Another milestone in WatchDog history: Mike Francesa and Chris Russo made fun of me at 5 p.m. Tuesday based solely on something written in the blog, not the paper.
I am humbled and honored.
After learning of their latest No. 1 finish among men ages 25-54, the boys recalled a Dec. 21 post in which I snarkily wrote they are "in no danger of running out of people over 45 to listen to their show any time soon" but might want to consider some "programming gimmicks" just to keep things fresh.
Honestly, it mostly was a throwaway item on the Friday before Christmas that I didn't put all that much thought into. But apparently Mike and Chris didn't think much of it, and Tuesday they had their chance to gloat. Fine by me.
Ronde had to take it Sunday, and I'll take it today, even though their strong ratings don't surprise me. As I wrote, they are in no danger of being toppled from their perch anytime soon.
I felt even better about getting ripped when I got prominent company an hour later.
The boys went after their old pal Imus for having Tim Russert on his show last week, calling it "weak" and a "disgrace."
Considering how they lambasted Russert in the spring in support of Imus, Francesa and Russo had a right to feel let down by Imus rolling over and inviting Russert back into the fold.
Comments (9)
As someone under 45, I can't listen to those two anymore. I remember when WHN became WFAN and when they moved to 660, but Mike has become way too arrogant and Chris just defers to him way too much. The old "mad dog" used to get in Mike's face and that made great radio, now he just seems to want Mike's approval.
The sad thing is, I don't really have anyone I enjoy listening to on local sports radio these days. Michael Kay is insufferable on Yankees' telecasts which makes me avoid his show and I still don't get Stephen A. Joe isn't terrible, but Evan doesn't do it for me. (yes, I miss Sid)
I am sure Mike and Chris will draw enough ratings until they retire, but it would be nice if they stopped and looked at their show with a more critical eye. They could easily improve it if they were willing to make some basic changes.
Neil
I am no Russert fan, Imus wants to move on, as a rule we move along with him, his fans in this case, he has to drag us SMILE. Imus was in the middle of what was going down last April, the rest of us were watching from the cheap seats, and it wasn't pretty. It happened to Imus but we were watching, it left a mark. I guess I would like to think there is a Hansel & Gretel plan for Russert but I am sure that is just wishful thinking, Imus is a vegan GRIN. Clean Slate for 08 that's the word.
neil, you think it's an honor to be ripped by those two dopes? you are way better than that! who cares if they read your blog or not. it's not like they're going to get you more readers. you have a ton of them already. and the russert thing. the "old" imus would never ever have let a turncoat like russert back on again. this is a newer version of the I-man. not sure if i like this version.
I found it interesting that earlier in the show Mike Francesca made a point of saying he doesn't listen to Boomer and Carton. Why mention that?
M+MD are on the decline. The end is not near but they've clearly lost their edge.
On the other hand, Imus' new show -- IMO -- is far better than it was before.
Like others, I don't listen to Imus so much as I listen for his guests.
Of course Mike listens. And Mike and Chris are still obnoxious and funny. They havent lost any edge.
Mike Francesa and Chris Russo are lazy, ignorant bigots.
Chris' statement on yesterday's show -- "If you don't want to vote for a woman or a black guy, who are you going to vote for?" -- is indicative of their racist, small-minded beliefs.
Neil- They are ribbing on you again...Russo said he liks you. Second time they did it at 5pm. You're hitting the big time!
Boomer and Carton may be pleasing to their bosses. But are still not in the same leagues as Chris and Mike. And far from Don Imus.
Good Luck WFAN