‘Loveline’ Decline

In response to Jon Matsumoto’s “Rachtman Tunes In With ‘Loveline’ ” (May 23) on the show “Loveline” on KROQ-FM--which continues on the air despite disputed ownership: Since I (the Poorman) was removed from KROQ in August, 1993, the overall show ratings have dropped from a 12.2 to an 8.9 share in the 10 p.m. hour and from a 13.9 to a 9.3 in the 11 p.m. hour, according to the latest Arbitron ratings.

If co-host Dr. Drew Pinsky really feels the show is better without the Poorman, then I am shocked. How can he be satisfied at losing a third of his audience? It’s further disappointing to hear this when I discovered and first placed him on the program and never heard a word of his unhappiness during our entire 10 years together.

After being thrown off the air for what was merely returning a similar prank by another KROQ deejay, I begged management for four months to work this thing out. They did not want to, and, due to my contract, Infinity Broadcasting not only won’t allow me back on KROQ but also is preventing me from working at any radio station until my contract runs out this November (14 months off the air). Regrettably, I was left no choice but to file a lawsuit.

Matsumoto should have contacted me (the show’s creator) to get the other side of the story: I started this show 11 years ago, took it to No. 1 and now witness its sad downward spiral.

JIM TRENTON

Newport Beach