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Imus boots Severin from stage

Posted by Paysha Rhone March 17, 2009 01:08 PM
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Cancer apparently hasn’t slowed Don Imus down, or made him more soft-hearted.

The cantankerous talk show host gave local radio yakker Jay Severin the smack down this morning during his annual St. Patty’s Day “Kiss Me, I’m Imus” show, broadcast on WTKK from the Wilbur Theatre. Apparently, the two have been at odds since Severin – an Imus regular – stopped appearing on his show, calling Imus rude and insulting. But this morning, Severin approached Imus on stage during a commercial break, according to a source who saw the exchange go down. “He whispered something to him, and I don’t know what he said, but he was off the stage pretty quickly,” the source said. “He was allowed to stay in the theatre, but he wasn’t allowed on the program.”

Imus, meanwhile, launched into a tirade about Severin, who reportedly stood backstage, looking mortified. “My policy, when people (mess with) me, is to never talk to them again,” ranted Imus, who complained that Severin not only boycotted his show, but then blabbed to reporters about it. “Don’t run your fat mouth and (mess with) me and think I’m going to forget about it,” he said. (We’re curious about Severin’s side, but haven’t yet heard back from the local host, or his WTKK program director, Grace Blazer.)

Sen. John Kerry, presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, crass comic Rob Bartlett, broadcaster Mike Barnicle, and WTKK host Michael Graham were allowed to join Imus during his rather repetitive four-hour gab fest. (Now there’s a mixed crowd.)

Imus repeatedly brought up his recently announced prostate cancer diagnosis during the program, joking he now has more in common with the kids he helps at his charity camp for kids with cancer. He also tried to solicit gifts and favors from his guests (in case he dies) and worried aloud about his stressful co-workers and the future of his sex life.

His sign-off? “See you next year. If, of course, I’m still alive.”

(Above: Imus and Severin during their mysterious conversation. It doesn't look pretty. Photos by George Rizer/Globe staff.)

And...he's outta there.

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87 comments so far...
  1. Way to go Imus...now if WTKK would ban that jerk Severin from their radio station, I would actually start listening to it again. He is a pompus...

    Posted by Susan Hope March 17, 09 01:44 PM
  1. Who cares about either one of them?

    Posted by So what? March 17, 09 01:50 PM
  1. Maybe Imus didn't like Severin's dye job.

    Posted by Andy King March 17, 09 01:53 PM
  1. Too bad Imus is still on the air. He's the one who should be booted. Complete idiot. Stopped listening to him YEARS ago. His time is long past.

    Posted by Linda March 17, 09 02:03 PM
  1. Why do people always want anyone they don't like (Jay, Rush, Hannity, etc.)removed from the airways rather than just changing the station?

    Remember this quote that USED to be symbolic of what it means to be an American: "I disagree with what you have to say but will fight to the death to protect your right to say it."

    Posted by Jan March 17, 09 02:06 PM
  1. Hilarious. Happy to see the pompous jingoist taken down a peg.

    I dislike the label "hate speech" as much as anyone, but Severin comes as close as anyone does to dishing it out for four hours a day. If he were Rwandan, he would've been one of those on the radio giving the addresses of the "cockroaches." Radio is too powerful an instrument to be given over to those who hate.

    And I'll never forget his advice to a caller who wanted to foster better understanding with American Muslims: "I have a different strategy. You want to understand them. I want to kill them." And you can look it up.

    To his faithful listeners: You DO understand the historic "Best and Brightest" were neither, do you not? Severin laughs at you every time he calls you that.

    Won't listen to 'TKK and will not patronize their advertisers.

    Posted by Harrybosch March 17, 09 02:11 PM
  1. I do think Severin did what he was brought to the radio station to do, boost ratings.
    Severin of all people should know what Imus will and will not accept. I guess he is no longer one of the "Best and Brightest".
    I'm sure he will berate Imus on his next broadcast.

    Posted by Darth Vadar March 17, 09 02:14 PM
  1. Severin... you're a wimp. You took a smack down from a guy who remembers the cooling of the earth. Pathetic. Stand up for yourself guy.

    Posted by Matt March 17, 09 02:14 PM
  1. And Jay said such nice things about Don (the racist) Imus on his show yesterday... i bet he wishes he didn't now. IMHO Imus is a crusty old has been that should have retired years ago and Jay Severin has fresh ideas and has an educated listener base.

    Posted by JayFan March 17, 09 02:15 PM
  1. " ...Imus, who complained that Severin not only boycotted his show, but then blabbed to reporters about it."

