If I could program an ideal radio schedule on a weekly basis, I would
try to set up the following schedule. Note that the days are based on
"Pacific Stanford Time," in which the calendar turns at 3 am.
Links on the grid chart go to a description of the show below the grid, including a link to the
actual show web site, if it exists.
|
Time
|
Program
|
|
03:00-04:00
|
The Late Show with Ray Taliaferro (KGO)
Actual current air time: 01:00-05:00 PT on KGO AM 810 (San Francisco), live and temporary archives available
- Ray's "fast four hours until five" are legendary on the west
coast radio dial; nocturnal types from border to border appreciate his
left-leaning humor and ability to keep a fast-paced program going
throughout the night. This is the very best of overnight talk radio
when Ray avoids crudity.
- Network News from Dorothy McIntyre (ABC)
- Local inserts from John Em (KGO)
- Traffic from Kim LeBarber (KGO)
|
|
04:00-05:59
|
Morning Edition with Bob Edwards (NPR)
Actual current air time: First cycle 05:00-07:00 ET from NPR (Washington DC), archives available
- News anchors: Karl Casell and Jean Cochrane (NPR)
- Local inserts from Bill Radke (KUOW)
- Since this time slot is all-nighter territory, I figured it would be
appropriate to schedule my all-nighter staple. During my undergraduate
years, the only times I would listen to all of Morning Edition would be
when I happened to be awake for the then-first feed starting at 03:00 PT.
Bob Edwards was the quintessential host for nearly 25 years, so I have not
removed him from the position, unlike NPR.
|
|
05:59-07:30
|
Commercial Newsradio Hour
- Hosted by Al Hart (KCBS), Bill Yeend (KIRO/KOMO), Dave Dolacky (KIRO), or Karen Horseman (CBC)
- Traffic on the 8's from Stan Burford (KGO) and Paul Brendle (KIRO), weather from Mike Pechner (KCBS)
- 05:59-06:00 National Anthem & Sign-on with Rich Roberts (KREW)
- 06:00-06:05 Network News from Bill Whitney (CBS)
- 06:08-06:10 Beatcheck with reporters including Mike Sugarman (KCBS), Patty Payne (KOMO, KIRO),
Gene Rusco (KGO), Pye Chamberlain (UPI), Karl Stevens (WBZ), Jim Taylor (KCBS), Doug Sovern
(KCBS), Bob Melrose (KCBS), Mike Colgan (KCBS), Flo Jonic (WBZ), Peter Haskell (WCBS),
Jay McQuaide (WBZ), Tim Haeck (KIRO), Kim Tunnicliffe (WBZ), Ursula Reutin (KIRO),
Margie Shafer (KGO/KCBS), Ron Naso (KCBS), Bob Butler (KCBS), Marla Diamond (WCBS),
Harley Karnes (WCBS), Bob Parker (KOMO)
- 06:15 Sports from Gil Santos (WBZ) or Wayne Cody (KIRO)
- 06:20 The American Farmer with Bob Talman
- 06:25 The Osgood File with Charles Osgood (CBS)
- 06:35 Correspondent's Notebook with Judie Muller (CBS, ABC)
- 06:45 Sports from Gil Santos (WBZ) or Wayne Cody (KIRO)
- 06:50 Business from Gary Christensen (KIRO) or Anthony Silva (WBZ)
- 06:56 Commentary from Rush Limbaugh (EIB)
- 07:00-07:15 World News Roundup with Bill Lynch (CBS)
- 07:20 Business from Gary Christensen (KIRO) or Anthony Silva (WBZ)
- 07:25 Commentary from Charles Osgood (CBS)
|
|
07:30-09:00
|
The Current (CBC)
Actual current air time: First Cycle 08:30-10:00 AT from CBC Radio One, live, archived and podcast feeds available
- Just when we thought Peter Gzowsky's "Morningside" legacy was dead, the CBC has come
up with a first-class morning show with in-depth coverage of the issues of the day filled
with an exceptional (and Canadian) sense of humor--foremost the opening piece of satire.
- Presented by Anna Maria Tremonti (CBC) [Mon-Thur] and Bernard St-Laurent (CBC) [Fri]
- News read by Robert Fisher (CBC)
|
|
09:00-10:00
|
BBC Newshour (12:00 GMT)
Actual current air time: 12:00 GMT from the BBC World Service (London), live feed and temporary archives available (and contributes to the Global News podcast)
- The single best hour of world news available on the radio.
- Presented by Robin Lustig (BBC) [Mon-Wed] or Owen Bennett-Jones (BBC) [Thurs-Fri]
- News read by Brian Empringham (BBC)
|
|
10:00-11:00
|
The Connection with Dick Gordon (WBUR/NPR)
Actual current air time: None, cancelled 2005 by WBUR; archives available
- WBUR gambled that a caller-driven format, the cache of NPR distribution, and
the ability to draw on local universities for informed guests would allow its flagship
talk show to outlive the dismissal of its popular if not loved host. When they chose
former CBC reporter Dick Gordon as new host, they appeared to have won their bet, as
Gordon's ability to keep things on track was exceptional during a show that still had callers
as its best asset (if less so than in the Lydon days). However, the show lost out to On Point
when cost cutting came in 2005. Michael Goldfarb remained my choice for first-line fill-in when
Gordon is on vacation.
