Mike Fleming Vents on FOX 13

[Pat McGarrity]

http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/news/lo ... osts_Vents


Updated: Monday, 18 May 2009, 6:27 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 18 May 2009, 6:27 PM CDT

Les Smith

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Whether he's got a pen in hand, a camera, or sitting in front of a radio microphone, Mike Fleming is a story-breaker.

Fleming makes no bones in saying, "It's the best feeling a journalist can have is a total exclusive."

Memphis talk radio's most provocative and controversial conservative voice agreed to sit down with FOX13 News for a no-holds barred interview, including his perceptions about his firing last month after 9 years of hosting his popular show on WREC Radio. Fleming says he was as surprised to be "blindsided" by radio management after being told he was a victim of an economic downturn at the station.

But, Fleming retorts, "The economics of it puzzles me. Because that's what I did the best of most of my colleagues there. Simply because of who I am and what I stand for…and I won't compromise that for any breathing human being. The security guy starts to get up and I sad, Look you own the microphone. You don't own me. And you're not gonna take my dignity away from me. Because I'm walking out of here alone."

But, in a career that spanned award-winning stints at a number of newspapers, including the Commercial Appeal, Fleming has been the lone eagles when it came to getting some of the biggest scoops in both news and sports.

A devout Fleming says of his ability to break stories, "I've been really fortunate to get a lot of sources that I still use. I've never burned a single one of them. You can't do that and live."

It was his credibility as a journalist which led to what Fleming admittedly calls his career highlight...when in August 1991, news of a jail riot drew him to 201 Poplar fresh from mowing his lawn. After 90 minutes at the scene, as an observer, Fleming unexpectedly became a chief participant in negotiations between deputies and inmates...eventually leading to a peaceful settlement of the crisis.

As a radio talk show host, perhaps much of Fleming's notoriety could be tied to his oft-times harsh, but honest criticism of Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton. Fleming says he can relate to Herenton's sometimes bombastic and arrogant style. But, an interview with Herenton, right after his election to a 5th term in 2007, showed a side of the man he dubbed "King Willie" few people have ever seen.

Fleming remembers, "He comes through the door and he fills the whole door cause he's 6'6 and he...are you ready? He was wearing a crown…a genuine steel crown.

As for his own future, Fleming has no doubt he'll resurface in the public spotlight. And for those of his critics who tremble at that thought....Fleming warns, "I'm using the old Bobby Knight line. That when I croak. I'm asking to have myself placed in the casket nose-down. Then all my detractors can come along and kiss my.......

I think you know what the rest of that is.