Air-America shows were almost 100% SCRIPTED today...WTF

[leftyandproud]

very disappointing...I listened on and off for several hours today...It was certainly nice to hear liberal viewpoints, and some of the jokes were funny...but it there wasn't really much in the way of actual TALK...real interaction with the audience. It just seemed like the whole program was written before it was held...and the footage I saw of Franken on the news tonight showed him basically reading from a sheet of paper on his desk...not looking up..not improvising at all..just reading from a pre-written list of jokes and editorials. I'm afraid this sort of thing just doesn't play well. As much as I loathe Limbaugh, at least he doesn't stick to a script 90% of the time...He usually goes off on tangents, talking about whatever topic his callers bring up...He basically talks about everything, always getting his views across and bouncing ideas off his listeners. Hannity/Limbaugh/Boortz etc basically have a list of news stories in front of them at the beginning of their shows..They read a bit from a story, gives their opinion on it, then have discussions about the issues with callers. They actually knock those who disagree with them to the top of the list to make the show more entertaining. Havinbg debate clarifies the issue, then lets them try to bring the audience to see their point of view. This is talk radio...interaction..opinions...and most importantly, UNPLANNED discussions and debate. I hope to see this in the future, and less of the "read joke...have a rehearsed interview with a guest...read a krugman editorial...tell another joke, etc" I realize this was the first show and they were probably a little nervous, but I hope they will be able to evolve into a real talk show...not just a day long editorial for our side. Talk radio is popular because the hosts kick ideas around, and let ordinary people from all sides have a chance to sound off...I hope our guys start doing this...It will certainly be more engaging for the audience...especially moderates and swing voters.

[TruthIsAll]

1. Come on, this is their FIRST show. Don't be so critical from the get-go.

TIA

[Citizen Daryl]

55. Did Any Of Us Ever Find Our Groove On The First Day Of A New Job?

<eom>

[scottcsmith]

2. Well, it was their first day

Franken had three hours to fill. Suppose he only had enough calls for an hour-long show? I think they're all going to be a bit scripted until they get an audience. Air America is playing in what, five cities? I think it'll just take some time.

[mouse7]

3. 1) You can't please everyone. 2) Some people are never happy.

Personally, I think you're claim is crud on everything scripted anyway. How did they script the responses to today's events?

Gee, they couldn't, huh?

[Kool Kitty]

I think it went fine today.

Give them a little time to get their feet under themselves, they'll do fine. I don't think any of these people (with the exception of Randi) are originally radio people, so maybe they need a little help. It's the first day, you know? I'm looking forward to listening tomorrow.

(And as far as Rush is concerned, he may not have a script. But I'll bet he keeps a printout of WH and repug talking points very close at hand. Which is just as good as reading from a script, in my opinion.)

[Wapsie B]

4. Listen to Ed Schultz tomorrow.

His show may be more of what you're looking for. He had callers on, several of which were truckers talking about some transportation bill in Congress that threatened their jobs. Good working-class meat & potato issues, along with the 9/11 news, Richard Clarke, etc...

[billbuckhead]

6. How do you know Limbaugh strays from his script?

[Wapsie B]

11. I didn't say that.

The original poster did.

[madrchsod]

23. he`s really good

he certainly is a working class guy and from what i`ve heard today i`m not going to miss many of his shows. there`s a hell of alot of working class heroes that will like what he has to say.

[Eric J in MN]

5. Franken's show was good in part because of good preparation.

At DU, we can make up our comments to each other as we go along.

I was glad that Franken and his staff prepared funny bits like Bebe Neuwirth as Ann Coulter.

I'm glad Franken is prepared instead of just rambling along.

[Eric J in MN]

7. Al Franken's show is a million times better than Sean Hannity's. (nt)

nt

[stopbush]

8. If Limbaugh is 90% unscripted, then why does he always say the

same things, over and over again?

So, Sean Hannity has the major news stories in front of him? Does the discussion ever get past "blame Clinton's cock?"

