AM850, WTAR Norfolk
| Don Imus Given recent history, there is information that should be included in line one, paragraph one, of any Don Imus biography. However, if it were, the reader might not get beyond those initial facts, wad up the bio and throw it in a wastebasket, or, worse, fashion a complaint for referral to some government agency. Therefore, we shall begin at the beginning, and defer those other details for later inclusion. Call: 877-950-IMUS (4687) Don Imus [visit website] [email] 
Imus broadcast his first program from New York City back in 1971. He broadcast what some said – vehemently – should have been his last in 2007. His life journey has by some accounts been arduous, by other accounts a freak parade, and by still others as a matter for a RICO investigation. It began out in the great American West, California and Arizona, and eventually would make its way on across the country to Ohio and New York.
Imus was born in Riverside, California. Ranching was the family business and he was actually raised on a big cattle spread called the Willows near Kingman, Arizona. Don recalls that period of his childhood fondly and his familiar cowboy persona is completely legitimate. His irascibility appears to be equally legitimate, influenced by more than a few hard knocks along the way. If he revels in the agony of others, as he jokes, it may just be because he’s had a little of that himself. His parents divorced when Don was fifteen, he changed schools frequently, got arrested after a school yard fight, won election in secondary school as class president and was impeached, and, at seventeen, was pushed by his mother to join the marine corps as the best strategy to keep him out of jail. While it all added up to what Imus himself has described as a fairly horrible adolescence, it also disproves a theory that he actually had no parents and instead spawned spontaneously in dust clots behind the Laundromat dryers where one day he would seek shelter. When did all of these events unfold? It doesn’t really matter. And why annoy Don by asking? Despite the occasional rough patch, Imus did spend a full twelve years in public school and emerged with no formal education…a product of automatic social promotion not even casually tied to merit. He graduated with no honors and no skills, a rare stroke of luck because a broadcasting career required neither. Difficulty continued to dog Imus after his school days: his undistinguished, infraction blotched stretch in the marines, onerous labor in a Superior, Arizona copper mine and a Grand Canyon uranium mine where an accident left him with both legs broken. There was work as a freight brakeman on the Southern Pacific railroad and a back injury suffered in an engine derailment, and at one point the indignities of homelessness, hitching, being flat broke. Better, and worse days were to come. This quintessential American and often challenging personal passage materially defined Imus, instilling him with humility, a deep respect for our country and its workers, and a disturbing need to get even. He emerged from the experience with attributes that contributed enormously to the broadcasting distinction he would realize: an intrinsic, conspicuous authenticity, and a unique ability to connect with real people who work hard, serve their country, and care passionately about what really matters in the world. Once Imus began broadcasting, fame and acclaim came quickly. He was showered with the laurels of radio celebrity including inductions into both the National Association of Broadcasters and radio halls of fame. He was the recipient of four Marconi awards, broadcasting’s equivalent of Hollywood’s Oscars. It got to the point that he would throw this or that slab of walnut with crystal crap glued to it against the wall of his office as a convenient means of intimidating horrified underlings. He was featured on television programs from NBC’s “Today” show to CBS’ “60 Minutes.” He was a guest of Charlie Rose, David Letterman, and of special note, Larry King, in shameless, mutual ass-kissing marathons that challenged the audience’s gag reflex. In addition, he was and continues to be a subject of countless print articles, many with no point but some with far more serious substance than is comfortable. Most of the latter have been published