Cuomo Launches Call-In Show

Former Gov. Mario Cuomo took to the airwaves Saturday during a test run of his radio call-in show.

Most callers wanted to talk state government, particularly why there was so much. Some were stumped when Cuomo pressed for specifics.

Cuomo, sitting in a Manhattan studio, asked for suggestions for a format and theme music for the syndicated show that will run weekly on about 20 stations around the country.

He said his theme song idea - Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” - was rejected. He even hummed a few bars.

“Imagine that, shooting down not Cuomo, that’s easy. That happened last November. But Cuomo and Beethoven too. That’s kind of tough,” he said.

When a caller suggested he simply give a good speech and have people respond, Cuomo joked: “I’m tired of having people throw fruit at me.”

The hourlong test was broadcast on WGY-AM in Schenectady. It was delayed a few minutes because of technical trouble. The regular show will run from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, starting next week.