- Hourly news from Karl Casell (NPR)
- Local inserts from Jill Kauffman (WBUR)
|
|
11:00-12:00
|
The Rush Limbaugh Program (EIB/EFN)
Actual current air time: 12:00-15:00 ET in syndication, live RealAudio available
- He was #1 for so long for a reason; jamming all his
entertainment into a single hour would keep the interest of all but the
most rabid liberals. What I'd like to hear, though, is the independent
spirit the show had back in the early 1990's, before Limbaugh was on a
first name basis with most of the players in the Republican party.
- Network News from Mitchell Krause (CBS)
- Local inserts from Dick Curtis (KVI)
|
|
12:00-13:00
|
The News Hour at Noon
- Hosted by Stan Bunger (KCBS) and John Bristow (KGO)
- 12:00-12:05 Network News from Nick Young (CBS)
- 12:08, 12:18, 12:29, 12:35, 12:53 Traffic from Mark Dorenfeld (KXL)
- 12:15-12:18 Sports from Jim Hunter (CBS)
- 12:18-12:20 Sports Commentary from Gil Santos (WBZ)
- 12:21-12:23 Business from Jerry Laird (KNX)
- 12:25-12:29 Commentary from Charles Osgood (CBS)
- 12:38-12:53 Paul Harvey News and Comment (ABC)
- 12:55-12:57 Jim Hightower Commentary (UBN)
|
|
13:00-14:00
|
The Dave Ross Show (KIRO-FM)
Actual current air time: 09:00-12:00 PT on KIRO-FM 97.3 (Seattle), live feed and podcast available
- The chairman of the Eastlake Ave Crusaders for Common Sense
creates a show that is at least as entertaining as Limbaugh's without a
political agenda. As long as Dave controls his sarcasm, this is the
most listenable commercial talkshow around. The "News Through Ross
Colored Glasses," "News from Space" and "News Read Real Slow" are common
features, and his regular columnists, including David Sirota, Thomas Frank,
and Carl Jeffers, makes for impressive political analysis.
- Network News from David Jackson (CBS)
- Local inserts from Greg Herscheldt (KIRO)
|
|
14:00-15:00
|
The Gene Burns Program (KGO)
Actual current air time: 19:00-22:00 PT on KGO AM 810 (San Francisco), live feed and temporary archives available
- There's no question that this man was a worthly president of the
National Association of Talk Show Hosts. A true master of the English
language, Burns is not afraid to spend a segment explaining a grammatical
point. However, the real focus of his show is always The Issues of the
Day, and few hosts (except perhaps for his Libertarian peer Brudnoy)
handle callers and guests in such a professional and fair manner.
- Network News from Nick Young (CBS)
- Local inserts from Lan Archer (KOMO/KIRO)
|
|
15:00-16:00
|
The Conversation with Ross Reynolds (KUOW)
Actual current air time: 12:00-13:00 PT on KUOW 94.9 FM (Seattle), live feed, podcast, and archives available
- Ross Reynolds has always been one of my favorite public radio figures, for everything from
his inquisitive hosting of candidate debates in statewide races in Washington state to responding
to my suggestions during his stint as program director. Currently, he hosts a caller-driven
talk show focusing on current events. This "Conversation" is a very informative and pleasant
addition to any afternoon.
- Network news from Corva Coleman (NPR)
- Loal inserts from Ken Vincent (KUOW)
|
|
16:00-18:00
|
All Things Considered with Robert Seigel, Linda Wertheimer and Noah Adams (NPR)
Actual current air time: First cycle 16:00-18:00 ET on NPR (Washington DC), archives available
- The flagship program on public radio has suffered in impact since
expanding to two hours, but is still the best news available in the
afternoon. I cite the group of anchors that introduced me to the program,
though two of them are now gone.
- News breaks with Cory Flintoff (NPR) and Anne Taylor (NPR)
- Local inserts from Erin Hennessey (KPLU)
- Traffic from Matt Phipps (WBUR)
- 16:30-16:35 California Capitol Report with Mike Montgomery (KXPR)
|
|
18:00-18:30
|
Free Speech Radio News with Verna Avery Brown
Actual current air time: 16:00 ET via satellite, archives and podcast available
- After complaining for months (or was it years?) that no credible, national,
progressive, nightly newscast existed in the United States, striking Pacifica reporters
started this extremely high-quality program. It may be one of the finest half-hour
news programs in the history of radio, picking up the mantle of providing an
intelligent, left-wing perspective on the day's events. Avery Brown now has a top
Pacifica post, but she was the quintessential host.
