[News] Rob Kerr and Charlie Simmer let go by Sportsnet, Rob Kerr to Return to FAN 960

[undercoverbrother]

I hope Kerr ends up back on the radio, very enjoyable.

[AcGold]

on one hand Kerr wasn't the greatest PBP guy but he was one of the few people in the world that absolutely loved his job so if it's true I feel bad for the guy. I'd rather someone keep their dream job than me enjoy it slightly more with someone better at it.

[IgiTang]

I would be happy if I didn't get blacked out during Flames games being in SNP region. If I pay for SNW, don't black us out on the coast.

I refuse to watch SNP.. Its a Canucks j**k *ff session..
I would gladly take Kerr if it meant I didn't have to pay for NHLCI...

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by mustache ride

I wonder two things about this. If the negativity of having the audio out of sync was taken away would that have bought them an extra year or two? Also is it possible that Kerr was just in the wrong seat in the booth? If given Simmers job does Kerr come across as a better commentator with more time to explain his insights into the game, which are very good, and less shrieking and accentuating random words due to his excitement?

The production value definitely didn't help matters. Crappy audio syncing, low audience volume that sucks out any building atmosphere, dark video quality, not getting Kerr a properly fitting suit till 2 years in. Whoever is in charge of producing the games on Sportsnet West deserves just as much of the blame.

I always thought Kerr would've made a much better Color guy than PBP. The guy likes to talk, and even having 15 seconds in between whistles would've give him a much better platform. Having said that, I still think radio suits him better.

[Southside]

They weren't the best, so I am not surprised. What does surprise me is how Rogers seem to make so many mistakes, hiring, firing, putting people in the wrong medium or position. Just hope Kerr and Simmer can move on and that Rogers can get it right this time.

[SanFranFlamesFan]

Rick Ball please. He's been great on CBC and won't have much work next year. I vastly prefer him to Mark Lee or even Hughson.

[skeena1]

Originally Posted by SanFranFlamesFan

Rick Ball please. He's been great on CBC and won't have much work next year. I vastly prefer him to Mark Lee or even Hughson.

Rick Ball does CFL play by play in Vancouver and also does the Canucks games on radio when Shorthouse in on Sportsnet - which is most of the time.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Always sad to hear when good people get let go. I didn't really enjoy listening to Rob Kerr and Charlie Simmer much, but the both struck me as good guys that were really enjoying their jobs. I hope they land on their feet soon. They were fairly original though, that's for sure!

I really enjoyed Loubo - though it took me over a season to get used to him. Found him to be one of the more intelligent and insightful play-by-play guys that have covered the Flames. It was particularly hard to hear that Loubo was let go as he made it no secret that it was his 'dream job'.

I hope the next pair that gets hired are interesting, easier to listen to (no shouting into the microphone like Kerr was at times) and stick around for multiple seasons. I find it takes a while to adjust. After growing up with Ed Whalen and having guys like Scotty Bowman and John Davidson, I guess we were spoiled as Flames fans for a while. Hope Rogers finds the right pair, as it really makes the games so much more enjoyable.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

Better not get my hopes up for nothing.


Bill Clement and Gary Thorne better be the replacement

Bill Clement is a former Flame so maybe he can be convinced.

Gary Thorne probably gets paid way more than any NHL regional broadcaster to do the Orioles.

[Where ru Chris O'Sullivan]

Originally Posted by flameswin

Pretty ****'n stupid for people to react like they're sports team won. It's real people, whose careers and lives are being affected.

Of course most of us didn't think they were up to par, and this decision reinforces that. But I hate when people cheer others for losing their jobs.

Those and the critics (who post on a forum) and believe their above them...

[foshizzle11]

I had the luxury of having lunch with Rob Kerr and Craig Conroy during the off season in June when we signed Wideman. Many fans thought it was a great signing that day.
The whole thing went down while we were at lunch and Kerr was getting texts about a big signing and Craig was denying that anything was happening. It was great. By the end of lunch it was announced to the media and on the tv's so Craig could talk about it. As soon as we were done lunch he went straight to the dome to cover interviews with Feaster and co. The conversation between them was amazing, his relationship with the flames organization is great. They respect him.

