Re: Um, hello?

[ASchinella <ASchinella@aol.com>]

True; the dynamic changes but it doesn't always have to. Or all three of them
can have a civil conversation, too, that is still possible. Callers have
become filler in the example that you give, but then at other times, they
aren't. If you check out Jerry Williams weekend show, a true master at the
talk craft, the callers are an integral part of the show. It depends on how
you want to do it. The great difference between Williams and Carr is that Carr
uses the callers to fill time, and Williams uses callers to expand the debate.
I prefer to expand the debate, especially on issues that need resolve. If it
is just gripes, there is no follow through. There are no solutions provided,
it is just people bitching. That is how Howie wants to do his show, no biggie,
but some of us want more than that and we should be able to find it. 

In a message dated 4/17/98 4:28:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time, billo@erols.com
writes:

<< Talkradio, as a format, has a bunch of problems today.  Consider any
 conversational dynamic.  You're 1:1 at the water cooler at work discussing
 something.  Along comes Nerman from accounting to join the discussion.  The
 3-way dymamics of the chat dramatically change.  One potential outcome is
 that the discussion breaks down completely or one of the original parties
 leaves (read: quarter hour ratings).
 
 THAT is the problem with the room full o'people in the air studio/air chain.
 Callers are no longer an integral link to keeping the stream of
 consciousness going.  Callers are now filler, purely an element of the mix
 right up there with a gag, bit, traffic, weather and more banter.  Listeners
 become more passive.  To that end is the problem.  Howie Carr (WRKO pm
 drive) is applied to the typical talk model in use today.  He's said on air
 that he occasionally gone to Bickford's $10 gift certificates as "bribes" to
 get callers to get on the show to participate, usually about "your gripes"
 on a particular subject or an object of ridicule.  And his numbers are very
 impressive - begging for good calls.  What are the implications?
 
 It seems as though the days of 'first time callers' as well as 'second time
 callers' are dwindling and there is a smallish core of professional talk
 show callers waiting in the wings for a chance to chime in, sound off, or
 get a free stack of flapjacks.
 
 Bill O'Neill
  >>

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