.) and I wish you all the best.
Oct 13, 2009
dnmshow said...
Looks like Howard Stern Fan's are ready and eager for the return of the King of all DC Media... http://www.sternfannetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=477458
Oct 13, 2009
puzzlehead said...
Dammit, man. Can't you hold down a job? Let's get you a paper route...
Oct 13, 2009
Eilert Pilarm said...
"He's not the morning DeeJay, on Double-U-G-M-D-d-d-d"
Oct 13, 2009
BOtheBU said...
Like Calvert County man above, yesterday I came to a stop at the exit to our church on Kent Island and suddenly the cranky Mr. Tony was replaced by the dulcet tones of Harry Legg. Yep, Mr. Dumbass in the house, I sat there like a 'honk for cash' gone miserably wrong waiting for the commercials to end so that I could hear the one and only live for a change. Everyone knows how that turned out: "and we had glorious six way sex . . . " etc. etc.

Thanks for the memories, still have last week to go through on the MP3 mo-sheen to stretch the fun just a bit further. Finish that book, and throw us a blog bone every once in a whatnot.

And speaking of Charlie Sheen, a SINCERE thanks for sharing your charming bride with us, which as I recall was not the initial plan. Some of my biggest driving-down-the-road LOL's were often her fault. She completes you, dude. Congratulations.

Oct 13, 2009
 said...
Don,

Here's hoping these business trips to Philadelphia I keep reading about on your Twitter page are related to your getting yourself on the air here on 11/1/10.

All my very best.

Oct 14, 2009
 said...
Oh, the mornings are just not the same - you are so very missed. My very best to you - please let us know when you get new plans firmed up - you're the best.
Oct 14, 2009
Don Geronimo said...
Thanks, Sarah. Please don't forget Janet's call from Nancy :)
I appreciate the support.
Oct 14, 2009
Mike Faber said...
Good Luck Don,

Looking forward to what comes next..

Peace

Oct 15, 2009
kevinquillen said...
Don, you quit on my birthday buddy! Hahah. Hope the next time you are on the air I can reach it on my radio dial or internet.
Oct 15, 2009
 said...
I've been listening to 2006 October Don & Mike to get me by, and Halloween Spooks by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross never fails to make me smile. Looking forward to hearing it live next October!
Oct 17, 2009
starfoxxxx said...
Dong, you will be missed. Jared is a d-bag. You were waaaaaay more professional than the hacks at wgmd, and the only good morning show around here since stern went to satellite. Good Luck. I will miss your theme song, it cracked me up every time.
Oct 17, 2009
allthisisthat said...
Best wishes Donnie G! So glad my son, brother-in-law, and I got a chance to stop by the lovely WGMD studios this past August for a picture with ye. Good day to you sir! I said good day! Good day!
Oct 19, 2009
 said...
Damn those non-compete clauses!!! I think you and Mike should sign on to XM / Sirius and get them to pay the penalty!!!
Oct 23, 2009
J. Myers said...
Would love to hear a Don Geronimo 70's show on Scott Shannons True Oldies. Maybe, Michael Scott can pony up the money to pay off the non compete? Well...maybe not.
Nov 24, 2009
 said...
Donaldo, sir. This is an exciting time. We await the next step in your luminous path to complete intergalactic domination. I would love to serve you warm wine in celebration of your 11 months of freedom... before you can finally grace us with your godlike greatness once again. Been listenin' for about 19 years now. I feel like we should have made love by now, Don. What's your problem?
Jan 31, 2010
 said...
How about you and Mike going satellite? Howard is winding down. You could make a nice deal I think. Your joining sirius would keep me as a subscriber.

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