Guy James asks :"I'd like to know what you want in a radio program"?

[BeachBuckeye]

As you know, Liberal Radio has had a hard time catching on. Although Air America and Ed Schultz and a couple of others have made some headway the ratings prove that Liberal Radio just isn't catching fire the way we'd like it to.

What are your wants and needs in a Liberal radio program? What do you like? What do you not like? Should it be all information or do you want some entertainment mixed in? How can a Liberal radio program meet your expectations? We at the Guy James Show would like your input.

Best Regards,
Guy James

[JanMichael]

1. I like aggressive progressives. Then again I'm off the charts politically.

Anyway I still think those numbnuts at AA need to give you a slot.

[BeachBuckeye]

2. You can say that again:)

Off the charts indeed. But, in a good way!

[JanMichael]

9. Thanks! As opposed to KG who's the Wrong King of Left.

Bahahahahahaha!

[patdem]

3. Like Jan, I like aggresivness..I hate the marbles in Jerry's mouth

I like call in shows more than just information. Randi Rhodes is the model I like. She is informative, agressive and takes calls..even from reight wing wackos! Informed debate, I guess you would call it. But sometimes Randi will not let a caller talk, which is okay if it is a reight wing wacko, but she even cuts off liberals....that I do not like!

I am on dailup so I cannot listen to you because the connection is very weak and it keeps buffering. I do not know how AA does it, but their connection is constant.

I have tried so many Saturday nights to listen, but alas, like "This is Hell" it just cannot be listened to?

[BeachBuckeye]

6. Any techies out there who can solve this problem?

I don't have the answer but I'll bet one of our DU techies knows how to remedy the situation.

[JanMichael]

8. Bingo about callers! One reason that Guys show is fun is because of that..

...interaction.

Actually the more CONservative callers the better. When his show was stilll at the smaller station in Bonita Springs there were gobs of irate righties calling in saying how many WMD's Iraq had, sadly most of those wannabee military badasses fun guys have fled the coop.

Mainly becase they were amazingly wrong.

Anyway, more callers better, more angry exchanges with repukes way better!

[napi21]

4. I'd like to see them point out the damage that has been done

to America, mostly by the current administration, and how it affects perple on a personal level. I believe people who have a trust in a particular Party will never change their mind until something adversly affects THEM personally!

Seems like most people just don't see any major problems right now. Seniors who vote most offten don't care much about abortion, younger people don't care much about SS, people who have a fairly secure job don't care much about unemployment or oursourcing, etc.

I LOVE beating up on the current group of thieves, but we really must also explaine how the changes that ShrubCo has made directly affect each person and how a Democratic Administration and Congress would make things better.

[Rainscents]

5. I love Tom Hartmann style of talk radio...

He is very progressive and yet, he is very informative and also, he takes calls and slam right wing thugs!

[lvx35]

7. I like somebody who will stand up to repubs but be positive

Some good news mixed with bad is really important, I wouldn't want "life-is-crap" radio...Even if good news is not partisian, just news on medical technical developments that are cool or something in with the politics.

[rurallib]

10. I like the Stephanie Miller style

point out the hypocrisies and make fun of them. Take calls and if it is a wing nut let them hang them selves as they spew their hate and venom.

[Joanne98]

11. We need a show on PAUL HACKETT TONIGHT!

Here's what's going on. We may have a upset! PLEASE HELP!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=172x7236

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1657481

[Quixote1818]

12. I love it when Republicans call in and get their ass handed to them

I like good debate and conflict.


I don't get your show Guy but here is what I like about some other shows:

Ed Schultz - He exposes the Right Wing Play Book and changes the perception of what a liberal is from an intellectual to a Rural average American. He stays on point and keeps it simple. He is friendly and has a nice personality. I relate to him in a way I don't relate to a lot of Democrats. He is a blue collar, rural, meat eating Democrat. Thats who I am.

Randi Rhodes - She goes into great detail about everything and rages hard. Her personality is a turn off for me but she knows her stuff.

RFK Jr. He gives solid facts and good commentary. An in-depth look at complex topics.

Mike Malloy - I like the way he says EXACTLY what I FEEL about those on the Right! He doesn't hold back.

