The Mikey Show
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The Mikey Show is a morning show that airs on KIOZ Rock 105.3 in San Diego, California from 5:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. The show currently has a cast of seven: Michael "Mikey" Esparza, Eddie, Sky, Sean, Ashlee, Boston Rob, and Zeth.
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[edit] History
The Mikey Show previously aired on KSJO in San Jose and KEGL in Dallas, but was let go from both stations.[1] Esparza did the evening slot on KIOZ from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 am from the late 1990s until 2004, broadcasting to both San Jose and Dallas via satellite. His stint in the evening slot ended a week after he started broadcasting the morning drive in early 2004. His show is currently rated number 1 among 18-49 year old males for San Diego's morning shows.[2]
[edit] Controversy
Some have criticized The Mikey Show for what they claim is its potential to harm children, some going as far as charging that it engages in the "sexual exploitation of children to gain an audience."[3] The Mikey Show set off a storm of criticism when, in 2004, Esparza jokingly gave kidnapping tips to listeners following the kidnapping and subsequent escape of 7-year-old Erica Pratt.[4][3] The station subsequently fired Esparza for the gag.[5][1] Esparza has also been criticed for simulating marijuana smoking on the air[6] and producing a paraody song about artist R. Kelly's legal troubles, specifically being accused of statutory rape.[1]
Since arriving back in San Diego the show has become mellower due to Esparza's embrace of Christianity, with billboards advertising him as a Christian. Esparza often speaks of his love for Jesus and speaks openly about his past problems with substance abuse.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Bay Area Rids Itself of Profane Shock Jock. American Family Association (September 23, 2002). Retrieved on 2007-01-23.
- ^ a b Leighton, Ken. "Get a Better Agent, Mikey", San Diego Reader, July 27, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-01-23. (English) (Second story down on page)
- ^ a b Kleder, Martha (May 14, 2003). Fighting Back: Moms Battle Clear Channel’s Shock Jock ‘Mikey’ (Text). Concerned Women for America. Retrieved on 2007-01-23.
- ^ Zahn, Paula. "Abducted Philadelphia Girl Escapes Captors", CNN.com/Transcripts, CNN, July 24, 2002. Retrieved on 2007-01-23. (English)
- ^ Fost, Dan. "Clear Channel radio owners force shock jocks to eat their words", San Francisco Chronicle, October 3, 2002. Retrieved on 2007-01-23. (English)
- ^ Garvin, Glen. "Clearing the air: Has raunchy radio crossed the line?", The Miami Herald, October 10, 2004. Retrieved on 2007-01-23. (English)