relatively recently, and apply to that opening paragraph’s deferred information we said would be included later. Like now. Regrettably, acclaim and fame sometimes can quickly mutate into notoriety and disfavor. That happened pretty much in an eye blink when Don made a crack about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team. The remark was without malicious intent, but it made no difference. The simple fact is that distasteful words were spoken and could not be pulled back. Nobody acknowledges that reality, or is sorrier about it, than Imus himself. With what seemed like light speed velocity, the Imus broadcast career dropped into a black hole. Strike that. It disappeared into the media equivalent of a physical construct popularized by Stephen Hawking from which nothing can escape. Well, nearly nothing. Although he was bludgeoned from every point of the compass, hammered ruthlessly by both foe and “faux friend” alike, within a matter of months Don would defy his Pharisees to rise again, make amends, resume a remarkable career, and become the subject of yet another convulsion of print and broadcast agita. Was a lesson learned? Certainly, but more likely an understanding: a broader, deeper recognition of how and whom words can hurt, intended or not. Does that mean you’re off the hook? Excuse me. The Imus biography is still being written. Happily, it does seem to improve as it goes along. But don’t tempt fate. So, here we go again. Will TIME magazine assign him to its list of the 25 most influential people in America a second time? Few would be surprised. Will that sun seared, dried apple, Brokeback Mountain visage be cover story material all over again? That’s guaranteed. Will it also show up on missing person milk cartons as his ever-loyal radio staff still hopes against hope? Not yet. Will Imus be invited to speak at the Clinton Presidential Library? Sure, if somehow it would be to deliver his own eulogy. In the interim, Don and wife Deirdre will continue to run the Imus ranch for kids with cancer, raise more millions for the Tomorrows Children Fund, the CJ Foundation for SIDS, America’s veterans and their care, autism studies, environmental concerns, and all the countless other things Don does, most with notice neither assigned nor sought. |
| The Glenn Beck Show When Glenn Beck talks, people listen - and howl, cheer or cry foul. The talk radio host holds court with Beck-handed style over the day's issues. Call: 888-727-BECK Glenn Beck [visit website] [email] 
Glenn Beck occasionally reveals personal details about his life. “I’m not hiding anything. I never feel I’ve exposed too much,” he says. Glenn Beck talks about the day's events with passion, humor and sarcasm. He astonishes even those closest to him with his on-air frankness. Yet he never told his first wife that his mother killed herself when he was a teenager. She found out when Beck told his radio listeners. Beck expounds on spirituality, family values, and politics. He says he uses truth like a shield. "I truly believe if I play every single one of my cards face up on the table they can never be taken from me and played against me. I'm not hiding anything. I never feel I've exposed too much," Beck says. "I'm not smart enough to lie. I'd never be able to cover my tracks."
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| Clark Howard Clark Howard is a leading consumer advocate. American business is riding a euphoric high, but with good times come the bad, specifically scrupulous souls who prey upon unwitting consumers and are looking for an opportunity to bilk and swindle. Clark knows who they are and what they can do to honest, hard working citizens. "Once armed with the right information and a plan of action, people will discover they have the power to make things right," says Clark. "They just need a little encouragement." Call-in: 1-877-87-CLARK (25275) Clark Howard [visit website] 
After retiring from his successful chain of travel agencies in 1987, Clark was asked to give advice about inexpensive travel on an Atlanta radio program. His guest appearances were so popular that he was hired to do a full time show. Providing help and encouragement to embattled consumers is a way of life for Clark, who spreads the gospel of consumer rights over the airwaves of 850 AM WTAR.