Al Franken - I like his segment when he has the guy from Media Matters on. Anything that points out the lies of the right. I like the way he takes the things that the Right says and shows them to be lies.

Hope that helps

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

13. Guy, it's all about the fine art of connecting the dots.

If it's the Sean Hannity show or the Rush Limbaugh show, it's all about THEM. It's all about their "celebrity status" and "star power." They create an sense of outrage among people who really don't feel comfortable about forming their OWN opinions (or lack the intelligence to do so), and that makes these people feel like they "belong."

On the other hand, folks like you...and folks like Ray Taliaferro...

http://www.kgoam810.com/djadditionalinformation.asp?djid=3450

...and Bernie Ward

http://www.kgoam810.com/djadditionalinformation.asp?djid=3284

...listen to their callers, and encourage them to come to their own conclusions, rather than cram their own values down their throats. Ray and Bernie give the Freeper callers a little rope...encourage them to call in and give their point of view, just like you do on your show...and when they step too far over the line (or won't engage in a two-way conversation), they hang up on them...just like you do on your show. They don't have any more patience for the "Bush was RIGHT, Saddam HAD WMDs" idiot callers than you do...and that's a good thing.

Guy, I've compared you to Bernie and Ray many, many, many times...on DU and elsewhere. I've called the three of you "the three best Liberal talk show hosts in the country," AND I MEAN THAT. That's why I call your show regularly...not because I like the sound of my own voice. I call because I have a GENUINE interest in knowing WHAT YOU THINK.

You're GOOD. You're SMART. You have respect for your audience. THEY respect you. Maybe the Freepers don't but the listeners who matter DO.

Neil Young once sang "You were born to rock, you'll never be an opera star." You, Guy, are a "KGO Radio Kind Of Guy" (home to Bernie and Ray).

You're not a "Liberal Sean Hannity" or a "Liberal Rush Limbaugh." You're too good for that, you're not a damned clown.

You're not an "Air America Radio Kind of Guy," and that's a good thing, because I think that void's pretty well filled.

My input? Listen to the archive tapes of your show and DO WHAT YOU THINK IS BEST. I appreciate your call for feedback...it shows what a class act you are.

But do the show that GUY JAMES thinks is the BEST SHOW TO DO.

And give Ron a raise, dammit. Don't MAKE me ask you again...

:evilgrin:

:toast:

[Wickerman]

17. Wow, if you drag out a Reactor quote for Guy it means I have to

figure out something on this here computer to get the show. Thanks for the ringing endorsement, must listen to James show.

[jmatthan]

14. There are many things missing in Liberal talk programs

Dear Guy,

You and Mike Malloy have an essential feature which make your shows unique.

You will not stand pseudo liberals, such as your principled stand on Bill Nelson.

Mike lets fly and does not stand those liberals who are corporate apologists.

I think to make a show good, truth is important, whether or not it hurts even your own cause, and that is why I find your show refreshing.

There is little egoism, which is another major plus point.

However, you should broaden your caller base.

Sadly, the new time has meant I cannot listen to you live anymore as it comes on at 2 am Finnish time!!

Thanks to whiterosesociety.org, I usually listen to you on Sunday morning.

I hope you can keep on going for the benefit of the American people and true democracy.

Jacob Matthan
http://jmatthan.blogspot.com
Oulu, Finland

[wli]

15. nothing I've heard on either is far enough to the left for me

On the other hand, I'm supposedly "off the charts" to the left according to bogus right-wing slanted survey propaganda sites (okay, they're probably well-intentioned, but I'm pissed off at them so I might as well).

[Poiuyt]

16. Guy, I wish your show was on every night instead of just once a week

Too much stuff happens between shows.

I guess I'm in the minority in that I don't like a lot of calls from RWers. I get tired of their stupidity. A few are OK, just don't give them too much air time.

I like Thom Hartmann because he always gives well thought out ideas from a historians point of view. I always come away better informed. When he says, "the founding fathers did it like this because of this reason," it's hard to argue against him.

I like Mike Malloy because he doesn't hold back and isn't afraid to say what he feels.

I can only take so much of Randi Rhoads because I think she can be rude to her callers, even the ones who agree with her. I do like her rants though.

