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DCRTV Mailbag - April 10 to April 12, 2007
Latest messages listed first.....
\/ April 12 Messages \/
You know the saddest thing about the Imus/Duke episode is that there is so much time and coverage being devoted to it. The endless analysis by so called "experts" is sickening. We have a failed mission that drags on in Iraq, a congress that cant' seem to acomplish anything, a balooning deficit and a housing industry on the verge of collapse. These are thing that need to be addressed by real news organizations. Where have all the brave journalists and commentators gone to. Ed Murrow must be spinning in is grave. God help this country (4/12/07)
Here's something to consider, in the wake of the firing of Don Imus: In 1982, there were dozens of independent media companies disseminating news & information in the country. Now there are just huge eight conglomerates that control what we see & hear. What happened to Don Imus after he uttered so-called "hate speech" is an example of them flexing their muscle. A "test case", if you will. You should not be surprised, in the not too distant future, when other forms of "unacceptable" speech is similarly censored/stifled/silenced/punished. Be afraid - be VERY afraid. www.motherjones.com (4/12/07)
Something just doesn't add up. Your article on DC station's billing says that WJFK is # 4. How is that possible? Their ratings place them # 14 or so in the market. Their morning and afternoon ratings are mediocre, the midday and night ratings are nonexistant. Do they save money by turning the transmitter off on weekends? But of that $ 24 million billing, don't forget that they have two big pieces of afternoon lard to support, not to mention whoever is on mornings. JT (4/12/07)
Dave's response: WJFK-FM targets male demos, the kind that car dealers love. And, thus, it sells lots of ads. Despite its less-than-stellar ratings, of late. Ditto with WRQX and advertisers seeking female demos.....
CBS spokesman Dana McClintock says Imus's two-day Radiothon for children's charities WILL continue tomorrow morning, with news sidekick Charles McCord and Imus's wife Dierdre (who's got a new book out this week). Come Monday, listeners to Imus's New York flagship WFAN-AM will hear afternoon drive mainstays Mike and the Mad Dog from 5:30a-10a, NOT Mike Barnacle (as had been planned). Programming for the rest of the affiliates is still up in the air. (4/12/07)
I listened to WRNR for the music and the DJ’s who knew the music. WRNR started it downward spiral when they let John Hall go. That was the beginning of the end of progressive freeform radio. If I wanted smooth DJ’s I would have listened to a computer programmed station. Now that Damien is gone so am I. I will listen to WTMD, Sirius or WFUV on line. I know WTMD and Sirius use computers to program but they have more variety and seem to care about the music unlike WRNR and WTGB. (4/12/07)
I'm outraged. I just heard Roche call his co-host, live on DC 101, a faghag. I say off with his head. That was completely uncalled for, as it was offensive to gay men, women who are in fact hags, and mankind as a whole. What is our society coming to?? Where's the good Rev. Al when you need him?? John, Annapolis (4/12/07)
Dave's response: Yeah. If black jokes are out, then gay jokes should be too!
Does anyone else find NBC4's website congested??..There seems to be so much stuff on there and difficult to navigate. (4/12/07)
Ok, I'm going to chime in on the whole Imus situation. It seems to me that the minority groups who do not want to be called minorities and considered a part of mainstream America have put them self into the social minority group. It is anymore, people are afraid to speak, or look at someone without being labeled a racist. Look at mainstream comedy, Dave Chapelle, Chris Rock and other comedians who tie in racial comedy to make money and get laughs. What's next, big ol Sparpton and his posse are going to go after SNL and MadTV? Imus made a mistake. He apologized. Now he is without a job. Now, the Rutgers players are parading on Oprah like they are the next winner of American Idol. What the fuck is wrong with our country. Dr. King worked so hard to try to erase the lines between blacks and whites, but yet, blacks themselves have redrawn that line. As I quote Eldrige Cleaver, "You're either part of the solution or part of the problem." Mr. Sharpton, instead of focusing on the joblessness, crime, education issues and family issues within the inner city neighborhoods that are majority black, you focus your energy on bringing down those who have jobs. Why not focus on the issues within your own race lines. Fix your own problems before you "fix the world." I leave you with another quote, this time from Booker T. Washington---and certainly applies to this situation..."One man cannot hold another man down in the ditch without remaining down in the ditch with him." Think about that one Mr. Sharpton and Mr. Jesse Jackson. (4/12/07)
CBS BS - Sanctimony,thy name is.......where to begin? The money changers at corporate amerika..Sharpton/Jackson/Roker(!)... the grotesque beast that is Sports in our world?Biggest Scandal since Miss Jackson's tribute toJosephine Baker at the Sacred Bowl.....Who got fired after Katrina?Who even got suspended after voters rights were hijacked in the Sunscam state circaY2K?Besides Al Gore? These and countless other acts of institutional rascism will continue daily,at every level of society.Don Imus survived addiction,transformed his program into a haven for reasonable discourse,and raised money and awareness regarding issues which impact every race.And we wonder why the rest of the Planet has issues with Team USA. Here's hoping that the people who have lost their jobs due to this travesty realize they've struck a blow for justice.... I'm sure that will soothe their pain and confusion... JPM (4/12/07)
Justin in McLean... The kind of freedom of speech you speak of is not freedom, it's limiting speech. If you don't like what Imus has to say then guess what, you're a big boy, change the friggin' station and you know what will happen? If enough people just keep tuning out, then dear old Mr. Imus will be gone and all will be right your little worlds. It's called living in a capitalistic society but if we start holding people's jobs over their heads each and every time someone says anything the least bit edgy then we'll be looking at Janet Jackson's Nipplegate times 100 because now it's not just the FCC cracking down on indecency, it's anyone that gets the least bit offended by anything at all being able to say not only do you not have the right to say what you want to but I no longer have the right or freedom to listen to what I want to and then we'll all just have to listen to whatever homogenized version of radio that gets spewed out from then on because of your threats. Kevin in HdG (4/12/07)
This is kind of weird. I just surfed over to WFAN.com (Imus' flagship station in NY) and his pictures and audio are still on their website. I kind of thought that they'd pull all that stuff before they axed him. Kevin in HdG (4/12/07)
Imus has already been wiped from the WTNT site, except for the outside news links noting his firing. No indication at the WTNT site of a replacement, there's just a gap at the moment. Everett W. www.wtntam570.com (4/12/07)
It may be different by now, but as of 6PM, the WFAN webpage still had Imus listed as an on-air personality. So much for the "immediacy" of radio... (4/12/07)
I agree with the unnamed poster's cynical but accurate summary of the whole Imus thing. Imus is a jerk but at this point, a pretty insignficant one. The Rutgers coach came off as pathetic with her victimization routine. Now she and her team, who claim to be innocent bystanders, go trotting off to Oprah to take advantage of the situation. As was noted, are books and movie deals next? MSNBC and CBS trying to pass the firings off as principled, rather than economic given the departures of advertisers, is downright hilarious. And watching some of these dimwit politicians fall all over themselves to do interviews and issue press releases condemning Imus is pretty funny too. Meanwhile Sharpton and Jackson, who are nothing but the sleaziest kind of race baiting opportunists, come out looking like the winners. And there is no outrage about the Duke lacrosse players. Unbelievable. (4/12/07)
We will soon see how much character and integrity Don Imus really has. Considering his firing by CBS, will he still hold true to his word now and meet with the Rutgers girls? I bet not. (4/12/07)
CBS went over top to fire imus. This happened 2 weeks ago... People are too on edge now. I really think the sorry speech was enough. Another thing ruined by over complaining minorities.. Joke (4/12/07)
I seriously wonder that if Tom Joyner or Donnie Simpson made a comment about the Iowa men's basketball team like "these players are all a bunch of white bumpkins", would there be this much outrage? I doubt it... Congrats balcks, you got what you wanted. Hopefully the I-Man will land on XM soon and I hope he and his lawyers sue the crap out of CBS and MSNBC. (4/12/07)
Dave's response: Maybe Imus can do fill-in work for Rush Limbaugh. Ha ha ha.....
Don't know if it's true or not considering the source, but Wikipedia says that CBS has also cancelled "the Mike and the Mad Dog" show today as well. Any word on why that is? They're a pretty popular sports show in New York from what I here. Denesh (4/12/07)
Some scattered disjointed thoughts. Imus danced on the racial edge for far too long and finally took his inevitable fall, I'm glad he's gone. If Don Geronimo can actually get an interracial radio roundtable going, good for him. The best way to avoid misunderstandings is for people to actually talk to each other honestly instead of staying locked in segregated cocoons. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson get my congratulations for helping to force Imus out. That said, my wish now is that Jackson and Sharpton can work on the substance of helping African-Americans instead of just the symbolism. Everett W. (4/12/07)
This leads one to wonder, does Imus follow the Howard Stern route and try to land a gig on satellite radio? Will satellite even take him? To be continued... Denesh (4/12/07)
Dave's response: Does XM head Hugh Panero want more people protesting in front of his house? I think not.....
Dave, I do agree with you. In a sense, CBS Radio was in a dammed if you do, dammed if you don't situation when it came to the Imus situation. Yes, what Imus said was stupid, ignorant and in really horrible taste. Imus in my view though had this coming for years. His ratings were horrible and he was probably given warnings time and time again from management. Maybe this was the straw that broke the camel's back and Don had it coming. Regardless, I think this is the last thing CBS Radio needed to handle, the Free FM collaspe is bad enough for them and now this. Right now, ad execs are jumping out of the building. (4/12/07)
Imus fired....Rutgers girls basketball team on Oprah today. Does that mean that the Duke men's lacrosse team will be on Oprah next week? (4/12/07)
Dave's response: How about the guys doing Jerry Springer's show. Is he still around?
I wouldn't be surprised to hear the owner of Triple X Radio has Redskin One all gassed up for a trip to New York to hire a new morning jock. - BW (4/12/07)
Dave's response: If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, did it make a sound? Oh nevermind.....
You know if the Post reported on the Last Supper, there would have only been ten disciples. As the attached picture shows, NBC radio legend and Canadian Broadcast Corporation D.C. correspondent Henry Champ as well as WTOP award winning investigative reporter, Mark Segraves were at the table as well. (4/12/07)Boy, there’s nothing better than listening to D&M talk about Don Imus and race relations in America . . . not. Guys, if I want hard-hitting social commentary, I’ll tune into NPR, or some other station that has actual smart people on it. I listen to your show for yuks. Sincerely, TMU (4/12/07)
To all of the people complaining about how terrible it is that Imus is being treated this way while other issues have not received as much attention; look, whatever "double standard" that exists did not come about in a vacuum. Yes, there is a pretty big difference between a white person making racist comments about blacks and a black person saying those same things... and yes, even a black person saying something racist about a white person. To some degree all are wrong, but the cultural and historical implications are different; the history of the treatment of blacks by whites in this country is what makes these things have different meanings and resonance today. So yes, the things a black rapper can say without getting in trouble are different from what a white radio host like Don Imus can say. Everyone has the freedom to say whatever they want, but they can't act like they are being treated unfairly because people see a comment like "nappy-headed hos" in a different light depending on who says it and why. - Justin in McLean (4/12/07)
Dear Mr. Mason, enclosed is my tape and resume ... signed, Ellie Dylan (4/12/07)
Wanna punish Imus? During his 2-week suspension, maybe he should be forced to play hip hop music overnights at various Church's Fried Chicken franchises. As for Al Sharpton, maybe he should play goalkeeper at the next Duke Lacross team practice. OUCH !!!!!!!!!!! (4/12/07)
Dave's response: Haven't you heard, it's now a two billion week "suspension".....
Would some body please find some real news so Imus can drop to the wayside! Where's Anna Nicole when we need her!?!? (4/12/07)
As a hoops fan I watched Rutgers in their tourney. They were tough, clutch, electrifying, disciplined and well coached and beat a 30-1 Duke team. As soon as I heard the quote, I was angry as a ditto head. Imus didn't jingle off some nappy whoe lyrics in a MTV video. He made a specific malicious personal attack on a group of college kids. To the poster who said something about the straight A team captain using the word 'axe' I'd axe him if he ever addressed a large audience as a twenty yr old? I did and my knees were shaking. Those kids were terrific in their public statements. The symbiotic Sharpton-Imus embrace was an obvious self serving media slow dance (Imus's calculated self-flagellation at the hands of the villain Sharpton must have had the 20-35 yr old attack dogs howling). I am continuously amused at the deceptive logic conservatives spin, 'Well, Clinton did this' and 'the city of Durham did that'. Have fun with that logic in court. The charge here is a personal mean-spirited attack on a team of college kids. Listen to the statements from the team and the impressive oration by Coach Stringer and judge for yourself. (4/12/07)
New York Radio Board, and Allan Sniffen in particular, is reporting Imus not likely to be on the NY radio airwaves (and hence nationally) after tomorrow. Genghis Cohen. (4/12/07)
Yes, the Rutgers team is scheduled to be on Oprah, but why is that a problem? The Duke players may have been asked, but I don't work for Winfrey so I don't know. But here's a difference: the Duke guys had a party, a few strippers came and then there was this accusation about rape. The North Carolina DA went after them. The Rutgers players, to my knowledge, were not being investigated for anything, and by my measure, can not be considered NHHs. Okay, you're asking can anyone be considered that? I think Imus would have been better off using that phrase to refer to a specific person of questionable character. Someone suggested the girl who made the Duke rape accusation would fit the description. As for Oprah Winfrey, I think she is usually a fair host, and millions of white women must agree if her ratings are any reflection. What happened to the Duke players is a tragedy. Really. They had to wait more than a year to be vindicated, or as much as they could be. But why is everyone so hellbent on comparing these two incidents? Don Imus can be a funny guy. But few people do racial humor well. I personally thought the MAILBAG item by "G,'' who has announced himself as the broadcast spokesperson, was funny. Indeed, the industry will need one because it appears as though this topic is going to divide us. Oh, and perhaps one reason we have not seen the Duke accuser is because most news outlets do not identify sexual assault "victims.'' That's fair. 3-2-1 (4/12/07)
CBS did it. No more Imus (4/12/07)
Verrry funny: "...International Academy Of Ditital Arts And Sciences..." Ditital? Are you making fun of people with speech impediments? Better watch out; Jesse Jackson may boycott DCRTV! :-) :-D --RB (4/12/07)
Dave's response: Curses, that Typo Gremlin again.....