    You know, that's so true.

    It's one thing to have a dispute with someone. It's another thing to go and gab to reporters and seek publicity for yourself.

    Jay Severin. I think he is mentally unstable.

    Posted by Lou March 17, 09 02:16 PM
  1. Oh, this was brilliant! Talk about someone getting what he deserves. You don't thumb your nose at someone like Imus, brag about it for a year, and then, when the mood or the publicity suits you, try to kiss up! I'm not the biggest Imus fan in the world, but kudos for the way he handled the weasel!

    Posted by AM March 17, 09 02:19 PM
  1. I wish Severin would just come out and admit he is gay. That is really what this whole thing is about. Severin was all about Mitt in the election and Imus is friends with McCain. Imus called Severin gay and Jay had a hissy fit because it hit too close to home. Jay is your typical self hating gay republican. Shining a harsh light of reality is a little too much for the queen of afternoon drive I guess.

    Posted by jamie March 17, 09 02:24 PM
  1. Why would Severin even bother talking to that intellectual midget?

    Posted by B.B. March 17, 09 02:24 PM
  1. Both of them are wind bags whose audience is not the NPR crowd to say the least. Good day for it to happen though cause the Irish love a good donnybrook!

    Posted by jack March 17, 09 02:26 PM
  1. "Why do people always want anyone they don't like (Jay, Rush, Hannity, etc.)removed from the airways rather than just changing the station? Remember this quote that USED to be symbolic of what it means to be an American: 'I disagree with what you have to say but will fight to the death to protect your right to say it.'"
    Posted by Jan March 17, 09 02:06 PM

    Two things. First, no one is suggesting abridging Severino's right to say whatever he chooses to say. He does not, however, have the basic human right to a radio show, and boycotting his station over their business decision to have an ignorant liar like Severino on staff is a consumer's right. Secondly, Severino has been at the forefront of the idea that criticism of his boy Bush was treason. On his July 12, 2006 blog, Severino further stated "The first amendment is not a suicide pact. Mr. President, do your duty, dude: Prosecute, imprison - and, Yes - if appropriate execute the traitors. Now!". Based on his own reasoning, it is Jimmy Severino who now commits treason. His definition.

    Posted by OnTheLeft March 17, 09 02:31 PM
  1. "Jay Severin has fresh ideas and has an educated listener base."

    If you drop out after sixth grade, you have an education which is perfect for understanding Jay Severin. Severin has a listener base of slack jawed mouth breathers.

    Posted by Dot March 17, 09 02:31 PM
  1. Jan,
    Just so you know if you didn't....Voltaire is credited to the quote mentioned... which I'm sure did (at one point) mean something here in America.
    I listen to both Imus and Jay....sometimes I do "change the channel" when I'm tired of hearing one thing or another from both of them...and that's the beauty of it.
    I wish more people were like that instead of screaming to get this one off the air because they're "past their time" or you don't agree with their "politics".
    CHANGE THE STATION/CHANNEL if you don't like it!!! Stop being my "Big Brother" I don't need it!!!!!!!

    Posted by WestWitch March 17, 09 02:32 PM
  1. "...Jay Severin has fresh ideas and has an educated listener base."
    Posted by JayFan March 17, 09 02:15 PM

    Now THAT'S funny!

    Posted by OnTheLeft March 17, 09 02:33 PM
  1. Please... Imus? Imus who? Terrestrial radio is dead, as are all of the hacks like this old goat. What a big phony - him and his ranch.... Ride away cowboy poser, and try not to fall off of your horse.

    Get satellite radio - you will thank me. It is free from the corruption and over-reaching of the pompous, incredibly-out-of-touch FCC and has superior programming.

    Posted by rightminded March 17, 09 02:39 PM
  1. It's one thing to have a dispute with someone. It's another thing to go and gab to reporters and seek publicity for yourself.
    Lou's correct. Makes me wonder how a person with "25 years of political experience" (a claim Severin repeats nearly every day ) can't handle a spat with a professional colleague.
    Imus is no better. He is still the same A*&%$#@! that he was before his meltdown. Nothing has changed with him. I don't even like Severin and I wrote him and said I was embarrassed for him the last time Imus went off on him. Imus called him a "sissy boy".
    The way Severin handled this mess proves Imus was right. Don't look for Severin today, Graham is covering for him while he sulks.

    Posted by Lenzman March 17, 09 02:41 PM
  1. Seriously..... who listens to Severin? Only Michelle McPhee is more grating.

