Harris to go it alone with morning chat
(CNS): Rooster’s long-standing talk show host, Austin Harris, has taken to the morning mike alone after his co-host, Jonathan Piercy, was dropped by the owners of Rooster, the station broadcasting the long running breakfast phone-in chat show, Crosstalk. According to the station boss, the duo appeared to be vying for the lead host spot, and as a result the format of the talk show was no longer working. With what appears to be room for only one ‘ego’, where the hosts often do much more talking than their guests or listeners calling in, Harris, who has been wearing the cans longest, won out, despite his on-going charges in the court over allegations of assault.
“After listening to show it was clear that the show no longer had a lead host and co-host,” Randy Merren confirmed Monday when Crosstalk returned to the air with Harris as sole host. “We had two lead hosts and it was not working. We feel that Austin is capable of hosting the show by himself.”
The radio boss said that they hoped that Piercy would still be available, however, as a stand-in for Harris when he is on leave.
Harris has had another difficult year following his arrest for assault causing actual bodily harm after he allegedly attacked a female friend at a social gathering in the Snug Harbour area of Seven Mile Beach in March. The talk show host denied the charges last month and is due to face trial next May.
Category: Local News
The rooster is very important the Cayman community in particular the locals. Austin does a great job at getting information across despite what the critics may say. Before you down play his job try stepping into his shoes for one broadcast then proceed to judge him. On the other hand Jonathan P is an intelligent stand up type of guy. Yes he may come across as a bit of a prick but don’t you think as Caymanians we need one. The majority of us sit in our backyards and at the water cooler and discuss change and the direction we would like in see the country moving in, but only a select few got the guts and ability to speak out. JP you deserve your own show!!
The hosts probably have about 70% of the air time on this show, with their own opinions and "to your points". The show recently has simply become a platform for people to whine and complain about how hard done by Caymanians are. Racism is rife not only among the hosts but also the callers – you may call it patriotism but in any other country it is racism. It's getting really boring now. It's a shame because it is a good forum for people to air their views – as long as it is only once a day and for 2 minutes. Keep up the good work.
I want to Jordanian running the show
Self promotion and bad spelling
Every time the Jordanian calls in I switch stations….same when Mac calls in.
I find Harris to ramble quite a bit. It takes him such a long time for him just to intrduce a speaker or topic. And if i hear the word "whilst' one more time I'm gonna scream!!
And "otherwise" lol
And how about "overarching"
And let's not forget "certainly"…
JP start your own show. Randy is conflicted where PPm is concerned – Caymanians know what is going on and why Jonathan was removed. The people behind Jonathan's removal will not be coming back to power.
The people behind Jonathan's removal are not in power, certainly not political power.
Agreed. Its ironical that the same week that PPM succesfully gets rid of Jonathan their ministers start singing praises for Rooster. At this rate- of silencing the press / media – PPM is showing all the desperation that is expected of a failed govt. Only Marco is coming back in 2017 – the other 8 + Ju ju – good bye and good riddance!
Hmm…Why is the press etc…silenced? not allowed its freedom in Cayman to report all things? Ask the really important questions..like Mr. Harris what is the real reason you arent running for office?? Hurley entertainment has their head in the sand.
I am going to miss Jonathon's socialist leaning anti-business drivel every morning. I would like to have learned more about his vision of an economic model that further increases the burden on local business, in favor of guaranteed higher income for low life slackers that have absolutely no interest in contributing to the betterment of our economy or our society. I am especially curious to know who will pay the taxes to fund the ever increasing social burden that has been fully encouraged and supported by the UDP faithful. Austin is not much better in that he pulls his "facts" out of thin air and then robustly debates "issues" which have absolutely no basis in reality.
i think randy should bring on two solid weeks of guest hosts who go head to head with austin… interesting people who can hold there own with austin ego… give us much needed break to the mindless drivel and would be hell of entertaining…
I would like to see him host a show on gender violence.
I would like to see him CO-host a show on gender violence with that young lady from the red cross who just did the girl power conference!
I didn't notice any representation at the march held on October 18th now that you mention it.
What, like a master class?
Barrie Quappe was the best ever! Since then there is no point to listen to the show!!! She was the only one that has ever made it interesting. She knows how to conduct an interview and research well. She also kept control of the pointless callers!!
Dear 1851 could you please tell us which Gestapo detachment you belong to, Mann try go sit down. Thats what many like you would like to happen here, not to you of course because you don't say such things but constantly instigate and conspire to make it happen. Poor old Cayman can't get from underneath this colonialist mentality and yoke.
Is that you Mac?
