Oregon Media Insiders

That everybody's grousing about the commercialization of a commercial radio station, duh, and nobody's commenting on the departure of one of the last giants standing.

The pestilences survived by Neal Penland are many--the thankless grind of radio, the KATU desk, cancer--and the guy just keeps punching. Vietnam veteran, WTOP in DC, news director of Portland's first-and-only all news station, KYXI back in the '70's--Penland can make Lou Grant look soft-boiled. He doesn't conceal his contempt for the lazy drama queens and puffed-up mountebanks that broadcasting sometimes attracts. But he treats with honest gratitude the colleagues who put in a professional effort. He always remembers to say "thank you," and means it, when you do your job.

Newsmakers always, always, return Penland's calls.

I heard that Penland doesn't want a big deal made of his retirement. No testimonials in the ballroom, no live broadcast from a hotel. His health is good and he wants to go fishing. So catch a bunch, Penland. We're not going to see the likes of you, ever.