Right-Wing Talk Radio: R.I.P.???

Is right-wing talk radio on it's death bed?  Is El Rushbo on life support?

Jerry Del Colliano thinks so. And he may be the most connected radio insider. Colliano started the trade publication Inside Radio. He hasn't owned it for years, but at one time it was considered the Bible of the radio business.

In an article in The Daily Beast, Del Colliano is quoted as saying, “We’re watching the end of right-wing conservative talk radio. The genre is dying among ratings and dying among advertisers ... Rush is at the end of his career. His constituency is all wearing Depends."

Not so fast. To paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of right-wing radio's death are greatly exaggerated.

Sure, there are cracks in the veneer. Just this week several of the big broadcast corporations that syndicate the top conservative talk-shows reported declining revenues. For example, Salem Communications saw a 1.6% 1st quarter revenue decline. Cumulus, which syndicates Rush Limbaugh, saw it's 1st quarter revenue drop 1.3%. This, at a time when the economy is supposed to be improving!


And now there's new grumbling between Cumulus and their 'star' syndicated talk-host. You may recall that last year Rush Limbaugh, who has been married four times, repeatedly called Sandra Fluke - on-air - a 'slut' and a 'prostitute.' His tirade was met with an advertiser boycott, which at the time Rush tried to downplay.

But now Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey apparently feels otherwise. He said that some of the Cumulus losses are because of "the issues that happened a year ago", a clear reference to the Rush/Fluke controversy. And now Limbaugh is firing back, letting it be known that he may leave the company when his contract expires at the end of the year.

And if that wasn't enough of a challenge for the big talk company, they may now be losing the man some believe was being groomed to replace Limbaugh: Mike Huckabee. The former Arkansas governor was signed with much fanfare less than a year ago and heavily promoted by Cumulus. But, now Huckabee says he might not stick with Cumulus or even with radio.

But before you start feeling sorry, please realize that even with the the grumbling and the revenue declines the big radio syndication companies are still bringing in major money. Salem's first quarter revenue was more than $43-million; and the Cumulus first quarter revenue was almost $233-million. Rush Limbaugh, personally, makes more money in a year than most independent public radio stations generate in a decade.

When you scan your radio dial, especially the AM dial, you'll find no shortage of  syndicated conservative talk shows.  Rush. Glenn Beck. Sean Hannity. Mark Levin. Mike Huckabee. Michael Savage. Michael Medved. Laura Ingraham. John Gibson.Who am I leaving out?

And where's the balance? On the other end of the AM radio spectrum there were progressive talkers.  But in Seattle and Portland the solo stations carrying those shows switched to sports-talk this year.

Radio industry insider Jerry Del Colliano makes another interesting shifting-demographic point in that Daily Beast article:  “Look at the millennial generation. There’s 80 million of them coming of age. They don’t see color. They don’t see gender. And they’re civic minded: they don’t like bloviating. They don’t like yelling and screaming. So you tell me: how’s right-wing talk radio working for them?


If you're counting on a giant shift in the broadcast landscape in the near future, however, don't hold your breath.  Shows like Democracy Now, or reasonable discussions of the news like you'll hear on The Takeaway or KSER's Sound Living, are rare and relatively hard to find. Many cities and towns don't have their own independent radio station.  And it's hard to envision any of the corporate owned commercial stations suddenly making a giant political shift.

When you listen to shows like Democracy Now with Amy Goodman on KSER, or online at KSER.org, you quickly realize that you're hearing news and information that you're really not going to get anywhere else. And none of the independent stations have the revenue or resources of companies like Cumulus, Clear Channel or Salem. Instead, stations like KSER survive mostly on listener support. Financial support from people like you.

We can hope the balance changes...but hope, alone,  probably won't get us there.  

Right-Wing Radio Infighting and A**-Saving

Remember when it seemed like there was never a crack in the right-wing talking points?  It seemed like every conservative politician; every Republican columnist and every right-wing radio talker were yakking in lockstep. But now, there's a rift.

There have been two stories in the past few weeks where a couple of high-profile conservative radio hosts have been thrown under the bus.

It started when GOP pollster Frank Luntz called Rush Limbaugh, and right-wing radio,  'problematic.' Luntz was speaking to students and thought his comments were off-the-record and not being recorded.  But one student did make a recording.

And if the Rush put-down wasn't enough, right-wing talker Glenn Beck was also criticized by...Fox News!  After Glenn had claimed he had left Fox TV to 'save his soul,' a Fox spokesperson retaliated, saying Beck "was trying to save his ass."  You can read all the details here.  And Fox News host Geraldo Rivera also took a swipe at Limbaugh and other right wing talkers.

While an orchestrated advertiser boycott is apparently what doomed Glenn Beck's TV career, and low-ratings ended Rush Limbaugh's very brief TV life, both are still going strong - really strong - on radio.

The most curious thing, to me anyway, that GOP pollster Frank Luntz had to say in that 'off-the-record' spiel wasn't about Rush...it was his suggestion that Democrats have got every other source of news on their side. I'm not sure what kind of news source he's talking about, but my radio seems to have no trouble finding right wing talk shows any hour of the day or night.  In fact, many radio listeners in Seattle and Portland are still upset that two commercial AM station formats that carried progressive talk shows were dumped earlier this year and turned into sports-talk stations (KPTK, Seattle; KPOJ, Portland).