Don't worry Jonathan first they came for you, then they will come for Tom, Dick, Harry, Mary, Jane and me. Soon come Cayman and when they come for you what you gonna do? what you gonna do when they come for you?
Probably call Ghostbusters.
Congratulations Randy,you managed to get rid of two donkeys with one shot, the second one walked off the show this morning after giving a rambling speech that made no sense and no one could understand nor make heads or tails out of. Now I can tune in again as a regular listener.
Randy eventually gave in to the pressure from the government and the local business community. This has nothing to do with Austin and Jonathan competing for the lead host position. This is about the fact that Jonathan called out the local business community for their exploitation of Caymanian workers and abuse of the work permit process. Randy was under pressure and had no choice but to give Jonathan the boot. This also sends a clear message to Austin and I guarantee that you won't hear him talking as much about issues affecting Caymanian worker's.
08:21.Of course you are unable to name your source,probably because you pulled it all out of thin air ;all made up.
Austin lighten up and make people talk we don't need to hear you leading and blah, blah all the time. On Tuesday 10/7/2014, Ezzard could not get a word in and Arden could only say that right, absolutely. Austin you need your own show to talk all day to the air, people are so turned off by you. I only listened on Tuesdays, now too we can only hear you talk, and yap, yap. So people are turning you off and tuning out, moving to "For the Record" on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursday mornings for good talk show and audience participation.
New talk show, people listen to and call in to FOR THE RECORD on RADIO CAYMAN. They let you talk and they will listen to you, OC is not rude he won't talk over you, tell you, "caller you have 60 seconds and don't call back". Leave Austin to his blah, blah, yap, yap talk show which is full of air and nothing else, let him listen to himself.
Austin, here is a word of advice to you, listen to "For the Record" and learn how a good talk show host operates. OC is the Larry King of talk radio and you are a carbon copy of Piers Morgan.
If these means more callers, all the better. The only reason to listen to Crostalk is to have a laugh at the crazies calling in.
The only time that Caymanians will speak out and march is when the government decides to put on a employment tax. Anyway that will never happen because by next year there won't be any employed Caymanian left to tax. What a mess!
George Santayana. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
Caymanians dust off the history books and read up on world history begining with the Caribbean, next Africa (SA), Asia (Fiji). Don't blame expats blame yourselves and goverment for your problems.
Reading some of these comments regarding our talk shows really makes me question Caymanian society. There is so much hate and animosity towards others. It really is appalling, particularly when you think of the current situation in Hong Kong, where they are fighting tooth and nail to achieve the freedoms of expression we have in our lap.
18:06 howcan you condone riots on our streets, and say expats are exploiting Caymanians,fromwhat i rcall all companies are at least owned 60% by us (Caymanians),we are the ones exploiting each other and that is the simple truth.
I am Glad JP has gone, now Randy has to get rid of AH, look for new blood… NO more rooster for me, well maybe not Tuesdays, i love to listen to the 2 DONKEYS from NS & EE…lol..
What will the simple folk do now each morning? Shut this talk show down and they will all be hanging around the bus station or shouting at themselves in Mary street.
its like groundhog day everymorning on the show….. the same callers, the same guests, the same topics…….zzzzzzzzzzzzz
here's a hint …if you want to have a real debate why not have two guests with opposing views????………
Yeah and make one of them an eloquent woman who can put him in his damn place.
Change them both for somebody that lets the people talk.
I am tired of the monologues.
Self centered people, sick . . . .
Let's replace it with a talk show that gives a voice to expats and their problems.we have enough expat DJ' s on the Islands.
It's called z99 and jasonhoward
I am so glad he is gone, He speaks about things he only knows almost nothing about. His point of view is so clouded by hate and misinformation.
Johnithan speaks so much untruth yet he believes what he says and that is a huge problem being simple minded people believe him.
I really hated listening to him
Somedays I believe he should of been arrested for the attempts at causing socialunrest
I see you love to push the envelope, social unrest, really? Caymanians had better stop being so passive and realise there is no Nelson Mandela, or George Spaight here. Like him or not Jonathan was the lone voice crying in the wilderness. Remember that famous poem by Martin Niemoller "First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a … Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. I am positive that Jonathan can speak for himself, most Caymanian will only speak for themselves when they are together in a group far away from what and who bothers then the most.
Social unrest? It is past time for all the Caymanians to rise up and do what they are doing in Hong King. Start with a March, and keep up the tempo, then action. By then, all those who have come to conquer and destroy, would've realised the ground is shifting. Let's get on the fast train Caymanians.
Right on Brothers. Our Fathers Fathers would not have stood for this and certainly not our father's, father's father's!
