RE: Union rules affect talk show

["David Merrill" <dmerrill@exchange.com>]

I know that Joe Cortese's producer, Gary Trust, on Mix 98.5 does fill-ins on
WXLO in Worcester and WSNE in Providence while he is relegated to "behind
the scenes" when Joe does his "Back To The 80's Friday Night."  Joe always
gives him a nod at the end - "I'd like to thank my producer Gary Trust."
As for Howie's show, I wondered too about the sidekicks.  A lot of the
funniest bits are because of their comments.  I think the management
realized that the show wasn't the same.  I also heard a caller complain
about WRKO's night pattern since they "disappear" after sunset in Metro
West.  Howie said something about "trying to fix that."  I don't think CFTR
in Toronto will allow for a change though.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-boston-radio-interest@bostonradio.org
> [mailto:owner-boston-radio-interest@bostonradio.org]On Behalf Of Bob
> Nelson
> Sent: Monday, April 05, 1999 6:17 PM
> To: boston-radio-interest@bostonradio.org
> Subject: Union rules affect talk show
>
>
> If you've listened to Howie Carr lately, you've
> noticed that his sidekicks like (producer) Doug
> "Virgin Boy" Goudy, (assistant producer) Sandy,
> and Paul "Butchy" Brennan have been silent lately.
> When asked about it, Howie has said that it's due
> to "the union" (which one? AFTRA?).
>
> This problem has popped up before, as Howie's
> sidekicks either couldn't talk on the air at all,
> or they were limited to a few minutes per show.
> (At one point he had to have sidekick "Trish"
> call in on the phone under the name "Mish" to
> avoid the union regulation.) Howie's listeners
> have complained about this, and he's replied,
> "We're trying to de-certify the union".
>
> My question is: does anyone know which union he
> means, and what is the actual policy regarding
> non-union staffers talking on the air? I suppose
> Virgin Boy or Sandy could join Howie's union to
> get around it, but the nature of the business
> probably wouldn't allow it (they're not technically
> on-air talent, they're behind-the-scenes workers,
> etc.)
>
> Any comments?
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