- Local inserts from Linda Pinkow (WMBR)
|
|
18:30-19:00
|
Marketplace with David Broncoccio (APM)
Actual current air time: First cycle 17:00 ET on APM, archives and podcast available
- The show that won me over to Public Radio continues to increase
its relevance to consumers. I have decided to stick with Broncoccio as host though
in reality he has moved on.
|
|
19:00-20:00
|
The PBS NewsHour (PBS)
Actual current air time: First cycle 18:00-19:00 ET on PBS (Washington DC), Podcast available
- The most balanced and in-depth news program on television makes
for equally good radio listening, and continues to establish the standard for
journalism in North America.
- 19:56-19:59 Dan Rather Reporting (CBS)
|
|
20:00-21:00 [Monday - Thursday]
|
Open Source with Christopher Lydon (PRI)
Actual current air time: None, cancelled 2007 by PRI, audio archives available and podcast continues
- Chistropher Lydon returned to radio, and the new formula worked. By integrating a
well-produced radio show into a web site featuring listener input both before and after the airing
of the show, Lydon, Mary McGrath and company set a new standard for using technology to
create high-quality discussion. My only complaint was that there was only four hours a week.
Then, just as the show seemed to be set up for the long term, WGBH and PRI pulled the plug,
funding went away, and the show was gone. Lydon continues to do quality Open Source podcasts
through the Watson Institute at Brown University, but these are not nearly as frequent.
- News breaks with Martina Fitzgerald (CBC)
- Local inserts from Bill O'Grady (KUOW)
|
|
20:00-21:00 [Friday]
|
This American Life with Ira Glass (WBEZ/PRI)
Actual current air times: Varies on PRI, archives and podcast available
- This show is a unique experience every week, a kind of suite of
mini-documentaries loosely based on a cultural topic, from serious ones
such as voting or eating disorders to the annual "poultry slam." The
listener is guaranteed to gain a few new perspectives on how Americans
think.
- Local inserts from Bill O'Grady (KUOW)
|
|
21:00-22:00 [Monday-Thursday]
|
BBC World Today (South Asia Edition)
Actual current air time: 01:30-03:00 GMT (varies seasonally) on BBC World Service All-News Feed, live feed and temporary archives available (and contributes to the Global News podcast)
- An edition of the world's best news magazine program, with a
different cast and different geographic focus, but otherwise the same
quality.
- Presented by Lyce Doucet (BBC) and Andrew Whitehead (BBC) [Mon-Tues], Winnifred Robinson (BBC) and Tim Luard (BBC) [Wed], George Arney (BBC) and Ritulah Shah (BBC) [Thurs]
- News read by Roger Hudson (BBC)
- Local inserts from Jerry Newmann (KQED)
|
|
21:00-21:30 [Friday]
|
BBC World Today (South Asia Edition)
Actual current air time: 01:30-03:00 GMT (varies seasonally) on BBC World Service All-News Feed, live feed and temporary archive available
- The weekend edition of the World Today runs only a half-hour with a single host, but
provides the same quality of international news. Oliver Scott was always a favorite on this
broadcast prior to his retirement.
- Presented by Oliver Scott (BBC)
- News read by Roger Hudson (BBC)
- Local inserts from Jerry Newmann (KQED)
|
|
21:30-22:00 [Friday]
|
And Sometimes Y with Russell Smith (CBC)
Actual current air time: None, cancelled 2007 by CBC Radio One, some archives available
- This show is a real gem, designed to look at language and grammar, presented
with typical CBC humor. Covering everything from word extinction to Canadian English
to taboo words and featuring games from the "Word Nerd" (Tom Howell), it started as the epitome
of a short, entertaining summer series and deservedly received a permanent slot that alas lasted
only a year.
|
|
22:00-23:00
|
The Radio Show with Tom Snyder (ABC)
Actual current air time: None, cancelled 1992 by ABC; Snyder died in 2007
- I miss Snyder's late evening show for its classy, uplifting
nature, respecting callers as long as they kept their comments in the
"as long as we can print it" category. Bringing back the opening
"newsmaker" hour or even the third hour of "just you and T.S." would
restore the best of evening talk radio.
- Network News from Mary Margaret Myers (ABC)
- Local inserts from Dennis Kelley (KOMO)
|
|
23:00-23:59
|
The David Brudnoy Program (WBZ)
Actual current air time: None; Brudnoy died in 2004
- It may seem absurd to condense the once five-hour Brudnoy show to a
single hour, but hockey usually truncated the show anyway. Openly
libertarian Brudnoy hosted the premier commercial talk show in Boston, easily the most
intellectual show on the air outside of public radio--and impeccably civil. I prefered to go to
sleep after Brudnoy signed off with "good night and good morning."
- Local news from Lana Jones (WBZ)
- Traffic from James Francis Xavier Burke (WBZ)
|
|
00:00-01:00
|
As It Happens with Barbara Budd and Carol Off (CBC)
Actual current air time: First Cycle 18:30-20:00 AT on CBC Radio One (Toronto), live feed and archives available
- If you have to stay up that late, you might as well get the
benefit of the Canadian perspective on the day's events. The show features the best
phone interviews on the air, along with audio "for the record." One needs to stay awake in
order to understand all the puns worked into the broadcast.
|
|
01:00-02:00
|
Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell
Actual current air time: 22:00-02:00 PT in syndication, archived streaming media and Podcast available
- If you're up this late, you need a little humor, and this classic
of late-night radio, with a regular lineup of UFO experts and general
wild-west tone fit the bill. Wondering if that chupacabra would come after
you once helped sustain all-nighters. George Noory is a surprisingly similar
replacement host for the show, but Art Bell built the show to what is, and
continues as weekend host.
