Re: Tai filling in for Jerry

[Chuckigo@aol.com]

In a message dated 01/30/2000 6:05:42 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
theblues4u@yahoo.com writes:

<< Tom "Tai" Irwin dropped
 by. (Morning guy for years at WFNX, then a talk host
 at WRKO until recently.) >>

another "nom d'aire" revealed....  i'm not sure that "That Guy Tai" would be 
happy he was outed on a public list.  (his on-air responses to his real name, 
at least in his last incarnation at WRKO, were direct and to the point that 
he wasn't tellin' when asked about his full/real name)  i'm sure with, and 
to, whom those he worked closely the "secret" was not necessarily a big deal, 
but he does put a lot of himself out there, and puts a lot of himself into 
his topics and subjects.  i can understand the desire for a bit of mystery, 
especially when one is taking on the mantel of talk-host and, at times, 
taking a firm, yet perhaps less-than-popular stance on an issue.  his ability 
to play devils-advocate is one of his strengths, but many a listener/caller 
may not be able to differentiate between the role and the person.
    irt the thread of him getting back on the air:  go for it and more of it. 
 he's a late 30-something (really close to 40 like some us, Tai?) with the 
attitude and insight to go along with it.  those who've not had a chance to 
hear him might appreciate his approach.  at times, he can be short with the 
callers (especially those annointed "pinheads"...) but if the shoe fits...   
he's a talented broadcaster who made the transition from high-profile morning 
rock jock to a talk jock, and did it well.  his style lent itself well to the 
later dayparts, in much the same way Jeff Katz rocked at night (before Tai).

- -Chuck Igo