We shall overcome ...I have recently, too many times, declared the death of Bay Area AM Terrestrial Radio, and for a variety of reasons; this one advent at a moments notice; I may have jumped the gun. That is hopeful but still guarded. At the same time, I have continuously marveled; almost to a point of redundancy, and beyond my own prickly expectations; the phenomena known collectively as "Borders, Language, and Culture" and more exclusively as Michael Savage; the popular, provocative, enlightening and increasingly mass-culture raconteur who transcends mere broadcast and political pathos into mainstream culture.
For all his strikingly, illustrious, poignant, tour de forces--heard weekdays here (on KSFO --Noon-3 PM), Savage's pointed menu is almost lost in the daily domain--conservative, liberal, mainstream, you name it; fortunately, Salon has risen from the ashes of media bias and what Savage calls the "cartel"; those media fortresses that have refused to acknowledge his place in the American media culture; and provided a well thought-out thousand or so words that expertly define the Savage intrigue.
Savage is an acquired taste and I say that as a compliment; too many erudite wannabees refuse to give Savage his due and, thus, refuse to listen to even a morsel of his radio program; they can't stomach the idea that a Brooklyn native's (who is now firmly a Bay Area resident) personal pedigree has stomped across the American Heartland; as Salon points out, part of the current populist disgust and revolution that permeates the political arena and provides the inertia of Donald Trump's message, can be attributed to Savage himself --(Trump is a regular on the program). This is not an endorsement of Donald Trump; far from it. It merely reflects the present climate and how the ultimate force can be tethered to Savage's powerful tentacles.
Stop and give a listen. You will definitely learn something, I can promise you that.
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There are a lot of things wrong with "talk radio" today, this listener thinks, but Savage is not one of them. Syndication hasn't helped much; there are just too many generic ranters from Anytown USA with marginal talent picked up by former heritage stations because it's cheaper. KGO's morning show is an example, I believe. Originals are always good. Savage is one of those. The really talented people you can listen to and like without having to agree.
ReplyDeleteThis probably explains Mark Levin's man-crush on Ted Cruz. It's not so much that he's pro-Cruz; it's that he's anti-Savage.
ReplyDeleteLevin is awful on the radio. He's part of the reason radio is dying. I don't like Savage but he's not part of the reason it's dying. I do think he's a bit long in the tooth and I don't think he knows how to get a younger audience. He did a topic on a "AI President" a few weeks ago and it was just a complete fail. Stick with what you know, ride it out, and go into the sunset. Should have left terrestrial radio years ago but he's too scared of the alternative. Show is good 15% of the time which isn't enough.
DeleteLevin: "Okay (fill in name here) , you are what's wrong with this country, you clown, you fool. Yeh, I said it. Mistah producer, cut 16 , GO... no, no, shut it off, I can't take it... (then in very soft voice) have you read my new book?...people seem to be loving it."
DeleteLevin is fine, you just can't comprehend.
DeleteLevin is like an aging power hitter. There are times he strides to the plate and hits a home run. But more often, he strides back to the dugout having whiffed.
DeleteYou know I've listened to these guys Savage, Rush and the like and would often ask myself.....Do they really believe the things they rant about. I finally realize that they have found a great way to make a lot of money. Pure entertainment only! They have got great radio timing e.g. build up a point to a loud rant then go to commercial!
DeleteWell, yes. Savage is a fantastic broadcaster. One of the few on terrestrial radio who doles out some red meat info and perspective at times. That level of substance can be had in at least a dozen or so alternative/internet broadcasters, but what Savage brings to the table is what virtually all of his mainstream peers are too compromised to consider.
ReplyDeleteI hereby speak for the people of Minden & America when I say that Donald J. Trump, Dr. Michael Savage, Jesus Christ & the Spirits of Ronald and Nancy Reagan will lead us down the path of righteousness to eternal American Glory and Dominance. In Trump's and Christ's name, Amen.
ReplyDeleteSay Halleuliah !!
DeleteThere are only two people in America who I would call "Master Communicators." The first one is Mike Savage, the Educator. Since 1994 he has educated millions, and has spoken for the millions of us that see what is happening to this great Country of America! He has paved the road which Trump is now travelling on, and the last exit on the "Savage Interstate" is the off ramp to the White House!!