- Network News from Jim Shenovey (CBS)
- Local inserts from Frank Knight (KCBS)
|
|
02:00-03:00 [Monday-Thursday]
|
BBC World Today (European Edition)
Actual current air time: 05:30-08:00 GMT (varies seasonally) on BBC World Service All-News Feed, live feed and temporary archives available (and contributes to the Global News podcast)
- The original edition of the world's best news magazine program, which I
learned to rely upon during my stay in Europe; it was truly a lifeline.
- Presented by Joanna Bachann (BBC) and Julian Keane (BBC) [Mon-Tues], Max Pearson (BBC) and Judy Swallow (BBC) [Wed-Thur]
- News Read by Marion Marshall (BBC)
|
|
02:00-03:00 [Friday]
|
The Bill Gallant Show (KIRO-AM)
Actual current air time: None; cancelled in 1996 and Gallant died in 2002
- Bill Gallant made no secret of his liberal politics, but he was far
from a stereotypical ranter. He was very forthcoming about how the media operates,
making for a refreshing talk show with a more realist, rather than confrontive, tone.
This show may have been the only one on the west coast that
actually inspired faith in any level of government.
- Network News from Doug Pouling (CBS)
|
[
|
Time
|
Program
|
|
03:00-04:00
|
The Chris Clarke Program (KGO)
Actual current air time: None, canceled 1997 by KGO
- I have to admit I appreciated Clarke's dysfunctional radio family
and was sad to see him ousted from the weekend latenight slot. Any show that
opens with the "Night Parade" and includes so much laughter is exactly
what is needed at such an obscene hour if one is awake.
- Network news from Joel Vaghn (ABC)
- Traffic reports from Bob Thorn (KGO)
|
|
04:00-05:00
|
American Top 40 with Casey Kasem
Actual current air time: Varies through syndication, no RealAudio available
- I spent much of my youth enjoying countdown shows, especially the original
American Top 40 with the inimitable Casey Kasem. For a little music break in the schedule,
how about the final hour of the AT20 Hot AC version of the countdown?
|
|
05:00-06:00
|
Weekly Edition with Neal Conan (NPR)
Actual current air time: Canceled 2001 by NPR
- For eight years, NPR delved deep into its archives to find features
which suddenly had become topical again, nicely complimenting a
selection of the best stories from the previous week. Interviews with
reporters on the filing of these reports added an additional layer of
interest.
- Network News from Laura Knoy (NPR)
- Local inserts from Steve Kruger (KPLU)
|
|
06:00-07:00
|
This Week with Jim French (KIRO)
Actual current air time: None, canceled 2001 by KNWX/KIRO
- The legend of Seattle broadcasting produced for many years a highly
valuable "conversation with authors and other interesting people" each week, well
worth listening if for no other reason than the historical insights of French and
his guests.
- Network News from Randy Riddle (CBS)
- Local inserts from Linda Nunez (KNX)
|
|
07:00-08:00
|
Soundprint with Barbara Bogave (PRI)
Actual current air time: Varies, archives available
- Larry Massett made this program legendary for its well-written
introductions, but this weekly journal of half-hour audio essays really
needs no introduction. The in-depth documentaries are always pleasant to
the ears and MUST be heard in stereo. Since the beginning of 1999, two
programs have been available each week to create a full hour of audio
enjoyment.
|
|
08:00-10:00
|
Weekend Edition Saturday with Scott Simon (NPR)
Actual current air time: First cycle 08:00-10:00 ET Saturday on NPR (Washington DC), archives available
- If I could only listen to one public radio show a week, I would
choose this one. Simon's fast-paced review of the week's news with
Daniel Schorr, insightful commentaries, and even his Chicago-centric
talks with sports commentator Ron Rappoport are what weekend radio should
be all about. I hate radio markets where one has to get up early to
listen.
- Network News from Laura Knoy (NPR)
- Local inserts from Monty Haas (WBUR)
|
|
10:00-11:00
|
Laporte on Computers (KSFO, KGO, KFI)
Actual current air time: 11:00-14:00 PT in syndication, live audio and podcasts available
- Leo Laporte has provided an amusing look at computers and technology for more than a
decade. His best offerings were his Bay Area shows on KSFO and KGO in the mid-1990's which
benefitted from an informed audience asking great questions. Bob O'Donnell, who was even better
at answering novice questions, succeeded Laporte on KSFO for more than ten years, but was cancelled
in 2007. Meanwhile, Leo returned to radio, first on KFI in Los Angeles and then in syndication.
The new show does not have the special audience the original "Nerd to the Bone" show had, but
at least the information still flows--something we can't say about KSFO. Bring back a local
computer show in the Bay Area with Laporte or O'Donnell!
