radio ga ga
I remember at its inception, Air America was supposed to be infused heavily with a strong “comedy” component. It had various bits throughout some of the programs, such as a parody of VH1’s “I Love the 80s” that had comments about Iran-Contra after comments about Cabbage-patch kids. They hired some writers from The Daily Show. The skits tended to be a bit lame, and it’s probably for the best that they’ve been etched out of the fledgling little radio network.
But I bring my mind back to “Morning Sedition”, the cancelled program, and how it compares with its replacement … the “Mark Riley Show”, “The Rachel Maddow Show” combined to form “Air America Mornings.”
There’s an earnestness to it, and a dead seriousness to it, and a… boringness to it. I also note a depressing trend that is set through whom is being interviewed here. Morning Sedition had regular interviews with James Wolcott, some musical blasts from Mark Dougherty, and I once heard an interview with Chris Elliott. Who have I heard interviewed, taped I may add, on “Air America Mornings”? I hear the Democratic governor of Montana call Rachel Maddow a “cowgirl”. I hear an interview with Democratic representative Barbara Lee contemplating her “no” vote on the Afghanistan Resolution. I hear Democratic party politicos.
No fun, and bah to that. I guess it’s what the president of the company wants, and dove-tails to his over-all purpose (the comedy was a ruse?). Or something to that effect.
More later…