Posted by chicagomedia.org on January 29, 2009 at 12:29:07:
Johnny Brandmeier one of the last 7-figure stars left standing
January 29, 2009
LEWIS LAZARE
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The time has come. It's time to find out what Johnny B. is really worth right now. As one of the last of the million-dollar-plus superstars left standing in the decimated Chicago radio marketplace, Jonathon Brandmeier is a person of interest to a number of radio luminaries who determine who gets to do what and for how much in this crazy radio market.
This week Brandmeier and agent John Malevitis are expected to get to the nitty-gritty of renegotiating Brandmeier's contract, which expires in March, with WLUP-FM (97.9) and its manager Marv Nyren.
Brandmeier and Nyren both said they weren't going to talk about whether Brandmeier would be able to sign a new contract that pays him close to the $1.2 million a year he signed for in 2005.
But wise radio observers in the marketplace believe Brandmeier has next to no chance of getting that kind of money at WLUP. The sagest executives say he'd be lucky to get a new deal at $400,000.
But would that be enough to satisfy Brandmeier and his ego?
"I don't think Johnny is willing to get up in the middle of the night anymore and do a show for that kind of money," said one local radio exec.
Nyren admits Brandmeier is a special talent: "He's really better than all those who have come and gone in Chicago." Nyren concedes the Chicago radio market isn't as flush as it was when he negotiated with Brandmeier several years ago.
Not at all. It's all been about downsizing and slashing costs.
What about Johnny? What does he really want out of a new contract? The ever-playful Brandmeier was a bit coy when on the topic.
"I want to have fun," he said.
Yet the question remains: Can Johnny still have fun if he's not getting the kind of dough he and his ego believe he deserves?
(Chicago Sun-Times)