    Posted by MattFat March 17, 09 02:43 PM
  1. "Jay Severin has fresh ideas and has an educated listener base"

    I've listened to the show several times (more out of morbid curiousity) and, in the few times you aren't listening to the old windbags endless droning shrieking monologues, it consists of a crowd of some of the dumbest and most ignorant people I've ever had the misfortune to listen to. What the hell are you talking about?

    Posted by stevef March 17, 09 02:46 PM
  1. I like Jay's ultimate opinion... I just wish he would get there faster and stop with the big words to make himself seem better than everyone else. I like Michael Graham better.
    Both Jay and Imus can, and should, be replaced, in my opinion.

    Can't wait to hear how Jay spins this one.

    Posted by Geoff March 17, 09 02:48 PM
  1. "Jay Severin has fresh ideas and has an educated listener base."

    That's why he goes on about "Hillary Clinton's Fat ---".

    Now THATS a fresh idea. That and Jay talking about what a "ladies man" he is. WHile he has a wife and child back home.

    Yeah, I know...that's what the "educated listener base" wants to hear.

    Posted by Lou March 17, 09 02:49 PM
  1. Hey Harrybosch do you boycott all the advertisers on MSNBC or is Keith Olbermann just another entertainer in your world?

    Posted by JW March 17, 09 02:54 PM
  1. Poor Jimmy Severino. Pompous jerk.

    Posted by Jake March 17, 09 02:57 PM
  1. What's the deal? Jay has the day off? Michael Graham-cracker is on "filling-in" for Jay.....

    He was too embarrassed to come on the air today and face the music?


    What a wimp!

    Posted by lou March 17, 09 03:09 PM
  1. Who's Don Imus?

    Posted by Wundah March 17, 09 03:19 PM
  1. HAHAHAHAHA

    Doesn't this guy pretend to do the show out of Boston, but is actually out of his LI home???? what a sham!!

    and i KNOW i heard him talking about the bar fights he used to get into when he was younger....

    Posted by 2009=businessasusual March 17, 09 03:28 PM
  1. What a nappy headed hoe that wind-bag Imus is.......why is he still on the air ANYWHERE?

    Posted by Jeff March 17, 09 03:32 PM
  1. Wow, he is not on, I just turned on to see what he had to say. He is a wimp and a hater, as much as I do not care about Obama being elected, I certainly will hope that he succeeds, but this %^$, hopes that the country fails, because he cant stand a Black Man to be a president. Did not know KKK is running the WTKK, or is it WTKKK.

    Posted by Samuel March 17, 09 03:34 PM
  1. Uneducated morons listen to the likes of Al franken and vote for a socialist like Nobama!...

    Posted by JF March 17, 09 03:42 PM
  1. I like Jay ... or use to anyway ... but I got tired of his act
    - the constant self promotion and pats on his own back ..
    - he boasts about being a successful political strategist & consultant ... and that he has run major political campaigns in the past ... whose ?? where ??
    - whats up with the BU grad degree ... did he or didn't he .. did he out and out lie about that .. ? .. and did he actually claim he won a pulitzer prize in journalism .. ?
    - lastly - . the ladies man shtick ... isn't he married with kids? ... I don't get it .. he sounds like a gay man that wants everyone to think he is a ladies man - I do not know if and when is lying ..

    Posted by DJLark1955 March 17, 09 03:44 PM
  1. I am an attorney and I listen to Severin to see what laws he makes up. The guy has no legal training but he opines on legal issues and does so in his haughty accent so that others with no training believe him.

    Posted by Mark March 17, 09 03:56 PM
  1. I am an attorney and I listen to Severin to see what laws he makes up. The guy has no legal training but he opines on legal issues and does so in his haughty accent so that others with no training believe him.

    Posted by Mark March 17, 09 03:56 PM
  1. Bababooey

    Posted by Tatatoothy March 17, 09 03:57 PM
  1. Get rid of Imus and the whole slate of these ranting, lying, idiots... jerk Graham, unintelligible, spiteful Egan, deranged Severin... except keep Jim Braudie. McPhee is sometimes interesting, usually knowedgable, but is a hard voice to listen to. And I'm tired of hearing Imus talk while eating sandwich, fart on the air, belittle his token black pal, and ask stupid questions of his regular stupid guests.

    Boston used to be a great talk radio town...with both liberals and cons...Jerry Williams, Paul Benzaquin, Jim Westover, David Brudnoy, Gene Burns, Chris Lydon and many others. Now it's a wasteland.

