Attorneys pay to get air-time on Long Island Law, Island Talk 540 AM

Long Island Business News, Nov 29, 2002 by LIBN STAFF

Former Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Robert Montefusco has done it. So has John P. Schettino, an attorney in private practice with offices in West Islip and Valley Stream. For $375 per appearance, attorneys are paying their way get air-time on "L.I Law," a half-hour slot Friday evenings on Island Talk 540 AM WLIE.

The program, which runs from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., is the concept of John Zaher, president of the Public Relations and Marketing Group, a PR firm based in West Islip that specializes in work for attorneys.

Zaher, the show's host, is about halfway through a 13-week contract for the slot. He said the program has a dual purpose: to provide a public service to listeners about a wide range of legal issues and to help attorneys gain exposure. Topics discussed on the show range from the legal issues involved in buying a home, to an individual's rights when being arrested, to lawsuits.

"I know of no better way for attorneys to provide a public service and at the same time increase their exposure and enhance their practices," said Zaher.

Montefusco, an associate at Smith Carroad, Levy & Finkel in Commack, which specializes criminal and matrimonial law, as well personal injury and domestic disputes, said, "The public needs to know what their legal rights are."

WLIE said it's a win-win situation since the station gets a show about law, local lawyers get access to the airwaves and listeners get access to attorney's expertise.

"This program's local content and public information helps us meet our goal of becoming Long Island's source for local news and information about the communities we live in," said John McDermott, program director for Island Talk 540.

Zaher said that the show plans to do a call-in section, but wants to provide general advice rather than advice on handling a specific individual's problem.

Zaher said he's still looking for real estate, elder law and estate lawyers to go on air and provide expertise in those areas.