I totally agree with Dave's comment re Media "Gasbags". However, one individual...Tom Marr from WCBM was telling it like it is...he pulled no punches, he stated the facts in reference to Oprah and her do for the "family"...but don't invite the offended....The Duke Lacrosse Players are whom I'm referring to, and so was he. Where has the equality gone? The Dean of Duke should be fired, Nifong should be dis-barred and fired, the gal who filed the charges should do time for lying and damage to 3 nice young men, and God knows how much money she cost the state. As for Sharpton and Jackson...well we can't get Jackson fired he doesn't have a real Job, But Sharpton could be taken off the air or maybe debate Marr. I know there's a debate coming up between Sean Hannity and Sharpton. That should be a HOOT! Where are the straight shooters? The Ethnic Talk stations are havin a feast. Sayin what they want to say...Where has equality gone? ANG (4/12/07)
I had some spare time, waiting for a news conference. I don't know if you can use this parody press release, just don't name the source. (4/12/07)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2007.....
In today’s Order, the FCC took the following actions:
Action by the Commission on April 6, 2007, by Memorandum Opinion and Order (FCC 07-51). Chairman Stern and Commissioners Segal, Parton, Carlin, and Jameson.
For additional information, contact Doug Tracht at (202) 555-7369 or Doug.Tracht@fcc.gov. WT Docket No. 01-309. News and other information about the Federal Communications Commission is available at www.fcc.gov.
I want to clear up some of the history of WWIN-FM, 95.9. I remember WBKZ as a soft rock format, changing to big band (with Lee Case), then simulcasting WWIN-AM. I remember this simulcast clearly because the legal id was something like, "1400, WWIN-am Baltimore and 96, W ... B ... K ... Z" (the WBKZ calls were said as alternating left and right channels with each letter). After this simulcast, 95.9 went to a CHR as "Hot 95.9." Were they still owned by the same company as they changed to CHR? After this, they returned to a simulcast to the AM before breaking off for their current format. Where were the studios located during the CHR format? Also, I remember hearing Herald Pompey (voice of the station at the time) also did liners for 97 underground. How did that relationship come about? And finally, what happened to Nesi and all the HFS folks when they went all talk? Chris Paulus (4/12/07)
Just watch what happens next. Imus will let this thing cool off and in the meantime sic his investigators like Bo Dietel and others on the sleazy bastards like Obama, Sharpton, Jackson, and the rest and then use his friends in the media to leak things that we all need to know. It will happen in due time and Imus will get the last laugh. (4/12/07)
"Is Praise 104.1 keeping the WXGG calls? Anyone know?" Since the arrangement between Bonneville and R1 is an LMA (at least for now), Bonneville is still the license-holder, so they would be the ones who need to apply for a call-letter change. (Remember, they just changed them about 2 months ago). If that's not part of the LMA contract, then it probably won't happen. (4/12/07)
OK, here's the latest....(You'll love this) The Rutgers Basketball team is going to appear on Oprah's show!!!! I wonder if she'll invite the Duke Lacrosse Players? LOL. This is so biased, every newspaper and television outlet in the USA is feeding off the Imus remark. We be causin havoc..this is a racial frenzy...Al and the Reverend are chompin at the bit. The remarks on the "Brothers" talk stations are bizarre. When is someone with B**ls going to say enuf.....enuf....God Bless the Former USA-ANG (4/12/07)
Dave's response: The real "hos" here are the media gasbags - everyone from Rush Limbaugh to Ana Marie Cox - trying to get their pompous asses in the "Imus Parade".....
There must be a bigger problem at WAMU. How can a news director end up without any reporters (if what was reported here is indeed the case). That would seem to impact the product in a way that might catch the attention of the higher ups. At the same time they don't seem to be in any hurry to fill the positions. Apparently the station ran an ad for reporters several weeks ago. Two friends of mine, both highly qualified reporters with local credentials, have applied there and neither has heard anything other than an acknowledgement of receipt by the university -- neither has been contacted by the station itself. You would think they'd be a little more anxious to get people started. Brad (4/12/07)
Dave's response: Look at local radio news in the DC radio market. WAMU is pretty much gutted. WMAL is mainly reliant on handouts from the White House basement, when it's not plugged into outside vendor Metro Traffic. Clear Channel - eight radio stations and nooooooo news department. That pretty much leaves Bonneville's WTOP (and sister WaPo Radio) as the only full-fledged radio news department. Uno.....
Re IMUS – hasn’t Don Rickles been pulling this crap for years? The guy made what he thought was a joke – get over it. If somebody got offended then apologize (the fact that these were young girls – OK, they get an apology – everybody else can just chill). Those Brits captured by the Iraniacs, most of them folded pretty quick. They had one of the sailors in histrionics by constantly teasing him and calling him Mr Beene. We are becoming a country of pussies. Race will be fodder here forever – the arguments, insults, cracks, etc. are all part of the discussion – walk away if you can’t stomach it but don’t shut it down for the rest of us. (4/12/07)
The Wikipedia entry for Praise 104.1 is real. It's not a new entry, just the one that already existed for WXGG (as George 104) rewritten to accommodate the format change. Everett W. (4/12/07)
Dave's response: Is Praise 104.1 keeping the WXGG calls? Anyone know? You know, it could stand for Christ "X" (a la "XMAS") is "G" good and "G" great. Hmmm.....
"Anyone happen to see that a Pennsylvania jock was fired this week for repeating what Imus said? Gary Smith at WSBG-FM cleared out his desk Tuesday when he declared the 'Phrase That Pays' that morning on his station was, 'I'm a nappy-headed ho'!' Good golly, where does it stop?" Had he merely repeated the words in reporting it as news, I doubt he would have been fired. But in making it the "phrase that pays," he was tastelessly exploiting it, sort of the radio equivalent of yelling "fire" in a crowded theater. Sorry, but in that context he deserved to be dismissed. -- Vincent in Triangle (4/12/07)
Has anyone seen Rod Daniels on channel 11 lately??? (4/12/07)
How comical, in a sick way, is this Imus thing. The guy makes a stupid and tasteless comment in an effort to be funny which, quite frankly, probably doesn't make the top 500 list of tasteless comments he has made. For some reason, this particular comment immediately triggers the victim mentality police like Sharpeton and Jackson, who haven't had much to do lately because they certainly never challenge the rappers whose song lyrics are far worse. The general media also sees an opportunity to stir up a frenzy about something other than Anna Nicole Smith and starts with minute to minute coverage. Imus makes the mistake of appearing on Sharpton's program to be berated and then starts with groveling and the "I'm a good person" routine. The Rutgers basketball team, who claim not to have want any of this publicity, strangely decides to hold a press conference and the coach launches into a bizarre and rambling half hour feel sorry for me speech. Sleazy politicians like Obama, who have used Imus' show to sell books and advance their careers, scramble like rats jumping off a sinking ship. After first suspending Imus for two weeks, MSNBC sees some weak kneed advertisers leave, then decides to cancel the simulcast and laughably claims it is because its employees made them to do it. Then this morning it brings in lacky David Gregory, who appeared on Imus' show COUNTLESS times, to basically dance on Imus' grave by doing a victim mentality show while showing tape of Imus' show in the background. Now, the Rutgers basketball team who, remember, claimed they wanted nothing to do with this, are apparently going to continue their victimhood tour by appearing on Oprah. Book and movie contracts are undoubtedly next. All the while, the dropping of charges against the Duke lacrosse players, who really WERE victims of a serious wrong but don't get to belong to the victimhood club because of their color, gender and economic background, kind of gets lost in the background. Sharpton and Jackson, of course, are now nowhere to be found on that issue, after having called for the lacrosse players heads. This country is in a whole lot of trouble. (4/12/07)
Imus...Better get your mop ready. You will be working cleanup at the Bukkake Pit on Times Square very soon. The Tooz (4/12/07)
Dave - is this for real? en.wikipedia.org (4/12/07)
Dave's response: A Praise 104.1 listing. Apparently.....
These questions have been addressed, BUT none of the "talking heads" are responding. Why don't the three Duke Lacrosse Players DEMAND an apology from Al Sharpton? Why haven't the Duke Lacrosse Players DEMANDED an apology from the accuser? Why haven't we seen this accuser on television? This is a one-sided issue. Race is a one sided issue. Political Correctness has gone way too far. Equal yes......preferred NO. POPS (4/12/07)
I think it is a great loss for society in general for Imus to lose his program on MSNBC and possibly the radio side as well. Who else promotes the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. to a mostly white audience? Well who? I assume when Allan Iverson covers his body in tattoos he making a statement of some kind. Imus made reference to the tattoos on the Rutgers players. The Texas team had several African-American players as well. He spoke about the tattoos specifically. He used verbiage that comes directly from the slang we hear on hip hop records. Imus makes fun of Ted Kennedy, John McCain, himself, David Gregory, Tim Russert, and everyone else in the same fashion. When he does it to people of a different color, he gets thrown off the air. The focus is still on Imus. A broadcaster who has been effective in promoting racial harmony for many years in my opinion. It is of far greater concern to me that certain black people refer to themselves as the N word, and to females of their own race as the H word. If we are looking to achieve respect and equal opportunity for all as Americans, I find this to be a huge step in the wrong direction. is this developing a sense of dignity and empowerment? This escapes me. Have you ever seen a white kid with his baseball cap on backwards and trying for the hip hop look? How is that white kid, growing up in this time, supposed to know the difference as to what he can say and can't? Do today's black youth really appreciate all the struggle and pain and suffering that happened before them? Don Imus has been playing MLK's "I have a dream" speech for his largely white audience for at least 10 years. He promotes rap artists on his program. You may not like Imus' style and humor. I see that as fair. Running Imus off the air I see as a huge mistake, because Imus would be a willing and effective champion of racial justice. Meanwhile, both blacks and whites are left with these misguided hip hop and rap artists, who I suspect are doing great harm to our youth of any color. Where are you Rev. AL? ernie kyger (4/12/07)
I guess we wont be hearing Robert the angry black mailman anymore on don and mike. Damn you Imus! (4/12/07)
New Job for Ron Ross? Ron Ross, former HOT 99.5 morning show producer & news guy may have found a new morning job in the DC area, according to his myspace blog. (4/12/07)
I don't think WCNV will help at Lusby. It runs on 3.8kW and vertical-only. It is predicted to be weaker than WAMU, WSCL and WESM at Lusby. (4/12/07)
You know for all the bashing MASN has taken, I applaud them for the quick turnaround of their simulcast of the John Riggins show. On Tuesday it looked like it was a high school production shown over the web, but yesterday they actually had in sync production of the camera and microphones, they finally showed Riggo's broadcast sidekicks with cameras in Bethesda, and it looked like Riggo was completely comfortable with having cameras in studio, unlike on Tuesday where he looked like deer in headlights. Overall nice job fellas. The only change I would make is for some reason the cameras in Bethesda don't show the "masnsports.com" logo shown on the televisions behind them to well on screen. Are those screens the same screen used at Redskins press conferences, because if they are aren't they trademarked by Snyder, though it seems hard to believe you can trademark having TV screens behind someone. Denesh (4/12/07)
Anyone happen to see that a Pennsylvania jock was fired this week for repeating what Imus said? Gary Smith at WSBG-FM cleared out his desk Tuesday when he declared the "Phrase That Pays" that morning on his station was, "I'm a nappy-headed ho'!" Good golly, where does it stop? What do you get when you snort a bottle of beer? A HOPPY-HEADED NOSE! What do you call it when a fireman knocks you out with his extinguisher? A HOSE-HEADED NAP! Let's all sing the Sesame Street song: IF YOU'RE NAPPY & YOU KNOW IT, CLAP YOUR HO'S! Hey, fire me too ! I suck ! (4/12/07)
My broadcast brethren and sisters, as being a “spokesman” seems to be a relatively easy job (no heavy lifting) and pays quite well (Reverends Al and Jesse don’t seem to be missing any meals or private planes for that matter). I hereby nominate myself, and install myself as broadcasting spokesmen. My qualifications, really none other than being fired from all my jobs but two, and those I left in a huff. I was only removed by force from one station, but should have been from another when I hung the owners head and shoulders out of a ten story window (at least 10 months before Sugg Knight made it popular. The reason I feel that we now need a spokesmen is as follows: when they came for Stern we said nothing, when they came for Grease we said nothing, when they came for Grease again we said nothing, when they came for O&A we said nothing and the same for the I-man. We have become more and more robots of corporate radio. I call on you to stand up for free speech, call for a boycott of NBC, and CBS if they fire Imus. If we soon don’t find the courage, backbone or intestinal fortitude to do so enjoy listening to automated, non thought provoking drivel. This isn’t about whether you like Imus, Grease, O&A or whoever, this is about free speech pure and simple. This has nothing to do with politics, as both sides are equally guilty of wanting to squash any thought but there own. This has nothing to do with race, the constitution gives us the right to be equal opportunity offenders, nowhere does it state that you have the right to free speech, unless you insult _______________ (fill in group of your choice. No I am not black, African American or any other protected group, as a North Atlantic Islander I personally rather have any group that dislikes me out in the open, letting me know who they are, not closeted by politically correct thought police. Do I think Imus really meant to be offensive, Hell yes, that’s his job, do I think he meant to be racist, I don’t think so, not that it matters. As your “Official Spokesman” I call for a boycott of NBC, and of any of the sponsors that threatened to pull advertising. If you hire a “Shock Jock” let him shock don’t make him lo voltage. Use our collective voices and call for your listeners to boycott NBC and the afore mentioned sponsors. I wonder how the thought police will like this spin. G. (4/12/07)
Nice to see a fellow "Lusbian" reading this fine website! (4/12/07)
Dave's response: Lotsa jokes. So little time.....