    Posted by STJ March 17, 09 03:57 PM
  1. "I do not know if and when is lying .."
    Posted by DJLark1955 March 17, 09 03:44 PM

    That's pretty simple. Is he talking? If so, then it's pretty likely he's lying.

    Posted by OnTheLeft March 17, 09 04:00 PM
  1. Severin is dishonest, pompous and sneaky - while they both seem bombastic windbags, at least Imus seems to shoot straight, while Severin uses pure Sophistry and loves to 'win by destroying opponents'.

    Severin repeats and repeats and repeats the same phrase over and over on all of his shows - as if this inculcation, brainwashing of weaker minds makes what he's saying true!?! He embeds false assumptions throughout his arguments before making idiotic foregone conclusions - and then he 'proves' and backs up these conclusions with the very same assumptions he just made up! His listeners deserve him - anyone dumb enough to be fooled by his rhetorical sophistry, his sneaky and completely dishonest rhetoric, deserve what they get...

    Posted by Hotch March 17, 09 04:00 PM
  1. Wow, he is not on, I just turned on to see what he had to say. He is a wimp and a hater, as much as I do not care about Obama being elected, I certainly will hope that he succeeds, but this %^$, hopes that the country fails, because he cant stand a Black Man to be a president. Did not know KKK is running the WTKK, or is it WTKKK.


    hahah this is a classic moronic left wing rant...Get a clue fool!! Just because you dislike the presidents policies this does not make you a racist...Stop listening to MSNBC...

    Posted by Jim March 17, 09 04:21 PM
  1. Not defending him that much....but on yesterday's show he mentioned he would be on vacation for the rest of the week...but that he would be at the remote this morning.

    Posted by WestWitch March 17, 09 04:25 PM
  1. If you do a Google search, you'll see his hair used to be gray.

    Posted by AK March 17, 09 04:25 PM
  1. "Uneducated morons listen to the likes of Al franken and vote for a socialist like Nobama!..."
    Posted by JF March 17, 09 03:42 PM

    Let's see, where to start...Barack Obama is not a socialist. If you actually had any knowledge of the term, you'd know that. If you were...dare I say...an uneducated moron, you wouldn't know that. Also, 53% of college graduates (and 58% of those with postgraduate education levels) voted for Obama. They would be, by definition, educated. Because, you see, people who graduate from college are considered as "educated". Again, if you actually had any knowledge of anything of which you speak, you'd know that. If you were...again, dare I say (since you brought it up)...an uneducated moron, you wouldn't know that. It's tough for so many of you on the right, I know, but once in a great while, try functioning in the reality-based world. It will keep you from sounding like that uneducated moron you referenced.

    Posted by OnTheLeft March 17, 09 04:28 PM
  1. I like Don. Aside from the obvious, he's a pretty harmless old curmudgeon that does a lot for the community. I can't stand Severin, that man thinks his crap doesn't stink and his radio smacks of self righteousness. Not to excuse Imus for the things he's said but Severin spits a more hardline rhetoric that puts Imus' worst gaffs to shame. If Severin were an influential broadcaster his words would have been long ago scrutinized as Don's were. As it stands, he's a minor character and therefor deserves the beatdown he receives.

    and enough with the creepy persona too, he's just a little too absurd for a drive home.

    Posted by ifan March 17, 09 04:41 PM
  1. hahah this is a classic moronic left wing rant...Get a clue fool!! Just because you dislike the presidents policies this does not make you a racist...Stop listening to MSNBC...
    Hey Jim, never listen/watch MSNBC, nor voted for Obama, a moron like you should really listen the rants your boy says, my point was not that he dislikes the President, it is a free country, and him you and I have to right whom we like or not, but being bigot is whole different thing. Try to listen to the sound bites he throws before he goes on, just listen.

    Best,

    Samuel
    Samuel

    Posted by Samuel March 17, 09 04:46 PM
  1. Jay, don't give that fat jerk Imus the time of day. He is and always has been an egotistical racist.

    Posted by NraetsDrawoh March 17, 09 04:47 PM
  1. Haha I agree about Severin's hair. It has that unnaturally red color that happens any time an older guy dyes his hair. It must be for the ladies.

    Posted by Darth Nilus March 17, 09 04:58 PM
  1. Jay is awesome, get over yourselves, graham would have been on today whether this happened or not. Jay is right too, he's only highlighting what everyone else already knows, and the 3 people who still listen to Imus don't: That Imus is boring, unattentive, self absorbed and unentertaining. I remember the day Jay told the story on the air, a listener called in and asked about it, he didnt run off and brag it to reporters. He was asked about it. He said he felt like Imus was slighting him and wasn't paying attention to the conversation, which he was, and was insulted. I would have been too, so would you.

