David Lee Roth - Welcome to Radio

Characterizing this morning's show as a "new format," DAVID LEE ROTH - claiming that he had been suspended for the last two days -- returned to the air this morning attempting to adhere to a new set of programming rules, while simultaneously criticizing them.

ROTH bemoaned the change, saying that the first version of ROTH RADIO had been up and running for about 90 days, and was just starting to gel, but now he would have to try to obey the corporate edicts instituted by "individuals in their late 50s who no longer have a connection to what's happening in the neighborhood."

ROTH shared a memo on-air from CBS NEW YORK programming honcho MARK CHERNOFF. Paraphrasing the key points, CHERNOFF says that DIAMOND DAVE needs to work on:

More Topical Interviews
Interview guests regarding subjects that are important to listeners, as opposed to sharing personal stories.
Shorter Bumpers
Bumper music runs too long... over a minute, and sometimes over two minutes.
Cut Back on the Use of Loops. D
on't use the same music under your breaks all the time.
Promote What's Coming Up - There's no promotion of upcoming elements.
Little Evidence of Prep - Improvement needed in this area.

The tone of CHERNOFF's email makes it clear that this isn't the first time he's discussed these matters with ROTH, and it threatens disciplinary action unless they are addressed. Obviously, the problems between ROTH and CBS RADIO run deep, as it is highly unusual for a new morning personality to be suspended - or to need a day off due to late night activities in MIAMI, depending on which story you believe -- on the first day of the SPRING book.

On ROTH's PHILADELPHIA affiliate, CBS RADIO's WYSP (94.1 FREE-FM), the BARSKY midday show took a potshot at ROTH, as BARSKY signed on by saying, "Is anybody listening?" Sidekick VINNE THE CRUMB chimed in: "Open the window and scream 'It's ten o'clock' so people know they can listen now.'"