I was working in the snake pit this week (Columbus) and on the way home I got a call that Dave Shand was let go from WTKA 1050. A call to the station confirmed it. While we don’t know the circumstances, Shand the just about the only thing of value on that tired station. From what I understand they actually got some ratings and for those who suffer through local morning radio know that Shand brought something special: a real ex-professional athlete with great stories, legit perspective on the sports world, a sense of humor and sharp opinion. So it’s a mystery right now. Ann Arbor News sports columnsit Jim Carty got in contact with Shand and got a minor reaction from the station manager: Local radio host Dave Shand was fired following Monday’s broadcast of “In The Locker Room” on WTKA (1050 AM) and, according to the station’s general manager, will be replaced by a new locally produced sport talk show to be announced later this week. “I have no idea why,” said Shand, a former University of Michigan hockey player and local attorney. “The (ratings) were stunning. Our show was No. 2 in the market in the morning.” General manager Bob Bolak said he could not discuss personnel decisions, but confirmed WTKA will be announcing a new morning…
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Beilein Making the Media Rounds
Coach Beilein has been pretty busy the past couple days with his press conference introducing the him to the media and public, to meeting the existing players, to conducting a short practice, to chasing down recruits Grady, Harris and Legion. I also heard him this morning on 1050 WTKA and this afternoon on 1130 WDFN and he was very impressive on both shows. He talked a little hockey on the 1050 show to the delight of former M and NHL skater Dave Shand, and he mixed it up with Stoney and Wojo on the Detroit drive time show on DFN. It’s hard to describe but the guy just comes off as so genuine and real, and focused on doing things right. It’s a big departure from a 35 year old (Amaker) who in his first week was probably a little scared and a little confused. Beilein has a plan. One of my favorite lines from the news conference that introduced him was the new’s coach asking “You have a track, right?” several times, implying that’s where guys go if they a) want to be ready to play in his system, and b) don’t follow his rules. Good stuff.