Several years ago, I had the pleasure of working with Steve, on the Ravens Pre-Game shows on WLIF and WJFK. He was a consumate professional then, and I enjoyed his body of work at WBAL. All my best to he, and his family.

Good luck to Steve, he is a quality sports talkshow host.

The station will be paying Davis for the remaining months of his contract. Neither WBAL nor Davis would say how many months that is.

In other words, he is getting paid not to work. That to me is not the same as being laid off. Sounds more like getting bought out.

Anyway, I thought Steve did well and I enjoyed his show.

Hope he lands somewhere soon. Steve is one of the few guys I actually enjoyed listening to.

I think we are finally starting to see some of the fallout from the O's dumping WBAL as the flagship. I can't imagine that was a positive thing for their revenue stream.

Steve Davis gets canned and Anita Marks gets a new contract ? what the heck is this town coming to ??Sad day for baltimore sports

I'm surprised and sorry to hear they let Steve go. Hopefully he'll pick up with another station in the area. What I don't understand is that they are paying him the remainder of his contract but the move is supposed to be a cost cutting decision. Why not just let him stay on for the balance of the contract?
Good luck Steve. I look forwrd to hearing you on the air soon.

That's interesting... and Ironic... I didn't think Steve Davis was all the good. I enjoyed listening to Coach John Harbach, but that didn't have anything to do with Davis. That's an agreement the Ravens have with WBAL...

Good Writtens...

I agree with a previous poster. How is it that Anita Marks gets to stick around and Steve Davis is told to take a seat? I'm not talking about specifics because, yes, I know they work for different stations and fill different time slots. But in a general sense, it's a crime that she is allowed to continue with Baltimore sports radio and he is not.

Sorry to hear about this. I used to intern for Steve and he is a very good guy. His personality on the radio does come off as sarcastic at times, but for the most part it worked for him. I'm sure he'll find a new job soon. Best of luck to him

OK... like someone said... Marks get's re-upped and Davis is cast to the wolves? i know i know.. different statiosn and all... but come on... Davis needs to put on a wig and flirt with his guests... then he would surely get hired !!!

If they are paying him the rest of months that he is owed, why not let him work? It isn't costing you anything. Sounds like something else is going on here.

Personally id rather hear Steve Davis on the fan than to listen to Bruce Cunningham. Steve Davis did a great job hosting the Harbaugh Show and his radio shows were never fluff like Cunninghams.

"Good Writtens..."

is that really how you thought 'riddance' was spelled?

really?

Coach Harbach? Good Writtens?

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Ray replies: Up until maybe a couple of weeks ago, I was editing most of the comments and fixing spelling and most grammar mistakes, but I thought I'd start to let them get posted as written. That doesn't mean, however, some stuff doesn't get deleted when someone goes too far.

Sorry to hear about this. I've always enjoyed Steve. He's one of the faces of Baltimore sports that I trust and have nothing but good to say about how he presents our Ravens, O's, Terps, etc., news. He's practically a genuine hometown guy.

Good luck, Steve. The best to ya!

I gotta agree with bryanintimonium on this one.

Good Writtens?

Way to close and lose all credibility.

"WBAL station manager and vice president Jeff Beauchamp said letting Davis go was "a tough call," but the station needed to cut positions...The station will be paying Davis for the remaining months of his contract. Neither WBAL nor Davis would say how many months that is."

How is this saving the station money if they will still be paying his salary? Why not let him earn his money until his contract runs out?

Where in the world will we get the very important daily updates about his kids soccer tournaments, and his vital thoughts on what his wife made for dinner last night? I weep and pray for the Republic.

Paying the balance of his contract and it's "an economic move?" WRONG!! He ticked the wrong person off, obviously!

Steve, I want to thank you for great radio sports broadcasting you gave Bmore at WBAL. I think WBAL has made a HUGE mistake, and won't listen to WBAL anymore at night. I hope to hear you again soon on Bmore airwaves.

Rick from Pikesville

Steve Davis was probably the most level headed sports talk guy in Baltimore. He was probably the only non-hater sports talk guy who didn't stake himself to ridiculous claims. I enjoyed listneing to him, soft or not.