Dave in Lusby: As presently operating, FM stations have considerably poorer coverage with their HD signals than with their main analog signal. This will continue until analog FM is turned off (if it ever is). Turning off analog would obsolete ALL present FM receivers, so it's not likely to happen any decade soon. Have you tried WSCL 89.5 or WESM 91.3 on the Eastern Shore for NPR's main programs? In any case, move your antenna a little, WAMU should be nearly as strong as WETA. (4/12/07)
Dave's response: He ought to try 89.1 WCNV, the new Virginia Northern Neck relay from Richmond's WCVE. That should cover parts of Southern Maryland.....
Even more outrageous than Imus' remarks last week is the fact that MSNBC dropped his program - just 12 hours - before the start of the two day radiothon to raise money for his ranch for kids with cancer and for surviving siblings of SIDS victims. I understand that MSNBC felt the need to buckle, due to pressure from NBC employees and from outside forces, but they really should have kept 'Imus In the Morning" on for just two more freakin' days so that the audience from cable would have been reached and included in this worthwhile effort. Because of MSNBC's insensitivity, thousands of kids have become additional victims of this I-Mess! Here's a link with more information about the Imus Ranch Here's more about the ranch: www.americanprofile.com and a link people can use to make a contribution wfan.com. Also, the sale of products from Imus Ranch Foods helps support the ranch: www.imusranchfoods.com and they are superior products! (4/12/07)
Dave's response: What about MSNBC picking up Tony Kornheiser's Washington Post Radio show from NewsChannel 8? He'd probably have to get clearance from ESPN.....
WTOP has redone their web site. Looks good. Much cleaner and easier to quickly find what you are looking. And on the topic of HD radio: It is no wonder HD radio is a hard sell. Based on your listening report there is little unique content. Further, an HD simulcast of a standard FM station, is that going to sound any better in a car where people do the bulk of their radio listening? It's not like a car is a soundproofed home theater room where you can actually hear how much better HD Radio supposedly is. When there is enough unique programming people will actually consider HD Radio. It seems that most people aren't willing to pay for radio - satellite or HD - quite yet. iPods and other personal listening devices seem to be the popular choice for unique programming right now. Mike in Fairfax, VA (4/12/07)
Dave's response: One huge plus - being able to get a clear signal of Towson's adult alternative WTMD here in the DC area via WAMU's HD Radio signal. The rest of the HD Radio unique content, is, frankly, generally unimpressive. And reception is a HUGE problem. You can only receive HD signals of the strongest FMers - and forget listening to HD on AM (where it could really be useful) unless you're within site of the station's transmitter tower. If you subscribe to satellite radio, you'll get excellent reception of 100+ unique channels. If you buy an HD Radio, which costs something like $300, you'll get "free" reception of maybe a dozen unique, mainly canned-sounding, new channels, plus a batch of digital relays of stations you already get on regular radio.....
What a RELIEF that we have Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to control what we watch and listen to since most of us aren't capable of making those decisions for ourselves. (4/12/07)
It is really hard to believe that someone would believe that "Danny Boy" would be in any of his ventures for the long haul, other than his cash cow football team. Snyder is a short term investor looking for the quick buck and most of his board members are the same. They bleed companies dry and sell them. The start up situation at Red Zebra caught Snyder by surprise. He received very poor advice from Zier about the three signals he purchased and Zier eventually paid the price. They had some really good people at RZ but they were very outspoken about the signals and exorbitant expenses in year one. Those people paid the price. The people that remain are the "dead weight" who were afraid to speak up. (4/12/07)
Re: "Let's get it right here, please": Howard Stern called and asked Air Florida the price of a ticket from National Airport to the 14th Street Bridge, not to inquire if it would become a regular stop. I know because I was there...there was also a fatal Metro accident on the same day, which was overlooked because of the Air Florida tragedy. -- Bobbie (4/12/07)
That's what you call research, Caveman? The announced game time temperature for Tuesday night's Orioles-Tigers game was over 50 degrees. It was a giveaway night. It was much colder for the opener. Clearly you don't know the meaning of the word research - you simply spout off what you think you know, and hope everyone takes your word for it. If you say it often enough it might actually be called truth at some point. It's the "Big Lie, Little Lie" theory. It seems to work in radio management, as well as in the White House. (4/12/07)
Are you able to receive the HD signal of 93 WFLS in Fredericksburgh?? Alvin G. Lawton (4/12/07)
Dave's response: No. Here in Reston, with the antennas that came with the radio, I can get HD Radio signals of only the strongest DC stations. I even have trouble picking up the HD signal of WMMJ, which isn't quite as strong as the other "locals".....
Re The Imus situation. Not that I'm defending the I-Man's insanely stupid remarks, but since Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are supposed to be ministers, they should take a page out of The Bible and remove the logs from their eyes before they removes the speck from Don Imus's eye. Also, how about practicing the act of forgiveness? Imus should take his lumps like a man, but if Jesus can forgive the men who were killing him, I'm sure they find it in their hearts to do the same. (4/12/07)
So Imus made a joke. What's the big deal? Sincerely, Michael "Kramer" Richards. (4/12/07)
RE: [ " Howard never called to book a flight to the 14th St. Bridge-He called just to inquire if it would become a regular stop. " ]......... Actually Howard Stern on Washington's DC 101 joked about booking a flight to the 14th street bridge before actually making the actual phone call to the Air Florida booking desk inquiring whether it would be a regular stop. I actually listened that day. As to whether what Imus said was personal and mean, yep it sure was. He owes some people apologies. Did Howard Stern ever apologize directly to anyone connected with the 100 or so deaths from that Air Florida flight that hit the 14th street bridge? Oh, and since someone mentioned Mind of Mencia, man does he get away with murder! What if Imus had referred to them as a bunch of border jumping beaners? It would still be mean, but does it deserve him being fired or would it be less controversial because there is no Al Sharpton to make it a bigger story? Whether it's mean is not the question. It's whether this whole political correctness/ban free speech bandwagon is worth jumping onto. I say no. Let his listeners and advertisers decide. You're not required to listen. No FCC or federal laws were violated. Or are we going to start handing out hefty fines for the use of the word "nappy" from now on? You people do not realize how silly you sound. Talk it out loud next time before you type, you might laugh before we do! (4/12/07)
Dave's response: I am constantly amazed at embarrassment John Gibson on Faux News. He's frequently begs the corporate owners of other networks to "remove" those who criticize Bush. As if they've done some kind of anti-American thing by exercizing their constitutionally protected right of free speech. Sure, Gibson (Murdoch's mouthpiece?) has the right to say what he does, and you have the right to NOT listen and/or boycott advertisers, but let's leave the decisions in the hands of the people and not with the corporations and/or the government. OK John (Rupert)?
/\ April 12 Messages /\
\/ April 11 Messages \/
Reference"If Imus had referred to ALL BLACK PEOPLE as "nappy headed hos" would you be less insulted or more?" I am not Black, however to call Myia, Kia, Essence, Judith, Katie, or the others of the Rutgers star women's basketball team "Ho's" is denigrating and disgraceful; they don't deserve such a nasty swipe after taking their extremely hard work and talent so far. Yes, I think it would not have been an issue if Imus referred to some "nappy headed ho's" he saw on the way to work-nobody knows who they really are, and it would just be a bad stereotype. This was personal and mean. And by the way, Howard never called to book a flight to the 14th St. Bridge-He called just to inquire if it would become a regular stop. Lets get it right here, please; it's all about communication. (4/11/07)
Dave, you forgot to mention the most important part of HD-Radio, you finally get WTMD !!!!! :-) (4/11/07)
Dave's response: Yeah, cool. I did include it in my HD Radio list.....
THANK GOD FOR Satellite RADIO! Why you people insist on listening to terrestrial radio is beyond me. I agree with O and A. Black folks can have Nappy, Ho, Bitches and the N-Word. White people keep Gal, Dame Chic and Broad. Hooray for segregated free speech! I guess we need Blacks only microphones now...The I-Man was wrong in his comment. He should have directed it to a stripper in NC that did some REAL damage to some NCAA athletes. If you start regulating free speech, even hate speech, then your on the road to one day when there is no such thing. Rob--Alaba ma (4/11/07)
EXCLUSIVE: CBS DJ CANCELS CNN appearance on Imus reddingnewsreview.com... Robert "Rob" Redding Jr., Redding News Review, Po Box 50497, Washington, D.C., 20091 (4/11/07)
while we are on this racism talk---if you want to learn some new terms for every race out there, Mind of Mencia on Comedy Central is your source. So-you think Imus was "racist," sure, check out this show. (4/11/07)
"DCRTV hears that just about everybody at Redskins owner Dan Snyder's Red Zebra broadcasting arm is looking for a new gig elsewhere. That's after the departure last month of RZ head Bennett Zier" - Who the hell did you hear that from? Sounds like big time sour grapes to me, maybe even from Zier himself. Not only should the 3 or 4 core sellers over there happy about carving up 10-12 million in billing now that all the dead weight is gone but the new guy they have running the place is a real radio operator and a huge breath of fresh air. Coming from the programming side, I have heard that those guys absolutely love him. Both he and Danny Boy are committed to Triple X for the long haul. I don't understand why anyone there would want to leave now as the few that made it through the first year are probably used to the heat? (4/11/07)
So, CBS may cancel Imus from being heard on WTNT and MS-NBC has already cancelled his simulcast. But, I'm confused. When did Al Sharpton change the name of his National Action Network (NAN) from it's original KKK name? Robert Sheldon (4/11/07)
In defending her girls, Vivian Stringer said the players were "articulate and valedictorians". Immediately after that, one of the girls said that she wanted to "axs" Mr. Imus a question. You gotta love it. (4/11/07)
I was wondering if MSNBC may actually be hurt financially by the Imus situation. It is my understanding that to cablecast Imus it costs roughly $500,000. It will cost them a lot more to fill that three hours with an actual morning show. Can this already financially strapped station make it? If CBS fires Imus will Howard Stern extend an olive branch to join him at Sirius??? Stay toooned... (4/11/07)
(regarding MSNBC's decision to drop the 'Imus In the Morning' program) Ultimately, it's their "candy store" and they can run the place as they choose, but as a viewer, I am disappointed by their decision. I think MSNBC will soon discover something along the lines of what President Lyndon Johnson expressed, on the notion of firing long-time FBI director, J. Edgar Hoover: "It’s probably better to have him inside the tent pissing out, than outside the tent pissing in." (4/11/07)
Dave, I’m in Lusby, MD (zip 20657) a good distance from most of the DC radio transmitters. This is a problem for me because I really like NPR news in the morning and evening. When the WETA blowtorch was carrying the NPR feed, it worked fine for me, but with only WAMU now, things are a bit sketchier. It often works well, but I am definitely outside their intended signal area. I have an outdoor FM antenna hung inside the peak of the roof of my log house, and since I live alone, nobody complains about how odd it looks. Since it works fairly well, I think it is fine. I would like to find out if digital radio would improve my reception, but I don’t want to buy one of the units if it would be worthless where I live. Do you know if the selling point of digital radio is all about the audio quality, or is there a chance that I might get better reception here in the sticks? Do you have any interest in a distant test location? I’m volunteering, if you can help. Joe Driver (4/11/07)
Dave's response: DCRTV hits the road! Good idea!
