8 chapters across the catalog
A new MTV VJ faced professional repercussions after giving an honest answer during a press interview about Madonna. When asked for his opinion, he stated that the singer was "not that nice," which horrified the network's PR department. The incident highlighted the industry expectation for VJs to remain positive and avoid critical personal opinions about major stars.
MTV VJ History, Carolyn Heldman, Hairy Legs Controversy
A story from the early days of MTV involves VJ Carolyn Heldman, who was marketed as a "girl next door" type. The hosts recount an incident where Heldman appeared on camera with unshaven legs, causing a stir among network executives. She was eventually fired after refusing to shave or cover her legs, an event described as an early "Me Too" moment or a clash over personal grooming standards in media.
Donor Thank You, VJ Days, Douchebag Confessions
The hosts read a list of donors contributing $50 or more, including several from the Netherlands and Germany. One donor recalled Adam Curry's days as an MTV VJ, while another confessed to feeling like a "douchebag" after a difficult divorce and finding solace in the show.
A clip from the ABC show "American Housewife" featuring Wendy Malick is played, where a character jokes about wanting to be an MTV VJ. The hosts discuss the difficulty of producing comedies without laugh tracks, citing Tina Fey's work as a successful example. They use the clip as a potential "end of show" ISO due to its reference to Adam Curry's former career.
An anecdote from a former MTV VJ describes a 1980s interview with TV Guide where he honestly stated that Madonna was "not that nice." The comment caused a panic within the MTV press department, as the network relied on maintaining good relationships with major stars for events like the Video Music Awards. The incident resulted in the VJ being restricted from future press opportunities.
Jesse Camp, MTV VJ Contest Winner and French Language Charade
Adam Curry shares a story about Jesse Camp, the eccentric winner of an MTV VJ contest who received a million-dollar record advance. While staying at Jack Ponti's house and maintaining a public persona of a "nut job" who ate sprinkles for breakfast, he was overheard speaking fluent French to his mother. Camp eventually admitted to being a highly educated trust fund recipient who had manufactured his public character as a long-term performance.
NPR appointed Jarl Mohn, formerly known in the 1980s as Los Angeles DJ Lee Masters, as its new President and CEO. Mohn's background includes executive roles at MTV and VH1, as well as founding E! Entertainment Television. The transition is expected to bring a more commercial sensibility to the public radio network, given Mohn's history as a "media innovator" and former top 40 disc jockey.
Adam Curry provides an insider's perspective on the economics of the television industry, claiming that most on-air talent, including MTV VJs, earn very little money. He describes the industry as a hierarchy where people endure poor pay and treatment for the sake of exposure and potential power. The segment highlights the manipulative nature of media organizations over their subordinates.
