SFLTV.com Interviews “Sharp Dressed John”

In our recent post about the re-branding of WSFL’s “The Morning Show,” questions were brought up about where some of the show’s talent has disappeared to. If you’re a fan of the blog, you may have noticed my lack of posting on the site over the past month. Well, after some personal issues, I’m back and here to answer your questions!

About two months ago, just as former news director Jose Suarez was allegedly escorted from the building, John Reed (or “Sharp Dressed John”) was laid off from WSFL in an effort to re-brand “SouthFlorida.com/LIVE.” Soon after, I had the chance to interview him about what happened, and his feelings on the situation. Due to multiple factors, the interview was regrettably never posted. But in light of the recent questions, here is part of my interview with “Sharp Dressed John.”

John Reed was never meant to be an on-air talent. In fact, his background is in South Florida radio. Before making the transition to TV and WSFL, he worked as a webmaster for “The Paul and Young Ron Show.” Before that, he worked behind the scenes in producing radio shows. His TV career started when he was offered a position as a “web producer” for WSFL and their new “hip and young” morning show.

According to Reed, he eventually made the transition to actually working on-air. He was brought on to be the “comic relief” and “funny guy” of the show. If you recall, his segments were usually upbeat, lighthearted, and not “hardcore news.” Unfortunately, it appears as if WSFL is re-tooling there morning show and “taking it in a different direction.” For this sole reason, “SDJ (Sharp Dressed John)” was called into management’s office one morning, and told simply that his services were no longer needed. He was let go on September 28th, 2009. He was not under contract. He saw this show (and his time with it) as “a great learning opportunity, and way to further his knowledge and resume.”

He did, however, want to make this point clear:

“Howard Greenberg with ‘The Sun Sentinel’ is a stand up guy. I honestly have nothing bad to say about the company. Dave and Kristen are the best, and you’ll definitely be seeing SDJ again”

SFLTV.com thanks “Sharp Dressed John” for speaking with us. Check out his website here.

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Now, for anyone on the outside looking in, it’s no secret as of why “SDJ” was let go. The show that once claimed to be “a different way to start your morning” finally realized that South Florida was already happy with the way they woke up. This “re-branding” is obviously a last resort effort to try and save a sinking ship. So much for being “different.”

So what do you think? Was laying off “Sharp Dressed John” a good idea? Is re-branding the show a wise move? Vote below:
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