    Posted by george March 17, 09 04:58 PM
  1. Jay Severin is the WORST!

    Posted by DavidDancer March 17, 09 05:06 PM
  1. Imus is a TOTAL MORON.

    Posted by shecky28 March 17, 09 05:08 PM
  1. "Jay, don't give that fat jerk Imus the time of day."
    Posted by NraetsDrawoh March 17, 09 04:47 PM

    Fat? Do Severino's listeners ever have a grasp of anything that resembles fact? And, Samuel #44 - if you're talking about Severino's sound bites, those speak for themselves. He's a liar, he's ignorant, he's a racist, and pretty generally he's a moron. If he were as tough as he likes to pretend he is, perhaps he'd have volunteered to fight his boy Bush's war. But he didn't, did he? Little Jimmy Severino is ultimately a coward, and that's more than apparent every time he opens his mouth.

    Posted by OnTheLeft March 17, 09 05:11 PM
  1. Imus is painful to listen to. This guy should have been off the air once he lost his "crown" to Stern. Trying to come off as a knowledgable politico is a joke. At least Severin brings some interesting topics to the table. Imus brings nothing (except his self promoting, fund my charity so I can live there mentality).

    Posted by Nate March 17, 09 05:12 PM
  1. "Hey Harrybosch do you boycott all the advertisers on MSNBC or is Keith Olbermann just another entertainer in your world?"

    I don't recall anyone on MSNBC calling for the murder of anyone, let alone Islamic Americans as Jay Severin once did. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

    Posted by Harrybosch March 17, 09 05:17 PM
  1. This is un-called for by Imus...thie is a man who just learned he has prostate cancer? That accounts for the anger he is displaying...no need of making a scene and being once again the "tought guy" he portrays himself to be...as a female I did not like listening to him...he is so hung up on women's breast's of course calling them the obvious...
    No need to live out your life making so many enemies...and for all of you who are casting stones at Severin? TURN HIM OFF!!! It is as easy as that! so stop whining about he is this or that...

    Posted by Nightengale March 17, 09 05:26 PM
  1. This is un-called for by Imus...thie is a man who just learned he has prostate cancer? That accounts for the anger he is displaying...no need of making a scene and being once again the "tought guy" he portrays himself to be...as a female I did not like listening to him...he is so hung up on women's breast's of course calling them the obvious...
    No need to live out your life making so many enemies...and for all of you who are casting stones at Severin? TURN HIM OFF!!! It is as easy as that! so stop whining about he is this or that...

    Posted by Nightengale March 17, 09 05:30 PM
  1. how old is imus? 13? "my policy when people mess with me is to never talk to them again."
    ick. he's so self-important (as most yappers are)

    Posted by stewart gilligan griffin March 17, 09 05:58 PM
  1. "for all of you who are casting stones at Severin? TURN HIM OFF!!! It is as easy as that! so stop whining about he is this or that..."
    Posted by Nightengale March 17, 09 05:26 PM

    It's not whining, Nightengale. It's exposing him for the coward and general lowlife that he is. Severin has used his radio program to call for the murder of other human beings. He has made himself a legitimate issue and his sort of depravity needs exposure to the sheer light of day.

    Posted by OnTheLeft March 17, 09 06:13 PM
  1. I ask you...what options do we have during the afternoon drive home?? Jay Severin thinks his....don't stink, Michael Savage is mad at the world, and Howie Carr is still, after all these years, looking for Whitey Bulger!!!

    Posted by chloe March 17, 09 06:19 PM
  1. "Imus is painful to listen to. This guy should have been off the air once he lost his "crown" to Stern. "

    Severin lost his "crown" to Carr. Should he go off the air?


    Posted by morin March 17, 09 06:21 PM
  1. Jay Severin is an ignorant punk. He is also quite ugky. Anyone who listens to him has something wrong with them

    Posted by Steve March 17, 09 06:22 PM
  1. At least Imus has the guts to say what he thinks to someones face. Severin will go off about this on the air and in the press for the next six months like a loud mouth tough guy but when it was time to say something man to man he was speachless. This is priceless!

    Posted by Sue March 17, 09 06:23 PM
  1. Rob Bartlett...crass? Is that another word for hilarious?

    Posted by Jeff Madden March 17, 09 07:47 PM
  1. Severin is offensive and always resorts to name-calling, which is a tactic preadolescents use when they cannot rationally defend their positions. Plus it is obvious that he is afraid of women. I turned him off years ago. He should be removed from any/all radio.

