Brickbats flying over KXLY firing of longtime director

The Huckleberries Online gang didn’t react well to yesterday’s news that KXLY/KVNI had fired longtime news director Dick Haugen. “Isn’t this the same KXLY that ruined Spokane’s 99.9 and its Classy Rock format?” wondered commenter John Austin. Not only did the KXLY brain trust give Dick the ax during the holidays but also while he was grieving a personal loss. After I posted the news online Wednesday morning, Dick, the erstwhile “Voice of North Idaho” for the past 15 years, commented briefly on my blog: “Can’t say much now, except to say I was fired. A smoke screen for budget cuts. Need a job, any takers? BTW, I was torched two days after I buried my father. Merry Xmas to me from KXLY.” The postings soon attracted other comments. “I was always impressed with (Dick’s) knowledge of the issues, the players and the politics that made the community tick. Big loss for KVNI” – Keith Erickson, ex-CDA Press reporter. “Judging from the trends in radio, I would hazard a guess that they will turn KVNI into an automated satellite operation with nothing but an engineer on duty” – Herb Huseland/Bayviews blog. “Dick is a standup guy! An authentic guy who can describe the 100th parade like it was his first” – Dr. Jim Winter. “I hope Dick moves on to something bigger and better. And – hey! – let’s all immediately hate his replacement just to make Dick feel good” – Dan Gookin. Dick is one of the media’s good guys. KVNI broadcasts of local sports aren’t going to be the same without his color commentary. KXLY. Flat. Screwed. Up.