No longer your father's network; CBS is a den of hypocrites

WFAN in New York City has long been my favorite radio station.

Now it's become my favorite radio station run by hypocrites.

I'm speaking about the hiring of Craig Carton, who replaced Don Imus in the morning talk-radio slot after the veteran broadcaster made a racist remark about the Rutgers University women's basketball team. CBS radio later fired him.

Carton, who was a host of the "The Jersey Guys" broadcast on New Jersey 101. 5 during the afternoon drive, has a track record that makes Imus look like Father Murphy - especially when it involved his ignorant remarks about people who suffer from mental illness.

To quote the website, "Diversity Inc.com:" Carton's track record demonstrates his "misogyny" and prejudice: He "outed" politicians thought to be gay and started a game called Operation Rat a Rat/La Cucha Gotcha to turn in undocumented immigrants. He also mocked a Korean-American running for mayor of Edison, N.J., by using a fake Korean accent and said he is irritated that Asian Americans "crowd the blackjack tables in Atlantic City."

He drew most of his negative publicity, however, when he offended women who had postpartum depression in 2006 when Gov. Richard Codey's wife revealed she suffered from the disorder. Codey's wife said that during her darkest times, she had considered placing her baby in a microwave, according to LibertyLounge.net.

"What Gov. Codey ought to do is approve the use of medical marijuana so women can have a joint and relax instead of putting their babies in a microwave," said Carton, according to LibertyLounge.net. "Then all they want to do is cook Doritos. Women who claim they suffer from this postpartum depression ... they must be crazy in the first place."

Now he's paired with former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason on WFAN in the morning, where they discuss mostly sports. So far, it doesn't appear he's made any statements that have offended people with mental illness, or other ethnic or racial groups. He even criticized The New York Post for its recent "Boss Fog" headline that appeared to mock New York Yankees' owner George Steinbrenner for his declining state of health.


Right: Don Imus

But consider all the charities that Imus promoted - particularly those that supported war veterans and kids with cancer. Consider that he was also the one nationally syndicated radio voice that took a stance against the Bush administration for its abuses of power. His remark was racist and wrong; but his overall impact during his 40-year radio career was powerful and good.

Then ask yourself, how is this an upgrade? What is Carton's impact? Beyond almost getting into a fight with Codey when the former governor was aggravated by his remarks, I'd say, "Not much."