The reality is, if you're looking for something other than a conservative viewpoint in talk-radio, you really have very few choices.  And if you want a truly progressive perspective your options are even further limited.  Especially if you want an outlet that is not owned by a major broadcast corporation. (If you want to see who owns the local radio and TV stations, see this earlier post.)

Fortunately, there are still a handful of truly independent radio stations around the country - stations like KSER.  And shows like Left, Right & Center; Counterspin; The Takeaway; and Ed Bremer's Sound Living.  And, of course, there's the closest thing progressive radio has to Limbaugh and Beck: Amy Goodman.  And, yes, it's painful to put her name in the same paragraph with those two.

The big difference, of course, is Limbaugh and Beck are syndicated to hundreds of commercial radio stations which are owned by major corporations who, not only run more than twenty-minutes of commercial content every hour, but also have access to large corporate marketing budgets to spread their message.

Stations like KSER do not have that kind of financial clout. It's not commercials or corporate support, but mostly listener support that keeps shows like Democracy Now, KSER and similar stations afloat.

So before anyone takes pleasure in seeing stories about Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck being criticized by other right-wingers, remember that they still have the lion's share of radios, ratings and resources. It's up to you to make sure progressive voices remain heard. 

Happy KSER New Year - 2013

Happy New Year from everyone at KSER.

We're honored that you've made KSER part of your listening habit in 2012 and we look forward to continuing to serve the Pacific Northwest in 2013.  We couldn't do it without your support.

We feel like all 365 days of KSER broadcasting in 2012 were highlights...but a few events do stand out more than others.  In October, Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! came to Everett to support KSER and spoke before a standing-room only crowd at Everett Community College.

Amy Goodman at Everett Community College

In November we were honored to present the 5th annual KSER Voice of the Community Award Ceremony.  This year's awards were presented to the Snohomish County Music Project; MS Helping Hands of Edmonds and Lillian Ortiz-Self.

Roger Pawley; Jan Vance; Lillian Ortiz-Self

Every week of 2012, KSER's Ed Bremer featured local newsmakers and community leaders on Sound Living, weekday afternoon's at 4 p.m.  One of the top stories featured in 2012 was the closing of the Kimberly-Clark paper mill and the debate over what to do with the valuable water-front property.  A number of local leaders talked with Ed about the future of the Kimberly-Clark site, including Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson.

Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson talked with Ed Bremer

You'd be amazed at the famous people who want to be interviewed by KSER's Ed Bremer.  In July, we had an in-studio visit from Ben Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin

Dozens of local bands and musical artists visited KSER during the year, including Left Hand Smoke; Sightseer; Northern Departure; Tony Lucca, Ian McFeron and a lot more.

In September, KSER's Sondra Santos was named a hero. Really! By the government, no less. The Snohomish Health District presented its Public Health Hero award to the host of KSER's morning news show for her weekly interviews on health issues in the northwest.

Suzanne Pate; Sondra Santos; Dr. Garry Goldbaum

Speaking of health, our own KSER doctors answered your questions every Thursday afternoon for 52 weeks in 2012. Primary Care Physicians Kasra Pournadeali, Rebecca Dirks, and Stacy Wells, have been answering listener calls live on KSER since 1998. This summer the weather was so nice, we actually moved them outdoors in August...to do a live show from the sidewalk on Wetmore avenue. Now that's taking the doctors to the people!

KSER's Sidewalk Doctor Show

In 2012 KSER's Jim Hilmar celebrated 15 years of hosting Frettin' Fingers, the popular Saturday guitar music show and KSER's Jeff Hofman, host of Dusties on Saturday afternoon, marked 25 years of doing public radio.

Jim Hilmar; Jeff Hofman

We started what we hope is a long-running new tradition this holiday season with the first ever Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater Kaddywompas Holiday radio show.  Tim and his crew are working on a few more specials...maybe more...for 2013.

Tim Noah

And, actually, 2013 is an important anniversary for our predecessor.  KRAB-FM started broadcasting 50 years ago.  One of the country's first true community radio stations started broadcasting as December turned to January in 1963. In 1991 KRAB became KSER and moved to Snohomish County. In 2003 we moved to our current location in Everett.

If you'd like to make sure that great independent public radio continues in the north Puget Sound, you can help with a donation. Most of our operating income comes from individual listeners like you.  It's easy to make a contribution.  You can go to our website KSER.org and click on the 'donate now' button.  We're a non-profit and your contribution is tax-deductible...a great way to get one more deduction before the end of the year.

Some people also take advantage of our easy-to-use automobile donation plan.  You can also do that online here. It's fast and easy, we do all the paperwork. And you may be eligible for a tax deduction.  Running or not, we'll be happy to help.

And if you accidentally left somone off your holiday gift list, you can support KSER and buy a nice gift for someone at the KSER Store.

So thanks for your support and thanks for listening to KSER.

And Happy New Year!

Packed House - Amy Goodman in Everett

EvCC Campus

It's one thing to have the nerve and stamina to set up a tour of 100 cities in 100 days.  But imagine doing it without missing work!?

Amy Goodman's Election 2012 Silenced Majority Tour rolled into Everett this weekend and the KSER listeners packed Jackson Conference Center at Everett Community College loved every minute of it.

Amy Goodman at Jackson Center  by Christophoto

 Amy and Denis Moynihan, co-authors of The Silenced Majority, both spoke to the sold out crowd and Amy spent more than an hour going beyond the mainstream media’s obsessive focus on the latest poll numbers and candidate gaffes. She told great stories about how people are organizing; how the massive influx of campaign cash following the Citizens United decision is changing how our democracy works and she campaigned for support of independent public radio stations around the country.  She reminded the crowd how lucky we are to live in a community that does have an independent station....because many cities and towns do not have a KSER.