Thought you might like this article from Redskins.com. 2007 SCHEDULE: 3 GAMES IN PRIME TIME! www.redskins.com (4/11/07)
What Imus said about a team of women who recently contended for a college basketball championship was reprehensible. Imus has apologized and will meet with the offended women. While many pundits have rushed to this issue, I wonder whether punishing the offender means more to them than assisting the offended. I would submit that the pundits would be more helpful by supporting and speaking well of the young women first--and then by letting the women and the 'court of public opinion' have their say the future of Imus on the radio. I base my comments on an incident in 1975 when I was a teenage military dependent in Frankfurt, Germany. A German woman driving her Mercedes sent me cartwheeling as I was riding my bike in front of a U.S. Army building. Immediately, a colonel threw open his office window three stories up and leaned out to ask if I was okay--I was, just scuffed and shaken--and then he yelled at her for driving 'too damn fast' down that street. I was angry about being hit, but that colonel watching out for me remains a fond memory. Hopefully, for the women at Rutgers, complete strangers caring about them and their reputation will be what they remember most about this incident. Robb in Capitol Heights (4/11/07)
My mother told me that some guy was yelling N*gger and on the music of your life station *1160*. Apparently they will try anything to get in to the ratings book. (4/11/07)
BIA has some of their numbers wrong. They got WTOP and WRQX correct to the dollar. However, they were not even in the ballpark with some other stations. In 2006, WMMJ finished 4th billing 23.3 mil while HUR billed under 17 mil (ranked 9th) and JFK billed just over 18 mil (finished 7th) Here are the top 10 billers from 2006: WTOP, WPGC, WRQX, WMMJ, WASH, WKYS, WJFK, WWDC, WHUR, WMAL (4/11/07)
Sorry to hear that Red Zebra appears to be falling apart. Not because I feel bad for Danny Boy. But because I was hoping the competition would force WTEM to get rid of some of the dead wood like Pollin and Walker and become a real sports radio station. (4/11/07)
Whitey, honkey....etc are established "shots" at caucasians and are used frequently by our angry brothers. The FCC, is not involved in this melee, but they are using a shotgun instead of a rifle as far as over the edge "shock jock" material is concerned. The Duke Lacrosse issue was quickly picked up by Al Sharpton as a cause, he was in the middle of it from the start, once it got to be a little "gray" he disappeared. Ethnic Talk is not comedy, it is hard core issue oriented, I think you were referring to Ethnic or Urban music radio. To call Imus an angry white is not accurate. He has made a career out of human parody (this was in bad taste). On the other hand...Al Sharpton and The Reverand Jesse have made a career out of stirring the pot. When any racial issue is getting attention those two are on the scene in a "New Yawk minute". POP (4/11/07)
RE: [ " Go ahead, scan the Black radio stations. I think most of the humor, from what I can tell, is not driven by "Whitey.'' " ]........ I disagree. There was a talk show host on WOL/WOLB in the afternoon awhile back that used to refer to white people as "Mr. BOBO" as a derogatory term and I've heard plenty of similar type statements since on those stations. I often don't have a complete picture of what these non-sensical code words mean because I don't regularly listen to these programs, but obviously the callers did, and I did still find it both hysterically funny and at the same time a bit disturbing and surprising that these types of insults would go out over the public air waves. Of course, by the nutty political correctness standards that we keep getting deeper and deeper into these days, the "Mr. BOBO" guy definitely should have been fired, but he wasn't, at least not for that. I fail to see how the specificity of the insult or the size of the group has any bearing. If Imus had referred to ALL BLACK PEOPLE as "nappy headed hos" would you be less insulted or more? Seriously, at some point we're going to have to come to terms with cross-racial jokes both ways. Although I still believe Imus owes that team an apology and certainly his listeners, but I really don't think he or even the Greaseman should be fired for such a joke. Is it really worse than Howard Stern calling up Air Florida and trying to book a flight from the 14th street bridge where a plane full of people just crashed and died? And look where that got him, a big gig in New York and national stardom. (4/11/07)
Some fine words yet again by Joyce. I may not fully agree with some of the things she says, but yes extracting that proverbial pound of flesh or whatever out of Imus does not solve the deeper problem. Also, we need to remember a few things: what rappers say, or what anyone says in music or print or art is not the problem either. It merely is a reflection of that deeper problem. We as broadcasters as well as people should still be able to in society make jokes; anyone who's a public figure, look, you're gonna get picked on. But it is when it goes beyond joking and becomes an attack on a person's race, color, background, religion, mode of speech, etc., you know it's an attack when it comes out of someone's mouth. And that's whether it's Imus or anyone else. A lot of hate-talkers are eating this up, because they're glad they didn't get called on it. Again I wonder: when Rush, or Hannity or Beck or one of them blows off at the mouth and does the same thing, will the backlash be the same? Will the outrage be equal? As for Imus, he'll not lose his job; he'll be back after his little vacation. The one that needs to go is McGuirk. He is the real racist on that show and the one instigates most of the garbage. The RCL (4/11/07)
POPS: I got, I think, what most of your post is about. But I don't necessarily agree. "Whitey,'' per your reference, to me has always meant an unknown and unidentifiable person. Don Imus insulted a specific group of women. There's a difference. Go ahead, scan the Black radio stations. I think most of the humor, from what I can tell, is not driven by "Whitey.'' In addition, and I may have missed it, but I didn't read that the FCC was becoming involved in this issue. I'm also not sure what Duke-Lacrosse has to do with this, but obviously I've missed a connection. And, yes, we are all sometimes too politcally correct. 3-2-1 (4/11/07)
I would give everyone the Ravens schedule, but The Ravens website (unlike The Redskins) is NOT MAC-COMPATIBLE (Bischotti are you listening?) Anyway, here it is thru Firefox.... Aug. 19(Pre-Season)... Giants... 8pm (NBC), Sept. 10... Bengals... 7pm (ESPN), Sept. 16... NY Jets... 4pm (CBS), Sept. 23... Arizona... 1pm (FOX?), Sept 30... Browns... 1pm (CBS), Oct. 7... San Francisco... 4pm (FOX), Oct. 14... St. Louis... 1pm (FOX?), Oct. 21... Bills... 1pm (CBS), Nov. 5... Steelers... 8pm (ESPN), Nov. 11... Bengals... 4pm (CBS), Nov. 18... Browns... 1pm (CBS), Nov. 25... Chargers... 4pm (CBS), Dec. 3... Patriots... 8pm (ESPN), Dec. 9... COLTS... 8pm (NBC), Dec. 16... Dolphins... 1pm (CBS), Dec.23... Seahawks... 4pm (CBS), Dec. 30... Steelers... 1pm (CBS)........ Wow 5 nationally televised games (4 if you don't count the pre-season NBC game) and unlike the Skins, the Ravens will probably have a chance of winning one of them!.......... Joe in Essex PS: I wouldn't consider the NFL Network as "nationally televised" exactly. Few people have it. (4/11/07)
In response to Ernie Kyger's post, I know that many will argue that rap and hip/hop are the music of the street, but it's disheartening to hear that it's the best selling music in the country. I guess yours truly is just an old fart, but I can remember listening to empowering songs like "We're A Winner" by Curtis Mayfield and the great Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come". Both songs echo pride, not backing down in the face of adversity and a future of hope. I, too, have heard unfair remarks about whites on one of the urban stations out of Greensboro, North Carolina which makes me very angry. If anything, I hope the incident with Don Imus will bring about some type of positive dialogue on both sides. Just seeing how far we can punish someone is not necessarily the answer. Peace and blessings. Joyce Conroy (WHFC/WYTI) (4/11/07)
A poster, wrote, "Regarding WRNR and Damian. Damian seems like a really nice guy who is no doubt a legend in our local radio scene. Let's be real though, no one can understand what in the world he is saying. But, it's not just that. He is not up on the times or new music for that matter." Well, at least he had passion and good taste. If I wanted to hear James Blunt, James Morrison, The Fray, or John Mayer, I'd listen to Mix 106. What has WRNR become, trying to sound like every other station in the market, except with a bad signal and long winded DJs? And in this day and age, isn't the poster's remarks about Damian's speech way out of line? I never thought I'd say this out of hometown loyalty, but without Damian, WRNR just sucks. Bring back Damian! And bring back better artists like Lucinda Williams. Marshall Crenshaw, and Keb Mo! (4/11/07)
Before the throng gathers in front of CBS to demand the head of Don Imus, why not watch this C-SPAN video clip first? (www.break.com) Where were Jackson and Sharpton when THIS guy opened his big stupid cookie hole? (4/11/07)
What happened to 104.1 George FM??? (4/11/07)
Dave's response: It became gospel Praise 104.1 over the weekend. Bonneville says it plans to resurrect the adult hits station via the digital signal of WTOP on 103.5.....
Here's the Redskins 2007 schedule. I'm a little shocked with three nationally televised games. Sept. 9... Miami... 1 p.m. (CBS).............. Sept. 17 (Monday)... at Philadelphia... 8:30 (ESPN)............... Sept. 23... Giants... 4:15 (FOX)............... Sept. 30... Bye............. Oct. 7... Detroit... 1 (FOX).............. Oct. 14... at Green Bay... 1 (FOX).............. Oct. 21... Arizona... 1 (FOX)............... Oct. 28... at New England... 4:15 (FOX).............. Nov. 4... at New York Jets... 1 (FOX).............. Nov. 11... Philadelphia... 1 (FOX)............. Nov. 18... at Dallas... 1 (FOX)............ Nov. 25... at Tampa Bay... 1 (FOX)............ Dec. 2... Buffalo... 1 (CBS).............. Dec. 6 (Thursday)... Chicago... 8:15 (NFL Network)........... Dec. 16... at New York Giants... 8:15 (NBC)............. Dec. 23... at Minnesota... 1 (FOX)........... Dec. 30... Dallas... 1 (FOX)............ Denesh (4/11/07)
"Anyone who thinks the Nationals are moving is a complete moron. They haven't even moved into their new stadium yet. Attendance this year will be down, along with TV and radio ratings, because the team will suck, perhaps historically so. And Management has made no bones about it, believing that its approach is right for the future. But the team could draw less than 500,000 fans this season, and it STILL wouldn't move. You Baltimorons really ought to worry about your own team, which only draws when the Yankees and Red Sox fans fill the place." Read all the way to the top next time. The guy who wrote the first item already said he was only kidding and wished the Nats well. I think it's time that everyone on both ends of the Parkway lighten up and stop the insults. Howie (4/11/07)
Anyone who thinks the Nationals are moving is a complete moron. They haven't even moved into their new stadium yet. Attendance this year will be down, along with TV and radio ratings, because the team will suck, perhaps historically so. And Management has made no bones about it, believing that its approach is right for the future. But the team could draw less than 500,000 fans this season, and it STILL wouldn't move. You Baltimorons really ought to worry about your own team, which only draws when the Yankees and Red Sox fans fill the place. (4/11/07)
I really think the general public..(White folks) should scan the dial and take a listen to what some of the Ethnic Talk Show Hosts are chatting about. For decades they have found humor in insulting the caucasian population WITHOUT And flack from the FCC or any other branch of the Federal Government. Don't you think that's kind of bigoted to start with? It's OK for them to take shots at "whitey", BUT let's take down Imus...Now, that's a plan. Sharpton..(Tawana-Duke Lacrosse...etc...Jesse Jahakson...race rouser for decades, all the cannibals are feasting. Let's take a look at the OTHER side. We are way too "politically correct". Loosen up folks..POPS. (4/11/07)
Steve Allan is not a hack, he's done some really wonderful things for his stations. The problem is he's got people above him that dictate some of the parameters. You can't fight the "big suits" and keep your job. I would hate to be programming in this day and age....Good luck Steve-PLB (4/11/07)
A buttheaded ABC news radio anchor called it the "Lexington Military Institute" in her 1 PM newscast today. How do you expect them to get the news right if they can't even get the name of the Virginia Military Institute right. Idiots! (4/11/07)
Great conversation about Don Imus on Elliott's show this morning. Surprisingly, it was a real conversation and not a Don Imus lyncing or a shock jock apologist approach. I also love that he attacked Al Sharpton. - Brett (4/11/07)
(Steve Allan back in DC? How do these hacks continue to get decent jobs in big towns?) That's BLOATED HACK to you, son! (4/11/07)
To WTOP's Craig Heist: I was glad to read your post of the Orioles reinstating your press credentials After all, 'TOP was our only link to Major League Baseball (in this market anyway) for over a quarter of a century! You sir are a class act! Rusty Gibson (4/11/07)
Since when is below freezing temps (yesterday's low) "cool, but not uncomfortably so"? (source: The Weather Channel) That's much colder than any Ravens game I went to last season! And there is practically no such thing as an "unbreakable lease". Ask any lawyer. The terms only affect the amount of damages if broken and MLB's antitrust situation gives it an additional level of protection against certain types of suits. And the Detroit Tigers a big draw? The Tigers have never been a big draw ever. Finally, many people in the DC area consider the Orioles a local team despite the hatred for Angelos (which is shared by people in Baltimore I might add). The O's have played exhibition games in DC, had an Orioles store, players do appearances, the games have been on local radio/TV for as long as anyone can remember and reportedly 30% of the Orioles fan base is from the DC metro area. The # of DC area residents that have gone to an Orioles game is even somewhat close to the # of people that went to Senators games! There's your research. Thanks. ** The Geico Caveman ** (4/11/07)
Ernie, I have heard the same type of argument, and like most "talking points" it has a fatal flaw; Imus called a specific group of young accomplished athletes/college students (the Rutgers women's basketball team), who are not real celebrities, "Ho's." As far as I know, the type of references in the rap music you credit is directed towards some unnamed group of women. The women on the team did not deserve the hurtful nasty slur. Chris (4/11/07)
The 950 kHz position on AM is still quiet. I wonder if WCTN actually HAS pulled the plug? (4/11/07)
Dave's response: Are you suggesting that WCTN (950) is joining WOHN (1440) and WHRF (1520) in AM Radio Heaven? Where's Jay?
