Now, It All Makes Sense
by Brian Maloney, July 2nd, 2007 at 12:29pm
Updated Below
After just a brief time out, is Don Imus returning to New York’s WFAN-AM?
A report in today’s New York Post that followed on-air hints at WFAN itself has the Big Apple buzzing.
And it certainly answers a lot of questions regarding WTKK’s recent moves in Boston.
No wonder WTKK hasn’t tried out a number of potential morning hosts, they’re simply waiting for the I-Man’s radio return. It also explains why Mike Barnicle dropped out of the “running” for this non-opening. Obviously, he knew something we didn’t.
Of course, the problem is that Imus is yesterday’s news, with little to offer a forward-thinking FM talk station. With his own advancing age and limited appeal to the very audience it needs to dominate the market, it would represent a huge setback for WTKK.
At the same time, it’s clear WTKK never got over Imus, so returning him to the slot is most likely a done deal. But bringing him back only amplifies what has long been the station’s biggest flaw: the lack of a strong local morning show.
UPDATE: Boston Radio Watch believes Joe Scarborough is the more logical choice for WTKK. Logic? What does that have to do with local talk radio?
The more fundamental issue is this: WTKK would benefit from having a strong local morning show, but probably won’t go that direction. Imus, Scarborough and other syndicated hosts (except for the most successful ones such as Rush) are offered on a barter basis, meaning the station doesn’t have to shell out any money.
Entry Filed under: General
3 Comments
1. brassband | July 3rd, 2007 at 8:46 am
Scarborough is HORRIBLE. His show is unwatchable/unlistenable.
They should try Michael Graham/Jimmy Myers together — I think that would be entertaining.
2. The Real Not an RKO Employee | July 3rd, 2007 at 11:20 am
Julie and Jason deny these scurrilous rumors, even though they have nothing to do with it.
3. DCL | July 3rd, 2007 at 12:59 pm
At this point, I would welcome Imus’s return. Boston morning drive is the worst I can ever remember. Michael Graham is tedious — he makes Todd Feinburg seem interesting. Dennis without Callahan is unlistenable, especially with the guests. Before switching to my iPod, I breifly heard this morning’s guest host, who sounded qualified to host his own show on NPR. As for Finneran, he doesn’t even deserve to be mentioned in the same paragraph as legitimate radio people like Imus, Graham, Feiburg, and Callahan.