We won’t have Todd Feinburg to kick around anymore.
I guess starting tomorrow Reese Hopkins is the new
host (10-noon) on WRKO—much more at http://www.savewrko.com
(Apparently he refused a new assignment? Wanted more
money? Also info here:
This is of note to Howie fans as it was Todd who filled
in for Howie during his exile. Had Howie gone to WTKK,
perhaps Todd would have gotten the afternoon slot at WRKO.
Now not only is Todd gone from midmornings but even
his weekend show is apparently gone from WRKO and all
mention of him has disappeared from the website!
http://www.radio-info.com/smf/index.php/topic,88189.0.html
Entercom press release:
Entercom New England and WRKO are pleased to announce REESE HOPKINS as
the new Mid-Morning Host on WRKO, Weekdays 10a-12n.
Reese comes to WRKO with a variety of broadcasting, reporting and
writing experience:
-Executive Producer on SIRIUS Satellite Radio’s “Howard 100” channel.
-News Anchor and News Director for HOT 97.1, New York and POWER 105.1,
Hartford.
-Comedic Writer for “MAD TV” and “Saturday Night Live”.
His WRKO show, which debuts tomorrow (Wednesday, December 19th), will
be a lively discussion about the day’s hot topics, with heavy doses of
pop culture and political discussions.
Reese had a two day audition in October on WRKO and immediately showed
up in our focus group research. Our listener base told us Reese was a
personality who entertained them and a personality they wanted to hear
more often.
from Herald messenger blog
WRKO gets new host; Feinburg close to new deal
Reese HopkinsWRKO-AM is getting a new host, the only full-time African American on Boston’s two major talk radio stations, while Todd Feinburg is close to signing a deal to co-host the morning-drive show with Tom Finneran, the Herald has learned.
Reese Hopkins, who filled in on WRKO (680 AM) six weeks ago, starts tomorrow in Feinburg’s old 10 a.m. to noon slot, leaving Feinburg without a show.
Most recently, Hopkins worked at Sirius Satellite Radio as an executive producer for “Ask the King” on Howard Stern 100. He was also the lead news anchor and director for the former “Star & Buc Wild Morning Show” on New York radio.
A station source said Feinburg had been working at WRKO without a contract.
The source said a deal for Feinburg to co-host with Finneran is close to being done but the two sides are still negotiating the terms of the agreement, including salary. An Entercom source disputed that, saying negotiations are done and Feinburg is no longer with the station.
Program Director Jason Wolfe said the station offered Feinburg another position at WRKO but that he declined. Wolfe wouldn’t say what position they offered Feinburg.
This summer, WRKO tried-out Feinburg with Finneran for about a month.
Feinburg, who has been with WRKO for five years, couldn’t be reached for comment.
Finneran debuted as WRKO’s morning-drive host in February and the station recently anounced a new roster of regular on-air contributors to help boost his show.
The former House Speaker is set to undergo surgery to remove his prostate on Friday but will be back on the air Jan. 2. Finneran was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Finneran, who could lose his license to practice law, appeared before the state Board of Bar Overseers again today.
UPDATE: Below is WRKO’s official release:
REESE HOPKINS TO JOIN WRKO
New host to bring blend of pop culture, politics and humor to Boston airwaves
BOSTON, MA (December 17, 2007) – Boston’s Talk Station, WRKO AM 680 today announced that Reese Hopkins will join the station as its new mid-morning host replacing current personality Todd Feinburg. Hopkins will sign on Wednesday December 19, in the 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. time slot. Feinburg was offered another position at the station, but declined.
“Reese is a tremendous young talent,” said Jason Wolfe Vice President of AM Programming. “We brought him in several weeks ago for a trial and his energy and passion for this format left a very strong impression on me and on our audience. I think he has unlimited potential and am very pleased to bring him on board.”
Prior to joining WRKO, Hopkins worked at SIRIUS Satellite Radio as an Executive Producer for “Ask the King” on Howard Stern 100. Hopkins also served as lead news anchor and news director at the highly-rated “Star & Buc Wild Morning Show,” which aired on New York’s Hot 97.1 (WQHT-FM) and Power 105.1 (WWPR-FM). He was the program’s lead correspondent during and in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks.
Hopkins has also been featured as a panelist on television programs including “The John Walsh Show” and “BET Tonight with Ed Gordon.” Recently Hopkins has written for variety shows such as “Mad TV” and “Saturday Night Live”. Hopkins’ show will feature lively discussion about the day’s hot topics, with heavy doses of pop culture and political discussion.
“This is a dream come true for me,” Hopkins said. “I’ve spent five years in radio in New York in a co-host position and through that experience have developed my own style and personality. Hosting my own show will allow me to be recognized individually. The Boston audience will get a chance to learn things about me and my views no matter how personal or painful. My show will cover all issues from politics to race relations to Hollywood. I want to thank WRKO for giving me an opportunity to fulfill this dream and I look forward to this journey with them.”
Hopkins is a 1991 graduate of Fordham University with a degree in Psychology and Music. Before starting his career in radio, Hopkins founded and performed in the hip hop group Beatmarket, which toured with top artists KRS-One and Digable Planets.