Posted by chicagomedia.org on February 26, 2009 at 12:06:42:
Plan B
Sources: Johnny to take less but do endorsements
February 26, 2009
LEWIS LAZARE | Chicago Sun-Times Media & Marketing columnist
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When Jonathon Brandmeier was off the air a couple of days this week, we heard from nervous fans who feared the worst: his contract wasn't going to be renewed at WLUP-FM (97.9).
Dear fans of Johnny, no need to panic yet. Brandmeier was just visiting his kids in college. And talks about Brandmeier's new contract are in fact in their final stages, per Marv Nyren, Chicago market manager for Emmis Communications, parent of WLUP.
In a talk with us a couple of days ago, Nyren added an even more hopeful note when he suggested he and Brandmeier's representatives are making "phenomenal progress." So much, in fact, that Nyren predicted a new contract could be signed -- or ready to sign -- by early next week, when Brandmeier's current contract expires.
Nyren wasn't talking specifics with us, but what we could discern from his comments and from other sources familiar with developments is that Brandmeier -- should he sign on the dotted line -- will no longer be paid the $1.2 million or so a year in straight salary he is said to be pulling in under his about-to-expire deal.
Nyren wouldn't talk numbers, but other sources say Brandmeier probably isn't going to get more than around $500,000 in base salary in a new deal.
But the new contract will come with several add-ons that could boost Brandmeier's yearly take to close to $1 million, including performance-related bonuses that will reward the morning drive host if his show reaches certain benchmarks in the ratings.
And more interestingly, the new deal is believed to allow Brandmeier to rake in considerably more cash via endorsement deals with products or companies that he would be allowed to promote on air.
Brandmeier did not respond to a request for comment.
Garry Meier:
Is Garry Meier plotting a radio comeback? He did a brief stint on John Howell's morning show at WIND-AM (560) Wednesday, and now he's landed a three-day gig next week at Tribune Co.'s news/talk WGN-AM (720) during the 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. slot vacated when John Williams moved to mornings.