Let’s Hope Joe’s A No Go
by Brian Maloney, July 3rd, 2007 at 05:08pm
Based on the Boston-area media buzz, including from our own readers, it appears most believe Joe Scarborough will fill WTKK-FM’s post-Imus morning void.
The speculation is largely fueled by newspaper reports indicating Scarborough’s deal to take over MSNBC’s morning show is just about complete. In addition, a radio simulcast syndicated by CBS also seems likely.
But other reports also have Imus resurfacing at WFAN, which would make him once again available for WTKK and other stations to grab.
While my contention has been that WTKK still has a great love for Imus, others believe the station will start fresh and go with “Morning Joe”.
Though neither host would be a smart choice for WTKK, the case against Scarborough is actually quite a bit stronger. Consider these points:
– Though most have forgotten this, Joe has already failed miserably in radio syndication, just two short years ago.
– Scarborough is not a seasoned radio broadcaster ready for morning drive. For all of his huge flaws, Imus at least has a feel for the medium.
– Joe’s MSNBC ratings have been particularly lackluster, with no real constituency feeling loyal to his program. Conservatives dislike him, while liberals pretty much ignore him. Neither camp spends much time listening.
– Scarborough has a creepy side, one which has become increasingly apparent in recent times. His degrading comments about Jeri Thompson were only the tip of the iceberg and his outbursts (particularly against women) have provided a lot of fodder for the Radio Equalizer.
– In addition, Joe has in the past stepped way over the ethical line on his show, with past ties to fishy Air America Radio backer / infamous Florida trial lawyer Mike Papantonio causing problems.
– He also has a history of shoddy prep work causing on-air embarrassment, including the now-infamous Arnold Schwarzenegger/”blow up the moon” flap, for which he resisted issuing an apology. My Radio Equalizer post on the subject remains one of the site’s most popular since its inception.
– Because he really isn’t terribly bright, Scarborough has often relied on overly simplistic topics and positions. His widely-criticized “Is Bush Stupid?” episode comes to mind.
– Scarborough has a dreadful, Larry King-approach to dealing with many of his guests, especially political and entertainment industry figures who could use a tough question or two. Even worse, he has allowed Al Franken and others to push crazy conspiracy theories without much of a challenge.
Scarborough has so much baggage that I’m probably forgetting a number of his past flaps. To sum it up, Joe brings creepiness, unethical behavior, mean-spirited comments against people who don’t deserve them, shoddy prep work and a poor ratings track record to talk radio.
Sound good to you?
Though I’ve said WTKK would be far better off developing a hit local morning show, if forced to choose, I’d select Imus in a heartbeat over “Morning Joe”. Despite the mumbling, advancing age and general weirdness, he at least has some sense of how to host a program, unlike Scarborough.
But that sure isn’t much of a choice, is it?
Entry Filed under: General
11 Comments
1. Freddy Fulton | July 4th, 2007 at 8:00 am
Perhaps the Scarborough/Papantonio relationship might be placed in perspective by this fact. When Scarborough resigned from Congress, he went to work for the Levin/Papantonio law firm, presumably to provide a path for the highly liberal law firm to establish ties in DC .
2. Bruce | July 4th, 2007 at 9:02 am
I am not from the Boston area but with that said “MORNING JOKE” is not going to make it on MSNBC or RADIO at all.
IMUS would beat the liberals into the ground whenever he had a discussion with them no matter if they were friends or just guests. Morning Joe does not have the charisma to challenge anyone on any subject.
Good Luck Boston. Let us hope the rumors are true and the “REAL” Don Imus returns along with Bernie.
3. DCL | July 4th, 2007 at 11:58 am
I have to agree about Imus. Being a conservative, I never dreamed that things would be so bad on Boston radio that he would (overwhlemingly) be my top choice. That being said, the best option for WTKK would be an engaging local host. Those, however, seem to be in short supply. Has VB gotten tired yet of playing second fiddle to the weather girl- next-door?
4. Glen | July 4th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
If WTKK hires Joe S. they will be sealing their fate as always #2. There is no local talent that is an obvious choice to fill AMD at the station other than Dennis and Callahan.
5. Slotto | July 5th, 2007 at 8:21 am
What do you have against Jo-Jo?
His hiring means one fewer spot for my no-talent act, but other than that I like him.
6. Mistah Speakah | July 5th, 2007 at 9:49 am
I have nutin’ to worry about. Scarborough, Barnicle, and the like can never touch my ratings. I have all the Union thugs / pinkie-ring set on my side. That means I will always have good ratings. That, plus all the payroll patriots I packed on the T and MassPort, etc.
7. Chris | July 5th, 2007 at 10:17 am
What’s wrong with Michael Graham in the early morning time slot? Is that only temporary?
8. Mistyblue | July 5th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Joe Scarborough can NEVER fill Don Imus’s shoes, no matter how hard he tries, I’ve noticed a few times that I have surfed by msnbc just to see who exactly is trying to fill Imus’s shoes for any particular morning, that Joe is trying to act/sound tough like Imus and it just makes me laugh, Morning Joe is no more than their own personal gab fest amongst whoever is working with him that day, John Ridley, Willie Geist, or that blond woman, Joe rarely acknowledges the viewers when the show first begins, most of the time is spent gabbing amongst each other, before any phone calling guests come on.
I’ve noticed most of the guests that were regular guests of Don Imus are frequent guests of Joe S. now, I call them traitors of Don Imus!
9. Cappuccino16 | July 16th, 2007 at 11:43 am
Man you guys are so hard on Joe. I watch his morning show. Light and simple is better for me while I get dressed for work. I think he’s kinda funny in white guy awkward way. I couldn’t stand to look at IMUS in the morning. And after some interviews I say with that sidekick of his I could careless if he everworks again.
10. JEAN WHITE | July 23rd, 2007 at 12:00 pm
I JUST READ ABOVE COMMENTS. I MISS IMUS, CHARLES, BERNIE! JOE S. IS AWFUL!! ALSO, MIKE BARNACLE. WHEN ANYONE HAS MIKE ON I TURN THE CHANNEL OFF! THE ONLY PRETTY GOOD FILL-IN FOR IMUS, WAS GERALDO
LITTLE CREDIT IS GIVEN IMUS FOR THE TALENT HE HAS DISCOVERED, BOOKS HE HAS PLUGGED - WHICH I OFTEN READ, & THAT HE GOT RID OF CONTESSA - TOO HARD TO TAKE IN A.M. - WHAT A WITCH.
I CONTINUE TO LISTEN TO SPORTS CHANNEL & WILL WELCOME IMUS RETURN.
11. Clara Fries | August 10th, 2007 at 6:44 am
I hope Morning Joe is history, and bring back the :I-Man”. His show was interesting, very funny, and political. Imus had a way of being controversial, yet in a satire kind of way. Bernard was hysterical playing different people, and Charles brought a sensible style to the mix.
Please bring back the Imus in the morning, and forget about “Morning Joe”. It can never take the place of Imus.
Thank you for this opportunity to vent.
Sincerely,
Clara E. Fries
Ladson, SC