John DePetro deserves his day in court before he is judged on the very serious accusations of workplace sexual harassment brought by his co-worker and sometimes producer Dee DeQuattro. That aside, WPRO and its advertisers would be better served without him. He should really leave the public spotlight before he does the station, his wife and children (most importantly) and even the causes he crusades for anymore harm.
He lectures us about morals, but he sure doesn’t seem to live by them when he’s not behind a microphone. He’s the state’s loudest opponent of marriage equality, but he seems to have a very hard time respecting his own nuptials. He blames the governor for not being able to control his teenage son when he can’t even seem to control himself.
This is at the very least the second time he is being publicly accused of cheating on his wife. (DeQuattro, it should be pointed out, said she resisted his unwanted sexual advances, but she also said he bragged about bringing women to sex parties in her complaint.) The previous instance was via another woman’s divorce
and neither instance is even the biggest public slap in the face he has given his bride. That honor would be held by the time he let her take the heat for some faked Nielsen ratings forms that came from the DePetro house in East Greenwich.
It’s a wonder Bishop Tobin himself isn’t writing penning one of his famous press releases calling for DePetro to step down. In fact, the Christian values crowd really ought to be embarrassed by letting this guy be their public face.
But, let’s face it, hate radio is a business and DePetro will likely be poisoning our local airwaves until either us listeners or station advertisers have decided they’ve had enough.
Postscript: I took no pleasure in writing that it’s high time for WPRO to severe it’s long and rocky relationship with John DePetro. We worked well together when I was at the station, and consider him a friend when he isn’t being a lying jerk on the radio. But my job is to advocate, via the blogged word, for what is best for Rhode Island; and it’s hard to argue that DePetro isn’t a big time bad guy for Rhode Island’s best interest – and I’ll bet advertisers start to realize this as well.
And, full disclosure, Dee DeQuattro and Barbara Haynes are both friends and former coworkers of mine as well.
There is no hypocrisy in Christiandom. You can always admit your sin and ask for forgiveness.
In other words, if you act remorseful, it’s as if you didn’t do anything wrong. There’s something interesting about that, but it’s also easily exploited by con men.
This is just my opinion but doesn’t any outcry to kick anyone off the air for even a good reason add value to the buzz and marketability of that person? As long as Mr. DePetro has loyal listeners he will have advertisers. That’s what the business of radio is all about. I’m not saying I think that is good. It’s just the way it is.
“doesn’t any outcry to kick anyone off the air for even a good reason add value to the buzz and marketability of that person? ”
Within limits. Look at Jay Severin.
Jay Severin returns to Boston’s airwaves
August 16, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Four months after being fired by WTKK Radio (96.9 FM), Jay Severin is returning to the air — this time with WXKS (AM 1200), a Clear Channel-owned station that has tried to build a talk-radio alternative around nationally syndicated right-wingers like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity. The Boston Herald reports today that Severin will helm afternoon drive (3 to 6 p.m.) starting this Thursday.
Severin, who has a long history of making incendiary racial and sexual remarks, was canned after a preening, offensive monologue about his alleged swordsmanship with interns. More to the point, I suspect, was that his ratings had plummeted, making it hard to justify his reported $1 million salary. No word in the Herald as to what Clear Channel is going to pay him.
So I at least try to practice what I preach; my apologies for posting this year old news. I know very little about Mr. Severin. From the little I have read he does seem a bit extreme for my tastes and sensibilities.
A rare moment of agreement. Do they even have to go to confessional anymore or is self reflection just as good?
I think there has to be a public shaming. Confessional is now a televised expression of remorse–which, don’t get me wrong, really might have some value to it. It just sucks when you know the guy himself thinks he’s getting away with something.
Public is as public does. Its never easy to apologize but in my humble opinion if you make an inappropriate public statement or do something inappropriate in public then a public apology would be a best practice.
