Normally, I would say that KGO is blowing it by placing her in the weekend early hours, (Saturday and Sunday, 1- 5 AM, 1-6 AM) but in reality, that time-slot is an ally. It allows Thurston to utilize her unique on-air savvy and deliver some incredibly compelling guests; for example, Russ Baker, the award-winning Washington investigative reporter who wrote the definitive book about the Bush family.
But its not the guests that drive the show, (although they do provide plenty of fuel.) Thurston's audio dexterity is chock full of information, topic clarity, and a nice directional ebb-and-flow of late-night chatter that runs well between hostess and callers.
Much of that chemistry comes from capable producer, Lynne Sloan, who guides the show and knows how to keep things going at a rapid pace, when the situation merits.
The show has its own late-night inertia: Thurston has some infinitely cool song bumpers going into segments; I mean, when you can get a healthy dose of "Crosby, Stills and Nash" mixed with Sting, you have to stop and listen.
Let's hope one day after Thurston has earned her stripes at 900 Front St., she'll be given a more choice time slot, but in the wee hours she's clearly KGO's certifiable beacon of light.
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I love Pat. Such a welcome relief after Ray all week! And...her bumper music IS great!
ReplyDeleteI listen to Pat, but only if I am in the car coming back from San Francisco or something. Good radio.
ReplyDeleteRich, why in gods name are you up blogging at 4am?
sorry man I gotta disagree Pat is very boring everything she says is predictable. There is a reason why the ratings for KGO has gone down so much
ReplyDeleteI liked her better when she was doing fill-in during decent time slots. She was still liberal, but not over-the-edge with people like Russ Baker, who specializes in connecting imaginary dots. More than other KGO hosts, she has a fascinating pre-radio background. I wish KGO would post more detailed bio's on its website.
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