ReplyDeleteThe second "Master Communicator" is Obama. Here is a tall, skinny, community organizer, with absolutely zero experience and a black man to boot, who conned his way into the "most powerful" position on this Planet, not once but twice!! For that accomplishment, I salute him.
Obama is the greatest con man to have ever walked on this Planet! Every con man will tell you the same thing, "The easiest ones to con are the "really dumb ones."
Savage is one of the few things worth listening to on local terrestrial radio. Especially now after the passing of Lee Rogers.
ReplyDeleteI remember there was once a time there was still interesting stuff to listen to, even on the weekends with Barbara Simpson and Rabbi Daniel Lapin. Now Savage is pretty much all that's left.
The very managers running these stations who are panicking about the ground crumbling beneath their feet cannot see how their poor decision making is the cause.
They are not broadcasters, nor know anything about broadcasting. Most of station general managers are just used car salesmen masquerading as executives.
I know - I worked in the industry for almost 15 years. I've seen it happen so often and in other markets that I have lived and worked in.
Glad to know that Savage has survived it all and continues to thrive in spite of all of the dysfunction in the industry.
I say good for you, Rich, cast off that pink baggage !!
ReplyDelete(The rest of you? Listen up, and wise up!)
I thought I would never admit to this, but I actually listen to his program. At least since December. A new convert.
ReplyDeleteSavage is better than the 3:00 - 6:00 guy.
ReplyDeleteLevin gets to worked up.
A little to angry and bitter for my taste.
Dr. Savage is truly gifted. There are some days when all I can say, Man Michael is like a prophet. He gets into a zone and just channels wisdow about the world around us. Right man for the right time. Love him or hate him, He's got it down.
ReplyDeleteSavage is a story telling genius, who just happens to use politics as his way of getting to his stories
ReplyDeleteHis book The Political Zoo is still my favorite - for his commentary and the way he used his science background to label his subjects.
I agree with the post before the last one.
ReplyDeleteSavage has been a staple, Lee Rodgers was legendary.
His successor Sussman is ok - a little too impressed with himself and not as deep - but the traffic lady with the open Mike is a turnoff.
Armstrong and Ghetty were a good alternative before nine and now they are gone too?
What geniuses run these stations?
Can't stomach Savage like most of the right-wing haters, but he does some better, sharper than Ronnnnnn for both being in their 70's.
ReplyDeletesound better I meant to say.
DeleteArmstrong and Getty is now on KGO 6 to 10 a.m. Ronn has Parkinson's Savage does not.
ReplyDeleteUse to listen to Savage more often, at least his opening statements, but he is just too negative, often things are taking out of context. Anyway he use to be on 3 to 6 p.m. locally and I remember I listened to him one afternoon, for quite awhile, I forgot what the issue was, but it was something everyone was talking about. Back then Gene Burns would come on 7 p.m. I ALWAYS listened to Gene whenever possible, what a contrast compared to Savage, even if they agreed on the issue, Gene's way of handling issues and callers was so much classier than Savage, and make no mistake about it Gene felt very strongly and passionate about his positions, but he could communicate his position without the hate and anger, which Savage seem to thrive on. I find it interesting that Rich was a fan of Gene's and is a fan of John Rothmann, and also a fan of Savage. As far as I'm concerned it is not because I don't agree with Savage that I have a problem with his show, I listen to several conservative hosts, I try to catch Tom Sullivan's show every day. Most of the time I don't agree with Tom's position on issues, but I like his personality and the way he lets callers talk and engage them, and can handle callers who disagree with him without calling them stupid.
Within Savage's hands lie one of the few ways of uniting enough Rep mass to put Trump over HC in Nov. Using one broadcasting formula he could open the door that the left and right could regard as the rarest of healing agents between all Americans.
ReplyDeleteSavage Like Rich Lieberman Are American Visionary's!
ReplyDeleteAddicted to listening to Michael Savage.Almost through my radio against the wall when there is a guest host.
ReplyDeleteSavage critical of media bias? Give me a break.
ReplyDeleteSavage is a gifted broadcaster.
