The Jersey Guys

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The Jersey Guys is a radio show broadcast on WKXW-FM 101.5 in New Jersey from 2:00-7:00 PM on weekdays.

The show's hosts are long time radio personalities Ray Rossi and Craig Carton.

1 Craig Carton
2 Ray Rossi
3 Activism
- 3.1 The Jersey Guys and the Governor
- 3.2 North Hunterdon High School Prom
4 Controversy
5 Charity
6 References
7 External links

[edit] Craig Carton

Born in New Rochelle, New York in 1969, Carton attended New Rochelle High School, during which time he worked on the cable television show "Views From the Bridge." In 1991, Carton graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. After a year-long stint at Cleveland's 1100 WWWE (now WTAM), he worked as a sports radio talk show host at WIP-AM (610) in Philadelphia for three years in the mid-1990s. On February 28, 1997, Carton reported on air that Eric Lindros, an ice hockey player with the Philadelphia Flyers, had missed a recent game because he was hung over after drinking too much the previous night. ^[1] Carton further alleged that the Flyers had lied to cover up Lindros' behavior by claiming that he had been unable to play due to a sore back. ^[2] Within days, on March 5, 1997, the Flyers filed a libel suit against WIP-AM and its parent corporation. The station immediately decided that it would not attempt to mount a defense against the Flyers' claims that libel had been committed, and instead agreed to issue an on-air apology and pay an undisclosed sum of money as compensation. Carton coincidentally departed the station shortly thereafter, eventually leading to his second career in non-sports-oriented radio.

Carton is married (wife Kim), with three children.

His broadcasting philosophy: "Keep it real and get a reaction, whether you make them laugh, or you make them cry, or you make them happy or you make them sad. Be relevant. We're the most relevant show in the state." ^[3]

[edit] Ray Rossi

Ray was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He began his career at a small 1000 watt daytime AM station in Ft Valley, GA where his Brooklyn accent made him a star. Ray moved on to radio stations in Harrisburg, PA, and Tampa, FL before returning home to New York City. Ray has been on many stations in the NYC market over the past decade including WHTZ (Z-100) and 107.1 WNYW where he was the morning man and production director at the now long gone NYC Country station before landing the afternoon slot with Craig at NJ101.5 Ray resides now in New Jersey and is married to his wife of over 28 years.

[edit] Activism

Carton and Rossi, like many of the personalities on New Jersey 101.5, promote New Jersey-based stories and vocally lobby for political and social causes.

[edit] The Jersey Guys and the Governor

Craig and Ray have a strong dislike for Governor Jon Corzine, and once held a contest for who can write the best song regarding the Governor.

[edit] North Hunterdon High School Prom

On June 9, 2006, 12 students were ejected from North Hunterdon High School's annual prom after they were accused of showing up to the event intoxicated. A plastic bottle filled with rum was found under the table, and the students were forced to take blood tests to prove that they were sober. The blood tests caused the students to miss the remainder of the prom. ^[4] The Jersey Guys picked up on the story and offered to host a second prom for the students, complete with dresses, tuxedos and limousines. The trouble-free second prom was held June 23, 2006. ^[5]

[edit] Controversy

[edit] Comments regarding the state budget and postpartum depression

Carton made waves in 2005 when New Jersey Acting Governor Richard Codey physically confronted Carton for disparaging remarks that Carton had made about Codey's wife's battles with postpartum depression. ^[6]

[edit] Disparaging remarks towards Asian-Americans

Carton and Rossi were criticized later in the same year for racist remarks about Asian Americans regarding Jun Choi, the 2005 Democratic candidate for Mayor of Edison Township. Their comments brought national attention to this case, which led several major advertising agencies to drop their endorsement of the station. They later agreed to apologize on air. ^[7]

[edit] Ryan Seacrest hoax

On February 2nd, 2006, Carton and Rossi announced that they had a special surprise interview with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. The interview lasted less than five minutes, as Carton assaulted Seacrest with questions regarding his sexual orientation. After agreeing not to ask another question regarding his sexuality, Carton asked who "he’d rather spend the night with, Clay Aiken or Kelly Clarkson." The next day it was revealed that the entire program was a hoax, and that it wasn't even Ryan Seacrest giving the interview. ^[8] ^[9]

[edit] Operation La Cucha Gotcha

Carton and Rossi have taken political stands against illegal immigration in New Jersey which some have interpreted as anti-Hispanic. "Operation La Cucha Gotcha" is an effort to convince listeners to report illegal immigrants to proper authorities. El Diario labeled the calls dehumanizing and "the first step towards condoning violence against [undocumented aliens]"^[10]. However, the Jersey Guys defend the efforts in the name of public security in a time of war. The press release that was done over the live radio on Thursday March 23, 2007 made no mention to Hispanics in particular, rather they specifically stated that they are opposed to illegal aliens of any race in this country. ^[11].

[edit] Charity

The Jersey Guys give sums of money to charities, as well as conduct their own. Every year, in the month of December, they host an annual charity event known as 'A Christmaka Miracle'. During this event, the Jersey Guys give donations to families from New Jersey who have recently been in need of help. Listeners call in and donate money and gifts to these families, who include people who have gone through personal tragedies and impoverished individuals. Callers also donate gift cards and other tokens of appreciation to help out those in need. The Jersey Guys donate a Christmas Tree and a turducken to each of the families.

The Jersey Guys also have a foundation entitled "The Circle of Trust." This foundation helps out other local charities, as well as people in need.