Welcome to the club Steve. In November, I took a call from my VP saying my job was being eliminated immediately. At least they fulfilled his contract, that's better than most of us at will employees.

First of all, it's good riddance.

Secondly, Steve Davis is a classy, insightful, and articulate radio show host. I'm sure he won't be out of work long.

I really do not think Steve was all that great. I used to like it when he was off and Jerry or Peter would do the show.

WBAL needs to keep in mind this is a 6:00 pm show. The strong inuendo on many adult topics is not good to me. What about the kids that want to hear what's going on? 6:00 folks, not 10:00.

Finally I remember an African American elderly man called one night. Entusiastic and it was when Thome was with Phil. He said to Steve, since a new kid, RYAN HOWARD was coming up, could the O's make a play for Thome. Steve did not even know who Howard was and then embarrassed the man by saying, call when you have something to talk about.

See you later Davis. Wise up and change your cocky attitude. That is why WBAL CANNED him. (and dozens more scenarios like this)

I would love his job and I am far more knowledgeable than he is on Baltimore sports. Also, I know how to treat callers...with respect!

Steve- Go over to WNST 2-6 SLOT

If they're going to pay him anyway and this move wasn't performance related then why wouldn't they let him finish out his contract?

MASN should can Marks and Garceau and bring in Davis. Although he is rather critical of the Orioles, which Pete might not like...

Ray- Jeff Beauchamp has been running the station into the ground (ie: GREG SHER, STEVE MELESKI,) Dumping Steve Davis, O's, Rush and Frank Defilppo. Why isn't he being held accountable??? His business decisions help lead to revenue shortfalls at WBAL.

JohnnyRev said it here better than anyone: Steve Davis gets canned and Anita Marks gets a new contract ? what the heck is this town coming to ??Sad day for baltimore sports

I didn't always agree with him but he was one of the few sports talk show hosts I could tolerate. Steve was able to keep his cool when dealing with idiot callers and actually talked about the Orioles which was a plus. I wish him the best of luck.

Sorry to hear it; I thought Steve had improved mightily on WBAL radio since his Channel 45 days and I enjoyed his show.

Some have knocked him for his treatment of those with whom he disagreed, but that's the nature of sports radio. Hope he stays around and finds other employment here. Good luck to him and his family.

"Consumate professional" seems to be most fitting description. In an industry where are so many hacks and gimmick based shows, Steve always stands out as a pro.

Here's an idea...105.7 dump Weinman for Davis. Davis did a great job of asking the questions we all wanted to know the answer to but wasn't a know it all.

Sorry to hear this. I have to imagine that most folks that want sports talk use one of the three all sports stations in town - I know that's why I never listened to him.

I agree with the earlier poster about taking Rob Long's spot at WNST. I love that station, but can't stand listening to Nestor.

watch the jim harbaugh show out
here from california. i thought
steve davis did a credible job....

he made the coach feel at home
and comfortable to answer questions.

for this type of show, steve was
as capable as anybody else doing
baltimore sports radio..

For all the listeners who will miss Steve, no worries. He'll end up at WVIE 1370 before long.

Forget about comparisons with Anita Marks. Let's compare Steve Davis to the likes of personalities WBAL hasn't dumped, namely Bruce Elliott. At least Anita Marks is likeable. Unlike Elliott, Davis gets his facts straight and doesn't come off as whining. And he sure doesn't speak with that twangy accent characteristic of Bob 'n Kendel.
It clearly isn't about quality, and with the remainder of Davis' contract being paid, it clearly isn't about cost.

This is great news! Avoided listening regularly due to his overblown ego, general pompousness and overall lack of knowledge regarding Baltimore sports history. I realize he isn't from here originally so he gets a break on the latter issue, but in my opinion that is why a change is welcome.

"The Scott and Steve Show" has a nice ring to it.

What a shame. Terrific show that I listened to most week nights. One of the best sports shows out there. Unbelievable. How in the world does Anita Marks survive while an actual Knowledgeable host gets canned? Bad move WBAL!

