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03/09/2004 Archived Entry: "Air America, Randi Rhodes and Mike Malloy"
Air America, Randi Rhodes and Mike Malloy
There's an ongoing discussion in a few threads at Democratic Underground regarding Air America and their decision to hire Randi Rhodes and their failure to hire Mike Malloy. Many people can't understand why one got the gig and the other didn't, and I decided to weigh in with comments on the market realities and Air America's decision as I see it.
I met both of them at Democracy Radio 2 years ago. Both of them were pretty brilliant as human beings, and both were extremely vocal in what they thought needed to be done to bring liberals to national talk radio.Many of both of their ideas have been brought to bear with Air America.
After that meeting, I ended up contributing to Randi's program and web site. TBTM ended up doing the news for Malloy for nearly six months. It is/was an honor to be associated with both of them.
Malloy was a ratings winner in Chicago before he was dumped by WLS, and his unceremonious dismissal was proof that he was hitting a nerve with someone.
Randi was such a winner in South Florida, Clear Channel ended up hiring her as a form of damage control. She's been number one not only in the talk format in her market, but across all formats - she regularly rates higher than news or music stations in her time slot, and she cuts across all age demographics as well.
There seems to be some bitterness that Randi got the Air America gig, while Mike didn't. But we have to disconnect and look at the market realities of why things turned out that way, and I think it boils down to a question of style.
Malloy's 'edginess' was the big attraction among liberals (I know that's what attracted me to him in the first place - his intensity nearly melted my computer speakers on a number of occasions). But it was a negative in a lot of respects, too. It's widely known that a big reason given for his dismissal from WLS was that he was 'too edgy.' And I think that factored into Air America's decision to hire Randi and not Mike. As someone mentioned elsewhere, Air America might be scared of Malloy to a degree. I'm not saying that's right or justified, I'm just saying that it's a possibility.
Randi's connection with the WPB community is extremely deep - she's supported the Young Democrats, she's collected toys for Christmas and school supplies for kids. The listeners in WPB are extremely loyal to her, and I think that Air America noticed that, as well. Nothing talks in radio like consistent ratings.
And she gets silly on occasion, too. Silly works well on radio, that's a fact. And while Air America looks to attract liberals and moderates with a combination of information and comedy (that's why Franken is the main attraction and why Liz Winstead got a gig), Randi would seem to be a better fit.
And again - I'll voice my respect and admiration for Mike Malloy and Kathy Bey to anyone who will listen. No one does take-no-prisoners liberal radio like Mike does, and I'm sure he'll be back on the air before long. He's just too good to go missing for long.
But it's my guess that Air America didn't pick Malloy up because he doesn't fit the profile they're trying to create with the network. I spent a lot of time in the music industry, and I can tell you there have always been instances of great bands who just never got signed.
And as TBTM gets more involved with the radio industry, I see the same thing there. But that's really no reason to disparage one talent over another. Let's be glad that someone's actually trying to get a network like this off the ground at long last.
Replies: 5 people speak up
actually I could use some new pictures. If you have any, please e-mail me the URL or the picture itself. Take care.
Posted by Ricky Vandal @ 03/09/2004 12:03 PM NY
In case mt readers don't know Ricky, he's conserva-troll with an, umm, unhealthy fixation with Jenna Bush.
Don't believe me? Click his link, and look for the link that says 'I LOVE Jenna Bush.'
The name 'Hinckley' comes to mind.
Posted by editor @ 03/09/2004 01:25 PM NY
editor, I just recognized his exact handle from the comments at eschaton, where he was heaped upon for his ridiculous comments in the "Bring it on" post.
I have to agree with your assessments about Mike vs Randi. And there must be some sort of parallel in the voting for the Democratic candidate this year as well. Doncha think?
That's why Mike is called "edgy". He's not from the center. He's from the edge.
Funny how Bush has seemed to push us ALL out on the edge these days.
Later.
Posted by Daddy-O @ 03/09/2004 02:28 PM NY
As America gets more and more used to hearing liberal pundits on the airwaves, I think Mike will finally get his place in the national spotlight. It's just a matter of time. Mike is hardcore. America's not used to hardcore yet.
Posted by Citizen Daryl @ 03/09/2004 10:49 PM NY
Tell you what, Daryl...America's been listening to hardcore every single day for decades...
Just not from the LEFT. That's about to change.
And, I'm sure I'm not the only one to think this, but I would have sworn Ricky Vandal was looking for pictures of Jenna JAMESON...
Tell me I'm not the first to assume that? Please?
Later!
Posted by Daddy-O @ 03/10/2004 11:21 PM NY
