RUSH versus SAVAGE: It's about entertainment more than just mere politics. Just as I'm about to proclaim Savage the King, he wanes on me and is blase. Rush meanwhile may have jumped the shark but he can still move the needle even though his politics and style have become boring and predictable.
Speaking of which...
A good reason why conservative radio dominates the terrestrial landscape is that it is far more entertaining than the dullness of "progressive radio." Air America was an abject failure because people like Randi Rhodes thinks that endless right-wing goony bits will resonate with listeners and thus, make for compelling radio--uh, not so.
Another case in point is Stephanie Miller. Miller has turned into the left-wing version of Mark Levin and Sean Hannity, what I like to refer as "Groundhog Day" Radio. It's the SAME, BORING, predictable show day after day. It doesn't matter if the politics are the right politics, it's the quality, the unpredictability of the show. That's why I've often lauded Savage because there's times where you don't know where he's going. It might be a trainwreck but if it makes you chuckle then it's entertaining and a score and ultimately, numbers, that make or break the show.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
ReplyDeleteWhere does "Lieberman Live" hosted by the guy who pens this blog fit in the conservative vs. liberal radio niche? Better yet, do you find his radio talk show entertaining?
Surely, Rich, as a radio talk show himself, is intent on offering a three-hour daily radio talk program that is entertaining--not dull.
Granted, the "Rich Lieberman Show" isn't all about politics, which sets him apart from the likes of Savage, Hannity, and Colmes. But he talks about politics and current events for a significant portion of the 15 hours he's on-the-air every week.
What matters and what drives the entertainment value of talk radio, he opines, is not liberal or conservative politics per se, but rather the "quality, the unpredictability of the show." That's what, in his view, has entertainment value.
So, I'll put the question to you, the readers of this blog who listen to Rich's radio talk show, how would rate him using his own criteria? How does he measure up? Is "The Rich Lieberman Show" consistently entertaining? Why or why not?
Rich is at the top of the pack.
DeleteI prefer Gil Gross on Talk 910. Much more informative.
DeleteI don't get Rich in my area, although I have streamed his show a few times (definitely when he has John Rothmann on). I'm getting real tired of Gil, at least most of the time. He is on vacation now, I was hoping John Rothman would sit in, but at least today it was some host named Frosty (have heard him before, he is okay, but I'm not impressed). Monty is setting in for Ronn, the other day he brought up O.J., was even going to go live to the Las Vegas court room. Said people still care about O.J. and what he is up to, really, I doubt it. Anyone noticed how often Monte use the word "amazing", no matter what the subject or story. He needs to listen to some of Gene Burns' old shows, perhaps it would improve his english.
DeleteRich Lieberman on "Lieberman Live" is TOTALLY unpredictable and utterly entertaining without fail.
ReplyDeleteUnpredictable? Yes, Rich's show is just that. Does that make his show good or great? Hell no!
DeleteEntertaining? If you like his extended monologues without callers or guests, perhaps. Maybe.
Rich is so-so on the radio. Not good, not bad.
DeleteMore recipes, no guests.
ReplyDeleteYay, Rich!
Sadly for the Republican party, Rush Limbaugh (like Hannity, O'Reilly, Palin, Beck, etc.) epitomizes how radical the Republican party has become. All share an 1800's mentality which shockingly, people are gullible enough to believe. Most GOP politicians are too spineless to challenge the extremist viewpoints of these people, thus their viewpoints are now mainstream in the GOP. And they wonder why they are becoming known as "the party of stupid"?
ReplyDeleteDemocrats. Party of the stupid.
DeleteRush is still relevant, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteReally? Rich: Where is Political Correctness getting you?
ReplyDeleteIt has everything to do with loss of advertising. Media is controlled by the bottom line, not by government. You can say whatever crazy nonsense you want so long as you're making money and not tarnishing whatever reputation your media outlet seeks
ReplyDeleteIt goes both ways, look at Juan Williams.
ReplyDeleteAre you serious?