I once took a PR course in “damage control” at a global PR firm. The #1 step was a public acknowledgement and an apology (if appropriate) -even if the offense was only alleged. An example they used was Lee Iacoca as the then President of the Chrysler auto company where it was alleged that some senior level management people had turned in their loaner cars to be sold as new. Iacoca went on national TV and apologized for the alleged actions and said it would be thoroughly investigated and if found to be true that those who did the action would be fired. That nipped any residual damage in the bud.
If Mr. DePetro was my client he would have already nipped this in the bud by taking similar action.
As the saying goes, no one is perfect. Proven best practices work even if they lack true sincerity.
You were a former employee of this radio station? It has a negative effect on your credibility. Isn’t WPRO still owned by Capitol Cities Broadcasting, Bill Casey’s Capitol Cities Broadcasting?
This is absurd. Cut one head off the hydra and how many come back. Instead of scapegoating one operative why don’t you scapegoat the root of the problem – the media in general? How about Curtis LeMay’s ol’ buddy Bruce Sundlun and his media empire? Bruce Sundlun’s protege,Sheldon Whitehouse, passes as a progressive? If push comes to shove, sure, I’ll vote for him. Consider the alternative! But . . . . it was impossible not to see John Podesta’s influence at Netroots. Who footed the bill for all those lavish downtown parties the public was not invited to attend.
Your “advocacy” supports slightly better candidates. I, however, don’t really see what I would call true progressive policies, existing in a 21st century context being promoted here. Dump John DePetro? How many just as bad or worse are waiting in the wings?
WPRO is owned and operated by Cumulus Media:
From their website>> Cumulus Media is America’s second largest owner of radio stations and the premier local marketing company in 68 cities across the US. Our radio and digital brands target numerous large and demographically-distinct audiences in each of these markets.
Hmmm… maybe they (WPRO) can lure Limbaugh in to take his place? I set my radio to automatically skip WPRO. The only way I’d turn that feature off is if they could figure out a way to bring back Salty Brine…
He said that validating gay marriage would have an adverse affect on the sanctity of marriage. This must be why he was driven to break his wedding vows. This man never assumes responsibility for his poor choices. I feel very badly for Mrs. Depetro and his children.
Well, I think I should respond before I am banned. I thought I might have missed something. Sorry about the inaccuracy. Didn’t the FCC make Capitol Cities dump WPRO after they bought ABC?
Wonderful, and if you Google Cumulus, what do you come up with? They were the company that organized the Iraq pro war rallies, banned the Dixie Chicks and played a part in CD smashing – great people all around.
I don’t mean to be too critical. I think Bob Plain has his heart in the right place, for the most part. I don’t do this for a living. I try to pay attention. I don’t have a team of researchers, consultants and editors at my disposal. I know journalism is difficult. On the other hand, people like me have an advantage because we are not professionals trying to foster a career. We owe no “colleague” any professional courtesy, either, hence no need to validate a position that should be condemned at the outset.
Working within an R I Future/RISC Anchor Rising frame seems to shift everything in a rightward direction, doesn’t it? It’s an election year, too . . . and we don’t know exactly where the money’s coming from or how many people writing into news blogs are getting it. Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear and remember that most of the people doing the writing are trying to make a living. Look at the people masquerading as “progressives”, though. In order to vote for Obama I have to forsake so many of my values because he has Delaware Joe Biden at his side and Eric Holder not too far behind. Since the Lewis Powell memo the frame has shifted further and further to the right . . . . . . .>
“Well, I think I should respond before I am banned.”
Why would you be banned? It’s not even clear what you’re saying, though you seem to think you’re criticizing Bob for something.
“Wonderful, and if you Google Cumulus, what do you come up with?”
I believe you’ll come up with the fact that they laid off Bob when they bought WPRO.
“Working within an R I Future/RISC Anchor Rising frame seems to shift everything in a rightward direction, doesn’t it?”
No. What are you talking about?
“ we don’t know exactly where the money’s coming from or how many people writing into news blogs are getting it.”
We don’t? Isn’t RI Future grant funded?
Hi Turbo. You sound like an insider. Enlighten me.
I don’t really know anything about this blog but what I read from time to time. Who funds R I Future? Did I make another blunder and miss something on the “About page”? If that’s so, I apologize.