Yes bring back smoke pots and thatch huts that will teach them that we are entitled
Dont worry us expats will go and leave you to your mess
Smoke pans and thatch huts were not bad compared to what we have now in the modern high rise, high crime, high unemployment, high poverty, high nothing good society that followed some who came here from their not so high societies. Oh how I long for the Smoke Pans I will bet my bottom dollar that most natives still alive would not trade those times for what we have now. So yes 10:01 not a single indigenous Caymanian would trade what we have now for what we had then if we only had a glimpse into the future of today.
To 10:01
Ya na gawn yit? Next in line to join the mess, take a number please, no pushing and jumping a head of the line, it is only messed up Cayman that 10:01 is leaving for us. Please stay in line no pushing and shoving.
I’m sure when you came here you didn’t find any thatch huts or smoke pans, because if you did, you would have been on the first flight somewhere else.
If there were, they were soon exchanged for a small bag of silver.
Now hotels and banks stand there.
Splitter!
But what of Papa? (with a yell and shaking fist) “FAATHA”!
Is that the fast train to the New Nassau?
I pray that it's the bullet train to the New Cayman Islands. Last time I visited Nassau they were in control and not everyone from timbuk2, wish that was the case here too!
Ok then, get ready for the same crime and murder rate. Why do you think that there are few expats there? Every person I know who worked there cut it short and left in a hurry.
To you 6:04 certainly can't be the crime or murder rate, must be the fact that they have strict immigration policies that put their people first and others down the line. Every person you know that went there and tried to take over were forced out, they did not cut it short and left in a hurry. Last time I went there I saw thousands of expats but they were mainly tourist wouldn't it be lovely if that was the case here too?
Err no, not at all. One couple were sick of being broken in to repeatedly. Another guy in the yachting industry got mugged robbed twice in Nassau downtown.
http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2014/02/articles/crime/nassau-bahamas-crime-watch-cruise-passengers-beware/
http://news.caribseek.com/index.php/caribbean-islands-news/bahamas-news/the-nassau-guardian-news/item/71694-bahamas-murder-rate-third-in-region
You want this? Really?
The only Caymanian that will show up at a march and get some action is the Jordanian. I can't wait until he lobbies to change the law to ensure that he can run for office and turn Caymanians from Lambs into Lions.
As an expat I agree. It's only the Caymanians that can stand up to the corruption, lack of accountability and ineptitude we see from the local government. The only issue is finding sufficient numbers of Caymanians that don't have their hand in the cookie jar in one way or another.
Fat chance this will ever happen. Caymanians (not all) have no guts jt complain amongst themselves The sad this is most of the current situation is brought upon Caymanians knocking each other. Rather than come together as a people there is too much issues going on. Hong Kong is different and very united. Most folks here got status claim to be Caymanian and then help each other rather than the indigenous Caymanian. Sad case of affair. Immigration you keep open the doors to Expats and providing them with Permits.
The ground is shifting people, so activists, don’t wear your best sandals.
What time does it start as I may run late? Also, will there be free food for all activists?
Social unrest? Nobody has ever worked that hard round ever!
"I was the organist and no-one came for me"
Soon come to stop your music or take your organ.
Can't say that I was a Fan of Cross Talk but I preferred Jonathan Piercy to Austin Harris. Austin loved the sound of this own voice above everything and he was nothing more than an echo and on a good day he was a parrot and if he read a little the night before he would have the ability to plagarise a comment or two. Can't say that every now and then Jonathan did not come across as angry but he was every Caymanian should be at the current situation. The problem with Caymanians is that they don't want to rock the boat but in a few months when the waves get so rough we just might have to sink the boat or swim. Hopefully many of you won't have to call for Jonathan to send you a life line.
I find both Piercy and Harris difficult to listen to. I have rarely listened in recent months for the same reason…as even before Piercy came along, I found that Harris just likes to hear his own voice too much! "Certainly"!
I've always enjoyed listening to Rooster and while Austin is more than capable of running it himself there is the need for an assistant host. I liked Gilbert as he was able to supply a lot of historical perspective and he has an easygoing manner. The same goes for Orett who I reckon is a natural as a media host. Great job OC. Keep it up. I hope Randy asks Gilbert to come back in, even part time (and if he needs to take a nap at the mike ever so often, what's the big deal? Austin never seems at a loss for words!). Between Rooster and "For the Record" I reckon we have a good situation going as far as opportunities for folks to voice their opinions, always good in my book. Wish Jonathan all the best in his future endeavours and certainly he could come in for Austin as needed. He's very capable.
I predicted after the announcement that these two would be hosting the show together, that it would come to this.
My words were: "That little studio is much too small to accommodate two egos the size of theirs"
So said, So done!