ReplyDeleteThe mindless drones like you have no idea what it is like to work, earn money, think, etc...
ReplyDeleteYou are a fool and should move to N. Korea where your ideals are currently being realized.
There you have it folks. Rich has spoken. I'll stay with NPR & KQED, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is what happens to the brain when fed a steady diet of right wing hate radio and Faux News.
ReplyDeleteIs Michael Savage the template for Rich Lieberman? Me thinks so.
ReplyDeleteAnother brilliant post, keep it up, your making us look like geniuses..... :-)
ReplyDeleteRush Limbaugh never was anything but a fat, blow-hard drug addict who liked to make himself look better by demeaning others - just like Ann Coulter. Is he her father?
ReplyDeleteConservative women, attractive and articulate.
DeleteLiberal women, mean, nasty and strident.
Too simple, and not true, one of my best friend who loves Savage and Rush (but not Hannity)always says he prefer liberal women, because they are more fun. Anyway I would think liberal women would be more fun, will smoke a joint now and then, not as concerned about getting a big house, diamond, Mercedes as their conservative counterparts, might even like sex!
DeleteI'm women, fairly liberal, don't care to smoke pot, although I have tried it a few times, like a nice house, nice car, don't have to be real expensive, (owned a BMW once and liked it, but my life didn't change much when I got a Honda)don't care about diamonds (they are nice, but not life changing). Don't generalize people are much more complex.
The extremist viewpoints are now mainstream. So says Rich. It must be true.
ReplyDeleteI'm very confused what you are arguing now, or if you are simply arguing. You seem to be arguing both sides in your post.
ReplyDeleteYou are pathetic for defending Savage and his hate speech...
ReplyDeleteStanding here, in the middle, both parties are being wagged by their extremes. Progressive Liberals and the far left are just as narrow minded, bigoted and full of disrespect and hate as the far right. It's just a matter of who and what they hate.
ReplyDeleteYou win the post of the year award!
ReplyDeleteMORE RECIPES!
ReplyDeleteDid you hear me?
MORE RECIPES!
We want Chef Rich!
Your words are words of truth, no bias, just the truth.
ReplyDeleteFeel free and come to these blogs and share you opinion, but please be advised, we have your back always.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the big problems in broadcasting, is that what passes for 'entertainment' in talk radio or TV is all too often a steady flow of banal treacle, ridiculous posturing, and silly, sarcastic banter. And all too often, we see the Rushes and the Savages and their ilk conveniently stretch the truth or obfuscate the facts to serve their needs.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who takes Rush or Savage, or even Steven Colbert completely seriously is not doing a good job of being a responsible American citizen.
WE, THE PEOPLE, are the ones who make the decisions in this country, and we have only ourselves to blame for listening to these braying carnival barkers, (for 'entertainment' purposes), and then voting accordingly.
I don't blame Washington or even the lobbyists for the mess that we're in; I blame the American people for not being involved and more vigilant.
Too many of us would rather let the soft wash of reality TV or the sometimes off the wall humor of talk radio numb our senses, and influence or reinforce our sometimes short-sided views. If more people actually took the time to exercise their minds in an effort to learn what is going on around them, then perhaps we could begin to make some progress again as a nation.
For our Democracy to work properly and efficiently, it's a absolute necessity. But as the late, great Winston Churchill once pointed out: "You can count on Americans to do the right thing, after they've tried everything else!"
Rush and Savage are a huge part of the reason why America is "in the toilet" to use your verbiage.
ReplyDeleteStick to talking about sports ... news is not your forte. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteYou dont need to end your statement with Just saying. We know because you just said it.
DeleteLimbaugh has denounced and vilified those with HIV, gays, blacks, Muslims, Jews, women and and everything in between. That he was so popular spawned a plethora of hate sites.
ReplyDeleteDon't like an AMERICAN radio host? Don't listen to him.
ReplyDeleteMODESTO is listening to Lieberman.