- Network News from Frank Setapani (CBS)
- Local inserts from Sarah Fuliman (KSFO)
|
|
11:00-12:00
|
Hightower Radio with Jim Hightower
Actual current air time: None, canceled 1995 by ABC
- Jim Hightower, the diminutive former Agriculture Secretary in the
state of Texas, first broadcast his progressive perspective to a
national audience on a weekend show, then for four years did a weekday
"Chat and Chew Cafe" program live from a real cafe in Austin TX. I preferred
the days of 1-800-AGITATE, and would like the weekend show back. For those who don't
think progressives can be funny, a good dose of down-to-earth
Hightower Radio will fix that misconception. He continues to do weekday radio commentaries.
- Network newscast from Dick Reeves (CBS)
- Local inserts from Roger Klausen (KONA)
|
|
12:00-13:00
|
The News Hour at Noon
- Hosted by Jeff Bell (KCBS/KFBK) and Deirdre Aldringer (WCBS)
- Network newscast from Frank Setapani (CBS)
- Weather from Todd Glickman (WCBS)
- 12:10-12:20 Presidential Radio Address & Opposition Response
- 12:20-12:22 World of Sports with Fred Manfra (ABC)
- 12:25-12:29 Dateline America with Charles Kuralt (CBS) [take them from the archives]
- 12:38-12:53 Paul Harvey News and Comment (ABC)
- 12:56-12:58 Commentary from David Brudnoy (WBZ)
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|
13:00-14:00
|
Quirks and Quarks with Bob McDonald (CBC)
Actual current air time: 12:00-13:00 AT Saturday on CBC Radio One (Toronto), live feed, podcast, and archives available
- This is the best science program available on the radio, using
language accessible to "fuzzy" folks, but still interesting to practicing
scientists. It mystifies me why the CBC no longer distributes it in the
US.
- Network news from Kevin Trudeau (CBC)
- Local inserts from Connie Sinclair (CBC)
|
|
14:00-16:00
|
The Dr. Dean Edell Show (EFN)
Actual current air time: 13:00-14:00 PT Monday-Friday on KGO AM 810 (San Francisco) and syndication, live feed and temporary archives available
- This medical show is surprisingly informative and entertaining,
and by repeating only a single hour on the weekend, the best calls and
medical quiz would maximize listening pleasure.
- Network news from Sam Lipsinger (MBS/CBS)
- Local inserts from Jim Gagliardi (WGY)
|
|
16:00-17:00
|
BBC Newshour (20:00 GMT)
Actual current air time: 20:00-21:00 GMT daily from the BBC World Service (London), live feed and temporary archives available
- This quality look at world news is the best way to finish off the
afternoon.
- Presented by Julian Marshall (BBC)
- News read by Roy Lama (BBC)
|
|
17:00-18:00
|
Weekend All Things Considered with Lynn Neary (NPR)
Actual current air time: First cycle 17:00-18:00 ET weekends from NPR (Washington DC), archives available
- While openly lighter than the weekday edition, this program is
still the best US news magazine available on the weekends and
occasionally does very interesting documentaries. It is still
unclear how the program will change now that the feline curiosity of
Daniel Zwerdling has gone elsewhere; Neary was always my favorite host
and I'd like her back.
- Network news from Frank Stasio (NPR)
- Local inserts from Steve Sein (WBUR)
|
|
18:00-18:30
|
The World This Weekend (CBC) with Scott Walker
Actual current air time: 18:00-18:30 ET weekends from CBC Radio (Toronto), live feed and podcast available
- The Canadians produce the best half-hour of news on the weekend,
with about ten minutes of headlines, followed by a ten-minute feature and then
entertainment and the last word.
|
|
18:30-19:00
|
Rewind with Bill Radke (KUOW)
Actual current air time: Cancelled 2004 by KUOW (earlier by NPR)
- Once upon a time, this was the premier week in review show on the radio.
KUOW's onetime Morning Edition host added humor (both "live" in the Public Radio
Cafe and in skits) to events from the world from a Pacific Northwest perspective.
It featured questions for Helen the Librarian and amusing man-on-the-street interviews.
|
|
19:00-20:00
|
Ask Mr. K (KFI, KABC, KTLK)
Actual current air time: None, cancelled 2007 by KTLK
- Marc Germain once offered to screen calls live on the air, and it proved
so popular that the "Mr. KFI" show gained a large audience on weekend evenings and
eventually moved to weekdays on KABC, and most recently on KTLK. The original show was
80% schtick, but was always entertaining, as callers asked any question and the host found a way
to answer. It was very good after-dinner entertainment. Once on KTLK, he started using his real
name, Marc Germain, and only the last hour was in the old format, but Germain has proven to
be a very listenable host in any format.
