Don Imus' 19th annual radiothon will be held Thursday and Friday, now on WABC rather than WFAN. Here is the info if you are interested in contributing.
At the prodding of a loyal reader, I asked WFAN operations manager Mark Chernoff whether the station or its personalities would have any formal role in helping the radiothon, given the 18-year history of the station carrying the event, or whether such participation/contributions would strictly be a personal matter.
Chernoff said it would be a personal matter. But I'm guessing some of Imus' old friends at WFAN will pitch in financially for what remains as worthy a cause as ever.
I hope so, anyway.
Comments (10)
Neil,
To this point, the only person from the old show who is not on the new show to come on is Bill from White Plains, aka Mike Breen. No one else, like Sid Rosenberg, Mike Francesa, Chris Russo, Chris Carlin, etc., have been on with him yet. This would be a good opportunity for Imus to break that streak. Imus always says Francesa is too busy to appear. Sid hasn't spoken with Imus in months (I know this for certain). As for the rest, I'm not sure. But given that Mike, Chris and Deirdre did the last day of the radiothon without Don last year, it would be a nice way for him to "reconcile" with the old guard, if such a chance remains.
Hope it happens.
Kevin
Kevin: Sid is broadcasting in Miami the same time Imus is on the air. Carlin, I guess, also is broadcasting at that time and works for a competiting radio station. The rest work for the same competitng radio station and network and would need permission from somone very high up in the world to even try that stunt. Breen doesn't work in radio anymore he can do what he pleases with anyone he chooses to do it with. Imus no longer has power, you will have to learn this, he's barely hanging on in the biz by a thread.
here we go again,gasbags on parade.
Sandy,
I don't think it's as complex as it might seem.
There have been plenty of MSNBC people who have been on Imus' show, including Patrick Buchanan, Col. Jack Jacobs, Monica Crowley to name a few.
And look at Mark Chernoff's comments: It's a personal matter. That leads me to believe it's up to the individuals, not the station's management.
As for Sid, I am well aware of his commitments in Florida. That doesn't explain why Imus and he haven't spoken in a long time. During the entire ordeal, Sid stood behind Imus the entire time from Miami. In fact, he did so vociferously. My concern, and I'll admit it's personal, is whether there is a chance two good friends can find a way to reconcile. The radiothon would be a great starter ... and even though they're both on the radio at the same time, that doesn't make it impossible for the two to link up somehow.
As for Imus hanging on by a thread, I don't think his billing numbers -- and his overall ratings -- indicate that. Yes, he did very poorly in the coveted 25-54 range, but he did not bomb out overall. In fact, he did well in his target audience, 35-64.
Finally, let's see how he does with the PPMs next cycle. According to Phil Boyce, he's already, in trial stages, outrating Boomer and Carton in the 25-54 range.
I've v much enjoyed the "new" Imus. Less sophomoric nonsense and much more substance.
Baldie and Boring in the Morning, despite the rampant egoism, lack of professionalism, racism, sexism, and hatred of middle-class, are doomed at Mark TurnOff's station, the FAN.
Then again, that's probably why they were hired.
Bravo Imus!
Does anyone know if Mike/dog mentioned the radioathon?
How can WFAN just blow off the radioathon. They did it for years and years. Disgusting.
Thank you Neil for mentioning Imus' Radiothon in your blog. You didn't have to because it has nothing to do with sports.
It is appreciated and it is great whenever we can come together to help our children.
You have a great heart Neil!
Thank you again and take care,
Real Deal Neil, its a great question. Did Mike and the Dog give out radioathon number. I would hope they did.
Kevin,
Breen, in the guise of "Bill From White Plains" has been on the program, twice. Larry Kenney, after 12/3, has not been seen since and is hurt over the canning. Sid may still be a loose cannon in Imus' eyes and not worth appearing on the program.
My. 02