Posted by chicagomedia.org on July 25, 2008 at 07:16:08:
Critical mass
Readers react to news about Ebert & Roeper, Hall of Fame
Another installment of cards and letters across the television/radio desk:
Bill Harding: It is truly a tragedy to learn that Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper will not be part of "At the Movies" in the future. Thanks, Disney, for ruining another institution. Oh, how I wish Disney had stuck with their cartoons and theme parks!
Donald R. Simon: I have no doubt that Disney will turn "At the Movies" into yet another outlet to promote their Miley Cyrus/"High School Musical"/ Hilary Duff axis of evil. Hey, let's put 'em all on a Disney Cruise while we're at it!
Jim Ruddle: Some mention should be made of the part Thea Flaum played in the success --yea, the concept -- of Ebert, Siskel and eventually Roeper. Without her vision, there'd have been no thumbs up or down.
Dan and Joan Knisely: We didn't always agree, but we enjoyed the intelligent and witty way the reviews were done. We will happily await Richard's new show since it will be done in the same vein as "At the Movies."
Jim Hastings: Another great show fades into history. I agree -- Roeper did a great job.
Terry Socol: I must echo your sentiments about Richard Roeper. He has done a terrific job and has held the show together the past couple of years. Disney made a really poor business decision to let him get away.
Lynn Urlaub: I am sure that Mr. Roeper will be on the air shortly with a show as classy and intelligent as the one that Gene and Roger created, and we will be sure to tune in.
Jim Mueller: It's for the best. Michael Phillips came across as too much the smarmy simp to play off Roeper. You wondered when he'd grab Phillips and shove his head in a toilet and flush for the swirlie.
Mike Koskiewicz: I am not sorry "Ebert & Roeper" is finally finished. The background you provided on the two Bens seem to indicate some impressive credentials. Here's hoping they can live up to the expectations.
Dan Hamilton: One of the new hosts, Ben Mankiewicz, is my oldest friend. While I am hopelessly biased, I am positive that Ben will not be part of any change to "dumb down and glam up" the show. He is, as am I, a big fan of both Mr. Ebert and Mr. Roeper, and he wants very much to carry on in their tradition of fun, informative, thoughtful movie reviewing.
Mark Edwards: It's stunning that someone as vile and divisive as Dr. James Dobson can be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame when others who have had far more impact on the industry can't get in year after year. Perhaps the nominating committee should include Father Charles Coughlin on next year's ballot. He'd probably be a shoo-in while Steve Dahl, John Gehron, Norm Pattiz and others who have actually made an impact on radio wait on the sidelines.
George Pappas: The board of the Radio Hall of Fame should be ashamed of itself for having the audacity to even consider notorious bigot James Dobson, whose career is based on attacking the gay and lesbian community. Although I will continue to support the Museum of Broadcast Communications for its overall good and necessary existence, I will not be silent about the injustice of honoring this individual and for allowing his followers to stuff the ballot box and insure his undeserving induction through an obviously flawed voting process that must be corrected.
Steve Schiesl: What started as a noble effort to honor people who changed radio has deteriorated into an old boys' club for fringe right-wing shills to lay bogus claim of a place in history next to the real legends. The fact that Howard Stern and Steve Dahl were left out again while Rush Limbaugh has been an inductee for 14 years shows what a joke it has become.
Bruce DuMont, chairman, National Radio Hall of Fame: The Steering Committee made the 2008 nominations based on publicly stated criteria in place for 15 years. Public online voting took place without charge in an effort to maximize participation. Anyone could have voted, and those who did selected this year's inductees. Better luck next year to those who did not garner the necessary public support.
(Feder)