Amy Goodman; Denis Moynihan  by Christophoto

Amy and Denis started this whirlwind tour at the political conventions and not only have they not missed a scheduled event, but, as regular KSER listeners know, Amy has figured out a way to not miss a single one of her daily radio shows.  Not just her regular daily shows, but she's also done special coverage from the conventions and special coverage of each of the four political debates including her own Democracy Now "Expand the Debate" coverage which included third-party candidates.

Amy Goodman signing books at EvCC  by Christophoto

During her talk, Amy told the crowd of KSER listeners “There is no longer a mainstream media, it’s an extreme media.”  She said balanced reporting of topics is no longer the norm, pointing out that of nearly 400 newscasts by four major broadcast stations about the run-up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003 logged only three reports with anti-war leaders.

And she talked about some of the people she knows in the television news world, who she referred to as 'personalities' and not journalists, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd. "Television tends to quote the same pundits who are talking in a circle, It is a waste of precious airwaves."



She reminded the audience that when Occupy Wall St. started, in the media capitol of the world, right under the noses of mainstream media, it was ignored for nearly a week by the major networks even thought the reporters, anchors, producers and executives had to fight their way through the thousands of protesters just to get to work.

“What we need is media to cover power, not cover for the power,” she said. “It’s the Fourth Estate, not for the estate.”

Amy's inspiring message and tireless efforts are a good reminder of  the importance of KSER and the hundreds of other independent radio voices in the U.S.  We can't thank Amy Goodman, Denis Moynihan and their staff enough for making this visit to Everett and helping to support KSER.

Thanks also to KSER's Sondra Santos for being on hand to introduce Denis and Amy; and thanks to the KSER volunteers and board members who helped with tickets and seating for the event.

But mostly, thanks to our listeners and contributors who support KSER and help make sure the North Puget Sound has an important independent voice.

If Amy's views inspire you to help in that effort, whether you made it to her talk yesterday or not, you can always help support KSER here.

We learned two important things this weekend: Next time Amy comes to Everett, we need to rent a bigger auditorium. And don't get in Amy Goodman's way when she has a plane to catch for her next stop in supporting public radio!

More Odds & Ends...Mostly Odds!

This is odd, but true.  I was standing in line at a coffee shop this week and trying not to eavesdrop on the two guys in front of me.  But one said to the other, "If I don't get tickets to see Amy Goodman, my wife is gonna kill me."  I could tell by his tone that he wasn't excited to see Amy, but his wife apparently was. I'm glad KSER is doing it's part to keep marriage strong.  By the way, if you haven't bought your Amy Goodman tickets yet, there's still time.  What better way for a happy couple to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon than listening to the host of Democracy Now!  Ticket info here.

We know that some listeners get tired of our Pledge Drives at KSER.  But we always remind people that we only do a few per year and usually only for 7 to 10 days at a time.  And, on the air, the pledge breaks are still less time-consuming than the commercial breaks you hear on most stations.  But if you made a donation, thank you! And if you were getting tired of hearing about it, it's over! And if you thought about donating, but just didn't find the time, you can still donate online.

Speaking of odd, a number of people have asked us about the over-sized yellow egg-timer our on-air hosts used to time pledge breaks during our recent pledge drive.  People wanted to know if they could buy it, really. So we may offer it at auction in our next pledge drive!  By the way, someone inadvertently brought another over-sized egg-timer, this one blue, into KSER. We come in one morning, and there was something new! 

Never trust those Blues

Talk about dedicated volunteers. Many people know that nearly all of the on-air hosts at KSER are volunteers. Volunteer DJ's do their own show prep, pick their own music, put their shows together and do their shows at the same time every single week.  And some of them have been at it a long time.  Take, for example, Jim Hillmar.  Jim is the host of Frettin' Fingers which is on KSER every Saturday morning at 11 a.m.  Next month will be Jim's 15th anniversary of hosting the show.  That's a frettin' long time!

Jim Hillmar

If you can't be near a TV for the Presidential and VP debates (or if you just can't stand to watch anymore) you can hear the remaining debates on KSER.  The next one is this Thursday, October 11th at 6 p.m. with Joe Biden and Paul Ryan.

Tickets are on sale now for KSER's annual Voice of the Community award ceremony.  The event is Saturday evening, November 10th.  You can find out more about the nominees and how to order tickets here. 

During our pledge drive, not only did people donate at KSER.org and call our pledge line (425-303-9070) but some people actually stopped by our studios in downtown Everett. On Saturday several visitors were admiring the "cardinal" color of Van Ramsey's KSER T-shirt and wanted to know how to get one.

KSER Shirts come in Many Colors!

You can buy all of our shirts and tchotchkes at the KSER Store.

You're in the Front Rowwwww!!!

UPDATE!
The Front Row Tickets for Amy Goodman are now gone. But there are still plenty of seats left for Amy's Saturday afternoon, October 27 appearance at Everett Community College. Ticket info here.


There's still time to buy tickets to see Amy Goodman when she comes to Everett, Saturday afternoon, October 27.  You can buy tickets here.

But you can also purchase a pair of reserved front-row seats. The only way to do that is to listen to the KSER pledge drive that's going on through Saturday.  There are only 10 pairs of front-row seats available and they may go fast. So, if you want to be in the front row when Amy Goodman speaks at the Jackson Conference Center at Everett Community College make sure you tune into 90.7fm or listen online at KSER.org.

