Official Statement
Since the removal of Mike Blair as a volunteer by the Bute FM Steering Group we have, perhaps unsurprisingly, received a few comments on and questions about the reasons for this action.
As with all stories there are two sides, and ours begins in October 2009 – on the day before our bag-packing fundraiser in the local supermarket.
Mike was informed by a fellow volunteer that they would be unable to make their show that afternoon. He ignored escalation protocol and decided that he would be filling that slot. On his arrival later in the afternoon he was told by the Station Manager that a different show would be broadcast. Mike’s reaction was to shout abuse at the Station Manager, announce the he was leaving, storm out of the premises and slam the door behind him. This behaviour was witnessed by a number of volunteers and some shocked visitors.
After a cooling-off period, Mike was allowed to return on the proviso that he massively improve his conduct towards both the Station Manager and other volunteers.
Sadly this was not to be the case, as his personal animosity continued towards the Station Manager and certain volunteers, during both volunteer meetings and in his discussions about the aforementioned people -behind their backs – with a small group of other volunteers and listeners.
Over time, a large number of complaints from Bute FM volunteers, listeners and advertisers were presented to the Station Manager about aspects of the Breakfast Show.
A selection of quotations from these complaints includes such worrying terms as “sycophantic”, “sickening”, “selfish”, “hostile and unappreciative environment”, “offensive”, “patronising” and “enough to make you choke on your cornflakes.
When advised of these complaints and given instructions on removing certain items from the Breakfast Show, Mike proceeded to criticise the complainants – a practice which continued long after the decisions were made.
Once again, when the hours of the Breakfast Show were altered as a result of evidence presented to the Station Manager about the considerable loss of listeners, Mike continued to discuss and criticise this decision and others with his small band of followers.
This action resulted in him alienating himself from a large majority of the body of volunteers that now comprised the station and almost entirely cut-off the Breakfast Show from the rest of Bute FM’s schedule – as evidenced by the prize give-away on the station’s birthday, with some donors thinking that they were donating to Bute FM and not just one part of it.
Yet again a number of complaints were received about this behaviour and the Station Manager received information about more supporters turning off.
Throughout this period comments were repeatedly made on a public forum about other volunteers and the Station Manager and yet more station guidelines were wifully ignored or trampled upon.
It is clear to us from these actions (and others which cannot be discussed here) that Mike Blair has proven himself to be untrustworthy and unable to function as part of a team, which is why he has been removed as a volunteer.
The Bute FM Steering Group
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Does he think hes chris moyles or something? we dont need a diva, what a loser. its hardly radio 1.
i think its all turning into a joke if you ask me and the majority of it as we all know is down to the other volunteers who recently shall we say left under bad terms and you can tell that they are the ones who are adding fuel to the fire. i think its time these folk grew up.
This is a shame, but clearly this was not a decision the Bute FM Steering Group would have taken lightly. Bute FM is about more than the actions of a small number of individuals, and I wish you all the best in moving forward and from strength to strength with the dedicated team of volunteers who want nothing more than to bring entertainment and enjoyment to the local community.
What a very sad state of affairs for all concerned.
Perhaps it’s best contemplating what the original aims of community radio are rather than get bogged down into a whirlwind circus that in my opinion, has emerged as a result of poor teamwork & partnership, a breakdown in understanding & communication among others, hostility & oneupmanship – and to be frank – a hell of a lot of egotism.
Very sad.
AUSTRALIA IS IN TIZZ So what do we depend on now to make us expats feel happy at our drink over the yard arm here in Aussie,Out here we have announcers that do have lots of style just like Mike Blair ,I can tell by listening to him on the breakfast show he’s got what it takes to have the position of anckor man of the show,Bring back Mike (all you need is love).this is on behalf of all at the boatyard.
I dont think its right for you to be saying that most of the presenters are a disgrace i think people forget if it wasnt for the volunteers and presenters past and prensent bute fm would not be running, these people that do that job are doing it for the love of their island and community and much love for music,
they dedicate their time that they nomarly spend with the familys and friends to help with the run of the radio and may i add that this is very much unpaid and they dont get much thaks for doing a fab job.
i do agree that mike should have never been let go,and its a shame that it was handled very badly by management so badly infact that 7 more people felt they had to leave in support of mike. i take my hat off to them as not many people would do that in support of someone else would you???
as a member of the community i do ask that bute fm managment to start answering quetions the community is asking rather that just cutting them off as if they have no say after all you do clam to be a community radio staion, do the management forget that buissnesses and people of bute has been supporting them with buying adverts and donations of not just money but prizes for compotions,
you may actually ragain their support and regain your listners back
The trouble with the station is that they had ideas above their station.
Some presenters were first class bores!!!.
Good luck and goodbye.