I am so happy that Celebrity Court Radio returns to the airwaves this afternoon!
For those of you who don’t know, let me explain why I have been on “sabbatical” for three months.
This summer, my mother died. Moreover, I had a huge case to try in federal court. And I was doing legal commentary about the Anthony Sowell trial for Channel 19 WOIO , the CBS affiliate in Cleveland. All of this made me realize that something had to come off the shelf — and unfotunately, the show was it.
However, there has been a good deal of activity in the background. You will notice that my website has undergone a major revision. Special thanks go to Susan Lowry and Karl Shaw of SquareOne Consulting in Akron. Also, I have been working with Chuck Taylor, a former editor and writer at Billboard (and author of the best blog ever, The Smoking Nun!), on a book called “Celebrity Second Chances.” If you follow the show on Twitter, you will notice a stady stream of Tweets. And most importantly, thanks to Mark Goldman and Ryan McCormick of Goldman McCormick PR in New York City, the show ghas moved to Blog Talk Radio.
During the past three months, I realized just how much I loved doing Celebrity Court. I say that is it the “funnest” part of my week, and that is true. People from all walks of life told me how much they enjoyed the show and were intrigued by the concept. And the show was recognized this spring by Talkers Magazine as being one of the top 250 shows of 2011.
But more importantly, I realized what a powerful vehicle Celebrity Court is. On the show, during the “Second Chances” segment, I highlighted several wrongful convictions. In particular, I highlighted two upcoming executions in Ohio. Shortly thereafter, two differnt governors commuted these sentences. Make no mistake: I am not saying that Celebrity Court singlehandedly made the difference. Rather, what I am saying is that the show provided a powerful platform to inform listeners of these innjustices — and the actions which they could take.
In September, when the whole world was focused on the upcoming execution of Troy James in Atlanta, I realized I was without the platform of Celebrity Court. Simply blogging did not feel like enought. How I wish I could have done more.
If you listen to the show, you realize that I am proudly and unabashedly a criminal defense lawyer. The show was created because, unfortunately, this is a perspective which is lacking. And the show uses the vehicle of celebrities as an excuse to discuss a variety of issues. I have learned that most people have no desire to discuss the criminal justice system in a meaningful way. It is something for other people. However, thery suddenly become interested if they or a family member is in trouble — or if their favorite athlete, politician, or Hollywood celebrity is in trouble.
So enjoy the show. I know I will. And as I always say when signing off “Injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere.”