I will not be sad at all seeing Steve leave, mainly because if he had a different opinion with a caller. He would be very rude with them and always cut them off. So I'am very pleased to see him go.

I am not wild about
Steve Davis, but obviously wbal is not being honest. they need to get rid of that weird lady who comes on at 9 am.

I really liked Steve and am sorry to see him leave. I'm sure he'll pop-up somewhere with a great show -hopefully in Baltimore.

Good luck Steve!

There must be more to this than meets the eye. Davis was good at what he did, even though he could be ego maniacal at times. Paying him for not being on the show does not ring true with a cost-cutting rationale for him being let go. He must have irritated somebody high up the food chain. Would be interesting if Ray could find out who that might be.

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Ray replies: I won't claim to know the inner workings at WBAL, but given that the station also laid off a veteran producer yesterday and other TV and radio stations are cutting staff, it isn't outrageous to take management at its word. It could be that, even paying for the rest of Davis' contract, WBAL is still saving money immediately.

Sorry to see Steve go-I always tuned into him when driving to the Yard to see the O's.
To those folks who made "how can this save money" comments, there are quite a few ways. The most obvious is a non-local show. Before you object that Steve is still being paid, refer to the note in the article about the producer being let go along with Davis. I would doubt he is getting paid for the next few months.
Further, there could be clauses in the contract which would have led to even more money being paid out than will be now.
I'll bet you dollars to donuts BAL is saving money with the firing.

I watch and listen to Ch 11 every morning and have for years. I used to watch jz, but I just can't understand "mumbles", the guy with marty bass.. His voice modulates up and down too much. But, I like the blond weather/traffic/some fluff pieces/announcer woman on wbal. My point is, I saw her on a sunday morning talk show and was pleasantly surprised and impressed with her intelligence, knowledge, and demeanor. She makes almost no errors, or gaffes, which is very unusual in todays world of broadcasting. I hope the layoffs don't include her. But she will be moving on to bifgger and better things soon enough. Sorry, I don't know her name. I hope layoffs don't force me to go to channel 2.

I've listened to BAL since Jeff Rimmer was the host. Steve and Josh Lewin are the best two hosts the show has had in the 17 years I've listened.

The only other one that compares is Jerry Sandusky.

Ray, I'd be interested in the real deal behind this announcement. Put on your trench coat and fedora with the card reading "PRESS" in the brim!

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Ray replies: You know, that's a very good look for me.

In my experience, things like this happen when a "talent" demands an extension or brings in an agent or resists direction. It makes no sense for a station to keep compensating him and lay him off. It does sound like a dispute of some kind. Happens often, doesn't make him a bad guy.Maybe they asked for a give-back, a reduction in pay. Times are tough for "old" media, right, Ray?

--------------

Ray replies: My understanding is that there was no talk of a pay cut.

I hope he lands a job working with Marks. The more the merrier (less time for her to talk the better)

I'm with DUDULK FRED. Steve what comes around goes around

I agree. Dump Weinman over at 105.7

for Steve. Weinman comes across as arrogant and so full of himself, whereas Steve's knowledge of local sports is terrrific.
If not there, I look for Steve to maybe wind up on 1370 or 1570

Burt in Denton

Hopefully he can get a job in another town

Unbelievable. I no longer live in Baltimore, but when I did, I loved the all sports format of 1300 AM, but I turned the station when Anita came on because Steve Davis was so much more informed about sports in general. I doesn't seem fair at all. Maybe he should call Playgirl about a spread and that'll get his foot back in the door.

I love Peter Schmuck, but he's no Steve Davis. I'll miss you Steve.

So how does paying Davis the remainder of his contract to not work save WBAL any money? Why not let him continue with his show and let it go after that? Somehow I think Davis will find a way to feed the family though. 1370 seems to be doing a decent job of finding people to take shifts there. Garceau and Davis might have been an interesting duo. Too bad 105.7 decided to re-up Anita. If only Steve Davis had become a South Florida homer--he would of had a chance in this market (apparently).

you guys that want to dump wineman for davis are really showing your ignorance. Davis has local knowledge? Wineman's from here Davis isnt

Good riddance!!!!!

