{"id":17395,"date":"2019-01-25T17:29:52","date_gmt":"2019-01-25T22:29:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sportswtbu.com\/?p=17395"},"modified":"2020-01-09T17:30:32","modified_gmt":"2020-01-09T22:30:32","slug":"the-city-was-listening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/2019\/01\/25\/the-city-was-listening\/","title":{"rendered":"The City Was Listening"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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By: Chad Jones<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alex Reimer stands in front of the microphone ready to sprout his opinions over Boston\u2019s airwaves. His lean five-foot-eight frame is covered by dark jeans and a grey long-sleeve shirt. His red lanyard hangs just under his five o\u2019clock shadow. The media pass drapes all the way down to his naval. Reimer is stationed behind the main microphone, as he will be hosting alone for the first hour this evening. His many pages of notes are strewn in front of him on the main console. As the clock edges closer to six, Reimer prepares for his conversation with New England. It takes him mere seconds to make a self deprecating remark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy name is Alex Reimer, as you can tell from the screechy voice,\u201d is the second sentence he utters. Reimer\u2019s rather high-pitched tone is unusual in the sports radio business, as hosts often sound like lifelong chainsmokers. The Boston University graduate from Natick, Massachusetts might not look or sound the part of a bomb-tossing, sports radio host. However, Alex Reimer is a far cry from the traditional sports media member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer is a 26-year-old millennial in an industry overflowing with 55-year-old Baby Boomers. He works as a sports radio personality but is very outspoken about his political views. Reimer is employed at a Boston-based sports station, but he is most known for insulting Tom Brady\u2019s daughter. He is in an openly gay man in a business that sees few and far between. His incredible ambition and preparation separates him from some who do not take their media job as serious. Most importantly, in a world where media members can be fired at any moment, he now knows the importance of \u201cstraddling that line about what is proactive and what is offensive,\u201d as he put it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer\u2019s willingness to discuss typically avoided topics got him working at one of the most successful sports radio stations in the country before he was 25. His many flirtations with the line of \u201cprovocative and offensive\u201d have gained him notoriety but almost cost him his job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alex Reimer became a household name in the sports world during January of 2018. While that may sound like a dream come true, the situation was nothing short of Reimer\u2019s worst nightmare. On Thursday, January 25th, Alex Reimer was on WEEI\u2019s \u201cMut at Night\u201d program where Tom Brady\u2019s recent \u201cTom vs. Time\u201d documentary was brought up. When Reimer was asked to share his thoughts regarding the documentary, he said that Tom Brady\u2019s five-year-old daughter, Vivian, was \u201cbeing an annoying little piss ant\u201d. After a few days of making national headlines over the weekend, WEEI released a statement on Monday, January 29th, saying Reimer\u2019s remarks were \u201cutterly indefensible\u201d and \u201cmean-spirited\u201d. The statement also said Reimer would be \u201csuspended indefinitely from all WEEI platforms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer had faced controversy inside the walls of WEEI before, but never to this extent. He prefers to look at the positive side when thinking back to that situation. \u201cThe Brady thing was a lesson of where is the line.\u201d Reimer mentions that talk show hosts often try to be \u201cthe snooty dick-head,\u201d when on air. He then sarcastically mocks his own answer when asked about the documentary that night by saying, \u201cOh I think the kids are piss ants because I\u2019m, friggin, the Prince of Darkness and everything sucks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer admits, \u201cI should have just been like \u2018(the documentary) was fine, what else do you want to talk about?\u2019 Every line doesn\u2019t have to be a homerun, it\u2019s okay to just have a normal conversation.\u201d Reimer is very candid about his most famous statement, acknowledging that the entire situation was a \u201cbig learning experience and it taught me a lot.\u201d Although, he does mention \u201cit\u2019s easy for me to say now, I mean, going through it I was a friggin mess. It taught me a lot of lessons about how things work and the backlash and the outrage that we have and all of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For his comments, Reimer would not appear on the station\u2019s airwaves until a \u201cRed Sox review, at like, midnight on a Friday night before the 4th of July,\u201d Reimer recalled. During his 5-month hiatus from WEEI, Reimer acknowledged \u201cI\u2019m sure I was pretty damned close to being fired.