ReplyDeleteSavage is the best. He tells it like it is, which is what most others are AFRAID to do. While that is understandable as a concern, it is too bad, because we need more people like Michael that are not afraid to speak out, and have the means to do so (without retaliation).
ReplyDeleteI think we've all heard enough from the media neocons.
ReplyDeleteThe constant whining about Obama is tiring. We have an old fart on KSCO in Santa Cruz named Charles Freedman. He calls himself the "Congenial Genius of Watsonville" and he also constantly whines about Obama. How much can an audience take? Obama bashing is not original. Savage is good when he speaks of general subjects but he dumbs it down with the red meat stuff to keep the yahoo Trump supporters happy. I try to tune in regularly but as soon as I notice it is an Obama bashing show I'm out.
ReplyDeleteSavage is not an acquired taste, he speaks the truth. Now, I wish Sussman would open up about his white dominance beliefs, which he only does offline. sigh.
ReplyDeleteI started listening to Dr. Savage when the original binge and purge took place in 2011 at 810 am. His message of boarders,language and culture resonates well,how can it not?? He cracks me up with his sarcastic "bugs bunny" voice every time he does it. I've gone as far as buying a few of his books as well. Without the cloud.......I never would have discovered the talent of Michael Savage.
ReplyDeleteI like and listen to Savage on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteSavage is one of those guys you don't want to like because he's too politically incorrect and crude at times, but you can't help but find him funny at laugh at certain moments.
ReplyDeleteBorders, language, culture!
ReplyDeleteLove discussions on AM talk radio. Somewhere in my 20's I switched from listening to music to listening to just about any kind of talk that had anything to learn or think about which for the first time in my life had me listening to AM talk radio.
ReplyDeleteIt was not good at first, but there were FM talk stations with all kinds of call-in shows or political shows. There was PBS with smart programming, and then KGO started to wise up and put some people in there that did more than just insult and abuse people and then hang up on them. Also they were one of the first AM station to actually allow callers to have some airtime, and there were a few pretty smart and interesting people calling in, especially in the middle of the night. This was how a discussion should go.
I liked Michael Krasny on KGO and then when he moved to NPR/KQED. There was Ronn Owen, Gene Burns, John Rothmann, Pat Thurstion - the main characteristic that I appreciate is someone who is informed, can keep an open mind, and can discuss politely with callers. It's nice when I agree with someone, but I don't have to.
I am baffled sometimes why there are occasions where I like Michael Savage, and most occasions where I don't. He is much inside his own head and never really talks or respects his callers, or even the people he is talking about. Occasionally Savage will say something entertaining or funny, but he makes me think that most talk radio hosts are right wing and authoritarian. Savage insults and demeans but very rarely educates. I can't say I listen to his show much, it is all about him, but I do not really hate him.
Mark Levin is another case. When I heard about Mark Levin from a friend who I did not realize how right-wing he had turned, I sampled Levins style randomly for maybe 4 months or so. What I heard almost every time deeply disturbed me and ignited a hatred for the man that I do not think will ever cease. I heard this guy read the cues from his producer about callers, make the callers wait in the phone, and then rattle off all manner of insults and rants telling him how sick the "Liberal" was and then hang-up without every putting them on the air. This guy should never have the job he has, he ought to be in prison for violating some sacred rule of the media, but apparently there are none. I find Levin a complete worm and he ought to never be allowed on the air.
Savage is not as bad as that, but in his heyday, which was around the time Bush was elected, it was de-rigueur for right-wing hosts to pop off every hour that Liberalism was a mental disorder. So, much as I sometimes found Savage to poke my curiosity I will never listen to him on purpose.
The state of talk radio today is terrible, as is the state of journalism and the news. KGO radio which is my local station went from being #1 in the market and making money to being bought out by Cumulus who first fired all the popular hosts, cutting their popularity, for the purpose they said of focusing on news, to recently firing the news department.
It worries me that if you look at what has been going on in the media it seems to be focused on destroying information and critical thinking broadcasts to the public, under cover of profit, which from the numbers doesn't seem to matter really. What matters is making sure people in CA, my local area are a decimated as the folks in the Deep South.
We have a big problem in our country now,