It was a great day. Kerr was the biggest flames fan I have ever met, he knew everything. He is such a nice guy and only means well. I didn't think he was terrible at all. I hope he finds a home on 960 again.

Thanks Kerr for everything, not all of us thought you were terrible as a PBP announcer.

[getbak]

Who's the guy who does the CHL games on Sportsnet? RJ Broadhead?

I've always thought he does a good job.

[browna]

Great news for those watching a lot of games on TV, though really unsurprising, as Kerr and Simmer are likely the lowest on the totem pole for Canadian regional broadcasters. (yes, even Edmonton...Quinn has done pro level PBP for well over a decade, and Debrusk is a wash with Simmer). You have to figure a lot of CBC guys (PBP and otherwise) are jumping over in the next couple months and that the Calgary duo would be the first ones pushed out.

Kerr was in over his head for play by play at this level. To cover for that, he relied in getting through broadcasts on his solid NHL preparation. However, that alone couldn't cover up for the lack of the professionalism of experience in properly executing the mechanics of delivery. Far too often getting caught behind the play (stuck in a prepared story) and because of that, and also because of just lack of pro level experience, he was not able to properly convey the "feeling" and flow of the game with his voice. The whole broadcast seemed scattered...sometimes awkward, sometimes confusing, and in general just made it a chore to listen to...made worse if you had it on in the background, and trying to get an idea of when you should turn your head to watch the screen because there was something building.

Pre-Kerr, Simmer was ok...but it was clear that Kerr needed some help in preventing dead air given his inexperience, and to help bridge him in jumping between stories, so it meant Simmer had to talk more to fill that space...and more Simmer wasn't good at all. "Pucks to the net" and "feet moving" (or lackthereof) was the analysis for 60% of the plays. Constant repeating the same cliches, whether they best described what was happening or not, and getting off on tangents, had many tune him out.

Hopefully they both land in the increased SN coverage; if each team gets a magazine style weekly show, or pregame show, for sure Kerr should be the one preparing the stats and tidbits for that, and delivering that.

Hopefully out of the this (as lack of news is good news) is that Roger sticks around in his role, or maybe a more prominent one on the upgraded broadcasts next year. Not 100% sure what went on with the Loubardias hire a few years back, with Millions staying on and a reduced role, but appears to be some behind the scenes politics as happens in all workplaces, but glad that Millions doesn't appear to be part of the changes next year.

[saillias]

Originally Posted by Bend it like Bourgeois

I don't know how someone even begins to feel that passionately negative about a service they get for free.

Haha. So how long has your wife paid the bills?

[GoJetsGo]

The bottom line is Kerr had a job in sports entertainment and as such is open to criticism to those who watch that product.

He seems like a great guy and it's obvious he knows his stuff... but he was god awful as a play by play guy. An awkward screechy voice, terrible cadence and often was flustered "WHERE IS IT????"

I'm glad there will be a new person in that job because for me, Kerr detracted from the enjoyment of the play. That said I hope to hear him back on the radio where I think he's excellent.

[Table 5]

I just hope however replaces Kerr isn't one of those Kevin Quinn-esque homers who feels they need to under-represent opponents goals. I can't stand when PBP guys do that.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I just hope however replaces Kerr isn't one of those Kevin Quinn-esque homers who feels they need to under-represent opponents goals. I can't stand when PBP guys do that.

I think if SNET can poach some CBC talent after playoffs come to an end, we'll be okay.

I always felt that Kerr seemed more apt at colour commentary than PBP, and I got the impression that calling the game was a necessary evil rather than something he was passionate about.

He will be better again on the radio doing analysis and working with the Fan960 guys again.

[djsFlames]

Where ru Chris O'Sullivan and flameswin...

I think we need to sit down and have a little talk about our they're, their and theres.

[Wastedyouth]

Sucks to lose a job. But he was immensely terrible at it. He and Simmer made watching games on sportsnet a muted affair.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Where ru Chris O'Sullivan and flameswin...

I think we need to sit down and have a little talk about our they're, their and theres.

I think we need to sit down and have a little talk about the mirrored Gaudreau image in your signature. It's driving me bonkers.