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| Ask The Expert Our host along with business leaders in Hampton Roads take your calls weeknights on Ask The Expert. Call: 757-627-9827 or toll free 1-800-359-8585 |
| Catchin' with Captain Reese Captain Reese's dedication to the protection and conservation of our waters is summed up with his closing motto for every show with; "Help Save The Bay, Practice Catch and Release." Call: 757-627-9827 or toll free 1-800-359-8585 Capt. Reese [email] 
Capt. Reese is no stranger to local waters. As a boy, Reese grew to love the water and fishing in the small boat "Buckshot" that his father built in their garage. On weekends, Reese frequently accompanied his father, Capt. Joe Bowles, aboard the WeeTAR (WTAR) Water Patrol boat. Before most children even knew some of the waterways existed, Reese had developed an extensive knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic, and various tributaries. Reese's dad, Capt. Joe Bowles was an experienced and successful angler; always eager to help others enjoy the sport. Capt. Reese's uncanny ability to catch fish was undoubtedly learned from his father. Capt. Joe Bowles suffered a heart attack in 1970 and died when Reese was only 10 years old. With the encouragement of his mother, Reese spent his teenage years at the docks, cleaning fish, washing boats, and doing whatever he could to be involved. Reese's skills and knowledge did not go unnoticed. At the age of 15 he began working the charter boats as a mate for Harvey Rawls on the "FairCee, which Reese did for the next ten years, earning his Captain's license to run charters along the way. Many a tourist went back home with a big smile on their face. The enjoyment of seeing people catching fish drove Reese even harder. For several years and throughout his college years at Old Dominion University, Reese ran charter boats for Dr. Rawls. During this experience, Capt. Reese acquired an extensive knowledge of the art of catching fish. In 1991 he took over the WTAR On The Water Reports. By 1996, Reese was offered he 6-8AM slot, Saturday mornings, on Talkradio WTAR 850AM for a two-hour call-in fishing show. Following his belief that catching is better than fishing, he named the show "Catchin' with Capt. Reese." Reese also continues to run the WTAR, Troy Marine On The Water Report Boat every season, giving helpful tips and sometimes tackle to boaters and anglers. A third generation is on the way. Capt. Reese's son Zachary is eagerly learning everything he can about our sport. Look forward to hearing Capt. Zach hosting his own show in the future.
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| In the Garden with Andre Viette So you are not familiar with André Viette, his wife Claire, and Mark, his son who sometimes fills his shoes when André is on the road? Well, if you tune him in, it doesn't take long to peg him as a devoted gardener- a man who is fortunate enough to have a vocation that is his also his avocation. Call: 1-800-274-4273 Andre Viette [visit website] [email] 
André is truly in love with his chosen field of endeavor- not that he arrived there by accident. His radio commentary is spiced with wonderful childhood memories of working and learning from his dad in the family nursery on Long Island, NY. So is it any wonder that his son Mark also has a passion for plants. Having conceded to the forces of development in New York, the Viettes moved their perennial farm to the wide-open spaces of the Shenandoah Valley in 1976. With plenty of elbowroom at their Fishersville location, the Viettes now raise perennials on 200 acres with special emphasis on daylilies and iris, two plants the father/son combo share a passion for. In addition, over 3,000 other varieties and cultivars of perennial plants are grown and marketed on the farm. In addition to being asked to co-edit the Plant Finder with noted author and plantswoman Jacqueline Heriteau, Andre has received numerous awards. In 1999 André was awarded the Garden Club of America's Medal of Honor for his outstanding service to horticulture. Other book collaborative efforts include "The Hosta Book" by the Timber Press and the "Time-Life Complete Gardener Perennial Book" in which André authored the FAQ chapter. Current positions include the board of Directors for the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Va. and Advisory Council for the Edith Carrier Arboretum at James Madison University. André has also served on the Advisory Board for the National Arboretum and as President of the Perennial Plant Association. And these only touch on the myriad awards and offices André and Mark have received and held.
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| "Health Talk" with Ronald Hoffman Saturdays (12p-2p ET) Health Talk is the longest-running M.D.-hosted health show on syndicated radio. The show is a mixed format of call-ins, guests, and features. Call: 800-544-7070 Ronald Hoffman [visit website] [email] 
Listeners can pose their real-life health dilemmas to Dr. Hoffman, who offers the best of both worlds: he is well-versed in both conventional medicine and natural therapies. He intersperses the show with entertaining segments on medical breakthroughs, health-related stories of the day, critical reviews on medical reports in the media, and personal anecdotes from his real-life experiences with patients and as a health-conscious baby-boomer. Listeners call in from all over the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Hoffman prides himself in seldom getting stumped—in the rare instance where an answer is not on the tip of his tongue, he will research it and later weigh in with helpful explanations and suggestions.
