Yesterday afternoon, Thursday, October 15, I had a wonderful
surprise: my friend and colleague, Art Bell, called. We had perhaps
the best off-air conversation in a year. Among other items, Art and
I discussed not only his abrupt, shocking "resignation" Tuesday morning
... but the reasons.
I will not divulge details, except to say that his (to
many of his friends) completely enigmatic actions are sincere;
they are NOT mere "hype" for "Coast-to-Coast"; they are NOT "positioning"
for some mysterious, behind-the-scenes contract negotiations with Premiere
(his parent network). They are simply rooted in a complex family
problem, which has been building to a crisis for a year ... and
which climaxed so "messily" on Monday night.
There are government agendas and conspiracies.
But I am satisfied -- from a first-hand conversation with my
friend -- that this is not one of them! Unless we clearly separate
this truth from all the rumors, we are lost; the serious subjects and
agendas discussed on "Coast-to-Coast" will be totally negated and ignored,
if we do not firmly distinguish a personal crisis from a "black-ops"
project.
The good -- actually, great! -- news: Art will be
back. With time and a much clearer head, as well as much outside
assistance, he can see a way clear to deal with the delicate issues
which precipitated this emergency, and he assures me, he will
return to both the Show and the audience he loves.
As well he should.
Richard C. Hoagland
Oct 16, 1998