    Posted by Melanie March 17, 09 08:01 PM
  1. Both will still be on the air when the Globe finally tanks. NO BAIL LET it FAIL!!!
    I like them both. I used to like the Globe before it was bought by the NY Times. I never liked the changes made to create the NY TIMES boston Globe. I hope the void created is filled by the original owners and journalists!

    Posted by Tony from south of boston March 17, 09 08:24 PM
  1. I like Imus and confess that while I rarely agree with Jay Severin's positions, I find him entertaining. From the comments posted here, it appears that there are many folks who listen to both--though profess loathing of one or the other (if not both).

    That said, I think it was crass for Imus to carry over a private exchange he had with Severin on the air. He was clearly intent on doing damage. Imus has been far more gracious to select personalities who abandoned him during the fallout of his infamous "nappy headed ho's" incident (during which time, Severin offered up constant and loyal support). If for that alone, Imus should have kept his off-air exchange with Severin--off-air.

    Severin, however, definitely brought the wrath of Imus on himself. True, Imus had beat on him during the course of several 'appearances' on his show, but that is hardly a unique occurrence. Many regular guests suffer the same fate--yet they come back. Imus is notorious for pushing folks to see what mettle they're made of. Imus was supporting McCain and Severin had his nose insufferably planted up Mitt Romney's campaign (frankly, it was painful to listen to Jay's own show during this time--it seemed as if he were pitching for a Romney White House media position).

    I'm fairly certain that Severin regarded these episodes as unwarranted, given his previous fidelity to the Imus--though it suggested a certain thin-skinnedness. Someone who regularly flays political opponents in absentia--but wilts in 'live' combat. That he ran to the press with his request not to appear on the Imus Show covered his professional tuckus--but hurt Imus'. To not expect retribution on some level is naive.

    Again, I find Severin entertaining, but he is rapidly losing his mantle as TKK's "house conservative" to Michael Graham. Though Severin strives to come across as erudite, Graham is just as sharp and less stuffy. He's immensely more humorous and entertaining. If Severin isn't to have Graham "eat his lunch", he'd best get back on track.

    Jay has to get 'fresh' to pull himself out of this. He's been turning into Bill O'Reilly, with oft-repeated self-praise, false bravado/machismo, resume citing, and predictability (please, shoot me if I have to hear that bumper citation regarding the old girlfriend--I've heard it 30+ times!). Like O'Really, he also suffers from a criticism complex. He's got to lose this asap. He can't go on about Hillary's "fat ass" for years, and then crumble when Imus dis's him--to his face. He's losing cred--stat!

    Posted by MediaJunkie March 17, 09 09:25 PM
  1. I will forever keep the image of Jay in supplication to Imus when next Severin imploys his oft-used reference of "giving a Monica...". I can't tell from the angle--was he wearing a blue dress?

    Posted by MediaJunkie March 17, 09 09:40 PM
  1. Jay is the most recist person in America. Way to go Imus.
    I have no idea whu WTKK keeping thid idiot on the air? any one has an answer for me please?

    Posted by Andy March 17, 09 09:40 PM
  1. They got the call letters WTKK because WKKK was already taken in Mississippi.

    Posted by Lee Stamp March 17, 09 10:43 PM
  1. My political views are center-right and I enjoy listening to WTKK a lot. However, I don't understand how Jay Severin has a radio show especially during the drive time. This guy is obnoxious, arrogant, rude, one-sided, there's just so many words to describe him. I listen to him anyways but I wish they put Michael Graham or Michelle McPhee on instead. Graham is funny and entertaining while Severin is not funny whatsoever but he thinks he is. Way to go Imus!

    Posted by Brandon March 17, 09 10:56 PM
  1. I can`t believe they canceled Jazz radio, and put these idiots on!!! I`ve listened and even called in, and they really are chumps... All day from Imus, to Graham, to Margery and Jim, on to Severin and McCfee, they are all on here to sway the opinion of the uneducated people, that make up the bulk of they`re audience. These people are sheep, that follow popular opinion. These MORONS broadcast they`re babble, and Boston tunes in... All the while, none of them know what they`re talking about... This Country is screwed, and it can`t be fixed this time. So, I hope they all lose they`re jobs, so we can get Back to the Music !!!

    Posted by Mark from Boston March 17, 09 11:11 PM
  1. Don, or should I say Donna is a cry-baby...he can say whatever he wants about guests but as soon as they acknowledge that he's a cranky old man with pointless insults, he takes the truth personally. Please stop with the Barney Fyfe gun-toting image. If gramps pulled out a gun he'd shoot his own toe off.

