Ex-Congressman debuting on radio

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Mark Foley (R-FL) resigned from the House of Representatives in September 2006 amid a scandal over sexually explicit emails. Later this month, he starts a new career as a radio talk host on WSVU-AM West Palm Beach.


Foley actually recorded his first show on Tuesday, his 55th birthday, but it won’t air until September 22nd. “Inside the Mind of Mark Foley” is a discussion show focusing on how policy is made in Washington. Healthcare is a top-of-mind topic right now, especially since Foley was once a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which oversees healthcare legislation.

At least for the first show, Foley is not alone. The format is a conversational show featuring both Foley and WSVU General Manager Chet Tart.

“WSVE 960am is an Adult Standards music station catering to an older audience that is concerned with the current healthcare issue,” the station explained on its website. It is inviting people nationwide to listen to the premiere of “Inside the Mind of Mark Foley” on September 22nd at 6:00 pm ET via the station’s webstream, www.seaviewam960.com. No doubt they hope those new listeners will stay tuned for Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Dan Martin and the like.

Foley’s fall from power was swift. On September 28, 2006 ABC News reported on emails that Foley had sent the previous year to a congressional page asking for photographs. That prompted disclosure of more sexually explicit messages sent to another former male page. Foley resigned on September 29th, even as other pages were coming forward with allegations of inappropriate conduct. A criminal investigation was closed without action by Florida authorities, having found no evidence of any sexual contact with anyone under 18.

RBR/TVBR observation: Politicians who’ve suffered public disgrace seem to do well in radio rehabilitation. There are certainly examples on the air right now.

Ex-con, ex-congressman Bob Ney (R-OH) has been on the air now for about five months at WVLY-AM Moundsville, WV, which is heard in his former district. He had served 17 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to corruption.

Former Providence, RI mayor and ex-con Buddy Cianci (D) is a real radio veteran now. He’s been hosting middays on WPRO-AM & FM for over two years. Prior to that he’d served five years in federal prison for corruption.

We would note, though, that Foley was never convicted of any crime – he just suffered public humiliation.