“Double or Nothing endured because of the nimble ad-libbing of its hosts and because, over the years, the show gained a reputation for double entendres and unexpected embarrassment. By far the most sensational of these came to be known as the “waitress episode,” which was so shocking to audiences of that innocent late 1940s era that its content could not even be hinted in the press (reporter Shirley Gordon mentioned it in Radio Life years later without ever telling her readers what she was talking about). While interviewing a waitress, O’Keefe asked if she’d had any experiences she could share on the radio. Yes, she said, she once had a friend, male, who had had some psychological problems. She didn’t know what she could do for him, but a mutual friend had suggested that he “get a good-looking girl like you and take her home and just have a big screwing party.” O’Keefe hustled her through the quiz fast, but the damage was done: the show had been carried live to the East Coast, and CBS was inundated with angry calls. The network ordered all its West Coast affiliates (which had transcribed the show for broadcast in a later timeslot) to cancel it and destroy the transcriptions. Obviously, at least one was saved: the show exists on tape, a nice curiosity piece.””
Quotes by John O'Keefe
On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio
“That producer, John Bonifield, told a Project Veritas undercover reporter that the reason CNN constantly focused on Russia was “ratings.””
American Muckraker: Rethinking Journalism for the 21st Century
“Think about the writers who came together to pen the Federalist Papers. Not only were there three of them”
American Muckraker: Rethinking Journalism for the 21st Century
John O'Keefe
John O'Keefe was an influential American playwright, director, and solo performer known for his innovative contributions to theater. Born in 1940, O'Keefe's work often explored complex themes and huma...