The Radio
It's never a treat for me to listen to npr stations, but what can I do? I don't have an entertainment system in my car, and I need stimulation. As much as I hate it, I listen.
On Election Day, I listened to John Rabe, a KPCC news guy, report on low voter turnout. Like all good reporters these days, he let me know there's a bright side. (I'm paraphrasing. I was driving and could not note word for word what he said. But I think this is pretty close.) -- On one hand, low turn out is bad for democracy. On the other hand, it's good for the process.-- I don't know what process he was talking about, but that's what he said.
People don't give a shit enough to vote, and that's the story. It's really good for mediocre candidates.
Rabe doesn't begin to compare with Larry Mantle, another KPCC news guy and radio host. In every broadcast, you will hear his whiteness, his claim to authentic Angelinoness, and about his marriage to a Latina. Say his name, and I will tell you everything offensive I have ever heard him say. I'll tell you about the day I had to park in the Cathedral parking lot, and as I was nearing the sacred place, he announced he was broadcasting from it. Not only was I having to hear him on the radio, I was taking a chance on having to see him in the courtyard! The topic: census data on Asians in Los Angeles County. He explained how surprised he was that more Koreans don't own their own homes. He asked his Asian expert guest if she imagined there was some cultural preference among Korean Americans for renting. He did. I swear to god!!!
I wish I could listen to the Pacifica alternative, but four out of five times I put it on, I have to change it because the corniness of it gets to me. I like Suzi Weissman's show. Her show is about the featured guests and their work. Unlike so many of the Pacifica KPFK hosts, she does not preface every question with ramblings and presumed responses to her questions. Her viewpoint is there, but she really features the guests. I don't know a thing about her personal life and she's not always looking on the bright side.
Rabe and Mantle should have blogs for their kind of news. Don't send me the link.
On Election Day, I listened to John Rabe, a KPCC news guy, report on low voter turnout. Like all good reporters these days, he let me know there's a bright side. (I'm paraphrasing. I was driving and could not note word for word what he said. But I think this is pretty close.) -- On one hand, low turn out is bad for democracy. On the other hand, it's good for the process.-- I don't know what process he was talking about, but that's what he said.
People don't give a shit enough to vote, and that's the story. It's really good for mediocre candidates.
Rabe doesn't begin to compare with Larry Mantle, another KPCC news guy and radio host. In every broadcast, you will hear his whiteness, his claim to authentic Angelinoness, and about his marriage to a Latina. Say his name, and I will tell you everything offensive I have ever heard him say. I'll tell you about the day I had to park in the Cathedral parking lot, and as I was nearing the sacred place, he announced he was broadcasting from it. Not only was I having to hear him on the radio, I was taking a chance on having to see him in the courtyard! The topic: census data on Asians in Los Angeles County. He explained how surprised he was that more Koreans don't own their own homes. He asked his Asian expert guest if she imagined there was some cultural preference among Korean Americans for renting. He did. I swear to god!!!
I wish I could listen to the Pacifica alternative, but four out of five times I put it on, I have to change it because the corniness of it gets to me. I like Suzi Weissman's show. Her show is about the featured guests and their work. Unlike so many of the Pacifica KPFK hosts, she does not preface every question with ramblings and presumed responses to her questions. Her viewpoint is there, but she really features the guests. I don't know a thing about her personal life and she's not always looking on the bright side.
Rabe and Mantle should have blogs for their kind of news. Don't send me the link.
posted by Kathy at 12:10 PM
4 Added Something:
My favorite was when Larry recently asked why people wouldn't just pick up and leave their rat and roach-infested apartments. (and presumably, check into the Beverly Hilton while they looked for new places).
Okay, maybe it's a fair question on the minds of the station's angel level contributors, but none of Larry's guests could answer it either. A caller finally chimed in with a little reality check.
Also, what's with Larry's porn obsession? He's always talking about the industry.
I wish more LA people read this blog. If so, maybe we'd hear from legions of loyal Larry fans.
yeah, i get really steamed when i hear the left-of-left in SF arguing against city propositions to increase housing density because it "punishes renters," insinuating that there is a large body of people who could either rent or buy, but they just prefer to rent.....but i feel about NPR like i feel about my family: i know it has its faults, but i can't imagine life without it! but i don't mind if you talk shit about it.
I like the Pocho show on KPFK. Funny and the closest thing public radio has to a show like Steve Harvey's. Humor about racial stuff. Making fun of dumb people. Call in. Love it.
"she does not preface every question with ramblings and presumed responses to her questions--"
there's actually a journalist who doesn't do that?
Larry's a boob and so is that other chick (Terry something)
It all went down hill after 2000 with the changing of the guard. They used to have way better shows and latino USA - and not so directly left of center -like not even a centimeter left of center.
I think Larry is secretly a republican. Is he short - he sounds short.
Can't stop listening to talk radio and the alternative is even worse -
Doesn't anyone play good tunes anymore???? It's sad that rodney on the rock only gets airtime after midnight and ryan seacrest is famous and is the ride home blach!!!
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