The FAN will now be vampire-free: Rumack dumped

The guy who billed himself as The Late-Night Vampire has been de-fanged.

Norm Rumack was one of the casualties today as all-sports talk station FAN 590 axed three employees. Rumack was the only on-air personality to lose his job. In total, Rogers-owned stations axed four ad reps, Rumack and an unidentified behind-the-scenes employee.

Rumack had a small audience because of his time slot, but he was one of the few FAN originals still on the payroll.

``I have to admit I didn't see this coming and it hit me pretty hard," said Rumack. ``There's no question, it's devastating."

Rumack said he's not bitter, though. ``After 17 years, I have a lot of good memories," he said. ``I'll just have to move on and see what's out there."

Rumack's last show was Saturday.

``I didn't get to say goodbye," the 54-year-old announcer said. ``I'd like to thank all those who listened."

FAN vice-president and general manager Nelson Millman said cuts were made because of the faltering economy.

``Unfortunately, it's a sign of the times we're in with ad revenues down everywhere," he said. ``I haven't fired too many people over the years."

Millman said there are no plans for a permanent replacement.

``It will be a mix of some specialty programming, extension of our play-by-play events and some of our young talent," he said.

Comments

[A.]

If The Fan's going to start turning over talent, why focus on someone who's on a show so late. It's time to overhaul the morning show and ditch the sketches, the show's not funny or informative, and I could care less about Landry's softball games and curling matches. Toth makes the Bullpen unlistenable.

I used to really enjoy Prime Time but aside from when Brunt, Blair, Smith, or Grange are on, I really don't get information or even informed opinions.

[J M]

This is just another example of a media outlet dumping a senior salary. That was one of the reasons the late Pat Marsden was let go. You also have to look at the major shifts in FAN590 programming. They are trying to appeal to a differing multi cultural demographic. That is, there can only be so much Leafs folks want to hear?! Soccer show, race line, MMA clearly show the usual stand bys of Argos, Jays etc. can only carry so far. Norm had certainly toned down his schtick in the last 5 years or so, but he departs as a consumate pro.

[your loyal Fan 4 life]

I tell you what i love the fan but i don't listin to the Fan Late night anymore it just doesn't feel right.

Love you Storman

[Daniel Winterson]

This one really bothered me. I can accept it as a payroll move, but it's obvious that Rogers is trying to churn its personalities through the 590's slots. I used to listen daily. Then Bobcat would go on vacation and they'd bring in Toth, or some other Rogers sportscaster. It's no coincidence that everyone who calls a game for Rogers is now or was at one time hosting a show on 590. I don't understand how doing one thing qualifies you for the other, and the results bear that out. What made me stop listening was Nelson Millman's refusal to address the changes. I got tired of having the shows that I liked adulterated by the inclusion of guys who really detracted from the content. No ill will there, but I just chose to do something else.