 

And we'd like to send out a special thanks to all of the volunteers who've pitched in this week at KSER during our Fall Pledge Drive. We're having picture-perfect Fall weather, but our volunteers are spending their time in KSER's Pledge Palace! They're here every day and evening...even Saturday and Sunday.  They're answering the phones, taking your questions, taking your pledges, supporting the station and helping to make sure KSER stays on your radio!

If you've already pledged, thanks!  If you haven't there's still plenty of time to call 425-303-9070.  Or you can donate easily at any time online. 

And don't forget another upcoming KSER event that will give you an opportunity meet some of your neighbors, have a great evening, honor some true community heroes and support KSER.  The annual KSER Voice of the Community Awards ceremony is Saturday evening, November 10, 2012. You can read about the nominees and get ticket info here. 

True Stuff....or Stuff I Made Up?

Sometimes, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction; truth from lies; reality from fantasy; chicken salad from....well....other chicken stuff.

So here's the first ever KSER Manager's Corner quiz: True? Or Stuff I Made Up?

Two popular KSER DJ's have been working since the start of the exhibition season as replacement refs in the National Football League. In fact, one of them was involved in the controversial interception-into-touchdown call in the Monday Night Football game at Century Link this week.   True? Or I made that up?

Two popular KSER DJ's are actually big award-winners. The two have won Best Blues DJ awards from the Washington Blues Society's Best of the Blues Awards.  True? Or Made Up?

The Romney/Ryan Campaign, in an effort to sway undecideds at the event, has purchased a huge block of tickets to the upcoming Amy Goodman visit to Everett. It means your opportunity to purchase tickets may expire soon. True? Or Made Up?

A government agency can name someone a hero.  Not only can they, but the Snohomish Health District gave KSER's Sondra Santos paperwork naming her a hero. True? Or Made that one up?

The KSER studio building on Wetmore Avenue in Everett has been named by Architectural Digest as one of America's Top 10 aesthetically pleasing buildings.  True? Or Dude, have you been in that building?

One of the replacement refs in the NFL pre-season was actually fired by the Lingerie Football League a year ago for incompetence. That can't be true? Can it? Or Made up?

Not only can you help contribute to KSER by purchasing shirts, jackets, dog sweaters, aprons, water bottles and teddy bears at the KSER store, you can also get 10% off orders over $40 until October 5th. True?  Or That ain't true, I'm not gonna click on this link.

KSER will provide live coverage of the 3 Presidential debates, and the Vice-Presidential debate. The first one is next Wednesday, October 3rd at 6 p.m.  True? Or Made Up? 

Jim Hightower, who does regular commentaries afternoons on KSER may be a hard-hitting progressive, but he was once an elected official...in Texas!!  True? Or No Freakin' Way?

The one Vice-Presidential debate will be moderated by Howard Stern. True? Or Made Up?

The new and improved KSER Facebook page utilizes cutting-edge fiber-optic technology which allows us to turn your computer monitor into a high-def camera. We can see you when you're on our Facebook page. So, please, get decent before clicking KSER's Facebook page. The naked truth. Or Horsehockey.

Not only is Amy Goodman coming to Everett Community College on October 27th (and you can get tickets here), but they're going to have her speak in, of all places, the Henry M. Jackson Conference Center. That's True Or No way. Polar Opposites!?

Mark Hale, who does a hard-hitting progressive commentary, "Sand in the Gears" on KSER, was Johnny Carson's first sidekick on the Tonight Show.  True? Or Made Up?

Not only are all the DJ's on KSER hard-working volunteers, but the station's Board of Director's are also all volunteers.  And more than 50% of the operating costs of KSER comes from listener contributions.  True? Or That's can't be True, Can it?

The whole Gangnam Style rage was actually started by KSER's Ed Bremer during a slow news-week. True, I think? Or Totally Bogus?

Contrary to conventional wisdom, listening levels actually increase....we're talkin' through the roof...during KSER Pledge Drives. (It can be a little difficult at first to understand why, but if you want to try to figure it out, make sure you listen frequently during the 10-day KSER pledge drive that starts this Friday.)  Really, really true. Or C'mon, Man.

It is considerably easier to write a blog post when about half of it is stuff I made up. True? Or One More Thing I Made Up?

Weekend Manager's Mailbox

Holy In-Box, Batman. This week we received a huge batch of emails to KSER. Some of them were even printable. Here are the ones I was able to answer....

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  I know you have a lot of volunteers at KSER. I really don't want to be on the air, but I'd like to volunteer to help behind the scenes. How can I apply?  Darryl, Lake Stevens

Darryl:  It's easy. You can apply on our website here. Thanks.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: Will tickets for Amy Goodman's Everett appearance be cheaper at the door the day of the event?  Frank, La Conner

Frank:  Actually, they'll be a little more expensive: $20 at the door.  But, there's a good chance NO seats will be available by October 27th. So, if you want to save a little money and guarantee a seat, place your order now. 