- Network news from Marcia Slater (ABC)
- Local inserts from Don Huff (WBZ)
|
|
20:00-21:00
|
Radio Lab (WYNC)
Actual current air time: Varies in syndication, podcast available
- Presenting science to a lay audience is always a challenge, but Radio Lab is
establishing a new standard for excellence. Hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich
bring an entertaining repartee to what can be best described as storytelling about
cutting-edge science. Furthermore, it is produced in a manner to appeal to many
audiences including the elusive generation Y. The only problem with this show is
that generally only five hours of new programming are produced each year.
|
|
21:00-21:30
|
Terry O'Reilly and the Age of Persuasion (CBC)
Actual current air time: First cycle 10:00-10:30 AT Saturday on CBC Radio One (Toronto), live feed and archives available
- Perhaps it should be expected from marketing experts, but the Age of
Persuasion presents information on how marketing permeates life in North America
in a highly entertaining form; it ought to be required listening for media literacy.
|
|
21:30-22:00
|
Revision Quest with Darrell Dennis (CBC)
Actual current air time: None, summer season only on CBC Radio One (Toronto)
- Native issues are sensitive, especially in Canada. Darrell Dennis, however,
takes on those issues to "kick some assumptions" about life for natives with a
substantial amount of humor and satire. There would be a lot more dialog if it were
placed in an entertaining context as Dennis has consistently done each summer.
|
|
22:00-23:00
|
Imagination Theater (Transmedia)
Actual current air time: Varies in syndication, temporary archives available
- Jim French's radio dramas, whether featuring detective Harry Nile
or Sherlock Holmes, are easily the best programs to stimulate the
imagination on the air today. They are a must-listen.
- Network news from Bill Vidka (CBS)
|
|
23:00-23:59
|
The Flip Side with George Weber (KOA)
Actual current air time: None, canceled 1992 by KOA, currently employed by ABC Radio as an anchor
- A truly crazy and irreverent look at the news which I think would
work well on the weekend. The day should end with a "Goodnight America"
segment.
- Network news from John Grimes (ABC)
- Local inserts from Ken Hunt (KGO)
|
|
00:01-01:00
|
The Open Lines of the West Coast (KGO)
Actual current air time: 22:00-01:00 Weekends on KGO AM 810 (San Francisco), live feed and temporary archives available
- Host Bill Wattenburg is a well-known scientist who still helps
to solve practical problems in the real world. If he can't answer a
caller's question, his audience is so intelligent that usually another
caller answers it within a few minutes.
- Network news from John Grimes (ABC)
- Local inserts from Ken Hunt (KGO)
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01:00-03:00
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Mystery Theater (CBS)
Actual current air time: None, canceled 1998 by CBS
- The classic series of radio dramas written by Himan Brown and
presented by E.G. Marshall entranced me each weekend in my youth. The
hour-long format allowed for full plot development and frightening stock
sound effects. A re-introduction of the series in 1998 lasted six
months only because of poor business planning by the network, and
distribution by NPR as Radio Mystery Theater did not last in 1999-2000
because of few affiliates. Even if the programs were only pulled from
the archives without new material, enjoyment of the large library of old
episodes would last for years.
- Network news from Betsy Rosenburg (CBS)
- Local inserts from Beach Rogers (KNX)
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Time
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Program
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03:00-04:00
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Dispatches with Rick MacInnes-Rae (CBC)
Actual current air time: 13:00-14:00 AT Thursday and 19:00-20:00 AT Sunday on CBC Radio One (Toronto), live feed and podcast available
- The concept of foreign correspondents checking in with long-form reports is hardly
unique to the CBC, but like with most genres that it attempts, the CBC does an excellent job
with this one, easily outpacing similar shows in pacing and humor. And who couldn't like a
show with Mark Knopfler's "What It Is" as a theme?
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04:00-05:00
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The Lynn
Samuels Show (WABC)
Actual current air time: 13:00-15:00 ET weekdays on Sirius Satellite Radio, live feed available
- New York talk radio is generally difficult to listen to, with
impolite hosts and even less pleasant callers. Somehow, the liberal
Samuels manages to smooth things over with her irrepressible style and
powerful voice, and her banter with Matt Drudge had become the stuff of
legend on the east coast dial. It's unfair to put her in such an obscure
time slot, but it would be even more unjust to leave her off
entirely.
- Network news from Joel Vaghn (ABC)
- Traffic reports from Bob Thorn (KGO)
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05:00-05:15
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BBC News Update
Actual current air time: 07:00 GMT on BBC World Service (London), live feed available
- News read by Alex Sabin
- An update on the news that happened during the previous week starts
out a great waking-up hour from the BBC, as I experienced each Sunday in
Germany.
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05:15-05:30
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Alistair Cooke's Letter from America (BBC)
Actual current air time: None, Cooke died in 2004, archived RealAudio available
- Always insightful, this longtime correspondent's weekly tackling
of an issue of the day gives some idea what people across the world think
about domestic events in the United States. There are more than sixty years worth
of archives to choose from for re-broadcast.
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05:30-06:00
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A Jolly Good Show with Dave Lee Travis (BBC)
Actual current air time: None, canceled 1999 by the BBC
- Has he gone nuts? This wild-and-crazy music dedication show
makes the schedule for its interesting letters from around the world and
the unique sense of humor of the show's host. It used to make great overnight fare
before its re-scheduling, and I found it was still the same show when I
heard it in Germany in 1998--not long before its ultimate cancellation.