ReplyDeleteRight wing radio has a built in audience- angry white males. They want to blame whats wrong with their lives on the low income and poor. Everything is the fault of the powerless. All the tax money goes to them they think. I saw in Pleasanton a white guy who had a bumpersticker "I'm a republican who works hard so the liberals don't have to." Funny,but I see on all the construction sites the brown skinned doing the dirty hard work. I see the brown skinned woman working hard as nurses taking care of the elderly,wiping their asses and changing the diapers of the old because the blond privileged woman of Pleasanton can't be bothered to give up jogging and shopping to take care of their parents.
ReplyDeleteThe angry white male is all for taxing for defense. We can never have enough weapons we never use in storage for them.
And the republican group think to conform makes a constant audience. Liberals do their thing. Peace, man.
No money to be made with that.
We get it...you angrily distrust and resent anyone who is different from you.
DeleteHey wait, that's supposed to be Savage's deal. Typical Lib taking what belongs to someone else without asking : /
People are gullible and often addicted to the fear mongering that is put forth daily. Their lives are already negative in general.
DeleteLiberal talk hosts are not sensational enough and fail to spew fear and loathing at the proper rate in most cases.
412..You sure didn't hear me. You got it ass backwards.
DeleteI heard you and got it. Your remarks sucked and were based on biased thinking and lacked any real depth.
DeleteThough it may not be easy accept, my blunt reply was extremely accurate.
Think of your poor judgement as an opportunity for growth!
704,No I think you are somebody who never learns.
DeleteConservative Radio rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTake that mean and nasty left-wing nut liberals.
Meanwhile KGO's rating have sunk.
My, oh my, have the glory days of left wing radio faded.
Fresno, too!
ReplyDeleteAnd Oakdale!!!
DeleteHollister checking in. YOU are LOVED here.
ReplyDeleteGenerally speaking public radio has the left side of the political spectrum sewn up along with a fair slice of the middle of the road listeners. Rich is right that left-leaning commercial radio has generally been poorly executed, but the audience was already elsewhere. The middle of the road talkers on KGO were the exception in part because of the market they work in, which has been more left-leaning. Even then the demographics moved into a range that made them less attractive to advertisers.
ReplyDeleteThe rush to imitate Limbaugh among talk radio owners and programmers in the late 80 and early 90s has killed talk radio for younger people, who associate it only with angry right wing blowhards and their nutty uncle joe who yells about the guvmint at Thanksgiving.
So the perfect storm of destruction. In the late 90s station prices are pumped up to unsupportable levels of leverage. Middle and left leaning audiences tied of the Rush and Savage imitators gravitate to public radio and all that is left for commercial talk are angry white guys who are now dying off. All this thanks to the idiot programmers of the last few decades who ran to the right for the quick buck and destroyed their own industry!
Well said! Wonder why Rich missed your keen insights in his blog.
DeleteRich: Your rants against everything and everyone except yourself and mom are getting old fast. If that ain't shtick, what is? Not only that, but you're negativity is grating on my nerves. LOL :-)
ReplyDeleteLast time I checked RL and his wallet to pay for this site
DeleteRich Lieberman is trying to save talk radio from itself. Everyone sounds like complete and total shrills and frauds.
ReplyDeleteYou missed the mark by a longshot!
ReplyDeleteYou think talk radio comes down to Limbaugh and Savage?
You call us all "lazy imbeciles?" Look in the mirror, pal.
ReplyDeleteYOU'RE THE ONE TALKING ABOUT ANGELINA JOLIE'S MASECTOMY AND DEMANDING THAT WOMEN SHAVE THEIR ARMPITS...
ReplyDeleteThis is indicative of the pit that talk radio has denigrated into.
Now you're pouting. Be a man or go home to mommy.
If you don't care anymore, that's fine, Rich. Really. Take your meds and call it quits. Stop you're silly 'I'm mad as hell' shtick and get real.
ReplyDeleteI hope MZ is listening. I really do.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'll pass the memo on.
