The After-Scandal Profession: Talk Show Host
I am proud to be a radio talk show host. It’s what I always wanted to do. When I worked at music stations, it was always, “Shut up and play the music.” (Now, it’s, “Shut up and play the bumper music, you liberal puke.”) When I finally found my niche as a radio talker I never looked back, and never regretted the efforts it took to land good jobs in good markets after years of suffering the indignities of tough bosses, low pay and less-than-stellar living conditions as a result, in locations that I prayed would not be permanent.
But now, dues-paying no longer involves years of polishing your act, creating and organizing archives of your shows for demo purposes, and being willing to move up the food chain of radio stations hoping, usually against hope, to one day strike gold in a town that actually has more people than livestock. No longer do you have to worry that the transient life necessary to satisfy your radio jones will interfere with your ability to have relationships, put down roots, and build a life. You don’t have to be consigned to the life of the disc jockey in Harry Chapin’s “WOLD.” All you need is scandal.
Oliver North developed a respectable career as a talker. G. Gordon Liddy did the same. But would they have even been on the radar had they not made news in the first place in not the most desirable way? Even one-time church secretary Jessica Hahn, the woman who brought down Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s PTL Club, had a gig as a radio host after gaining notoriety. Most recently, the now-ex governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich had a one-day stint filling in on Chicago’s powerhouse outlet, WLS.
And now, let us welcome American’s next would-be radio star, convicted Congressman Bob Ney. Three years after pleading guilty to federal corruption charges, after serving 17 months of a 30 month sentence, Bob Ney begins hostng a daily show on WVLY in the Ohio Valley.
I offer Congressman Ney good wishes in developing his new career. Talk Radio is a noble profession, one in which I’m honored to participate. It is noble not just because of what it can be when utilized properly, but because it has offered many the road to something in which I truly believe: redemption. Best of luck, Congressman. Wear that microphone proudly.
So, we have a “Let’s become a radio talk show host” rehibilitation wing in our federal prisons? Well, I’ll be darned…always wondered where we got the likes of Rush, Shame…er, I mean Sean, and the rest of that bunch. Alan, I sure hope you didn’t attend….
BTW, found out today why Rush is still on so many radio stations around the dial…he gives his show away to many stations…never thought he was worth much, anyway. This just confirmed my belief.
Welcome Bob Ney to the land of the reformed delinquints.
TDro319 Reply:
April 14th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Ah yes. Bob Ney. Isn’t he the guy that called Rachel Maddow a “lesbian cross dresser” because she interviewed his democratic opponent? Such class!
willy Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Don’t liberals believe in giving people a second chance in life. Maybe he has turned the corner in his life and has become a respectible man. You or I don’t know what is in his heart after his conviction.
It will be up to his audience whether he survives the radio business. Let’s give him a chance.
EricG Reply:
April 14th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Say what you want but people confess that some hosts to likes of George Noory are extremely supportive and helpful to hear on a regular basis for those suffering from depression or some sort traumatic situation.
The talk radio keeps the crazies off the police blotters. Like Alan has said before. It’s practically a public service.
April 14th, 2009 at 11:15 am
don’t forget all the scumbags on TV…Jerry Springer comes to mind.
Robert Blair Reply:
April 14th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Never, would you find me defending that particular individual, although, he is a democrat.
Rocky the Liberal Rottweiler Reply:
April 14th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Jerry Springer isn’t a scumbag. He’s just holding up a big bright mirror to show us what scumbags people really are.
Robert Blair Reply:
April 14th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
“Rocky turns left handed, lands four body blows, and two head shots…..the stubby pirate (Robert Blair) staggers and falls into the ropes…he’s down for a standing eight count by the ref”
That is gonna leave a scar! LOL
GuidoVanHorn Reply:
April 14th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Jerry Springer is an interesting character…the more you learn about him and think about him the more of a scumbag he becomes.
Sarah Reply:
April 14th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Unfortunately, his show ends up legitimizing puerile behavior for a whole host of dumb and/or impressionable people.
April 14th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Alan, great post. I enjoyed hearing your reflections on rising through the ranks.
And this redemption thing…I expect when you turn conservative the process will begin for you? JUST KIDDING!! :D
April 14th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Maybe Ney and Top Gun Duke Cunningham can do start a series on how to still be a a Good Republican in the Big House?
April 14th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Another wacko talking to robots.
April 14th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Blagojevich on WLS?! Travesty!
I miss the golden years of “Animal Stories.” Especially the “Charming and Delightful, Old Uncle Lar and his sidekick, Snot-Nosed Little Tommy.”
If you’re out there, I LOVE YOU, LARRY LUJACK!
April 14th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Larry’s still in Palatine, Illinois I believe, trying to wear the 10 pair of 32″ blue jeans he bought on sale in 1974?
Also Sarah, there ARE some vinyl records of “Animal Stories” out there if you are really interested.
Sarah Reply:
April 14th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I checked, and there’s actually a set of 5 CDs, but they’re $16 each and I haven’t got the jack right now.
At least, not to justify hearing again about a woman who hatched an egg in her bra.
Then again, it’s important to keep my spirits up during these depressing economic times…
4moreyears Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Vinyl has their PICTURES, and usually less than $10, suitable for framing Uncle Lar and Little Tommy…
April 14th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
“Talk Radio is a noble profession, one in which I’m honored to participate.”
This is so true. Not many seem to take their jobs seriously these days. Alan is a rare exception.
April 14th, 2009 at 10:01 pm