He had a cocky attitude. While working at the Hearst Building, I spoke to him passing in the hallway. He looked at me as though I was an idiot. Keep the ball rolling WBAL and dump that "sellout, uncle tom" "C4"!

This was 4 years overdue! He was very rude on the phone to any caller he didn't agree with or made fun of those less knowledgeable. It even seemed like his mom didn't like him when he had her call in. He interrupted her dinner one time to have her make NCAA basketball picks. No class at all. Not many liked him at 45 (fired) or at channel 4 in Washington (fired). I'd like to echo a previous comment - what comes around goes around Steve. Enjoy your time off.

Harbach ??????
Good Writtens... ??????

Hey "Bruce", do you by any chance do sports at :16 and :46 past the hour each morning during the week?

Yeah something is rotton in Denmark. I was never a big fan of Davis hes an obnoxious host. Actually Im surprised he lasted this long.
I called in a couple times and he would barely let you get your question on before turning down your volume. And forget about a follow up comment.

Steve, you really are top drawer, I'm really hoping that you stay local, the big fish in the small pond.

Glad he's gone. Cocky attitude. Always on a soapbox about non-sports related stuff. Really had it out for the Orioles and Peter Angelos. He was right about a lot of things, but he got to the point of not being objective and getting personal. I stopped listening. Bring back Jerry Sandusky.

I don't know how this guy is getting so much praise. I am sure he's a good guy of the mic, but he was a horrible host. He added nothing to the conversation and was only palatable when he had a guest on with him. He also was a terrible interviewer. Look, I am sorry when anyone loses his job, but it looks like he's not worried about the money still coming in from his contract. There are several hosts in town that will do a better job, and he will not be missed for long. Plus, if he was that good, WBAL would never have released him. In these times a radio station can't risk losing viewers (i.e. advertising dollars), and if he was that much of a draw he wouldn't have been let go.

I am really dissappointed to here about this decision by WBAL management. Quite honestly, I don't intend to listen to Sportsline any longer. While I think Peter Smuck is a nice guy, he can not carry the show like Mr. Davis. I will now be turning to The FAN each evening. Hope Steve gets on the air again soon.

Well, I have to write that I have little left to listen to WBAL for. Chip Franklin? Gone. Rob Douglas? Gone. Steve Davis? Gone.

WBAL: Your source for local voices, but only if they work for peanuts.

previous Q: "....Why not let him earn his money until his contract runs out?"

A: You don't tell someone you are going to fire them then let them on the air for the next few months. Are you kidding? The talent contract probably has a clause requiring advance notice of termination. Clean cut and move on. Disassociate asap. That's the media biz. I've worked with Steve and he was always pretty cool to me - not as big an ego as most talent - especially sports guys. But like he said he made the big bucks for a while - unfortunately those big numbers stick out like a sore thumb when the bean counters are reviewing costs

I travel for work quite a bit and hear lots of sports talk around the country and I can tell all of you that Steve Davis "runs a show" as well as anyone I've heard.

This is a late entry into the party (I honestly just found Ray's blog and I must say it's good to see someone cover the local sports media scene - good work Ray!) but I'm shocked no one in town has picked up Steve Davis yet, nearly a month after he was let go.

Is it a money issue?

I am very surprised with the number of positive comments about Davis. I can barely tolerate him. I stopped listening to him a long time ago. He is arrogant most of the time and spent way to much time on subjects not related to sports (ie. movies he went to see with his wife). Who cares...
I too do not like to see anyone get laid off but this was long overdue. WBAL is not being honest but they are looking out for him as he attempts to find another job.

Steve Davis was the best sports talk show host in this town. The fact that he had the highest rated show and it was the last sports show of the day shows you something. If WBAL is still paying him, then it means that he got the wrong person mad. Was it Angelos? Bisciotti? Someone with some pull or power got this one done. I hope Davis resurfaces soon. He will be missed.

Steve sorry you are gone I really miss you and sportsline. The evening sports is not the same without you in fact I do not listen to it any more.