Sunday Herald column ping, see below. First I’ll mention that late today or early tomorrow Clear Channel takes over WFNX FM 101.7 from the Boston Phoenix. The only thing we know for sure is that they hope to have the call letters WHBA. The current rumor is a “variety hits” format like the old Mike 93.7 or maybe adult contemporary but there’s also the possibility it could simulcast WXKS 1200 conservative talk.
I’ll let you know, especially if THAT happens. Also of interest: Chad Finn mentions in the Globe that Entercom might put full time ESPN on either 680 or 850. 680? Yes, the possibility does exist that if Howie SHOULD be able to leave (not easy) the station might consider just putting a national sports network on instead. The talk radio “demo” is attractive in some ways but people are aging and they may want slightly younger listeners. This is why WODS changed from 60s-80s hits to the current stuff.
Anyway, “stay tuned”. Howie’s contract is up in Sept or maybe Nov. If he leaves RKO may make a change but again nothing is solid. Yet. (He might be able to go to WTKK 96.9 or WXKS 1200. Probably not WBZ 1030. If he does leave Howie says he will make deals with the other stations that currently carry him to continue to do so...again, we’re getting ahead of ourselves here though.)
Another case of impaired judgment
By Howie Carr | Sunday, July 22, 2012 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Columnists
Photo by Nancy Lane
If I ever get in a jam and can’t figure out a way to get the royal treatment afforded to illegal aliens, my second choice would be to get the same VIP treatment as a state cop.
I refer of course to MSP Capt. Thomas McCarthy, whose OUI case was broomed this week, and why not? He was in his cruiser, reeking of booze, an open container in the front seat as he was chased down Route 1 by the Saugus cops.
“Insufficient evidence,” the clerk-magistrate ruled.
Most likely he’ll soon be back on the job, stopping his fellow tosspots and chuckling as they try to survive the sidewalk Olympics. Because guess what -— the judge continued his case without a finding, which means that if he can somehow stay sober for six months, McCarthy’s record will be wiped clean.
We can all agree the statie was lucky he wasn’t charged with impersonating a Kennedy. And at least he didn’t try to employ the latest defense of loaded liberal Democrats — a “seizure.” Right, Kerry Kennedy?
The judge you can thank for this latest Solomonic decision is Albert Conlon, age 64, of the Lynn District Court. When judges do these favors for their fellow hacks, I like to give them a chance to say something in their own defense. His spokesman said he “declines to comment, because the matter is a pending case.”
Conlon was appointed in November 2002 by acting Gov. Jane Swift. Oh, she was on a real lame-duck judicial roll back then — Zip Connolly’s good pal Kenny Fishman, uber-hack Jim Julian’s mini-hack brother John Julian ...
And Albert Conlon, picked off the waiver wire from the Lynn Water & Sewer Commission. This is a guy who spent four years at the U.S. Naval Academy, then went immediately into the Navy and was discharged two years later as a seaman first class — an enlisted man. I don’t get it, but the judge isn’t talking.
Anyway, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett had wanted a guilty finding on Capt. McCarthy, or so his spokesman said. But you know, Blodgett and the judge are thick as thieves. Before he became a judge, in 2001, Conlon gave the future DA $500. In 2002, ditto.
And wouldn’t you know it, when it was time for the would-be judge’s hearing before the Governor’s Council, DA-elect Blodgett testified in Conlon’s behalf. Also testifying were the GOP sheriff of Essex, Frank Cousins, and Lynn mayor Chip Clancy, to whom Conlon had donated $350 over the previous two years. Conlon also took good care of Rep. (and about to become Sen.) Tommy McGee. Yes, it was a veritable Essex County hackerama marching in lockstep behind the Oliver Wendell Holmes of the Water & Sewer Commission.
Once again, the Massachusetts judiciary proves the truth of the old saying.
In the halls of justice, the only justice is in the halls.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1061147551
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