Friends of the Cuomos
March 15th, 2011
My article about the cozy relationship between Fred Dicker of the New York Post and Gov. Andrew Cuomo got a bit of attention last week. It seems more than a few journalists are ticked off about Dicker’s access to Cuomo and his administration. Alan Chartock, head of Albany public radio station WAMC, discussed the article on The Media Project this past Sunday, and it led to quite an interesting discussion.
“I know personally that Andrew Cuomo in his heart of hearts understands, because after all this fellow from the Post was the one who destroyed his father — there was no two ways about it — did it almost single-handedly, Chartock said.
And he knows that sooner or later, and I know he knows this, dont ask me how theres certain privileged communication here, that at some point this guy will turn like a mad dog,” Chartock said before adding. “I think the deal is not with the reporter, I think the deal is with Murdoch, to be honest with you, I think the Murdoch organization.
Chartock hates Dicker so much that he went as far to have editors bleep over Dicker’s name when he mentioned his show.
Dicker lashed back at Chartock on his show this morning:
“Chartock laid out a conspiracy theory so far-fetched it makes Glenn Beck look sober,” Dicker said. “This is something from the John Birch Society.”
“Chartock has the presumptuousness of suggesting that Andrew Cuomo has told him this,” said Dicker, “because who else would be in a position to know of such an alleged conspiracy? Like I said, it makes Glenn Beck sound sober.”
Chartock’s criticism of Dicker is fairly funny when you consider that Chartock used to have a weekly show with Gov. Mario Cuomo and published a book titled “Me and Mario Cuomo.”
Full disclosure: I volunteered to answer phones for Chartock’s station with my mother when I was 13 or 14. Since then however I have written at least one article (for another publication) that looked at Chartock’s biases for certain candidates. One article earned me his disdain and a phone call or two to my former employer.
In 2006 Chartock had a cozy relationship with Rep. John Sweeney and had nothing but praise for the congressman who eventually lost in a fugue of scandal to our now U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. At the time the Gillibrand camp and a number of Chartock’s listeners were curious why Gillibrand couldn’t get any coverage from the public radio station.
By David King on March 15, 2011, 1:17 pmIn category: Albany, Eye on Albany | 4 Comments »


March 15th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
I had the misfortune of being one of Chartock’s students back about 10 years ago – humorless thin-skinned and vindictive is how I will always remember him. Glad to share the story with whoever wants to know.
March 16th, 2011 at 9:42 am
I was a reporter for Chartock and can attest to his dislike of Gillibrand. He repeatedly would tell everyone how she had no chance winning a Democratic primary in 2010.
Also, his name dropping was legendary amongst the interns. He would constantly try to impress and say things like, “I called up [so and so] while I was on the exercise bike yesterday. I’ll tell you his name, but its confidential, so don’t share it.”
Ugh. Great experience though.
March 16th, 2011 at 11:04 am
“Something from The John Birch Society?’
The John Birch Society does not promote “Conspiracy Theories.” We deal in facts. I recommend the book “Shadows of Power” by James Perloff for an undersanding of The John Birch Society’s position.
March 16th, 2011 at 11:57 am
Can we put both Dicker and Chartock in Thunderdome( Two men enter; one man leaves)?
The State Capital’s problems will be 50% solved.