Dear Tom@KSER.org: I contribute to KSER and I'm just wondering how much money you guys are having to spend to get Amy Goodman to come to Everett?  Michelle, Mountlake Terrace

Michelle: Nothing. Amy Goodman and Denis Moynihan are visiting Everett, and a lot of other cities, to help raise money for community radio stations like KSER. She is charging us absolutely nothing for the appearance October 27th at Everett Community College.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: I like how the dee-jays on KSER have local bands on the air, talk to them and let them play some of their songs.  You should do more of that! Perry, Lynnwood

Perry:  We're always happy to showcase local bands.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: I heard you guys talk about your news guy, Ed Bremer, signing up people to register to vote somewhere in downtown Everett. Where & When? And Is Bremer really going to be there or is that just a gimmick to get us to come in?  DeeDee, Lake Stevens

DeeDee:  Ed Bremer will be there! 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. this Tuesday September 25 at Firewheel Books and Beans 2820 Oakes Avenue. You'll be able to register to vote, on the spot and Ed will let you buy him a cup of coffee.

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  Am I the only one who finds it a little ironic that Amy Goodman, of all people, is going to be speaking at the Henry M. Jackson Center?  What would Scoop think?   Ernesto, Langley

Ernesto:  Not only is Amy speaking October 27th at the Henry M. Jackson Center, but the event is being held in the Wilderness Room.  Should be pretty wild.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: Do you guys have to do this pledge drive starting next Friday?  Jack, Lynnwood.

Jack:  Yes.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: I love that show you do during the week called Caribbean Sounds. I'm not sure which night it is. Who's the host?  He plays some great music.  Gail, Everett

Gail: Noel Williams is the host of Caribbean Sounds, every Monday evening at 7 p.m.

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  What's up with your crazy typewriter? I watched that youtube video you had of the band Sightseer at your station. And if you stop the video when it's showing your building, you can see the cartoony typewriter in the background. Do the keys have any meaning?  Cody, Mukilteo

Cody:  You are either very observant or you have too much free time. We put the Youtube video in this post after Sightseer visited KSER. The keys do convey a deep, special message about KSER. See if you can figure it out. The first 25 readers to put the correct answer in the comment box below will have their name featured prominently in the comment box below!

Amy Goodman - Coming to Everett

If you're looking for something more substantive than network news anchors talking about Michelle Obama's dress, or Clint Eastwood talking to a chair...mark your calendars and get ready for some hard-hitting info.  Amy Goodman is coming to Everett just before the election. And you can be there.

Is anyone in the media doing a better job of covering the important issues in the upcoming election than Amy Goodman?  Amy is the host of Democracy Now! which you can hear every morning at 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. on KSER (if you're not up early, there's an afternoon repeat daily at 5 p.m.).

She was one of the few reporters who ignored the beauty contest and horse race during the political conventions and asked the really tough questions...of both sides. And just before the upcoming presidential election, Amy will be in Everett, and you can attend the event.

Along with co-author Denis Moynihan, Amy has written a new book, The Silenced Majority.

Amy and Denis are taking part in a national tour designed to help raise critical funds for the public broadcasters, like KSER, that carry Democracy Now!. The tour route covers many of the electoral swing states, going beyond the mainstream media's obsessive focus on the latest poll numbers and candidate gaffes, to see, on the ground, how people are organizing, the impacts of restrictive voter ID laws that are making it harder to vote, and how the massive influx of campaign cash following the Citizens United decision is changing how our democracy works.

Amy will be in Everett Saturday afternoon, October 27, a little over a week before the election.  She'll be appearing, along with Denis Moynihan, to support KSER at the newly refurbished Henry M. Jackson Conference Center on the campus of Everett Community College.

Jackson Center - Everett Community College

The Amy Goodman appearance in Everett, Saturday, October 27 starts at 1:30 p.m. and tickets are just $17 ($18.59 w./service fee) and you can buy them here.  But hurry. Democracy Now is one of the most popular shows on KSER and listeners are always asking us, "When is Amy going to come to Everet?"

Well, now you know. Saturday, October 27th. 

And remember, your ticket price supports KSER, Independent Public Radio! Hope to see you there.

 

More Things I Think I Think

• I think Rush Limbaugh doesn't get enough credit for the good he does! Especially the good he does promoting women's issues. For example, Sandra Fluke was an obscure Georgetown grad student that none of us knew anything about.  But Rush was kind enough to put her on the map and now she's a featured convention speaker promoting women's issues. You can't buy that kind of pub.

• I think Amy Goodman's convention coverage on KSER has been far more insightful and thorough than anything on the big TV or Cable networks.  She does far more with far fewer resources. But that's just me.

• I think presidential campaigns frequently fail because of the little things: Michael Dukakis in the tank with that ill-fitting helmet; Bob Dole talking about Bob Dole; George H.W. Bush fascinated with a grocery scanner. Is Paul Ryan's foggy memory about a 2:55 marathon time this year's flub?

• I think most people would be bummed if a show like Amy Goodman moved to Satellite Radio.  But I bet many listeners would be willing to pony up $16.99 a month for Sirius/XM to hear her show. She's not moving and you can get her for free every day. Of course, you're welcome to contribute to KSER to ensure that she never moves.

• I think sometimes in sports (and life) a great player doesn't always make for a better team. Since the Mariners traded Ichiro they've had two big win streaks and have gone 24-15. The Yankees, meanwhile, had a 10-game division lead, but now, with Ichriro in pinstripes, the Yankee are down to a 1-game lead.

• I think most frustrated jocks are obsessive about their sports achievements...no matter how minor. So how does someone not precisely remember his/her best marathon time?  

• I think the ESPN football analysts are missing the mark in their Super Bowl predictions. Not one of them has the Seahawks making the big game. This could be the year...I think.

• I think some people spend too much time thinking about sports.

