John DePetro Speaks to ABC 6 Regarding Scandal Accusations
Bryan Monaghan
Story Created:
Aug 6, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST
Story Updated:
Aug 21, 2008 at 6:47 PM EST
There is now a radio ratings scandal in Providence, and the station claiming to be #1 may have some explaining to do.
WPRO announced its recent ratings, #1 in the Providence market, something that hasn't happened since the early 1980's. They say a large part of that is due to their morning talk-show host John DePetro. But all of it is now in question.
Citadel Broadcasting, the owner of WPRO, says 1 in 10 people are listening to John DePetro in the morning. But the spring numbers are now being thrown out. Arbitron, the company that tracks ratings by sending out diaries to random households, says something isn't adding up. They say 6 diaries from the same house won't be included because those diaries came from a house that had some connection to local radio or TV.
Arbitron isn't saying where that house is, but WPRO competitor WHJJ claims it's in East Greenwich, the same town where DePetro lives. WHJJ says 6 people from that house listened to DePetro's show for more than 109 hours out of a possible 120, just in one week alone.
ABC 6 reporter Parker Gavigan spoke with John DePetro on Thursday...
Tuesday, Sep 30 at 7:39 PM Kathy wrote ...
I've had a few words with John myself, through e-mails. He is arrogant and so one sided it's not even a story, it's only his story. His way or no way. I just don't listen to him or the station since he got me mad.
Friday, Aug 22 at 7:26 AM Tony Correti, North Providence wrote ...
He really should be fired. The station manager's last name is Giammarco, I wonder if he is related to the guy Bob Giammarco that used to be on the radio in Providence. He should fire Depetro and get Bob Giammarco in his place, at least morning radio would be interesting and fun then.
Thursday, Aug 21 at 10:58 PM mike wrote ...
fire him
Thursday, Aug 21 at 10:53 PM mike wrote ...
He should be fired . Plain and simple. If anyone believes he didnt know what his wife was doing i have a bridge to sell you.
Thursday, Aug 21 at 9:08 PM Paul Cardin wrote ...
Paul Cardin Swansea little jd gets what is coming to him Knock him off the air but I shut him off before he got tossed from clear channel and went to Boston maybe he can become an illeagal in mexico they might give him a show with no Health care
Wednesday, Aug 20 at 9:35 PM Danny wrote ...
This inadequate little piece of trash can dish it out but can't take it. Here is what wikipedia states as one quote. DePetro, a frequent critic of politicians who refuse comment on embarrassing stories, refused to comment on the scandal swirling around him. Practive what you preach you pipsqueak
Thursday, Aug 14 at 10:32 AM jim riley wrote ...
John embarassed the entire state of RI when he said on national TV "the only reason any one goes to Harlem is to buy drugs or prostitutes". He was canned in Boston for his hatred of homosexuals and said on the air two weeks ago regarding the mortgage horror stories that were detroying people's lives "I love it, bring on the haves and have nots". What goes around - comes around! Bye bye tough guy. Jim Riley, Providence, RI
Monday, Aug 11 at 9:35 PM lee wrote ...
I stopped listening to Depetro upon his return to RI. He is arrogant and a loud mouth. I never thought he was a man with a lot of integrity, always looking to make the next shallow joke. He insults his listeners intelligence, over and over....
Monday, Aug 11 at 8:16 PM Allen wrote ...
Do we ever get to know if the six diaries were related to him in any way? If it was anyone else in this situation, you can bet he would be demanding to know about the connection.
Saturday, Aug 9 at 11:14 AM Marie McNiel Pawt. wrote ...
Don't ever Email this guy with an argument about a topic. You will get an Email back that you could never repeat or write in public. He has a mouth like a sewer.
Friday, Aug 8 at 6:07 PM Ann wrote ...
John DePetro is so unprofessional for a radio talk show host. He doesn't analyze both sides of a story. Instead he points fingers at people he finds offensive to his own Republican agender. He should be fired for for his fraudulant listeners in East Greenwich.
Friday, Aug 8 at 3:53 PM Rita Colletta, Providence wrote ...
I have been on the other end of John's verbal wrath and I know what kind of person he is. I am glad he finally got caught. Dump him and keep the others. Love Buddy and would not miss him, also Dan, but I would never listen to that pig of John.
Friday, Aug 8 at 2:28 AM Rich Simone, Cranston wrote ...
As a fellow graduate of B. Hendricken, I'm ashamed that he ignores what he was taught about the principles of honesty and integrity.
Friday, Aug 8 at 12:09 AM Brian Sezta, Warwick wrote ...
It is said that power corrupts, but often more true that power attracts the corruptible
Friday, Aug 8 at 12:02 AM Rufi Mikatis, Coventry wrote ...
JD's always ranting about corruption, etc. reminds me of the adage about people who live in glass houses, they shouldn't throw stones
Thursday, Aug 7 at 9:45 PM George wrote ...
Give me a break. Is anybody really surprised. These talk show host are all about hype period. They aren't journalists..they are clowns, entertainers. They bring nothing to the table in terms of constructive action. DePetro, the Indepednet Man, and his dribble about his Independent kids is a joke...and the whinny, efeminent voice of his...go away and WPRO, please return us to solid morning programming with some civility and dignity. And while you are at it, sink the felon!!! Have you no shame?
Thursday, Aug 7 at 7:43 PM Keith wrote ...