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06:00-07:00
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God Talk with Brent Walters (KGO)
Actual current air time: 06:00-09:00 PT Sunday on KGO AM 810 (San Francisco) with Ravi Peruman and Brent Walters hosting, live feed and temporary archives available
- Some stations have religious programming on Sunday morning, and
in this class, Gold Talk is unique. A genuine college professor, Brent Walters,
tries to place contemporary spiritual and religious issues in their appropriate
historical context, leading to a very interesting insights into modern controversies.
There isn't anything else like it on the air, anywhere.
- Network news from Joan Bennett (ABC)
- Local inserts from Connie McDougal (KOMO)
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07:00-09:00
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Weekend Edition Sunday with Lianne Hanson (NPR)
Actual current air time: First cycle 08:00-10:00 ET Sunday on NPR (Washington DC), archives available
- A pleasant dose of news and features for a
Sunday morning. Admittedly, I probably fall back asleep about half the time, but this is
what should be on the air then.
- Network News from Laura Knoy (NPR)
- Local inserts from Matt Elmore (KQED)
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09:00-12:00
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The Sunday Edition (CBC)
Actual current air time: 09:00-12:00 AT Sunday on CBC Radio One (Toronto), live feed and podcast available
- When the CBC decided to re-format its three-hour Sunday newsmagazine,
formerly known as "Sunday Morning," in 1997, the results were intially less than
satisfactory. By 2000, though, the program reached a new pinnacle, with Michael
Enright focusing only on this show and a renewed emphasis on feature
documentaries. The only thing missing from the classic era is the toughest quiz
ever available on the radio: Audiofiles. Bring that back, and Enright's
insightful commentary starting each show would put the present format into the
highest eschalon of quality radio.
- Network news from Dzintars Cers (CBC)
- Local inserts from Kevin Vance (KALW)
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12:00-13:00
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The Brian Copeland Show (KGO)
Actual current air time: 09:00-11:00 PT Sunday on KGO AM 810 (San Francisco), live feed and temporary archives available
- Brian Copeland has shown up in various roles around California
and Nevada, everything from stand-up comedian to weatherman to talk show
host. His parodies of other media personalities are spot-on, and he is
able to attract guests that few other talk show hosts seem able to book.
Even if he weren't so comedic, as an African-American, his perspective
is worth taking in regularly--the tragedy to go with the comedy is that
he is only on for two hours a week (until 2007, it was just one hour).
- Network News from John Belmont (ABC)
- Local inserts from Tori Campbell (KGO)
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13:00-15:00
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To the Best of our Knowledge with Jim Fleming (WPR)
Actual current air time: 12:00-14:00 CT Sunday on WPR's Ideas Network, live feed and archives available
- Produced by Wisconsin Public Radio, this program
spends an hour exploring topics fully, talking to many guests and getting many
perspectives. I can't believe more stations don't pick it up; it is
probably the best interview show available in the world.
- Network news from Shea Stevens (NPR)
- Local inserts from Steve Kruger (KPLU)
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15:00-16:00
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The Dr. Joe Show with Dr. Joe
Schwarcz (CJAD/CFRB)
Actual current air time: 15:00-16:00 ET Sunday on CJAD 800 AM (Montreal) and CFRB 1010 AM (Toronto), live feed available
- It's hard to believe that--even in Canada--a show talking about science can survive
on commercial radio, but the head of the Office of Science and Society from McGill University
has pulled it off. The weekly hour is highly informative and often quite entertaining, a
true gem of commercial talk radio.
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16:00-17:00
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BBC Newshour (20:00 GMT)
Actual current air time: 20:00-21:00 GMT daily from the BBC World Service (London), live feed and temporary archives available
- This quality look at world news is the best way to finish off the
afternoon.
- Presented by Julian Marshall (BBC)
- News read by Roy Lama (BBC)
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17:00-18:00
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Weekend All Things Considered with Lynn Neary (NPR)
Actual current air time: First cycle 17:00-18:00 ET weekends from NPR (Washington DC), archives available
- While openly lighter than the weekday edition, this program is
still the best US news magazine available on the weekends and
occasionally does very interesting documentaries. It is still
unclear how the program will change now that the feline curiosity of
Daniel Zwerdling has gone elsewhere; Neary was always my favorite host
and I'd like her back.
- Network news from Frank Stasio (NPR)
- Local inserts from Steve Sein (WBUR)
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18:00-18:30
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The World This Weekend (CBC) with Scott Walker
Actual current air time: 18:00-18:30 ET Weekends on CBC Radio One (Toronto), live feed and podcast available
- The Canadians produce the best half-hour of news on the weekend,
with about ten minutes of headlines, followed by a ten-minute feature and then
entertainment and the last word.
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18:30-19:00
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Face the Nation with Bob Scheiffer (CBS)
Actual current air time: 10:30-11:00 ET Sunday on CBS-TV and radio, Podcast available
- CBS' Sunday morning talk show is rushed in the 30-minute format, but
that also makes it the fastest way to find out what people are talking
about in Washington. Schieffer's "Final Word" is often one of the best
commentaries of the week.
