[ap215]

Nova M Becomes On Second Thought

Rhodes Departs

By Mike Stern

The finger pointing between host Randi Rhodes and her network Nova M is over, and so is Nova M. Network general manager Eric Reinert tells R&R that Nova M is no longer an entity and that a new company called On Second Thought LLC has been formed and is moving forward. Reinart also confirms that Rhodes is no longer associated with the group.

The new network will continue to offer host Mike Malloy along with new shows from hosts Nancy Skinner, who has been filling in for Randi Rhodes during the recent contract dispute, and Mike Newcomb, a popular local host in the Phoenix area.

Reinart declined to comment on a lawsuit recently filed by former network CEO John Manzo. The 16-page complaint alleges, among other things, that the syndicator breached Manzo's contract, failed to pay state and federal taxes on his behalf, defamed his character and cast him in a false light.

Another topic Reinart declined to discuss was the recent hospitalization of Nova M co-founder Sheldon Drobny. Sources tell R&R Drobny is doing well and will be fine.

[mavericksHMB]

Hey ap... who or what is R&R?

[ap215]

Radio & Records.

[turtle_girl72]

http://www.radioandrecords.com/RRWebSite/

No hard link to actual article. It opens in a window with no address.

[GripesOfWrath]

Well, things sure do get interesting, dont' they? From RadioEqualizer (http://radioequalize...ogspot.com/)...

Libtalk network Nova M Radio has been shut down, according to the attorney for Randi Rhodes, Robert V Gaulin of New York. This also brings Mike Malloy's syndicated program to an abrupt end as well, at least for now (update below: Malloy's camp is denying this will affect his show, All Access reports a new firm may assume this role).

Moments ago, Gaulin sent this letter to your Radio Equalizer:

Randi Rhodes’ on-air home for less than a year will shut its doors. In an email message of February 17th from counsel for Nova M Radio, Inc. to Randi’s entertainment attorney, Robert V. Gaulin, the company is said to have been advised to file for bankruptcy protection next week. All payroll deposits were reversed on Tuesday, leaving Nova’s employees unpaid for the past two weeks.

On Sunday, Nova received a letter from Mr. Gaulin asserting that the contract with Ms. Rhodes was terminated due to material breaches and other reasons. Ms. Rhodes had not broadcast for over a week prior to this time, a situation which was diplomatically referred to as a “problem” that was solely within Nova’s control to solve. A few days earlier, Sheldon Drobny, founder of Nova M, and a co-founder of Air America Radio, attempted suicide and is hospitalized in Chicago.

Mr. Gaulin indicated on Randi’s behalf that “We saw this coming, but are most saddened by the tragic news regarding Sheldon Drobny. Randi is devastated by the impact of these events upon her fiercely loyal audience, affiliates and sponsors.
Discussions are already being conducted for Randi’s swift return to the air. Stay tuned…”

Thank you

Robert V. Gaulin
GAULIN GROUP PLLC
COUNSELORS AT LAW

[RitaAnn]

I'm glad Malloy will have a new home soon. I just wish he'd have free podcasts.

[LowerSlowerDelaware]

WTF! Sheldon Drobney tried to commit suicide!

Damn!

I want to see a graphical timeline on what happened, when, etc.

[jj24]

dear sheldon drobny: we've had to deal with manzo too - i hope you now know, like we do - it's not worth any supreme sacrifice. and the two of them, together? cripes, ignorant drama multiplied.

i don't think i'll ever listen to randi again, regardless of her future reincarnations. enough.

[cartoonraccoon]

LTRadio.blogspot.com says On Second Thought has a site at http://www.onsecondthought.net

[Seeker1]

They now have a new website.

http://www.onsecondthought.net

For the moment, it's still pointing to the same address as

http://www.novamradio.com/live/

BTW, it's not clear whether Sheldon Drobny was hospitalized for a suicide attempt, or just a more general nervous breakdown or other ailment resulting from stress, most likely from the situation.

I understand this is what Mr. Gaulin stated - but other sources are indicating otherwise.

EDIT: sorry for the dupe, didn't see post above.

This post has been edited by Seeker1: 19 February 2009 - 11:34 AM

[cartoonraccoon]

Details from http://www.radio-info.com include:

--"The loss of star personality Randi Rhodes and the health of one of its founders was too much for Nova M Radio to bear. ...Nova M was reportedly losing $100,000 a month"

They say Drobny was hospitalized due to a heart condition, and Randi left because her contract said that Nova would
provide legal costs for her and they re-neged.

[Seeker1]

I think it's interesting on a few levels that what apparently Randi was upset about regarding her contract was that the Drobny's were not paying for libel insurance.

I didn't know there was such a thing - but I can certainly understand why a radio host would want it. Especially one as quick to trash-talk people as Randi...

especially since she already incurred the wrath of CACI and Hillary Clinton. I view the latter as just a dumb tactical mistake - although I know she was not on the air when she made her Hillary comments.

Bottom line is, Randi cut off her nose to spite her face. However you view what Hillary did during the primaries and I understand why many were angrily frustrated with her, Randi, if she ever gets her show back, will probably never again have a chance to interview the new Secretary of State. And maybe other people closely allied with her.

Anonymous people on MB's can trash whoever we like; public hosts have to be more careful, even if they're off air, this is the youtube era and at an event you're still always "on stage".