Richard, John was only quoting the fat lesbian's own Website. She called herself a fat lesbian. Do you find you have more time on your hands now since Air America has FAILED? You don't like John, don't listen....
Thursday, Aug 7 at 7:33 PM Marc wrote ...
Rhode Island at its best, like our upstanding goverment officals that do what is BEST for them and not for RI. If this is true, John fits right in, and he should be treated like the rest, if he can buy or scam he way out good for him, if not let he pay the price....
Thursday, Aug 7 at 6:15 PM Bill wrote ...
So the local smear merchant gets caught - Too bad that those who share his views would rather defend him than call on WPRO to replace him with a conservative with of unquestioned integrity
Thursday, Aug 7 at 6:03 PM Richard "AGAIN" wrote ...
CH Must be a BLOOD RELATIVE OF JOHN. Doesn't care about other HUMAN'S, JUST LIKE JOHN, thinks he can say anything he want's about people and THINKS HE'S ALWAYS RIGHT.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 5:39 PM Carl Richardson, Portsmouth wrote ...
I was a regular AM630 commuter listener, when JD took over I tried but his bragging (car,concert,me) comments took center stage over the news I moved to AM1030WBZ...he lost me. Count one in the loss column. A shame that JD is associated with the radio station as Dan Yorke. Let's the facts tell the rest of the story. I hope Ron St. Pierre comes back to guide me through my commute.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 4:34 PM Tony wrote ...
No need for ABC6 to burn this guy. He seems to be burning himself. Let him bring himself down and then air a story. I dont see why he didnt say he had nothing to do with the ratings jump when asked by Parker though.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 3:59 PM BOB Little Compton wrote ...
THE MEDIA CONTROLS how big an individual issue will be LAY OFF
Thursday, Aug 7 at 3:30 PM CH wrote ...
Richard the stupid, # 1 John called her a fat lesbian which is exactally what she is..... she constantly reminded us of it every chance she could # 2 Illegals should be given one month to leave the country, if they are still here after they should be roundwed up or as they are found out give 10 years in jail then deported. If Richard the stupid thinks illegals are so great I will get a group of citizen to invade and take up residence in his home then watch him change his tune.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 2:34 PM Richard wrote ...
Let's not forget WHY he is back in R.I. He got FIRED from his Boston Radio Station. Because not just ONCE but TWICE he VERBALLY ABUSE a FEMALE on his radio talk show that was running for PUBLIC OFFICE. This verbal abuse was in REFERENCE to HER SEXUAL PREFERENCE. But he SAYS he is NOT a "BIGOT?"as he continues to ATTACK and MARK ILLEGAL ALIENS.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 2:11 PM Carny wrote ...
I saw ABC 6 coverage of this. It seems fair to wait and see how it turns out.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 1:30 PM Joe wrote ...
John has always tried to make everyone look so bad. Trying to intimidate people, ruining their lives and their families. Now its his turn. I hope you guys burn him. He deserves nothing less. No one will miss him or boring show! Bye Johnnie!!!
Thursday, Aug 7 at 12:02 PM Melissa wrote ...
I agree with you Rick. We shouldn't jump to conclusions. However, given this guy's character and reputation around town, it would not surprise me in the least if he has something to do with this. The pieces of the puzzle fit together too nicely. If not depetro, then who? Perhaps HE didn't do it, but he knows who did. The Boston paper seems certain it is him, but the story I saw on 6 last night didn't point the finger directly at him. To Burman: if you don't like Depetro--don't listen.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 11:14 AM Rick wrote ...
All the details aren't out and this story just broke. How can everyone jump to such conclusions about the John D and WPRO. I wonder if this message board is really the voice of viewers.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 10:22 AM Lori Deluca wrote ...
Kudos to Channel 6! I don't care if this man won or lost in his time period. Cheating is unacceptable and sets a poor example for our children. What has society come to?
Thursday, Aug 7 at 10:09 AM Danny Vito wrote ...
Finally the truth comes out. This guy is a cancer wherever he goes.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 10:06 AM Dubbano wrote ...
Am I the only one who finds it ironic that Jim Hummel went on the John depetro show acting holier than thou about his departure from channel 6. John Depetro jumped on the bandwagon, and all the while he was lying in an attempt to make HIS ratings seem higher? I applaud you guys for not backing down and doing the story that the other TV stations were scared to do
Thursday, Aug 7 at 9:36 AM Burman wrote ...
Depetro is a lying little jerk. He is the ultimate bottom feeding radio scum and will not survive this. WPRO MUST fire him or advertisers will never be able to trust them.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 9:28 AM Tony wrote ...
Isn't this the same guy who was talking with Hummel last week about ch.6? If I were you guys, I would have burned him!Anyone who would fudge numbers deserves to be exposed. What goes around comes around. Jim Hummel, this should be a lesson to you too. Associating with this guy was a bad move. I feel for John Depetro's co-workers. Because of what he did, everybody looks bad.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 9:14 AM Julie wrote ...
I know OF John Depetro, but I don't listen. I don't know what kind of person he is, but how can you trust someone who lies? He seems like a self-important dope, if you ask me.
Thursday, Aug 7 at 9:03 AM Phillip wrote ...
How can I--or anyone-listen to WPRO if one of their so-called personalities (albeit an idiot)cooked the books. The guy needs to get canned!
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