I'm a Don & Mike fan and I'm an Orioles fan, but I have to admit that 105.7 WHFS cutting D&M off every night at 6:20 pm for 10 minutes of commercials plus a useless half-hour pre-game show for the Orioles is annoying as Hell! I guess I'll just have to listen to the first three hours on the radio and then catch the Internet stream from JFK in DC for the last hour. With D&M leaving in 18 months, I guess it's a temporary fix. Greg in Reisterstown...P.S. I'm the one who posted about the Nats leaving, but it was just a joke. I'm glad that DC has a team again even though I'm an O's fan. It's a chance for local baseball fans to catch some National League games with National League rules...Interleague Play is a joke if it's in an AL park. Go O's, Go Nats, good luck to DC with the new team and stadium. (4/11/07)
This has come up in some conversations about the Imus controversy: is his suspension with or without pay? And what kind of money does Imus make? Ballpark estimate, anyone? ~~~NOVA Radio Guy~~~ (4/11/07)
fyi: We have our interview with Fred Thompson up at the Q&A Cafe TV link at nathansgeorgetown.com. Carol (4/11/07)
Dave's response: Yeah, sad news today that Fred has lymphoma. All our best to him.....
Dave, You were quoted in the Media Research Center today, and mentioned by name! Wow, who would have thought? "5) Is Don Imus worth the fury? Lost in all the media attention focused on the "nappy-headed hos" racial insult by radio host Don Imus last week directed at the Rutgers University womens' basketball team -- all three broadcast network evening newscasts led with multiple stories on it Tuesday night after it topped CBS and NBC on Monday night, to say nothing of the non-stop cable coverage -- is how few actually heard his remark live since his ratings are so low. Monday's USA Today pegged his MSNBC audience at 354,000 daily viewers in March, about half the 692,000 who tuned in FNC's Fox & Friends and about 1/17th the audience of about 6 million who view NBC's Today show. And he doesn't do much better on the radio side. "Putting things in perspective," Dave Hughes, on DCRTV.com, pointed out Tuesday that in Washington, DC, "despite all the Washington 'power players' he has on his show, and all the press he gets, almost no one inside (or outside) the Beltway listens to him. In the latest Arbitrends, Imus, via Clear Channel talker WTNT [570 AM], was tied for 25th place in morning drive with Fredericksburg country outlet WFLS [93.3 FM]," a station most in the DC area can't even receive. Nationally, a Talkers magazine analysis of Arbitron ratings in markets across the country, for the cumulative number of listeners per week in the fall of 2006, documented that at least 19 nationally syndicated radio talk hosts have an audience larger than does Imus. Though he's on in the morning drive, when the most people listen to the radio, his audience is just one-sixth of that of Rush Limbaugh. The April 9 USA Today story: www.usatoday.com... Home page for the DCRTV.com blog about Washington, DC area radio and TV: www.dcrtv.com [This item was posted Tuesday night on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ] The list of the top talkers from Talkers magazine, cumulative audience Monday-Sunday for those aged 12-plus, rounded to the nearest quarter- million: 1) Rush Limbaugh: 13.5 million... 2) Sean Hannity: 12.5... 3) Michael Savage: 8.25... 4) Dr. Laura Schlessinger: 8... 5) Laura Ingraham: 5.... 6) Glenn Beck, Neal Boortz, Mike Gallagher: 3.75..... 9) Jim Bohannon, Clark Howard, Mark Levin, Bill O'Reilly: 3.25..... 13) Bill Bennett, Jerry Doyle, Dave Ramsey, Ed Schultz, Doug Stephan: 3..... 18) Michael Medved, George Noory: 2.75..... 20) Dr. Joy Brown, Don Imus, Kim Komando, Jim Rome: 2.25..... For the full list: www.talkers.com..." Also, how come when I hit the link to read the mailbag I keep getting directed to the same mailbag portal page, just with more ads? I visited the sponsors, I just want to read the mailbag! Nick (4/11/07)
Dave's response: Nick, you have to click on the Mailbag link at the bottom of the Mailbag ad page.....
Steve Allan back in DC? How do these hacks continue to get decent jobs in big towns? (4/11/07)
"Total message board nonsense. Fact is, the Balamer Orioles are more likely to leave Balamer than the Nats are DC." No, that's also total message board nonsense. With MASN in place and a new park in DC, no one is going anywhere. The Orioles have a lease through 2021, the Nats lease is long term, and both teams have local ownership. Nope, neither team is a candidate to move. Now those teams in Florida...Howie (4/11/07)
Regarding WRNR and Damian. Damian seems like a really nice guy who is no doubt a legend in our local radio scene. Let's be real though, no one can understand what in the world he is saying. But, it's not just that. He is not up on the times or new music for that matter. The bands you mention (Little Feat, David Crosby, Bonnie Raitt) are not relevant. Damian's hosted a show every night called the "Elwood Blues Brothers" show. Yeah, that's topical. Yes, it's the elephant in the room, but how he was still on the air is really the question to be asked. I thought he was going to still be on Sunday nights hosting a legendary show, so I am guessing he didn't like that idea and chose to leave. RNR is a GREAT station! They know how to be local, really play new music and have DJs who not only know about the music, but also seem to really listen to it. (4/11/07)
Oh Boy ! Riggins is finally on MASN. Marks/Riggins gives you 4 exciting, riveting hours of watching people sitting on their butts, in a glorious, high-class setting, talking into a microphone. Are all of you HDTV geeks going to complain that it's in Standard Definition? On a serious note, anyone know how many HDTV sets are in use out there anyway? I can't find anything concrete on the web, but I doubt it's more than 15% of US Households at present. (4/11/07)
What's worse... the offensive comments of Don Imus, from whom they regularly flow in the presence of senators and newsmakers ... or ... Katie Couric's plagiaristic blog, which she was more than willing to pass off as her own until getting caught. Most people beyond the politically-correct world of the big media hate the double-standard. Michael Olesker was fired for plagiarism. Fellow male plagiarist Mike Barnicle resigned under intense fire. For Doris Kearns Goodwin excuses were made, as they're being made for the very busy Katie Couric. There also wasn't Don Imus-like pressure on Cubs manager Dusty Baker to step down for saying blacks and Latinos "excelled at baseball because of their genetic ability to withstand heat." CBS canned Jimmy the Greek after he made a similar in scope comment about genetic abilities vis-a-vis the breeding of slaves. Which is worse? They're all bad. The only difference is that our hypersensitive society allows people who are perceived as being victims to get away with being bad. No one is suggesting Don Imus be allowed to say these things unchallenged. Let's just hope the same standard is applied the next time the shoe is on the other foot. My advice to the Reverend Al ... save some of your indignation for the next time you stick your foot in your mouth. (4/11/07)
Dave's response: All Katie would have had to do was to simply say something like "I agree with something so-and-so said in the Wall Street Journal....." and then do "her" commentary. It's OK to use other people's ideas. That's the very nature of human intelligence. But it's not OK to pretend something's your idea when it came from someone else.....
Perhaps I've been doing this too many years. But I remember when Imus was funny and Greaseman corrupted an entire generation of young men and, at least somewhat, endeared themselves in the process. Obviously, Doug did not learn his lesson first time around...and apparently, neither has Don Imus. Society has changed. You can't say that kind of stuff on the radio anymore! You just can't say it! There are far too many vehicles of self-expression nowadays, plus an FCC chomping at the bit to nail someone. There are far too many people who wouldn't hesitate to track down a Don Imus and put a .45 round in them to prove their point. I would seriously be surprised if Imus returns after two weeks off. Major sponsors are now leaving and, even if Imus does return; he's tarnished. I don't care what kind of heart Don Imus or any other major controversial air personality has in real life. In the long run; we're held accountable for our own actions. Anyone who's ever opened a mic for any length of time knows how powerful radio is. And anyone who can't engage their brain before starting their mouth has no one to blame but themselves when the roof caves in. I would hope Don Imus saved his money. /sean in lovely loudoun county (4/11/07)
Imus rant - I think you are a tad off base. Imus does have a large listening base nationwide. And his TV viewer ship has increase by 100,000 per day over the past year. Plus, if you read the NY Times, you will notice he delivers a demographic advertiser are chasing. Please remember, 500,000 people every morning listen to Imus in New York City. The reason Imus has no ratings in DC is because he is not marketed, and he is on a minor station. (4/11/07)
Dave, you and Andy Parks have already said most of what I wanted to say. The media are proving how irrelevant they are to most people's daily lives. Ask any person you meet what station Imus is on, IF he's on locally, or even where WTNT is on the dial. No one will know or care (unless they've read your front page--I even had to refer to your station list to remember where WTNT is, and I used to be able to list every broadcast station in the area). It's disgusting how much the professional whiners are pandered to... (4/11/07)
Re: Imus. Although I agree that it's likely hardly anyone listens to Imus, the ratings might not count the "important" few who do. Anyone in the congressional hierarchy would have a residence in their home state and probably wouldn't be asked to keep a diary or whatever in D.C. So there wouldn't be a good way to tell whether or not the so-called powerful people in Washington are actually listening. (4/11/07)
Dear Randi Rhodes, For at least the last 10 years, on Martin Luther King Jr's birthday, Imus has played the entire "I have a dream" speech, uninterrupted, twice a day, on his radio show and MSNBC. I listened to your show yesterday on XM channel 167. Afterword, I listened to XM channel 66. In the first 100 seconds I heard the H-word, the F-word, the S-word, the N-word, and motherf*****r several times during the song that was playing. I know Imus listens to rap music, as he has mentioned rap artists and songs often on his show. How may 69 year old white guys do you know who speak street jive? What does "nappy headed ho's " mean anyway? Imus is racially insensitive? No more than you or I. And Rap, hiphop, and stuff like that is the best selling music in this country, and best selling music in the world today (my source, Billboard Magazine). Imus is a great threat to racial harmony??? Try listening to XM channel 66, or perhaps just the urban format radio station in your community. That audience is thousands of times larger than Imus', and the message sure sounds the same to me. I wonder what kind of music is on the IPOD's of the Rutgers women's basketball team? Or their men's basketball team? Or their football or baseball team? Or just about any young person's IPOD? Is the message that the use of the term's n*gger, ho, sh*t, and f*ck and themes of sexism, racism, hate and violence OK in the correct situations with the correct speaker who has the correct forum and personal characteristics? I sure hope not. Who is more likely to change the heart of a bigot? Imus, or Rev. Al? It would be a tragedy to lose Imus, who has more potential across the board than most to help lead others toward a broader perspective of our social injustices. Ernie Kyger, Olney, Maryland (4/11/07)
Hey Dave--To the Imus issue, has anyone pointed out the Spring ratings started on Thursday??? Lots of press for a radio guy who is up there. Funny that a 2 week suspension starts in a few days. We are all feeding into this, hell I hear other radio stations mentioning his name. We should all make some off color comment. Also--noticed after the O's game last night, Harford County cable now offers ESPN news on up to 4 channels at a time. 2 in analog and 2 more digital, same feed. Why does MASN pick up a feed we all get already??? (4/11/07)
The Imus story is ABOVE the fold in this morning's Post??? Oh God - sell my CD collection, its time to kill myself. (4/11/07)
Dave's response: I actually agree with Andy Parks on something. It was a stupid comment from an old radio guy who almost no one listens to any more. The media is currently engaged in a self-serving, ratings-hyping circle jerk by over-playing the matter. They, and Imus's critics, are inflating a cadaverous radio geezer into something far more influential than he actually is. Pathetic. Sad.....
Nice to see Steve Allan coming back to town. He used to get some heat in this mailbag. But among fellow local PD's, he was both liked and respected as a competitor. Jim (4/11/07)
Dave's response: Good luck Steve! Enjoy yourself before Citadel guts the station and puts Mancow on.....
