WFAN to Suspend Mike Francesa for "acts of journalistic fraud"? | Bob's Blitz

WFAN to Suspend Mike Francesa for "acts of journalistic fraud"?

A writer who wishes to remain anonymous provided this letter to us. We forwarded it to WFAN's Mark Chernoff and the NY Post.

The Smoking Gun's research forced A Million Little Pieces author James Frey to admit to Oprah Winfrey that the book contained lies. A Texas newspaper charged and the NY Times later confirmed that their writer, Jayson Blair, was guilty of "acts of journalistic fraud." The Times went as far as to say "The widespread fabrications and plagiarism represent a profound betrayal of trust and a low-point in the 152-year history of the newspaper." So how does WFAN Radio's Program Director Mark Chernoff allow Mike Francesa to remain on the air?

BobsBlitz.com pointed out last week in WFAN's Mike Francesa Loses All Credibility as he Lies About LT Story that Francesa came on the air with an obvious fabrication about being in touch with 'New Jersey Sources' as well as 'New Jersey Law Enforcement Sources' regarding the developing Lawrence Taylor story. Francesa was nailed, mid-sentence, when his producer Eddie Erickson told him on-air that the alleged crime took place in New York. The Post's own Phil Mushnick pointed out in Charles gets 2nd chances, others don't that when faced, live, with his fabrications - "Francesa started to tap dance. Repeating, "I thought it was in New Jersey," didn't explain his reliance on his Jersey "law enforcement" contacts to provide him the nuts."

This is just one example in a long list of possible journalistic fraud perpetrated by Michael P. Francesa on the millions who listen to WFAN. But it is the most concrete (with video and audio proof). Isn't it time Chernoff stood up and suspended him? To not send him home for this infraction simply implies that any news reported by WFAN that is not legitimized with an actual source should not and cannot be trusted.


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