Bernard Meltzer- NY's Corniest Radio Host

In a town where radio is now dominated by political extremists and shock jocks, it's hard to imagine that Bernard Meltzer's "What's Your Problem?" show on WOR radio was hugely popular in the 70s and 80s. Combining "expert" knowledge on everything from leaky basements to municipal bonds to interfaith marriages with a thick New York accent, he was New York's Dear Abby and Mr. Fix-It. At the same time, he was corny to a point where most of us wondered about his sincerity. Often he would begin a show with a recording of "Let There Be Peace on Earth," and he was always invoking "The Good Lord's" guidance in providing advice on aluminum siding. To those who ridiculed him, Meltzer would simply quote his ratings. Who was this man, whom listeners and announcers always addressed as "Mister" or "Doctor" Meltzer (never Bernie)?

Meltzer was a local success story, the child of working class Jewish parents who studied Engineering at City College, at one time the "Poor Man's Harvard." Although Columbia had offered him a scholarship, they refused to waive certain fees which he could not afford, and Meltzer never forgot this. After graduating Meltzer worked primarily in civil engineering, one of his major projects being the 34th Street / Herald Square subway complex. (Depending upon your perspective, this maze of tunnels and stairwells was either an engineering marvel or nightmare). With time he amassed enough experience to be considered an expert witness on a variety of topics, although the only "doctorate" which he in fact received was an honorary Doctor of Music. Meltzer frequently told of a life-changing event in which a friend named Sam loaned him some money. When Meltzer offered to repay him, Sam instead asked that anytime he should encounter someone in need, he should help that person.

Meltzer's Saturday morning show on WOR was originally a low-key affair, with most callers inquiring about home engineering matters. With time, he got more and more calls regarding finance and legal matters, to a point where an announcer would begin every show by reminding listeners that "Mr. Meltzer is not an attorney." He did most of his commercials himself, and sponsors obviously liked his endorsements. Frequently he would have guests on the show ranging from career experts to the well-known Catholic author Malachy Martin.

But it was his responses to people's personal problems which made Meltzer so folksy. Elderly people would often call in with complaints about their children, and Meltzer would typically addressed the women as "Mama." He always tried to get feuding family members to try and talk things out. He also referred callers to matchmakers, as well as lawyers, contractors and the like. Thousands of people wrote him letters to complain about problems with government agencies and large corporations, and Meltzer had a staff to handle these inquiries. They also gave out t-shirts saying "Bernard Meltzer Loves You" to callers.

For a brief period Meltzer took his show to WOR TV, but this did not last very long. For one thing, he wasn't exactly a charismatic personality. And discussions of roof tiles and property lines didn't make for visually exciting topics.

Meltzer commuted every day from his home in Philadelphia via Amtrak, using the long commute time to write poetry and read inspirational literature, which he would often quote on the air.

I actually called Meltzer's show once - the only time I ever got on commercial talk radio (this doesn't count the times during the 80s when I called the pirate stations in Brooklyn). His guest for the day was a career expert, and I wanted his advice on the prospects for occupational therapists. Charlotte, Meltrzer's call screener, was very polite and efficient, but I was surprised to learn that the vocational "expert" did not know what an occupational therapist did; he confused the position with physical therapy. After about two minutes he and Meltzer got the great idea that I should go for a Masters in Hospital Administration, a field in which I had zero interest.