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19:00-20:00
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LeShow with Harry Shearer (KCRW)
Actual current air time: 10:00-11:00 PT Sunday on KCRW 89.1 FM (Santa Monica) and syndication, live feed, podcast, and archives available
- After dinner, it's time for a real break. Satire master Harry
Shearer mixes eclectic music with reading the "local dog trainer" and
pre-prepared pieces making fun of the Clinton administration
("Clintonsomething"), Tom Brokaw ("The Brokaw watch"), CBS ("Bad Day at
Black Rock"), and more.
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20:00-21:00
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The Mike Webb Show (KIRO)
Actual current air time: None, cancelled 2005 by KIRO-AM and Webb was murdered in 2007
- Mike Webb first entered my ears as a weekend talk show host on Seattle's
KIRO. Besides being a pleasant listen (despite all that "rattle-your-cage"
promotion) as Webb showed respect even for callers that disagreed with his
homosexual lifestyle, his show had the best bumpers I was aware of in commerical
radio--most of them produced by Webb himself. It may have been the perfect
weekend talk show.
- Network news with Bill Vidka (CBS)
- Local inserts from Brian Gregory (KIRO)
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21:00-21:30
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BBC World Today (South Asia Edition)
Actual current air time: 01:30-03:00 GMT (varies seasonally) on BBC World Service All-News Feed, live feed and temporary archives available (and contributes to Global News podcast)
- The first broadcast of the week from the solid BBC World Today team provides a hard
news break from entertainment programming on a work night.
- Presented by Roger Hearing (BBC) and Veronica Pedrosa (BBC)
- News Read by Marion Marshall (BBC)
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21:30-22:00
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Search Engine (TVO) with Jesse Brown
Actual current air time: Podcast distributed on Thursdays
- The CBC demonstrated how to do another best-of-genre radio show. Host
Jesse Brown and team took a somewhat geeky but still hip and accessible look at the
impact of the Internet on the world, not afraid to take on the Canadian government
or Scientology in the process. The show had good production values and seems aimed
to younger listeners without alienating older ones. This may have been the best
example on the air of a specialty topic show. Then, the CBC downgraded Brown to a
podcast with no staff, and finally canceled the show entirely. Fortunately TVO
picked up the podcast so that at least continues, but a return to the staffed
half-hour show as heard on the CBC is what I'd like on the ideal schedule.
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22:00-23:00
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The Matt Drudge Radio Program (WABC)
Actual current air time: None, Drudge retired from radio in 2007
- Say what you want about how the traditional media paid too much
attention to this political webmaster. The fact of the matter is that
opinionated hosts often make for good radio, and Drudge did an
entertaining job when WABC invited him to do a series of Saturday-night
programs in late 1998, leading to a permanent Sunday show. His
admissions of his less-than-perfect record of accuracy and his summary
of the Sunday morning papers added to a listenable show, both usually
absent from the Sunday version. The Internet focus of the show made it a
good follow-on program to Search Engine.
- Network news from Marcia Salter (ABC)
- Local inserts from Don Huff (WBZ)
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23:00-23:59
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The Christine Craft Show (KGO)
Actual current air time: Fill-in only on KGO, live feed and temporary archives available, KSAC show canceled September 2007
- Craft brings a unique, though often liberal, viewpoint to the
airwaves, drawing on her background in the media and as a lawyer. She is
the most listenable female talk show host around.
- Network News from John Grimes (ABC)
- Local inserts from Ken Hunt (KGO)
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00:00-01:00
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The Open Lines of the West Coast (KGO)
Actual current air time: 22:00-01:00 Weekends on KGO AM 810 (San Francisco), live feed and temporary archives available
- Host Bill Wattenburg is a well-known scientist who still helps
to solve practical problems in the real world. If he can't answer a
caller's question, his audience is so intelligent that usually another
caller answers it within a few minutes.
- Network news from John Grimes (ABC)
- Local inserts from Ken Hunt (KGO)
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01:00-02:00
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The Dick Staub Show (KING-AM)
Actual current air time: None, canceled 1991
- A pleasant talk show from a station that no longer exists? Yes,
I still miss the willingness to take on meaningful issues without
excessive confrontation which was once commonplace in Seattle radio.
Staub went off to Chicago and eventually took his show to Christian
radio stations, then left the regular air in 2004.
- Network news from Daria Albinger (ABC)
- Local inserts from Larry Chiaroni (KCBS)
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02:00-03:00
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BBC World Today (European Edition)
Actual current air time: 05:30-08:00 GMT (varies seasonally) on BBC World Service All-News Feed, live feed and temporary archives available (and contributes to the Global News podcast)
- The original edition of the world's best news magazine program, which I
learned to rely upon during my stay in Europe; it was truly a lifeline.
- Presented by Roger Hearing (BBC) and Veronica Pedrosa (BBC)
- News Read by Marion Marshall (BBC)
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