For several weeks now, the question has swirled around me: Where will you go? What will you do? Where will the story line that led me out of WBAP lead next?
I have not said a word, partially because there were a number of options to pursue, and then once the best option was obvious, confidentiality was vital.
Well, the deal is done, and we are back on the radio together on Monday morning, June 4. For weeks I have said and written much about how special the host/listener relationship is, and I have been blessed to find people willing to show that relationship the respect it deserves.
It will be my joy on that day to walk into the studios of Salem Communications’ KSKY (AM 660) to resume what I have done for 30 years, 18 of them here in North Texas-- sharing thoughts with listeners about things we all care about.
The show will air in a spectacular time slot-- 7 to 10 a.m., meaning I will still enjoy the midmorning audience I’ve always had, in addition to meeting earlier listeners I’ve never had the pleasure of speaking with.
You know I have about a thousand things to share about this new adventure-- some sweeping and profound, others merely details of how this all came about and what it will all be like.
But there is an order to things. My new employers want to issue a release for the industry trades, and that will happen by the time the work week dawns on Tuesday. They have been gracious enough to let me hit the personal blog button to share these words today, because as briefly as we’ve known each other, they already recognized my head was about to explode.
I wanted to be here as early as possible for the people who have read my updates and my constant assertions that we would be together again, somewhere.
Now I know where that somewhere is. And even though I’ve only known these people a short while, I will tell you they are cut from very special cloth. The station as a whole, with a full schedule of shows you are probably well familiar with, deserves your support. As you join me in partnering with them, it is good to know that there is a company that will still do what it takes to nurture a full schedule of shows devoted to issues that matter, and devoted to the community where we all live and work.
Producer Susan Cloud will be joining me, so the show will hit the ground running with a familiar energy that will make our adventure even more special.
Much, much more to come, but I am beyond thrilled to be able to finally say: Vacation over, everybody. I’m going back to work.
I had already switched to 660 after you left WBAP. So glad you'll be there now too!
Posted by: Pastor Bill Lowrey | 05/27/2012 at 10:35 PM
I'm so glad. And on the same station with my other fav, Dennis Prager. Very happy for you.
Posted by: Kim Spain | 05/27/2012 at 10:39 PM
Can't wait to have you back on the air. Guess BAP will look to dump Rush when that deal is up too. That's gotta be a big check to write for a bunch who have trouble doing so. I foresee Cumulus taking a top notch property and turning it into an also ran. Well, was there for your first DFW sign on in '94...I'll be there for your second debut as well. Congrat's.
Posted by: Doug | 05/27/2012 at 10:45 PM
Welcome back; I'll be tuning in.
Posted by: A Facebook User | 05/27/2012 at 10:45 PM
Awesome. No more trying to to find something to listen to in the morning. Congrats! Glad another door opened for you.
Posted by: Christine Martin | 05/27/2012 at 10:49 PM
Yay! So thrilled! Heartbroken that your former employer - on a station I have been loyal to for years - would treat you (or anyone) so shabbily. I have missed your level-headed and balanced thoughts on so many topics. I have no ill will toward Ben Ferguson, who was put in a horrible position, but morning radio for me has always been The Mark Davis Show. :) Looking forward to June 4th! :)
Posted by: Linda Pinkston | 05/27/2012 at 10:56 PM
Great! Great! Great! Going to punch in my preset right now!
Posted by: Donny Parrish | 05/27/2012 at 10:57 PM
WELCOME BACK TALK SHOW BOY! WE MISSED YOU! ALREADY GETTING THE NEW PRESET ON THE RADIO! CONGRATS NOW BRING ON THE 2012 ELECTION!
Posted by: Tony Ming | 05/27/2012 at 11:00 PM
Mark, I am so happy for you, all your followers, and Susan too!!! We are so fortunate. I now have a reason to wake up early in the morning-it has been quite a while and I'm looking forward to it!
Jennie
Posted by: Jennie Bohart | 05/27/2012 at 11:00 PM
Best news of the weekend. KSKY has been the hidden talk gem of the DFW market and you will help take them to the next level. Changing my presets now.
Posted by: Tim Hogan | 05/27/2012 at 11:01 PM
Cumulus is not for us.
Curling. Crazy football picks bumper music. All that and more wrapped around my brain stem.
Love you, man. Congrats.
Posted by: Ron Dodson | 05/27/2012 at 11:04 PM
Congratulations to you - and to KSKY
Posted by: Dismuke | 05/27/2012 at 11:23 PM
Thatis fantastic news! I am unsure if I will be able to receive 660 AM over here in good ole east Texas, but I will most certainly be trying.
Posted by: Walt | 05/27/2012 at 11:38 PM
I'm so glad someone had the good judgment to keep your vast talent in the area. I will adjust to the different frequency very easily. Congratulations to you and to your many admirers.
Posted by: Lonnie Thompson | 05/27/2012 at 11:39 PM
Oh thank goodness, life will make sense again! Seriously, I am really excited that you landed somewhere. I'll be listening day one for sure!
Posted by: Lori Fickling | 05/27/2012 at 11:40 PM
Thank god. We don't have enough 50+ year old conservative white men on the air. That's what's truly missing in this part of Texas. The chance to have another right wing zealot makes all the difference.
Posted by: Happy Republican | 05/27/2012 at 11:57 PM
Happy days! It will be great to listen to you again and how good is it for you to have your ace producer Susan Cloud by your side. Congratulations on the new gig Mark.
Posted by: Rene Cote | 05/28/2012 at 02:53 AM
AWESOME !!!!! I am so happy for you and the DFW listening audience. Please tell me you'll play "I feel good" again.
Posted by: Martha Brothers | 05/28/2012 at 03:11 AM
Smartphone app rarin' to go!! Woo
--Bev in Sacto.
Posted by: Bev | 05/28/2012 at 04:05 AM
Great news, Mark. Sounds like you will be airing over the time slot of that idiot, fake conservitive Mike Gallaghar. KSKY is on it's way up. Sadly, WBAP is quickly on it's way down. KSKY in the mornings with Mark and KTBB in the afternoon with Rush; My Schedule is set.
Posted by: Captain Eric Svane of Flower Mound | 05/28/2012 at 05:46 AM
GREAT NEWS! It will be great to have your voice coming through my truck speakers once again.
Posted by: A Facebook User | 05/28/2012 at 06:54 AM
That is great news Mark. Let the listening and learning begin again.
Posted by: David Lynn | 05/28/2012 at 07:07 AM
sounds like susan is sucking to you mark, since she is going with you!!!!
Posted by: john boy | 05/28/2012 at 07:15 AM
Excellent! I have a new favorite station, a new default preset on the car radio, and I'll be bookmarking the live stream on my iPhone and home computers.
I can't wait to hear "I feel good" next Friday!
Posted by: Darren Lathen | 05/28/2012 at 07:22 AM
I'm thrilled you're staying in DFW! Even though we could have listened to you anywhere you might have moved, we just like having you pop up around town.
I'm also craving your comments on many of the local issues currently brewing.
And I'm thrilled about your new time slot, and that Susan Cloud has been able to join you. SCORE!
Welcome back, Mark!
Posted by: Cari Kelemen | 05/28/2012 at 08:01 AM