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| "The Pet Show" with Warren Eckstein Warren Eckstein is the most renowned Pet Psychologist and Pet Humorist in the country. Call: 800-321-8828 Warren Eckstein [visit website] [email] 
Warren helps his callers solve their pets' behavioral problems: from what to expect from your pet when you're expecting a new baby, to your pet's midlife crisis, to dealing with pet anxiety and depression. From "mounting" dogs to cursing parrots, Warren will solve any psychological condition from which your pets may be suffering. Warren Eckstein is an animal "behaviorist," not a veterinarian, so he presents a program that even the casual listener can relate to. Warren Eckstein is a pioneer in the field of training dogs for the disabled.
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| Joey Reynolds Joey Reynolds considers his show the "Seinfeld of Radio" - it’s about nothing and it’s a hit! Call: 800-321-0710 Joey Reynolds [visit website] [email] 
The Joey Reynolds show is like a party every night-- with good friends like Les Paul and Michael Imperioli, you never know just who will stop by! He treats them like family, as though they were a permanent fixture on his show. Joey’s unique style sparkles with a refreshingly rare, sharp and spontaneous wit. He keeps the loyalty of his listeners by making them feel like they’re in on the joke.
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| "The Travel Show" with Arthur Frommer Get ready to pack your bags and travel smart as Arthur Frommer guides you through luxurious travel on a budget. Arthur's theme for The Travel Show is "intelligent travel" - intended to expand listeners' dimensions, outlooks, philosophies, and cultural experiences. Call: 800-544-7070 Arthur Frommer [visit website] [email] 
Arthur provides commentary on recent developments in travel, including travel bargains available all over the United States. He takes questions from callers, using each question as a spring-board for revealing travel opportunities, including such details as price, destination and dates of departure. He intersperses short, colorful stories of his own travel experiences about the destination in question. He is candid about travel destinations, and does hot hesitate to criticize a particular place or travel facility if he does not regard it as suitable for his listeners' vacations.
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| "Food Talk" with Michael Colameco It's everything you wanted to know about Food - hosted by Michael Colameco! Call: 800-321-0710 (LIVE Sundays 10am-Noon ET) Michael Colameco [visit website] [email] 
Michael graduated from The Culinary Institute of America and went to work as a line cook at "Four Season's Restaurant" under Chef Seppi Rengli in 1981. Throughout the 1980s, he was Sous Chef at "Maurice Restaurant," Restaurant Chef at "Cellar in the Sky"/"Windows on The World," Exec. Sous Chef/Night Chef at "Tavern on The Green" and Executive Chef at "The Ritz Carlton" on Central Park South in NYC. Michael was most recently the Chef Owner of the "Globe Restaurant" in Cape May, NJ. While working as a cook/chef in New York, each of Michael’s summer vacations were organized around touring France, Italy, Switzerland, and England dining at countless restaurants featuring regional cuisines. Those dining experiences and twenty-plus years spent in restaurant kitchens, have helped develop his well-trained palate. His Import Brokerage business has him traveling throughout Europe and Morocco, where aside from eating very well at every occasion, he tours, consults, inspects, and leads customers (including Pizza Hut, Sysco, and US Foodservice) through inspections of the docks, farms, markets, and Food Production Processing Facilities. Michael currently resides in coastal New Jersey with wife Heijung Park-Colameco, and their two sons.
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| Alex Jones Alex is known for not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. He combines his media presence with actual physical activism, a practice that once led to him being arrested on the personal order of George W. Bush! Call: 800-259-9231 Alex Jones [visit website] [email] 
Alex Jones is considered by many to be the grandfather of what has come to be known as the 9/11 Truth Movement. Jones predicted the 9/11 attack in a July 2001 television taping when he warned that the Globalists were going to attack New York and blame it on Osama bin Laden. Alex Jones continues to expose those that seek to take away what made America great, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution and each freedom our founders fought and died for.
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Sinclair Communications
