huh? Jerry Springer on Air America? Ack! Explain this to me please.

[geekgrrl]

I don't get it. I never watched his show much b/c I thought it was horrible. But, how'd he get to be a new progressive voice on the radio? Is this really for the best?


http://www.madison.com/tct/features/index.php?ntid=33571

From Madison's Cap Times:

CINCINNATI -- More people will be able to hear trash TV host Jerry Springer under a deal to take his radio program nationwide.

Springer's show will go live weekdays on the Air America Radio network beginning April 1. The liberal all-talk network currently broadcasts on 51 radio stations, including 92.1 FM in Madison, and on the Sirius and XM satellite networks. Springer will be heard on about 45 of those stations initially.

Brian Turaney, 92.1 program director, said Springer won't be part of the station's lineup "at this point." Nationally, Springer will replace the "Unfiltered" show from 8 to 11 a.m., which 92.1 bumped in January to carry Stephanie Miller. "Unfiltered" hosts Rachel Maddow and Chuck D will stay on in some capacity with Air America, maybe with a weekend show or at some other time during the day, and may be back on 92.1 once details are set, Turaney said.

"I said when I started the show that I am committed to making this radio program work, not only because I enjoy it, but because we need to hear progressive voices as well as conservative voices in our conversation today," Springer, 61, said in a telephone interview from Chicago.

New York-based Air America, which started up a year ago, includes comedian and liberal commentator Al Franken's show and another commentary program by Randi Rhodes.
Advertisement:

The "Springer on the Radio" show, which began in January on WCKY/AM in Cincinnati, has expanded to other Clear Channel Radio stations in Cleveland, Detroit, Miami and San Antonio. Springer said the deal with Air America will not affect his relationship with Clear Channel.

Some observers have seen Springer's radio show as a springboard for the Democrat's possible return to politics in 2006, either in a run for governor or a Senate seat. He wouldn't say Wednesday whether he would run for office again.

Published: 11:25 AM 3/25/05

[democracyindanger]

1. Springer's a long time Dem, served as an elected official

and started out as a TV reporter. He's got the chops--it's not like he's coming out of nowhere.

[deutsey]

2. I don't like him either, but

apparently he's rather progressive politically. I believe he was the Democratic mayor of a city somewhere (Ohio?). I personally don't see where he's an asset to the progressive cause, but many do.

[NYCGirl]

5. Mayor of Cincinnati. On the city council, too, at one time. NT

[slor]

11. He was a great mayor, and...

he is progressive and intelligent. I really have sympathy for whomever he faces in any future debates.

[emulatorloo]

3. He's smart, articulate, media-savy and a progressive democrat

And if you hear him talk about politics, you will be impressed if you get past your prejudices about him.

[Rosco T.]

4. His radio is nothing like his television... check his archived shows..

go here..

http://www.springerontheradio.com/

his archives are here..

http://www.springerontheradio.com/audio

listen to some of him before you condemm him. Any of his shows on Iraq are top notch.

[BuyingThyme]

6. Don't look at the TV show behind the curtain.

Springer understands what government is supposed to be.

And if he can get people to listen, I'm all for it. Actually, I'm looking forward to it.

[NYCGirl]

7. Check out Randi Rhodes' website front page. A picture of her and Jerry...

http://therandirhodesshow.com/randirhodes/main.php

[Cha]

22. Cool! Thanks! n/t

[wyldwolf]

8. I suspected Unfiltered would be cancelled several months ago...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1602680&mesg_id=1603989

...however, I do wish it was being replaced with Stephanie Miller.

[Rosco T.]

10. It may move to the weekend....

Rachael said she has another show 'in the works'.

[wyldwolf]

13. that would be cool. The reasons I disliked the show...

...are probably the reasons some liked it.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

9. Too bad you didn't hear him last night on Randi Rhodes' show

you'd feel differently. He was awesome and he is a great spokesperson. On his program, he ALWAYS wrapped it up with a comment to tie it back to sanity. I look forward to hearing his show.

[geekgrrl]

16. well that is really good to know- but this is still kind of surprising

he has quite a reputation- whether it is true or not.

Hey- if he is progressive and going to great things than I'm thrilled, but also still surprised!

I wonder how he justifies having that crappy TV show for soo long.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

21. even he knocks his TV show

but more importantly..he IS popular as a result of it and well liked..regardless of the show's content. Personally, I always felt the show said MUCH more about the participants than him.

In fact, I view this entire Schiavo ordeal as living proof that we live in a Springer-esque world with or wirhout Jerry's commentary on it. :D

[tridim]

19. And he also said that he always believed his TV show

was the stupidest show in TV history. I'm looking forward to his new show.

[BrklynLiberal]

12. Personally I am upset that they replaced Rachel Maddow with him.

She is very sharp, incisive,& passionate. I will miss her show. Not sure if I will bother to listen to Springer.

[Rosco T.]

17. AAR was having problems getting stations to take UNFILTERED...

.. unfortunately. I'm sure Rachel will be on the air again sooner than we may expect.

[Chovexani]

27. Aw man.

I loved Unfiltered. Now how am I supposed to get my Lizz Winstead fix?! :(

[rniel]

14. You should give his radio show a chance

I listen everyday it is good.

There is archives here.
www.springerontheradio.com

[etherealtruth]

15. When he's not doing his TV freak show...

He is very articulate and insightful----"Who'd of figured?"

[Enraged_Ape]

18. Springer's radio show is actually surprisingly excellent

He's very progressive, he knows his stuff, and he articulates the issues well.

He also stays focused, which even Randi could try a little harder to do once in a while.

This is a great development, as far as I'm concerned. I think he will attract a lot of Freepers just from the curiosity factor, and he could even turn some of them.

[Dr Ron]

20. I also bet his name will help sell the material to stations

If he gets Air America into additional markets, that would be a good thing.

[Rosco T.]

24. Bingo. It will help A LOT... n/m

[stepnw1f]

23. whatever (nt)

[geekgrrl]

26. whatever right back at you stepnw1f

so sorry (sarcasm) for asking a question, starting some discussion and getting some interesting responses.

[K-W]

25. This is extremely positive! The bigger AAR gets the better..

The point of AAR is to get our message to people who dont hear it otherwise. Jerry Springer is very famous and an articulate progressive.

[catastrophicsuccess]

28. Oh come on admit it

Some of you guys watch the TV show and laugh... hehe

[mandyky]

29. His radio show will NOT be like his TV show

I hate to see Unfiltered go, but Springer is a good Democrat and is quite proficient on the issues. This radio show is a chance for him to get back to politics so he can run for the US Senate (OH).

I never watched his TV show, but have read some of the other hand wringing threads that contained some subject matter of his shows...

[matt819]

30. I never watched the show either

and I thought he was pretty much a nutcase. But I read a fascinating profile of him last year (can't remember where, probably available by googling him). He's had an interesting background, some very funny stuff, some weird incidents in his young adult life. But he's a long time liberal, as far as I learned from that profile, and a good example of maybe looking beneath the surface every now and again.