• I think it's always impressive the type of people who want to be involved or volunteer at KSER. One of the students in our current KSER Basic Broadcasting Class is a new History Specialist at the Everett Public Library.  Lisa Labovitch was just the subject of a great story in the Herald.

• I think north-end commuters should all be given medals. When you hear KSER's Sondra Santos or Ed Bremer talk about 55, 65 or 75 minute Everett-to-Seattle/Seattle-to-Everett commute times it's headache inducing.  Now, why didn't we build light-rail 30 years ago?

• I think it will be a while before you see another attempt at prop-comedy at a political convention. 

• I think it would be funny if it wasn't so sad to hear politicians on the government payroll (with full health benefits and pensions) give props to private enterprise while attacking government agencies and government workers.

• I think it would be even funnier if it wasn't so much sadder that so many people fall for government-paid politicians knocking the government.

 

• I think some people should spend more time thinking about sports.

Support KSER; Protect the Cute Bear!

Please Help Protect the Bear

Alright, we really wouldn't hurt the bear. It's just a cheap, warm and fuzzy gimmick to get your attention. Speaking of warm and fuzzy, have you been watching the well-coiffed, finely-clothed, made-up cable TV news stars 'reporting' from the political conventions?

And do you know who is hardly ever described as warm and fuzzy?  Amy Goodman.

We've heard an awful lot of feedback the last two weeks about Amy Goodman. It's not that she's not special the other 50 weeks of the year, but last week and this week, Democracy Now is an hour longer and even more special than usual as Amy covers the political conventions.  Last week she was in Tampa for the Republican convention; this week Charlotte and the Democrats.

Sure, the big cable TV networks have been covering the conventions...their way. And they've got their major anchors strategically positioned at professionally designed and magnificently lit sets 'analyzing' the speeches.  But, if you've been listening to Amy in Tampa and Charlotte, you know she is asking tough questions of all sides and offering insight you don't get too many other places.

Last week when the TV cameras conveniently missed Mitt Romney's handshake with one of the Koch brothers on the convention floor, Amy talked about it.  She did an extensive interview on the Romney campaign war-chest and where the money came from. She had extensive coverage of the convention floor chaos between the RNC and Ron Paul delegates. This week she's spent considerable time covering protestors at the DNC in Tampa who have basically been penned up away from the convention center.

But if you've been listening to her two-hour special every morning at 7 a.m. on KSER or the one-hour replay at 5 p.m. there's one thing you haven't heard: commercials. That's because like most of the radio stations around the country that carry Democracy Now, KSER is an independent public radio station. We're a non-profit, community resource that is able to operate and provide independent programming thanks to your support.

And it's not just Amy Goodman and Democracy Now. It's the TakeAway every morning at 6 a.m. and the Story with Dick Gordon every afternoon at 3 p.m.  It's the morning information from Sondra Santos and Sound Living with Ed Bremer every afternoon at 4 p.m.  And that's just the news and public affairs shows! If you're a regular listener to KSER you know we have a broad range of great music every evening and weekend featuring many up and coming local artists.

So how are we able to fund a full-time radio station with no commercials?  Well, actually we don't. You do it.  So we just wanted to say thanks if you've supported us in the past or if you continue to support KSER with recurring donations.

If you haven't contributed yet, but you'd like to make sure that at least some of the airwaves include voices like Ed Bremer's and Amy Goodman's...here's how you can help.  KSER begins it's 10-day-long Fall Pledge Drive on September 28th. If you listen then, you'll hear a number of easy ways to contribute. Or, you can beat the rush! Take 4 or 5 minutes now to make an easy tax-deductible online donation here.

Of course if you're one of those people who wants to contribute and brag about it, you can buy shirts, hats, tote-bags, mouse pads, aprons, dog-sweaters, iphone cases and just about anything else...yes, even that cuddly bear...at the KSER store.

Thanks!

KSER Manager's Mailbox - Labor Day Edition

Ahhh, a long holiday weekend!!

Blue Moon. Labor Day. Football. And, of course, in honor of workers everywhere, the KSER Weekend Manager's Mailbox.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: That KSER DJ Uncle Pat is off the hook! Me and some co-workers were stocking shelves at the co-op Thursday night and we had to crank up KSER. That guy was playing the wildest mix of music we've ever heard and he's such a cool-sounding DJ. We kept turning it up louder and louder. We had a few customers, but I think they were getting scared. How often is he on? Is he as wild as he sounds?  Daniel, Everett

Daniel: Every Thursday night at 7 on KSER. Every family has one crazy uncle, we've got Uncle Pat.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: I enjoyed Amy Goodman's coverage from the Republican Convention. She did some hard-hitting reporting. My question is will she do the same thing for the Democrats? Or is she just a Republican-Basher?  Michael, Kenmore 

Michael:  Amy will be in Charlotte this coming week for the Democratic Convention. She'll have her usual show at 5 a.m. and a two-hour special each morning at 7 a.m. on KSER starting Tuesday.  She's an equal-opportunity basher. If someone deserves tough questions, she'll ask. She's not a corporate media stenographer, but a real journalist.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: I think you guys have a great variety of news shows and great music shows. Is there a line-up or schedule of what show is on when?  Kim, Mukilteo

Kim: All the info in one convenient click.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: Love the Amy Goodman, Democracy Now convention coverage. Can't wait for the Democrats' turn. I loved the take on the Clint Eastwood craziness. How whacky is it to pretend that the president is sitting in an empty chair and then pretend you're talking to him?  Gary, Arlington

Gary: It was different. By the way, we had a live in-studio interview with President Obama Friday. We're quite proud that he stopped by KSER.