\u201d Reimer would survive the Brady backlash and stay employed in large part because Tom Brady and the Patriot organization said they did not want him to lose his job. Also, WEEI\u2019s morning show, \u201cKirk and Callahan\u201d, came to his defense after a few months and agreed Reimer said an unbelievably stupid one-liner, but he served his punishment and should not be fired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kirk Minihane, a former WEEI personality, said Reimer got \u201ccaught up in the moment,\u201d when he made that statement. Minihane also mentioned Reimer has learned from that mistake and \u201cchanged for the better since then.\u201d Now almost a year removed from the incident, Reimer occasionally jokes about his infamous remark. He understands one of the most important attributes a host can have is a sense of humor, a thick skin, and perspective: \u201cIt\u2019s always good to keep in mind it\u2019s a show,\u201d he mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer now fully comprehends how important that line between \u201cwhat is provocative and what is offensive\u201d really is. He knows the unemployment line is full of past radio hosts who were either too timid or too offensive. He learned the hard way that \u201ckids are off limits, family members are off limits,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steve Buckley, a long-time columnist for the Boston Herald, drove this point home in a January 2018 article regarding Reimer\u2019s situation. Buckley wrote, \u201cAthletes, politicians, entertainers and sports media types are fair for discussion — within reason, one hopes — but husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, and (especially) children should be left alone.\u201d Buckley, who has known Reimer since he was in high school, also said that Reimer is still learning that \u201cthere are consequences saying things you can\u2019t really back up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer did admit one part of the job he \u201cstruggled with is not putting private citizens in the crosshairs\u2026 Don\u2019t mention people on the air that did not sign up to be mentioned on the air and be public figures.\u201d After all the negativity and doubt that surrounded Reimer during the Brady scandal, he is still driven as ever to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Reimer sarcastically joked his \u201cnarcissism\u201d motivates him to be on the radio every day, as Reimer is still a part-time, on-air personality. He then admits that the people who doubted him are fuel that burns inside his heart. \u201cHoward Stern said you have to have that rage inside you to be a successful radio personality and I think, to an extent, I do have that. Especially in the aftermath of the Brady thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer revealed that he will occasionally look up his name and take note of media members who wrote a \u201cdisparaging remark about me\u2026 and then I will remember that.\u201d Reimer went on to say, \u201cEspecially in the Brady thing, I was left for dead, nobody was defending me, \u2018you should fire this kid, enough with him.\u2019 I remember that. And every time I go on the radio or file a story even, it\u2019s a win. I\u2019m still here. I think of that stuff a lot. It\u2019s probably not healthy, but it\u2019s what drives me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer will continue to prove his doubters wrong as he hosts \u201cWEEI at Night\u201d on Friday, November 9th. This will be one of his last shows in this building, as the station will be moving to another location down the street. In 2016, Reimer made his debut at WEEI, one of the country\u2019s most popular sports radio stations. Unfortunately, that studio is being renovated for the new station moving in and is unavailable. This secondary studio Reimer occupies tonight looks like it has been through both a war zone and a hurricane. There are holes in the wall, speakers attached to nothing, and equipment Edward R. Murrow would have scoffed at using. The small confinement resembles a closet. Worst of all, Reimer cannot see his producers, as they are in another control room down the hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the working conditions tonight are less than stellar, Reimer will never forget what happened in this building. This was where 23-year-old Alex Reimer introduced himself to Boston over the air-waves. One unforgettable day behind the microphone made every podcast he recorded, article he wrote, blog he posted worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cObviously my first show I’ll always remember, just because that was a cool instance where we talk all the time about wanting to get in the door. My whole life\u2026 I just wanted to get in the door,\u201d Reimer said. \u201cJust get me an opportunity at this place, (WEEI), just all I can ask for, and I got it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer described how his first ever hour on WEEI\u2019s highly rated morning show, \u201cKirk and Callahan\u201d, went. He recalled they argued about Donald Trump and Tom Brady, the show\u2019s two most popular talking points. He understood the program’s bread and butter since he was a \u201cdie hard listener to the show.