Emerson's program and cast were often subject to the fluctuations of the Portland radio market, and there were periods when the show was off the air. First was the "unpleasantness" that occurred between Emerson's syndicated show and his transition back to KOTK's Hot Talk 1080. A second gap occurred after the show moved to MAX 910 AM. The station, owned by Entercom, was switched without warning to an oldies music format. "Rick Emerson Show" fans launched the "Coffee Cup Crusade." They deluged the Portland headquarters of Entercom with coffee cups, each with the message: "I need my morning fix. Bring back Rick Emerson."