WTOP has not carried the Orioles for many years. But our sports guys cover both the Nationals and the Orioles. The O's still have a lot of fans in Montgomery, PG, Frederick and Howard counties. It would make no sense to ignore them, Joe. (4/11/07)
Did anyone hear a comment Imus made about Grease this morning? Anyone know where to find it? (4/11/07)
Bob Schieffer of CBS' Face The Nation will be performing with his backup band, Honky Tonk Confidential, a country song he wrote called "TV Anchorman", Sunday evening 4/15, at the Iota Club in Arlington.They'll also perform 3 other country songs Bob wrote. www.honkytonkconfidential.com (4/11/07)
Is Tony Dorsey still with Channel 4? I haven't seen him in a while and his bio isn't on their website. -- Bobbie (4/11/07)
Dear Dave: To the unsigned poster who suggested that my Dad paddle me for my statement regarding WTOP and the Orioles, you missed my point completely. In my view, the Baltimore Orioles are an out-of-town team, just like the Phillies, Pirates, Dodgers, Mets, etc. As such, I believe they are owed no more coverage that those other out-of-town teams beyond "...and in the American League, it was Detroit 3 and Baltimore 1..." As to the O's preventing Craig Heist from reporting live at the ballpark, I do agree that it smacks of censorship and that the particular issue is worthy of a story. All I questioned is whether he should be at Camden Yards in the first place because, as I said, the O's are an out-of-town team. As always, Dave, a great site! Sincerely, Joe Kasell (4/11/07)
Every Wednesday is WGTB Day on www.wgay.fm. Airchecks from 1969 - 1979 are webcast. When you get to the site, go to "Listen WGAY Now". Enjoy! -Barlow T. Shagnasty (4/11/07)
Quote: "This is the greatest thing that could have ever happened to Imus AND his career." True. He'll get the 2-week vacation, which he'll need after this week is over, and he'll come back with a tan and a facial. The coverage is such overkill that it's actually aiding him. (4/11/07)
I'm certainly aware that MLB originally signed the ballpark lease that the Naionals inherited when the club was awarded to the Lerners last summer. But, if you'll bother to do some actual research instead of simply stating what you think you know, baseball's anti-trust exemption has no impact on stadium leases. Zero. Unless a lease has a specific escape clause - the Twins' lease on the Metrodome has one, the only current lease MLB with that feature - all of the anti-trust exemptions in the world won't break one. There are no precedents to state. If the club owned the stadium, different story. But in this case, it's ironclad. Speculate all you want to, pal, but they're here for the rest of your life. Again, as the GEICO caveman says, try doing a little research next time. I can suggest some books for you to start with if you'd like. By the way, for what it's worth, the Orioles drew just 18,000 tonight on a decent evening - cool, but not uncomfortably so - when they gave away free Nick Markakis T-shirts (quite nice, actually, a premium quality Gildan shirt) before a game with the defending league champion Tigers. They somehow managed to persuade WHFS to sponsor 13 T-shirt giveaways this year. (4/11/07)
Wow. Riggo on MASN. Love the disembodied voices of Braun and Sheehan. Makes for some compelling viewing with Riggo sitting there taking notes like he's on trial. I wonder if the Triple Z suits will watch the show, realize how LITTLE Riggo a) knows b) talks on the show, and ask themselves: "We are paying HOW much for this washed up Redskin?" But I do love the hypnotic, spiraling oval in the backround. Makes you forget momentarily how much the show sucks. (4/11/07)
Dude I remember the big show of support way back when for Damien. There were hundreds gathered in the shopping center were Joe's Record Paradise use to be. And I saw Root Boy Slim crashed out in the back of a van. Those days are long gone and the spirit of those days tambien. I heard the start of Weasal's show on the Glob yesterday and he and the idiot newsreader were doing 'happy talk" about the Dancing With The Stars show. Made me sad hearing that shit. (4/11/07)
If Chris Rock used the phrase "nappy headed hos" in one of his routines, there would be no problem. Don Imus slips humorously into the patois of the gangsta rapper to comment on the effectiveness and toughness of the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team and says the same thing, suddenly he's the Grand Wizard in A Claven of the Ku Klux Klan. I don't get it. Maybe it's political correctness gone wild. Also, maybe, he's made some enemies along the way and this is how his career ends. A vile institution defended by The Good Book itself, the Economic Foundation of Dixie and a Grand Tradition is so insane that its strange effects ripple through time -- even into the 21st century. (4/11/07)
Hi Dave, Uncle Johnny checking in. Just wanted to pass along that I am now doing mornings at WSIG, Harrsisonburg. I forgot just how beautiful the Shenandoah Valley Is! UJ (4/11/07)
Dave's response: Oh, do I remember! I spent four years at JMU in Harrisonburg.....
/\ April 11 Messages /\
\/ April 10 Messages \/
I was in the studio with Ted the night Dodgers Executive Al Campanis made his comments. Ted tried his best to give Campanis every opportunity to recant his remark, but Al stood by his words. After the show went to black Ted call Campanis on the phone to make sure he knew what he had said and its' implications. The rest was history. Walt in Lewes (4/10/07)
To Rockville's Ron Anderson... the ubiquitous national voice-over artist who paid his dues in DC radio of the '70s/' 80s that I continually hear on network TV is Joe Cipriano. You could listen to his voice at his website www.joecipriano.com to determine if these are the pipes you are thinking of. Cip worked at 93 WKYS-FM for many years and is a sincerely nice guy. See his profile at www.98wrc.com... You might also enjoy his blog at blog.joecipriano.com... (Just STOP looking at his daughter. And YOU, stop looking at his son.) (4/10/07)
WHAT IMUS SAID IS DISGUSTING, BUT WHAT THE HELL DOES AL SHARPTON HAVE TO DO WITH APOLOGIZING TO THE ENTIRE BLACK RACE? WHY SHOULD ANYONE WHO’S SAID SOMETHING WITH RACIAL CONNOTATIONS HAVE TO SHOW CONTRITION TO AL SHARPTON? AL SHARPTON IS AN OLD SCHOOL, OLD GUARD SELF-ANNOINTED BLACK “LEADER”. AL SHARPTON STOOD BY TAWANA BRAWLEY AND THE STRIPPER WHO FALSELY ACCUSED THE DUKE LACROSSE PLAYERS. AL SHARPTON IS EVERY BIT THE RACIST DON IMUS IS AND THEN SOME! BY THE WAY, HAS ANYONE HEARD ANY OF THE “URBAN” STATIONS IN DC DURING MORNING DRIVE? HALF OF THEIR SHOWS ARE RACIAL STEREOTYPES, AND THEY CAN MAKE FUN OF WHITES OR OTHER RACES WITH IMPUNITY. DON IMUS HAS LAID HIS OFFERING AT THE ALTER OF AL SHARPTON AND JESSE JACKSON. HE HAS APOLOGIZED. HE HAS SHOWN CONTRITION, BUT THAT DOESN’T MATTER WHEN THE AL SHARPTON SMELLS BLOOD IN THE WATER. (4/10/07)
Everyone wins in this Imus thing. The Rutgers coach Vivian Stringer basically got a nice recruiting head start with the press conference today. How many high school all american girls hoop players will look into Rutgers now? Lots I bet. Many people who have never heard of Imus will tune in now. Advertisers won't pull their ads and his ratings will increase. Sharpton, Jesse get their mugs in the media again. All this translates to $$$$$. To Imus, the stations that carry his show, advertisers, to Vivian Stringer, everyone wins. All because Don was just being Don. Don't let them get you down I-Man! Also, to Nestor, stop it already. You stunk on Steve Czaban's show this morning. That was pathetic. It was my text that was read on air after your segment. Worst.guest.ever! (4/10/07)
Nice going Dave! "Newsbusters" actually gave you a credit! Something the WaPo would never do. Here's the link: newsbusters.org (4/10/07)
Dave's response: Cool.....
I smell CNN all over this Imus affair. Note their online poll right now. It says "is a two week suspension sufficient for Imus" implying that nothing short of two weeks would do. Any other poll that I have seen gives the option of; 1. nothing wrong, get over it. 2. suspension is fine. 3. he should be fired. (4/10/07)
"There was plenty of juice for the Nationals in 2004 when they occupied first place midway through their inaugural season in DC." Nice point, Mike, Fairfax, but just to clarify things, the Nats' first season in Washington was 2005. The Expos moved to D.C. on Sept. 29, 2004. Also, nothing against Doc Walker -- I enjoyed listening to him do NFL games on Westwood One with the great Harry Kalas -- but isn't it rather sad that he can get radio work in this town and a veteran like Phil Wood is ignored by his home market? -- Vincent in Triangle (4/10/07)
Imus is like the crazy old uncle you see once a year around the holidays that says some kooky shit that you ignore because you figure he is half-in-the-bag, or mentally ill. Dave has it right, no one listens to Imus, and anyone who has listened in the past knows he has said similar or worse things. I don't think anyone would give a damn, but for his statement being aimed at some college athletes who we percieve as innocents and who shouldn't really targets for Imus and his crew's raunchy humor, if you can call it that. In my view, what is more pathetic is the apology parade he is now engaged in, reminds me of the Doug Tracht apologyfest. I guess management and the advertisers tightened the thumbscrews on the cryptkeeper's spindly digits to make him go on this public humiliation tour. This is the most press skeletor has gotten since his lung collapsed. Overall, lets remember Imus is attempting to do a radio show with humor, and while it maybe bad humor, what he said is no worse or better than a ton of similar such statements from both blacks and whites in the name of humor. Personally, I can barely understand the mumbling old fool, the people who have been offended must have hired a linguist to translate his monotone drivel into English. The fact that anyone cares about this guy's random babblings is attributable to a slow news cycle, and a few of the shakedown artists looking for some press. The funniest thing about this whole thing is watching and hearing Imus aplogize every five seconds. Maybe it was part of a masterful PR plan suggested by the puppetmaster Deirdre to get some final notoriety for the old coot before the pacemaker finally rusts to a halt. An Unnamed Poster (4/10/07)
I keep hearing what I think is Bill O'Conner who was a radio dj on an FM music station in Washington during the 70's or 80's Something like WRQX at 106 or 107. Being only a listener, I did not know him. I've heard him on several network promos and various ads. Any comments? Is this correct? Thanks, Ron Anderson, Rockville, MD (4/10/07)
RE: [ " FYI - the lease the Lerners signed on the new DC baseball stadium is very long (30 years) and has no escape clause. End of story. " ]......... FYI, MLB has anti-trust protection and if I'm not mistaken, MLB signed the original deal, not the new owners who inherited it, so they could probably easily bail out and put a 3rd team in New York if MLB wanted it to happen (it's already been discussed in fact and NJ has been lobbying for an MLB team for East Rutherford). Who would stop MLB? If anything, Angelos would be the only thing stopping that because his MASN network would be a complete BUST without the Orioles AND NATIONALS! Comcast could easily shut out MASN from the DC market if it was just Orioles and likely get away with it. Why else do you think Angelos was such a rat bastard during the negotiations to tie both teams fortunes together? He saw the writing on the wall and wanted to have a sizeable inheritance to leave his kids (unlike previous Redskins owners, hehe). (4/10/07)
In all the hot air surrounding the Imus flap—and, yes, it does relate to DC’s own episode with Grease—I’ve been surprised that not one radio pro has come forth in Don’s defense to point out how incredibly difficult it is to walk the verbal tightrope that Imus, Nino, and a handful of others like them do, on a daily basis. The task is to be funny, provocative, interesting & compelling enough to captivate and retain large radio audiences by sitting in front of an “open mike” for about 20 hours a week—without the crutches of 15/30/50 minutes an hour of music to fill the time. For most people, 20 hours is half their work-week. Put an “open mike” on the average doctor, lawyer, mechanic, accountant, or U.S. Senator for half of their work-week and see if they don’t provide us all with a few racist, inappropriate, or slanderous remarks over a few decades. Imus has fallen off the tightrope a couple times in 35+ years; Grease took a couple of world-famous plunges in about 30 years on-air. Try it yourself at home. Just make sure you have apologies ready. (4/10/07)
Al Campanis might have trouble going to the local multiplex, being deceased and all. Everett W. (4/10/07)
Dave's response: I knew when I wrote that response that someone would write in and say he was dead. What a knucklehead am I.....
Masn and Danny boy, can't do a thing right. The audio and tv, on the John Riggins Show, are not in sync. (4/10/07)
Dave's response: Just checked at 5:30. Yes, definitely out of sync.....
Dave, The issue of not being able to udpates from the ball park has been resolved and was after the game was over yesterday. Thanks, Craig Heist (4/10/07)
Did I miss the memo? When was Al Sharpton designated King of Black People? Big Al is nothing more than a thug dressed up. Outside of Rutger's, does anyone really give a shit what Imus said? Americans have a short attention span and like to get all ''angry'' at ''remarks'' because it just seems the fashionable thing to do. This is the greatest thing that could have ever happened to Imus AND his career. Paul (4/10/07)
“Did anyone else read the headline "Shootout At Strip Club Favored By HFSers" as stating that people associated with WHFS would be in favor of a shootout at a strip club over another location?”…. LOL, I thought it was just me! (4/10/07)
"WTOP is smart to carry the Orioles...they are just waiting for the eventual day when Washington loses its third baseball team due to fan apathy and lack of support." If memory serves, WTOP stopped carrying Oriole games six or seven years ago. There was plenty of juice for the Nationals in 2004 when they occupied first place midway through their inaugural season in DC. Now they're 1-6 and predicted by some baseball experts to set records for futility, making it a bit difficult to sustain the enthusiasm. But the novelty of a new ballpark will definitely jack up attendance figures next season and there's little doubt in my mind that the Washington area will really get on board for the Nats once they start winning consistently. With Doc Walker getting his own program on WTEM, you wonder whether the station will name someone to replace him as a sidekick on the John Thompson show. Brian Mitchell's known for his no holds barred critiques of the Redskins on several local media outlets - somehow, I can't envision him joining Triple X and becoming a house man for Dan Snyder's team. Mike, Fairfax (4/10/07)
Now that Imus has shown his true "colors", it made me think of the comments made years ago by former Dodgers Executive Al Campanis to Ted Koppel (I think on "NightLine") on why you never see any black swimmers. Anyone remember that? Rusty Gibson (4/10/07)
Dave's response: Perhaps Campanis should head down to his local multiplex to catch "Pride".....