\u201dReimer knew he, \u201cnailed this they asked me to stay around for an additional hour.\u201d After the show, he signed his \u201cfreelance contract\u201d making him an official WEEI personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the next two years, Alex Reimer would be a character on \u201cKirk and Callahan\u201d, one of the most popular sports radio programs\/soap operas in the country. In 2017, the show\u2019s first, full year, the program would be the most listened to morning show in Boston for ten-out-of-the-twelve-months. The program had a rotating third co-host, and Reimer emerged as one of the most prominent third voices on the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Tomase, a WEEI personality and columnist who was also an occasional third host, mentioned it was impressive that 24-year-old Reimer could \u201creally hold his own\u201d in a debate with the show\u2019s two opinionated personalities, Kirk Minihane and Gerry Callahan. In Tomase\u2019s view, that \u201cdifferentiated him from anyone else (that young) in the Boston media market.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kirk Minihane lauded Reimer because he \u201ckicked ass from the start\u201d and \u201calways gave everything he had.\u201d Minihane was amused by him on the show because he thought Reimer was, \u201ckind of dumb but kind of smart.\u201d On that show, Minihane was never bashful about calling someone out if he disagreed with them. Reimer never wanted to shy away from a heated argument with Minihane or anyone else. He also respected that Reimer was \u201cnot going to be afraid\u201d and was \u201cas fearless as he could be,\u201d while on the air. In Minihane\u2019s mind, Reimer was \u201cby far, the best third guy on that show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gerry Callahan noticed Reimer understood he had to \u201cfight for his opinions\u201d and \u201cnever be boring,\u201d as soon as he got his chance on the program. Today, many people in the media, especially younger members, despise seeing negative comments about them on social media. He appreciated that Reimer was \u201cnot afraid\u201d and not \u201cgoverned by Twitter.\u201d Callahan also enjoyed having him on that show because Reimer has \u201cmore balls than brains.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chris Curtis, the producer of \u201cKirk and Callahan\u201d, said Reimer was the \u201cmost prepared third voice.\u201d Curtis also mentioned Reimer made an impression right away because of his \u201cwillingness to discuss private matters on a public forum.\u201d The most famous example of Reimer\u2019s openness came when he announced he was gay during one of his first appearances on the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He mentioned it casually, during the last segment of the program on November 2nd, 2016. During the last 16 minutes of the show, Reimer seamlessly transitioned back and forth from joking about his homosexuality to being honest about his past experiences. He admitted he had never slept with a woman and explained, \u201c(people in the gay community) call that a gold-star gay.\u201d Also during that segment, Callahan complemented Reimer by saying, \u201cI like his attitude though\u2026To do this job, to even sit in (the third chair)… you have to have a level of fearlessness, you can\u2019t be afraid. Obviously, Reimer\u2019s not afraid.\u201d Reimer poked fun at himself by jesting being gay \u201cin 2016 is a great career move.\u201d Minihane chimed in by joking Reimer is now \u201csafe forever\u201d from being fired. The segment perfectly let Boston know who Alex Reimer was. However, Reimer might not have owned the confidence to have this conversation on the air if not for an article he read in high school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steve Buckley wrote a column coming out as a gay man in January of 2011. Reimer said that article helped reassure him that, \u201c(he could) be an openly gay man and be a very successful sports writer.\u201d He went on to say, \u201cTo see someone like that who has had such an incredible career and a long career, yeah, it definitely, definitely meant a lot to me\u2026 It was very, very good for me to see, definitely told me that it\u2019s okay. You can still be who you are and still be a success in the sports media field, absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer acknowledged that to become a success in sports media, \u201creps, lots of reps\u201d are needed to hone in the craft. Being the host of \u201cWEEI at Night\u201d this evening, he has the power to steer the direction of the show. He discussed multiple topics over the four hours, both sports related and otherwise. A large portion of the program was spent breaking down the upcoming Patriot game against the Titans on Sunday. Reimer also engaged in a \u2018much ado about nothing\u2019 conversation that revolved around the age parents should stop showering with their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer enjoys hosting his own show as it informs the program director and the station that he can do a traditional sports broadcast. However, especially after being a part