DeleteRich insulting his listeners ... He really is losing it. Too bad.
ReplyDeleteThere's a reason--LISTEN.
Delete"A lot of you people ... you just ... I'll say it again ... you're imbeciles."
ReplyDelete~ Rich Lieberman 2:46 pm
Thanks Rich. You have a great day, too.
Why all the negativity? What's eating at you? An expensive Mother's Day brunch that you didn't pay for?
ReplyDelete"A good reason why conservative radio dominates the terrestrial landscape..." is the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Who really cares that the bag of hate named Savage might go in any direction? Oh, and what Randi Rhodes show do you listen to? 'Endless right-wing goony bits?' Jeez, Rich, you're talented enough and fortunate enough to have your own show; passion only goes so far when you just throw something against a wall like that
ReplyDeleteDave ... Can you talk some sense into Rich? He's going off the deep end.
ReplyDeleteBecause of people like you perhaps? Uh, yep.
DeleteRich, obviously you're not suited for radio. Gary Radnich, a professional radio talent, is capable of interviewing guests, talking to callers and have interesting things to say without becoming unhinged.
DeleteMaybe you could take a page or two from his book instead of lobbing insults and stewing in envy.
You're fed up. OK. Why don't you just quit the blog and radio show? Do yourself a favor.
ReplyDeleteThen you'd have no one to listen to and that would be bad. I'm here to help you.
DeleteRich, @2:58 makes sense. Obviously you're angry and unhappy. Why not quit and find something you enjoy?
DeleteDo you see yourself as part of the mediocrity that envelopes our culture, or in railing against it, do you rise above it?
ReplyDeleteI'll talk about that soon--thanks for asking.
DeleteRich is a parasite who lives off of the mediocrity he complains about. He's trying to live off of the crap he criticizes.
DeleteAre you really as upset as you sound, or is this just a ruse to stir up your audience?
ReplyDeleteHe's as damaged and entertaining as a broken record.
DeleteWhatever happened to "the loyah," Len Tillem, after he got canned by Talk 910?
ReplyDeleteHe is doing or rotating podcasts as he finds additional audience & outlets.
DeletePodcasts:
http://bit.ly/TheLenTillemShow / http://LenTillemiTunes
And I don't care about Rich Lieberman.
ReplyDeleteIs Rich entertaining or what?
ReplyDeleteI'd say "or what" and leave it at that to escape the censors.
DeleteThis is the end.
DeleteListen to KSFO and they are in hog heaven. I mean they can now blame Benghazi, the IRS and AP subpoena all on Obama. Oh, add Afghanistan to that without mentioning (blaming) Bush, according to Brian "Senseless" Sussman. Melanie "The Meanie" Morgan has hated the president since day one. I went back and listened to some of her old soundbites before she was fired the last time for idiotic statements. They question the president's patriotism. I question the patriotism of Sussman and Morgan. You tear down the president each and every day, without thinking what this does to our country when they and their self-professed Christian talk-show cohorts say they believe one thing and do the diametric opposite. In other words: hypocrites. And, no, I didn't vote for Obama and I've never voted for a Democrat. I just don't drink the Kool-Aid.
ReplyDeleteHey I dont hear any of you on the radio..... I don't see your blogs ..... hell I dont even see your names Mr Anonymous..... meow look...i have said in the past I dont always agree with this guy, in fact he sometimes pisses me off.... but come 1 o'clock I change it from 1080 to 1340 .... in my opinion 1340 has much better programming I really dont like the blowhard rush and I dont like that whats left crap either..... me, i have contempt for both the republicans and democrats.........so, unless Mr Anonymous can do better quit bustin this guys b*lls , OBVIOUSLY you tune in .......
ReplyDeleteHear Hear!! If you don't like Rich & his blog or his radio show then why are you here? Do you really get a good feeling beating him up? You should talk to your shrink about it....
DeleteJust because I don't have my own radio program doesn't mean Lieberman's tiresome radio program and blog have any redeeming value.
