With word of advertiser trouble concerning pro-Deval Patrick WRKO-AM host Tom Finneran, one has to ask: how long will it be before WRKO abandons this experiment, and if the station pulls the plug on Finneran, who will they bring on to replace him?
It would be something, wouldn't it, if WRKO's honchos realized their mistake and torpedoed Finneran in favor of former morning host--and eloquent Patrick critic--Scott Allen Miller?
Bringing Miller back would be the one of the biggest media/political stories of the year. Allowing "Scotto" to return triumphantly would be a boon to the station, restoring its credibility and status as a de facto watchdog over Massachusetts government.
Miller's criticisms of Patrick were always well-reasoned, intelligent, tough and detailed. He was excellent at detailing the disparity between Patrick's rhetoric and his actions. Talk radio is poorer for his premature departure.
There's been a lot of ill will towards WRKO's management over the past few months: recent programming and personnel decisions have struck many longtime listeners as shortsighted, illogical and cowardly. Many 'RKO fans fear that management is attempting to turn the station into an entity that supports, rather than opposes, the "powers that be" on Beacon Hill.
Dumping Finneran and bringing back "Scotto" would be the ultimate "good PR move." Those who appreciate good talk radio would rejoice. Those who desire substantive analysis of Gov. Patrick's actions would be grateful. Those who want WRKO to remain a vibrant media/political entity would be thrilled.
Send Finneran to the dugout, and let "Scotto" swing the bat. Miller's return to WRKO? Let's reach for that!
UPDATE: More on the changes to the Patrick Administration from the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Jon Keller, Red Mass. Group, Mass. GOP News, Hub Politics and the Boston Phoenix.
SECOND UPDATE: From the Boston Globe and Mass. GOP News. Plus, the Harvard Crimson tries to "accentuate the positive."