[ComerPerro]

15. Because he is an arrogant moron, and so are his listeners

All he really needs to do is say the same shit over and over again. That is all conservatives ever do. They lack basic skills such as comprehension and critical thinking, so they stick to the same rudimentary talking points, flavored with a few lies.

Besides, when you are the unofficial spokesmen for the dumbest President in history, what could you possibly have to talk about?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

17. Didn't you see that part of The Stepford Wives?

[Eric J in MN]

9. If writing things down is bad, then Shakespeare is terrible for writing

If writing things down is bad, then Shakespeare is terrible for writing all those sonnets and plays.

Shakespeare should have just improvised instead.

[Zo Zig]

10. Dam

Most of the host have never done talk radio. Day one few calls, give it some time.

[ComerPerro]

12. Here is the thing about Limbaugh

Good for him. He only uses his script as an outline for his program.

Well, that is because most of his show is spent

A) being fawned over by sycophantic morons who call in thanking him for "showing us the truth" (read: telling us what to think and how to feel)

B) self congratulation

C) debating the occasional moderate or liberal who manages to get past the screener, nearly getting trounced all over the place, and then cutting the caller off so listener think that the "Maharushi" won another one

D) pimping his newsletter

and

E) spewing out lies and selling them as the truth.


So, why the fuck would he possibly need a script?

[libbygurl]

13. Geez, it's their very first (half-)day, give 'em a break.

They'll only get better. No one else has tried this for the liberals before. I'm just ecstatic it's finally a reality!

[madrchsod]

14. you didn`t listen to randi`s

filleting of a nadar supporter? she rock`s -first time i`ve heard her

[BeHereNow]

19. The glee at hostile behavior is truly disturbing

"Filleting"
Isn't that a O'really technique?
and why is it acceptable on a "left" wing host
but not a "right" wing host?
Brown shirts everywhere- BUT of course, "Librul"
Brown shirtery is okay, right?
Right-
BHN

[NWHarkness]

22. Give it a rest

It's high time we fought back.

[BeHereNow]

28. And the surest way to meet defeat

is to leave the mountain to meet your enemy in the valley.
I prefer the mountain. That way I keep the advantage.
I prefer intelligent debate as a weapon to crass verbosity
anyday.
BHN

[toddzilla]

31. quote sun tzu all you want..

Go out in the street and talk to regular people. "liberal intellectualism" will not get any listeners.

[libbygurl]

32. Unfortunately, that seems to be the reality.

[BeHereNow]

33. Tell that to Amy Goodman-

You're too funny.
BHN

[mouse7]

35. Yeah, Amy Goodman audience so much bigger than Rush

We're being beaten in the streets with baseball bats and you actually think you're being effective by correcting grammer errors of the attackers.

[Name removed]

38. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mouse7]

49. Nope... I've been on this thread since post #3.

Truth is a real damn inconvenience to you, huh?

[Fovea]

41. To describe the position of the Democratic Party

post 2000, post 911, post anthrax as being on the mountain
is not a very accurate thing, IMO.

We were weak from repeated victory and dispirited. We are gathering strength as we move foreward leaving burnt Repug options behind us. It was not a lofty flight of philosophic argument that has the Bush* whitehouse beshitting themselves. It is the weight of Franken, Moore, Palast, Carville, etc. that gave the disaffected paleo cons and republican moderates permission to do the really damning stuff like Niger yellowcake, ONeill, Phillips, and now Clarke.

I think they are what is left of the bi-partisan spirit in America.
If they can do that for America, perhaps we need to be a bit more accepting of the Greens.


It was Dean who got the Dems afire. We do not need to retreat to the mountain and plan. We need to press the attack, so as to have the greatest number of options when it is time to plan the final battle.

It is Dennis who keeps broadening the tent, and speaking to the disaffected former voters. When Bill Clinton gave up on National Healthcare, we lost some committed voters. Nader was effective with his 2000 message because there is enough truth to it for a disenchanted progressive. We have bought every gun in the shop. Time for a bit of butter.

It looks to be Kerry that carries the final assault. It heartens me to see the little army boot flinch. It also puts to lie the Karl Rove image of the 'war pResident.' Mission accomplished, indeed.

