Oregon Media Insiders

Didn't he used to work for KEZI?

Eki was on staff at KOIN back when Ted was ND... was TV even in color back then?

I want to know why KEX bastardized their product... The "Tonkin" weather center? What happens if "Tonkin" weather center gets it wrong? Or better yet, what happens when "Tonkin Weather Center" becomes the "Premier Ford Weather Center". I can't believe someone sold out their product like that. News is what they do - it's their brand - their bread and butter.

It would be OK to say "KEX Weather Center brought to you by Tonkin..." but to actually brand it with a client's indicates someone clearly doesn't get it and has no regard for the long-term viability of the product.

The weather is not sponsored, but it is from The Weather Channel, the perfect weather resource. There is NO Tonkin-dot-com weather center!!?? The news is sometimes brought to you as a service of ... fill in the blank.

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.

I don't recall him working there. Norm Gunning, yes. Not Neal.

What a guy! Some of my best memories in Portland were working the KEX Desk with Neal at "The Big One" back in 97, 98, and 99. Thats when he and Bill Cooper were doing morning drive reports for KEX and KNEWS. Neal, its about time you get to enjoy retirement. --Norm Gunning

Tonkin doesn't sponsor WEATHER. It's TRAFFIC. Don't bitch about something if you don't have the facts. I thought this site had people from the 'media' in it. Please don't tell me that the media gets it wrong too??!!

Neal Penland is one of the best when it comes to getting a story on the air...and above all, getting that story right. When you have a newsroom filled with former news directors and assignment editors you are bound to have some, lets say, "vocal" discussions about what to cover and how to cover it. Neal and I sometimes engaged in a "discussion" or two about content ("Neal if you send me on one more gawd damn stupid house fire...") but I have never doubted Neal's dedication to the job of news or his passion for getting a story on the air and above all getting it right. Neal's much deserved retirement leaves a huge hole in Portland's news ranks. Neal, may your health remain strong, even if the voice cracks a bit from time to time. Enjoy the down time...you deserve it. Just try not to annoy Linda too much or she'll send you back to work! :)

They say some people have a "face for radio". Well, Penland has a voice for newspapers. I know the guy had throat cancer, but jeez... listening to him talk is excruciating. I have to change the station whenever he comes on.

Now if they could only drop Dr. Laura and Rush Limbaugh (two of the most hateful, awful people working in media), it might be a decent radio station again.

Who's replacing these folks?

Brad Ford will now be living at 4949 SW Macadam and will be covering the 4am-1am newsroom shift at KEX.