    Posted by Whiner Police March 17, 09 11:24 PM
  1. Jay is the man. Get rid of the old fool Imus!

    Posted by Ed March 18, 09 06:47 AM
  1. I love you liberal idiots!!!
    Tkk is one of, if not the highest rated station in Boston. But you anti-constitutionalists hate the idea that someone like Jay Severin speaks against the Boston mainstream. Which by the way sucks.

    Posted by Chris March 18, 09 06:54 AM
  1. Listening to Jay is stimulating, thought provoking (sp?), super informative and once in a while a bit annoying. But for all I have learned about government and how it is run and supposed to be run - I thank Jay! Imus should never have been fired from his job at FAN but hindsight is 20/20 and he is back on doing well. He has done a lot for the kids with the ranch, and for himself as well. Maybe it is just better they part ways. BUT both should stay on AND if no one likes either show - CHANGE THE CHANNEL!!!! You morons who listen to the likes of Matthews, KO, or any of those morons can stick together because I NEVER TURN THEM ON!

    Posted by voter March 18, 09 07:05 AM
  1. Who cares about either one. Imus was funny at one point but his show became a commercial for his brother's business ventures and to boast about how charitable he is. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with Imus wanting to help children with cancer, its admirable, but he likes to thump his chest and basically declare himself a saint. Severin used to be funny but his U2 bashing is unacceptable. Severin thinks he is some autority on music but lets face it he hates U2 because of their politics. Thats fine, he is entitled to his opinion. But to keep declairng that they are untalented shows his ignorance.

    Posted by Brian March 18, 09 09:29 AM
  1. Seeing both of them, you know they both have a face for radio Jay looks like an alien and Imus looks like Katherine Hepburn (NOW). As far as the fued, they both make fun of and ridicule people all day long on their hideous radio shows. Jay needs to get some... and stop crying. Imus is the best radio talk show in the business, Jay sounds like an Imus wanna be who is upset with his father.

    Posted by tom stewart March 18, 09 10:30 AM
  1. If Imus threatened to shoot Severin, as reported, does that mean he had a gun? or one was readily available to him? Did anyone check Imus or his colleagues for illegal weapons? His threat to shoot someone is a felony. I'm not sure I understand why he has not been charged. Boston does not need Imus coming here looking like a Montana rancher dressed in the latest Andy Devine fashion and expounding 19th century cowboy wisdom. Please confine him to the wilds west of Worcester.

    Posted by Leo Chabot March 18, 09 02:51 PM
  1. "I love you liberal idiots!!!
    Tkk is one of, if not the highest rated station in Boston. But you anti-constitutionalists hate the idea that someone like Jay Severin speaks against the Boston mainstream. Which by the way sucks."

    Go to hell, you internet jerk.

    I listened to Jay for a few years before I realized that he just repeats himself- same dumb stories, same crappy music, same jokes. Who needs to hear that damn Boston song again? Not me. I turned him off. Listen to freeform radio! WFMU or KPFA! DO IT!!!

    Posted by Mike C March 18, 09 05:54 PM
  1. I no longer listen to "the drive at five" as I find the egotistical phony Jay Severin (formerly known as Jimmy Severino til he became an embarrassment at a former station) to be a mean, hateful, racist, misogynist and liar. He is like a spoiled little boy, in that if he can't get good attention he'll settle for bad attention. He portrays himself as many different things, most which have been proven untrue, yet he whiles away the days on radio berating and disparaging others. His comments about the way other people look are totally moronic. Someone needs to give this guy a mirror! He looks like an elderly Eddie Munster! Nice dye job, Jay...........ha,ha,ha...........how's it feel to be made fun of?????????????

    Posted by BeBopDeluxe March 18, 09 08:18 PM
  1. I rarely listen to WTKK anymore, as I dislike Severin, pompous ass that he is, and Michael Graham who seems to froth adulation of Severin every chance he gets. When Severin farts, Graham sneezes..........I do listen to the Imus show, however, as he actually has guests on his show that know what they are talking about. Jay never has guests, which I suspect is either that no one cares to be on his show as he's so egotistical and abrasive, or perhaps his narcissism prevents him from sharing the limelight......

    Posted by BeBopDeluxe March 18, 09 08:44 PM
  1. Does anyone recall a Severin show where he told young guys that they didn't need to wear condoms if they dated preppie girls "who wear little cardigan sweaters with pearls"...??!! He also said that the threat of AIDS was a lie perpetrated by the liberal press and gay special interest groups.I almost lost control of my car. Apparently, in his world a virus is warded off by the presence of a string of pearls and a degree from Smith. I shudder to think of the impressionable young macho airheads who were listening that afternoon. EEEENOUGH!