[BeHereNow]

44. Ah, but I was not speaking

in a general sense, rather form a personal code of living.
I can not endorse or elevate Randi Rhodes' performance today
from a point of personal character.
That was the original topic on which I was brown shirted
by our fellow posters on this thread.
I agree with you on the fact that serious situations
require serious debate, but I hardly call wallowing in
the mud with the basest of human qualties as an
effective or moral technique of doing battle.
I prefer the debate and intelligence of someone
like Robert Byrd, or Ron Paul to the bully rhetoric
of someone like Randi Rhodes or Bill O'Really.

BHN

[Fovea]

66. I understand your point.

But the system has been subverted.

For example, it is easy to say that the Pendergast machine was evil.
But to do so without also realizing that the Republican party sponsored racist terrorist organizations like the APA reduces the reality of American politics in the early 20th C into a reductionist morality play.

Similarly, I feel that relying on the power of the moral high ground against Rove and Co. will provide us with a defeat. We need to win over the average American, and sadly the Average American has an average American education. If I thought it would help, I would suggest Bill Clinton bring out a brand of beer, or bass boat.

[BeHereNow]

70. Thanks- and I understand you perfectly

Unfortunately, I am going to have to agree with you.
The average American has an average education.
Baseness and Bullies catch their attention faster than
twenty dollars in the gutter.
I am relieved that Ms. Rhodes is only a small part
of the AA programming and if she catches some
people on the fence by her crassness, I say great!
Fortunately, my local Pacifica station has great
programming during her spot, so I can change the
channel when she comes on. I truly enjoyed Al Franken
and the other shows today. Articulate and intelligent.
Great information without the audio assault.

I have enjoyed our discussion.
That's a first for me today at DU, so THANK YOU!
BHN

[libbygurl]

25. You do make a good point.

Personally, I find rudeness very unpleasant and disturbing, whether coming from the left, right or center. Truth + humor + wit + conviction should be sufficient. Although I also understand some people's view regarding the need for fighting dirty--but must it have to be so?

[BeHereNow]

29. Thanks for the understanding-

But "fighting dirty" is EXACTLY what they want us to do-
slide down to the level of bullying and crassness.
I refuse.
I don't feel good about myself when I lower
my character to that of a coward.

BHN

[libbygurl]

30. I do wonder, have we lost when we, too, have become the Enemy?

Bullying can be seen as fascism on a small, individual scale.

[BeHereNow]

37. Basically, sadly, Yes.

The failure to identify the quality you abhor in
others, as part of your nature, is what Shakespeare
referred to as the fatal flaw.
And so it is.
BHN

[SemperEadem]

61. Hall monitor

watch out--we're being censored

[RapidCreek]

16. I think they did a wonderful job!

RC

[grannylib]

18. Just so long as they aren't boring...they need to be energized and edgy

even if they want to keep the tone positive and not personal or whatever, they really need to be sharp.
And personal is what people want, to be honest...they want to see Chimpy and the PNAC goons trashed IMHO...that's WHY people listen to the wrong-wing scum, isn't it?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

20. It's a useful critique

I didn't get to listen today, but I plan to. I think your criticisms sound reasonable, and I would just wait to see it evolve. Frankly any criticism they get will only make people more curious..so as the saying goes..all advertising is good advertising.

[NightTrain]

21. Randi Rhodes didn't sound scripted. For that matter, neither did...

...Janeane Garofalo and Ed Seder.

Remember, Franken has no prior radio experience, at least that I'm aware of. It's going to take him some time to get up to snuff.

When I first started doing radio in 1987, I always typed up a list of things to say during mike breaks, just in case my gift of gab froze up on me at some point. And I was doing a three-hour music show, not talk!

Besides, the important thing in showbiz is not to be spontaneous; it's to *sound* spontaneous. If you can master that, you'll have the audience eating out of your hand, baby!

[VOX]

46. Listening to the Randi Rhodes repeat right now...NO SCRIPT!

And for a first day, Air America did great.

:toast:

[MrSlayer]

24. Sort of ironic to hear U.S. Military ads on there.

Go....Explore the world...Kill exotic people for lies...risk being mutilated and hung from a bridge....The Army takes you there!

