WIP without Angelo Cataldi?
His contract expires in less than two months.
WIP without Angelo Cataldi?
Michael Klein, Philly.com
TV and radio stations are cutting back everywhere, shedding and trimming salaries wherever they can.
And no one is immune.
News anchors are picking up additional work, which is why you see them at odd hours, filling in for vacationing colleagues -- often for no additional pay. TV news producers have added web responsibilities -- with no additional pay.
Angelo Cataldi, arguably WIP's franchise player, is now about seven weeks from the expiration of his contract, and around the station there's nervous buzz because a new deal is not at hand. He's been there nearly 20 years.
By this time of the year, staffers would have met to start planning the annual Wing Bowl. That has not happened, though my sources assure me that Wing Bowl will go on Feb. 5, 2010.
Cataldi took my call Friday and confirmed that talks had been "more difficult than in the past." He did not disclose sticking points. His agent, Steve Mountain, declined to comment.
In an e-mail Sunday, station manager Marc Rayfield wrote: "Discussions are moving along slowly as they often do, but they are moving along."
Cataldi needs WIP just as WIP needs Cataldi.
When asked what he would do if he didn't re-sign, Cataldi retorted: "How would I know? I'm under contract."
What else is out there. There are few TV jobs that pay his seven-figure salary, and none in this market. I suppose -- theorically -- that the other sports-talk station in town could hire him, but it's even unlikelier that Greater Media could afford him.
Money might not even be the issue. Cataldi not only has done quite well for himself over the years, he's considered to be a shrewd investor.
What I sense here is a matter of principle: With orders to cut payroll, CBS and other media giants are in a bind. If they re-sign a high-priced talent at a higher price, or even the same price, other personalities can use the point in their own negotiations. Conversely, if Cataldi does settle for less, it hurts the bargaining position of the rest of the talent out there.
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Let the Yankee-lover go - maybe he can cut a deal with a New York station. But seriously folks, the morning show is un-listenable anyway, so who cares?
What do xi and a crotchety old man listen to in the morning? Maybe the dull thud of their own dreary lives or maybe some Michael Bolton music. Sorry you don't like fun. CBS, like all big business these days, treat people like they are a computer or desk or a lead pencil - not a human being. I hope there is a really nasty place in hell for CEO's. and crotchety old men . . .— Justicek- You can like or disline Angelo, but have you ever listened to the show when Big Daddy fills in on Angelo's days off? He is brutal. The show comes to a skreetching halt. There is no flow. He does not know how to keep the other hosts involved. Angelo makes that show tick. If you get rid of him, you might as well get rid of the whole show and start fresh with something else. And the fanatic may not be able to pay him now, but that is because they dnt have him bringing in the ad dollars they did. If your ad people are selling ads for Angelos show, they can now afford him because the morning money just went up significantly— Pat c
- I think big daddy needs a drink. Since he got sick and stopped drinking he has been very nasty.
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- Angelo must go!— DennyP
- Pat C is right. He is what he is - he plays the part well. If he leaves, so does the show. Al, Big Daddy nor Rhia could carry that show. It's funny how Howard is now trying to be nice to people now and actually talking about fantasy football. 950/97.5 is CRUSHING them.— skipper22
- Every show closes at some point in time. This guy is good at what he does but it sure isn't sports. He doesnt like sports at all besides Yasnkee baseball. Its more like Cosmo Radio now, He mainly likes dating and relationships.— CamdenCountyReader
- he should NOT be making a seven figure salary! he is one of the worst radio personalities around!— TINA
- Who cares? Let him go. WIP is garbage.— jonnyb0916
- How does someone who doesn't talk about sports on a sports radio station make seven figures?— gallen024
- ESKIN's still at 610, as ANNOYING as ever, WHEN is his contract up? Their mid-day show is starting to become hard to listen to, IF Angelo's making 7 figures, then who is the IDIOT that thought he was worth that kind of money, and does he still have a job at CBS Radio? IF you want to listen to sports talk radio, ESPN 950, 97.5 FM is a much better product.— dfrancis1958
- Angelo is a great entertainer and an institution in Philly sports. Listening to him when I moved here reinvigorated my entire interest in sports. I don't know who these idiots are who don't get him but they really must be idiots. I find him to be a bigger-than-life commentator who is totally on the pulse of the fans, he's reminiscent of Howard Cosell only totally original.— scott time