Wow, could anything be more horrifying than adding the Rick “Schlock” Walker show to a station that already devotes a show to Brian Mitchell’s rambling and sputtering every day? Hey, let’s play Rick “Schlock” Walker bingo! “That was a manhood check.” “Bring it strong to the mike.” “Burgundy-and-gold pride.” “Between the lines.” “You didn’t play, so you don’t understand.” BINGO! It’ll be count-the-cliches EACH AND EVERY DAY with Rick Walker! An awful analyst, an awful sidekick for John “The Big Mumbler” Thompson, and now, solo in his awfulness, each and every weekday! Is there ANY other local market in the country where no old football player is EVER unemployed? Sincerely, TMU (4/10/07)
Total message board nonsense. Fact is, the Balamer Orioles are more likely to leave Balamer than the Nats are DC. On another subject, saw some of Mike and the MadDog on the YES network. As one would expect, they were relatively supportive of Imus, although making clear that they thought the remark was way out of bounds and that some of "I'm a good person" defense was irrelevant and ineffective. But they absolutely excoriated Sharpton and the Rutgers Athletic Director called in and said that no one associated with Rutgers had asked Sharpton to be a spokesperson on this issue. (4/10/07)
FYI - the lease the Lerners signed on the new DC baseball stadium is very long (30 years) and has no escape clause. End of story. We won't live long enough to see this team lkeave town. Besides, when they're winning by 2010, the issue of them ever leaving town will be a moot point. Unless you believe there's something in the water that makes teams lose in DC, you obviously don't possess the perspective to make that pronouncement. (4/10/07)
Love that picture of Market Manager Bob “Jumbo” Philips standing in front of CBS Radio Baltimore’s plant. Put him into a guard uniform and he'd be dead ringer for one those stereotypical Bubbas from one of those old and cheap “B” prison movies. Come to think of it...that building has distinct penitentiary parallels like 1) a ruthless and heartless warden (Philips), prisoners desperately trying to escape (99% of the staff) and a spineless prison padre who obediently walks doomed inmates down their last mile (Deacon Dave LaBrozzi). (4/10/07)
Say goodbye to the Discovery Channel Store at your local mall. And oh yeah, at least 200 jobs in the area.... www.nbc4.com (4/10/07)
"Janice killed that nasty guy in her mother Liv's house." That would be Richie Aprile. (4/10/07)
Dave's response: That's right. Ralphy lost his head in the bathtub. I think.....
East Side Dave, from ron and fez proposed to his gal (casey elan) from paltalk today. She accepted. Congrats (4/10/07)
Today, Rush was doing his best act to paint Imus as a racist, and he very well might be. However, anyone notice how Rush didn't do his trademark "Jesseeeee Jacccckksonnnnnn" put down? I guess the bloated Oxy hippo crit is on his best racial behavior in light of the I-Man's transgression! I seem to recall a few recent "negro" parodies on Rush's show, which didn't get played today. -Oliver (4/10/07)
I guess times have changed. In the late 1980's, thousands of people signed petitions or wrote letters to WHFS demanding that Damian be returned to the air, including a group called “Friends of Damian Einstein,” whose members included Little Feat, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Nils Lofgrin and Bonnie Raitt. Now no one will even respond to an inquiry as to why he is no longer on WRNR. I guess all the old timers like me who reveled in the old glory days of HFS (and by extension, listening to Damian) have either moved away, are too wrapped up in family life, or are too dead to give a hoot. Local radio has lost its soul and its savior, and no body cares. (4/10/07)
Nestor could have just linked to his own blog on his own website instead of wasting your space here. The Sun, a paper hardly in bed with Peter Angelos, pretty much disspelled most of Nestor's original claims yesterday. I'm much more concerned that the team and CBS radio might be locking out legitimate journalists like Craig Heist than a shameless poseur like Mr. Aparicio. Howie (4/10/07)
Come on, Nestor. Everyone knew Casey was going to be in the box and just fine, and of course he was, and he gets his full season credential today, like a number of people in the media. Your morning guy Drew finally showed up at the park yesterday, but wearing his Orioles jersey of course. Real class move by a media guy. Of course he was also no where to be found post-game. And it's rich that you're criticizing anyone, ANYONE, for being a homer. In my opinion you've got a great station, but all of that appears to be in spite of your act, which in this case is old and unwarranted. Meanwhile Craig Heist can still do updates on ESPN and XM Radio. Those are considered MLB rights holders. The current radio policy for local radio is beyond stupid, and nothing short of the continued brilliance of CBS Radio in Baltimore. That'll likely change eventually once they realize that sometimes, a listener may hear an update from the game and decide they want to tune in to that station rather than wait another half hour for another update. (4/10/07)
RE: [ " FYI, the NFL will announce it's complete regular season schedule sometime tomorrow, reports redskins.com. I predict... " ]... another last place losing Redskins season. Suck it up Washington. 2 losing teams, 2 for 2. At least we have the Ravens and have somehow figured out how to ignore Angelos for the sake of our sanity and enjoy the gorgeous ballpark ambiance and fantastic crabcakes! Signed ----- With love (we're laughing with you, not at you), ------ Baltimore (4/10/07)
Dave's response: Well, Washington does also have professional hockey and basketball teams. And Baltimore doesn't.....
("Dave's response: Tony's sister Janice reminds me a lot of my own sister. Although, I've never knocked off any of my sister's various boyfriends/husbands.....") I can't help but notice you don't mention that Janice knocked off one of her own boyfriends all by herself, though Tony did dispose of the body. (4/10/07)
Dave's response: Yeah! Janice killed that nasty guy in her mother Liv's house. Riiiiiight.....
FYI, the NFL will announce it's complete regular season schedule sometime tomorrow, reports redskins.com. I predict one nationally televised game on Sunday night for the skins, probably against the cowgirls. Denesh (4/10/07)
Will Don Geronimo be losing his job due to the fact that he has allowed Tom Gavin to spew racist comments about Robert the mail man? I think Al Sharpton will be pursuing this man with a real fury. Watch out Geronimo, your next. Thanks, Darnell (4/10/07)
Time for congress to look into baseball's monopoly? A stupid and childish Angelos can ruin it for all.... (4/10/07)
F*ck angelos and the orioles… heist has been doing that for years and they also want to crackdown on WNST … why?? Because NST has the balls to stand up to that piece of shit peter angelos and his 9 straight losing season garbage baseball team? If any of you fans have the sack, stay away from the yard and MASN because you’re only supporting this jerk by attending/watching. ---- Jim (4/10/07)
Will the two week Imus suspension end up being permanent? JOHN IN STAFFORD (4/10/07)
If Doc Walker gets his own radio show, then what happens to the Brian Mitchell show? It's a shame what's happening to his show. First he moves from 12-3 to 10 to 1, barely allowing any chance of gaining listeners, and now this. It wouldn't be a bad idea in my opinion for him to jump ship to Triple X and become their morning man (I could go with out Mike and Mike). He's smart, witty and says whatever is on his mind. Denesh (4/10/07)
Dave's response: I hear everyone on WTEM afternoons is getting pushed an hour later.....
With probably 75% of the people in the DCRTV mailbag being from the DC area, it's amazing to me that there are more people griping about MASN's lack of HDTV, Angelos, and various Orioles insults than there are actual Nats fans in the stands! Geez, BOTH Florida teams have better attendance and those teams on on life support! Meanwhile, The O's just had their 2nd largest opening day crowd ever at Camden Yards! HAha! :-) (4/10/07)
you go nestor! (4/10/07)
To group as a whole a specific bunch of college students and star athletes as "ho's" was demeaning, degrading, and racially infuriating. Did Imus ever play on a champion sports team? Would Imus refer to a women's championship college lacrosse team of mostly white young women as "ho's?" I doubt it. Imus has had a history of disparaging successful Black women. From calling then NBC White House correspondent Gwen Ifill, "the cleaning lady," to vulgar comments about Venus and Serena Williams, Imus can not say with feeling that he hasn't enjoyed this type of contemptible abuse towards women of a specific race. (4/10/07)
Dave's response: Putting the racial stuff aside, merely calling a bunch of female college athletes "ho's" is mean and stupid. Imus richly deserves all the criticism and suspensions that he receives. And then some.....
Did anyone else read the headline "Shootout At Strip Club Favored By HFSers" as stating that people associated with WHFS would be in favor of a shootout at a strip club over another location? Clearly not the intent of the newsblurb when you read the entire thing, however. (4/10/07)
If Imus is done - we're all done stick a fork in all of us - and put grease back on a "Hot" mic with a stick so he can make a living doing his schtick - Rev. Sharptounge and Rev. Jackstone should be fired, oh that's right, they don't have a J.O.B. they have a position. What a bunch on crap - Peace (4/10/07)
The crazy part about the Imus flap, the Greaseman flap, the Stern flap (and the rest of these guys who talk before thinking) is that the number of people who actually heard their unwise remarks "live" are much lower than those who hear about them through the media coverage that follows. In fact, I never actually heard any of the controversial comments these guys uttered. I heard ABOUT them through the media coverage that followed. And you know what? The comments shocked me which is exactly what these guys are paid to do. People who listen to "shock radio" do so knowing full well something inappropriate is going to be said at any given time. That is their shtick. I find the media coverage, grandstanding and morality speeches offensive in their own right, but clearly not on the same level. Do I agree with the comments and antics from Shock Jocks? Not always. Were Imus' comments gross and ignorant? Absolutely. But I know I can always change my dial and find something else less offensive to listen too. And I do. Should Imus be fired? Yes. I admit I've never been a fan of his. The fact is that Imus' time passed way before this incident. The best thing he could do is get out of radio, start writing books and continue the good-will his ranch provides. Jack in Bethesda (4/10/07)
NESTOR = N o Talent... E gotistical... S elf Promoter... T iresome... O bstinate... R ambling... ANGELOS = A ngry... N ickel and Dimer... G ruff... E gotistical... L osing Team... O bstinate... S hort... It might be time for both of them to go away! (4/10/07)
After reading one of the posts, I went to deadoralive.com to do some checking. According to the web sight, Margaret Thatcher is not dead. I don't think she could be spinning in her grave. JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (4/10/07)
A poster below predicts that the Nats will be the third D.C. basball team to eventually leave the area due to lack of fan support. What kind of blow would it be to D.C. after going to the trouble and expense of building them a brand new stadium? What happens to RFK when they move to the new stadium? JOHN IN STAFFORD (4/10/07)
Angelos? He should fire himself. Let's see here: O's baseball. A public event in front of the public. In a stadium paid for by Maryland taxpayers and Angeles does not allow the media to cover this activity? What the heck is in his juice? Get oughta' here Angelos. You are way over the top. I know the policy is now loosened but to even think of doing this is absolutely wrong. Personally, I shall not ever go to see the Orioles play again. Angelos does not need nor will he receive any of my money. Bye, bye! (4/10/07)
So who is it gonna be next week? Or next year? Scott Garceau? Peter Schmuck? Steve Davis? Who's next? So it seems, these days only Fred Manfra, Jim Hunter and Tom Davis -- those bastions of journalistic integrity and fellow MASN employees -- are safe. Maybe that's the question the rest of the local and national media should be asking. Who's next? Who will be the next person to show up at a sporting event -- after spending nearly a quarter of a century in press boxes all around the continent in virtually every sport imaginable, it's all I've ever done to feed my family since 1984 -- only to be turned away by management for being too critical of the team? Having been an accredited media member for the totality of my career, I have never heard of such a thing, nor has anyone in my industry, until yesterday when I was denied entrance to Camden Yards. To have some young PR flunky in a tie meet me at the front door and say: "No thanks, the owner is not only not taking questions from the fans or the media, but he is now no longer making his team available to you, so you can't won't be able to ask THEM or the coaches any more questions either!" But that's not gonna be a big problem for most members of my chosen profession, who when they really put their heads on the pillow at night, have to really, deep down in their souls, question the nonsense they say and the truths that they protect to keep their jobs. That's what it's come down to for so many people you see on TV and hear on the radio. They are being systematically told what side of the fence they will be on by the business deal their bosses strike. If you work at WJZ, WJFK, WHFS or anywhere in the CBS family, you must preach that the Orioles walk on water and your work on the air must reflect that in every reference. If you work anywhere else, you get to mumble under your breath about how bad the Orioles are at just about everything they do, but as long as their ads appear on your station sales log or in your newspaper, your criticism will be faint and your praise will be convincing. I know nearly all of these people -- the Baltimore media -- some better than others. And, some care for me, some don't. I get that I'm not going to be the "belle of the ball" in that circle of people, partially because I compete with them for news, information and a piece of a financial pie, but mostly because I have been critical of them at some point. So, I'm honestly not expecting much of anybody to run to my defense over having my press credentials stripped after 23 years. Well, today is the day I boil over, because every single one of them KNOWS I'm right on this issue. Even the ones who hate me know I'm right because freedom of speech is ALWAYS right. Being from Dundalk, my "b.s." barometer has a keen sense of smell. And it's almost comical to me that anyone would ever consider listening to some of our "competitors" who portend their integrity, especially in light of their dalliances with Angelos and the Orioles. Let's take them one at a time. CBS and Infinity.and whatever they're calling whatever FM signal they have this week.Jack.Jill.Anita? Who knows? Last year they brought in a woman from Miami who is famous for playing football and posing naked in magazines. She seems like a nice lady. They call her a sports talk show host, but she almost never takes a call, knows very little about sports if you're measuring her against anyone who really does, and always has a trusty "sidekick" lined up to help her limp through the hours. Watching her with Kirk McEwen last week had virtually every employee at my radio station glued to MASN. We saw the train was about to wreck and we were taking bets via text to see where on the track it would make impact! Ms. Marks' boss, Bob Phillips, thinks people want to listen to this. Peter Angelos, or maybe it's John Angelos, (since apparently he's running MASN as well as the Orioles media relations department) think people want to watch it -- followed by Hawaiian League Baseball and painful highlights of Orioles games that mattered from long before they systematically destroyed the franchise over the last decade. Speaking of CBS Radio, how about my man Damon Yaffe -- a guy who hates me for some reason, but I barely even know him -- who happens to be a real Baltimorean. So, like me, he RAILED and I mean RAILED against Peter Angelos until two things happened. 