From the MCRFB news archives:
Johnson and Baier Ignored ‘RIF Clause; Former ‘RIF Morning Team Now on Detroit’s Wheels
DETROIT — WRIF-FM Detroit put its new morning team on the air last Monday, December 2, with the appointment of natives Ken Calvert and Joe Nipote. As you’ll recall, the “‘RIF Morning Show” had been filled by Jim Johnson and George Baier, both who ignored ‘RIF’s right-to-match clause when their contract expired on September 29, and went over to AOR competitor WLLZ.
Meanwhile WRIF, in turn, convinced the courts the pair had breached their contract, and subsequently, the duo cannot return to WLLZ until the 75-day right-to-match period expires Saturday, December 14. In the interim period, WLLZ launched a “Free The Hostages” campaign, while WRIF program director went about securing his new team. Calvert is an 11-year Detroit rock jock, having hosted ‘RIF’s mid-day program for the past several years. His replacement in that shift will be announced shortly. Calvert’s partner Nipote has worked as an actor and comedian in Los Angeles for the past six years, appearing in several TV spots and shows. According to the WLLZ GM at the station (Solas), Johnson and Baier will get their morning show rolling for good on Monday, December 16. END.
(Information and news source: Billboard; December 14, 1985).
