re : ch.5 coverage of WAAF hoax

[Mark Shneyder <mshbc@bu.edu>]

As Joseph mentioned, ch.5 was following up on WAAF hoax on its
Saturday midday news. That was Ron Valeri, WAAF's direcor of promotions
and marketing,(he was also their operations manager/PD for many years)
dodging questions and generally appearing not in control of the situation.
 
I did hear the tape(dont have my own copy yet) of the broadcast in
question and the WAAF duo did not sound very believable. Actually, far
from it. Regardless, these guys are management puppets -- they would
never attempt a stunt like this on their own before clearing details
with management heads first(Anthony was never a radio
jock until this WAAF gig. Just another struggling Long Island musician
making parody tapes). And the way management is not commenting on the
situation and trying to ride the publicity train, is making the situation
turn against WAAF. WAAF is dragging this thing out hoping for a ratings
boost rather than coming out and taking a direct hit for their actions.
In the meantime, Menino's lawyers have already filed an official complaint
with the FCC. I am not a lawyer, but I definitely see some cause for a
lawsuit here. That would probably be the last thing ARS/CBS needed right
now as it is looking to unload 107.3.

Just like with the 'suspension' that followed the WOW campaign,
which was actually a planned vacation, this is surely a bogus
'suspension'. Opie+Anthony have the highest ratings among 18-34 males
and if it wasnt for Stern on WBCN and his unheard of 25-share in the AM
drive, WAAF would be the #1 rock station in Boston right now. You just
dont 'suspend' your #1 team especially if the management came up with the
idea for this.

Just my $3.00,

- -Mark

------------------------------