1. I led the walkout in September. He couldn't stand that -- probably because it was my idea -- although much of what he's said about Peter Angelos has been far more severe than anything I've said lately. But for the record, he was right, too! 2. His boss, again, a guy named Bob Philips, went to lunch and decided to do business with Mr. Angelos. And we all know what doing business with Peter means: he runs the show! Alas, the Bulldog was muzzled. And that's as wrong as telling me I'm not allowed to ask questions to baseball players after spending my entire professional life building a reputation and relationships and a radio station to do so. Funny, too, how cozy everyone up on TV Hill at Ch. 13 have gotten with the Orioles now that they're all hoping to print money together. Don and Marty have started bleeding orange and black in the morning. All day long, every newscast -- it's happy, happy, joy, joy about the baseball team and MASN. Look everybody's gotta turn a buck, but geez, can't we find a shred of honesty and/or journalistic integrity anywhere about what's happened to the franchise on the field and off, and the resulting effect on the downtown marketplace and the reality of whose fault it is? Yeah, it was all wine and roses at 3 p.m. yesterday, but honestly, do you have any idea how empty that ballpark is going to be this week? When WJZ had an "exclusive" interview with Angelos last year, some of the questions Denise Koch asked were almost laughable. But it was just another example of what we've come to expect from the new-millenium Orioles. But that's the only way you get to ask the owner (or similarly now, the entire organization) any questions: if Angelos can make money on the deal while he writes the script with the questions. He is literally trying to own all coverage of the Orioles and make his spin the "only" spin. Just yesterday, he ostensibly told me to watch the game on MASN and whatever they said is what I should believe about what's going on with the Orioles. What's really comical and transparent is watching WBAL Radio squirm and whine over receiving the same shoddy treatment I've been receiving for years. Steve Davis is livid all of a sudden about the Orioles. They are the same team and organization that he was paid and encouraged to defend the past few summers. I find it rich with irony that the nanosecond that WBAL stopped making any money off of the Orioles, they quickly became insolent about the franchise's behavior, but when it served their purpose, every horrible thing they've done since firing Jon Miller was always given a solid and convincing defense. How about last September's "Free The Birds" rally that blared on their airwaves for a solid hour without ever garnering a mention on their airwaves? Where's the truth in journalism there? The real lamb in this fight, believe it or not, is the biggest company -- Comcast and their Sports Net. Their employees were given a folding chair in the back of the press box yesterday, and were initially denied clubhouse access. Comcast Sports Net marched in line as a pretty decent "partner" with Angelos until they didn't serve his purpose anymore and he smelled more money via the Washington Nationals. He threw Comcast and the Nats and their fans under the bus, stirred up a ridiculous lawsuit, parted ways in a nasty spat and STILL got $650 million thrown in on the way out of the deal. Comcast has passed that bill on to me. So, we, the customers are stuck with lo-def baseball (the Orioles are the only team on the planet whose games aren't in HD) and people over at MASN with a vendetta for everything Comcast, weakening their coverage. The Orioles are forever preaching a "new season." Yesterday they got one. I wanted to come back into the ballpark, attempt to "reconnect" with the Orioles, hang out on Opening Day and maybe ask Sam Perlozzo a few questions in the post-game interview room -- like I've done a dozen times before. This column should have been about a big win at home and my memories of how great Opening Day always was the first 30 years of my life -- a rite passage for my Pop and me. Not only was I denied access, but the Orioles media relations department STILL hasn't sent me ANY official word about our season credentials -- nothing! As I write this, I still have NO IDEA which of my guys are in and which ones aren't. They contacted Casey Willett via cellphone at 8:45 a.m. yesterday to tell him he had credentials.he believed ALL MORNING that he WASN'T going to the game! We had no confirmation of anything from anybody and still don't. Well, the season is a day old and I'm locked out of the ballpark and my attorneys will be left to piece that puzzle together this morning. I can honestly see that nothing much besides the "bring your food and drink to the park policy" has changed in the three years since I've been gone. The Orioles, alas, are still as bush league as they've ever been. So who will be the next reporter banned from the ballpark? If I'm gone for good, it's not a matter of "if," it's just a matter of "when." Because if after 23 years of being a media member they could do it to me -- and they did yesterday -- then it can happen to anyone. I sure hope all of my colleagues stay in line, roll me under the bus and make Peter happy. Making Peter happy saves jobs and credential privileges. I wouldn't want them to lose their jobs by telling the truth. Luckily for me, I own the joint. I'm not going anywhere. And I'll just keep telling the truth. - Nestor Aparicio, WNST (4/10/07)
Dave, who would you bet on in a fight between C. Montgomery Burns and Don Anus? (4/10/07)
Regarding the WAVA tower removal near the intersection of N George Mason Drive and Lee Hwy in Arlington VA. Other area broadcasters that share that tower will be impacted. Wonder where they all will go?? (4/10/07)CBS radio says it won't carry "Imus in the Morning" for 2 weeks? When they're contractually obligated to provide him to several dozen affiliates coast to coast? Why couldn't an affiliate sue for breach of contract? (4/10/07)
"Sopranos are back. Don and Mike are back. All is well with the world." Two
shows about disgustingly fat has beens who take way too much time between
shows and that should have been cancelled years ago. Good comparison. (4/10/07)Dave's response: Tony's sister Janice reminds me a lot of my own sister. Although, I've never knocked off any of my sister's various boyfriends/husbands.....
WTOP is smart to carry the Orioles...they are just waiting for the eventual day when Washington loses its third baseball team due to fan apathy and lack of support. Go Senators....uh....Go Twins...uh....Go Rangers....uh Go Nats! (4/10/07)
Hahaha... Dave, remember when 66-AM "W-ENNNnnn-B-C" ran that TV campaign for Imus back in the 70s; the one with the montage of New Yorkers asking the camera, "Did you hear what he said this morning?" Man, that'd be fun to see again on YouTube. (4/10/07)
Dave's response: I have "Private Parts" on DVD. Time for a re-watch.....
"WTOP should just forget about the Orioles. Sincerely, Joe Kasell" Joe. your Dad would and should paddle your behind for that view. This new Orioles policy targets just one class of Journalists. Not print, wire service, TV or cable Journalists, just RADIO Journalists. It is censorship. (4/10/07)
Dave's response: When the plug finally gets pulled on Washington Post Radio, WTOP ought to take 1500 AM and make it the all-newser's "Baltimore edition." With its 50,000-watt city-grade signal in Charm City and some marketing, 1500 would be a "top five" station in the Baltimore market. Easily. Baltimore needs an all-newser (and a Hot 99.5-like contemporary hit outlet, and a fulltime alt rocker, and an AM Spanish station, oh nevermind).....
Two comments. Imus will not be fired because he makes a wounded company to much money. He is a shock jock who gets paid to shock. Sharpton and Jackson get paid to grandstand. Let the games begin. Both sides make me sick. On another note, when Snyder and his merry band of henchmen see what Radio One paid for 104 they are going to look pretty foolish. Not that there is anything wrong with that! (4/10/07)
In response to the Imus and Sharpton stuff. Imus made a bad taste comment, that was not as racist as stuff that I hear on the streets. The previous posters have hit the nail on the head, until the rap culture is cleaned up and the "minority" cleans up their language, why should everyone else have to loose their job. The average public can care less about what Imus said. He is the host of a morning show, he is a shock jock. This is what he does for a living. It takes the few fanatics to blow their whistle and put a halt to everything...while blacks are calling their girlfriends "hos" and "bitches." I don't understand this. Also, blacks slam whites with racial remarks as well, and nothing can be done about that. It is a double standard, and the minority groups keep screaming that they are treated different. I wonder why, because those groups separate themselves. They are not the only group that gets disrespected. Yet, people are afraid to confront a minority in fear of loosing their job. What the hell happened to equality that Dr. King preached about. It seems that we have taken a step forward, but three steps back. It was a foot in mouth moment, it was in bad taste. He should be suspended. In 2 weeks, it will be history, let it go and focus on more important issues, such as inner city crime, education and family counseling for broken homes that are effected by crimes. (4/10/07)
Normally, I tend to keep quiet about issues other than music on DCRTV, but I have to agree with the person who posted about rap/hip hop music. My son is a fan of Hip Hop Nation on Sirius and while listening with him in the car, every song had the "N" word, the "F" word and songs about treating women as nothing but sexual conquests. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton need to look in their own backyard and address these issues. Where are the black women leaders and why are they always in the backgroud? I try to respect my son's taste in music, but I began a discussion with him right there in the car about ONE of the reasons why racism is still prevalent in our society. Personally, both Reverend Jackson and Sharpton need to demand apologies from members of this industry. As a broadcaster, listener and mother, I abhor racism in any shape or form and Don Imus was clearly wrong. However, he publicly apologized and even our God Lord will forgive if one is sincere of heart. Blessings and especially today, I remain Sister Joyce (Conroy). (4/10/07)
A while back, Imus called Tucker Carlson as "a bowtie-wearing pussy". So, the I-Man DOES get one right every now and then! (4/10/07)
Dom Anus looks like a little old lady with her cowboy hat on and currly white hairs sticking out. If you just watch with the sound turned down she could be someones grouchy grandmother.... (4/10/07)
A previous poster is right in that a change to the WAVA tower is “old news.” WAVA wants to erect a standalone tower, such as WETA has near by, and dismantle the old guy wire tower that has been on Lee Highway for some 25-30 years. There are NIMBY concerns by some of the local residents, however, and the Arlington County board, as far as I know, hasn’t acted on the change in towers as yet. (4/10/07)
www.wusa9.com... Robert Horan has put more criminals behind bars than anyone else in Virginia, criminals like Mir Amal Kasi who committed the CIA shootings in 1993. Horan won a death penalty conviction against Kasi. More recently, Horan won a conviction and life sentence against sniper Lee Boyd Malvo who, with John Mohammed, terrorized the Washington area in 2002. But now, for the first time, the 74 year old, who is the longest serving prosecutor in Virginia, is considering retiring. The news has surprised friends, family members and co workers. (4/10/07)
Dave's response: Good.....
Sharpton needs to shut his damn mouth. I'm so tired of hearing him or jesse jackson step up when blacks are "disrespected" by a white person, but black people disrepect themselves everyday calling each other the N word, or referrring to women as bitches and ho's in rap songs and such. It's a total joke, I don't agree with what Imus said, I've never even listened to the guy's show, but come on, anytime a white person does or says anything against a minority he has to lose his job, total hipocrisy in this country. Hey sharpton, get your own people talking correctly before you want a man to lose his job !!! (4/10/07)
Hey I thought I heard 950 AM back on the air this afternoon and they were playing "Love Goes were....Ka-Blooey.....snip,snip (4/10/07)
Sandra Shaw, morning news anchor at WPMI in Mobile, joins WBAL next week as one of their morning/noon weather people. Notice I didn't say meterologist because she has no seal and little weather experience other than fill-in stuff on the morning and noon newscasts. Check out her video farewell on WPMI's morning show for proof. What's happening to this business?! www.nbc15online.com (4/10/07)
The passing of Johnny Hart takes me back some nearly 35 years when I met Brant Parker. A friend of mine in high school had a part time job with Mr. Parker and invited me along to meet him. I must admit I was skeptical, after all Mr. Parker's office was in the attic of what is now the Boot Store almost next to the Breezeway Inn(semi-legendary for early evening get togethers by the don and mike) on what is now called fairfax blvd. in toothless fairfax. Why would the co-creator of The Wizard of Id have an office in an old converted house I thought. Well Mr. Parker did not suffer this fool gladly. I got the f