[Dover]

26. I agree...give it a chance. However, Al made it clear he does NOT

believe that Bushco LIHOP. And when a caller asked his guest Bob Kerry about reports that Ashcroft had actually been told not to fly on 9/11, Kerry replied that there was no evidence behind that 'rumor'. Franken took that opportunity to let the audience know that he did not believe in LIHOP...which to me is a signal that they (like the 9/11 commission) will not be discussing those issues which are at the root of what many Americans actually want answers to.

Then Frankens sidekick (the NPR reporter) asked Kerry what kinds of things people ARE wanting the commission to find out, and he gave some safe answer....

[Career Prole]

27. I must admit...

...that I'd have no idea how "Hannity/Limbaugh/Boortz etc" do their shows. I don't reckon I'd plug 'em here even if I did.
From what I understand they don't need notes because God Himself is feeding them their lines live and In Person.

[K8-EEE]

34. I Loved It!! It Was Almost Weird To Hear What I Think...

expressed on the radio. It was fun. It didn't bore me at all.

Also I don't expect any project this huge to be a polished gem the very first day, GET REAL!

It's several million times better than the Dennis Miller Show, GAK!!! That thing is a train wreck for sure, no potential for it. Lots of potential at Air America. I'm so into it. I'm so happy about it.

[Robin Hood]

36. WTF?!! Limbaugh doesn't stick to a script.

THis guy gets his daily talking points stright from the GOP and Bush Co.

[ThomasNorth16]

39. Its got to get better

Hope it goes better than Cuomo's and Donahue's last try.  They
made me wonder if there really are enough liberals
(progressives) out there to make it work.  Maybe the country
really is predominately conservative.  TN

[tishaLA]

42. Thanks for sharing

I enjoyed your pearl of wisdom. I do so hope you enjoy your time here.

[Dr Fate]

47. Except Donohue's ratings were higher than Chris Matthews...

But they cancelled his anti-war news/talk program anyway...

[salin]

56. and yet they keep airing the even lower rated "Scarborough Country"

proving once and for all that the problem wasn't Donahue and ratings. It was airing a progressive at the ire of some powers that be.

[ThomasNorth16]

57. Ratings

I thought the 'powers that be' at the top of the broadcast
networks were libs (progressives) so what you said doesn't
make sense.  I was unaware that Scarborough's ratings were
poor.  Where can I check that?  TN

[dpibel]

48. You can always dream, can't you?

What were the ratings on Donahue's show when they pulled the plug, again? How'd they compare with the other offerings on the network?

Oops! Bet you missed that part.

As TishaLA said: Enjoy your visit.

[ThomasNorth16]

58. Donahue's Ratings

What were they? And can you give me a reference to validate them before I pass them on? I have made it a rule never to pass on stats that I can't reference. I am respected for it too. TN

[bobbyboucher]

63. Who let you in?

Or are you lost?

[Selwynn]

40. MOST FIRST RADIO SHOWS ARE LIKE THAT. Sheesh.

[Eric J in MN]

43. Al Franken's first show was a lot better than other radio shows, new or

Al Franken's first show was a lot better than other radio shows, new or old.

[TheWebHead]

45. just to clarify

the "script" you are referring to was Al Franken reading the opening monologue to launch the network... Normally the TV news shows will videotape the first moments of something like this -- be it a launch event, a concert, etc., not stick around all day. Franken probably should have said wait to record until after I read off this paper so I don't look like a teleprompter reader on the cable news networks that were covering it :)

All radio shows have "show prep", esp. for interviews, and they'll read articles from time to time, but you can't script text of 3-4 hours of programming.

[KharmaTrain]

50. Scripting? How Else Do You Do A Radio Show???

I listened most of the day...and re-listened to the replay. I heard an organized, but defintely not scripted...each word written down...type presentation. Want to hear that? Turn on your local Salem AM station and listen to one of their right wing preachers.

There was a lot going on on a first day of operation. Bets are there were lots of glitches also going on...phones not working, people not where they should be, well-wishers stopping by or calling in and so on...damn right you needed some kind of script or schedule to fit all of this in.

