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.
Let him walk. I can't believe that guy makes 7 figures for that schlock he puts out. He's a complete fraud. A Yankees/Giants fan in sheep's clothing, trying to incite the locals and help further the Negadelphia stereotype. Anywone who falls for his act and actually believes that he is genuine is an idiot. Let the loser walk and bring back Tony Bruno.— phink- I refuse to listen because of him anyway. His voice is utterly grotesque.— cdedrick05
- Check it out: Angelo is the spitting image of ancient Philadelphia A's pitcher Albert "Chief" Bender. See Chief's pictures at baseball's HOF website.— Rabe56
Comment removed.- Angelo's leaving would cause a 30 point rise in the city's collective IQ. I might even be able to listen to WIP again (between him and Eskin, I can't listen anymore.)— FKD215
- WIP is a disgrace to the city anymore. They are the stereotypical "fans" that the national media thinks we are.— duffers
- Great. I guess we won't have to listen to him tomarrowwww.— MB2009
- Your "hell" comment was totally unnecessary, justicek. You asked, "What do xi and a crotchety old man listen to in the morning?" I could answer with "your mom", but I won't stoop so low. I actually listen to KYW and ESPN.
- Getting rid of Cataldi might actually boost ratings. I know I don't listen to the morning show mainly because of him. 950 ESPN/97.5 the Fanatic for life.— KidCole35
Get rid of Eskin and keep Cataldi.— poger67- I used to like the guy and look forward to his show. But he got very comical in recent years and is really not funny. HE just acts too goofy. It really is embarrassing.— bossrjc
- It does my heart good to see that a majority of the posters here would like to see Angelo go. I was starting to doubt the taste and wisdom of the Philadelphia public. I guess Angelo's act has a place in Philadelphia radio but NOT on what is supposed to be a sports station. The same goes for Howard. I understand, from a high school classmate of his, that the reason for the beard is that you don't even want to see his complexion!— Doubtful
- The thing with Howard is that he is so insulting to his listeners. He acts like his word is gospel and in reality he knows nothing. Give him the boot too. Clean house.— bossrjc
- I don't listen to that hog-sh-- on 610 anyway good that he is being cut loose, nothing but a fraud anyway that whole station should be shut down now maybe he can find a real job instead of yapping nonsense every morning.— only 9
- Comment removed.