    Dangerous, stupid man, Jimmy Severino. Enough.

    Posted by DeGal March 18, 09 09:02 PM
  1. The comments thus far have been amusing, especially the ad hominem attacks against Jay (what does his hair or way he talks etc. have anything to do with anything?). I never liked talk radio, and I still don't, but Jay Severin is the exception. I find him generally entertaining, and that is really what it is all about. He is a civics geek and a wind bag, he is very intelligent and yet has a narrow view of the world. I think he is great & I am sure he stands starkly against a lot of Bostonians world views. The extremes of either side of an argument are always going to entertain, I hope he is on the air forever.

    Posted by CHIPPA March 18, 09 09:55 PM
  1. Well Jay, I guess it's time to retire to Iceland with your tall blonde with blue eye's who wears a cardigan and pearls (remember that one?) these are the types of ladies that "can't make you sick". YOUR A SICK COOKIE. You know what get's me going, it's when you thank veterans for serving. You don't go far enough, I don't believe you ever served, and you should be saying thank you for protecting my scared ass. I wish I knew who or what you represent. You want most of the people on the planet annihilated especially if they don't agree with you. I think you have 3 real callers to your show and one of them is probably your producer. Your a smart guy, you've mastered the proverbial bait and switch game, but personally I think your EVIL

    Posted by QSTYK9 March 19, 09 03:41 AM
  1. Very intelligent comments by Severin haters here. Comments such as "You DO understand the historic "Best and Brightest" were neither, do you not? Severin laughs at you every time he calls you that";.and "Severin has a listener base of slack jawed mouth breathers",are examples of typical left wing jargon which insults any persons not believing their "Socialist Speak". You don't have history or facts on your side so you mearly attack a differing point of view. Say what you will about Severin's listeners, but I am fairly certain they were not responsible for electing Deval Patrick I believe we really know who the "slack jawed mouth breathers are. The same sheep that keep Massachusetts the joke of the country. Such a beautiful state dominated by such clueless voters.

    Posted by Slack jawed mouth breather March 19, 09 02:48 PM
  1. Imus- way to go, kick ass and chew bubblegum!!!!!

    Posted by Alex F April 14, 09 02:14 PM
  1. Jay is the leading host on the leading talk radio station in the USA. All this done in a liberal area. Advertisers pay big bucks go get air time next to him. People listen to him. What else is there to say?

    Posted by jim May 7, 09 06:39 AM
  1. WTKK is going down the toilet. It was better when they had Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Laura Ingraham on. Michael Graham is good but Eagan and Broudy and Severin need to go. Severin is a hack who know one knows outside of New England. I lost all respect for him once he started treating McCain like s--t. The only reason is because his f--k buddy Mitt got his ass handed to him in the Republican Primary because he's a fraud and the base of the party doesn't like him because he can't stick to a position on an issue for 10 minutes. Another thing is I can't stand when Severin calls himself a conservative but calls McCain a liberal. How can someone who is pro-choice, pro gay rights, calls George W. Bush a war criminal, for the legalization of pot and other drugs, and pals around with guys like John Kerry be a conservative? I guess a guy that is pro-life, anti big spending and anti big government, against gay marriage, believes Iraq was an important step in the war of terror, has a tough record on prosecuting criminals, actually was against the 1986 amnesty of illegal immigrants, and is far more conservative than this hack, somehow makes him a liberal just because that fraud Romney lost. I think this guy needs to go get a job sweeping floors because he's a political idiot.

    Posted by Kyle July 16, 09 03:56 AM
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This blog features the latest local and national celebrity news from The Boston Globe's Names column team. Check back for the latest updates.
Mark Shanahan joined The Boston Globe in 2003, having worked previously at the Portland Press Herald, where he covered City Hall, and the Lewiston Sun-Journal, where he was the education reporter. A Northampton native and graduate of Bates College, Shanahan enjoys the usual - books, music, movies, etc. - as well as the unusual.
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Meredith Goldstein has worked for the Globe since 2003, covering everything from nightlife to New Kids. She keeps her eyes peeled for celebrity juice, and also writes Love Letters, a Boston.com blog for hopeful (and hopeless) romantics. Meredith chats about love problems every Wednesday at 1 p.m. If you see Justin Timberlake or someone like him at a local eatery, please e-mail her immediately. mgoldstein@globe.com

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