Re: Gene Simmons, KISS, WBUR, Fresh Air

["Sean Smyth" <ssmyth@suscom.net>]

Dan Strassberg wrote:
> Should we say "so much for NPR setting a higher tone in radio (compared
with,
> say, Howard Stern or Bubba the Love Sponge)?" Also, can you say
"pandering"?
> Still, I bet that Terri Gross's little gem has brought plenty of
contributions
> into NPR's coffers. Nevertheless, is it really a good strategy for NPR to
> flaunt this interview like some kind of medal (a Purple Heart, maybe)?
Does NPR
> REALLY want to be known as a purveyor of high-end shock radio? That NPR
should
> have aired this crap in the first place is one thing. That the network
appears
> to take pride in it seems to me to destroy a lot of the credibility of
NPR's
> claims to be producing a higher quality, more thoughtful product than does
> commercial radio.

I am sure NPR's argument is that Terri Gross didn't intend to lower the bar
and intended to have an above-board conversation with Mr. Simmons. However,
I am sure Fresh Air's producers were fully aware of Gene Simmons' antics in
the past in regards to interviews. They knew exactly what could happen and
seemed, to a degree, to pander to that.