I'm intrigued about the idea of adding entertainment. Kind of like a liberal (more liberal) version of Prairie Home Companion with comedy skits and Pete Seeger style folk songs. I would like it, but I don't know if I'd like it more than what you are doing now.

Personally, Guy, yours is one of my favorite shows. I wish you were on TV. And I love southwest Florida!

[JanMichael]

18. kick

:kick:

[krystine]

19. Interviews

WHat gets me going about Guy's show is that he has very interesting interviews, All are top notch and the interviewees have something to say.

[bullimiami]

20. mike malloy makes me feel sane.

:crazy:

[liberalnurse]

21. The foundation of a radio show

is built around the personality or character of the host. The host is the facilitator, a catalysis of the message. So, the first step is to identify the communication style and strength of the host....thats you Guy. I find your style to be that of a "Town Crier" You are excellent as the "attention getter" and inspiring the masses.

example:

A town crier is a person who is employed by a town council to make public announcements in the streets.

They usually dress elaborately — by tradition in a red and gold robe, white breeches, black boots and a tricorn hat.

They carry a hand bell to attract people's attention, as they shout the words "Oyez, Oyez!" before making their announcements. The words "Oyez, Oyez!" mean "hear ye", which is a call for silence and attention. Oyez in the French language means listen.

end:




So, lets build on that........you want to now facilitate the message of the day or to evoke thought, and engage in fruitful, sustaining discussion.

I'd say, for you to evolve, one might look at pairing up with a co-host for counter-balance...someone who can offer a bit of diversion but not stray too far out from your "salt of the earth" image. That role could be filled by a variety of characters. A few options would be as followed:

A frisky, responsible college or grad student, who can speak for his/her peer group's view regarding politics. Someone that compliments your seasoned insight while enlightening issues pertinent to the New Voting Democrat. It sure could broaden the listening audience.

A well informed, articulate individual who can use light humor at times to express sentiments and feelings and zing in on the truth. I have an Andy Stephenson type in mind. Someone who is not competitive, as you are the primary host....

Actually, those are my only options at the moment.....I think you are looking for some diversion in the program and want to keep the audience stimulated. Carrying an entire program solo is stressful and demanding, I assume.

Lets look at your solo peers...They are very commanding and have a personality theme; Mike Malloy has his hypertensive rage, Randi Rhodes has her attitude of "I'll kick you ass, why the hell not" and probably has a Taser next to the microphone. Big Eddie is your center of attention bullshitter-type who probably is the one who runs the Bar-B-Que grill on Sunday cook-outs. Kind of like Tony Soprano with a hangover.... but it works! You Guy, you are the voice of Main Street America...you speak for me, for all the DU'ers and essentially all victims of the administration. To keep your message moving forward during an entire program, my suggestion is a co-host.

Others can elaborate eon this thought.....

[LWolf]

22. Ok, but take it with a grain of salt.

I'm out there on my own with this one; not enough of the listening public are where I'm at.

I want to hear and discuss issues. I have a deep, dark secret to share. Shh....


I don't really like politics. There, I've said it. To me, the political process is the ultimate in corruption. It's where words are used as tools or weapons for personal or political gain rather than to convey truth or examine ideas. It's where everyone is for sale, and nothing is clean.

I'm more interested in issues than I am politicians or parties. Current events are important in how they further, or erode, progress on an issue.

I like to discuss the big picture, and look at all the little pieces that connect to bring it to us. I like to notice, and bring to light, the way the micro reflects the macro, and vice versa. Like how hate or greed or arrogance enacted at the federal level feeds and multiplies smaller acts of the same by individuals in our communities.

I like action. I'd like to hear about positive efforts to move a progressive vision forward; the small things and the larger.

Guy, I particularly like this about the way you manage your show:

You give every caller the benefit of the doubt, at least until they make a fool of themselves. If the opposition calls and disagrees civilly, you return the civility, and offer up concrete reasons for the liberal pov. If a Democrat says or does something that works against a progressive goal, you aren't afraid to say so. It lends credibility to TGJS, imo.

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

23. Volume's really low today...and it just slipped back a couple of notches.

I don't want to blow out my speakers by having it turned up when it's fixed, but I'm at 50% volume right now and I'm hearing a whisper.

[proud patriot]

24. Okay I'm listening to the show here's my answer

I want pizazz , no npr for me ..