Re: Political Talkers

[ASchinella@aol.com]

I would agree with both of your comments, first about Jerry Williams and then
about pols becoming talk show hosts. 

The last time I spoke to Jerry, he was really missing his old slot from 2-6
PM, nevermind the one he was demoted to before weekends, at 10 AM-Noon. And
the great thing about his show, not only that he was politically literate,
fair and entertaining, but he would pound an issue into the ground. By
allowing numerous people to comment about an issue for two or four hours, you
can really get a good feel for what the people think. Now, granted, talk radio
listeners are an odd lot and consultants estimate that only 2% of people who
listen actually call, but Jerry's shows sure beat the current ones who quickly
glance over an issue in 40 minutes (and don't forget, 20 minutes worth of
ads!) or sometime less.  

As for pols becoming talk show hosts, I have found some of them do pretty
decent issue oriented shows. Jim Hightower's and Jerry Brown's syndicated
shows were/are very enlightening. Other local shows I have heard from past
candidates have been pretty informative too. I know for myself I have taken
the opposite tract: Moving from talk radio to candidate, mainly out of
necessity because of the lack of opportunity to broadcast and the shrinking
vehicle for open discussion of ideas on talk radio. 

In a message dated 5/28/98 8:48:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time, billo@erols.com
writes:

<< Along the threadlines of 'Bring Back Jerry Williams' --  I would enjoy
 hearing Jerry on more often, but one has to wonder if he'd want the gig at
 this point.  That leads me to ponder just who would get the call to take on
 such a shift?  What makes JW unique is that he is _not_ a politician, yet
 political.  I have always seen Jerry as a broadcaster first and possessing
 political keenness second (whether you agree with his opinions or not).  The
 suits, if they cave to the demands for more political discourse on the air,
 will likely seek a strong Dem. or GOP wonk/hack/employee, ex-pol or
 practicing attorney wannabee talker (and the city is SWARMING with those in
 the Bah.)
 
 The biggest problem with talkradio today?  Everybody thinks they can do it.
 (And more believe them everyday.)  Their litmus test?  'A lot of opinions.
 'Twoks good.  'Lotta friends.  'Doesn't _need_ the money.  'They gut
 produsiz who push all the buttinz.'  I am sure you've heard other ones.
 
 Bill O'Neill
 
  >>

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