If they laid Bob off around the time Capitol Cities dumped WPRO, that would be interesting. Is there really a Google entry for that? I just don’t understand why anyone who has progressive ideals would want to get wrapped up in such an organization or any of the other commercial news organizations, for that matter.
Regardless, for the life of me I can’t understand how people like DePetro become such important personalities. If he stays there’ll be trouble but if he goes will it be double? Maybe it’s not such a moot point after all.
I don’t know about the Anchor Rising/R I Future comparison. They just seem to be the only games in town outside of the more established print media. The scenario just reminds me of those Shana Alexander – James Kilpatrick debates on the old 60 minutes or is it James Carville and Mary Matalin. Seems like it’s time someone turned the page.
“You sound like an insider.”
There’s nothing to be inside of.
“Who funds R I Future? ”
I don’t know. Bob owns the site. There’s no parent companay. There’s an ad for the Anchorbar on the side and a donate button on the top. What could the mystery possibly be?
“I just don’t understand why anyone who has progressive ideals would want to get wrapped up in such an organization or any of the other commercial news organizations, for that matter.”
Because you’re not paying for their lives?
Look, I can’t explain Bob’s life choices for him, but I can say that his wingnut colleagues at WPRO attacked him and mocked him for his leftist views. In fact, they continue to do so. How does this mean he’s not leftist?
Bob’s associations don’t tell you anything about his views. He either takes a position or he doesn’t–and it’s becoming increasingly suspicious that you’re not pointing to any actual disagreement you have with Bob ideologically.
“The scenario just reminds me of those Shana Alexander – James Kilpatrick debates on the old 60 minutes or is it James Carville and Mary Matalin.”
Why? What positions of Bob’s do you disagree with? Be specific. You want him to stand further to the left on this or that issue. Okay. What issue? Be specific.
I mean: what is he supposed to do? He endorses gay marriage. Is he supposed to endorse flaming gay marriage? He supports single-payer health care. Is he supposed to support lonely single payer health care?
What is it that you want? Be specific.
There are lots of reasons to not like John DePetro, but I’m not sure how bringing his wife into the discussion is helpful. DePetro vocalizes his opposition to gay marriage, yes, but whether or not he’s cheating on his own wife is irrelevant to his ability to handle himself in the workplace, and bringing his wife into this issue seems both disrespectful and condescending. It’s also stooping to his level.
Bobby, Your POSTSCRIPT is fascianting!
“I took no pleasure”…(oh, really?)…”we worked well together (obviously NOT if they canned you)…”consider him a friend” (that’s a lie-friends like you who needs enemies?) “when he isn’t being a LYING JERK (define ‘friend’ again)…”my job is to advocate for what’s best for R.I.” (wow, the last 75 years of your friends’ actions have killed our state, WTF?)…”Barbara Haynes are both friends and coworkers” Errrggghhhtttt! Haynes is the boss, your boss. Don’t confuse it.
Who’s the lying jerk?
@Turbo
I support marriage equality. I have worked as a volunteer.
It’s ironic how you mention single player health care in light of the fact that BCBS board member ,Christine Ferguson, was just appointed to be the head of the R I Health Care Exchange. She designed Chafee Care, which is now what we have as Obama Care, pretty much. She was Romney’s Commissioner of Public Health when Romney signed the Massachusetts health care law. I think it illustrates my point about frames and the rightward shift. It seems R I “progressives” are pretty similar to what Chafee Republicans used to represent. At their worst, they are like Rockefeller Republicans – draconian on certain issues. No, I am not going to be any more specific than that.
I am writing under a pseudonym as are you and most of the people who write in here do. I don’t know who you are. I think the blog owner has my personal info if he ever feels a need to access it. I am veritable nobody but it is a small world. I feel it puts me at an extreme disadvantage not knowing who some of the people are who might reply to something I might happen to write. I feel some of the people who are using pseudonyms might be fairly prominent or maybe cut a very low profile but wield quite a bit of influence. I don’t know.