of \u201cKirk and Callahan\u201d, he knows the importance of discussing other topics as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The self proclaimed \u201cflaming liberal\u201d enjoys venturing into politics quite often. He repeatedly engages in intense political debates with Callahan on the airwaves. Since Reimer has a completely different political outlook than the staunch conservative Callahan, their arguments make for a very compelling radio listen. Callahan thinks Reimer is \u201ca little out there politically,\u201d and enjoys debating him on both local and national political issues. Despite their polar opposite political stances, Callahan enjoys Reimer\u2019s presence on his current show. Even with Reimer\u2019s willingness to venture into those areas, he knows there is a time in place to discuss politics on air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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He explained that a \u201cpolitical monologue\u201d would not be as entertaining to the listeners if he was hosting at night. Reimer acknowledged that he occasionally talks politics on the night show with John Tomase. Since they both generally agree politically, Reimer and Tomase often banter in a more lighthearted political conversation. Tomase \u201cloves Reimer\u201d in part because he is \u201csmart, well read\u201d and has \u201cgood instincts for what is a story.\u201d Reimer has impressed many of his older peers, and he is not yet 27.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer is very pleased with his job at WEEI due to there being \u201cso much creative freedom in my current role.\u201d He explained that he has \u201cnever, ever had Rob (Braford, his editor) tell me what to write, what not to write. I can count on one hand the amount of times Joey (Zabrano, the program director) has told me what not to talk about.\u201d Reimer went on to say, \u201cTo work at a place where you are allowed to do your own thing is incredible. I love that, that\u2019s my favorite part about it, bar none.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to his future, Reimer wants to keep his options open. \u201cI probably would eventually get out of sports media, just as my interests go.\u201d Wherever he winds up working, Reimer knows the formula he wants to follow. He is interested in doing something, \u201clike the \u2018Kirk and Callahan\u2019 show. It wasn\u2019t a sports show, it wasn\u2019t a political show, it was a show where we just talked about issues. I think that\u2019s the best kind of radio.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The young, brash, bombastic, ambitious, radio personality usually gives himself, \u201cSaturday off, and that I\u2019m not writing anything. I\u2019m not, really, following the news. Like, I\u2019ll allow myself one day a week where I kind uh, pull back. But, other than that, I am looking at everything. I am reading everything. I am following everything. And that\u2019s the thing; you have to be committed\u2026 You just always have to be on and aware and be engaged\u2026 You have to be engaged all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer believes, \u201canything that you\u2019re passionate about\u201d can make compelling radio. Reimer recalled, \u201cThe best show I\u2019ve ever done at \u2018EI, solo, was last December.\u201d Reimer said that night he discussed the Boston Globe\u2019s Spotlight story on racism in Boston sports, The Boston Globe\u2019s sexual harassment story, and ESPN\u2019s sexual harassment situation. Reimer went on to say, \u201cThose were the three topics I hit for those four hours. I was alone, and it was the best show I have ever done because that is stuff that is right up my wheelhouse. That is media. That is culture. That is race, uh. That is the stuff that I really love. So it\u2019s passionate radio.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reimer would then say, \u201cAnything you\u2019re passionate about\u2026 The mentality should never be, like, \u2018okay we have to do this segment.\u2019 No, you don\u2019t have to do anything. If you\u2019re not passionate about it, don\u2019t do it. Do something else. So again, people just want to be entertained and they can tell when you\u2019re going through the motions.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By: Chad Jones Alex Reimer stands in front of the microphone ready to sprout his opinions over Boston\u2019s airwaves. His lean five-foot-eight frame is covered by dark jeans and a grey long-sleeve shirt. His red lanyard hangs just under his five o\u2019clock shadow. The media pass drapes all the way down to his naval. Reimer […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17192,"featured_media":17632,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1024,1035],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17395"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17192"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17395"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17395\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21276,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17395\/revisions\/21276"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}