DeleteRich IYHO Why does "Groundhog Day" Radio work? What keeps it on the Air? Are we that mindless?
ReplyDeleteLet the hate runneth over!!! Wow Rich is trying to inform the unwashed radio listener on how radio works. I am more than willing to bet that all the negative comments are coming from those who have never sat behind a microphone before or even produced a show. Before you start ripping me for supporting Rich, I have done that and more in radio for 15 years. Rich is correct by saying that Air America was dull to a point to being embarrassing to listen to. Hell I Remember as far back when Randi Rhodes was a Rock and Roll jock (and a damned good one too) and when she worked at 610 WIOD in Miami back in the 90's opposite of the late Neil Rogers. She wasn't as wacky then she was quite entertaining. Neil Rogers was a liberal but he made quite a lot of sense that appealed to everyone. That's what's missing in radio today from both sides of the isle. I have airchecks of Rush Limbaugh back at WABC when he did a local New York hour and how New Yorkers tore him a new one everyday. Now that was entertaining, phone callers weren't screened out as heavily and you could actually talk to him. I apologize for the mini radio history lesson but it totally gives me the red ass when I see Rich being attacked by people that have no real knowledge about radio in general. To quote the great philosopher Coach Jim Mora as he stated to a group of reporters: "You think you know, but you don't know" Class dismissed.....
ReplyDeleteI worked for Neil. Greatest host ever, and proof the mantra that "liberal radio doesn't work" is based on pure stupidity; certainly not science. - d.w.
DeleteJust because you're unwashed, don't assume everyone else is.
ReplyDeleteSorry to disappoint I am squeaky clean.....
DeleteI was listening to Rich today and agree wholeheartedly with his take on all the "scandals" and all the chickens screaming "the sky is falling" (not Rich's words). I am only mildly interested and not particularly alarmed. Between the right wingers trying to find anything to undermine the current White House and the media freaking out about their privacy, it just doesn't move me. I am wondering how to get reasonable information about this obtaining of media's phone numbers and such if the media is reporting it. They are so freaked out that I am having trouble sorting out the actual information from the obvious upset they are expressing because it is personal to them. I will wait to find out more information as it unfolds before I have an opinion.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I actually like it when Rich interviews people. I don't understand who is complaining. They should call in more because it's hard to just talk to empty air for hours.
Rich is spot on with his views on this topic.
ReplyDeleteThe right leaning shows could stop throwing poop at the wall, hoping that some sticks and become what the left offers...boring programming that gets dumped due to poor ratings. Lets assume that talk radio, all radio, exists to make money(attract buyers). Emotions drive most buying, not reasoning.
The disconnect is the outcome. With such a broad audience, the right should do much better in the elections if radio ratings mean more then just advertising power. That proves that liberal radio isn't carrying their weight/wrong recipe for success.
Side note: As a non partisan voter, I'm enjoying watch the nobama legacy unravel with the current events. It's no witch hunt, he stinks and no less dirty than Nixon.
The reason AAR failed had nothing to do with anything Randy Rhodes did, nor is progressive radio not as successful as conservative radio because of any similar reason.
ReplyDeleteIf I felt like boring you to tears I'd explain the reasons. - d.w.
As I turn the dials on the Wayback Machine, I seem to recall quite clearly about the alleged "Right Wing Conspiracy" when she was mugged in New York. Come to find out that she tripped over her dog while taking a walk. Can we say credibility issues here? Air America was a circus. I'm surprised that she didn't say that the dog was previously owned by Rush Limbaugh and was trained to do it. Besides a radio network can not survive by PSA's alone.....
ReplyDeleteIn other words you have zero knowledge of her ratings in Florida, at her original station, when she consistently beat Rush.
DeleteLike that team Rush wasn't buying black market oxycontin...
I don't care what they do off the air, slick.
It is just amazing how often Savage is pimped on this blog. Just amazing. Barely a week goes by without some post on him. I'm guessing there's some type of payola someplace.
ReplyDelete