On Sunday, Mayor Adams launched his live radio call-in program, positioning himself as 'an ordinary citizen' leading New York city's administration. The debut show, airing on WBLS, offered Adams an avenue to directly relay his thoughts and engage with citizen's inquiries about essential city issues such as public safety and governmental diversity.
A standout feature of the 30-minute radio show was the unveiling of Edward Caban as the first Hispanic police commissioner, highlighting the administration's conscious push for diversity. Caban assumed the city's top law enforcement position, succeeding Keechant Sewell, NYPD's first female leader. In Adams' words, this succession was necessary to "continue that legacy."
Echoing the practices of former mayors de Blasio, Bloomberg, and Giuliani, Adams' foray into live radio is aimed at putting him in direct contact with the citizens. His remarks highlighted his intention to be seen as an ordinary New Yorker, thus trying to bring an element of familiarity to his tenure.
Unlike previous mayoral radio shows characterized by challenging call-ins, Adams’ initiation evoked milder, more focused inquiries mostly around the city's economic framework. Addressing these concerns, Adams elaborated on his administration’s accomplishments such as prudent city budgeting and implementing dyslexia screening in public schools. This he contends, is a reflection of the administration's resilience fostered through his personal trials and experiences.
One caller from Queens questioned the MTA's projected fare hike. Mayor Adams defended these plans citing the necessity of maintaining a robust public transportation system. He also gave assurances about the newly initiated fare-free bus routes piloted by Governor Kathy Hochul, underscoring its social equity benefits.
Furthermore, as a regular subway denizen, Adams confirmed his administration's dedication to making the subway system safer through augmented police presence and increased mental health support on the platforms.
On a closing note, Adams declared that such radio shows would be aired semi-regularly on WBLS, creating a platform for continued dialogues with citizens and featuring guest appearances.