Some of the people who write here can be very incisive. I am very much looking forward to reading Tom Sgouros’ piece. They are always good. Bruce Reilly is very good, too, but I am not exactly on the same wavelength. Let’s face it, though, as much as I agree with most of Bob’s positions there is a very important election coming up. I see this blog as a mouthpiece for the Democratic establishment around here, which if one pays attention to the fundraisers, the same people are working for former republicans that are working for Democrats. After the election, maybe Bob will have some time to examine this in more detail.
What I happened to write or have written are just a few observations from a veritable nobody who just happens to be part of the electorate. Maybe I don’t understand progressivism very well.
“I have worked as a volunteer. ”
So? What does this have to do with what you’re saying about RI Future?
“It’s ironic ”
Only if you’re confused about the meaning of the word “irony”.
“It seems R I “progressives” are pretty similar to what Chafee Republicans used to represent. ”
What does this have to do with Bob? With RI Future?
“I feel it puts me at an extreme disadvantage not knowing who some of the people are who might reply to something I might happen to write.”
If you cannot understand that your anonymity puts everyone else at the exact same disadvantage, then you may want to…well…actually, I don’t know what would help with that.
“I see this blog as a mouthpiece for the Democratic establishment around here”
Why? You have still not referred to a single thing Bob has said that disappoints you.
Ms. Rua, are you new to these shores? Funding for RI Future…that’s a good one.
Also, voice of the Democratic Party establishment…another knee-slapper. When you consider that the opponent of House Speaker Fox is now blogging here, your assertion seems ill informed. If anything, this is the voice of the people attacking the Democratic Party establishment FROM THE LEFT! (Ms. Paiva-Weed, please come to your sense. You are a Republican.)
Small fact: Arbitron is the radio ratings agency (a Berkshire-Hathaway company) while Nielsen (hiss) does TV.
When I saw the reference to Cumulus owning WPRO, I had to do some quick research. They scooped up Citadel, but I forgot. Interesting, though, that Cumulus is a publicly traded stock that’s almost entirely owned by institutions. Google says 76%, MSN Money says 81%. The latter seems auto-updated so it’s likely more accurate. To you equities wonks, isn’t that an INSANE amount of institutional ownership? List includes Bain, but only for about 2%.
Long story short: Cumulus cares the least and, sad though this might be, Solomon is likely correct that all this pub will only boost JDP’s value. But, hopefully, in some far away market.
I guess we all need to remember that we are talking about “The John DePetro SHOW” (my emphasis). It’s a show…like most entertainment there are a financial transactions taking place. Financial transactions, legal ones, are good. Sexual harassment and lying about sexual harassment are bad. My question is how and why have we come to this conclusion? That is always my most important question.
Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. I am undereducated, not terribly well informed and probably older than the average demographic represented here. There are a lot of thinks I don’t understand. Freedom is another word for nothing left to lose. What an enviable position to be in. If you go down to the flatlands most of the people think they are free. I live ’round the bend in the river, so I’ll leave you with words from another person who knew how free he wasn’t:
The truth may be puzzling. It may take some work to grapple with. It may be counterintuitive. It may contradict deeply held prejudices. It may not be consonant with what we desperately want to be true. But our preferences do not determine what’s true. We have a method, and that method helps us to reach not absolute truth, only asymptotic approaches to the truth — never there, just closer and closer, always finding vast new oceans of undiscovered possibilities.Cleverly designed experiments are the key.
-Carl Sagan
I know, that is totally off the wall and Turbo insists that I be more specific. Sorry.
I am here because I am looking for an alternative. R I Future satisfies that need, somewhat. Kudos to Bob Plain for all the good work he has been doing. I hope that gets me off the hook. I don’t want to reply to this comment thread any more, if I don’t have to. For what they are worth, I’ve shared my thoughts for the time being.
Cailin,
We’ve dualed before on this site so you’re not as undereducated as you purport. That said, those are great words to live by and at this particular point in time, we are all looking for an alternative. It may not be the same alternative but we’re all searching.