President Obama in the KSER Studio

 
Dear Tom@KSER.org: Last week you had a picture of a KSER mouse-pad. I love the station but I'm not big on wearing shirts and jackets with anyone's logo on them.  A mouse-pad, though, is something I'd use and could help display my love of the station.  Can I buy one?  Marianne, Edmonds

Marianne:  Yes, but hurry. Supplies are unlimited. Just click here. And thanks for supporting Independent Public Radio!

Unlimited Edition KSER Mouse pad

 Dear Tom@KSER.org: Really appreciate all the information you've provided recently about getting PSA's on the station and finding community resources. I run a small non-profit organization and that kind of info is very helpful. With the size of your audience you must get a lot of email; I hope you don't have to deal with a lot of spam.  David, Everett

David: Thanks. For those that missed it, the primer on getting your PSA's on the air is here. And the KSER community resource guide is here. And, no, we don't get much spam. Good filters, I guess.

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  This is to inform you of the latest development as regards the delivery of your inheritance fund by the diplomat who is presently at the JFK Int'l airport New York.Confirm your Full Name,Occupation, Residence Address & Direct Telephone Numbers. Regards, George Smith.

George:  I'll send you that info via email. Wouldn't want to post it here.Have a great weekend!

Things I Think I Think

A few random things I think. Or think I think.

I think Ed Bremer is to KSER what Walter Cronkite was to CBS. Or what Johnny Carson was to the Tonight Show. He's been at KSER since 1990, which is pretty remarkable when you consider the station didn't actually go on the air until 1991. He was here for the launch and is still going strong every afternoon with Sound Living. Is there any other news anchor on radio or TV in the Northwest who has been at the same station for that long?

I think I'm getting jaded or old...or both. I can remember when watching the political conventions on TV actually had some purpose. You'd find out who was really going to get the nomination and who the VP pick was. Now, what's the point? It's an expensive waste...I think.

I think when a lot of radio and TV stations always talk about "news you can't get anywhere else," they're pretty much full of it. The news most of them are doing you can get a lot of other places.

I think Amy Goodman really does have a lot of news you can't get anywhere else...almost. This week her Democracy Now  show is a full two-hours and has been broadcast live from Tampa, site of the GOP convention (next week, Charlotte & the Dems). And her coverage has been excellent.  She's covering the politics but is including important stories from around the world.  I think she is remarkable.

Juan Gonzalez; Amy Goodman

I think it's pretty alarming what's happening to the newspaper business in this country.  The Seattle P-I is gone. The New Orleans Times-Picayune is now publishing just three days a week. (Who could forget this front page?) And now The Post-Standard in Syracuse, and The Patriot-News in Harrisburg will start publishing just three days a week. Not good...I think.

I think Sleepy John is really not sleepy at all. Listen to the great music on his show, Left of the Dial, Wednesday nights at 7 on KSER. Sounds wide awake to me.

I think most people may not notice, but if you listen to the Takeaway weekday mornings on KSER, there's something new. John Hockenberry is now the solo host. His former co-host Celeste Headlee has decided to work on some other projects.  And the program which originates on the east coast, is live every morning at 6 a.m. on KSER.

I think if you like Celtic music and Nordic music it's hard to beat Tuesday nights on KSER. Tuesday's at 7 p.m. it's Celtic Harvest, followed at 8:30 p.m. by Nordic Roots and Branches. Every week that is some great music.  I think.


I think tickets will go fast when we get a few more details on Amy Goodman's upcoming Everett visit. She's going to be here Saturday afternoon, October 27. We'll let you know sometime in the next week about location and how to get tickets.

I think if two great Saturday shows on KSER, "Frettin Fingers" and "Pull the String" ever merged, we could have a good time coming up with a name for the new show.

I think for starters I should have confessed that I stole, uh, borrowed this theme. "Some things I think I think" was a great weekly column written by one of the world's greatest newspaper guys, the late Phil Musick. Phil was a columnist for the Pittsburgh Press and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  I worked with him at WTAE radio in Pittsburgh in the 90's.

Phil would be happy that someone is reviving one of his trademarks. I think.

Democracy Now! KSER Convention Specials

Amy Goodman and the staff of Democracy Now are gearing up for special coverage from the political conventions, starting next Monday at the Republican Convention in Tampa.

Next week you will be able to listen to a special 2-hour-long edition of Democracy Now every morning at 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. with extra coverage from the Republican convention.

Juan Gonzalez; Amy Goodman

You'll still be able to hear the normal 1-hour version of Democracy Now at both 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. on KSER.  But if you're looking for Amy and Juan's special take on politics in longer form set your alarm for 7 a.m. every morning next week (August 27 through August 31) for a 2-hour Democracy Now special.

Amy and Juan will also broadcast two-hour specials on KSER from the Democratic convention in Charlotte September 4 through September 7.

Here's another alert for Amy Goodman fans.  She's coming to Everett!

Amy and Denis Moynihan will do a special KSER event in Everett at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 27.  It's part of a national 100-city tour to promote "The Silenced Majority," a new book Amy has written with Denis.

We'll have details on location and ticket information later this week.  Listen to 90.7 FM for details.