As a former show host, I always had topics and points written down when I'd walk into a studio. I could know those points inside and out, but still need to refer to them in doing a monologe or interview. This is called "show prep" and methinks Mr. Franken probably had tons of such notes nearby all show long...kinda like Uncle Milty Joke Vault...quickly accessible when the moment arose.

If you don't think other shows are scripted, you're wrong again. Many large stations require talent to do promos or submit their topics a day or so ahead of time to their station managers. Or, listen to Rush or Hannity...think those shows are free flowing? Those are so scripted they might as well be automated.

Right now there's a ton of things these hosts want to say...working in new markets, new mediums and with a brand new audience. Hold your judgement for a couple weeks as MIHOP/LIHOP or * hate gets old and we need something else to talk about...or events dicate a change...then we'll see how glib these people are. Methinks at least Randi Rhodes is up to that challenge. Stay tuned.

[The Backlash Cometh]

51. Lord knows they've had the luxury of time to gather information!

Writers often do spend many, many hours just cogitating about the subject they want to write about. They actually THINK about it before it finally gets on paper. The first shows of Air America SHOULD be scripted because they've got 40 years of material to cover. Where to begin? Where to begin?

I'm sure they're nervous about their first show and until this kind of thing becomes second hat to them, I think the first shows should be scripted. Frankly, I think they all should be if "Imus in the morning" is any indication of an unscripted show.

[dbt]

52. Scripted? That's how I'd do the first day or two.

And I have run three stations (pretty well) in my time. However, I would give an Old Warrior like Randi Rhodes carte blanche. I would tell my pups to pay attention to her!

Frankie say relax.

:hippie:
dbt

[Q]

53. Every single live broadcaster...

...has a 'list' of topics they want to cover during the course of their show. It's not a 'script' at all. You show your ignorance when you presume that a live show is anything other than spontaneous.

[Iceburg]

54. I'm sending in another $200 to AAR

I loved the show, and the after-show appearances of Franken on Norville's hour. But what gave me the most pleasure was peeping on the freerepublic.com site -- they were writhing in agony yet unable to turn it off. It was worth every penny.

[funkybutt]

59. how do you donate to AAR?

i couldn't find a link for donating to Air America. URL?

[revcarol]

60. I would rather buy stock

since I think this is going to be a real moneymaker...

[bobbyboucher]

62. Mix in a paragraph.

Thanks.

[hiphopnation]

64. I think it's telling that leftyandproud has abandonded this thread...

you wanna do it better?

lame

[OHdem10]

65. How long has Rush Limbaugh had to refine his style, his material

--in other words to polish his show and bring it where it is today--the same goes for other Conservative Radio types. Their job was easier from the beginning. They have a defined idealogy. Rush used his first few years to "sell "Conservative Philosphy" > As his popularity grew Republicans in Congress and the White house saw a gold mine--he gets their talking points daily. He has a script but his long years of experience help him to give the impression there is no script.

Let us give our new Radio Types more than 24 hours to get their sea
legs. My Gosh they need encouragement. It is easier to criticize than give constructive advice. We did this to our candidates--sound as if we are going into code Blue if they make a mistake. Sometimes perfection can become enemy of the good.

If they are so bad why are people on Faux News and Other Conservatives going after the new Air Americaa so har??

If they(Republican)id not feel threatened they would totally ignore them Air America). All is not lost.

[ikojo]

67. Limbaugh was a DJ so he knows the flow of

radio. Al Franken was a TV writer who understands rehearsal and stuff. He is not used to the spontaneity of radio.

I hope they are committed to the format and give it time to take off. Their investors will need deep pockets to keep underwriting the network.

[CalebHayes]

68. Just give them some time

[Cocoa]

69. scripting is good

the worst possible scenario is a bunch of people rambling, even if they're funny people and have agreeable politics.
I half-feared that was what it would be like.

[onecitizen]

71. This was the second day!!

Second day for crap's sake. What do you want? Give 'em a chance to get their feet wet. Sheeeesh