Recognizing that these are not Redskins related groups, it is worthy
of mention since a terrible injustice is being done to an area
broadcasting great.

What follows is a letter to the editor of the Washington Post which
should provide enough background. Regardless of whether you root for
or against the Redskins, this is a travesty in its own right. I'm
sure you would feel the same way if this happened to your team's
broadcasters so please take the time to sign the petitions to show
that WJFK-FM has acted without any class whatsoever.

The petitions can be found at http://www.petitiononline.com/savefh and
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/Bring%20Frank%20Back.


------------------------- start of letter -------------------------


On 26 February 2004, the long time voice of the Washington Redskins
Radio Network, Frank Herzog, was unceremoniously dismissed from his
duties by the current Redskins Radio Network flagship station, WJFK-FM
106.7.

Mr. Herzog is an icon in the Washington area broadcasting community
and is far and away a favorite of Redskins fans. Mr. Herzog had been
handling the play-by-play duties since 1979; in 1981, he was teamed
with former Redskin greats Sam Huff and Sonny Jurgensen, and for the
last 23 football seasons, the trio of Herzog, Huff and Jurgensen -
better known as "Frank, Sam and Sonny" - became a Sunday tradition not
only here in Washington, but wherever the Redskins Radio Network
extended: Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, North
Carolina and into Tennessee.

This legendary broadcasting trio helped fans endure the lean years
following the departure of Coach Gibbs in March 1993. Upon the news
of Gibbs's return in January, I have been looking forward to hearing
more frequently Mr. Herzog's customary call on a Redskins score,
"Touchdown! Washington Redskins!", which has become synonymous with
the team's success, both past and future. But on the 26th of
February, the hearts of all Redskin fans were broken by the news of
his dismissal.

The manner in which he was let go shows a complete lack of class on
the part of WJFK-FM and its parent company, Infinity Broadcasting.
It's also a troubling sign of the times when a radio station gives no
consideration whatsoever to a consummate professional; yet caters to
controversial disc jockeys, such as Howard Stern, and Don Geronimo and
Mike O'Meara.

And while the fan support is clearly in favor of Mr. Herzog, it is
disheartening to see the Redskins organization show no public support
for those fans. For all the public criticism that owner Daniel Snyder
took over his decisions since purchasing the team, he virtually erased
it by bringing Joe Gibbs back to the sidelines. However, he needs to
take it to the next level and intervene on behalf of Mr. Herzog, the
voice he listened to as a young fan at RFK Stadium, or face the
criticism all over again.

It's also saddening to see that Mr. Huff and Mr. Jurgensen have not
done any more to support Mr. Herzog. Jurgensen was cited as having
"persuaded management not to break up the popular team" several years
ago; Huff was quoted as saying, "It's a shame" in reaction to what
happened. However, that is the extent of their public support, which
does not bode well for their reputation as a "Washington institution".

The Redskins organization stated that they had nothing to do with what
has taken place. If this organization truly cares about their fans -
and it appears they do by luring Joe Gibbs back to the sidelines -
then they need to step up and intervene to help right the injustice
that has occurred. The trio of "Frank, Sam and Sonny", who first
worked together during Coach Gibbs's first season, deserves the
opportunity to stay together now that the legendary coach has
returned.

To Sam and Sonny: don't leave your long time friend out in the cold;
if WJFK-FM refuses to bring him back given all the fan support, then
walk out and join him; keep the "Washington Institution" intact. To
the Redskins organization - Mr. Snyder and Coach Gibbs: show the fans
you still care by taking action. If WJFK-FM won't return Frank Herzog
to the booth, tell them to take a hike and find a new flagship station
that will; one that has a lot more class than to shove one of the
area's best broadcasters out the door.

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