Weekend Manager's Mailbox

Another weekend, the worst of the heat is over. Time to chill out with another edition of the highly acclaimed (cough) KSER Manager's Mailbox:

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  Aaack, I keep hearing songs I like on KSER but sometimes I can't stick around long enough to hear the name of the song or the artist. Is there a way to find out what the DJ played?  Bernie, Gold Bar

Bernie:  You can always track down our playlist online. Just go to www.kser.org and click on live playlist. You can also listen to past shows, both music shows and all of our news and public affairs programs for the past two weeks, using the radio replayer button.

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  Hi, I moved to Alaska about 2 years ago but I still listen to KSER a lot when I'm at home.  I listen online.  But, I'm on the road a lot and would like to listen on my I-phone. Is there a way to do that?  Leonard, Wasilla

Leonard: It's easy. Go to App Store. Search for the Public Radio Exchange (PRX) app. Once you get the app, simply search for and bookmark KSER and you can listen on your phone anytime, almost anywhere. Even if you go moose-hunting with you know who.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: My favorite program on KSER is Amy Goodman. I've been listening for several months now.  Can you tell me how I can learn more about her?  David, Everett

David: There are a few links and background info on Amy in this recent KSER story.  And Amy is about to launch a 2-month, 100 city tour to promote her new book she has written with Denis Moynihan. It's called The Silenced Majority. The tour includes a KSER stop in Everett just before the election on Saturday, October 27.  We're working on details and looking forward to her visit.  Stay tuned.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: I just started listening to KSER and I heard your announcers talking about ballots and voting for the board of directors?  But I don't know how you vote or what the voting is for or even what the board is really for. I love your station can you tell me more about it?  Dennis, Seattle

Dennis:  Anyone who is a member of the station is eligible to vote. And anyone who contributes at least $35 in a calendar year becomes a station member.  There's a board of directors election once per year.  The board members serve on a volunteer basis and are local citizens who help guide and control the operation and future of KSER, which is a non-profit community station.  If you'd like to become a member, you can sign up here. We mail out ballots every year at election time. And not only do you get to vote and help decide the direction of the station, you'll also be making an important and vital contribution to local community radio.

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  Not sure if you're the right guy to ask this, I love KSER but my girlfriend always switches the station to some hip-hop stuff.  Should I go along with her?  Put my foot down? Get a new girlfriend?  Any advice? Sean, Lynnwood

Sean:  I'm not the right guy. Try the Stranger.

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  Have you ever thought about playing more music from Hawaii?  I love Aloha Friday, but it's only an hour and I'm often working and miss it.  Please think about playing more!  Emma, Mill Creek

Emma:  We already do. Every weekend. Check out Da Coconut Wireless every Sunday afternoon for 2 hours at 5 p.m.

Dear Tom@KSER.org: That one DJ you guys have, Van Ramsey, has a band. I heard you guys play some of their stuff.  They are great. What's their name and where can I see them?  Luke, Lake Stevens

Luke: Van Ramsey's band is the Wild Snohomians. They play a lot of places. They're at the Everett Craft Beer Festival this Saturday; at Lake Stevens Music in the Park next Thursday; and the Evergreen State Fair next Friday...among others. They've reached a stature somewhere between the Grateful Dead and the Beatles.  Sort of.


Dear Tom@KSER.org: I saw that picture on your website earlier this week of the four outgoing members of your board of directors. I couldn't help but notice that they all are wearing the same designer eyewear. My eye prescription just changed and I need new frames. Can you tell me where I can get those?  Sasha, Everett

Sasha:  They're Versace's. Try Neiman-Marcus.

Sandy Thompson; Tom Killorin; Karen Crowley; Miriam Driss

Dear Tom@KSER.org:  Do you think maybe you overdo how often you ask for people to contribute to KSER?  Otherwise I like your blog a lot.  Mike, Arlington

Mike:  Thanks for the tip. And I like you, too. Oh, check out this cool link! 

News That Gives Voice to Struggles

Many KSER listeners tell us there is one host and one show that they try to absolutely never miss: Amy Goodman and Democracy Now!

Amy Goodman

Just like KSER, Amy Goodman and Democracy Now is a non-profit, proudly independent broadcast that relies heavily on the financial support of listeners.  As regular KSER listeners know, Amy asks questions many reporters won't ask; get's guests that many media organizations wouldn't touch; and even get's arrested for her efforts.

The New York Times published what some describe as the definitive Amy Goodman article late last year.

And while it would be rare to see the major network Sunday morning talk shows include Amy as a guest, she did appear last month on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher.  You can see the program here.

Juan Gonzalez

Amy and co-host Juan Gonzalez are supported by a great staff of leading progressive journalists, producers and volunteers.  You can read about the Democracy Now staff here.

And remember, Amy and Juan are working for a non-profit program that's being aired on non-profit community supported stations like KSER. Her model is dramatically different from the typical network television news reporter or anchor. You may remember the media buzz recently over the $25-million annual contract for NBC's Matt Lauer.

The Daily Beast recently did a report on the salaries of Lauer and others. Diane Sawyer makes $12-million annually; Anderson Cooper: $11-million.  You can read the Daily Best network salary story here.

That's not to suggest that those anchors aren't worth the money they are paid by the corporations that own the networks.  After all, they generate ratings that sells advertising that keeps the corporate networks profitable.

But think about that the next time you're listening to Amy Goodman and wondering why she's covering stories and asking questions you won't hear almost anywhere else.

Reminder: Time's running out if you want to make a nomination for KSER's annual Voice of the Community Award.  Nominations must be received by this Wednesday, August 15.  You can find out more and make a nomination here.

And of course, you can always help support KSER and independent public radio. It just takes a few clicks and a few minutes online. Thanks!