Now if Austin would let a little air out of "his" ego and stop competing with his listeners for talk time, people may start listening again.
The OC show on Radio Cayman seems to have left Rooster at the starting gate!
Bring back Barrie Quappe, she gave a great mix of local information, light-hearted talk when needed and sensible political debate when necessary. Used to love the show back then, ever since she left it has gone downhill, slowly at first, but now at a galloping pace. The show definitely served its purpose exposing the last government's profligacy, but serves little purpose now other than unfounded gossip….last week they accepted, as fact, one callers pronouncement that a minister had shown favouritism and caused a person to get a job…. Slander…..
I would say just pull the show, but where else would the likes of Arden and Ezzard get to spout so much crap in the one session. Those two and the usual half a dozen callers would be devastated whereas the rest of us would have to find some other way of laughing at the ridiculousness of it all. The only benefit if that show is the fact it takes your mind off the morning traffic as you laugh your @ss off at them all taking themselves so seriously. As a previous poster said time to get over yourselves.
Jonathan had simply become annoying. I tuned in the other day and I was so bored listening to Jonathan go on and on that I had to turn to another station. Poor fellow, he completely misunderstood his role.
no surprise — he had to go.
You see us Caymanians when we get the truth it is like a tick biting us in the B-side, and that was who Jonathan was straight forward and to the point. I hope when the imported fleas start biting us hard, we will have no one to turn to – only Satan.
Jonathan hold your head up higher, and strive for the best – I am no Political Fan, with no sides to take just knowing that there is one "Passionate Caymanian" out there just like me. GOOD LUCK MY BOY!!!!!
You mean the lady who kept saying "don't talk over me: don't talk over me".
Very sad, Jonathan brought another perspective; supported with knowledge and research. Pity that these 2 strong individuals could not worked together; maybe they could have been rotated!!
Everytime I listen to Rooster it just sounds like a show to have a pop at expats. Almost every caller basically calls to say how awful us expats are and how we are stealing their jobs and ruining thier Island. Not sure how a radio show can carry on going when every day its thesame conversation.
Yes you are stealing people jobs. Not your fault. You being exploited. Welcome to Cayman, the island that belongs to Caymanians
I did not realise that I was being exploited, but now I do I will not reach rollover, I am off and I am taking my job with me! Thanks once again for the support.
Think most of it belongs to Ken Dart now – wait, he is a Caymanian as well now, isnt he.
Got news for you "The Cayman Islands" belongs to Her Royal Highness. HRH calls the shot on this here rock. Politicians or not a single person is above HRH and the world saw what she did in Turks and Caicos Islands don't believe it can't happen here. None of this belongs to any person other than HRH she can tax this place at anytime and we know that if that happens the High Priest of WB road and downtown GT will be gone like Superman when he touches cryptonite.
Her Majesty, actually.
17:51, from a Caymanian to another, do you need to be reminded that there are 3 Islands and that we are owned by the UK?
I stopped listening to "Talksh!t" radio about five or six years ago. It breeds even more negativity and is just another miserable distraction for those late breakfast grazers at work.
My ears have stopped bleeding, I don't swear as much and I am now courteous to other road users in the morning.
LOL! Karma, gotta love it. I can now call in again and need only deal with one ego, the better of the 2. There, it needed to be said. Talk with you soon, Rooster. 😉
No surprise at all. Have to wonder tho', if Austin thinks that callers have nothing else to so but sit and wait until he has heard his own voice long enough and decides to " go to the phone lines". Then when they "didn't stick around" he goes "oh well". ??? Mr. Pompous!
Jonathan was over the top – evidently did a lot of research but couldn't help himself with the bitter chip-on-the-shoulder attitude. Sorry, but the show was no longer interesting to listen to. Much rather listen to For The Record – wish OC was on every morning!
Tell the truth and it will set you free always
Free like Joey?
After it's done with you
No more dumb and dumber?
This is a real shame. Jonathan clearly did research and made excellent contributions to the show. He was a major improvement over Gilbert who rarely added anything other than a historical perspective; sometimes I couldn't even tell if he was there or not.
Clearly, this was not about ego, otherwise the management would have warned Jonathan to tone it down. It's obvious that he offended some and that caused him to be removed from the show.
I will now be listening to OC's show in themorning.
12:30, the problem with telling someone that they have an ego is that it gets bigger.
At least Gilbert was not condoning riots and burning down Cayman!! He might have done his research but he is angry, arogant and ill-mannered especially to anyone who is remotely not a PPM. When you are a Radio/TV host you cannot take the issues personally, and must be objective. I really expected better journalism from both of them and I hope Austin will take note. I will suggest that Johathan get some counselling before getting involved in anyhing to do with the public. Austin just need to chat less and give the callers a chance to speak and at all times control the process.
