Who's your favorite on Air America?

[hoosier]

Al Franken is getting a little better, I think, since his girl friend/co-host left. He doesn't keep trying to entertain her as much. Can't remember, tho, when he took a call recently. Coming to Atlanta next week, for an event at - guess where - the Carter Center. He'll only sign books purchased at the event. That will help him collect funds for his "Al for Senator" campaign in MN next year.

Jerry Springer is trying hard, but I'll never think of him as he calls himself: "the voice of moderation"

My fav, though, is Mike Mulloy, late nights, who goes all out. Learned last week from him that "every employee of Fox News, from Hannity all the way down to Colmes, is a whore." He really makes points by saying "Bush crime family" whenever he mentions the president. That may be better than when he always called the pres the "Bush baby."

I'm glad that guy stole the Boys' Club money to get Air America going. It may be the only thing that keeps the Dems from trying to outlaw talk radio.

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by hoosier
I'm glad that guy stole the Boys' Club money to get Air America going. It may be the only thing that keeps the Dems from trying to outlaw talk radio.

Didn't the CIA start Air America?

Now, once again, let's bring a little reality to the discussion.

Congress, neither Democrats or Republicans, can outlaw talk radio. Remember the First Amendment?

The last time I recall anyone in Congress trying to muzzle anything (at least anything broadcasting within the guidelines of almost reasonable taste) was when former Speaker Gingrich tried to "zero out" the funding for National Public Radio.

What most people don't realize is that NPR gets almost no money from the Federal government as it is (1 to 2% of its budget which comes from grants, etc. as oppossed to direct government funding). Most of it and its affilliated stations are listener supported.

To repeat what I've said before, that's why we have all of those insipid pledge drives.

[hoosier]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
Didn't the CIA start Air America?

Now, once again, let's bring a little reality to the discussion.

Your reaality and mine are different, but I respect yours.

Congress, neither Democrats or Republicans, can outlaw talk radio. Remember the First Amendment?

I remember the McKain-Feingold anti-campaign funding bill, which attempted to limit contributions to campaigns, and contributions had always previously been considered "free speech." The talk-radio-haters are also eyeing a renewed "equal time law" - by requiring every candidate to get equal coverage, no candidate would get covered.

The last time I recall anyone in Congress trying to muzzle anything (at least anything broadcasting within the guidelines of almost reasonable taste) was when former Speaker Gingrich tried to "zero out" the funding for National Public Radio.

What most people don't realize is that NPR gets almost no money from the Federal government as it is (1 to 2% of its budget which comes from grants, etc. as oppossed to direct government funding). Most of it and its affilliated stations are listener supported.

To repeat what I've said before, that's why we have all of those insipid pledge drives.

I'm sorry Gingrich was not successful. Maybe in the early days of TV, there was a need to subsidize educational channels in rural areas, but the need of PBS and NPR to get ANY govt. money today is bogus. I'd respect them more if they'd "just say NO."

Is there a difference between "govt. funding" and "govt. grants"? It's all taxpayer money.

Atlanta has two PBS stations (one owned by the state, one by the school bd.), and they often schedule the same shows at the same time. Tonight's schedules includes Newshour (both), GA backroads, This Old House, Antiques Roadshow, Dave Mathews Concert (both), Nightly Business Report, BBC World News, Folk Hymns, and Himalayas tour. Somewhere is my basic cable, everyone of these things is programmed free, without govt. $$$, usually better.

Of course, if PBS was better managed, they probably would be rich and self-supporting, via revenues from licensing Barney, Miss Piggy and Kermit, Bob Villa, etc.

PS: Are you watching the CU-Nebraska game? The CU fans were throwing so much crap on the field, that the ref ordered a whole stadium section cleared. Never saw that before.

[AnchorAlum]

Pffft.

How about the volunteer announcer - that would be the last man standing who hasn't tired of not getting paid - who says "Folks, see you later."

That announcer would be my favorite, personally.

[DeltAlum]

Didn't see the game. We went to a movie. Guess it didn't go too well for the Boulder bunch.

As for Gingrich, whether he was successful or not really didn't matter much since so little money comes from the government anyway.

When you're on a wing and a prayer -- as some small stations are, though -- every little bit helps.

In terms of "equal opportunity," (equal time was always a misnomer) I heartily endorse it, even though it was a royal pain the the -- you know.

But then I've been in the broadcasting business a long time and believe that the truth, if nothing else, should be told. And if the truth is in question, then both sides should have their say.