Harrisburg Radio: Ex-Con to Audition for Gig

Bruce Bond

But this is no orderinary ex-convict.  This is Central PA. radio legend Bruce Bond, who  hosted Top 40 WNNK-104.1 FM's daily "The Bruce Bond Late Afternoon Show" from 3-7 p.m. from 1995 until 2002

Bruce Bond is auditioning to host WHP 580 AM’s afternoon talk show.

He isn't alone either. The AM radio station is in the midst of a search for a replacement for Bob Durgin, who retired on Aug. 2. Candidates for the position have been auditioning on-air since Aug. 5 in the afternoon show's time slot of 3-6 p.m.

Newman

Newman of Newman and Nancy on sister-station WRBT BOB 94.9 FM fame is auditioning Thursday. Bond will have the Friday audition spot.  The auditions will continue into the next week and will include Matt Meyer of sister-station WRVV The River 97.3.

As for what the station's looking for, PD RJ Harris says "We are not looking for someone with fill-in-the-blank political beliefs or lifestyle beliefs. We're looking for a show that's compelling and entertaining and will keep people listening."

And according to pennlive.com, that's where Bond could shine. A figure of fascination for many in the midstate, Bond made national headlines when he was indicted in 2008 for charges of forgery, attempted grand larceny and identity theft. There were 65 counts total levied against him for the $4.3 million forged-check scheme involving accomplices in Nigeria and Europe.

Matt Meyer

Found guilty, Bond was sentenced to a minimum of 2 1/3 years to maximum of 7 years in prison. He was released on parole on April 29, 2010 for merit. His parole was discharged two years later.

Harris predicts Bond's criminal past will come up during his on-air audition. "I have to think that it will come up and I have to believe that Bruce is ready to talk about it," he said.

As for negative audience reaction to bringing on Bond, Harris is prepared. "He paid his dues. I know it sounds cliche, but it's true," Harris said. "The thing we have to remember about Bruce Bond is that he had some of the biggest rating shares, if not the biggest, of anyone ever on the air in Harrisburg. So we believe that he deserves, at least, a look."

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