After who knows how many requests, The Media Project, a weekly program on which I appear on most alternate weeks, finally recorded an hour-long version last night.

It was a benefit for WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Contributors to its recent fund drive were offered the opportunity to fill the seats at the Linda Norris Auditorium in Albany for what was dubbed "The Media Project Reunion."

In addition to current panelists Rex Smith of the Albany Times Union, Alan Chartock of WAMC, Elisa Streeter of WTEN-TV and myself, back for this special event were Lydia Kulbida of WNYT-TV and Monte Trammer of the Elmira Star Gazette.

Beyond the usual banter -- Alan is short, Ira is heavy, Elisa is tall and Rex has nice hair -- we touched on a number of meaty topics, including a lengthy discussion on the Times Union's role in the Eliot Spitzer-Joe Bruno affair. (If you think journalists do not take their responsibilities seriously, pay close attention to Rex's comments.)

The program will air at 6 p.m. Sunday and again at 3 p.m. Monday. We'll all be awaiting listeners' verdicts on the $64 question: Now do understand why the program is normally 30 minutes long?

Seriously, it was a good show. I hope you tune in.

(In the photo, from the left, that's Lydia, me, Alan, Rex, Monte, Elisa and Media Project producer David Guistina.)