Rooster has journalism?
Similar to that of CNS.
I totally agree. There is something behind this. Jonatham spoke facts, history and did his homework. Cayman is not ready for change and this is the reason why the country is suffering. It's young minds like Jonathan that bring about change. Look at Hong Kong. Management is abount saving face and being lap dogs to Establishment. Jonathan will bounce back and trust me he has a lot of support from the revolutionaries that will bring change in this island. No more Uncle Toms but Progressive people will assist in changing everything.
I don't know how many out there listened to the Show on Thursday of last week. It was very disgusting and alarming. I heard those two agreeing with a female caller who said that those who cannot get jobs should "burn the place down" I was hoping that Randy would get rid of them. Jonathan is so angry- he should realise that life after two failed election must go on. He is biased and was turning Rooster into a UDP radio station. Austin should have stepped it up and put that caller in her place. Neither him nor Jonathan did that. Randy Merren should have fired both of htem on the spot.
Are you kidding me. People are suffering, born and bred Caymanians. Can't get jobs in their home becuase their own are exploiting expats. Of course people are angry. You should visit other Caribbean Islands see how they resolve such discriminated behaviour. I pray to God you not a Caymanian with this statement or one of those idiots you were fighting against the taxes that Bush was going to implement a few years ago. Now look at the situation this island is in. Get with the programme people are suffering in their home (to include Caymanians and Residents). Fortunately those on Permits have a home to go to. iTS NOT ABOUT UDP. IT'S ABOUT DISCRIMINATION
Expats are not being exploited…they can leave whenever. But remember when you have driven them all out dont cry when Govt comes knocking to replacing the shortfall from permits fees….
Shut that crap down entirely.
I agree. Same people calling every day.
And you go can home
Dislexic much you are?
Do not use big words if you cannot spell them.
Censorship is alive and well in Cayman. JP spoke the hard truth and called out the politicians and certain businesses for not offering solutions and blatant discrimantory practices. This PPM led coalition government promote and defend a broken system that benefits a select few friends of the party at the expense of average Caymanians. Maybe JP's view was too dark and hardcore but it is a reality faced everyday by many people.
PPM behave and sound just like the UDP boycotting the show because they do not want to answer questions and have become a bunch of divas who do not represent the small man that believed all the campagin promises and lies. It is sickening that politics and tribalism has cost JP his job. PPM influenced the owners to get rid of Foolio and now JP. Wait for it and watch when a PPM member like Woody DaCosta is given the job as co-host. I bet they will all be in studio regularly grinning from ear to ear spreading the PPM propaganda.
A typical banana republic approach to democracy and freedom of the press by those who pushed to have a caymanian fired and a spineless move by the decision makers.
Is it painfull being a bitter small man? Maybe you should try to become an average man.
I know where Jonathan is coming from and he is quite similsr to me and my feelings. If you had a been here from morning then watched the changes, then you too would be bitter likewise. Some of us are too ignorant to see what has happened and is still happening. Mr Piercy has alot to offer but some of us are too jealous and like crabs in a bucket. Since Daddy Jims time we have never had men with backbone. So lets thank Jonathan, Mack and Ezzard. God bless them the voice of the people.
I would prefer to listen to Piercy than Harris, anyday.
Which means you are a UDP drone.
No, 11:32. It means I enjoy listening to one over the other. It is called preference. Surely you cannot call me a UDP "drone" when the man didn't even get elected, further, him not being elected means we do not know his true potential as a politician. Don't take it personal, it is my opinion. You are entitled to yours as I am, mine.
Spoken like a true PPM zombie
Spoken like a non-politically aligned thinking person. Austin is more objective.
Harris is the better of the two on air, however, he does love the sound of his own voice to the detriment of the show and his guests. Get over yourself Austin.
11:19, THANK YOU for contradicting yourself. Read your post again and tell me how you REALLY feel? Soooo, how is Harris the better of the two? SMH.
14:17, I think "YOU" failed to understand what 11:19 was saying. What I read in the comment is, that both of them have "really" huge egos, but Austin is much better on air, to which I will agree!
May I suggest that all "egocentric persons" attend a class in "humility", where they will learn to enjoy a little taste of Humble Pie!
May I suggest that you go to "Remedial English Evening Classes", where you will learn what proper punctuation is.
I call dibs on the seat behind Legge
Finally. What a relief. It was a bad idea to employ a two-time failed political candidate with future political aspirations in that position in the first place. He was using it to score political for his party and showed no independence at all.